20090725 Ver 1_401 Application_20090609

-09-0 72 4
BRIAR CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 4247
ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27803
JUNE 16, 2009
TO: NC DWQ
SUBJECT: BUFFER RULE WRITTEN APPROVAL
WE THE BRIAR CREEK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ARE ASKING FOR
WRITTEN APPROVAL ON THE BOAT RAMP WE WOULD LIKE TO BUILD IN
THE RIPARIAN BUFFER ON THE TAR RIVER OUTSIDE ROCKY MOUNT, NC.
THANK YOU,
BRIAR CREEK BOARD
JAMES G WINBORNE JR
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
RR@ [2aem DO
JUN $ 4 2009
DENR - WATER QUALITY
WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH

T?9OG
O ? W A
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Office Use Only:
Corps action ID no.
DWQ project no.
Form Version 1.3 Dec 10 2008
Pre-Construction Notification PCN Form
A. Applicant Information
1. Processing
1 a. Type(s) of approval sought from the
Corps:
El Section 404 Permit ®Section 10 Permit
1b. Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: 36 or General Permit (GP) number:
1 c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? ® Yes ? No
1 d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply):
? 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 ? No For the record only for Corps Permit:

® Yes ? 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 ® No
1 g. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1 h
below. ? Yes ® No
1 h. Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? ? Yes ® No
2. Project Information
2a. Name of project: BRIAR CREEK H.O.A. BOAT RAMP
2b. County: NASH D
2c. Nearest municipality / town: ROCKY MOUNT
2d. Subdivision name: BRIAR CREEK JU N 2 4 2009
2e. NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state
project no: DENR WATER OftiTy
WEIUNpg
3. Owner Information
3a. Name(s) on Recorded Deed: BRIAR CREEK OWNERS ASSOCIATION
3b. Deed Book and Page No. 2209,55
3c. Responsible Party (for LLC if
applicable): RELIABLE ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS
3d. Street address: PO BOX 4247
3e. City, state, zip: ROCKY MOUNT, NC 27803
3f. Telephone no.: 252-977-9488
3g. Fax no.: 252-442-7643
3h. Email address: r IXn A l e ? `? ?, S Yt CD w`
Page 1 of 10
PCN Form -Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
4. Applicant Information (if different from owner)
4a. Applicant is: ? Agent ® Other, specify: PRESIDENT OF H.O.A.
4b. Name: JAMES G WINBORNE JR
4c. Business name
(if applicable):
4d. Street address: 7898 BRIAR CREEK ROAD
4e. City, state, zip: ROCKY MOUNT NC 27803
4f. Telephone no.: 252-363-3600
4g. Fax no.: 252-237-2159
4h. Email address: [e-mail]
5. Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable)
5a. Name:
5b. Business name
(if applicable):
5c. Street address:
5d. City, state, zip:
5e. Telephone no.:
5f. Fax no.:
5g. Email address:
Page 2 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
06-19-09 11:14 FROM-RELIABALACCOUNTIING,
2524421643 T-908 P-01/01 F-490
SAMPLE AGENT AUfHORIZA17ON FORM
PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRIPTION:
LOT NO. '.I2- PLAN NO. PARCEL ID: 3 7 ?(o U 0 8 ?lSB
STREET ADDRESS: I Q C '.a< C rz,Lk koQI
(?o J101 A41+4 2-2903
Please print: /? /?
Property Owner: Q c% a r l; r tt k ®W K e y s As fv r; M?:
Property Owner.
The undersigned, registered property owners of the above noted property, do hereby author7e
P .d
_Ja,.yr?es 0 ,?oc'n?, of_Q?-?a.r /}
Cc-ep.k , o'es? e,4-
(Contractor / Agent) (Name of consulting firm)
ai act on my behalf and take all actions necessary for the processing, Issuance and acceptance of
this permit or certification and any and all standard and special conditions attached.
Pimperty Owner's Address (if different than property above):
'-11 1 -9ack/ Y11a..??. /U?2?So
Tslephone: l7r,>D
We hereby certify the above information submitted in this application is true and accurate to the
tx!st of our knowledge.
???:abte_ A a
CCO.wAL: s"'?.k?1G1
ryes) e?
ithorized Sign ture 6,C.#`0, j4, Au Ignature
Date: ? 0 Date: k 19 0
RECEIVED 06-19-'09 11:10 FROM- 2524427643 TO- PT032 P001/001
B. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Property Identification
1 a. Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID): 372600381458
1 b. Site coordinates (in decimal degrees): Latitude: 35.86 Longitude: - -77.9
(DD.DDDDDD) (-DD.DDDDDD)
1 c. Property size: 2.28 acres
2. Surface Waters
2a. Name of nearest body of water (stream, river, etc.) to TAR RIVER
proposed project:
2b. Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water: WS-IV, NSW
2c. River basin: TAR-PAMILCO
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:
MANAGED HERBACEOUS COVER
3b. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
0
3c. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property:
225
3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
PRIVATE BOAT RAMP FOR 50 HOMEOWNER SUBDIVISION
3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
DIG OUT RIVER BOTTOM FROM SHORE TO 15% GRADE OUT TO 5.5 FEET AT END OF RAMP, CURE CONCECT
ON SHORE FOR MIN. 21 DAYS ADD ROCK FROM PARKING LOT TO RAMP
4. Jurisdictional Determinations
4a. Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the
Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property /
t
i
?Yes ? No ®Unknown
projec
(
ncluding all prior phases) in the past?
Comments:
4b. If the Corps made the jurisdictional determination, what type
f
? Preliminary ? Final
o
determination was made?
4c. If yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas? Agency/Consultant Company:
Name (if known): Other:
4d. 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
hi No
® Yes El Unknown
t
s project (including all prior phases) in the past?
5b. If yes, explain in detail according to "help file" instructions.
WE DO NOT HAVE ANY FILES FROM WHEN THE DOCK WAS BUILT. WE DO HAVE CITY AND COUNTY OK.
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project? ?Yes ® No
6b. If yes, explain.
Page 3 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
C. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1 a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that apply):
? Wetlands ? 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 jurisdiction
number - Type of impact Type of wetland Forested (Corps - 404, 10 Area of impact
Permanent (P) or (if known) DWQ - non-404, other) (acres)
Temporary T
W1 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W2 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W3 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W4 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W5 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W6 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
2g. Total wetland impacts
2h. Comments:
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 Type of jurisdiction Average Impact
number - or
(PER)
(Corps - 404, 10
stream
length
Permanent (P) or intermittent DWQ - non-404, width (linear
Temporary (T) (INT)? other) (feet) feet)
S1 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S2 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S3 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S4 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S5 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S6 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
3h. Total stream and tributary impacts
3i. Comments:
Page 4 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
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 individually 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 ?P?T
02 ?P?T
03 ?P?T
04 ?P?T
4f. Total open water impacts
4g. Comments:
5. Pond or Lake Construction
If and or lake construction proposed, then complete the chart below.
5a.
Pond ID

number 5b.

Proposed use or purpose
f
d 5c.
Wetland Impacts (acres) 5d.
Stream Impacts (feet) 5e.
Upland
(acres)
o
pon Flooded Filled Excavated Flooded Filled Excavated Flooded
P1
P2

5f. Total
5g. Comments:
5h. Is a dam high hazard permit required?
? Yes ? No If yes, permit ID no:
5i. Expected pond surface area (acres):
5j. Size of pond watershed (acres):
5k. Method of construction:
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 an impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form.
6a.

Project is in which protected basin?
? Neuse
? Catawba
® Tar-Pamlico ? Other:
? Randleman
6b 6 6
.
Buffer impact
number -
Permanent (P) or
Temporary T c.

Reason
for
impact d.

Stream name 6e.

Buffer
mitigation
re uired? 6f.

Zone 1 impact
(square feet)
6g.
Zone 2 impact
(square feet)

B1 ®P ? T RAMP TAR RIVER ? Yes
® No 476 280

B2 ?P?T ?Yes
? No

B3 ?P?T ?Yes
? No

6h. Total b uffer impacts 476 280
6i
C
.
omments: ZON E 2 IMPA CT WOULD BE DRIVEWAY ROC K T(1 RAMP
Page 5 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
D. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project.
POURING CONCRET ON LAND TO CURE BEFORE PUSHING INTO WATER
1 b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques.
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 ® 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:
3b. Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter) Type Quantity
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: ? warm ? cool ?cold
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:
5. Complete if Using a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan
5a. If using a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigation plan.
Page 6 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
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
buffer mitigation? ? Yes ® No
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.

Zone 6c.
Reason for impact 6d.
Total impact
(square feet)
Multiplier 6e.
Required mitigation
(square feet)
Zone 1 3 (2 for Catawba)
Zone 2 1.5
6f. Total buffer mitigation required:
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).
6h. Comments:
Page 7 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
E. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1 a . Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified ? Yes ® 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.
? Yes ? No
Comments:
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project? .00479 %
2b. Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan? ? Yes ® No
2c. If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, explain why: LOW DENSITY PROJECT
2d. If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative description of the plan:
? Certified Local Government
2e. Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan? ? DWQ Stormwater Program
? DWQ 401 Unit
3. Certified Local Government Stormwater Review
3a. In which local government's jurisdiction is this project?
? Phase II
3b. Which of the following locally-implemented stormwater management programs ? NSW
? USMP
apply (check all that apply): ? Water Supply Watershed
? Other:
3c. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been ? Yes ? No
attached?
4. DWQ Stormwater Program Review
? Coastal counties

4a.
Which of the following state-implemented stormwater management programs apply ? HQW
? ORW
(check all that apply): ? Session Law 2006-246
? Other:
4b. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
attached? ? Yes ? No
5. DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review
5a. Does the Stormwater Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements? ? Yes ? No
5b. Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met? ? Yes ? No
Page 8 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
F. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement)
1 a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the ? Yes ® No
use of public (federal/state) land?
1b. 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
letter.) ? Yes ? No
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 ® No
or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b. Is this an after-the-fact permit application? ? Yes ® No
2c. If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWQ Requirement)
3a. Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in ? Yes ® 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.
4. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement)
4a. Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater
enerated fro

the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. g
m
NO WASTEWATER WILL BE GENERATED
Page 9 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or ? Yes ® No
habitat?
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act ? Yes ? No
impacts?
El Raleigh
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?
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as essential fish habitat? ? Yes ® No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
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 ® 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?
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain? ® Yes ? No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements: BOAT RAMP
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination? WWW.NCFLOODMAPS.COM

JAMES G WINBORNE JR ` 6/19/2009

Applicant/Agent's Printed Name Applicant/Age 's Signature Date
(A is signature is valid only if a authorization letter from the applicant
is provided.)
Page 10 of 10
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
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Parcels
Owner (ex: Smith BRIAR CREEK OWNERS PARID (ex: 045751 PIN (ex: 372600381458
John): 000001): 000000000001):
ASSOCIATION
Physical Address: 7621 BRIAR CRE EK Location Null Legal 1: 2 28 AC, 42 BK A
RD Description: BRIAR CREEK
Sale Price: 0 Sale Date (mm- 2/17/2006 Land Value: 130564
dd-yy):
Building Value: 93517 Market Value: 224081 Deferred Value: 0
Total Taxable
224081
Deed Book:
2209
Deed Page:
55
Value:
Plat Book: 30 Plat Page: 337 GIS Acres: 2.28
Deeded Acres: 2.28 Township: Coopers City: County
P,ELIABLE
Heated Sq.Ft.: Null Owner 2: ACCOUNTING Care Of: Null
SOLUTIONS
Billing Address: PO BOX 4247 Billing ROCKY MOUNT NC Tax District: NC36
City/State/Zip: 27803
SPLIT OUT OF AC 42 BK A BRIAR
Tax Fire District: Coopers Legal 2: 372700318246 Legal 3: CREEK
Mapping Notes: Null Sale Code: 3 Land Type: ACREAGE
Land Width: Null Land Depth: Null Land Width 2: Null
Land Depth 2: Null Lot #: Null Subdivision: Null
Phase/Section: Null Property Type: 0 # of Dog Fees: 0
# of Solid Waste # of Recycle
Null Null Building Type: 0
Fees: Fees:
Structure Type: Null Structure Style: Null Year Built: Null
Year
Effective Year: Null Null Story Height: Null
Remodeled:
'lttil.. 11wil vu3?,il?:?. iiv,• :.:.V.. ......... ?. ..?..
Bedrooms: Null Full Baths: Null Half Baths: Null
Heating: Null Heat Fuel Type: Null Heat System: Null
Is it safe to swim, fish-and boat in coastal waters?
North Carolina waters are usually fine for swimming, boating and fishing. The state has more than 37,000
miles of rivers and streams and more than 3,100 square miles of bays and harbors to use and enjoy.
North Carolina is constantly monitoring its waterways. Occasionally, a waterway may be temporarily
affected by an algal bloom or other conditions that kill or sicken fish. If that happens and there appears to
be a health hazard from Pfiesteria, the affected waterway will be closed until conditions improve. (Check
out the state's protocol for closing and reopening rivers). The public will be notified of closings and re-
openings through the media, recorded notices on the telephone hotline [phone]), and news
releases. A list _of fish kills, updated weekly, is also posted on the Internet. Most are not related to
Pfiesteria.
Before going out, you can call the state hotline at 1-888-823-6915 to find out if a health warning has been
issued for any coastal waters. Also, when you get to your destination, look around before going on or into
the water. If you see significant numbers of fish that are dead, dying or show signs of disease such as
sores, avoid that location and report the conditions to the hotline.
Return _to.Top_of Page
Building your own boat ramp
I want to build my own boat ramp. How can 1 get guidance and what do I need to do?
The Commission's Division of Engineering Services uses design guidelines that can be applied to most
sites. You may obtain a copy of these guidelines by faxing a request to 919 707-0162 with your fax number
and what type of guidance you hope to obtain. If you would like to see an overview of these guidelines,
please see below. You will also need to obtain all the proper permits for construction of the boat ramp. To
inquire about the appropriate permits you may visit the Division of_Coastal Management's _Web. site if you
are in a coastal county or the US Army Corps _of_Engineers if you are not in a coastal county.
Technical Assistance for Boating Access Facilities
The Division of Engineering Services has some information that can be used as a guide when constructing
a boat ramp. It is important to understand that each of these guidelines vary depending on site
characteristics. An overview is listed below. If you would like additional information, you can send a request
by fax to 919 707-0162 with your fax number and what type of guidance you need.
Standard Dimensions for Concrete Launch Ramp:
Length: Varies by site characteristics. Ensure that the bottom of the ramp at Mean Low Water
(MLW) will be in at least 3' of water. The top of the ramp should be at least 1' above MHW.
Width: Single launch ramp should be at least 14' wide.
Thickness: Concrete should be at least 6". Typically, designs are for a 25 year return period.
Launch Ramp Slope:
Approximately 14%, but can vary from 15% to 12.5%
Construction and Materials:
Sub-grade Preparation: The concrete ramp should be placed on compacted aggregate which is
placed on geotextile fabric to prevent washout. The Wildlife Resources Commission uses Class "A"
erosion control stone and a 6" layer of No. 4 or smaller washed stone for the compacted aggregate.
Push Slab: The Commission uses a push slab for the launch ramp below Mean Low Water Level
(MLW). This steel reinforced concrete slab is cast on upland and is allowed to cure (21 day
minimum) before it is pushed into place w;fh a bulldozer. Typically, a -32'!- X 1XIM X 6" nimh e!nh ,?-nR
be properly nineri w her, tic -- i-V is 't eel %At -
I Jr 1, -- Cast in Place Section: Once the push slab is cast in place, there should be at least 2 to 3 feet of
ramp left above the water line. The remaining ramp should be cast in place.
Additional Information that you can request:
• Steel Reinforcement for the ramp
• Concrete Mix Concrete
• Finishing for anti-slip (V-grooved)
• Guidelines when the ramp is placed with water above MLW
• Guidelines for sites with high erosion or current
• Maneuver area guidelines
• Guidelines with adjusting the ramp slope
• Vendors for ordering materials
• Parking Area Guidelines
• Access Channel Guidelines
Return_to_Top_ of Page
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Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
View plans for:
. Courtesy Pier
. Boat Ramp and- Boarding Dock
. Courtesy Pier Ladder
. Boat Ramp and Courtesy Pier
Building Boat Ramps
. Site Criteria
. Permits_
. Design
. Construction Methods
. Materials
Building boat ramps, whether you are building a ramp for your private use, or in the case of the Department
of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), public use, many of the things to be considered are the same. Some of
those things are site criteria, permits, design, construction methods and materials, and the type and size of
boats to be launched.
The first thing that should be considered when contemplating a ramp is the type and size of boats to be
launched and retrieved. Obviously choosing a site and designing a launching ramp for a canoe or car-top boat
in shallow water will differ greatly from choosing a site and designing a ramp for launching larger trailered
boats in tidal water. If you are designing a ramp for your private use, it is fairly easy to choose a design that
will accommodate boats and towing vehicles that you own or might own. Choosing a design that will suit
several boaters or the general public is more difficult. The DGIF tries to design ramps that are suitable for
most of the boats in the area of the proposed ramp, knowing that we cannot satisfy the needs of every boater.
This article will briefly address site criteria, permits, design, construction methods and materials for typical
ramps for launching and retrieving boats in the 12-20 foot range that are typically used for sport fishing and
recreational power boating. This article presents a number of items for your consideration should you be
thinking of building a boat ramp, but is not intended to be a guide on how to build a boat ramp.
Site Criteria
When selecting and evaluating a site as a potential boat ramp site, consideration must be given to site
accessibility, proximity to other boat ramps, water depths, siltation rates and usable land area (parking,
turning radius, etc.).
Site Accessibility
One of the more obvious considerations to site selection is its proximity to existing roads and other ramps.
Road construction and maintenance is expensive, therefore the closer the site is to a maintained road, the
better. Also, the DGIF prefers not to compete with private launch-for-fee ramps if they can meet the public
demand. Those thinking of building their own ramp would do well to consider using existing ramps if they
are available, and even cost sharing maintenance expenses with the owner.
Water Depth
Water depth should be no less than three feet at the end of the ramp during mean low water, though four feet
deep is more desirable. If drive-on trailers will be used for launching and retrieving boats (power loading),
consider extending the ramp to a depth of five feet or installing riprap at the end of the ramp. Another
alternative is to increase the slope of the ramp for the last 10-15 feet so the end of the ramp will be in deeper
water or dug into the bottom to protect the end of the ramp. If the end of the ramp is not protected, the prop
wash created from power loading will erode a hole at the end of the ramp, which will cause a sharp drop-off
and can undermine the end of the ramp. If the trailer wheels are then backed off the end of the ramp that has a
drop-off, the trailer can hang on the end of the ramp causing damage to the trailer as the wheels are pulled
back up onto the ramp. Most older DGIF ramps are not designed with drive-on trailers in mind and we are
frequently adding riprap to the end of ramps as temporary repairs for the problems caused by prop wash.
Siltation Rates
Another water depth consideration is the possibility that the water depth will not remain constant. River
channels shift from side to side, and might undercut the end of your ramp causing the end to break off. The
same is true with channels in tidal areas, especially when the site is on a point that constricts a larger bay. Just
the opposite is true of sites at the back of small bays, near stream inlets, or on long sandy beaches. These sites
are often areas of active deposition, where silt or sand might cover your ramp. Dredging and maintenance
dredging to obtain deep water is expensive, can adversely impact the environment, and is often complicated
since suitable sites must be located for placement of the dredged material. If dredging can be avoided, do so!
Size
The size of the ramp and parking area depends on the anticipated use. Our general rule of thumb is that one
launching lane should have about 30-35 car-trailer parking spaces. Most of our ramps have daily turnover
rates of 2.0 to 2.5, so each launching lane and 30-35 parking spaces will accommodate about 80 launches per
day. If no more than 80 launches per day are anticipated, one launching lane is adequate. More than 80
launches justify additional launching lanes and parking spaces. When deciding how many parking spaces can
be provided on a tract of land, one should remember that a vehicle-trailer parking space should be at least 10
feet wide and 40 feet long with adequate maneuvering room to line up and get into and out of the parking
space.
A word of caution concerning boat ramp size is to not underestimate the land needed. Remember that large
wetland areas cannot be disturbed. Also, a 30 or 40 foot turning radius and staging area is needed at the head
of the ramp, and no matter how large you make public facilities, there will still be some calm, sunny, warm
weekend day when it will not be enough. If at all possible, reserve areas for expansion and overflow parking.
Permits
After you have located a site for the boat ramp, know enough about how you want to build it to prepare a
sketch. The next step is to apply for the necessary permits. Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Corps of
Engineers, State Water Control Board, and the local wetland board may require permits. A local building
permit is also required in some localities. To learn what permits will be required, contact the Virginia Marine
Resources Commission at 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607, (Phone # 757-247-
2200), and your local building inspector.
Design
The design of the site, ramp and pier will have a major impact on construction and maintenance costs, and the
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Site Plan
Probably the most common problem with boat landings is that the ramp, pier, turning radius, and/or parking
area are too small. Provide adequate room to bring the towing vehicle and trailer in good alignment with the
ramp, and enough space for a staging area to ready the boat for launching. If possible, place the pier on the
same side of the ramp as the driver. This will give the driver a better view as they back the trailer alongside
the pier. One-way traffic in the parking area and staging area is desirable to reduce congestion. Angle parking
is usually easier to accomplish than other parking plans, and reduces the required width of driving lanes in the
parking lot. Parking spaces and traffic patterns should be clearly marked to reduce traffic congestion and to
ensure maximum efficiency of available parking space. A one percent slope (minimum) across the parking lot
and staging area helps prevent ponding of water on those areas, yet causes a slow runoff that reduces erosion
on untreated surfaces. The slope should be directed away from the ramp if possible to prevent gravel, sand,
etc. from being washed onto the ramp. If two launching lanes are to be constructed, a single pier between the
lanes can serve both lanes and reduce costs and insures that one boater cannot tie-up both lanes at the same
time. For high use facilities, a double lane ramp with L-head courtesy piers on both sides will help reduce
congestion during peak launching and retrieval time. A line should be painted down the center of the ramp to
assist boaters in staying on their side of the ramp.
Ramp Design
Generally the ramps should have slopes of 12-15% with the concrete extending into the turning and staging
area far enough for the trailer wheels to clear the sloped section of the ramp before the towing vehicle's
pulling wheels leave the concrete. If not, the towing vehicle's pulling wheels might spin and dig into the
surface as the trailer and boat are being pulled up the ramp. Ramps 16 feet wide are preferred for the general
public though many existing 12-foot ramps have proven to be satisfactory at low use facilities. Ramps placed
in flowing rivers should enter the river at an angle downstream to reduce the sideward push on the boat as it
is being placed on or off the trailer. Also, a ramp placed at an angle usually accumulates less silt after a
period of high water. If a cut in the river bank must be made, lay the slopes back as much as possible to
reduce the amount of still water trapped in the cut during flooding, thus reducing the amount of silt deposited
on the ramp. Provide stabilized ditches down each side of the ramp to handle runoff during heavy rains.
Pier Design
If a pier is needed to assist with launching and retrieving boats, paying close attention to the small details of
pier design can save a lot of headaches and maintenance costs. Though piers can be made of materials other
than wood, only wood will be discussed here. Remember that a design that uses standard lengths of lumber
will be more economical.
Piers can be either floating or fixed, Our experience with floating docks is that they are hard to keep in place
unless pilings are provided along the sides for the pier to ride up and down. Metal barrels should not be used
for flotation. Plastic encapsulated foam floats are a good choice when flotation is needed.
Note: This sounds good but is not practical, in clay or silt soils it will also result in an unstable piling. Ice
damage must be considered on all ramps in Virginia. Ice flowing in rivers and on tides can be especially
destructive. If moving ice is expected, the strength of materials must be greater and the design strengthened.
Piers can damage boats, and boats can damage piers. All bolt heads and nails that might come in contact with
boats should be recessed. Care should be taken to see there are no "lips" on the pier where a boat could drift
underneath and be caught if the water rises. Rubrails might be needed to prevent boats from catching under
the pier.
The safety of the boaters must be considered in the pier design. Decking should overlap the outside stringers
by no more than two inches to help keep the decking from flipping up in the event it comes loose and
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loose boards when the decking significantly overlapped the outside stringer. Overlapping the decking two
inches also prevents most end splitting of the decking when it is nailed to the pier's stringers. Where the water
surface will fluctuate significantly, ladders should be installed to assist boaters in boarding boats during
periods of low water levels.
One accessory that is nice on a pier is a curb. The curb provides a good hand hold while climbing in and out
of boats, is an excellent place to tie a boat to the pier, and serves as a kickplate to help keep equipment from
being knocked off the pier. If cleats are still desirable, they can be placed on top of a curb to reduce the
possibility of someone tripping over them.
Construction Methods
There exist a number of ways to construct a concrete boat ramp on the site. Pre-cast concrete slabs suitable
for use as a ramp are also available. The diversity narrows on methods of constructing piers, and is mostly
limited to how the pilings are installed.
Ramp Construction
Although concrete can be mixed for placing (pouring) through water, quality control usually suffers and the
final results are poor. This method is typically not allowed by permitting agencies and will not be discussed
in this article. The best way to construct the underwater section of a ramp is to cofferdam the ramp area,
pump out the water, place (pour) and finish the ramp in the dry (cast-in-place). This method provides for the
best horizontal and vertical control of the slab. For low use ramps, a less expensive method (Push Method) is
to form and pour the ramp on a thin layer of sand or crusher run, allow to cure, then push it into the water
with a track machine. If the ramp is poured on shore, it should be on approximately the same slope as your
proposed underwater slope to prevent the slab from breaking on a grade change. Concrete slabs that are
moved into place must be small. A six-inch concrete slab 12 feet wide and 20 feet long weighs about nine (9)
tons. Usually slabs longer than 20 feet are required to reach the appropriate depth. A six-inch slab 16 feet
wide and 30 feet long weighs about eighteen (18) tons and can usually be pushed with a D-5 bulldozer while
still maintaining reasonable control. Lifting and setting pre-cast concrete slabs on a prepared subgrade with a
crane is a third method with which the DGIF has had success.
Pier Construction
Once the pilings are driven and the cross bracing and clamps are in place, pier construction requires only
general carpentry skills. However, a great deal of caution should be used as well as the method used to drive
the piling. Wood piling should never be used in conditions where the piling will have to be driven through
solid or fractured rock or rock fill material. If a wood piling is to be driven into a soil with large gravel
content, a steel shoe should be used on the pile tip to protect the pile tip from "brooming" out during driving.
Pilings are classified as either friction or bearing piles. Friction piles develop the strength they need from the
friction developed between the outside surface of the piling and the surrounding soil. Bearing piles are driven
to a depth where they encounter bedrock and transfer their vertical loads directly into the bedrock. Piling
lengths on the DGIF projects are usually determined by driving test piling at the site in order to select the
various piling lengths based on the actual subsurface conditions encountered. Piling length can also be
determined in a laboratory by a geotechnical engineer from soil borings taken from a barge mounted auger;
however, this method is expensive and should be only utilized when it is the most cost effective.
The "jetting" of piling into soil with silt or clay content results in the water in the surrounding area becoming
heavily clouded with suspended sediments, which is environmentally unsound and typically a permit
violation. The following discussion will be confined to driving niling There ,are o_ number of differo„t +s ra_
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vi ha n-r ners that cur, be uscu t- drive piling. For some subsurface colldltlons, cury type -9
ype of hammer will work,
but no hammer is the best for all conditions. Hammers used for timber piles may be either gravity or power
type (air, steam, diesel, double acting, single acting, etc.). In general a gravity hammer is quick in soft soils
where a high drop of the hammer can be used. In hard soils, a short drop of a gravity hammer must be used to
prevent damage to the piling; thus the driving time is increased. Single-acting and double-acting hammers
utilize steam or air and deliver more blows per minute than a gravity hammer. Vibratory hammers use low or
high frequency vibrations to weaken the friction and adhesion between the soil and the piling, thus allowing
the piling to penetrate the soil. Vibratory hammers are usually effective in sand or soft soils. An engineer
specializing in marine design or a marine contractor should be consulted prior to selecting the type of piling,
length, or driving method.
Materials
Any structure is only as good as the materials used. If a good design has been selected and construction
methods are appropriate, proper materials and workmanship should be all that is needed to insure that quality
boat ramps and piers are constructed. Supervision of the workmanship is left to the owner or engineer. The
following recommendations can serve as a guide for specifying proper materials.
Stone
In preparing a site for concrete, a minimum of eight inches of compacted, crushed stone (not round bank
gravel) should be placed over the subgrade. VDOT #5 or #57 stone is a good choice. If soft places are
encountered or the soil is difficult to compact, the poor material should be under cut and larger stone (two to
four inches in diameter) should be used to provide an adequate base for the smaller stone. There are also
geotextile fabrics on the market to ?bridge? over soft material. If any of the stone will be exposed along the
edges of the concrete, such as where the concrete will be higher than the adjacent ground, a good quality filter
fabric should be placed under and wrapped back over top of the stone. The fabric should be armored with
riprap to protect the filter fabric, and ultimately the stone under the slab. If a slab is to be pushed into place,
filter fabric cannot be installed between the concrete and the stone.
Concrete
Concrete for ramps poured at the site should be at least 3,000 psi (4,000 psi preferred) have 4-6% air
entrainment, be properly worked, placed, consolidated, screeded and bull floated so the aggregate is about a
half-inch below the surface. The DGIF has had good success using concrete ramps reinforced with number
four (1/2" diameter) Grade 60 rebar, placed at 12" on center lengthwise, and 18" on center across. In fresh
water the steel reinforcement should be 3" from the surface, and bottom and sides of the concrete. This
requires a slab at least six inches thick. For ramps where larger boats (over 20 feet) or heavy equipment might
be launched, thicker concrete, larger steel and/or stronger concrete might be in order. Concrete should be
finished with a surface rough enough to provide good traction, even when covered with algae. We found that
a garden rake with the tines bent to curve away from the handle makes a good tool to rake quarter-inch deep
grooves into the fresh concrete for traction. The DGIF has recently gone to a "V" groove finish for improved
traction. This finish requires an experienced concrete finisher and should not be attempted by a novice.
Wood and Hardware
Wood for piers should be pressure treated to retard decay. Historically CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
treated wood has been the treatment of choice for the construction of our piers. The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has deemed CCA treated wood unsuitable for use in applications where the wood may come
into frequent contact with skin. CCA treated wood should not be used in freshwater. For this reason, we use
CCA treated wood where the wood is in constant contact with saltwater, or in a constant wetted condition,
such as pier pilings, cross bracing, deck stringers and joists. For all applications that have the potential to
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compatibility with galvanized coated hardware. CCA wood that will be in constant contact with saltwater
should be treated to a level of 2.5 pounds of retention per cubic foot (pcf) of wood. Wood that will receive
saltwater splash should have a retention of 1.5 pcf. For fresh water and wood in saltwater applications that
will come into frequent contact with skin (such as decking boards, handrails, and ladders), CA treated wood
designated for "ground contact or fresh water" with a minimum retention of 0.21 pcf and a preferred retention
of 0.31 pcf is the wood of choice. All bolts and nails should be hot dipped galvanized. Where hardware will
come in frequent contact with salt water, a better choice would be stainless steel since our experience is that
even galvanized hardware will rust in time.
If you enjoy boating as do most of the boaters who use the approximately 240,000 registered boats in
Virginia, you have probably wished for a boat ramp at one time or another. Hopefully, this information will
help you to build one.
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