20081615 Ver 1_CAMA Application_20081022

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor James H. Gregson, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
August 25, 2008 9%w N ??
MEMORANDUM: OCT 2 2 2008
TO: Cyndi Karoly, Supervisor WETLWOSAND VORM O Ric"
401 Oversight & Express Permits Unit
Division of Water Quality-Surface Water Protection
FROM: Doug Huggett, NC DENR-DCM Major Permits Coordinator
400 Commerce Ave., Morehead City, NC 28557 (Courier 11-12-09)
SUBJECT: CAMA / Dredge & Fill Major Permit Application Review
Applicant: Town of Topsail Beach (Interim Emergency Fill Project)
Project Location: along the entire beachfront of Topsail Beach, and small portion of Surf City,
in Pender County
Proposed Project: to perform a beach renourishment project
Please indicate below your agency's position or viewpoint on the proposed project and return
this form by November 13, 2008. If you have any questions regarding the proposed project,
contact Jon Giles at [phone], when appropriate, in-depth comments with supporting
data is requested.
REPLY: This agency has no objection to the project as proposed.
This agency has no comment on the proposed project.
This agency approves of the project only if the recommended changes are
incorporated. See attached.
This agency objects to the project for reasons described in the attached
comments.
SIGNED
DATE
127 Cardinal Drive Ext., Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.nccoastalmanagement.net
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DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
FIELD INVESTIGATION REPORT
1. APPLICANT'S NAME: Town of Topsail Beach/ Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project
2. LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE: The project site is entire beachfront of the Town of Topsail Beach,
approximately 2000 linear feet of the Town of Surf City just north of the Topsail Beach town line and the mouth of
the New Topsail Inlet, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, in Topsail Beach, Pender County.
Photo Index- 2006: 25-(6585-6589): Oceanfront & 25-6590: Inlet and Borrow Area
2000: 25-(323-327): Oceanfront & 25-322: Inlet and Borrow Area
1995: 25-(305-310): Oceanfront & 25-304: Inlet and Borrow Area
State Plane Coordinates - GPS File: P093010A (southern extent) & P093010B (northern extent)
X: 2407901 (A) Y: 220652 (A)
2424384(B) 237089(B)
Lat: 34°20'55.07441"N (A) Long: 77°38'55.14895"W (A)
34°23'35.39421"N (B) 77°35'35.81300"W (B)
3. INVESTIGATION TYPE: CAMA / D&F
4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: Dates of Site Visit - Multiple 2004 - 2008
Was Applicant Present - Yes
5. PROCESSING PROCEDURE: Application Received - Complete on 10/01/08
Office - Wilmington
6. SITE DESCRIPTION:
(A) Local Land Use Plan - Town of Topsail Beach
Classification From LUP - No Classification / Developed
(B) AEC(s) Involved: OH
(C) Water Dependent: Yes
(D) Intended Use: Public
(E) Wastewater Treatment: Existing - Septic
Planned - N/A
(F) Type of Structures: Existing - Commercial and Residential structures and access-ways
Planned - Beach Fill Project
(G) Estimated Annual Rate of Erosion: 2'/year Source - LTAASCR 1998 Update
7. HABITAT DESCRIPTION: [AREA]
DREDGED FILLED OTHER
(A) Vegetated Wetlands (coastal)
(B) Non-Vegetated Wetlands - open water 1,912,500 ft.2
(C) Other (Highground) 9,500,000 ft.'
127 Cardinal Drive Ext., Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.nccoastaimanagement.net
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G ?a
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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor James H. Gregson, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
Coastal Planning & Engineering
Attn: Tom Jarrett, P.E., Project Manager
Agent for The Town of Topsail Beach
4038 Masonboro Loop Road
Wilmington, N.C. 28409
Dear Mr. Jarrett:
October 20, 2008
The Division of Coastal Management hereby acknowledges receipt of your application for State approval for Topsail Beach
Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, in Topsail Beach, Pender County. It was received
complete on October 1, 2008, and appears to be adequate for processing at this time. The projected deadline for making a
decision is December 15, 2008. An additional 75-day review period is provided by law when such time is necessary to
complete the review. If you have not been notified of a final action by the initial deadline stated above, you should
consider the review period extended. Under those circumstances, this letter will serve as your notice of an extended
review. However, an additional letter will be provided on or about the 75th day.
If this agency does not render a permit decision within 70 days from October 1, 2008, you may request a meeting with the
Director of the Division of Coastal Management and permit staff to discuss the status of your project. Such a meeting will
be held within five working days from the receipt of your written request and shall include the property owner, developer,
and project designer/consultant.
NCGS 113A-119(b) requires that Notice of an application be posted at the location of the proposed development.
Enclosed you will find a "Notice of Permit Filing" postcard which must be posted at the property of your proposed
development. You should post this notice at a conspicuous point along your property where it can be observed from a
public road. Some examples would be: Nailing the notice card to a telephone pole or tree along the road right-of-way
fronting your property; or at a point along the road right-of-way where a private road would lead one into your property.
Failure to post this notice could result in an incomplete application.
An onsite inspection will be made, and if additional information is required, you will be contacted by the appropriate State or
Federal agency. Please contact me if you have any questions and notify me in writing if you wish to receive a copy of my field
report and/or comments from reviewing agencies.
cerely,
?W
Jon Giles
Field Representative
Enclosure
cc: Doug Huggett, DCM
Dave Timpy, COE
Ted Tyndall, DCM
Steve Foster, Town Manager, Town of Topsail Beach
Butch Parrish, Shoreline Protection Advisory Committee
127 Cardinal Drive Ext., Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone. [phone] FAX. [phone] Internet: www,nccoastaimanagement.net
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Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project
Page Two
(D) Total Area Disturbed: 11,412,500 ft.'
(E) Primary Nursery Area: No
(F) Water Classification: SA Open: NO
8. PROJECT SUIVLN' ARY: The applicant is proposing to perform a beach nourishment project for the Town.
9. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The project site begins approximately 2,000' north of the Topsail Beach / Surf City town line and terminates on
the south side of the southern most canal, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, in Topsail Beach & Surf City, Pender
County. To get to the site from Wilmington take US HWY 17 N to NC Hwy 210, which is located at the Lowe's
Home Improvement on US HWY 17. Turn right onto NC Hwy 210 and continue across the Surf City Swing
Bridge to the stoplight. Take a right at the stoplight this is NC Hwy 50. Continue on NC Hwy 50 until you reach
the Topsail Beach / Surf City town line. The project site encompasses approximately 4.5 miles of oceanfront
beach starting 2000' north of the Surf City / Topsail Beach town line and terminating near southern most canal
in the Town of Topsail Beach. In addition the borrow area for the sand is located on the south side of New
Topsail Inlet. New Topsail Inlet is located at the southern tip of Topsail Island. This is also the southern most
portion of the Town. The current elevation of the project area ranges from approximately -10' NAVD to
approximately 16' NAVD. The project site is adjacent to commercial and residential properties also
infrastructure for the Town including NC Hwy 50, the only access to the Town of Topsail Beach. The project
site is bordered by Hutaff Island to the South, the Atlantic Ocean to the East, and commercial and residential
properties to the north and west. The highground portion of the property is vegetated primarily American Beach
Grass (Ammophila breviligulata) and Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata).
The Annual erosion rate for the Town is 2'/year per the Division of Coastal Management's 1998 Annual
Erosion Rate maps. The applicant states that as of October 1, 2007 approximately 25% of the oceanfront
structures are considered threaten by DCM definition, which defines a threaten structure as having an erosion
escarpment within 20' of the structural pilings of structure. The applicant also states that there has been a
substantial portion of the berm and dune system lost due to coastal storms and hurricanes. This has resulted in a
reduction in the nesting habitat for sea turtles.
The Town of Topsail Beach currently has an active CAMA Permit, Permit # 145-98, authorizes a one-time
beach push to repair the dune system after an erosion event. The Town is required to modify the permit prior to
any bulldozing activities. The permit was issued on October 29, 1998 and subsequently modified on 9/27/99,
2/21/00, 3/20/00, and 9/23/01. The permit was renewed 2/26/02, other modifications were issued on 5/7/04,
12/20/06, 1/13/06, 3/17/07 and 12/17/07. It appears that the Town has performed beach bulldozing in response
to an erosion event approximately 11 times since this permit was issued on 10/29/1998.
The Town of Topsail Beach Land Use Plan does not have the dry sand beach classified however, the upland
areas of this project as Developed. The waters of the project site are classified as SA by the NC Division of
Water Quality. The NC Division of Marine Fisheries has NOT designated this area of Topsail Sound / Atlantic
Ocean as a Primary Nursery Area, and the waters
127 Cardinal Drive Ext., Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.nccoastaimanagement.net
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Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project
Page Three
adjacent to the proposed project are open to the harvesting of shellfish.
PROPOSED PROJECT:
The applicant is proposing a beach nourishment project for the entire Town of Topsail Beach. The fill area will
measure approximately 25,000' in length and 380' in width. The width of the project will breakdown in two
parts the area above high water which would measure approximately 156' and the area below high water which
would measure 125'. The applicant states that they will dredge approximately 1,268,000 cubic yards of material
from Borrow Area X. Borrow Area X is located just offshore on the south side of New Topsail Inlet. There are
three cut areas in Borrow Area X. The average size of each cut would measure approximately 2,550' in length
and 750' in width with the final depth to be -32' NAVD 83 for a total average cut depth -5'. The material
would be dredged with a cutter-head and piped onto the beach. Then the material would be moved around by
front-end loaders to the designed fill template. Please see the Environmental Impact Statement for additional
information concerning this project.
10. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
The proposed dredging would result in the removal of approximately 1,912,500 ft.2 of shallow bottom. The fill
portion of the project would result in the disturbance of approximately 3,900,000 ft.2 of beach above NHW and
would fill approximately 5,625,000 ft2 of shallow bottom below NHW.
Submitted by: J. W. Giles Date: October 20, 2008 Office: Wilmington
127 Cardinal Drive Ext., Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Internet: www.nccoastaimanagement.net
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EF=@P=0WR p
OCT 2 2 2008
DENR • WATER QUALITY
lem INI'_' WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
APPLICATION for 5
Major Development Permit
(last revised 12/27/06)
North Carolina DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
1. Primary Applicant) Landowner Information
Business Name Project Name (if applicable)
Town Of Topsail Beach, North Carolina Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach
Fill Project
Applicant 1: First Name MI Last Name
Howard Braxton
Applicant 2: First Name MI Last Name
N/A N/A N/A
If additional applicants, please attach an additional page(s) with names listed.
Mailing Address PO Box City State
820 S. Anderson Boulevard N/A Topsail Beach North Carolina
ZIP Country Phone No. FAX No.
28445 County: Pender 910 - 328 - 5841 ext. NA 910 - 328 -1560
Street Address (if different from above) City State ZIP
N/A N/A N/A N/A-
Email
[e-mail]
2. Agent/Contractor Information
Business Name
Coastal Planning & Engineering Of North Carolina, Inc.
Agent/ Contractor 1: First Name MI Last Name
James T. Jarrett
Agent/ Contractor 2: First Name MI Last Name
N/A N/A N/A
Mailing Address PO Box City State
4038 Masonboro Loop Road N/A Wilmington NC
ZIP Phone No. 1 Phone No. 2
28409 910 - 791 - 9494 ext. N/A 910 - 392 - 0453 ext. N/A
FAX No. Contractor #
910 791 4129 Federal ID # 020623951
Street Address (if different from above) City State ZIP
N/A N/A N/A N/A -
Email
[e-mail]
RECEIVED
DCM 1All! MINIrTnN, NC
3. Project Location
Street Address
County (can be multiple) The northern project limit is located approximately 2000 ft north of State Rd. #
Pender the Topsail Beach/Surf City Town limits and the southern limit is N/A
located directly seaward of Godwin Avenue.
Subdivision Name City State Zip
N/A Topsail Beach NC 28460-
Phone No Lot No.(s) (if many, attach additional page with
. list)
910 - 328 - 1349 ext. N/A N/A,
a. In which NC river basin is the project located? b. Name of body of water nearest to proposed
Cape Fear River Basin project
New Topsail Inlet and Atlantic Ocean
c. Is the water body identified in (b) above, natural or manmade? d. Name the closest major water body to the
ENatural ?Manmade ?Unknown proposed project site.
New Topsail Inlet and Atlantic Ocean
e. Is proposed work within city limits or planning jurisdiction? f. If applicable, list the planning jurisdiction or
EYes ?No city limit the proposed work falls within.
Town of Topsail Beach
4. Site Description
a. Total length of shoreline on the tract (ft.) b. Size of entire tract (sq.ft.)
Approximately 25,000 linear feet 29,054,520 square feet
c. Size of individual lot(s) d. Approximate elevation of tract above NHW (normal high
N/A, water) or NWL (normal water level)
(if many lot sizes, please attach additional page with a list) 8.4 ft MHW ?NHW or ?NWL
e. Vegetation on tract
See attached.
f. Man-made features and uses now on tract
See attached.
g. Identify and describe the existing land uses adjacent to the pro posed project site.
See attached.
h. How does local government zone the tract? i. Is the proposed project consistent with the
C-1; Conservation Districct, Ocean-front Side and R-1; applicable zoning?
Residential (Attach zoning compliance certificate, if
applicable)
EYes ?No ?NA
j. Is the proposed activity part of an urban waterfront redevelopment proposal? ?Yes ENo
RECEIVED
DCM Wlj_MMIOTON, NC
Coastal Planning &Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. AU G 1 9 2008
k. Has a professional archaeological assessment been done for the tract? If yes, attach a EYes ?No ?NA
copy.
Tidewater Atlantic
If yes, by whom? Research, Inc.
1. Is the proposed project located in a National Registered Historic District or does it involve a ?Yes ENo ?NA
National Register listed or eligible property?
m. (i) Are there wetlands on the site? ?Yes ENo
(ii) Are there coastal wetlands on the site? ?Yes ENo
(iii) If yes to either (i) or (ii) above, has a delineation been conducted? ?Yes ?No
(Attach documentation, if available)
n. Describe existing wastewater treatment facilities.
N/A
o. Describe existing drinking water supply source.
N/A
p. Describe existing storm water management or treatment systems.
N/A
5. Activities and Impacts
a. Will the project be for commercial, public, or private use? ?Commercial EPublic/Government
?Private/Community
b. Give a brief description of purpose, use, and daily operations of the project when complete.
See Attached.
c. Describe the proposed construction methodology, types of construction equipment to be used during construction, the
number of each type of equipment and where it is to be stored.
See Attached.
d. List all development activities you propose.
The discharge of fill material on the ocean front shoreline of the Town of Topsail Beach. This work would
serve as an interim measure to reduce the likelihood of losing structures and infrastructure prior to the
construction of the federal project .
e. Are the proposed activities maintenance of an existing project, new work, or both? New
f. What is the approximate total disturbed land area resulting from the proposed project? 68.2 - See Attached
for Additional
Details
?Sq.Ft or EAcres
g. Will the proposed project encroach on any public easement, public accessway or other area ®Yes ?No ?NA
that the public has established use of?
h. Describe location and type of existing and proposed discharges to waters of the state.
The location is the oceanfront beach and proposed discharges would serve as an interim measure to
alleviate erosive loses prior to the construction of the Federal Project, Shore Protection, West Onslow
Beach and New River Inlet (Topsail Beach), North Carolina. Historic work in this area includes
sandbagging, beach fill associated with Federal Navigation Projects, and beach bulldozing.
i. Will wastewater or stormwater be discharged into a wetland? ?Yes ENo ?NA
If yes, will this discharged water be of the same salinity as the receiving water? ?Yes ?No ?NA
j. Is there any mitigation proposed? EYes ?No ?NA
If yes, attach a mitigation proposal.
RECEIVED
DIOM ?Mll N,4INI(-,TnN, NC
Coastal Planning &Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. - I ! l; 1. 1:-) 20P??
6. Additional Information
In addition to this completed application form, (MP-1) the following items below, if applicable, must be submitted in order
for the application package to be complete. Items (a) - (t) are always applicable to any major development application.
Please consult the application instruction booklet on how to properly prepare the required items below.
a. A project narrative.
b. An accurate, dated work plat (including plan view and cross-sectional drawings) drawn to scale. Please give the
present status of the proposed project. Is any portion already complete? If previously authorized work, clearly indicate
on maps, plats, drawings to distinguish between work completed and proposed.
c. A site or location map that is sufficiently detailed to guide agency personnel unfamiliar with the area to the site.
d. A copy of the deed (with state application only) or other instrument under which the applicant claims title to the affected
properties.
e. The appropriate application fee. Check or money order made payable to DENR.
f. A list of the names and complete addresses of the adjacent waterfront (riparian) landowners and signed return receipts
as proof that such owners have received a copy of the application and plats by certified mail. Such landowners must
be advised that they have 30 days in which to submit comments on the proposed project to the Division of Coastal
Management.
Name See Attached Phone No.
Address
Name Phone No.
Address
Name Phone No.
Address
g. A list of previous state or federal permits issued for work on the project tract. Include permit numbers, permittee, and
issuing dates.
See attached.
h. Signed consultant or agent authorization form, if applicable.
i. Wetland delineation, if necessary.
j. A signed AEC hazard notice for projects in oceanfront and inlet areas. (Must be signed by property owner)
k. A statement of compliance with the N.C. Environmental Policy Act (N.C.G.S. 113A 1-10), if necessary. If the project
involves expenditure of public funds or use of public lands, attach a statement documenting compliance with the North
Carolina Environmental Policy Act.
7. Certification and Permission to Enter on Land
I understand that any permit issued in response to this application will allow only the development described
in the application. The project will be subject to the conditions and restrictions contained in the permit.
I certify that I am authorized to grant, and do in fact grant permission to representatives of state and federal review
agencies to enter on the aforementioned lands in connection with evaluating information related to this permit
application and follow-up monitoring of the project.
I further certify that the information provided in this application is truthful to the best of my knowledge.
Date Print Name
Signature C
_. .f 4
Please indicate application attachments pertaining to your proposed project.
®DCM MP-2 Excavation and Fill Information ?DCM MP-5 Bridges and Culverts
?DCM MP-3 Upland Development ?DCM MP-4 Structures Information
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning &Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
MP-2 Form
Form DCM MP-2
EXCAVATION and FILL
(Except for bridges and culverts)
Attach this form to Joint Application for CAMA Major Permit, Form DCM MP-1. Be sure to complete all other
sections of the Joint Application that relate to this proposed project. Please include all supplemental
information.
Describe below the purpose of proposed excavation and/or fill activities. All values should be given in
feet.
Access Other (excluding
Channel Canal Boat Boat Rock Rock shoreline
(NLW or Basin Ramp Groin Breakwater
stabilization)
NWL
Average Length of 3
Seaward Cuts =
Length 2550 ft (SW to NE
Lines).
Average Width of 3
Seaward Cuts =
Width 750 ft (SE to NW
Lines)
Avg. Average in Borrow
Existing NA" . ,.NA Area (seaward cuts
Depth of X) -26 NAVD 83
Final Average in Borrow
Project NA ? NA Area (seaward cuts
Depth of X) -32 NAVD 83
1. EXCAVATION : This section not applicable
a. Amount of material to be excavated from below NHW or NWL b. Type of material to be excavated.
in cubic yards. Sand, mean grain size = 0.20mm,
1,268,000 cy (The length and width values shown in the table 1.86% Silt
above are the averages of three cuts. The area is three times
the product of the values provided in the table)
c. (i) Does the area to be excavated include coastal d. High-ground excavation in cubic yards.
wetlands/marsh (CW), submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), N/A
shell bottom (SB), or other wetlands (WL)? If any boxes are
checked, provide the number of square feet affected.
?CW ?SAV ?SB
?WL ®None
(ii) Describe the purpose of the excavation in these areas:
To procure borrow material for the Topsail Beach Interim
(Emergency) Beach Fill Project.
0CM WILMINGTON, NC
0 C T 0 1 2008
Colas,Ul Plannin< & f n<ineerln a of tiorth Carolina. Inc.
2. DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL 0This section not applicable
a. Location of disposal area. b. Dimensions of disposal area.
c. (i) Do you claim title to disposal area? d. (i) Will a disposal area be available for
?Yes ?No ?NA future maintenance?
If no, attach a letter ?Yes ?No ?NA
(u) granting permission from the owner.
(ii) If yes, where?
e. (i) Does the disposal area include any coastal
wetlands/marsh (CW), submerged aquatic vegetation
(SAV), shell bottom (SB), or other wetlands (WL)? If any
boxes are checked, provide the number of square feet
affected.
?CW ?SAV ?SB
?WL ?None
(ii) Describe the purpose of disposal in these areas:
f. (i) Does the disposal include any area in the
water?
?Yes ?No ?NA
(ii) If yes, how much water area is affected?
K' SHORELINE STABILIZATION : '0 This section not applicable
(if development is a wood groin, use MP-4 Structures)
a. Type of shoreline stabilization: b. Length:
?Bulkhead ?Riprap ?Breakwater/Sill ?Other: Width:
C. Average distance waterward of NHW or NWL: d. Maximum distance waterward of
NHW or NWL:
e. Type of stabilization material: f. (i) Has there been shoreline erosion
during preceding 12 months?
?Yes ?No ?NA
(ii) If yes, state amount of erosion
and source of erosion amount
information.
g. Number of square feet of fill to be placed below water level. h. Type of fill material.
Bulkhead backfill Riprap
Breakwater/Sill Other
i. Source of fill material.
RECEIVED
:)CM WILMINGTON, NC
O C T 0 12008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.

4. OTHER FILLACTMITIES 0This section not applicable
(Excluding Shoreline Stabilization) ,
a. (i) Will fill material be brought to the site? XYes LNo LJNA b. (i) Will fill material be placed in coastal
If yes, wetlands/marsh (CW), submerged aquatic

, shell bottom (SB), or
vegetation (SAV)
Amount of material to be laced in the water
(n) p other wetlands (WL)? If any boxes are
approximately 1,268,000 cy checked, provide the number of square
(iii) Dimensions of fill area approximately 25,000 ft by 380 ft feet affected.
at time of fill (The fill area covered by the construction template [:ICW ?SAV ?SB
is 200 acres. The average thickness of the fill would be 3.9 ?WL ENone
feet. This is based on an average toe depth during
construction of around - 5 feet NAVD. The adiusted fill would (ii) Describe the purpose of the fill in these
cover 700 acres at an average depth of 1.1 feet. The areas.
equilibrium toe of fill is would be -24 feet NAVD)
(iv) Purpose of fill
The Town is requesting a permit to construct a one-time
nourishment event to protect its development, wildlife
habitat, and infrastructure between now and the time the
federal project (West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet) is
constructed.
5.GENERAL
a. How will excavated or fill material be kept on site and erosion b. What type of construction equipment will be
controlled? used (e.g., dragline, backhoe, or hydraulic
A dike will be constructed seaward of the fill area during dredge)?
construction of the beach fill. This structure will allow the sandy Cutterhead hydraulic dredge and pipeline,
material to settle out before the water reenters the Atlantic bulldozers, front-end loaders, and other
Ocean. In addtion, the prefered borrow area contains material earth moving machines
that closely matches the existing beach and is low in silty (or
fine) material.
c. (i) Will navigational aids be required as a result of the project?
?Yes ®No ?NA
(ii) If yes, explain what type and how they will be implemented.
DCM VM NAING ON, NG
OCT 0 1 2008
Applicant Signature
d. (i) Will wetlands be crossed in transporting
equipment to project site? ?Yes ®No
?NA
(ii) If yes, explain steps that will be taken to
avoid or minimize environmental impacts.
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.

RE C r_ „r
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
S E P 0 5 2008
3) Updated Figure 3
Exorrple COnmttuction Profile
25
20
Berm Ylldh ft
15
Average = 156 ft
10
z
5
'm 0
w
-5
10
Average idth belo NHW = 1 5 ft
-15
100 150 200 250 300 350 400 -450 500 550 000 850 700
Oistancefrorn Baseline (feet)
-NAng ??Construcdon Proile
Figure I Typical resultant beach profile
i

V-cries 118
ft to 204 I
I

f
ELEV 60 feet
=
i

15
1
1

Aver ge Width f Entire F ill Faatpri as Place an Beat = 380 ft
COC152<il AaI1I1111-,.! &? EiitrlnC;K:C!iio OT ?i)1'ti: Cai011I1i1, Inc,

DCM MP-1
APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
TOPSAIL BEACH INTERIM (EMERGENCY) BEACH FILL PROJECT
Topsail Beach, North Carolina
SECTION 4
SITE DESCRIPTION
RECEIVED
nCM WILMINGTON, N
l1 G 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
4e. Vegetation on tract
Perennial grasses, such as American beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) and sea oats
(Uniola paniculata), are the primary stabilizers along the beach and dune communities
along the oceanfront shorelines of Topsail Beach. Beach scraping has been utilized
historically to maintain and shore-up the dune system in this area. The Town of Topsail
Beach maintains a five (5) year permit to push sand one (1) time per year. Pushing sand
occurs during the winter months and has been conducted since the passing of Hurricane
Fran in 1996.
The Topsail Beach Shoreline Protection Committee has undertaken two (2) projects in
recent years to enhance the vegetation and stability of the oceanfront shoreline. The first
project was completed in 2002 and consisted of installing sand fencing and planting sea
oats on the oceanfront between Smith and Florida Avenues. Nor'easters since that time
have removed this project. The second project was completed in 2004 and consisted of
installing sand fencing and planting sea oats on the oceanfront between Florida Avenue
and Godwin Avenue. This project was constructed on fill material placed on the beach as
part of creek dredging on the east side of the island. This project is still in place.
4f. Man-made features and uses now on tract
Homes, businesses, and infrastructure located along 4.5 miles of oceanfront shoreline of
Topsail Beach remain vulnerable to storms and erosion. The most pressing shoreline
management issue facing the Town of Topsail Beach is long-term erosion of the
shoreline. Most of the developable land in Topsail Beach is occupied with structures
consisting primarily of single-family dwellings, some multi-unit apartments and
condominiums, approximately 30 various commercial buildings, a few hotels, and a sea
turtle hospital (USACE, 2006).
The proposed project area is currently used for recreation, sea turtle nesting, and
shorebird foraging. Historically, the average annual erosion rate for the Town of Topsail
Beach is 2 ft per year, as reported by the NC Division of Coastal Management
(NCDCM). However, the shoreline erosion rates have been quite variable since 1996
based on various surveys conducted by National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) surveys, USACE beach
profile survey and Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. (CPE) beach profile survey,
(NOAA, 1996; USACE, 2006; CPE, 2006). This erosion has left oceanfront
development and infrastructure vulnerable to periodic storm events which threaten their
integrity and stability. As of October 1, 2007, approximately 25% of the Town's ocean
properties are "threatened" by CAMA standards, or are very nearly threatened (Town of
Topsail Beach, 2007). The effects of erosion have already impacted the natural resources
as well as the local economy. Substantial portions of the berm and dune system have
been lost placing nesting sea turtles at risk since little nesting habitat remains in theFq E C E I V E D
eroded areas (Beasley, pers. comm.). Tourism, with its significant impact on t"'5CM r/ILMINGTON, NC
economy of Topsail Beach, is being negatively impacted due to the limited amount o
usable beach for recreational activities. AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
According to the USAGE GRR and EIS (2006), the average annual hurricane and storm
damages were estimated at $7,727,000. This figure includes damages to structures due to
short-term erosion during storm events as well as inundation damage due to storm surge.
The average annual preventable emergency costs from hurricanes and storms are
estimated to be $87,000 based on records from hurricanes Bertha, Fran, Bonnie, and
Floyd.
4g. Identify and describe the existing land uses adjacent to the proposed project
site.
The existing land uses adjacent to the proposed project include single and multifamily
residential, commercial businesses, and community access to the beach front.
4k. Professional archaeological assessment
Please refer to the following pages.
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
DCM MP-1
APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
TOPSAIL BEACH INTERIM (EMERGENCY) BEACH FILL PROJECT
Topsail Beach, North Carolina
SECTION 5
ACTIVITIES AND IMPACTS
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, N{
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. A U G 1 9 2008
5b. Give a brief description of purpose, use, and daily operations of the project
when complete.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is in the process of reevaluating the shore
protection needs for the Town of Topsail Beach. The federal project (designated as the
West Onslow Project) would consist of a sand dune constructed at 12 ft NGVD fronted
(oceanward) by a 50-ft wide berm at 7 ft NGVD and renourishment would be required
every four (4) years. The schedule for construction would be in 2012, or later. The
Town of Topsail Beach is concerned that much of its existing development and
infrastructure could experience significant damage or possibly be lost prior to the
implementation of the federal project. Accordingly, the Town is requesting a permit to
construct a one-time nourishment event to protect its development and infrastructure
between now and the time the federal project (West Onslow Beach and New River Inlet)
is constructed.
The goals, needs and objectives of the Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill
Project are as follows:
• Provide short-term protection to oceanfront residential and commercial structures
until the proposed Federal project is implemented;
• Maintain the Town's tax base by protecting existing development and
infrastructure on the oceanfront shoreline of Topsail Beach;
• Reduce potential damages associated with historic shoreline erosion along 4.7
miles of oceanfront shoreline of Topsail Beach;
• Acquire and utilize beach compatible material for shore protection project no later
than March 31, 2009;
• Improve recreational opportunities along the Town's oceanfront shoreline; and
• Balance the needs of the human environment by minimizing and avoiding
negative effects to natural resources.
The restored beach frontage would be used for recreation by local citizens and tourist,
foraging by shorebirds, and nesting by sea turtles. Daily operations would be minimal,
but would include activities such as turtle nest monitoring.
5c. Describe the proposed construction methodology, types of construction
equipment to be used during construction, the number of each type of equipment,
and where it is to be stored.
The Applicant's Preferred Alternative (3b) is to place fill material within the oceanfront
section of the Town located between Godwin Avenue on the south to a point 610 m
(2,000 ft) northeast of Topsail Beach/Surf City town limits, southeast along a total ocean
shoreline length of approximately 7.6 km (- 4.7 mi) (Figure 1). The proposed fill design
consists of three sections: a 305 m (1,000 ft) transition on the south starting at a point
opposite Godwin Avenue; a 6,700 m (22,000 ft) main fill section that extends to the
Topsail Beach/Surf City town limits; and a 610 m (2,000 ft) northern transitional taper to
the point of intersection with the existing beach. The main fill would consist of a RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, N(
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. A U G 1 9 2008
horizontal berm constructed to an elevation of +1.8 m (6 ft) NAVD (+2.1m ?7 ft)
NGVD). The in-place volume of the beach fill could range from 612,000 in (800,000
cy) to 745,000 in (975,000 cy).
The Applicant's Preferred Alternative includes the use of Borrow Area X which is
located offshore of New Topsail Inlet. Alternative 3b includes the excavation of the three
seaward most cuts of Borrow Area X with a minimum pumping distance to the south end
of the beach fill equal to approximately 8,000 ft. Coverage of the entire project area
would require a maximum pumping distance of 33,000 ft. The average pumping distance
from Borrow Area X and the average depth of cut for Alternative 3b would be 20,500 ft
and 7.8 ft, respectively.
A sand dike will be constructed on the seaward side of the fill area. The sand slurry will
then be placed via pipeline dredge behind the dike. Excess water will be released around
the end of the dike. Finally, bulldozers will be used to construct the dune and berm
system and grade the sand across the new beach profile. Storage of the equipment will
not typically be a concern as the work will likely occur 24 hours a day.
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, IN
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
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AUG 1. 9 Loos
5j. Monitoring Plan
The following has been taken from the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement (July 2008) and may change as final approval has not been received.
6.4 MONITORING INITIATIVES
Several monitoring initiatives are either currently in-place or have been proposed for the
Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project. A description of existing and
proposed monitoring initiatives is included below.
6.4.1 Bird Monitoring
Purpose and Goals
In support of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Supplemental
EIS) for the Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project, a Shorebird
Monitoring Plan has been developed to provide information on indigenous and migratory
bird species found nesting, roosting, foraging and wintering in the vicinity of the permit
area, particularly the tidal flats found in and around New Topsail Inlet (Figure 61) that
may be impacted by construction activities. This plan is in response to the concerns
expressed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS), North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(NCDENR), and the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC). Both
pre- and post-construction monitoring of shorebirds will be conducted by the NCWRC
and Audubon North Carolina.
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
AUG 1 9 2008
Location Map
EGG:1 E-D
DCM WILMINGTON, N
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. p U G 1 9 2008
Figure bl - Audubon North Carolina Shorebird and Colonial Waterbird Survey
Monitoring Schedule
The NCWRC has colonial water bird nesting data within the southern end of Topsail
Island and Lea/Hutaff Island for 1977, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004,
and 2007 (Golder, pers. comm.). This data set will become the basis for comparison to
post-construction observations. Members of Audubon North Carolina and the NCWRC
survey the inlet complex at New Topsail Inlet once per week throughout the year
(Golder, pers. comm.). These organizations work closely together and have a well
developed strategy for maximizing efficiency and data accuracy. Breeding surveys for
piping plovers have also been conducted since 1989 within the same locations.
Opportunistic surveys for non-breeding piping plovers have been conducted in more
recent years. These surveys include data from breeding and non-breeding seasons for
several listed bird species as well as other shorebirds and waterbirds. Weekly surveys are
conducted by Audubon North Carolina staff biologists throughout the spring and fall
migration season (Figure 61) (Mangiameli, pers. comm.) for both the southern portion of
Topsail Beach and Lea/Hutaff Island. Through the breeding and nesting season (May
through August) Audubon staff biologists conduct daily surveys on Lea/Hutaff Island as
this island represents the southern most breeding range of the piping plover. American
Oystercatchers, Wilson's Plover, Black Skimmers, Least and Common Terns also nest on
Lea/Hutaff Island and therefore will be included in the surveys.
Sampling Methodology
Bird monitoring by these organizations is conducted by walking the beaches and inlet
areas noting shorebird and colonial waterbird species observed, habitat utilization,
behavior and numbers of State and Federally listed species, gull-billed terns and piping
plovers (Golder, pers. comm.). In addition to numbers and species types, any banded
bird sightings are recorded. Observations of banded birds can provide information about
migration patterns, habitat utilization and life cycles (Golder, pers. comm.).
Report Preparation
After construction of the proposed project, bird monitoring data will be collected from
both NCWRC and Audubon North Carolina on an annual basis. A report summarizing
the previous year's data will be prepared by the Town of Topsail Beach, and submitted
on or before April 1st of every year for three (3) years after project construction.
6.4.2 Sea Turtles
Purpose and Goals
The following plan has been developed in support of the Supplemental EIS for the
Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project. It is intended to address the need
for observational data of nesting sea turtles and nest parameters. The monitoring plan
will provide information on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea
turtle nesting attempts, document any potential changes in sand temperature associated
with the beach fill, and any potential effects of temperature on nesting success. This plan
is in response to the concerns expressed by the USACE, USFWS, NCDENR, and the
NCWRC. RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. AUG 1 9 2008
Monitoring Schedule
For over ten years, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
(KBSTRRC) has conducted its own nesting monitoring program, surveying the entire
length of Topsail Island each morning during nesting season (May through August)
identifying and documenting sea turtle tracks and nests (KBSTRRC, 2006). Monitoring
is conducted by the Topsail Island Volunteer Organization, whose activities are
coordinated by the NCWRC Sea Turtle Project. The volunteers excavate each nest to
verify that eggs have been laid. For three years post-construction and in coordination
with the NCWRC, the volunteers will place a temperature data logger into each nest. In
years with more than 15 nests, data loggers will be placed in every other to every third
nest. Pre-construction monitoring will begin as soon as the draft monitoring plan has
been approved. The nest temperature data will be supplied in addition to the standard
nesting data including date eggs were laid, false crawl data, date eggs hatched, etc.
In addition to monitoring the temperature within the turtle nests, temperature data loggers
will be placed along four (4) transects within the proposed fill area, along four (4)
transects to the north of the proposed fill area (Surf City) and along four (4) transects to
the south of the proposed fill area (southern point of Topsail Beach and Lea/Hutaff
Island). At least one (1) transect to the south of the fill area will be on Lea/Hutaff Island
and will serve as a control. The sand temperature monitoring dataloggers will be in place
throughout the nesting season for three years post-construction. Pre-construction
monitoring will begin as soon as the draft monitoring plan has been approved.
Biological Monitoring Parameters
Standard sea turtle nesting data will continue to be collected during the pre-construction
season (2008) and for three post-construction (2009 - 2011). As the KBSTRRC has been
collecting this data over the last ten (10) years in conjunction with the NCWRC, there is
no need to duplicate this effort.
All nests, except in years where the nesting effort is greater than 15 nests, will have a
temperature datalogger placed in the middle of the nest. Data collected from the nests
will be used to determine if the fill sand might have an effect on the gender of the
hatchlings and/or on incubation duration. This data will be compared to the nesting
temperatures recorded during the pre-construction monitoring season.
The transect locations will be pre-determined by NCWRC and their location confirmed
by GPS during the pre-construction monitoring season. The data provided by the sand
temperature stations will allow for a comparison of temperature changes between a
natural, never nourished beach (Lea/Hutaff Island); a beach segment that has not been
nourished recently (Surf City); and a newly nourished beach (Topsail Beach).
Escarpments can prevent sea turtles from accessing the dry beach and cause the female to
return to the water without nesting. Visual surveys of escarpments along the project area
will be made immediately after completion of project construction. An elevation
exceeding 18 inches over a distance of 100 ft may require remedial measures. RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. AU G 1 9 2008
Sampling Methodology
Temperature dataloggers will be placed in turtle nests when they are excavated to
confirm the presence of eggs. The sensors are small and can be placed in the center of
the nest, surrounded by eggs without damaging any of the eggs. The dataloggers will be
retrieved when the nest is excavated to confirm hatching or nest failure. The data on the
sensors will then be downloaded by the NCWRC and compiled for analysis.
A "false nest" will be constructed by the volunteers to prevent disturbance of the
dataloggers placed for sand temperature monitoring. The sensors should be placed
approximately 18 inches down to simulate the middle of a loggerhead sea turtle nest
(average maximum depth of 24 inches). Volunteers will retrieve the dataloggers at the
end of nesting season from the nourished and control transects. The data will then be
handled as described above for the dataloggers found in the nest.
Simple statistical tests, such as the t-test, could be utilized to compare the temperature
data between the various sites.
Report Preparation
An annual report summarizing the previous year's data will be prepared and submitted on
or before January 31st of each year by the NCWRC. The data collected in the pre-
construction year and the three years post-construction will be compared in the final
report to determine the overall effect of the fill sand on temperature, specifically as it
relates to turtle nesting. In addition, the nesting effort for each year will be reported.
There is a tremendous amount of natural variability in annual nesting effort; therefore a
statistical comparison of pre- and post-construction data would not provide valuable data.
6.4.3 MACROINVERTEBRATE/INFAUNAL SPECIES
Purpose and Goals
The following sampling and monitoring plan has been developed in support of a
Supplemental EIS for the Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project. The
following monitoring and sampling plan is intended to address the need for baseline data
collection and analysis of macroinvertebrate and infaunal species in the vicinity of the
Applicant's Preferred borrow site, Borrow Area X.
Monitoring Schedule
Monitoring of macroinvertebrate and infaunal species would begin as soon as the draft
monitoring plan is approved in order to collect sufficient pre-construction data.
Monitoring will continue for three years post-construction. Sampling will be conducted
on a seasonal basis during the months of January, April, July, and October. Data may not
be collected during the first post-construction sampling event (January 2009) depending
on whether or not project construction has been completed.
Biological Monitoring Parameters
The monitoring and sampling plan will provide information on indigenous specie in
Borrow Area X as well as a control transect that will not be impacted directly?b C 1
CYM WILMINGTON, NC
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc. .A UG 1 9 2008
borrow activities (Figure 62). The sample areas are located seaward of the ebb tide delta
associated with the New Topsail Inlet system. Benthic sampling will occur at three (3)
stations along four (4) transects located perpendicular to the shoreline. Each of the
sample sites will be located by a GPS unit to insure that the appropriate locations are
visited during each sampling event. The intent of the sampling efforts is to assess and
document the potential effects of the borrow activities on infaunal species near the
seaward edge of the ebb tide delta.
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
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AU G 1 9 2008
Sampling parameters will include coquina clams (Donax variabilis), mole crabs (Emerita
talpoida), penaeid shrimp (Penaeus sp.) and amphipod and polychaete indicator species.
Sediment grain size and water quality parameters will also be collected during each
sampling event.
Sampling Methodology
A grab sampler will be used to collect samples due to the depth of water at the study site
(-8 feet NAVD to -34 feet NAVD) and proposed shallow cut depths of approximately 7.8
feet. Three (3) transects (2A-2C; 3A-3C; 4A-4C),will be oriented northwest to southeast,
perpendicular to the mouth of New Topsail Inlet and crossing proposed Borrow Area X.
A fourth transect (1 A-1 C) which has been placed along the same orientation, but outside
of the path of direct impacts from the borrow activities, adjacent to the ebb channel of
New Topsail Inlet will serve as a control (Figure 62). Each transect will consist of three
equally spaced sampling stations (12 sampling stations total). Three (3) replicate samples
will be collected at each of the twelve sampling stations.
Following coring, the samples will be sieved through a 0.5 mm mesh box sieve for
separating the mole crabs and coquina clams in the field. The samples will be fixed in a
10% buffer formalin solution, sealed, labeled and transported to the laboratory for
analysis. The samples will be fixed in the solution for at least 48 to 72 hours before
sorting amphipods and polychaetes. Species will be identified to the lowest possible
taxonomic level by a trained marine biologist. After analysis, the samples will be
transferred to a 50% isopropynol preservative for long-term storage.
Data Analysis and Report Preparation
Infaunal data for each sampling station will be reported as the number of individuals from
each taxon, the number of species and the total number of organisms per square meter.
Brief descriptions of the types of diversity indices to be used during the study are
provided below.
A. Shannon-Weaver (Shannon) Index of Diversity: The base 2, base 10 or natural
log statistic will be used in defining the diversity of species. In this index
diversity is equated to the amount of uncertainty that exists on the identity of
an individual collected at random from a community. The higher the
Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index, the higher the diversity of species and the
higher the equitability (Milligan, 1990).
B. Simpson Diversity Index: This index emphasizes the degree of dominance by
one or a few species and provides the probability that two individuals drawn
at random from the same community are the same species (Levington, 1982).
Consequently, the higher the Simpson Diversity Index, the higher the degree
of dominance by one or a few species, and the lower the species diversity and
equitability. RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
C. Pielou Index of Equitability: Equitability is considered a component of
diversity in that it provides an idea about the evenness of species distribution
at a site. Usually, a positive correlation exists between diversity and
equitability (i.e., high equitability would indicate high diversity) (Milligan,
1990).
D. Margalef s Index: Margalef s Index assumes a relationship between the
number of individuals and the number of species in a sample. This index
logarithmically scales the value of the number of species, and provides a
comparison between sampling stations with different ratios of numbers of
species and individuals (Milligan, 1990).
Data analysis and observations obtained from each station will also include the sediment
depth of the sample taken, the depth of the water the sample was taken in, and any other
biologically relevant information.
Annual monitoring reports documenting the findings will be prepared and submitted to
the USACE on March 1 st of each year.
6.4.4 HABITAT MAPPING
Purpose and Goals
The following monitoring plan has been developed in support of the Supplemental EIS
for the Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project. This monitoring plan is
intended for the identification of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), shellfish habitat,
salt marsh and fringing terrestrial communities before and after project construction
utilizing aerial photographs, ground-truth investigations, topographic and bathymetric
surveys.
Two (2) study areas were identified in order to delineate and differentiate between areas
anticipated to receive primary and secondary effects (Permit Area/Project Impact Zone)
from work occurring seaward of New Topsail Inlet and areas anticipated to receive
cumulative effects (Project/Survey Area) (Figure 1). These areas assist in defining the
level of detail assigned to the mapping efforts described herein. This plan was developed
in response to the concerns expressed by the USACE, USFWS, National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the NCDENR.
Monitoring Schedule
Two (2) sets of pre-project aerial photographs are available. Black and white
photographs from June 2003 are available from Pender County and color photographs
taken in April 2006 are available from the USACE. Pre-construction groundtruthing
investigations for the identification of SAV, shellfish, salt marsh and fringing and
terrestrial communities will be completed prior to construction. The baseline habitat map
will be updated and incorporated into the Final Supplemental EIS. Aerial surveys, RECEIVED
ground-truth investigations and identification of biotic communities will be condfif" INJLM1NGTON, N(
the inlet complex (Permit Area/Project Impact Zone) at six (6) months and 22 months UG 1 9 2008
A
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
post-construction (Figure 63). Aerial surveys, ground-truth investigations and
identification of biotic communities will be conducted for the entire Permit Area at 36
months post-construction. All surveys will be compared to the pre-construction
conditions (April 2006).
Pre-construction topographic and bathymetric surveys of the terrestrial and aquatic
environments were conducted in October 2006. Surveys of Borrow Area X were
completed in October 2007.
RECEIVED
[ACM WILMINGTON, NG
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
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MlLMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Monitoring Parameters
Aerial Photography
Aerial photographs include the acquisition of ortho-rectified color digital imagery of the
entire 7.0-square mile Permit Area. Resolution of the acquired imagery will be sufficient
to accurately delineate and map habitats and features of environmental significance
within the survey area. An emphasis will be placed on those marine and estuarine
habitats located in or near Borrow Area X. The aerial platform from which the imagery
is acquired will have an onboard GPS that will provide an accurate basis for product
correction.
In compliance with State and Federal agency requests, digital image acquisition will be
timed, to the greatest extent possible; to coincide with good weather conditions and an
ebb tide that may provide for increased habitat mapping potential. Considering the
weather dependent nature of this activity, every effort will be made to accomplish this
task under optimum conditions.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
No SAV communities have been visually confirmed within the Permit Area based on
visual interpretation of the digital aerial photography (April 2006) or based on
information provided by Anne Deaton of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
(NCDMF). One small SAV community is probable within the Permit Area at the
confluence of Old Topsail Creek and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
The extent of mapped SAV within the Permit Area will be confirmed using visual
observations in shallow water and ponar grab sampling in waters where the vegetation
and/or bottom are not visible due to decreased water clarity. A GPS unit will be used to
ascertain the general limits of the SAV occurrences.
SAV community boundaries within the project area were mapped in 2006 through visual
interpretation of the digital aerial photography. A minimum of ten percent of the SAV
communities within the survey area will be field investigated by using visual
observations in shallow water and ponar grab sampling in waters where the vegetation
and/or bottom are not visible due to decreased water clarity. A GPS unit will be used to
ascertain the general limits of the SAV occurrences. Extent of field investigations will be
distributed throughout the survey area and will be representative of the size distribution
of all preliminarily mapped communities.
Salt Marsh and Terrestrial Fringing Communities
Salt marsh and fringing terrestrial (MFT) community boundaries within the permit area
were mapped in 2007 through visual interpretation of April 2006 digital aerial
photography. Fringing terrestrial communities are classified as dry beach, dune,
residential and upland hammock. The nature and extent of characterization of each RECEIVED
habitat type will vary depending upon whether the habitat falls within the curve U MIL.MINGTON, NC
the permit area. AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
Topogrqphic and Bathymetric Surveying i& Mapping
Topographic and bathymetric surveys were completed for the permit area in October
2006 and bathymetric surveys were completed for the permit area within and adjacent to
Borrow Area X in October 2007. These surveys will be used as the pre-construction
baseline. The Town of Topsail Beach will continue to have beach profile surveys
completed annually to monitor the condition of the fill areas.
Reporting
The final product to be delivered under this phase of the project is a rectified
(georeferenced) color seamless and tonally balanced mosaic image. Based on the results
of the post-construction field investigations, a habitat map will be developed and revised
as necessary. Results of the mapping efforts will be incorporated into the Global
Information System (GIS) database developed for this project. Acreages of each habitat
type present within the survey area will be provided in a report to be submitted no more
than 90 days from when aerial imagery is provided. Preliminary pre-construction habitat
mapping results are provided in Section 4, Figures 13 through 15.
RECEIVED
OCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
DCM MP-1
APPLICATION FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
TOPSAIL BEACH INTERIM (EMERGENCY) BEACH FILL PROJECT
Topsail Beach, North Carolina
SECTION 6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
6a. A project narrative.
The Town of Topsail Beach is requesting a permit to construct an interim beach fill
project to protect private and public properties, recreational area, and valuable natural
habitat until the Federal Project is constructed. Federal and State permits will be
necessary to construct this project. Please refer to Sections 5b and 5c above for a
description of the project and construction techniques.
Three primary alternatives have been considered; non-structural, no action, and beach-fill
alternatives. The non-structural and no action alternatives would not meet the
Applicant's stated goals and objectives. The preferred beach-fill alternative would
extend from Godwin Avenue on the south to a point 2,000 ft north of the Topsail
Beach/Surf City town limits. The total length of the interim project would be 25,000 ft
and would consist of a 1,000-foot transition on the south end, a 22,000-foot main fill
section, and a 2,000-foot transition on the north end that would extend north of the
Topsail Beach/Surf City town limit.
The beach fill would have a variable width berm constructed to an elevation of +6.0 ft
NAVD. The volume of material for the interim project is discussed below and is based
on providing erosion protection until the federal storm damage reduction project is
implemented. The volume of beach fill material could range from a minimal amount
needed to counter long-term erosion losses during the interim period to a maximum
amount that would include a contingency volume to account for possible storm related
erosion losses during the time period.
Four (4) primary factors were considered in the development of a borrow area for the
Topsail Beach Interim (Emergency) Beach Fill Project. These factors included defining a
borrow area with a minimum of 2 million cy of sand, maintaining a minimum thickness
of 0.91 in (3 ft), optimizing grain size and minimizing silt content. Two (2) borrow areas,
X and A1, were identified for further evaluation.
The North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) adopted new standards for
borrow material aimed at preventing the disposal of an inordinate amount of coarse
material (primarily shell and shell hash) on the beach as well as fine grain material (silt
and clay) (15A NCAC 07H.0208). The State criteria for silt and clay (sediment size
equal to or less than 0.0625 mm) are limited to 5% above the native beach material. The
new standards also limit the amount of gravel (material with a diameter equal to or
greater than 4.76 mm) to no more than 5% above that which exists on the native beach
and granular material (diameter ranging from 2 mm to 4.76 mm) to no more than 5%
above the native beach. Likewise, the State sediment standards limit calcium carbonate
(shell) to no more than 15% above that of the native beach. With regard to the limits
imposed by the State sediment criteria, the silt content in Borrow Area A 1 exceeds "1=C E 1 V E D
allowable limit. DCM WILMINGTON, NC
AU G 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
Table 2. Borrow material characteristics relative to State of North Carolina
sediment compatibility criteria
% silt
(d < 0.0625 mm) % granular
(2 mm < d<4.76 mm) % gravel
(d > 4.76 mm) % Shell
State Criteria 5.94 5.82 5.17 26.0
Borrow Area
Al 7.30 2.13 1.22 6
X 1.88 1.55 1.56 4
(1) Exceeds State compatibility standards.
The Town of Topsail Beach has stated that one of the goals for this project is zero (0) sea
turtle takes. Hopper dredges are more likely to impact migrating sea turtles by
entrainment than pipeline dredges and, therefore, the applicant would prefer to utilize a
pipeline dredge.
RECEIVED
DCM WILMINGTON, NO
AUG 1 9 2008
Coastal Planning & Engineering of North Carolina, Inc.
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