20191296 Ver 1_Project Narrative_20191015

SAMPSON CONTRACTING, INC.
Marine Construction And Environmental Consulting Services
125 Hunters Trail West, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, 27909 USA
Tel: [phone] — Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] w .sampsoncontracting.com
PROJECT NARRATIVE
IN SUPPORT OF REQUEST FOR MAJOR PERMIT
07/21/2619
APPLICANT: Donald and Gwen Hudson
PROJECT: Shoreline Protection, and Boat Slip Development
Received
6.d i,4 l tl -E W
LOCATION: Perquimans County, North Carolina; 159 Halsey Bay Road, Perquimans
County, adjacent to the Perquimans River
Directions:
From the south end of the US Highway 17 bridge over the Perquimans River,
continue to the southwest to the intersection of State Road 1336 (Harvey Point
Road), and turn left. Proceed 4.3 miles to the southeast to a traffic circle.
Continue straight through the traffic circle on Harvey Point Road for another
1.9 miles to the intersection of State Road 1400 (Halsey Bay Road), and turn
left. Proceed northeast for 0.25 miles to a driveway on the left. Turn left into
the driveway and follow to its end. Development site, along the Perquimans
River is 190-ft straight ahead.
SITE: Description:
The project area consists of a 9.77 acre tract of land bordered along most of its
southeastern boundary by Halsey Bay Road, and along its northeastern
boundary by the Perquimans River. This tract is owned by Donald and Gwen
Hudson, and identified on Perquimans County Records as 159 Halsey Bay
Road, Bethel Township, and by PIN as 7877-33-0505.
The shoreline of the tract along the Perquimans River is 706 feet. This number
is measured. between the lot boundaries and along the alignment of the
existing bulkhead, and does not take into account minor shoreline fluctuations
along this property boundary observed on a site visit on 5/7/2019.
AdjoiningDevelopment:
evelopment:
All lots surrounding this Hudson tract are zoned RA for similar uses as part of
a Rural Ag District. The lots to the west of the Hudson tract are currently
undeveloped, and are under active agriculture. The two lots to the north of the
tract, along the river, are undeveloped, while the 9 lots to the south of the tract,
along the river, have existing residential development, with all but the first and
sixth lots to the south having in -water development. The closest pier to the
north of the Hudson tract lies approximately 0.5 miles away, while the closest
pier to the south of the Hudson tract lies approximately 0.1 miles away.

r
Erosion:
Erosion is readily discernable along the shoreline of the Lot, landward of the
existing failing bulkhead. There exists approximately 785 square feet of
formerly uplands that has washed out from behind the bulkhead. At the most
severely eroded areas, there has been approximately 5-ft of uplands eroded.
The erosion escarpment in these areas is approximately 4-11 above Normal
Water Level (NWL), extending landward and above the top of the existing
bulkhead, which is situated approximately 2.7-ft above the NWL.
This shoreline along the Perquimans River is a high energy shoreline where
winds cross an open fetch of water ranging from approximately 3.6 miles
when blowing from the north-northwest, 5.2 miles when blowing from the
east, and a minimum of approximately 1.2 miles when blowing from the east-
northeast. This shoreline is sheltered by land when winds range from the
north-northwest, counter -clockwise, to the east.
Soils:
Information available from the USDA indicates two hydric soil types exist:
Roanoke Silt Loam (Ro), and Chowan Silt Loam (CO). The Roanoke Silt
Loam soil type comprises approximately' 77% of the Lot and extends
approximately to all areas of the lot above the 4-ft contour level. The Chowan
Silt Loam soil type comprises approximately. 23% of the Lot, and extends
from the 404 wetlands in the northern corner of the lot in a southerly direction
between the confines of the 4-ft contour level. The soil in the area of proposed
development along the Yeopim River is classified in its entirety as Chowan
Silt Loam (CO) soil.
Hydrology
The hydrology of the project area varies by soil type. The area of Roanoke Silt
Loam soil is 0 to 12 inches above the water table under normal conditions,
while the area having Chowan Silt Loam is normally 0 to 6 inches above the
water table.
The Roanoke Silt Loam soil is considered to be poorly -drained, having a
capacity of its most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat) listed as very low
to moderately high (0.00 to 0.20 in/hr), and a depth to restrictive features of
more than 80 inches. It is listed as having a high water capacity of about 9.2
inches. A typical profile is listed as: Silt Loam 0 — 8 inches; Clay Loam 8 - 13
inches; Clay 13 — 58 inches; Fine Sandy Loam 58 — 80 inches.
The Chowan Silt Loam soil is considered to be very poorly -drained, having a
capacity of its most limiting layer to transmit water (Ksat) listed as moderately
high to high (0.20 to 5.95 in/hr), and a depth to restrictive features of more
than 80 inches. It is listed as: Silt Loam 0 — 6 inches; Silty Clay Loam 6 — 27
inches; Muck 27 — 80 inches.
Some of the drainage from this tract is naturally conveyed down -slope through
sheet flow to the 404 wetlands in the northern corner of the lot, and similarly
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in a northeast, down -slope manner to the waters of the Perquimans River,
bordering the existing bulkhead. Other drainage, when not absorbed by soils,
finds an existing man-made drainage ditch through sheet flow along the
southeast border of the property.
The Normal Water Level of the Perquimans River appears, from vegetative
growth visible on tree buttresses and root mats, to vary by 12 to 16 inches in
response to seasonal wind direction. Strong, sustained, seasonal winds likely
cause temporary excursions of the water level two to three feet above and
below the Normal Water Level.
Section 404 Wetlands:
A 404 wetland delineation has not been conducted for this tract. However, an
assessment has been made for the presence of any such wetlands within the
area where the shoreline protection development is proposed. No 404 or North
Carolina coastal wetlands were observed in the area of proposed development.
An area of uncleared 404 wetlands (approx. 1.1 acres) exists at the northern
corner of the property, extending inland from the shoreline. These wetlands
are separated from the area of proposed bulkhead replacement by
approximately 45 feet, and an existing riprap alignment. There also exists a
pocosin that constitutes a smaller area (approx. 0.3 acres) of isolated wetlands
to the south of the wetlands at the northern corner of the property. These
wetland areas consist of a canopy of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), sweet gum
(Liquidambar styraciflua), Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), red maple
(Acer rubrum) and atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), with lower
shrubs and vines, including cat greenbriar (Smilax glauca), giant cane
(Arundinaria gigantean) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
Uplands:
The upland area surrounding the residential structure has been largely cleared
(approximately 3.9 acres), with a number of trees remaining, including
loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), white oak (Quercus alba), and southern magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora). There exists approximately 4.3 acres of the Lot that
have not been cleared in the northwest half of the Lot, including the areas of
the Lot above the 404 wetlands and below the 4-fft contour. The upland
vegetation in the uncleared areas consists predominantly of loblolly pine
(Pinus taeda), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum),
Received
atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides), Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and American pokeweed (Phytolacca
americana). There exists approximately 1.2 acres of cleared land in the
southern corner of the Lot, which is utilized in active agriculture. Vegetation
is typically a rotational crop of corn, soybeans and cotton.
KA-EU
Waters:
The waters of the Perquimans River, from a line from Barrow Point to Ferry
Point, extending to the Albemarle Sound, are classified by NC Division of
Water Quality as SB waters. This includes the waters along the project site.
These waters are outside any primary or secondary nursery areas. The waters
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along the project site adjoining the Perquimans River are Joint Coastal and
Inland Waters Management Areas, subject to the jurisdiction of both the
Wildlife Resources Commission and the Division of Marine Fisheries.
While the waters adjoining this tract lie outside any Primary or Secondary
Nursery Areas, and are not designated as an Anadromous Fish Spawning area,
the waters adjoining the project site are included within the Albemarle Sound
Striped Bass Management Area and the Albemarle Sound River Herring
Management Area. These waters have been designated by the NC Shellfish
Sanitation Commission to be prohibited areas for shellfish harvesting.
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)_
In that this Permit seeks only limited in -water development no specific effort
was made to assess the entire nearshore areas for SAV. However, on 7/3/2019,
the footprint of the proposed replacement bulkhead, and the areas of the
proposed boat house and boat lifts were raked to detect the presence of any
SAV. The results were the detection of two, detached, non -rooted strands of
Southern Naiad (Najas guadalupensis) in the vicinity of the two existing
mooring piles, approximately 165-ft water -ward of the shoreline, at a depth of
approximately 3-ft. The Secchi depth for the entire area examined was 1.5-ft.
There were no beds of SAV detected, nor any rooted SAV plants associated
with the proposed docking structures or bulkhead.
Historical -Archaeological:
No Historical/Archaeological sites within the development area are indicated
on the location maps retained by the NC Division of Coastal Management.
There is one site, PQ322, located approximately 0.9 miles to the west-
northwest of the development area
Species of Concern:
In Perquimans County, five vertebrate species of concern are listed by the US
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, and one
vascular plant. Three of the vertebrate species are listed as Endangered. These
are the Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus), the Shortnose Sturgeon
(Acipenser brevirostrum) and the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus).
These species could be present in this area, but no reports of any sightings
have been identified. One of the vertebrate species is listed as Threatened.
This is the Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa). This species could be present in
this area, but no reports of any sightings have been identified. One of the
vertebrate species listed is the Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and it is
a protected species under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This
species is known to be present in the area, and has been reported to be seen
flying in the vicinity. No nesting sites have been noted in the area, and there
was no nesting habitat for this specie observed in the area of proposed
development.
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The vascular plant listed is Raven's seedbox (Ludwigia ravenii), and is
classified as an At Risk Specie. This plant was not observed during the site
evaluation and its typical habitat of peat soils and bogs make it unlikely that it
exists within the area of proposed development.
It is unlikely that the proposed development will have any impacts on the
identified species of concern.
DEVELOPMENT: Proposed New as Part of this Permit Application:
This project, in addition to the proposed replacement of the erosion control
bulkhead, includes proposed development of a double jet -ski boat lift, a boat
house, with supporting finger piers and boatlift for a single boat slip, within
waters of the State of North Carolina, including attachment to State bottom
beneath the waters. The proposed development would result in a total of 3
boat slips on this property. The project, as proposed, is in compliance with the
N. C. environmental Policy Act (N.C.G.S. 113A 1-10).
Replacement Bulkhead: A 533-ft long sheet -pile bulkhead of approximately
18 inch width, with return walls on each end of the bulkhead, each of
approximately 16-ft length. The location of the replacement bulkhead is
proposed to be 2-ft water -ward of the existing bulkhead alignment.
Boat House: A boat house is to be constructed on the north side of the existing
pier, between the existing platform and existing bulkhead, where two mooring
piles now exist. Not greater than 400 sq ft, it will be of approximate
dimensions 13-ft x 30.5-ft, enclosing a boat lift, and accommodated by 6-ft
wide walkways, totaling 51-ft, along its southwestern and northwestern
dimensions
Boat Lift: A mechanical boat lift is to be constructed of approximate
dimensions of 12-ft by 25-ft within the confines of the Boat House. This boat
lift will be supported by three piles on each side of the slip.
Double Jet -Ski Lift: A double jet -ski boat lift is to be constructed adjacent to,
and on the north side of the existing pier, approximately 120-ft water -ward of
the existing bulkhead. It will accommodate two jet -skis, and will be supported
by 2 piles adjacent to the existing pier.
Additional Development: Additional development includes the grading, and/or
fill of the uplands (approx. 0.85 acres) landward of the alignment of the
proposed replacement bulkhead. It is proposed to achieve a slope 1:6 from the
Received top of the uplands down to a terrace even with the top of the replacement
bulkhead (+4 NWL), and nowhere steeper than a slope of 1:3.
p ,� Existing:
g��slb�-E Prior development includes one residential structure, with an associated
playhouse, storage shed, brick paver sidewalks, a brick paver parking area, an
asphalt driveway and an asphalt roadway surface leading in from Halsey Bay

Road. Additional existing development includes a drainage ditch, a bulkhead
of approximately 533-ft, a short "L" shaped section of riprap of approximately
50 feet, a pier of approximately 203 feet in length with a terminal platform of
approximately 128 sq. ft., and an adjoining gazebo of approximately 276 sq.
ft. Also existing are 3 wooden groins of approximately 35-ft in length, 2 to the
north of the existing pier, and 1 to the south. Demolition of these three groins
is intended to take place at the time of the bulkhead replacement.
UTILITIES Wastewater:
Wastewater is handled by an onsite septic tank and leach field.
Potable Water:
Potable water is provided by Perquimans County.
Power: '
Power is provided on overhead poles through Albemarle Electric Membership
Corporation.
Telephone:
Telephone is provided on overhead poles by Century Link, and internet
service is similarly provided through Embarq.
IMPACTS Project development under this Permit application seeks no new impervious
surface. Overall project development involves the following impacts:
Built -upon Area: This will not be increased by the proposed development.
Boathouse and Boat Lifts: Shaded area over the Perquimans River will
increase by 611 sq ft. as a result of the Boathouse, walkway and jetski lift
construction, bringing total shaded area to approximately 1094 sq ft. Driving
of pilings will result in minor, temporary acoustic shocks within the water
column. Driving or jetting of pilings will result in minor, temporary turbidity
in the water column. No shading of SAV beds is anticipated from the
Boathouse and Boat Lifts.
Bulkhead: Bulkhead backfill will fill approximately 1851 sq. ft. of the
Perquimans River. This will consist of approximately 785 sq. ft. where
uplands have washed out from behind the failing bulkhead, and approximately
1066 sq. ft. between the failing bulkhead and the replacement bulkhead 2-ft
water -ward. Driving of pilings and sheet -piles will result in minor, temporary
acoustic shocks within the water column. Driving or jetting of pilings and
sheet-piles/boards will result in minor, temporary turbidity in the water
column. Placement of bulkhead tiebacks and grading of uplands to slope to the
top of the bulkhead will result in soil disturbance of approximately 0.85 acres.

Access: Access for equipment and materials is available through the tract to
the Areas of Environmental Concern in the vicinity of the proposed
development without crossing any Section 404 wetlands or coastal wetlands.
AVOIDANCE AND
MIMIMIZATION Applicant seeks to provide additional boat use and mooring capacity for this
lot with a combined boathouse and boat lift, and a second double jet -ski lift.
Location and alignment of these structures has been selected based on no
observed presence of SAV beds. Shading impacts are minimized by keeping
boathouse and walkway, and boathouse and platform areas to only 55% of that
allowed under the Rules of the Coastal Resources Commission.
Applicant seeks to provide erosion protection along the shoreline now
protected by a failing bulkhead adjoining the Perquimans River through the
construction of a replacement, pile -supported wooden, and/or vinyl sheet -pile
bulkhead two feet water -ward, as per the Rules of the Coastal Resources
Commission for General Permits.
Sedimentation and erosion control during construction will be provided by
construction sequence, with bulkhead construction being completed, where
possible, prior to disturbance of adjoining uplands to provide backfill. In
addition, construction of bulkheads will include the placement of filter cloth
along the landward side of the bulkhead structures, extending landward a
minimum of 6 feet from the exposed bottom of the bulkhead. If jetting of
bulkhead components is utilized, additional erosion protection will be
provided in the form of silt fence and/or turbidity curtain as may be
appropriate. If disturbance of uplands landward of the bulkhead alignment is
necessary before the bulkhead is in place, temporary silt fence will be placed
as needed.
Post -construction erosion is minimized by creating a nearly level terrace even
with the top of the replacement bulkhead at approximately +4-11 (NWL), and
grading the +6-ft landward uplands on a design slope of 1:6, and in no case
greater than a slope of 1:3. Stabilization of adjoining uplands will be
addressed by providing seeding of the disturbed areas at the completion of the
land disturbance.
ftelved
DMEC'
Sincerely,
Ted Sampson
Environmental Consultant
OA