20151215 Ver 1_EB-4707A and B REVISED FINAL REGULATORY PERMIT PACKAGE June 2017_20181202

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Action Id. SAW-2015-02591
Permittee
Address:
Telephone Number:
County: Durham U.S.G.S. Quad: NC-SOUTHWEST DURHAM
GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION
NC Department of Transportation, Division 5
Christopher Murrav
2612 N. Duke Street
Durham, NC, 27704
[phone] (Chris Murrav)
Size (acres) N/A Nearest Town Durham
Nearest Waterway UT's New HoAe Creek River Basin Cape Fear
USGS HUC 03030002 Coordinates Latitude: 35.9455; Longitude: -78.9906
Location description: SR1838, Old Durham Rd in Orange County, and SR 2220, ChaAel Hill Road, in Durham County, from
US 15-501 to SR 1116, Garrett Road, southwest of Durham, NC.
Description of projects area and activity: EB-4707; Road improvements impactin� 0.06 acre of wetlands and 392 linear feet of
stream for slope fill, mechanized clearing, bank stabilization, and dewatering (Re-verification of 3/3/16 verification; mitigation
requirements are unchanged).
Applicable Law:
Authorization:
� Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344)
❑ Sections 10 (Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 USC 403)
Nationwide Permit Number: NWP 14 Linear Transnortation Proiects.
SEE ATTACHED NWP GENERAL, REGIONAL AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Your work is authorized by the above referenced permit provided it is accomplished in strict accordance with the attached
conditions and your submitted reauthorization request dated OS/08/2017. Any violation of the attached conditions or deviation
from your submitted plans may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a restoration order, a Class I administrative penalty,
and/or appropriate legal action.
This verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below unless the nationwide authorization is modified, suspended
or revoked. If, prior to the expiration date identified below, the nationwide permit authorization is reissued and/or modified, this
verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below, provided it complies with all requirements of the modified
nationwide permit. If the nationwide permit authorization expires or is suspended, revoked, or is modified, such that the activity would
no longer comply with the terms and conditions of the nationwide permit, activities which have commenced (i.e., are under construction)
or are under contract to commence in reliance upon the nationwide permit, will remain authorized provided the activity is completed
within twelve months of the date of the nationwide permit's expiration, modification or revocation, unless discretionary authority has
been exercised on a case-by-case basis to modify, suspend or revoke the authorization.
Activities subject to Section 404 (as indicated above) may also require an individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification. You
should contact the NC Division of Water Resources (telephone [phone]) to determine Section 401 requirements.
This Department of the Army verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain any other required Federal, State
or local approvals/permits.
If there are any questions regarding this verification, any of the conditions of the Permit, or the Corps of Engineers regulatory program,
please contact Eric Alsmever at (9191554-4884 X 23 or Eric.C.Alsmever(a�usace.armv.mil.
Corps Regulatory Official:
Date: 06/20/2017; Expiration Date: 03/18/2022
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us ensure we
continue to do so, please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey, located online at
http://corpsmapu.usace.army.mil/cm apex/f?p=136:4:0.
Page 1 of 2

SAW-2015-02591
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
06/12/2017
In order to compensate for impacts associated with this permit, mitigation shall be provided in
accordance with the provisions outlined on the most recent version of the attached Compensatory
Mitigation Responsibility Transfer Form. The requirements of this form, including any special
conditions listed on this form, are hereby incorporated as special conditions of this permit
authorization.
2. This USACE permit does not authorize you to take a threatened or endangered species, in particular,
the Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis). In order to legally take a listed
species, you must have separate authorization under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (e.g., a
Biological Opinion (BO) under the ESA, Section 7, with "incidental take" provisions with which
you must comply). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS's) Programmatic BO titled
"Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) Programmatic Biological Opinion for North Carolina
Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Activities in Eastern North Carolina (Divisions 1-8)," dated
March 25, 2015, and adopted on May 4, 2015, contains mandatory terms and conditions to
implement the reasonable and prudent measures that are associated with "incidental take" that are
specified in the BO. Your authorization under this USACE permit is conditioned upon your
compliance with all the mandatory terms and conditions (incorporated by reference into this permit)
associated with incidental take of the BO. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions associated
with incidental take of the BO, where a take of the listed species occurs, would constitute an
unauthorized take, and would also constitute non-compliance with your USACE permit. The
USFWS is the appropriate authority to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of its
BO and with the ESA.
Page 2 of 2

Action ID Number: SAW-2015-02591 County: Durham
Permittee: NC Department of Transportation, Division 5
Christopher Murrav
Project Name: NCDOT EB-4707A&B SR1838 Old Durham Rd SR2220 Chapel Hill Road DivS
Date Verification Issued: June 9, 2017
Project Manager: Eric Alsmever
Upon completion of the activity authorized by this permit and any mitigation required by the permit,
sign this certification and return it to the following address:
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Attn: Eric Alsmeyer
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by a U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers representative. Failure to comply with any terms or conditions of this authorization may
result in the Corps suspending, modifying or revoking the authorization and/or issuing a Class I
administrative penalty, or initiating other appropriate legal action.
I hereby certify that the work authorized by the above referenced permit has been completed in
accordance with the terms and condition of the said permit, and required mitigation was completed in
accordance with the permit conditions.
Signature of Permittee Date

NATIONWIDE PERMIT 14
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
FINAL NOTICE OF ISSUANCE AND MODIFICATION OF NATIONWIDE PERMITS
FEDERAL REGISTER
AUTHORIZED MARCH 19, 2017
Linear Transportation Proiects. Activities required for crossings of waters of the United
States associated with the construction, expansion, modification, or improvement of linear
transportation projects (e.g., roads, highways, railways, trails, airport runways, and taxiways)
in waters of the United States. For linear transportation projects in non-tidal waters, the
discharge cannot cause the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of waters of the United States. For
linear transportation projects in tidal waters, the discharge cannot cause the loss of greater
than 1/3-acre of waters of the United States. Any stream channel modification, including bank
stabilization, is limited to the minimum necessary to construct or protect the linear
transportation project; such modifications must be in the immediate vicinity of the project.
This NWP also authorizes temporary structures, fills, and work, including the use of
temporary mats, necessary to construct the linear transportation project. Appropriate measures
must be taken to maintain normal downstream flows and minimize flooding to the maximum
extent practicable, when temporary structures, work, and discharges, including cofferdams,
are necessary for construction activities, access fills, or dewatering of construction sites.
Temporary fills must consist of materials, and be placed in a manner, that will not be eroded
by expected high flows. Temporary fills must be removed in their entirety and the affected
areas returned to pre-construction elevations. The areas affected by temporary fills must be
revegetated, as appropriate.
This NWP cannot be used to authorize non-linear features commonly associated with
transportation projects, such as vehicle maintenance or storage buildings, parking lots, train
stations, or aircraft hangars.
Notification: The permittee must submit a pre-construction notification to the district engineer
prior to commencing the activity ii (1) the loss of waters of the United States exceeds 1/10-
acre; or (2) there is a discharge in a special aquatic site, including wetlands. (See general
condition 32.) (Authorities: Sections 10 and 404)
Note 1: For linear transportation projects crossing a single waterbody more than one time at
separate and distant locations, or multiple waterbodies at separate and distant locations, each
crossing is considered a single and complete project for purposes of NWP authorization.
Linear transportation projects must comply with 33 CFR 330.6(d).
Note 2: Some discharges for the construction of farm roads or forest roads, or temporary
roads for moving mining equipment, may qualify for an exemption under section 404(� of the
Clean Water Act (see 33 CFR 323.4).
Note 3: For NWP 14 activities that require pre-construction notification, the PCN must
include any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permit(s) used or intended
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to be used to authorize any part of the proposed project or any related activity, including other
separate and distant crossings that require Department of the Army authorization but do not
require pre-construction notification (see paragraph (b) of general condition 32). The district
engineer will evaluate the PCN in accordance with Section D, "District Engineer's Decision."
The district engineer may require mitigation to ensure that the authorized activity results in no
more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects (see general
condition 23).
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NATIONWIDE PERMIT GENERAL CONDITIONS
The following General Conditions must be followed in order for any authorization bv a NWP to
be valid:
1. Navi _ ag tion. (a) No activity may cause more than a minimal adverse effect on
navigation.
(b) Any safety lights and signals prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard, through
regulations or otherwise, must be installed and maintained at the permittee's expense on
authorized facilities in navigable waters of the United States.
(c) The permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United
States require the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structure or work herein
authorized, or if, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his authorized representative,
said structure or work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation of the
navigable waters, the permittee will be required, upon due notice from the Corps of Engineers,
to remove, relocate, or alter the structural work or obstructions caused thereby, without expense
to the United States. No claim shall be made against the United States on account of any such
removal or alteration.
2. Aquatic Life Movements. No activity may substantially disrupt the necessary life
cycle movements of those species of aquatic life indigenous to the waterbody, including those
species that normally migrate through the area, unless the activity's primary purpose is to
impound water. All permanent and temporary crossings of waterbodies shall be suitably
culverted, bridged, or otherwise designed and constructed to maintain low flows to sustain the
movement of those aquatic species. If a bottomless culvert cannot be used, then the crossing
should be designed and constructed to minimize adverse effects to aquatic life movements.
3. Spawnin_ Ar�eas. Activities in spawning areas during spawning seasons must
be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. Activities that result in the physical
destruction (e.g., through excavation, fill, or downstream smothering by substantial turbidity)
of an important spawning area are not authorized.
4. Mi rg atory Bird Breeding Areas. Activities in waters of the United States that
serve as breeding areas for migratory birds must be avoided to the maximum extent
practicable.
5. Shellfish Beds. No activity may occur in areas of concentrated shellfish
populations, unless the activity is directly related to a shellfish harvesting activity
authorized by NWPs 4 and 48, or is a shellfish seeding or habitat restoration activity
authorized by NWP 27.
6. Suitable Material. No activity may use unsuitable material (e.g., trash, debris,
car bodies, asphalt, etc.). Material used for construction or discharged must be free from toxic
pollutants in toxic amounts (see section 307 of the Clean Water Act).
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7. Water Su�ly Intakes. No activity may occur in the proximity of a public water
supply intake, except where the activity is for the repair or improvement of public water supply
intake structures or adjacent bank stabilization.
8. Adverse Effects From Impoundments. If the activity creates an impoundment
of water, adverse effects to the aquatic system due to accelerating the passage of water,
and/or restricting its flow must be minimized to the maximum extent practicable.
9. Management of Water Flows. To the maximum extent practicable, the pre-
construction course, condition, capacity, and location of open waters must be maintained for
each activity, including stream channelization, storm water management activities, and
temporary and permanent road crossings, except as provided below. The activity must be
constructed to withstand expected high flows. The activity must not restrict or impede the
passage of normal or high flows, unless the primary purpose of the activity is to impound water
or manage high flows. The activity may alter the pre-construction course, condition, capacity,
and location of open waters if it benefits the aquatic environment (e.g., stream restoration or
relocation activities).
10. Fills Within 100-Year Floodplains. The activity must comply with applicable
FEMA-approved state or local floodplain management requirements.
11. Equipment. Heavy equipment working in wetlands or mudflats must be placed
on mats, or other measures must be taken to minimize soil disturbance.
12. Soil Erosion and Sediment Controls. Appropriate soil erosion and sediment
controls must be used and maintained in effective operating condition during construction, and
all exposed soil and other fills, as well as any work below the ordinary high water mark or
high tide line, must be permanently stabilized at the earliest practicable date. Permittees are
encouraged to perform work within waters of the United States during periods of low-flow or
no-flow, or during low tides.
13. Removal of Tempora .ry Fills. Temporary fills must be removed in their entirety
and the affected areas returned to pre-construction elevations. The affected areas must be
revegetated, as appropriate.
14. Proper Maintenance. Any authorized structure or fill shall be properly
maintained, including maintenance to ensure public safety and compliance with applicable
NWP general conditions, as well as any activity-specific conditions added by the district
engineer to an NWP authorization.
15. Single and Complete Project. The activity must be a single and complete
project. The same NWP cannot be used more than once for the same single and complete
proj ect.
16. Wild and Scenic Rivers. (a) No NWP activity may occur in a component of
the National Wild and Scenic River System, or in a river officially designated by Congress as a
"study river" for possible inclusion in the system while the river is in an official study status,
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unless the appropriate Federal agency with direct management responsibility for such river,
has determined in writing that the proposed activity will not adversely affect the Wild and
Scenic River designation or study status.
(b) If a proposed NWP activity will occur in a component of the National Wild and
Scenic River System, or in a river officially designated by Congress as a"study river" for
possible inclusion in the system while the river is in an official study status, the permittee must
submit a pre-construction notification (see general condition 32). The district engineer will
coordinate the PCN with the Federal agency with direct management responsibility for that
river. The permittee shall not begin the NWP activity until notified by the district engineer that
the Federal agency with direct management responsibility for that river has determined in
writing that the proposed NWP activity will not adversely affect the Wild and Scenic River
designation or study status.
(c) Information on Wild and Scenic Rivers may be obtained from the appropriate
Federal land management agency responsible for the designated Wild and Scenic River or
study river (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Information on these rivers is also available at:
http : //www.rivers. gov/.
17. Tribal Rights. No NWP activity may cause more than minimal adverse effects
on tribal rights (including treaty rights), protected tribal resources, or tribal lands.
18. Endan _ ere�d Species. (a) No activity is authorized under any NWP which is
likely to directly or indirectly jeopardize the continued existence of a threatened or endangered
species or a species proposed for such designation, as identified under the Federal Endangered
Species Act (ESA), or which will directly or indirectly destroy or adversely modify the critical
habitat of such species. No activity is authorized under any NWP which "may affect" a listed
species or critical habitat, unless ESA section 7 consultation addressing the effects of the
proposed activity has been completed. Direct effects are the immediate effects on listed species
and critical habitat caused by the NWP activity. Indirect effects are those effects on listed
species and critical habitat that are caused by the NWP activity and are later in time, but still
are reasonably certain to occur.
(b) Federal agencies should follow their own procedures for complying with the
requirements of the ESA. If pre-construction notification is required for the proposed activity,
the Federal permittee must provide the district engineer with the appropriate documentation to
demonstrate compliance with those requirements. The district engineer will verify that the
appropriate documentation has been submitted. If the appropriate documentation has not been
submitted, additional ESA section 7 consultation may be necessary for the activity and the
respective federal agency would be responsible for fulfilling its obligation under section 7 of
the ESA.
(c) Non-federal permittees must submit a pre-construction notification to the
district engineer if any listed species or designated critical habitat might be affected or is in the
vicinity of the activity, or if the activity is located in designated critical habitat, and shall not
begin work on the activity until notified by the district engineer that the requirements of the
ESA have been satisfied and that the activity is authorized. For activities that might affect
Federally-listed endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat, the pre-
construction notification must include the name(s) of the endangered or threatened species that
5

might be affected by the proposed activity or that utilize the designated critical habitat that
might be affected by the proposed activity. The district engineer will determine whether the
proposed activity "may affect" or will have "no effect" to listed species and designated critical
habitat and will notify the non- Federal applicant of the Corps' determination within 45 days of
receipt of a complete pre- construction notification. In cases where the non-Federal applicant
has identified listed species or critical habitat that might be affected or is in the vicinity of the
activity, and has so notified the Corps, the applicant shall not begin work until the Corps has
provided notification that the proposed activity will have "no effect" on listed species or critical
habitat, or until ESA section 7 consultation has been completed. If the non-Federal applicant has
not heard back from the Corps within 45 days, the applicant must still wait for notification from
the Corps.
(d) As a result of formal or informal consultation with the FWS or NMFS the
district engineer may add species-specific permit conditions to the NWPs.
(e) Authorization of an activity by an NWP does not authorize the "take" of a
threatened or endangered species as defined under the ESA. In the absence of separate
authorization (e.g., an ESA Section 10 Permit, a Biological Opinion with "incidental take"
provisions, etc.) from the FWS or the NMFS, the Endangered Species Act prohibits any person
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take a listed species, where "take" means to
harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage
in any such conduct. The word "harm" in the definition of "take" means an act which actually
kills or injures wildlife. Such an act may include significant habitat modification or degradation
where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral
patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering.
(� If the non-federal permittee has a valid ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take
permit with an approved Habitat Conservation Plan for a project or a group of projects that
includes the proposed NWP activity, the non-federal applicant should provide a copy of that
ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) permit with the PCN required by paragraph (c) of this general
condition. The district engineer will coordinate with the agency that issued the ESA section
10(a)(1)(B) permit to determine whether the proposed NWP activity and the associated
incidental take were considered in the internal ESA section 7 consultation conducted for the
ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. If that coordination results in concurrence from the agency
that the proposed NWP activity and the associated incidental take were considered in the
internal ESA section 7 consultation for the ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) permit, the district
engineer does not need to conduct a separate ESA section 7 consultation for the proposed NWP
activity. The district engineer will notify the non-federal applicant within 45 days of receipt of
a complete pre-construction notification whether the ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) permit covers the
proposed NWP activity or whether additional ESA section 7 consultation is required.
(g) Information on the location of threatened and endangered species and their
critical habitat can be obtained directly from the offices of the FWS and NMFS or their world
wide web pages at http://www.fws.gov/ or http://www.fws.gov/ipac and
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/esa/ respectively.
19. Mi rg atory Birds and Bald and Golden Eagles. The permittee is responsible for
ensuring their action complies with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act. The permittee is responsible for contacting appropriate local office of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine applicable measures to reduce impacts to migratory
C�

birds or eagles, including whether "incidental take" permits are necessary and available under
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act for a particular
activity.
20. Historic Properties. (a) In cases where the district engineer determines that the
activity may have the potential to cause effects to properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the
National Register of Historic Places, the activity is not authorized, until the requirements of
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) have been satisfied.
(b) Federal permittees should follow their own procedures for complying with the
requirements of section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. If pre-construction
notification is required for the proposed NWP activity, the Federal permittee must provide the
district engineer with the appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance with those
requirements. The district engineer will verify that the appropriate documentation has been
submitted. If the appropriate documentation is not submitted, then additional consultation
under section 106 may be necessary. The respective federal agency is responsible for fulfilling
its obligation to comply with section 106.
(c) Non-federal permittees must submit a pre-construction notification to the
district engineer if the NWP activity might have the potential to cause effects to any historic
properties listed on, determined to be eligible for listing on, or potentially eligible for listing on
the National Register of Historic Places, including previously unidentified properties. For such
activities, the pre-construction notification must state which historic properties might have the
potential to be affected by the proposed NWP activity or include a vicinity map indicating the
location of the historic properties or the potential for the presence of historic properties.
Assistance regarding information on the location of, or potential for, the presence of historic
properties can be sought from the State Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic
Preservation Officer, or designated tribal representative, as appropriate, and the National
Register of Historic Places (see 33 CFR 330.4(g)). When reviewing pre-construction
notifications, district engineers will comply with the current procedures for addressing the
requirements of section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The district engineer
shall make a reasonable and good faith effort to carry out appropriate identification efforts,
which may include background research, consultation, oral history interviews, sample field
investigation, and field survey. Based on the information submitted in the PCN and these
identification efforts, the district engineer shall determine whether the proposed NWP activity
has the potential to cause effects on the historic properties. Section 106 consultation is not
required when the district engineer determines that the activity does not have the potential to
cause effects on historic properties (see 36 CFR 800.3(a)). Section 106 consultation is required
when the district engineer determines that the activity has the potential to cause effects on
historic properties. The district engineer will conduct consultation with consulting parties
identified under 36 CFR 800.2(c) when he or she makes any of the following effect
determinations for the purposes of section 106 of the NHPA: no historic properties affected, no
adverse effect, or adverse effect. Where the non-Federal applicant has identified historic
properties on which the activity might have the potential to cause effects and so notified the
Corps, the non-Federal applicant shall not begin the activity until notified by the district
engineer either that the activity has no potential to cause effects to historic properties or that
NHPA section 106 consultation has been completed.
7

(d) For non-federal permittees, the district engineer will notify the prospective
permittee within 45 days of receipt of a complete pre-construction notification whether NHPA
section 106 consultation is required. If NHPA section 106 consultation is required, the district
engineer will notify the non-Federal applicant that he or she cannot begin the activity until
section 106 consultation is completed. If the non-Federal applicant has not heard back from the
Corps within 45 days, the applicant must still wait for notification from the Corps.
(e) Prospective permittees should be aware that section 110k of the NHPA (54
U.S.C. 306113) prevents the Corps from granting a permit or other assistance to an applicant
who, with intent to avoid the requirements of section 106 of the NHPA, has intentionally
significantly adversely affected a historic property to which the permit would relate, or having
legal power to prevent it, allowed such significant adverse effect to occur, unless the Corps,
after consultation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), determines that
circumstances justify granting such assistance despite the adverse effect created or permitted
by the applicant. If circumstances justify granting the assistance, the Corps is required to
notify the ACHP and provide documentation specifying the circumstances, the degree of
damage to the integrity of any historic properties affected, and proposed mitigation. This
documentation must include any views obtained from the applicant, SHPO/THPO, appropriate
Indian tribes if the undertaking occurs on or affects historic properties on tribal lands or affects
properties of interest to those tribes, and other parties known to have a legitimate interest in the
impacts to the permitted activity on historic properties.
21. Discovery of Previously Unknown Remains and Artifacts. If you discover
any previously unknown historic, cultural or archeological remains and artifacts while
accomplishing the activity authorized by this permit, you must immediately notify the district
engineer of what you have found, and to the maximum extent practicable, avoid construction
activities that may affect the remains and artifacts until the required coordination has been
completed. The district engineer will initiate the Federal, Tribal, and state coordination
required to determine if the items or remains warrant a recovery effort or if the site is eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
22. Designated Critical Resource Waters. Critical resource waters include, NOAA-
managed marine sanctuaries and marine monuments, and National Estuarine Research
Reserves. The district engineer may designate, after notice and opportunity for public
comment, additional waters officially designated by a state as having particular environmental
or ecological significance, such as outstanding national resource waters or state natural
heritage sites. The district engineer may also designate additional critical resource waters after
notice and opportunity for public comment.
(a) Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States are not
authorized by NWPs 7, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21, 29, 31, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 49, 50, 51, and 52 for
any activity within, or directly affecting, critical resource waters, including wetlands adjacent
to such waters.
(b) For NWPs 3, 8, 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, and
54, notification is required in accordance with general condition 32, for any activity proposed in
the designated critical resource waters including wetlands adjacent to those waters. The district
engineer may authorize activities under these NWPs only after it is determined that the impacts
to the critical resource waters will be no more than minimal.
:

23. Miti ag tion. The district engineer will consider the following factors when
determining appropriate and practicable mitigation necessary to ensure that the individual and
cumulative adverse environmental effects are no more than minimal:
(a) The activity must be designed and constructed to avoid and minimize adverse
effects, both temporary and permanent, to waters of the United States to the maximum extent
practicable at the project site (i.e., on site).
(b) Mitigation in all its forms (avoiding, minimizing, rectifying, reducing, or
compensating for resource losses) will be required to the extent necessary to ensure that the
individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects are no more than minimal.
(c) Compensatory mitigation at a minimum one-for-one ratio will be required for
all wetland losses that exceed 1/10-acre and require pre-construction notification, unless the
district engineer determines in writing that either some other form of mitigation would be
more environmentally appropriate or the adverse environmental effects of the proposed
activity are no more than minimal, and provides an activity-specific waiver of this
requirement. For wetland losses of 1/10-acre or less that require pre-construction notification,
the district engineer may determine on a case-by-case basis that compensatory mitigation is
required to ensure that the activity results in only minimal adverse environmental effects.
(d) For losses of streams or other open waters that require pre-construction
notification, the district engineer may require compensatory mitigation to ensure that the
activity results in no more than minimal adverse environmental effects. Compensatory
mitigation for losses of streams should be provided, if practicable, through stream
rehabilitation, enhancement, or preservation, since streams are difficult-to-replace resources
(see 33 CFR 332.3(e)(3)).
(e) Compensatory mitigation plans for NWP activities in or near streams or other
open waters will normally include a requirement for the restoration or enhancement,
maintenance, and legal protection (e.g., conservation easements) of riparian areas next to open
waters. In some cases, the restoration or maintenance/protection of riparian areas may be the
only compensatory mitigation required. Restored riparian areas should consist of native
species. The width of the required riparian area will address documented water quality or
aquatic habitat loss concerns. Normally, the riparian area will be 25 to 50 feet wide on each
side of the stream, but the district engineer may require slightly wider riparian areas to address
documented water quality or habitat loss concerns. If it is not possible to restore or
maintain/protect a riparian area on both sides of a stream, or if the waterbody is a lake or
coastal waters, then restoring or maintaining/protecting a riparian area along a single bank or
shoreline may be sufficient. Where both wetlands and open waters exist on the project site, the
district engineer will determine the appropriate compensatory mitigation (e.g., riparian areas
and/or wetlands compensation) based on what is best for the aquatic environment on a
watershed basis. In cases where riparian areas are determined to be the most appropriate form
of minimization or compensatory mitigation, the district engineer may waive or reduce the
requirement to provide wetland compensatory mitigation for wetland losses.
(� Compensatory mitigation projects provided to offset losses of aquatic
resources must comply with the applicable provisions of 33 CFR part 332.
(1) The prospective permittee is responsible for proposing an appropriate
compensatory mitigation option if compensatory mitigation is necessary to ensure that the
activity results in no more than minimal adverse environmental effects. For the NWPs, the
preferred mechanism for providing compensatory mitigation is mitigation bank credits or in-
G'�

lieu fee program credits (see 33 CFR 3323(b)(2) and (3)). However, if an appropriate number
and type of mitigation bank or in-lieu credits are not available at the time the PCN is submitted
to the district engineer, the district engineer may approve the use of permittee-responsible
mitigation.
(2) The amount of compensatory mitigation required by the district engineer must
be sufficient to ensure that the authorized activity results in no more than minimal individual
and cumulative adverse environmental effects (see 33 CFR 330.1(e)(3)). (See also 33 CFR
332.3( fl).
(3) Since the likelihood of success is greater and the impacts to potentially
valuable uplands are reduced, aquatic resource restoration should be the first
compensatory mitigation option considered for permittee-responsible mitigation.
(4) If permittee-responsible mitigation is the proposed option, the prospective
permittee is responsible for submitting a mitigation plan. A conceptual or detailed mitigation
plan may be used by the district engineer to make the decision on the NWP verification request,
but a final mitigation plan that addresses the applicable requirements of 33 CFR 332.4(c)(2)
through (14) must be approved by the district engineer before the permittee begins work in
waters of the United States, unless the district engineer determines that prior approval of the
final mitigation plan is not practicable or not necessary to ensure timely completion of the
required compensatory mitigation (see 33 CFR 3323(k)(3)).
(5) If mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program credits are the proposed option, the
mitigation plan only needs to address the baseline conditions at the impact site and the
number of credits to be provided.
(6) Compensatory mitigation requirements (e.g., resource type and amount to be
provided as compensatory mitigation, site protection, ecological performance standards,
monitoring requirements) may be addressed through conditions added to the NWP
authorization, instead of components of a compensatory mitigation plan (see 33 CFR
332.4(c)(1)(ii)).
(g) Compensatory mitigation will not be used to increase the acreage losses
allowed by the acreage limits of the NWPs. For example, if an NWP has an acreage limit of
1/2-acre, it cannot be used to authorize any NWP activity resulting in the loss of greater than
1/2-acre of waters of the United States, even if compensatory mitigation is provided that
replaces or restores some of the lost waters. However, compensatory mitigation can and should
be used, as necessary, to ensure that an NWP activity already meeting the established acreage
limits also satisfies the no more than minimal impact requirement for the NWPs.
(h) Permittees may propose the use of mitigation banks, in-lieu fee programs, or
permittee-responsible mitigation. When developing a compensatory mitigation proposal, the
permittee must consider appropriate and practicable options consistent with the framework at
33 CFR 332.3(b). For activities resulting in the loss of marine or estuarine resources,
permittee-responsible mitigation may be environmentally preferable if there are no mitigation
banks or in-lieu fee programs in the area that have marine or estuarine credits available for
sale or transfer to the permittee. For permittee-responsible mitigation, the special conditions of
the NWP verification must clearly indicate the party or parties responsible for the
implementation and performance of the compensatory mitigation project, and, if required, its
long-term management.
(i) Where certain functions and services of waters of the United States are
permanently adversely affected by a regulated activity, such as discharges of dredged or fill
10

material into waters of the United States that will convert a forested or scrub-shrub wetland to
a herbaceous wetland in a permanently maintained utility line right-of-way, mitigation may be
required to reduce the adverse environmental effects of the activity to the no more than
minimal level.
24. Safet.�poundment Structures. To ensure that all impoundment structures
are safely designed, the district engineer may require non-Federal applicants to demonstrate that
the structures comply with established state dam safety criteria or have been designed by
qualified persons. The district engineer may also require documentation that the design has
been independently reviewed by similarly qualified persons, and appropriate modifications
made to ensure safety.
25. Water Quality. Where States and authorized Tribes, or EPA where applicable,
have not previously certified compliance of an NWP with CWA section 401, individual 401
Water Quality Certification must be obtained or waived (see 33 CFR 330.4(c)). The district
engineer or State or Tribe may require additional water quality management measures to ensure
that the authorized activity does not result in more than minimal degradation of water quality.
26. Coastal Zone Mana eg ment. In coastal states where an NWP has not previously
received a state coastal zone management consistency concurrence, an individual state coastal
zone management consistency concurrence must be obtained, or a presumption of concurrence
must occur (see 33 CFR 330.4(d)). The district engineer or a State may require additional
measures to ensure that the authorized activity is consistent with state coastal zone management
requirements.
27. Re�ional and Case-By-Case Conditions. The activity must comply with any
regional conditions that may have been added by the Division Engineer (see 33 CFR 330.4(e))
and with any case specific conditions added by the Corps or by the state, Indian Tribe, or U.S.
EPA in its section 401 Water Quality Certification, or by the state in its Coastal Zone
Management Act consistency determination.
28. Use of Multiple Nationwide Permits. The use of more than one NWP for a
single and complete project is prohibited, except when the acreage loss of waters of the United
States authorized by the NWPs does not exceed the acreage limit of the NWP with the highest
specified acreage limit. For example, if a road crossing over tidal waters is constructed under
NWP 14, with associated bank stabilization authorized by NWP 13, the maximum acreage loss
of waters of the United States for the total project cannot exceed 1/3-acre.
29. Transfer of Nationwide Permit Verifications. If the permittee sells the property
associated with a nationwide permit verification, the permittee may transfer the nationwide
permit verification to the new owner by submitting a letter to the appropriate Corps district
office to validate the transfer. A copy of the nationwide permit verification must be attached to
the letter, and the letter must contain the following statement and signature:
"When the structures or work authorized by this nationwide permit are still in existence at the
time the property is transferred, the terms and conditions of this nationwide permit, including
any special conditions, will continue to be binding on the new owner(s) of the property. To
11

validate the transfer of this nationwide permit and the associated liabilities associated with
compliance with its terms and conditions, have the transferee sign and date below."
(Transferee)
(Date)
30. Compliance Certification. Each permittee who receives an NWP verification
letter from the Corps must provide a signed certification documenting completion of the
authorized activity and implementation of any required compensatory mitigation. The
success of any required permittee-responsible mitigation, including the achievement of
ecological performance standards, will be addressed separately by the district engineer. The
Corps will provide the permittee the certification document with the NWP verification letter.
The certification document will include:
(a) A statement that the authorized activity was done in accordance with the NWP
authorization, including any general, regional, or activity-specific conditions;
(b) A statement that the implementation of any required compensatory mitigation
was completed in accordance with the permit conditions. If credits from a mitigation bank or
in-lieu fee program are used to satisfy the compensatory mitigation requirements, the
certification must include the documentation required by 33 CFR 332.3(1)(3) to confirm that
the permittee secured the appropriate number and resource type of credits; and
(c) The signature of the permittee certifying the completion of the activity and
mitigation.
The completed certification document must be submitted to the district engineer
within 30 days of completion of the authorized activity or the implementation of any required
compensatory mitigation, whichever occurs later.
31. Activities Affectin� Structures or Works Built by the United States. If an NWP
activity also requires permission from the Corps pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 408 because it will alter
or temporarily or permanently occupy or use a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
federally authorized Civil Works project (a "USACE project"), the prospective permittee must
submit a pre-construction notification. See paragraph (b)(10) of general condition 32. An
activity that requires section 408 permission is not authorized by NWP until the appropriate
Corps office issues the section 408 permission to alter, occupy, or use the USACE project, and
the district engineer issues a written NWP verification.
32. Pre-Construction Notification. (a) Timin�. Where required by the terms of the
NWP, the prospective permittee must notify the district engineer by submitting a pre-
construction notification (PCN) as early as possible. The district engineer must determine if the
PCN is complete within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt and, if the PCN is determined to
be incomplete, notify the prospective permittee within that 30 day period to request the
additional information necessary to make the PCN complete. The request must specify the
information needed to make the PCN complete. As a general rule, district engineers will request
additional information necessary to make the PCN complete only once. However, if the
12

prospective permittee does not provide all of the requested information, then the district
engineer will notify the prospective permittee that the PCN is still incomplete and the PCN
review process will not commence until all of the requested information has been received by
the district engineer. The prospective permittee shall not begin the activity until either:
(1) He or she is notified in writing by the district engineer that the activity may
proceed under the NWP with any special conditions imposed by the district or division
engineer; or
(2) 45 calendar days have passed from the district engineer's receipt of the
complete PCN and the prospective permittee has not received written notice from the district or
division engineer. However, if the permittee was required to notify the Corps pursuant to
general condition 18 that listed species or critical habitat might be affected or are in the vicinity
of the activity, or to notify the Corps pursuant to general condition 20 that the activity might
have the potential to cause effects to historic properties, the permittee cannot begin the activity
until receiving written notification from the Corps that there is "no effect" on listed species or
"no potential to cause effects" on historic properties, or that any consultation required under
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (see 33 CFR 330.4(�) and/or section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act (see 33 CFR 330.4(g)) has been completed. Also, work
cannot begin under NWPs 21, 49, or 50 until the permittee has received written approval from
the Corps. If the proposed activity requires a written waiver to exceed specified limits of an
NWP, the permittee may not begin the activity until the district engineer issues the waiver. If
the district or division engineer notifies the permittee in writing that an individual permit is
required within 45 calendar days of receipt of a complete PCN, the permittee cannot begin the
activity until an individual permit has been obtained. Subsequently, the permittee's right to
proceed under the NWP may be modified, suspended, or revoked only in accordance with the
procedure set forth in 33 CFR 330.5(d)(2).
(b) Contents of Pre-Construction Notification: The PCN must be in writing and
include the following information:
(1) Name, address and telephone numbers of the prospective permittee;
(2) Location of the proposed activity;
(3) Identify the specific NWP or NWP(s) the prospective permittee wants to use
to authorize the proposed activity;
(4) A description of the proposed activity; the activity's purpose; direct and indirect
adverse environmental effects the activity would cause, including the anticipated amount of loss
of wetlands, other special aquatic sites, and other waters expected to result from the NWP
activity, in acres, linear feet, or other appropriate unit of ineasure; a description of any proposed
mitigation measures intended to reduce the adverse environmental effects caused by the
proposed activity; and any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permit(s)
used or intended to be used to authorize any part of the proposed project or any related activity,
including other separate and distant crossings for linear projects that require Department of the
Army authorization but do not require pre-construction notification. The description of the
proposed activity and any proposed mitigation measures should be sufficiently detailed to allow
the district engineer to determine that the adverse environmental effects of the activity will be
no more than minimal and to determine the need for compensatory mitigation or other
mitigation measures. For single and complete linear projects, the PCN must include the
quantity of anticipated losses of wetlands, other special aquatic sites, and other waters for each
single and complete crossing of those wetlands, other special aquatic sites, and other waters.
13

Sketches should be provided when necessary to show that the activity complies with the terms
of the NWP. (Sketches usually clarify the activity and when provided results in a quicker
decision. Sketches should contain sufficient detail to provide an illustrative description of the
proposed activity (e.g., a conceptual plan), but do not need to be detailed engineering plans);
(5) The PCN must include a delineation of wetlands, other special aquatic sites,
and other waters, such as lakes and ponds, and perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams,
on the project site. Wetland delineations must be prepared in accordance with the current
method required by the Corps. The permittee may ask the Corps to delineate the special
aquatic sites and other waters on the project site, but there may be a delay if the Corps does
the delineation, especially if the project site is large or contains many wetlands, other special
aquatic sites, and other waters. Furthermore, the 45 day period will not start until the
delineation has been submitted to or completed by the Corps, as appropriate;
(6) If the proposed activity will result in the loss of greater than 1/10-acre of
wetlands and a PCN is required, the prospective permittee must submit a statement
describing how the mitigation requirement will be satisfied, or explaining why the
adverse environmental effects are no more than minimal and why compensatory
mitigation should not be required. As an alternative, the prospective permittee may submit
a conceptual or detailed mitigation plan.
(7) For non-Federal permittees, if any listed species or designated critical habitat
might be affected or is in the vicinity of the activity, or if the activity is located in designated
critical habitat, the PCN must include the name(s) of those endangered or threatened species
that might be affected by the proposed activity or utilize the designated critical habitat that
might be affected by the proposed activity. For NWP activities that require pre-construction
notification, Federal permittees must provide documentation demonstrating compliance with
the Endangered Species Act;
(8) For non-Federal permittees, if the NWP activity might have the potential to
cause effects to a historic property listed on, determined to be eligible for listing on, or
potentially eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places, the PCN must state
which historic property might have the potential to be affected by the proposed activity or
include a vicinity map indicating the location of the historic property. For NWP activities that
require pre-construction notification, Federal permittees must provide documentation
demonstrating compliance with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act;
(9) For an activity that will occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic
River System, or in a river officially designated by Congress as a"study river" for possible
inclusion in the system while the river is in an official study status, the PCN must identify the
Wild and Scenic River or the "study river" (see general condition 16); and
(10) For an activity that requires permission from the Corps pursuant to 33 U.S.C.
408 because it will alter or temporarily or permanently occupy or use a U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers federally authorized civil works project, the pre-construction notification must
include a statement confirming that the project proponent has submitted a written request for
section 408 permission from the Corps office having jurisdiction over that USACE project.
(c) Form of Pre-Construction Notification: The standard individual permit
application form (Form ENG 4345) may be used, but the completed application form must
clearly indicate that it is an NWP PCN and must include all of the applicable information
required in paragraphs (b)(1) through (10) of this general condition. A letter containing the
required information may also be used. Applicants may provide electronic files of PCNs and
14

supporting materials if the district engineer has established tools and procedures for electronic
submittals.
(d) A�encv Coordination: (1) The district engineer will consider any comments
from Federal and state agencies concerning the proposed activity's compliance with the terms
and conditions of the NWPs and the need for mitigation to reduce the activity's adverse
environmental effects so that they are no more than minimal.
(2) Agency coordination is required for: (i) all NWP activities that require pre-
construction notification and result in the loss of greater than 1/2-acre of waters of the United
States; (ii) NWP 21, 29, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, and 52 activities that require pre-
construction notification and will result in the loss of greater than 300 linear feet of stream
bed; (iii) NWP 13 activities in excess of SOO linear feet, fills greater than one cubic yard per
running foot, or involve discharges of dredged or fill material into special aquatic sites; and
(iv) NWP 54 activities in excess of SOO linear feet, or that extend into the waterbody more than
30 feet from the mean low water line in tidal waters or the ordinary high water mark in the
Great Lakes.
(3) When agency coordination is required, the district engineer will immediately
provide (e.g., via e-mail, facsimile transmission, overnight mail, or other expeditious manner) a
copy of the complete PCN to the appropriate Federal or state offices (FWS, state natural
resource or water quality agency, EPA, and, if appropriate, the NMFS). With the exception of
NWP 37, these agencies will have 10 calendar days from the date the material is transmitted to
notify the district engineer via telephone, facsimile transmission, or e-mail that they intend to
provide substantive, site-specific comments. The comments must explain why the agency
believes the adverse environmental effects will be more than minimal. If so contacted by an
agency, the district engineer will wait an additional 15 calendar days before making a decision
on the pre-construction notification. The district engineer will fully consider agency comments
received within the specified time frame concerning the proposed activity's compliance with
the terms and conditions of the NWPs, including the need for mitigation to ensure the net
adverse environmental effects of the proposed activity are no more than minimal. The district
engineer will provide no response to the resource agency, except as provided below. The
district engineer will indicate in the administrative record associated with each pre-construction
notification that the resource agencies' concerns were considered. For NWP 37, the emergency
watershed protection and rehabilitation activity may proceed immediately in cases where there
is an unacceptable hazard to life or a significant loss of property or economic hardship will
occur. The district engineer will consider any comments received to decide whether the NWP
37 authorization should be modified, suspended, or revoked in accordance with the procedures
at 33 CFR 330.5.
(4) In cases of where the prospective permittee is not a Federal agency, the district
engineer will provide a response to NMFS within 30 calendar days of receipt of any Essential
Fish Habitat conservation recommendations, as required by section 305(b)(4)(B) of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
(5) Applicants are encouraged to provide the Corps with either electronic files or
multiple copies of pre-construction notifications to expedite agency coordination.
DISTRICT ENGINEER'S DECISION
L In reviewing the PCN for the proposed activity, the district engineer will
determine whether the activity authorized by the NWP will result in more than minimal
15

individual or cumulative adverse environmental effects or may be contrary to the public
interest. If a project proponent requests authorization by a specific NWP, the district engineer
should issue the NWP verification for that activity if it meets the terms and conditions of that
NWP, unless he or she determines, after considering mitigation, that the proposed activity will
result in more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse effects on the aquatic
environment and other aspects of the public interest and exercises discretionary authority to
require an individual permit for the proposed activity. For a linear project, this determination
will include an evaluation of the individual crossings of waters of the United States to
determine whether they individually satisfy the terms and conditions of the NWP(s), as well as
the cumulative effects caused by all of the crossings authorized by NWP. If an applicant
requests a waiver of the 300 linear foot limit on impacts to streams or of an otherwise
applicable limit, as provided for in NWPs 13, 21, 29, 36, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52, or 54,
the district engineer will only grant the waiver upon a written determination that the NWP
activity will result in only minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects.
For those NWPs that have a waivable 3001inear foot limit for losses of intermittent and
ephemeral stream bed and a 1/2-acre limit (i.e., NWPs 21, 29, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51, and
52), the loss of intermittent and ephemeral stream bed, plus any other losses of jurisdictional
waters and wetlands, cannot exceed 1/2-acre.
2. When making minimal adverse environmental effects determinations the district
engineer will consider the direct and indirect effects caused by the NWP activity. He or she
will also consider the cumulative adverse environmental effects caused by activities authorized
by NWP and whether those cumulative adverse environmental effects are no more than
minimal. The district engineer will also consider site specific factors, such as the
environmental setting in the vicinity of the NWP activity, the type of resource that will be
affected by the NWP activity, the functions provided by the aquatic resources that will be
affected by the NWP activity, the degree or magnitude to which the aquatic resources perform
those functions, the extent that aquatic resource functions will be lost as a result of the NWP
activity (e.g., partial or complete loss), the duration of the adverse effects (temporary or
permanent), the importance of the aquatic resource functions to the region (e.g., watershed or
ecoregion), and mitigation required by the district engineer. If an appropriate functional or
condition assessment method is available and practicable to use, that assessment method may
be used by the district engineer to assist in the minimal adverse environmental effects
determination. The district engineer may add case-specific special conditions to the NWP
authorization to address site- specific environmental concerns.
3. If the proposed activity requires a PCN and will result in a loss of greater than
1/10-acre of wetlands, the prospective permittee should submit a mitigation proposal with the
PCN. Applicants may also propose compensatory mitigation for NWP activities with smaller
impacts, or for impacts to other types of waters (e.g., streams). The district engineer will
consider any proposed compensatory mitigation or other mitigation measures the applicant has
included in the proposal in determining whether the net adverse environmental effects of the
proposed activity are no more than minimal. The compensatory mitigation proposal may be
either conceptual or detailed. If the district engineer determines that the activity complies with
the terms and conditions of the NWP and that the adverse environmental effects are no more
than minimal, after considering mitigation, the district engineer will notify the permittee and
16

include any activity-specific conditions in the NWP verification the district engineer deems
necessary. Conditions for compensatory mitigation requirements must comply with the
appropriate provisions at 33 CFR 332.3(k). The district engineer must approve the final
mitigation plan before the permittee commences work in waters of the United States, unless the
district engineer determines that prior approval of the final mitigation plan is not practicable or
not necessary to ensure timely completion of the required compensatory mitigation. If the
prospective permittee elects to submit a compensatory mitigation plan with the PCN, the district
engineer will expeditiously review the proposed compensatory mitigation plan. The district
engineer must review the proposed compensatory mitigation plan within 45 calendar days of
receiving a complete PCN and determine whether the proposed mitigation would ensure the
NWP activity results in no more than minimal adverse environmental effects. If the net adverse
environmental effects of the NWP activity (after consideration of the mitigation proposal) are
determined by the district engineer to be no more than minimal, the district engineer will
provide a timely written response to the applicant. The response will state that the NWP activity
can proceed under the terms and conditions of the NWP, including any activity-specific
conditions added to the NWP authorization by the district engineer.
4. If the district engineer determines that the adverse environmental effects of the
proposed activity are more than minimal, then the district engineer will notify the applicant
either: (a) that the activity does not qualify for authorization under the NWP and instruct the
applicant on the procedures to seek authorization under an individual permit; (b) that the
activity is authorized under the NWP subject to the applicant's submission of a mitigation plan
that would reduce the adverse environmental effects so that they are no more than minimal; or
(c) that the activity is authorized under the NWP with specific modifications or conditions.
Where the district engineer determines that mitigation is required to ensure no more than
minimal adverse environmental effects, the activity will be authorized within the 45-day PCN
period (unless additional time is required to comply with general conditions 18, 20, and/or 31,
or to evaluate PCNs for activities authorized by NWPs 21, 49, and 50), with activity-specific
conditions that state the mitigation requirements. The authorization will include the necessary
conceptual or detailed mitigation plan or a requirement that the applicant submit a mitigation
plan that would reduce the adverse environmental effects so that they are no more than
minimal. When compensatory mitigation is required, no work in waters of the United States
may occur until the district engineer has approved a specific mitigation plan or has determined
that prior approval of a final mitigation plan is not practicable or not necessary to ensure timely
completion of the required compensatory mitigation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
1. District Engineers have authority to determine if an activity complies with the
terms and conditions of an NWP.
2. NWPs do not obviate the need to obtain other federal, state, or local permits,
approvals, or authorizations required by law.
3. NWPs do not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges.
4. NWPs do not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others.
5. NWPs do not authorize interference with any existing or proposed Federal
project (see general condition 31).
17

DEFINITIONS
Best mana eg ment practices (BMPs�: Policies, practices, procedures, or structures
implemented to mitigate the adverse environmental effects on surface water quality resulting
from development. BMPs are categorized as structural or non-structural.
Compensatory miti _ a� tion: The restoration (re-establishment or rehabilitation),
establishment (creation), enhancement, and/or in certain circumstances preservation of aquatic
resources for the purposes of offsetting unavoidable adverse impacts which remain after all
appropriate and practicable avoidance and minimization has been achieved.
Currently serviceable: Useable as is or with some maintenance, but not so degraded
as to essentially require reconstruction.
Direct effects: Effects that are caused by the activity and occur at the same time and
place.
Dischar�e: The term "discharge" means any discharge of dredged or fill material
into waters of the United States.
Ecological reference: A model used to plan and design an aquatic habitat and
riparian area restoration, enhancement, or establishment activity under NWP 27. An ecological
reference may be based on the structure, functions, and dynamics of an aquatic habitat type or a
riparian area type that currently exists in the region where the proposed NWP 27 activity is
located. Alternatively, an ecological reference may be based on a conceptual model for the
aquatic habitat type or riparian area type to be restored, enhanced, or established as a result of
the proposed NWP 27 activity. An ecological reference takes into account the range of
variation of the aquatic habitat type or riparian area type in the region.
Enhancement: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of an aquatic resource to heighten, intensify, or improve a specific aquatic
resource function(s). Enhancement results in the gain of selected aquatic resource function(s),
but may also lead to a decline in other aquatic resource function(s). Enhancement does not
result in a gain in aquatic resource area.
Ephemeral stream: An ephemeral stream has flowing water only during, and for a
short duration after, precipitation events in a typical year. Ephemeral stream beds are located
above the water table year-round. Groundwater is not a source of water for the stream. Runoff
from rainfall is the primary source of water for stream flow.
Establishment (creation�: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics present to develop an aquatic resource that did not previously exist at an upland
site. Establishment results in a gain in aquatic resource area.
Hi�h Tide Line: The line of intersection of the land with the water's surface at the
maximum height reached by a rising tide. The high tide line may be determined, in the absence
of actual data, by a line of oil or scum along shore objects, a more or less continuous deposit of
fine shell or debris on the foreshore or berm, other physical markings or characteristics,
vegetation lines, tidal gages, or other suitable means that delineate the general height reached
by a rising tide. The line encompasses spring high tides and other high tides that occur with
periodic frequency but does not include storm surges in which there is a departure from the
normal or predicted reach of the tide due to the piling up of water against a coast by strong
winds such as those accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm.
Historic Property: Any prehistoric or historic district, site (including archaeological
site), building, structure, or other object included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National
:

Register of Historic Places maintained by the Secretary of the Interior. This term includes
artifacts, records, and remains that are related to and located within such properties. The term
includes properties of traditional religious and cultural importance to an Indian tribe or Native
Hawaiian organization and that meet the National Register criteria (36 CFR part 60).
Independent utilitv: A test to determine what constitutes a single and complete non-
linear project in the Corps Regulatory Program. A project is considered to have independent
utility if it would be constructed absent the construction of other projects in the project area.
Portions of a multi-phase project that depend upon other phases of the project do not have
independent utility. Phases of a project that would be constructed even if the other phases were
not built can be considered as separate single and complete projects with independent utility.
Indirect effects: Effects that are caused by the activity and are later in time or farther
removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable.
Intermittent stream: An intermittent stream has flowing water during certain times of
the year, when groundwater provides water for stream flow. During dry periods, intermittent
streams may not have flowing water. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of water for
stream flow.
Loss of waters of the United States: Waters of the United States that are permanently
adversely affected by filling, flooding, excavation, or drainage because of the regulated activity.
Permanent adverse effects include permanent discharges of dredged or fill material that change
an aquatic area to dry land, increase the bottom elevation of a waterbody, or change the use of a
waterbody. The acreage of loss of waters of the United States is a threshold measurement of the
impact to jurisdictional waters for determining whether a project may qualify for an NWP; it is
not a net threshold that is calculated after considering compensatory mitigation that may be used
to offset losses of aquatic functions and services. The loss of stream bed includes the acres or
linear feet of stream bed that are filled or excavated as a result of the regulated activity. Waters
of the United States temporarily filled, flooded, excavated, or drained, but restored to pre-
construction contours and elevations after construction, are not included in the measurement of
loss of waters of the United States. Impacts resulting from activities that do not require
Department of the Army authorization, such as activities eligible for exemptions under section
404( fl of the Clean Water Act, are not considered when calculating the loss of waters of the
United States.
Navi�able waters: Waters subject to section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1899. These waters are defined at 33 CFR part 329.
Non-tidal wetland: A non-tidal wetland is a wetland that is not subject to the ebb and
flow of tidal waters. Non-tidal wetlands contiguous to tidal waters are located landward of the
high tide line (i.e., spring high tide line).
Open water: For purposes of the NWPs, an open water is any area that in a year with
normal patterns of precipitation has water flowing or standing above ground to the extent that
an ordinary high water mark can be determined. Aquatic vegetation within the area of flowing
or standing water is either non-emergent, sparse, or absent. Vegetated shallows are considered
to be open waters. Examples of "open waters" include rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.
Ordinary High Water Mark: An ordinary high water mark is a line on the shore
established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics, or by other
appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas.
Perennial stream: A perennial stream has flowing water year-round during a typical
year. The water table is located above the stream bed for most of the year. Groundwater is the
19

primary source of water for stream flow. Runoff from rainfall is a supplemental source of
water for stream flow.
Practicable: Available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost,
existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes.
Pre-construction notification: A request submitted by the project proponent to the
Corps for confirmation that a particular activity is authorized by nationwide permit. The request
may be a permit application, letter, or similar document that includes information about the
proposed work and its anticipated environmental effects. Pre-construction notification may be
required by the terms and conditions of a nationwide permit, or by regional conditions. A pre-
construction notification may be voluntarily submitted in cases where pre-construction
notification is not required and the project proponent wants confirmation that the activity is
authorized by nationwide permit.
Preservation: The removal of a threat to, or preventing the decline of, aquatic
resources by an action in or near those aquatic resources. This term includes activities
commonly associated with the protection and maintenance of aquatic resources through the
implementation of appropriate legal and physical mechanisms. Preservation does not result in a
gain of aquatic resource area or functions.
Protected tribal resources: Those natural resources and properties of traditional or
customary religious or cultural importance, either on or off Indian lands, retained by, or
reserved by or for, Indian tribes through treaties, statutes, judicial decisions, or executive orders,
including tribal trust resources.
Re-establishment: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to a former aquatic
resource. Re-establishment results in rebuilding a former aquatic resource and results in a gain in
aquatic resource area and functions.
Rehabilitation: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological
characteristics of a site with the goal of repairing natural/historic functions to a degraded
aquatic resource. Rehabilitation results in a gain in aquatic resource function, but does not
result in a gain in aquatic resource area.
Restoration: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics
of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to a former or degraded aquatic
resource. For the purpose of tracking net gains in aquatic resource area, restoration is divided
into two categories: re-establishment and rehabilitation.
Riffle and pool complex: Riffle and pool complexes are special aquatic sites under
the 404(b)(1) Guidelines. Riffle and pool complexes sometimes characterize steep gradient
sections of streams. Such stream sections are recognizable by their hydraulic characteristics.
The rapid movement of water over a course substrate in riffles results in a rough flow, a
turbulent surface, and high dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Pools are deeper areas
associated with riffles. A slower stream velocity, a streaming flow, a smooth surface, and a
finer substrate characterize pools.
Riparian areas: Riparian areas are lands next to streams, lakes, and estuarine- marine
shorelines. Riparian areas are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, through
which surface and subsurface hydrology connects riverine, lacustrine, estuarine, and marine
waters with their adjacent wetlands, non-wetland waters, or uplands. Riparian areas provide a
variety of ecological functions and services and help improve or maintain local water quality.
(See general condition 23.)
20

Shellfish seedin�: The placement of shellfish seed and/or suitable substrate to
increase shellfish production. Shellfish seed consists of immature individual shellfish or
individual shellfish attached to shells or shell fragments (i.e., spat on shell). Suitable substrate
may consist of shellfish shells, shell fragments, or other appropriate materials placed into
waters for shellfish habitat.
Sin�le and complete linear project: A linear project is a project constructed for the
purpose of getting people, goods, or services from a point of origin to a terminal point, which
often involves multiple crossings of one or more waterbodies at separate and distant locations.
The term "single and complete project" is defined as that portion of the total linear project
proposed or accomplished by one owner/developer or partnership or other association of
owners/developers that includes all crossings of a single water of the United States (i.e., a
single waterbody) at a specific location. For linear projects crossing a single or multiple
waterbodies several times at separate and distant locations, each crossing is considered a single
and complete project for purposes of NWP authorization. However, individual channels in a
braided stream or river, or individual arms of a large, irregularly shaped wetland or lake, etc.,
are not separate waterbodies, and crossings of such features cannot be considered separately.
Single and complete non-linear project: For non-linear projects, the term "single and
complete project" is defined at 33 CFR 330.2(i) as the total project proposed or accomplished
by one owner/developer or partnership or other association of owners/developers. A single and
complete non-linear project must have independent utility (see definition of "independent
utility"). Single and complete non-linear projects may not be "piecemealed" to avoid the limits
in an NWP authorization.
Stormwater mana eg ment: Stormwater management is the mechanism for controlling
stormwater runoff for the purposes of reducing downstream erosion, water quality
degradation, and flooding and mitigating the adverse effects of changes in land use on the
aquatic environment.
Stormwater mana�ement facilities: Stormwater management facilities are those
facilities, including but not limited to, stormwater retention and detention ponds and best
management practices, which retain water for a period of time to control runoff and/or improve
the quality (i.e., by reducing the concentration of nutrients, sediments, hazardous substances
and other pollutants) of stormwater runoff.
Stream bed: The substrate of the stream channel between the ordinary high water
marks. The substrate may be bedrock or inorganic particles that range in size from clay to
boulders. Wetlands contiguous to the stream bed, but outside of the ordinary high water marks,
are not considered part of the stream bed.
Stream channelization: The manipulation of a stream's course, condition, capacity,
or location that causes more than minimal interruption of normal stream processes. A
channelized stream remains a water of the United States.
Structure: An object that is arranged in a definite pattern of organization. Examples
of structures include, without limitation, any pier, boat dock, boat ramp, wharf, dolphin, weir,
boom, breakwater, bulkhead, revetment, riprap, jetty, artificial island, artificial reef,
permanent mooring structure, power transmission line, permanently moored floating vessel,
piling, aid to navigation, or any other manmade obstacle or obstruction.
Tidal wetland: A tidal wetland is a jurisdictional wetland that is inundated by tidal
waters. Tidal waters rise and fall in a predictable and measurable rhythm or cycle due to the
gravitational pulls of the moon and sun. Tidal waters end where the rise and fall of the water
21

surface can no longer be practically measured in a predictable rhythm due to masking by other
waters, wind, or other effects. Tidal wetlands are located channelward of the high tide line.
Tribal lands: Any lands title to which is either: 1) held in trust by the United States
for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual; or 2) held by any Indian tribe or individual
subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation.
Tribal ri _�: Those rights legally accruing to a tribe or tribes by virtue of inherent
sovereign authority, unextinguished aboriginal title, treaty, statute, judicial decisions, executive
order or agreement, and that give rise to legally enforceable remedies.
Ve�etated shallows: Vegetated shallows are special aquatic sites under the 404(b)(1)
Guidelines. They are areas that are permanently inundated and under normal circumstances
have rooted aquatic vegetation, such as seagrasses in marine and estuarine systems and a
variety of vascular rooted plants in freshwater systems.
Waterbodv: For purposes of the NWPs, a waterbody is a jurisdictional water of the
United States. If a wetland is adjacent to a waterbody determined to be a water of the United
States, that waterbody and any adjacent wetlands are considered together as a single aquatic
unit (see 33 CFR 328.4(c)(2)). Examples of "waterbodies" include streams, rivers, lakes, ponds,
and wetlands.
22

FINAL REGIONAL CONDITIONS 2017
NOTICE ABOUT WEB LINKS IN THIS DOCUMENT.•
The web links (both internal to our Wilmington District and any external links to collaborating
agencies) in this document are valid at the time of publication. However, the Wilmington
District Regulatory Program web page addresses, as with other agency web sites, may change
over the timefi^ame of the five year Nationwide Permit renewal cycle, in response to policy
mandates or technology advances. While we will make every effort to check on the integrity of
our web links and provide re-direct pages whenever possible, we ask that you report any broken
links to us so we can keep the page information current and usable. We apologize in advanced
for any broken links that you may encounter, and we ask that you navigate from the Regulatory
home page (Regulatory Permit Program Wetlands and Streams) of the Wilmington District
Corps of Engineers, to the "Permits " section of our web site to find links for pages that cannot
be found by clicking directly on the listed web link in this document.
Fina12017 Regional Conditions for Nationwide Permits (NWP) in the Wilmington District
1.0 Excluded Waters
The Corps has identified waters that will be excluded from the use of all NWP's during certain
timeframes. These waters are:
11 Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas
Waters of the United States identified by either the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
(NCDMF) or the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) as anadromous fish
spawning areas are excluded during the period between February 15 and June 30, without prior
written approval from the Corps and either NCDMF or NCWRC.
1.2 Trout Waters Moratorium
Waters of the United States in the designated trout watersheds of North Carolina are excluded
during the period between October 15 and April 15 without prior written approval from the
NCWRC, or from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) Fisheries and Wildlife
Management (FWM) office if the project is located on EBCI trust land. (See Section 2.7 for
information on the designated trout watersheds).
1.3 Sturgeon Spawning Areas as Designated by the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS)
Waters of the United States designated as sturgeon spawning areas are excluded during the
period between February 1 and June 30, without prior written approval from the NMFS.
23

2.0 Waters Requiring Additional Notification
The Corps has identified waters that will be subject to additional notification requirements for
activities authorized by all NWPs. These waters are:
2.1 Western NC Counties that Drain to Designated Critical Habitat
For proposed activities within waters of the United States that require a Pre-Construction
Notification (PCN) and are located in the sixteen counties listed below, permittees must provide
a copy of the PCN to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 160 Zillicoa Street,
Asheville, North Carolina 28801. This PCN must be sent concurrently to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Corps Asheville Regulatory Field Office. Please see General Condition
18 for specific notification requirements related to the Endangered Species Act and the below
website for information on the location of designated critical habitat.
Counties with tributaries that drain to designated critical habitat that require notification to the
Asheville U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Avery, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Haywood,
Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union
and Yancey.
Website and office addresses for Endangered Species Act Information:
The Wilmington District has developed the following website for permittees which provides
guidelines on how to review linked websites and maps in order to fulfill NWP General Condition
18 requirements:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Re _ ul�atoryPermitPro _ ra�m/AgencyCoordination/ESA.a
�
Permittees who do not have internet access may contact the appropriate U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service offices listed below or Corps at [phone]:
Asheville U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office counties: All counties west of and including
Anson, Stanly, Davidson, Forsythe and Stokes Counties.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone: [phone]
Raleigh U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office counties: all counties east of and including
Richmond, Montgomery, Randolph, Guilford, and Rockingham Counties.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
24

Raleigh, NC 27636-3726
Telephone: [phone]
2.2 Special Designation Waters
Prior to the use of any NWP, except NWP 3, that involves a discharge of dredged or fill material
in any of the following identified waters and/or adjacent wetlands in North Carolina, permittees
shall submit a PCN to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity (see General
Condition 32). The North Carolina waters and wetlands that require additional notification
requirements are:
"Outstanding Resource Waters" (ORW) or "High Quality Waters" (HQW) as designated by the
North Carolina Environmental Management Commission; "Primary Nursery Areas" (PNA),
including inland PNA, as designated by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and
the NCWRC; or wetlands adjacent to these waters. Definitions of ORW, HQW and PNA waters
can be found in the North Carolina State Administrative Code, Title 15A, Subchapters 2B and
lOC (15A NCAC 02B, 15A NCAC lOC) and at the following World Wide Web page:
http ://reports. oah. state. nc.us/ncac. asp? folderName=\Title%2015 A%20-
%20Environmental%20Quality&lookUpErroY-15A%20NCAC%20000%20. Surface water
classifications for waters in North Carolina can be viewed at the North Carolina Division of
Water Resources website or at the following World Wide Web Page:
https://deq.nc. gov/about/divisions/water-resources/plannin�/classification-
standards/classifications
Permittees who do not have internet access may contact the Corps at (910) 251- 4633.
2.3 Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Areas of Environmental Concern
Non-federal permittees for any NWP in a designated "Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)
in the twenty (20) counties of Eastern North Carolina covered by the North Carolina Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA) must also obtain the required CAMA permit. Development
activities for non-federal projects may not commence until a copy of the approved CAMA permit
is furnished to the appropriate Wilmington District Regulatory Field Office (Wilmington Field
Office — 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403, [phone] or Washington Field
Office — 2407 West Sth Street, Washington, NC 27889, [phone]).
2.4 Barrier Islands
Prior to the use of any NWP on a barrier island of North Carolina, permittees must submit a PCN
to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity (see General Condition 32).
2.5 Mountain or Piedmont Bogs
Prior to the use of any NWP in a Bog, as classified by the North Carolina Wetland Assessment
Methodology (NCWAM), permittees shall submit a PCN to the District Engineer prior to
commencing the activity (see General Condition 32). The latest version of NCWAM can be
25

viewed on the Corps RIBITS (Regulatory In-lieu Fee and Bank Information Tracking System)
website or at the following World Wide Web Page:
https://ribits.usace. army.mil/ribits_apex/f?p=107:27:0::N0:::
2.6 Animal Waste Facilities
Prior to use of any NWP for construction of animal waste facilities in waters of the United
States, including wetlands, permittees shall submit a PCN to the District Engineer prior to
commencing the activity (see General Condition 32).
2.7 Trout Waters
Prior to any discharge of dredge or fill material into streams, waterbodies or wetlands within the
294 designated trout watersheds of North Carolina, the permittee shall submit a PCN (see
General Condition 32) to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity, unless other
thresholds are established in the Regional Conditions in Section 4(Additional Regional
Conditions for Specific Nationwide Permits). The permittee shall also provide a copy of the
notification to the appropriate NCWRC office, or to the EBCI FWM Office (if the project is
located on EBCI trust land), to facilitate the determination of any potential impacts to designated
Trout Waters.
Notification to the Corps will include a statement with the name of the NCWRC or EBCI FWM
biologist contacted, the date of the notification, the location of work, a delineation of wetlands
and waters, a discussion of alternatives to working in the mountain trout waters, why alternatives
were not selected, and, if applicable, a plan to provide compensatory mitigation for all
unavoidable adverse impacts to mountain trout waters.
NCWRC and NC Trout Watersheds:
NCWRC Contact** Counties that are Counties that are
entirely within Trout partially within Trout
Watersheds* Watersheds*
Mountain Coordinator Alleghany Jackson Burke McDowell
Balsam Depot Ashe Macon Buncombe Mitchell
20830 Great Smoky Avery Swain Caldwell Polk
Mountain Expressway Graham Transylvania Cherokee Rutherford
Waynesville, NC 28786 Haywood Watauga Clay Surry
Telephone: [phone] Henderson Wilkes
Madison Yancey
For NCDOT Projects:
NCDOT Coordinator
206 Charter. Street
Albemarle, NC 28001
Telephone: [phone]
�

*NOTE: To determine notification requirements, contact the Corps Asheville Regulatory Field
Office at [phone] or view maps for each County at the following World Wide Web page:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Re ug latory-Permit-Pro rg am/Agenc�
Coordination/Trout/.
**If a project is located on EBCI trust land, submit the PCN in accordance with Section 3.14.
Contact the Corps Asheville Regulatory Field Office at [phone] with questions.
2.8 Western NC Waters and Corridors
The permittee shall submit a PCN (see General Condition 32) to the District Engineer prior to
commencing the activity in waters of the United States if the activity will occur within any of the
following identified waters in western North Carolina, within 0.5 mile on either side of these
waters, or within 0.75 mile of the Little Tennessee River, as measured from the top of the bank
of the respective water (i.e., river, stream, or creek):
Brasstown Creek
Burningtown Creek
Cane River
Caney Fork
Cartoogechaye Creek
Chattooga River
Cheoah River
Cowee Creek
Cullasaja River
Deep Creek
Ellijay Creek
French Broad River
Garden Creek
Hiwassee River
Hominy Creek
Iotla Creek
Little Tennessee River (within the river or within 0.75 mile on either side of this river)
Nantahala River
Nolichucky River
North Fork French Broad River
North Toe River
Nottley River
Oconaluftee River (portion not located on trust/EBCI land)
Peachtree Creek
Shooting Creek
Snowbird Creek
South Toe River
Stecoah Creek
Swannanoa River
Sweetwater Creek
27

Tuckasegee River (also spelled Tuckaseegee or Tuckaseigee)
Valley River
Watauga Creek
Watauga River
Wayah Creek
West Fork French Broad River
To determine notification requirements, contact the Corps Asheville Regulatory Field Office at
[phone] or view maps for all corridors at the following World Wide Web page:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Permit-Pro rg am/Agenc�
Coordination/Designated-Special-Waters. aspx
3.0 List of Corps Regional Conditions for All Nationwide Permits
The following conditions apply to all Nationwide Permits in the Wilmington District:
3.1 Limitation of Loss of Stream Bed
NWPs may not be used for activities that may result in the loss or degradation of more than 300
total linear feet of stream bed, unless the District Engineer has waived the 3001inear foot limit
for ephemeral and intermittent streams on a case-by-case basis and has determined that the
proposed activity will result in minimal individual and cumulative adverse impacts to the aquatic
environment. Waivers for the loss of ephemeral and intermittent streams must be in writing and
documented by appropriate/accepted stream quality assessments*. This waiver only applies to
the 300 linear feet threshold for NWPs.
This Regional Condition does not apply to NWP 23 (Approved Categorical Exclusions).
*NOTE: Permittees should utilize the most current methodology prescribed by Wilmington
District to assess stream function and quality. Information can be found at:
https://ribits.usace. army.mil/ribits_apex/f?p=107:27:0::N0:::
3.2 Mitigation for Loss of Stream Bed
For any NWP that results in a loss of more than 150 linear feet of stream, the permittee shall
provide a mitigation proposal to compensate for more than minimal individual and cumulative
adverse impacts to the aquatic environment. For stream losses of 150 linear feet or less that
require a PCN, the District Engineer may determine, on a case-by-case basis, that compensatory
mitigation is required to ensure that the activity results in minimal adverse effect on the aquatic
environment.
3.3 Pre-construction Notification for Loss of Streambed Exceeding 150 Feet
Prior to use of any NWP for any activity which impacts more than 150 total linear feet of
perennial stream, intermittent or ephemeral stream, the permittee shall submit a PCN to the
District Engineer prior to commencing the activity (see General Condition 32). This applies to
:

NWPs that do not have specific notification requirements. If a NWP has specific notification
requirements, the requirements of the NWP should be followed.
3.4 Restriction on Use of Live Concrete
For all NWPs which allow the use of concrete as a building material, live or fresh concrete,
including bags of uncured concrete, may not come into contact with the water in or entering into
waters of the United States. Water inside coffer dams or casings that has been in contact with
wet concrete shall only be returned to waters of the United States after the concrete is set and
cured and when it no longer poses a threat to aquatic organisms.
3.5 Requirements for Using Riprap for Bank Stabilization
For all NWPs that allow for the use of riprap material for bank stabilization, the following
measures shall be applied:
3.5.1. Where bank stabilization is conducted as part of an activity, natural design, bioengineering
and/or geoengineering methods that incorporate natural durable materials, native seed mixes, and
native plants and shrubs are to be utilized to the maximum extent practicable.
3.5.2. Filter cloth must be placed underneath the riprap as an additional requirement of its use in
North Carolina waters. The placement of filter fabric is not required if the riprap will be pushed
or "keyed" into the bank of the waterbody. A waiver from the specifications in this Regional
Condition may be requested in writing. The waiver will only be issued if it can be demonstrated
that the impacts of complying with this Regional Condition would result in greater adverse
impacts to the aquatic environment.
3.5.3. The placement of riprap shall be limited to the areas depicted on submitted work plan
drawings.
3.5.4. The riprap material shall be clean and free from loose dirt or any pollutant except in trace
quantities that would not have an adverse environmental effect.
3.5.5. It shall be of a size sufficient to prevent its movement from the authorized alignment by
natural forces under normal conditions.
3.5.6. The riprap material shall consist of clean rock or masonry material such as, but not limited
to, granite, marl, or broken concrete.
3.6 Requirements for Culvert Placement
3.6.1 For all NWPs that involve the construction/installation of culverts, measures will be
included in the construction/installation that will promote the safe passage of fish and other
aquatic organisms. The dimension, pattern, and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or
culvert should not be modified by altering the width or depth of the stream profile in connection
with the construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert should be
29

sufficient to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering flow
velocity. Spring flow is the seasonal sustained high flow that typically occurs in the spring.
Spring flows should be determined from gage data, if available. In the absence of such data,
bank-full flow can be used as a comparable indicator.
In Public Trust Areas of Environmental Concern (AEC) and/or the Estuarine Waters AEC as
designated by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA): All pipes/culverts must be
sufficiently sized to allow for the burial of the bottom of the culvert at least one foot below
normal bed elevation.
!Circula�
Gul+rer
12 Inche
�
Rise
�Diarneter}
In all other areas: Culverts greater than 48 inches in diameter will be buried at least one foot
below the bed of the stream. Culverts 48 inches in diameter or less shall be buried to maintain
aquatic passage and to maintain passage during drought or low flow conditions, and every effort
shall be made to maintain the eXisting channel slope.
Culverts must be designed and constructed in a manner that minimizes destabilization and head
cutting. Destabilizing the channel and head cutting upstream should be considered and
appropriate actions incorporated in the design and placement of the culvert.
A waiver from the depth specifications in this condition may be requested, in writing, by the
permittee and issued by the Corp; this request must be specific as to the reasons(s) for the
request. The waiver will be issued if it can be demonstrated that the proposed design would
result in less impacts to the aquatic environment.
All counties: Culverts placed within riparian and/or riverine wetlands must be installed in a
manner that does not restrict the flow and circulation patterns of waters of the United States.
30

Culverts placed across wetland fills purely for the purposes of equalizing surface water do not
have to be buried, but the culverts must be of adequate size and/or number to ensure unrestricted
transmission of water.
3.6.2 Bank-full flows (or less) shall be accommodated through maintenance of the existing bank-
full channel cross sectional area. Additional culverts or culvert barrels at such crossings shall be
allowed only to receive bank-full flows.
�4pproach FiIl
PUv�ra�
�ulvert }�uried
�ax,,kfiall b�l,aw��e�tn}���1
- - - - - � tia appmpriatie
deptti f ifnequu�ed�.
Baf37e� Str�eam
�lackage ��ttorr�
3.6.3 Where adjacent floodplain is available, flows exceeding bank-full should be accommodated
by installing culverts at the floodplain elevation. Additional culverts or culvert barrels at such
crossings should not be buried, or if buried, must have sills at the inlets to ensure that they only
receive flows exceeding bank-full.
3.6.4 Excavation of existing stream channels shall be limited to the minimum necessary to
construct or install the proposed culvert. The final width of the impacted stream at the culvert
inlet and outlet should be no greater than the original stream width. A waiver from this condition
may be requested in writing; this request must be specific as to the reason(s) for the request. The
waiver will be issued if the proposed design would result in less impacts to the aquatic
environment and/or if it can be demonstrated that it is not practicable to restore the final width of
the impacted stream at the culvert inlet and outlet to the width of the original stream channel.
3.6.5 The width of the culvert shall be comparable to the width of the stream channel. If the
width of the culvert is wider than the stream channel, the culvert shall include baffles, benches
and/or sills to maintain the width of the stream channel. A waiver from this condition may be
requested in writing; this request must be specific as to the reason(s) for the request. The waiver
will be issued if it can be demonstrated that it is not practicable or necessary to include baffles,
benches or sills and the design would result in less impacts to the aquatic environment.
3.7 Notification to NCDEQ Shellfish Sanitation Section
Permittees shall notify the NCDEQ Shellfish Sanitation Section prior to dredging in or removing
sediment from an area closed to shell fishing where the effluent may be released to an area open
for shell fishing or swimming in arder to avoid contamination from the disposal area and cause a
temporary shellfish closure to be made. Such notification shall also be provided to the
appropriate Corps Regulatory Field Office. Any disposal of sand to the ocean beach should
occur between November 1 and April 30 when recreational usage is low. Only clean sand
31

should be used and no dredged sand from closed shell fishing areas may be used. If beach
disposal were to occur at times other than stated above or if sand from a closed shell fishing area
is to be used, a swimming advisory shall be posted, and a press release shall be issued by the
permittee.
3.8 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Impacts to Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) are not authorized by any NWP, except NWP
48, unless EFH Consultation has been completed pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries
Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Permittees shall submit a PCN
(See NWP General Condition 32) to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity if the
project would affect SAV. The permittee may not begin work until notified by the Corps that the
requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act have been satisfied and that the activity is
authorized.
3.9 Sedimentation and Erosion Control Structures and Measures
All PCNs will identify and describe sedimentation and erosion control structures and measures
proposed for placement in waters of the United States. The structures and measures should be
depicted on maps, surveys or drawings showing location and impacts to jurisdictional wetlands
and streams.
3.10 Restoration of Temporary Impacts to Stream Beds
Upon completion of work that involves temporary stream impacts, streambeds are to be restored
to pre-project elevations and widths using natural streambed material such that the impacted
stream reach mimics the adjacent upstream and downstream reach. The impacted area shall be
backfilled with natural streambed material to a depth of at least 12 inches or to the bottom depth
of the impacted area if shallower than 12 inches. An engineered in-stream structure or material
can be used to provide protection of a buried structure if it provides benefits to the aquatic
environment and can be accomplished by a natural streambed design. A permittee may request a
waiver of this condition if it is determined a buried structure needs significant physical protection
beyond those provided in this condition. This condition does not apply to NWP 27 — Aquatic
Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Establishment Activities.
3.11 Restoration of Temporary Impacts to Stream Banks
Upon completion of work involving temporary stream bank impacts, stream banks are to be
restored to pre-project grade and contours or beneficial grade and contours if the original bank
slope is steep and unstable. Natural durable materials, native seed mixes, and native plants and
shrubs are to be utilized in the restoration. Natural designs which use bioengineered and/or geo-
engineered methods are to be applied. An engineered structure or material can be used to provide
protection of a buried structure if it provides benefits to the stream bank environment, provided it
is not in excess of the minimum amount needed for protection and does not exceed an average of
one cubic yard per running foot placed along the bank below the plane of the ordinary high water
mark. A permittee may request a waiver of this condition if it is determined a buried structure
32

needs significant physical protection beyond those provided in this condition. This condition
does not apply to NWP 27 — Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Enhancement, and Establishment
Activities.
3.12 Federal Navigation Channel Setbacks and Corps Easements
312.1 Authorized structures and fills located in or adjacent to Federally authorized waterways
will be constructed in accordance with the latest setback criteria established by the Wilmington
District Engineer. You may review the setback policy at
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navi�ation/Setbacks.aspx. This general permit does
not authorize the construction of hardened or permanently fixed structures within the Federally
Authorized Channel Setback, unless the activity is approved by the Corps. The permittee shall
submit a PCN (see General Condition 32) to the District Engineer prior to the construction of any
structures or fills within the Federally Authorized Channel Setback.
3.12.2 The permittee shall obtain a Consent to Cross Government Easement from the
Wilmington District's Land Use Coordinator prior to any crossing of the Corps easement and/or
prior to commencing construction of any structures, authorized dredging or other work within the
right-of-way of, or in proximity to, a federally designated disposal area. The Land Use
Coordinator may be contacted at: CESAW-OP-N, 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, North
Carolina 28403-1343, email: SAWWeb-NAV(a�usace.army.mil
3.13 Northern Long-eared Bat — Endangered Species Act Compliance
The Wilmington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has consulted with the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in regards to the threatened Northern long-eared bat
(NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) and Standard Local Operating Procedures for Endangered
Species (SLOPES) have been approved by the Corps and the USFWS. This condition concerns
effects to the NLEB only and does not address effects to other federally listed species and/or
federally designated critical habitat.
A. Procedures when the Corps is the lead federal* agency for a project:
The permittee must comply with (1) and (2) below when:
• the project is located in the western 41 counties of North Carolina, to include non-
federal aid North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) projects, OR;
• the project is located in the 59 eastern counties of North Carolina, and is a non-
NCDOT project.
*Generally, if a project is located on private property or on non-federal land, and the project
is not being funded by a federal entity, the Corps will be the lead federal agency due to the
requirement to obtain Department of the Army authorization to impact waters of the United
States. If the project is located on federal land, contact the Corps to determine the lead
federal agency.
33

(1) A permittee using a NWP must check to see if their proj ect is located in the range of
the NLEB by using the following website:
http://www.fws.�ov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/WNSZone.pdf. If the
project is within the range of the NLEB, or if the project includes percussive activities
(e.g., blasting, pile driving, etc.), the permittee is then required to check the appropriate
website in the paragraph below to discover if their project:
• is located in a 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code area ("red HUC" - shown as red areas
on the map), AND/OR;
• involves percussive activities within 0.25 mile of a red HUC.
Red HUC maps - for the western 41 counties in NC (covered by the Asheville Ecological
Services Field Office), check the project location against the electronic maps found at:
http://www.fws.�ov/asheville/htmis/project_review/NLEB_in WNC.html. For the eastern
59 counties in NC (covered by the Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office), check the
project location against the electronic maps found at:
https://www. fws. �ov/ralei�h/NLEB_RFO.html.
(2) A permittee must submit a PCN to the District Engineer, and receive written
authorization from the District Engineer, prior to commencing the activity, if the activity
will involve a� of the following:
• tree clearing/removal, construction/installation of wind turbines in a red HUC,
AND/OR;
• bridge removal or maintenance, unless the bridge has been inspected and there is
no evidence of bat use, (applies anywhere in the range of the NLEB), AND/OR:
• percussive activities in a red HUC, or within 0.25 mile of a red HUC.
The permittee may proceed with the activity without submitting a PCN to either the Corps
or the USFWS, provided the activity complies with all applicable NWP terms and general
and regional conditions, if the permittee's review under A.(1) and A.(2) above shows that
the project is:
located outside of a red HUC (and there are no percussive activities), and the
activity will NOT include bridge removal or maintenance, unless the bridge has
been inspected and there is no evidence of bat use, OR;
located outside of a red HUC and there are percussive activities, but the percussive
activities will not occur within 0.25-mile of a red HUC boundary, and the activity
will NOT include bridge removal or maintenance, unless the bridge has been
inspected and there is no evidence of bat use, OR;
34

located in a red HUC, but the activity will NOT include: tree clearing/removal;
construction/installation of wind turbines; bridge removal or maintenance, unless
the bridge has been inspected and there is no evidence of bat use, and/or; a�
percussive activities.
B. Procedures when the USACE is not the lead federal agency:
For projects where another federal agency is the lead federal agency - if that other federal agency
has completed project-specific ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultation for the NLEB, and has (1)
determined that the project would not cause prohibited incidental take of the NLEB, and (2)
completed coordination/consultation that is required by the USFWS (per the directions on the
respective USFWS office's website), that project may proceed without notification to either the
USACE or the USFWS, provided all General and Regional Permit Conditions are met.
The NLEB SLOPES can be viewed on the USACE website at the following World Wide Web
Page: http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Re ug latory-Permit-Pro rg am/Agenc�
Coordination/ESA/. Permittees who do not have internet access may contact the USACE at (910)
251- 4633.
3.14 Work on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Land
All PCNs submitted for activities in waters of the United States on Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians (EBCI) trust land (i.e., Qualla Boundary and non-contiguous tracts of trust land), must
comply with the requirements of the latest MOU between the Wilmington District and the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
4.0 Additional Regional Conditions for Specific Nationwide Permits
4.1 NWP #14 - Linear Transportation Projects
41.1 If appropriate, permittees shall employ natural channel design (see definition below and
NOTE below) to the maximum extent practicable for stream relocations. All stream relocation
proposals shall include a Relocation and Monitoring Plan and a functional assessment of baseline
conditions (e.g., use of the North Carolina Stream Assessment Methodology). Compensatory
mitigation may be required for stream relocations.
Natural Channel Design means a geomorphologic approach to stream restoration based on an
understanding of valley type, general watershed conditions, dimension, pattern, profile,
hydrology and sediment transport of natural, stable channels (reference condition) and applying
this understanding to the reconstruction of a stable channel.
NOTE: For more information on Natural Channel Design, permittees should reference North
Carolina Stream Mitigation Guidance on the Corps RIBITS (Regulatory In-lieu Fee and Bank
Information Tracking System) website or at the following World Wide Web Page:
httns://ribits.usace.armv.mil/ribits anex/f?n=107:27:16705499703550::NO:RP:P27 BUTTON
KEY:O.
35

4.1.2 This NWP authorizes only upland to upland crossings and cannot be used in combination
with Nationwide Permit 18 to create an upland within waters of the United States, including
wetlands.
4.1.3 This NWP cannot be used for private projects located in tidal waters or tidal wetlands.
4.1.4 In designated trout watersheds, a PCN is not required for impacts to a maximum of 60
linear feet (1501inear feet for temporary dewatering) or 1/10-acre of jurisdictional aquatic
resources for proposed structures not adjoining, adjacent to, or connected to existing structures.
In designated trout waters, the permittee shall submit a PCN (see Regional Conditions 2.7 and
General Condition 32) to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity if 1) impacts
(other than temporary dewatering to work in dry conditions) to jurisdictional aquatic resources
exceed 601inear feet or 1/10-acre; 2) temporary impacts to streams or waterbodies associated
with dewatering to work in dry conditions exceed 1501inear feet; 3) the project will involve
impacts to wetlands; 4) the primary purpose of the project is for commercial development; 5) the
project involves the replacement of a bridge or spanning structure with a culvert or non-spanning
structure in waters of the United States; or 6) the activity will be constructed during the trout
waters moratorium (October 15 through April 15).
41.5 The permittee shall submit a PCN to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity
if the activity will involve the discharge of dredged or fill material into more than 1501inear feet
of stream channel for the construction of temporary access fills and/or temporary road crossings.
The PCN must include a restoration plan that thoroughly describes how all temporary fills will
be removed, describes how pre-project conditions will be restored, and includes a timetable for
all restoration activities.
�

e'^..
Water Resources
[NVIRONMENTHL OUALITY
PA'f MCCROKY
I)ONALD R. VAN Df�.R VAnIZ'f
r���,�
S. JAY ZIM�(I?RMAN
January 13, 2016
Durham & Orange Counties
NCD W R Project No. 20151215
SR 2220 / SR 1838
TIP No. BB-4707 A/B
Site
u
�
0
Total
ANPROVAL of 401 WATF.R QUALITY CERTIFICATION and JORDAN 6UFFER AUTHORIZATION,
with ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Mr. J.R. Hopkins, P.E., Division Engineer
NCDOT, Division 5
2612 North Duke Street
Durham, NC 27704
Dear Mc Hopkins:
You have our approval, in accordance with the conditions listed below, for the following impacts for the purpose of
widening SR 2220 / SR 1838 in Dudiam / Orangc Coonry:
Stream Impacl
Permanent T Bank � Temporary
Fill in Stabilization to � Dewa[ering to
Intermittent Intermittent Intermittent
Stream Stream Stream
(linear ft) (linear ft) (linear ft)
42 35 10
90 0 10
0 0 0
132 � 35 � 20 �
Total Stream Impact for Project: 392 linear feet.
Site
Total
the Cape Fear River Basin _
Permanent� Bank
Fill in Stabilization
Perennial to Perennial
Stream Stream
(linear ft) (linear ft)
0 0
0 0
95 90
95 90
Wetland Im ac[s in the Ca �e Fear River B:
Permanent Fill (ac) Excavation (ac) Mechanized Ciearin
0.02 0.03 0.01
0.02 0.03 O.OI
Total Wetland Impact for Project: 0.06 acres.
Temporary
Dewatering [o
Perennial Stream
(linear ft)
Total Strcam
hnpact
(linear ft)
0 87
o �oo
20 205
20 392
Total Wetland Im act (ac)
0.06
0.06
O en Water (Ponds) Im acts in the Ca e Fear River Basin
Site Permanent �ill in Open Waters Temporary Fill in Open Waters Total Fill in Open Waters
2 0.01 0
Total 0.01 0
Total Open Water Impacf for Pruject: 0.01 acres.
Stnro o( Nor�h Camlinn iLnvfronnientel Qualih �� Wa1er 1<esonrce.
16A Mail Service Cen�er, Raleigh, Noeh Carolina 2 7 5 99-0617
Phane�. 919�807-6300
0.01
0.01

Jordan Ri arian Buffer Im acts
Site Zone 1 Impact Zone 1 Buffer Mitigation Zone 2 Impact Zone 2 Buffer Mitigation
s ft Re uired usin 3:1 ratio s ft Re uired usin L5:1 ratio
I 3978 N/A 3632 N/A
2 2534 7602 394 591
3 328 N/A 0 N/A
4 5881 N/A 1785 N/A
5 6785 N/A 1911 N/A
6 1765 N/A 2994 N/A
7 497 N/A 0 N/A
Totals 21768 7602 10716 591
* n/a = Impact tor S�te is Allowable; No mitigation required
Total Buffer Impact for Project: 32484 square feet.
The project shall be constructed in accordance with your application received November 23, 2015 and revised
January 7, 2016. After reviewing your application, we have decided that these impacts are covered by General
Water Quality Certification Number 3886 This certifica[ion corresponds to the Nationwide Permit 14 issued by the
Corps of Engineers. This approval is also valid for the Jordan Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B.0267). In
addition, you should acquire any other federal, state or local permits before you proceed with your project including
(but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This
approval will expire with the accompanying 404 permit.
This approval is valid solely for the purpose and design described in your application (unless modified below).
Should your project change, you must notify the NCDW R and submit a new application. If the property is sold, the
new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter, and is thereby responsible for complying
with all the conditions. [f total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, or of total
impacts to streams (now or in the future) exceed I SO linear feet, compensatory mitigation may be required as
described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h) (6) and (7). Additional buffer impacts may require compensatory mitigation
as described in ISA NCAC 2B.0267. For this approval to remain valid, you must adhere to the conditions listed in
the attached czrtification and any additional conditions lisizd below.
Conditions of Certification:
I. Compensa[ory mitigation for impacts to 2534 square feet of protected riparian buffers in Zone I and 394 square
feet oFprotected riparian buffers in Zone 2 shall be required. We understand that you have chosen to perform
compensatory mitigation for impacts ro protected buffers through use of the North Carolina Division of Mitigation
Services (DMS) (formerly NCEEP). Mitigation for unavoidable impacts to Jordan Riparian Buffers shall be provided
in the Jordan Lake Basin and done in accordance with I SA NCAC 2B.0267. The DMS has indicated in a letter dated
January 8, 2016 that they will assume responsibility for satisfying the compensatory mitigation requirements for the
above-referenced project, in accordance with DMS's Mitigation Banking Inshument signed July 28, 2010.
2. All stormwater runoff shall be directed as sheetflow through stream buffers at non-erosive velocities, unless
otherwise approved by this certification. [15A NCAC 2B.0267]
3. All riparian buffers impacted by the placement of temporary fill or clearing activities shall be restored to the
preconstruc[ion contours and revege[ated. Maintained buffers shall be permanenHy revegetated with non-woody
species by the end of the growing season following completion of construction. For the purpose of this condition,
maintained buffer areas are defined as areas within the transportation corridor that will be subject to regular NCDOT
maintenance activities including mowing. The area with non-maintained buffers shall be permanently revegetated with
native woody species before the next growing season following completion ofconstruction. [ISA NCAC 2B.0267]
4. Pursuant to I SA NCAC 2B.0267, sediment and erosion control devices shall not be placed in Zone 1 of any Jordan
Buffer without prior approval by the NCDWR. At this time, the NCDWR has approved no sediment and erosion
conhol devices in Zone I, outside of the approved project impacts, anywhere on this project. Moreover, sediment and
erosion control devices shall be allowed in Zone 2 of the buffers provided that 'Lone I is not compromised and that
discharge is released as diffuse flow.

5. Unless otherwise approved in this certification, placement of wlverts and other structures in open waters and
streams, shall be placed below the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than
48 inches, and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48 inches, to allow low flow
passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of wlverts and other structures including temporary erosion
control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or
banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence
that the equilibrium is being maintained if requested in writing by the NCDWR. If this condition is unable to be met
due to bedrock or other limiting features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWR for guidance on
how to proceed and to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required. [15A NCAC 02H.OSG6(b)(2)]
6. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as closely as
possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where appropriate. Widening the stream
channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet end of stmctures typically decreases water
velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage. [ISA
NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
7. Riprap shall not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that precludes
aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be properly designed, sized and installed. [ISA
NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
8. For streams being impacted due to site dewatering activities, the site shall be graded to its preconstruction contours
and revegetated with appropriate native species. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
9. The stream channel shall be excavated no deeper than the nawral bed material of the stream, to the maximum extent
practicable. Efforts must be made to minimize impacts to the stream banks, as well as to vegetation responsible for
maintaining the stream bank stabiliry. Any applicable riparian buffer impact for access to s[ream channel shall be
temporary and be revegetated with native riparian species. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
10. All portions of the proposed project draining to 303(d) listed watersheds that are impaired due to biological
criteria exceedances shall not discharge stormwater directly to surface waters. Srormwater shall be [reated using
appropriate bast management practices (e.g., vegetated conveyances, constructed wetlands, cletantion ponds, etcJ
prior to discharging to surface �vaters.
i L If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact between
curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to
surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and fish kills. [ISA NCAC 02B.0200]
12. During the construction of the project, no staging of equipment of any kind is permitted in waters of the U.S., or
protected riparian buffers. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
13. The dimension, pattern and profile of the stream above and below the crossing shall not be modified. Disturbed
floodplains and streams shall be restored to natural geomorphic conditions. [ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
14. The use of rip-rap above Ihe Normal High Water Mark shall be minimized. Any rip-rap placed for stream
stabilization shall be placed in stream channels in such a manner that it does not impede aquatic life passage. [ISA
NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
15. The Permittee shall ensure that the final design drawings adhere to the permit and to the permit drawings
submitted for approvaL [ I SA NCAC 02H .0507 (c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. AII work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP measures from
the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual such as sandbags, rock berms,
cofferdams and other diversion strucmres shall be used to preven[ excavation in Flowing watec [ISA NCAC
02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
17. Heavy equipment shall be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to minimize
sedimentation and reduce the introduction ofother pollutants into the stream. [ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
18. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters rnust be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. [ISA NCAC
02H.0506(b)(3)]

19. No rock, sand or other materials shall be dredged from the stream channel except where authorized by this
certification. [ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
20. Discharging hydroseed mixtures and washing out hydroseeders and other equipment in or adjacent to surface waters
is prohibited. [ ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
21. The permittee and its authorized agents shall conduct its activities in a manner consistent with State water quality
standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act) and any other
appropriate requirements of State and Federal law. If the NCDW R determines that such standards or laws are not being
met (including the failure to sustain a designated or achieved use) or that State or federal law is being violated, or that
further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, the NCDW R may reevaluate and modify this certification. [ I SA
NCAC 02B.0200]
22. AII fill slopes located in jurisdictional wetlands shall be placed at slopes no flatter than 3:1, unless otherwise
authorized by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
23. A copy of this Water Quality Certification shall be maintained on the construction site at all times. In addition, the
Water Quality Certification and all subsequent modifications, if any, shall be maintained with the Division Engineer and
the on-site project manager. [l5A NCAC 02H .0507(c) and ISA NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
24. The outside buffer, wetland or water boundary located within the construction corridor approved by this authorization
shall be clearly marked by highly visible fencing prior to any land disturbing activities. Impacts to areas within the
fencing are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0501 and .0502]
25. The issuance of this certification does not exempt the Permittee from complying with any and all statutes, rules,
regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other government agencies (i.e. local, state, and federal) having
jurisdiction, including but not limited to applicable buffer rules, stormwater management rules, soil erosion and
sedimentation wn[rol requirements, etc.
26. The Permittee shall report any violations of this certification to the Division of Water Resources within 24 hours of
discovery. f� 5A NCAC 02B.0506{b)(2)]
27. Upon completion of the project (including any impacts at associated borrow or waste sites), the NCDOT Division
Engineer shall complete and return the enclosed "Certification of Completion Form" to notify the NCDWR when all
work included in the 401 Certification has been completed. [15A NCAC 02H.0502(�]
28. Native riparian vegetation (i.e., trees and shrubs native to your geographic region) must be reestablished in the
riparian areas within the construction limits of the project by the end of the growing season following completion of
construction. [15A NCACO2B .0267]
29. There shall be no excavation from, or waste disposal into, jurisdictional weNands or waters associated with this
perniit without appropriate modification. Should waste or borrow sites, or access roads to waste or borrow sites, be
located in wetlands or streams, compensatory mitigation will be required since that is a direct impact from road
wnstruction activities.[15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
30. Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications governing the proper design,
installation and operation and maintenance of such Best Management Practices in order to protect surFace wa[ers
standards [ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]:
a.
�
The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed, installed, operated, and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Ca�•o[ina Sedrnient and Erosion
Contro/ P/anning and Design Manunl.
The design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control measures must
be such that they equal, or exceed, the requirements specified in the mos[ recent version of the North
Carolina Sediment and Erosion Con(rol Manual. The devices shall be maintained on all construction
sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects, including contractor-owned or leased borrow pits
associated with ihe project.
For borrow pit sites, the erosiou and sediment con[rol measures must be designed, installed, uperated,
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Cnrolina Simface Mining
�Lfanual.

d. The reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in accordance with the
requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
3 L Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters unless otherwise approved by this
Certification. [ISA NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
If you wish to contest any statement in the attached Certification you must file a petition for an administrative
hearing. You may obtain the petition form from the office of Administrative hearings. You must file the petition
with the office of Administrative Hearings within sixty (60) days of receipt of this notice. A petition is considered
filed when it is received in the office of Administrative Hearings during normal office hours. The Office of
Administrative Hearings accepts filings Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:OOam and S:OOpm, except
for official state holidays. The original and one (1) copy of the petition must be filed with the Office of
Administrative Hearings.
The petition may be faxed-provided the original and one copy of the document is received by the Office of
Administrative Hearings within five (5) business days following the faxed transmission.
The mailing address for the Office of Administrative Hearings is:
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714
Telephone: [phone]Q Facsimile: [phone]
A copy of the petition must also be served on DEQ as follows:
Mr. Sam M. Hayes, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Resources under Secti�n 40! of the Clezn WT?er Act. If you
have any questions, please contact Rob Ridings at 919-707-8786.
Sincerely,
�
S. Jay Zimmerman, D� ector
Division of Water Resources
Electronic copy only distribution:
Eric Alsmeyer, US Army Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Chris Murcay, Division 5 Environmental Officer
Beth Harmon, Division of Mitigation Services
File Copy

a
i4
���..
5 ,
Water Resources
ENVIRONMENTPL OUALi fY
NCDWR Project No.:
Applicant:
Project Name:
Date of Issuance oP 401 Water Quality Certification:
PA�I' VICCRUKY'
i>oNt�i,u ii. vn� urit vnnit�r
s �n� ri�iNn:izN�n��
C011ll(Y:
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Waler Quality Certification or applicable Buffer Rules, and
any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required lo return this certificate to the 401 Transportation Permitting
Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Resources, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1617. This form
may be returned to NCDWR by Ihc applicant, ihe applican['s au[horiz2d agen[, or the project engineec It is noi
❑ecessaiy to send certificates from all of these.
ApplicnnYs Certificntion
I, , hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligence
was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed ro be built within substantial
compliance and intenl of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and
specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: _ Date:
ng�nPs Ce:tificrrlioiz
(, , hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and diligencc
was used in the observation of [he construclion such thal the constmetion was observed to be built within subs[antial
compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, lhe approved plans 2nd
specifications, and o[her supporting ma[erials.
Signature: Date:
F.ngineer's Cerlificnlian
Partial Final
�� , as a duly registered Professional Bngineer in the S[ate of North
Carolinz, having been authorized to observe (periodically, weekly, Cull time) the construction of lhe project for the
Permittee hereby state that, to the best oPmy abilities, due care and diligence was used in the observation of the
construction such that the construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401
W2ter Quality Certification and Duffer Rules, the approved plans and specifieations, and otlier supporting materials.
Signature
Date
Registration No.
Sla�e of Nonh Camlino IEncironinen�al Qreli�y �, N'amr 2esonrca
ifi17 Mail Service Cenler, RaieiAL, Norlh Camlira 27699-0fi17

Water �uality Certification No. 3886
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR U.S. ARMY CORPS OF
ENGINEERS NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 14 (LINEAR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS)
AND REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 198200031 (WORK ASSOCIATED WITH BRIDGE
CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR CONDUCTED BY NCDOT OR OTHER
GQVERlVME!dT QCFhGlES!
AND RIPARIAN AREA PROTECTION RULES (BUFFER RULES)
Water Quality Certification Number 3886 is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section
401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 02B .0200
for the discharge of fill material to waters and adjacent wetland areas or to wetland areas that are
not a part of the surface tributary system to interstate waters or navigable waters of the United
States (as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix A(B) (14) of the Corps of Engineers regulations
(Nationwide Permit No. 14 and Regional General Permit 1982�0031) and for the Riparian Area
Protection Rules (Buffer Rules) in 15A NCAC 026 .0200.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will not violate
applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217
if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter set forth.
Any proposed fill or modification of wetlands and/or waters, including streams, under this General
Certification requires application to, and written approval from the Division of Water Quality
except for the single family lot exemption described below.
Activities meeting any one (1) of the following thresholds or circumstances require written
approval for a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Quality (the
"Division"):
a) Any temporary or permanent impacts to wetlands, open waters and/or streams, including
stream relocations, except for construction of a driveway to a single family lot as long as
the driveway involves less than 25 feet of temporary and/or permanent stream channel
impacts, including any in-stream stabilization needed for the crossing; or
b) Any impact associated with a high density project (as defined in Item (A)(iv) of the 401
Stormwater Requirements) that is not subject to either a state stormwater program
(such as, but not limited to, Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW or state-implemented Phase II
NPDES) or a certified community's stormwater program; or
c) Any impact associated with a Notice of Violation or an enforcement action for violation(s)
of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H
.1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards, or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC
02B .0200); or
d) Any impacts to streams and/or buffers in the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, or Catawba River
Basins or in the Randleman, Jordan or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or
watershed with Riparian Area Protection Rules [Buffer Rules] in effect at the time of
application) unless the activities are listed as "EXEMPT" from these rules or a Buffer
Authorization Certificate is issued through N.C. Division of Coastal Management (DCM)
delegation for "ALLOWABLE" activities.
In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.3D(e), written approval for a 401
Water Quality General Certification must include the appropriate fee. If a project also requires a
CAMA Permit, then one payment to both agencies shall be submitted and will be the higher of the
two fees.
Activities included in this General Certification that do not meet one of the thresholds
listed above do not require written approval from the Division as long as they comply with
Water Quality Certification No. 3886

�1/ater Quality Certification No. 3886
the Conditions�of Certification listed below. If any of these Conditions cannot be met, then
written approval from the Division is required.
Conditions of Certification:
1. No Impacts Beyond those Authorized in the Written Approval or Beyond the Threshold of Use
of this Certification
No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands, waters, or riparian areas
beyond the footprint of the impacts depicted in the Pre-Construction Notification, as
authorized in the written approval from the Qivision or beyond the thresholds established for
use of this Certification without written authorization, including incidental impacts. All
construction activities, including the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of
sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices shall be performed so that no
violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. Approved plans and
specifications for this project are incorporated by reference and are enforceable parts of this
permit.
2. Standard Erosion and Sediment Control Practices
Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications
governing the proper design, installation and operation and maintenance of such Best
Management Practices and if applicable, comply with the specific conditions and
requirements of the NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit issued to the site:
a. Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control
measures must be such that they equal or exceed the requirements specified in the most
recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual. The devices
shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects,
including contractor-owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
b. For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures must be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the
North Carolina Surface Mining Manual.
c. Reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in
accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act and the
Mining Act of 1971.
d. Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures
and stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
e. If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs),
SA, WS-I, WS-II, High Quality (HQW), or Outstanding Resource (ORW) waters, then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs must comply with the requirements set forth
in 15A NCAC 04B .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
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Water �uality �ertification I�o. 3�86
3. No Sediment and Erosion Control Measures in Wetlands or Waters
Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters.
Exceqtions to this condition require application submittal to and written approval by the
Div;�ior. !f pl��emert cf �edir�ert a^d ero�;on ccr#r�! �e�r:c�s in �,r✓etlurds anu �r��ters is
unavoidable, then design and placement of temporary erosion control measures shall not be
conducted ir a manner that may result in dis-equilibrium of wetlands, stream beds, or banks,
adjacent to or upstream and downstream of the above structures. All sediment and erosion
control devices shall be removed and the natural grade restored within two (2) months of the
date that the Division of Land Resources (DLR) or locally delegated program has released
the specific area within the project.
4. Construction Stormwater Permit NCG010000
An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit is required for construction projects that disturb
one (1) or more acres of land. This Permit allows stormwater to be discharged during land
disturbing construction activities as stipulated in the conditions of the permit. If your project
is covered by this permit, full compliance with permit conditions including the erosion &
sedimentation control plan, inspections and maintenance, self-monitoring, record keeping
and reporting requirements is required. A copy of the general permit (NCG010000),
inspection log sheets, and other information may be found at
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ws/su/npdessw#tab-w .
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent version
of their individual NPDES (NCS000250) stormwater permit.
5. Construction Moratoriums and Coordination
If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (i.e. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of other
state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities.
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to lessen impacts on trout, anadromous
fish, larval/post-larval fishes and crustaceans, or other aquatic species of concern shall be
implemented. Exceptions to this condition require written approval by the resource agency
responsible for the given moratorium.
Work within the twenty-five (25) designated trout counties or identified state or federal
endangered or threatened species habitat shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC,
USFWS, NMFS, and/or DMF personnel.
6. Work in the Dry
All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does
not come in contact with the disturbed area. Approved best management practices from the
most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or the NC DOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams,
and other diversion structures shall be used to minimize excavation in flowing water.
Exceptions to this condition require application submittal to and written approval by the
Division.
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Water Quafity Certification No. 3�86
7. Riparian Area Protection (Buffer) Rules
Activities located in the protected riparian areas (whetherjurisdictional wetlands or not),
within the Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the Randleman, Jordan, or
Gcose �r�ek 1N�te; shQds (or a^y other b�sin or u�atsrshed .:�;th wu��r r�!e�) shall we limited
to "uses" identified within and constructed in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0233, .0259,
.0243, .0250, .0267 and .0605, and shall be located, designed, constructed, and maintained
to have minimal disturbance to protect water quality to the maximum extent practicable
through the use of best management practices. All buffer rule requirements, including diffuse
flow requirements, must be met.
8. If concrete is used during the construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to
prevent direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water
that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state
due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life/ fish kills.
9. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site-appropriate means (grassed swales, pre-
formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. Please refer to the
most current version of Stormwaier Best Management Practices. Exceptions to this condition
require written approval by the Division.
10. Compensatory Mitigation
In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (h), compensatory mitigation may be required for
losses of equal to or greater than 150 linear feet of streams (intermittent and perennial)
and/or equal to or greater than one (1) acre of wetlands. For linear public transportation
projects, impacts equal to or exceeding 150 linear feet per stream shall require mitigation.
Buffer mitigation may be required for any project with Buffer Rules in effect at the time of
application for activities classified as "Allowable with Mitigation" or "Prohibited" within the
Table of Uses.
A determination of buffer, wetland, and stream mitigation requirements shall be made for any
General Water Quality Certification for this Nationwide and/or Regional General Permit.
Design and monitoring protocols shall follow the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington
District Stream Mitigation Guidelines (April 2003) or its subsequent updates. Compensatory
mitigation plans shall be submitted to the Division for written approval as required in those
protocols. The mitigation plan must be implemented and/or constructed before any impacts
occur on site. Alternatively, the Division will accept payment into an in-lieu fee program or a
mitigation bank. In these cases, proof of payment shall be provided to the Division before
any impacts occur on site.
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�fi/ater �uality Certification iVo. 3$86
11. Relocated stream designs should include the same dimensions, patterns, and profiles as the
existing channel (or a stable reference reach if the existing channel is unstable), to the
maximum extent practical. The new channel should be constructed in the dry and water shall
not be turned into the new channel until the banks are stabilized. Vegetation used for bank
stab;l:zation shal! be !;m;ted t� nati:�e v:�ood;� spec;es, an� shou!�+ inclu�e estab!;shment ef a
30-foot wide wooded and an adjacent 20-foot wide vegetated buffer on both sides of the
relocated channel to the maximum extent practical. A transitional phase incorporating
appropriate erosion control matting materials and seedling establishment is allowable,
however matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used in
wetlands, riparian buffers or floodplains as recommended by the North Carolina Sediment
and Erosion Control Manual. Rip-rap, A-Jacks, concrete, gabions or other hard structures
may be allowed if it is necessary to maintain the physical integrity of the stream; however, the
applicant must provide written justification and any calculations used to determine the extent
of rip-rap coverage. Please note that if the stream relocation is conducted as a stream
restoration as defined in the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District, April 2003
Stream Mitigation Guidelines (or its subsequent updates), the restored length may be used
as compensatory mitigation for the impacts resulting from the relocation.
12. Stormwater Management Plan Requirements
All applications shall address stormwater management throughout the entire project area per
the 401 Stormwater Requirements, referenced herein as "Attachment A" at the end of this
Certification.
13. Placement of Culverts and Other Structures in Waters and Wetlands
Culverts required for this project shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the
original stream profiles are not altered and atlow for aquatic life movement during low flows.
Existing stream dimensions (including the cross section dimensions, pattern, and longitudinal
profile) must be maintained above and below locations of each culvert.
Placement of culverts and other structures in waters and streams must be below the
elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches,
and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48
inches, to allow low flow passage of water and aquatic life.
When topographic constraints indicate culvert slopes of greater than 5%, culvert burial is not
required, provided that all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated
and aquatic life movement/ connectivity has been provided when possible (rock ladders,
crossvanes, etc). Notification to the Division including supporting documentation to include a
location map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations shall be provided
to the Division 60 days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required provided that there
is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification to the Division including
supporting documentation such as, but not limited to, a location map of the culvert,
geotechnical reports, photographs, etc shall be provided to the Division a minimum of 60
days prior to the installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then
the Division shall be notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
If other site-specific topographic constraints preclude the ability to bury the culverts as
described above and/or it can be demonstrated that burying the culvert would result in
destabilization of the channel, then exceptions to this condition require application submittal
to, and written approval by, the Division of Water Quality, regardless of the total impacts to
streams or wetlands from the project.
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1fVater Quality Certification No. 388�
Installation of culverts in wetlands must ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. Additionally, when
roadways, causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA-designated
floodways or wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges must be provided to maintain
the nat��ral hydre!egy of the s�stem as ���e!! as �reven! censt�ict;on of the fleodway ±ha± may
result in destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native, woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques must be used where practicable instead of riprap or other bank hardening
methods.
14. All temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted area returned to natural
conditions within 60 days of the determination that the temporary impact is no longer
necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade, including each stream's
original cross secticnal dimensions, plan form pattern, and longitudinal bed ard bed profile,
and the various sites shall be stabilized with natural woody vegetation (except for the
approved maintenance areas) and restored to prevent erosion.
15. All temporary pipes/ culverts/ riprap pads etc, shall be installed in all streams as outlined in
the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and
Design Manua/ or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual so as not to restrict stream flow
or cause dis-equilibrium during use of this General Certification.
16. Any riprap required for proper culvert placement, stream stabilization, or restoration of
temporarily disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the approved
construction activity. AII rip-rap shall buried and/or "keyed in" such that the original stream
elevation and streambank contours are restored and maintained. Placement of rip-rap or
other approved materials shall not result in de-stabilization of the stream bed or banks
upstream or downstream of the area.
17. Any rip-rap used for stream stabilization shall be of a size and density so as not to be able to
be carried off by wave, current action, or stream flows and consist of clean rock or masonry
material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip-rap shall not be installed in the streambed
except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural integrity of bank
stabilization measures.
18. A one-time application of fertilizer to re-establish vegetation is allowed in disturbed areas
including riparian buffers, but is restricted to no closer than 10 feet from top of bank of
streams. Any fertilizer application must comply with all other Federal, State and Local
regulations.
19. If this Water Quality Certification is used to access building sites, then all lots owned by the
applicant must be buildable without additional impacts to streams or wetlands. The applicant
is required to provide evidence that the lots are buildable without requiring additional impacts
to wetlands, waters, or buffers if required to do so in writing by the Division. For road
construction purposes, this Certification shall only be utilized from natural high ground to
natural high ground.
20. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all retained jurisdictional
wetlands, waters, and protective buffers within the project boundaries in order to assure
compliance for future wetland, water, and buffer impact. These mechanisms shall be put in
place at the time of recordinq of the propertv or of individual lots, whichever is appropriate. A
sample deed notification can be downloaded from the 401/Wetlands Unit web site at
http://portal.ncdenr.orq/web/wq/swp/ws/401/certsandpermits/apply/forms. The text of the
sample deed notification may be modified as appropriate to suit to a specific project.
Documentation of deed notifications shall be provided to the Division upon request.
Water Quality Certification No. 3886

Water Quality �ertification No. 3886
21. If an environmental document is required under the National or State Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA or SEPA), then this General Certification is not valid until a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) or Record of Decision (ROD) is issued by the State
Clearinghouse.
22. In the twenty (20) coastal counties, the appropriate DWQ Regional Office must be contacted
to determine if Coastal Stormwater Regulations will be required.
23. This General Certification does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain all other
required Federal, State, or Local approvals.
24. The applicant/permittee and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner
consistent with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from
compliance with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of
State and Federal Law. If the Division determines that such standards or laws are not being
met, including failure to sustain a designated or achieved use, or that State or Federal law is
being violated, or that further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, then the
Division may reevaluate and modify this General Water Quality Certification.
25. When written authorization is required for use of this certification, upon completion of all
permitted impacts included within the approval and any subsequent modifications, the
applicant shall be required to return the certificate of completion attached to the approval.
One copy of the certificate shall be sent to the DWQ Central Office in Raleigh at 1650 Mail
Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1650.
26. Additional site-specific conditions, including monitoring and/or modeling requirements, may
be added to the written approval letter for projects proposed under this Water Quality
Certification in order to ensure compliance with all applicable water quality and effluent
standards.
27. This certification grants permission to the director, an authorized representative of the
Director, or DENR staff, upon the presentation of proper credentials, to enter the property
during normal business hours.
This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Nationwide and/or Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect on the date
of issuance of Certification for a specific project shall remain in effect for the life of the project,
regardless of the expiration date of this Certification.
Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project may result
in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in criminal and/or civil
penalties.
The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Quality may require submission of a formal
application for Individual Certification for any project in this category of activity if it is determined
that the project is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon water quality, including state or
federally listed endangered or threatened aquatic species, or degrade the waters so that existing
uses of the wetland or downstream waters are precluded.
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Water Quaiity Certifiication No. 3886
Public hearings may be held for specific applications or group of applications prior to a
Certification decision if deemed in the public's best interest by the Director of the North Carolina
Qivi�;on of Water Q�ality.
Effective date: March 19, 2012
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
By
� �- �� � ,��
Charles Wakild, P.E.
Director
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 3886 issued March 12, 2012 replaces
WQC Number 3820 issued April 6, 2010; WQC Number 3627 issued March 2007; WQC Number
3404 issued March 2003; WQC Number 3375 issued March 18, 2002; WQC Number 3289 issued
June 1, 2000; WQC Number 3103 issued February 11, 1997; WQC Number 2732 issued May 1,
1992; WQC Number 2666 issued January 21, 1992; WQC Number 2177 issued November 5,
1987. This WQC is rescinded when the Corps of Engineers reauthorizes any of the
corresponding Nationwide and/or Regional General Permits or when deemed appropriate by ihe
Director of the Division of Water Qualify.
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V�/ater Quality Certification iVo. 3�86
Attachment A: 401 Stormwater Requirements
The requirements listed below shall be implemented in order to comply with Condition 12 of this
G�neral Cert;fic�tior. For the North Caro!in� Depar±ment of TransNo�tate^, com�l�ance with
NCDOT's Individual NPDES permit NCS000250 shall serve to satisfy the 401 and Isolated
Wetland Stormwater Requirements.�
A. Design and Implementation Requirements. All projects, regardless of project area,
amount of built-upon area or amount of jurisdictional impact, shall meet the following
stormwater design requirements:
i. Non-Erosive Discharge to Streams and Wetlands. Stormwater conveyances that
discharge to streams and wetlands must discharge at a non-erosive velocity�rior to
entering the stream or wetland during the peak flow from the ten-year storm.
Vegetated Setbacks. A 30-foot wide vegetated setback must be maintained adjacent to
streams, rivers and tidal waters in areas that are not subject to a state Riparian Area
Protection Rule or other more stringent vegetated setback requirements. The width of
the setback shall be measured horizontally from the normal pool elevation of impounded
structures, the top-of-bank of streams and rivers, and the mean high waterline of tidal
waters, perpendicular to shoreline. Vegetated setback and filters required by state rules
or local governments may be met concurrently with this requirement and may contain
coastal, isolated or 404 jurisdictional wetlands. Non-jurisdictional portions of the
vegetated setback may be cleared and graded, but must be planted with and maintained
in grass or other vegetative or plant material.3
iii. Construction and Operation. The stormwater management plan must be constructed
and operational before any permanent building or other structure is occupied or utilized at
the site. The stormwater management plan, including drainage patterns, must be
maintained in perpetuity.4
iv. Coordination with Other Stormwater Programs. Projects that are subject to another
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) stormwater program, including (but not limited to) the 20
Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW or state-implemented Phase II NPDES, or a Certified
Community's stormwater management program, must be constructed and maintained in
compliance with the approved stormwater management plan.5
Stormwater Design Requirements for Projects Not Covered Under Item (iv).
Projects that are not subject to another DWQ stormwater program or a Certified
Community's stormwater program shall meet all of the following requirements:
a. Low Density. A site is low density if all the following requirements are met:
The development has a built upon area of twenty-four percent (24%) or less,
considering both current and future development. When determining the amount
of built upon area, coastal wetlands shall be included; however, ponds, lakes and
rivers as specified in North Carolina's Schedule of Classifications shall be
excluded. If a portion of project has a density greater than 24%, the higher
density area must be located in an upland area and away from surface waters
and drainageways to the maximum extent practicable.s
2. All stormwater runoff from the built upon areas is transported primarily via
vegetated conveyances designed in accordance with the most recent version of
the NC DWQ Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. Alternative
designs may be approved if the applicant can show that the design provides
Water Quality Certification No. 3886

Water Quaiity Certification No. 3886
equal or better water quality protection than the practices specified in the manual.
The project must not include a stormwater collection system (such as piped
conveyances) as defined in 15A NCAC 026 .0202(60).'
h. Ni�� pen�:ty. Pro;ects that do not meet tns Lo�r� L�e.^.si±y requirement� shall meet
the following requirements:
1. Stormwater runoff from the entire site must be treated by structural stormwater
controls (BMPs) that are designed to remove eighty-five percent (85%) of the
average annual amount of Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Stormwater runoff
that drains directly to Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) must also be treated to
remove thirty percent (30%) of Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP).8
2. All BMPs must be designed in accordance with the version of the NC DWQ
Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual that is in place on the date of
stormwater management plan submittal. Alternative designs may be approved if
the applicant can show that the design provides equal or better water quality
protection than the practices specified in the manual.9
3. DWQ may add specific stormwater management requirements on a case-by-
case basis in order to ensure that a proposed activity will not violate water quality
standards.'o
4. DWQ may approve Low Impact Developments (LIDs) that meet the guidance set
forth in the Low Impact Development: A Guidebook for North Carolina."
5. Proposed new development undertaken by a local government solely as a public
road project shall follow the requirements of the NC DOT BMP Toolbox rather
than Items (1)-(4) above.12
B. Submittal Requirements. The submittal requirements listed below apply only to projects
that require written authorization as indicated in the applicable General Certification as well
as projects that require an Isolated Wetlands Permit. Any required documentation shall
be sent to the Wetlands, Buffers and Stormwater Compliance and Permitting Unit at
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650.
Projects that are Subject to Another DWQ Stormwater Program: If the project is
subject to another DWQ stormwater program, such as the 20 Coastal Counties, HQW,
ORW or state-implemented Phase II NPDES, then the applicant shall submit a copy of
the stormwater approval letter before any impacts occur on site.13
Projects that are Subject to a Certified Community's Stormwater Program. If the
project is subject to a certified local government's stormwater program, then the applicant
shall submit one set of approved stormwater management plan details and calculations
with documentation of the local government's approval before any impacts occur on site.5
iii. Projects Not Covered Under Items (i) or (ii). If the project is not subject to another
DWQ Stormwater Program or a Certified Community's stormwater program, then it shall
be reviewed and approved by the DWQ through the Water Quality Certification
authorization process.
a. Low Density. For low density projects, the applicant shall submit two copies of the
DWQ Low Density Supplement Form with all required items.13
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Water Quality �ertification No. 3�86
b. High Density. For high density projects, the applicant shall submit two copies of a
DWQ BMP Supplement Form and all required items at the specified scales for each
BMP that is proposed.13
!y. Q�13S:n5. St0!'!71\R�Bt@f Illanagpm�nt p!w^� !7?8)/ F1G M�1�SpG� Otl a C8S@-�Jy�-Case �aaslS, W!th
the submittal of a final stormwater management plan per Items (i)-(iii) above required for
the current phase and a conceptual stormwater management plan for the future phase(s).
The stormwater management plan for each future phase must be approved by the
appropriate entity before construction of that phase is commenced. The approved
stormwater management plan for each future phase must be constructed and operational
before any permanent building or other structure associated with that phase is
occupied. 4
Stormwater Management Plan Modifications. The stormwater management plan may
not be modified without prior written authorization from the entity that approved the plan.
If the project is within a Certified Community, then the applicant shall submit one set of
approved stormwater management plan details and calculations with documentation of
the local government's approval for record-keeping purposes. If the project is subject to
DWQ review, then the applicant shall submit two copies of the appropriate Supplement
Forms per Item (iii) above for any BMPs that have been modified for DWQ's review and
approval.15
' The stormwater requirement for 401 applications is codified in 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and
(c)(5).
z Non erosive discharge rates are required in SL 2008-211§2(b)(1). The 10-year design storm
standard is codified in 15A NCAC 02H .1008(f)(2) and .1008(g)(1).
3 30-foot vegetated setbacks are required in SL 2006-246§9(d), SL 2008-211§2(b), 15A NCAC
02H .1006(2)(c) and .1007(1)(a).
4 Construction and maintenance of the stormwater plan is necessary to satisfy 15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(5).
5 Conveys application procedure to streamline the permitting process and reduce any unnecessary
duplication in the review of stormwater management plans.
6 Low density built upon area thresholds are set in SL 2006-246§9(c) and SL 2008-211 §2(b).
' The requirement for low density development to use vegetated conveyances is codified in SL
2006-246§9(c), SL 2008-211§2(b), 15A NCAC 02H .1006(2)(b) and .1007(1)(a). The Stormwater
BMP Manual is also referenced in 15A NCAC 02B .0265(3)(a) and .0277(4)(e).
$ 85% TSS removal is required in SL 2006-246§9(d), SL 2008-211§2(b), 15A NCAC 02H
.1006(2)(c), 15A NCAC 02H .1007(1)(a). The 30% TN and TP removal requirements for NSW
waters are set forth in 15A NCAC 02B .0232, 15A NCAC 026 .0257(a)(1), 15A NCAC 02B
.0265(3)(a) and 15A NCAC 02B .0277(4).
9 The Stormwater BMP Manual is also referenced in 15A NCAC 02B .0265(3)(a) and .0277(4)(e).
10 The requirement for DWQ to ensure that water quality standards are protected before issuing a
401 certification is codified in 15A NCAC 02H .0506.
11 The LID Toolbox is also referenced in 15A NCAC 026 .0277(4)(g).
12 The term "public road projecY' is defined in15A NCAC 02B .0265(3)(a).
13 Conveys application procedure to streamline the permitting process.
'a Phased development is addressed as a"common plan of development" in 15A NCAC 02H
.1003(3).
15 Procedures for modifying stormwater plans are set forth in 15A NCAC 02H .1011.
Water Quality Certification No. 3886 11