20030263 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_20030306

Michael F. Easley, Governor
o?WA rFRQ?
co y William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
> t= North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
D `C' IAA
6 -t
yY?r1( limek, P.E. Director
/ f qtM;9&Quality
March 28, 2003 APR Z003
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission WATER QUALITVS
c/o David Allen E?I ??
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604
SUBJECT: Approval of 401 Water Quality Certification
and Additional Conditions
Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
DWQ Project # 030263
New Hanover County
Dear Mr. Allen:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions (WQC # 3371) to conduct the
following activity at two existing spoil islands located in the southern portion of the Cape Fear River.
This approval allows you to:
1). Place approximately 150,000 cubic yards of habitat suitable spoil material on the two existing
islands from maintenance excavation in the adjacent river channel (Wilmington Harbor Project)
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your CAMA application
received by the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) on March 11, 2003. After reviewing your application,
we have determined that General Water Quality Certification Number 3371 covers this activity. This
Certification allows you to use your CAMA Permit when the NC Division of Coastal Management issues
it. Please keep in mind that there may be additional Federal, State or Local regulations applicable to your
project, such as (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge and Water Supply
Watershed regulations and Coastal Stormwater. .In addition, this approval will expire when the
accompanying CANIA Permit expires unless otherwise specified in the General Certification.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your CAMA Major
Permit application received by the Division of Coastal Management on January 6, 2003. If you change or
modify your project, you must notify the Division (DWQ) in writing and you may be required to send us a
new application for a new certification. If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of the
Certification and approval letter .and is thereby responsible for complying with all conditions. If total
wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be
required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the
conditions listed in the attached certification and the additional conditions listed below:
1). The attached Certificate of Completion (COC) must be submitted to the Division upon final
construction of the site.
2). Turbidity must not exceed 25 NTU outside of the project area.
N. C. Division of Water Quality 127 Cardinal Drive Extension [phone]. Customer Service
Wilmington Regional Office Wilmington, NC 28405 [phone] Fax [phone]
Page Two
Mr. Allen
DWQ Project #030263
March 28, 2003
Please notify this Office at the number listed below if any problem arises during the construction of the
project that may affect water quality.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory
hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a
written petition conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of
Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6714. This certification and its
conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the DWQ Permit #030263 under Section 401 of the Clean Water
Act. If you have any questions, please telephone Noelle Lutheran or Rick Shiver at 910-395-3900.
Sincerely,
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
Attachments: GC # 3371
Certificate of Completion

MEMORANDUM
TO: John Dorney
Non-Discharge Branch
Regional Contact: N. Lutheran
WQ Supervisor: BShiver
Date:
SUBJECT: WETLAND STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Facility Name NC Wildlife Resource Commission
Project Number 03 0263
Recvd From DCM
Received Date 3/6/03 Recvd By Region
County New Hanover
County2
Region Wilmington
Project Type deposit dredge spoils in Cape Fear River
Certificates Stream
Permit Wetland Wetland Wetland Stream Class Acres Feet
Type Type Impact Score Index Prim. Supp. Basin Req. Req.
l8-($7.51 S4 30.617. 14.00
CAl_1_? ?Vater> O ti O N
Mitigation Wetland
MitigationType Type Acres Feet
Peren- Inter
nial mittent
Is Wetland Rating Sheet Attached? 0 Y 0 N Did you request more info? 0 Y 0 N
Have Project Changes/Conditions Been Discussed With Applicant? 0 Y 0 N
Is Mitigation required? 0 Y O N Recommendation: 0 Issue 0 Issue/Cond 0 Deny
Provided by Region: Latitude (ddmmss) Longitude (ddmmss)
cc: Regional Office
Central Office Page Number 1
Comments:
This office has no objection to this eject as proposed provided turbidity does not exceed 25 NTU
03 , 0 ;L 43
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor Donna D. Moffitt, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
March 4, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. John R. Dorney WETLANDS 1401 GROUP
Division of Water Quality MAR 0 6
2003
FROM: Doug Huggett WATER QUALITY SECTION
Major Permits Processing Coordinator
SUBJECT: CAMA/DREDGE & FILL Permit Application Review\
Applicant: NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Project Location: Cape Fear River between Snows Cut and Zekes Island, New Hanover County
Proposed Project: Deposit dredge spoils on two (2) existing dredged islands (Ferry Slip and South Pelican
Island) in the Cape Fear River to maintain and restore the nesting habitat for colonial
water birds.
Please indicate below your agency's position or viewpoint on the proposed project and return this form by
March 26, 2003. If you have any questions regarding the proposed project, please contact Jason Dail at
910-395-3900. When appropriate, in-depth comments with supporting data is requested.
REPLY: This agency has no objection to the project as proposed.
This agency has no comment on the proposed project.
This agency approves of the project only if the recommended changes are incorporated.
See attached.
This agency objects to the project for reasons described in the attached comments.
SIGNED DATE
127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone]\Fax: [phone] \ Internet: http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled \10% Post Consumer Paper
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
FIELD INVESTIGATION REPORT
1. APPLICANT'S NAME: NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2. LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE: Cape Fear River between Snows Cut and Zekes Island.
Photo Index - Only coverage available is a 1995 photo of Ferry Slip Island, taken 11-8-95, NCDOT
photo ID - 1995:13-120 R,S,T 15-18
State Plane Coordinates - X: 82647.854 Y: 2321196.423 GPS - 0021315A (Ferry Slip Island)
X: 68930.320 Y: 2311422.704 GPS - 0021315B (South Pelican
Island)
3. INVESTIGATION TYPE: CAMA/DREDGE AND FILL
4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: Dates of Site Visit - 2/13/03
Was Applicant Present - Yes (agent)
5. PROCESSING PROCEDURE: Application Received - 2/2/03
Office - Wilmington
6. SITE DESCRIPTION:
(A) Local Land Use Plan - Brunswick Co./New Hanover Co./Wilmington
Land Classification From LUP - Conservation
(B) AEC(s) Involved: EW, PT, ES
(C) Water Dependent: Yes
(D) Intended Use: Wildlife Conservation
(E) Wastewater Treatment: Existing - N/A
Planned - N/A
(F) Type of Structures: Existing - N/A
Planned - N/A
(G) Estimated Annual Rate of Erosion: > 1.0'/yr
Source - Personal Observations
7. HABITAT DESCRIPTION: [AREA]
T)RRT)C`,F.T) FTT.T Pn nTUT7D
(A) Vegetated Wetlands
(B) Non-Vegetated Wetlands
(Open Water) +/-239,580
sq. ft.
(C) Other - Highground disturbance +/- 8.5 acres
(D) Total Area Disturbed: +/- 14 Acres
(E) Primary Nursery Area: No
(F) Water Classification: SA Open: OPEN
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Page 2
8. PROJECT SUMMARY
The applicant proposes to deposit dredge spoils on two (2) existing dredged islands (Ferry Slip and
South Pelican Island) in the Cape Fear River to maintain and restore the nesting habitat for colonial
water birds. The project was previously authorized in 1991, by State Permit (#126-91).
9. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The two existing: spoil islands are located in the southern portion of the Cape Fear River, between Fort
Fisher and Southport, in Brunswick County (South Pelican Island) and New Hanover County (Ferry Slip
Island). State Permit (#126-91) was issued to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in September
1991; for the renourishment on these two particular islands as part of an experimental habitat
enhancement project to measure the nesting success of colonial water birds. Certain species of
waterbirds, such as, Royal and Sandwich Terns require early succession habitat for nesting. Early
succession habitat consists of bare sand with limited shell and /or sparse vegetation. In order to maintain
suitable nesting habitat periodic renourishment of the islands with dredged sand is required. Audubon of
North Carolina has been monitoring and managing these islands since 1991, and data indicates a 50%
decline in nesting pairs of Royal and Sandwich Terns in the past few years primarily due to loss of
suitable habitat.
Currently, Ferry Slip Island is approximately 4.0 acres in size. Vegetation consists mainly of low grasses
and shrubs, primarily Marsh-elder (Iva frutescens). There is no marsh or coastal wetlands vegetation
present around the perimeter of the island. In contrast, South Pelican Island is roughly 4.5 acres and
contains approximately one acre of coastal wetlands, dominated primarily by Smooth Cordgrass
(Spartina alterniflora) located on the southern side of the island. The tidally influenced marsh
transitions to Salt Meadow Grass (Spartina patens) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Marsh-
elder (Iva frutescens) borders the transitional area on the high-ground portions of the island. Vegetation
within the proposed sand disposal area consists of various grasses and herbaceous plants.
In the project area, the adjacent waters are classified SA, by the NC Division of Water Quality, and they
are OPEN to the harvest of shellfish. These adjacent waters are not designated as Primary Nursery Area
(PNA), by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The applicant is proposing to place up to 150,000 cubic yards of habitat suitable spoil material on the
two existing islands (roughly 75,000 cubic yards per island) from maintenance excavation in the
adjacent river channel (Wilmington Harbor Project). The existing islands would be enlarged, not to
exceed an area of approximately seven (7) acres per island. The method of sand deposition is termed
"controlled effluent" or toe of the bank disposal. The applicant would utilize hydraulic dredging to pump
the material onto the islands and then use small bulldozers to construct berms to control the flow from
the effluent pipe and then use the equipment to efficiently disperse the deposited material throughout the
perimeter of the islands. All dredge material on South Pelican Island would be diverted away from the
.NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Page 3
marsh area by constructed berms. There would be no impacts to existing coastal wetland vegetation. A
height up to (18) feet above mean high water (MHW) could be established for these islands.
10. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
As proposed, the applicant is requesting the utilization of 150,000 cubic yards of sandy material,
excavated from shallow to moderately deep open water habitats to renourish two (2) existing islands
(Ferry Slip and South Pelican) for colonial water bird nesting habitats. Impacts resulting from the
completion of this project would include:
(1) The filling of 5.5 acres of shallow bottom in the immediate vicinity of the two existing islands.
(2) Temporary turbidity in the waters adjacent to the islands during construction.
(3) Approximately 8.5 acres (370,260 sq. ft.) of additional highground disturbance.
(4) The continuation and maintenance of nesting habitats for resident and migratory colonial water
birds.
Submitted by: Jason Dail Date: March 4, 2002 Office: Wilmington
Form DCM-MP-1
RECEIVES
APPLI C JAN a s 2003
:
(To be completed by all applicants) ' BY:
b. City, town, community or landmark
1. APPLICANT Cape Fear RiV near F. r i snPr
c. Street address or secondary road number
N/A
a. Landowner:
d. Is proposed work within city limits or planning
Name11C Wildlife Resources Commission jurisdiction? Yes XX No
Address 512 N. Salisbury Street e. Name of body of water nearest project (e.g. river,
City Raleigh State NC creek, sound, bay) Cape Fear River
Zip 27604 Day Phone [phone]
David Allen
Fax
b. Authorized Agent:
3. DESCRIPTION AND PLANNED USE
OF PROPOSED PROJECT
Name Hudubon North Carolina
Address 3806 b Park Avenue
City Wilmington State LJC
Zip 28403 Day Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
C. Project name (if any) Colonial Waterbird
Islands, Cape Fear River
AVM Permt will be isssed in mmw of landowner(s), ad/or
pn*ct now.
2. LOCATION OF PROPOSED
PROJECT
a. County New Hanover & Brunswick
a. List all development activities you propose (e.g.
building a home, motel, marina, bulkhead, pier, and
excavation and/or filling activities.
None
b. Is the proposed activity maintenance of an existing
project, new work, or both? maintenance
c. Will the project be for public, private or commercial
use? Conservation
d. Give a brief description of purpose, use, methods of
construction and daily operations of proposed
project. If more space is needed, please attach
additional pages. Riaintenanc-e and
restoration of n _si-i ?c hai tat
for colonial waterbirds on 2-
existing dredcred-material islands.
Sand will he ¢,1 arp(j nn --,rpyi nusly
used disposal areas and-con=rolled
using control of effluent method.
Revliwd 03195
Form DCM-MP-1
4. LAND AND WATER
CHARACTERISTICS
a. Size of entire tract 7Ac r P s P a c n
b. Size of individual lot(s) it/A
c. Approximate elevation of tract above MHW or
NWL 2-10 feet above mhw
d. Soil type(s) and texture(s) of tract
unconsolidated sand
e. Vegetation on tract low grasses and
other non-woody veaetation
f. Man-made features now on tract none
g. What is the CAMA Land Use Plan land
classification of the site? (crosu& rte toast toad use plan.)
XX Conservation Transitional
Developed Community
Rural Other
h. How is the tract zoned by local government?
Water, C nnservati can
i. Is the proposed project consistent with the applicable
zoning? is Yes No
(An-* zmng tae -afioore, if a Thmbkj
j. Has a professional archaeological assessment been
done for the tract? 1;X Yes No
If yes, by whom? Tidewater Atlantic
Research
k. Is the project located in a National Registered
Historic District or does it involve a National
Register listed or eligible property?
Yes Ali No
1. Are there wetlands on the site? _iYes No
Coastal (marsh) X X Other
If yes, has a delineation been conducted? vA
(Arwah d---"-. eV-daue) see attachment
m.. Describe existing wastewater treatment facilities.
None
n. Describe location and type of discharges to waters
of the state. (For example, surface runoff, sanitary
wastewater, industrial/commercial effluent, "wash
down" and residential discharges.) Control of
effluent method will be used.
Effluent will be directed to the
channel side of the islands.
o. Describe existing drinking water supply source.
N/A
5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In addition to the completed application form, the
following items must be submitted:
• A copy of the deed (with state application only) or
other instrument under which the applicant claims title
to the affected properties. If the applicant is not
claiming to be the owner of said property, then
forward a copy of the deed or other instrument under
which the owner claims title, plus written permission
from the owner to carry out the project.
• An accurate, dated work plat ('including plan view
and cross-sectional drawings) drawn to scale in black
ink on an 8 1/2' by 11" white paper. (Refer to
Coastal Resources Commission Rule 7J.0203 for a
detailed description.)
Please note that original drawings are preferred and
only high quality espies will be accepted. Blue-line
prints or other larger plats are acceptable only if an
adequate number of quality copies are provided by
applicant. (Contact the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers regarding that agency's use of larger
drawings.) A site or location map is a part of plat
requirements and it must be sufficiently detailed to
guide agency personnel unfamiliar with the area to the
Revised 43x95
Form DCM-MP-1
site. Include highway or secondary road (SR)
numbers, landmarks, and the like.
• A Stormwater Certification, if one is necessary.
• A list of the names and complete addresses of the
adjacent waterfront (riparian) landowners and
signed return receipts as proof that such owners
have received a copy of the application and plats
by certified mail. Such landowners must be advised
that they have 30 days in which to submit comments
on the proposed project to the Division of Coastal
Management. Upon signing this form, the applicant
further certifies that such notice has been provided.
6. CERTIFICATION AND PERMISSION
TO ENTER ON LAND
I understand that any permit issued in response to this
application will allow only the development described in
the application. The project will be subject to conditions
and restrictions contained in the permit.
I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the proposed
activity complies with the State of North Carolina's
approved Coastal Management Program and will be
conducted in a manner consistent with such program.
Name NC Nail - R G t- u a r i n p R P-,P a r c'n Res ,I certify that I am authorized to grant, and do in fact,
Address Wi lrainaton . NC 2 8 4 0 9 grant permission to representatives of state and federal
Phone [phone]"470 review agencies to enter on the aforementioned lands in
connection with evaluating information related to this
Name Plilitary Ocean Terminal Sunny Ptpermit application and follow-up monitoring of the
AddresSoutnaort. NC 28461-5000 project.
Phone [phone]
Name
Address
Phone
I further certify that the information provided in this
application is truthful to the best of my knowledge.
• A list of previous state or federal permits issued for
work on the project tract. Include permit numbers,
permittee, and issuing dates.
State Permit #126-91
• A check for $250 made payable to the Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
(DEHNR) to cover the costs of processing the
application.
• A signed AEC hazard notice for projects in
oceanfront and inlet areas.
• A statement of compliance with the N.C.
Environmental Policy Ad (N.C.G.S. 113A -1 to
10) If the project involves the expenditure of public
funds or use of public land's, attach a statement
documenting compliance with the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act.
This is the 2nd day of Jan. 2 Q 0 3
Audubon LQC
Print Name Walker Golder, Deputy Director
Signature
- Awl+odza Agent
Please indicate attachments pertaining to your proposed
project.
DCM MP -2 Excavation and Fill Information
DCM MP-3 Upland Development
DCM MP-4 Structures Information
DCM MPS Bridges and Culverts
DCM MP-6 Marina Development
NOTE: Pkase sign and date each anadwxw m the
space provided at the bonom of each form.
Revised OM
Form DCM-MP-2
EXCAVATION
AND FILL
(Except bridges and culverts)
Attach this form to Joint Application for CAMA Major
Permit, Form DCM-MP-1. Be sure to complete all
other sections of the Joint Application that relate to this
proposed project.
Describe below the purpose of proposed excavation or
fill activities. All values to be given in feet.
Average FUM
I?Nkd project
Access
channel
(MLW) or (NWL)
Canal
Boat
basin
Boat
ramp
Rock
groin
Rock
breakwater
Other
(Excluding
shoreline
stabilization)
1. EXCAVATION
a. Amount of material to be excavated from below
MHW or NWL in cubic yards UP to 15 0, 0 0 0
per island from Wilm. Harbor roject
b. Type of material to be excavated an
c. Does the area to be excavated include coastal
wetlands (marsh), submerged aquatic vegetation
(SAVs) or other wetlands? Yes XX No
d. Highground excavation in cubic yards None
2. DISPOSAL OF EXCAVATED
MATERIAL
a. Location of disposal area see attachment
b. Dimensions of disposal area maximum of 7
acres per island
c. Do you claim title to disposal area?
XX Yes No
If no, attach a letter granting permission from the
owner.
d. Will a disposal area be available for future
maintenance? xy Yes No
If yes, where? On e a r. h -i s l a n d As
indicated on the attached map
Revised 03195
Form DCM-MP-2
e. Does the disposal area include any coastal wetlands
(marsh), SAVs or other wetlands?
Yes X_ No
f. Does the disposal include any area in the water?
Yes = No
w 3? _d3
N/A I SHORELINE STABILIZATION N/A
a. Type of shoreline stabilization
Bulkhead Riprap
b. Length
c. Average distance waterward of MHW or NWL
d. Maximum distance waterward of MHW or NWL
e. Shoreline erosion during preceding 12 months
If yes,
(1) Amount of material to be placed in the
water w: //?4 ?/
(2) Dimensions of fill area see attacment
Each island not to exceed lac.
(3) Purpose of fillHabitat restoration
b. Will fill material be placed in coastal wetlands
(marsh), SAVs or other wetlands?
Yes XX No
If yes,
(1) Dimensions of fill area
(2) Purpose of fill
5. GENERAL
a. How will excavated or fill material be kept on site
and erosion controlled? Control of ff l went
(Source 'y if.'-d..)
f. Type of bulkhead or Rprap material
g. Amount of fill in cubic yards to be placed below
water level
(1) Riprap
(2) Bulkhead backfill
h. Type of fill material
b. What type of construction equipment will be used
(for example, dragline, backhoe, or hydraulic
dredge)?
:FiYdraulic dredge and small
bulldozers
i. Source of fill material
c. Will wetlands be crossed in transporting equipment
to project site? 'lies XX No
If yes, explain steps that will be taken to lessen
environmental impacts.
4. OTHER FILL ACTIVITIES
(Excluding Shoreline Stabilization)
a. Will fill material be brought to site?
Yes No
NC Wildlife Resources Comm.
Colonial Waterhird Tslands, Cape Fear 1
o ,r or 17:7&C
AA_
.L.L.
/-3 -03
Date
Revised 03/95
Figure 1. North Pelican, South Pelican, and Ferry Slip Islands
in the lower Cape Fear River.
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Island `

Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Audubon North Carolina
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Cape Fear River
Colonial Waterbird Islands Project
A Proposal to Restore Waterbird Nesting Habitat
on Two Existing Islands in the
Lower Cape Fear River
This supporting material was prepared by:
James F. Parnell,
Professor Emeritus, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North
Carolina at Wilmington,
And
Walker Golder
Deputy Director, Audubon North Carolina
The lower Cape Fear River is one of the State of North Carolina's most
important nesting areas for colonial waterbirds. Five islands from Snow's Cut to
Southport support thousands of wading birds, terns, pelicans and gulls. All of these
islands have been designated "Important Birds Areas" because of their significance
to waterbird populations in North Carolina and North America. These islands are
protected and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and Audubon
North Carolina.
Colonial waterbirds have nested on islands in the Cape Fear River between
Wilmington and Southport since at least the 1930s when a heron colony on Battery
Island was first reported (Pearson et al. 1942). Ground nesting gulls and terns were
first reported nesting on dredged-material islands in 1970 when Soots and Parnell
(1975) first began regular surveys of these birds along the North Carolina coast.
Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns, and Laughing Gulls have nested on islands in the
river each year since 1970. Brown Pelicans first nested on Cape Fear River islands
in 1980 and have nested each year since (Parnell and Shields 1990).
During the years since 1970, pelicans, terns and gulls have attempted to nest
on several islands between Snow's Cut and Southport. Their nesting activities are
now confined primarily to three islands, Ferry Slip Island, South Pelican Island and
North Pelican Island (Figure 1). Two of these islands, Ferry Slip and South Pelican,
have been periodically renourished with dredged sand provided by the US Army
Corps of Engineers as part of dredging operations in the Cape Fear River channel.
This dredged sand is essential to maintaining early succession habitat required by
nesting terns, gulls and pelicans. The third island, often called North Pelican Island,
consists of marsh and shrub thickets suitable for nesting wading birds and pelicans
and has been maintained as such.
Early succession habitat consists of bare sand and/or shell, or sand and/or
shell with sparse, scattered vegetation. Ferry Slip Island and South Pelican Island
have been the only suitable islands with early-succession habitat, required by
species such as Royal and Sandwich Terns, in southern North Carolina and provide
the only suitable nesting sites for these species between Cape Lookout, NC and
Cape Romain, SC. In order to maintain these islands as suitable nesting habitat for
colonial waterbirds, periodic renourishment with dredged sand is required. There
are no other islands in the Cape Fear River suitable as nesting sites for these birds
and there are no suitable alternative nesting sites between Cape Lookout and Cape
Romain.
Ferry Slip Island and South Pelican Island have not received dredged sand in
the past 10 years. According to Management of North Carolina's Colonial
Waterbirds, these sites should receive new dredged sand every 5 years in order to
maintain suitable habitat for Royal and Sandwich Terns (Parnell and Shields 1990).
As a result, both island are now overgrown with vegetation and no longer have
suitable early succession habitat. The lack of suitable habitat for Royal and
Sandwich terns has resulted in a 50% decline in the number of nesting pairs of these
species in the past few years. In order to maintain these nesting sites, periodic
renourishment of both islands is essential.
In 1991, NC Division of Coastal Management permit # 126-91 was issued for
the maintenance and periodic renourishment of Ferry Slip and South Pelican
Islands. This permit expired on December 31, 1994. The only change proposed in
this permit application and the conditions of the previous permit granted for the
project is that the elevation of the islands should not exceed 18 feet above mean
high water. This increase of 3 feet above mean high water will allow for greater
capacity if needed in the future.
In summary, both Ferry Slip and South Pelican Islands are critical to the well being
of significant populations of several species of colonial waterbirds. Periodic
renourishment and maintenance of these islands is of critical importance. This will
ensure that adequate nesting habitat for these waterbirds will be available for many
years.
Literature cited
Parnell, J. F. and M.A. Shields. 1990. Management of North Carolina's colonial
waterbirds. UNC Sea Grant Publication UNC-SG-90-03, Raleigh, NC.
Pearson, T. G., C. S. Brimley and H. H. Brimley. 1042. Birds of North Carolina.
Bynum Publishing Co., Raleigh, NC.
Soots, R. F. and J. F. Parnell. 1975. Ecological succession of breeding birds in
relation to plant succession on dredge islands in North Carolina. UNC Sea
Grant Publication UNC-SG-75-27, Raleigh, NC.
Project: Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Audubon North Carolina
Vegetation within the proposed sand disposal area consists of various grasses and
herbaceous vegetation. A small area of marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora is
present on the eastern side of the island, as indicated on the map. No other wetland
vegetation or SAV is present. The marsh and intertidal areas associated with the
marsh will not be impacted. All sand and effluent will be controlled and directed
away from the marsh and associated intertidal areas. Dredged sand will be placed
on South Pelican Island (previously used as a disposal area) and will be controlled
using bulldozers to construct berms, which will allow material to be directed to the
desired locations and away from sensitive areas (commonly referred to as "control
of effluent" method). The island will be returned to a maximum of 7 acres above
mhw and to an elevation not to exceed 18 feet.
Project: Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Audubon North Carolina
South Pelican Island
Cape Fear River
C+.rrert Cortigi-atic i
elevation 6-$'
mhw
Proposed Cortigration
max. elevation 18'
Cape Fear River_i
ml-w
North
Project: Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Audubon North Carolina
Vegetation consists of low grasses and non-woody vegetation. No marsh, other
wetland vegetation, or SAV is present. The adjacent intertidal and open water area
is primarily medium to coarse sand. The entire island is proposed as a sand disposal
area for maintenance and restoration of colonial waterbird nesting habitat. Dredged
sand will be placed on Ferry Slip Island (previously used as a disposal area) and
will be controlled using bulldozers to construct berms, which will allow material to
be directed to the desired locations and away from sensitive areas (commonly
referred to as "control of effluent" method). The island will be returned to a
maximum of 7 acres above mhw and to an elevation not to exceed 18 feet.
Project: Colonial Waterbird Islands, Cape Fear River
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Audubon North Carolina
Ferry Slip Island
Cape Fear River
North 00.
Current Configuration
elevation 8-8'
m Ya
Proposed Configuration
max. elevation 18'
Current configuration of Ferry Slip Island
Cape Fear River - .
MW
r
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor Donna D. Moffitt, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
March 6, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Applicant:
Mr. John R. Dorney
Division of Water Quality
Doug Huggett
Major Permits Processing Coordinator
WETLANDS/ 401 GROUP
MAR 1 U 2003
WATER OUALITY SECTION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
NC Wildlife Resource Commission
Attached are two additional maps for your review of this project.
If you have questions, please contact Jason Dail at Ext 253.
127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone]\Fax: [phone] \ Internet: http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled \10% Post Consumer Paper
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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor Donna D. Moffitt, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
March 10, 2003
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Applicant:
Project Location:
Mr. John R. Dorney
Division of Water Quality
Doug Huggett
Major Permits Processing Coordinator
CAMA/DREDGE & FILL Permit Application Review
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Cape Fear River between Snows Cut and Zekes Island.
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60/l/bN
Proposed Project: Deposit dredge spoils on two (2) existing dredged island (Ferry Slip and South Pelican
Island) in the Cape Fear River to maintain and restore the nesting habitat for colonial water
birds.
Please indicate below your agency's position or viewpoint on the proposed project and return this form by
March 26, 2003 If you have any questions regarding the proposed project, please contact Jason Dail at
910-395-3900. When appropriate, in-depth comments with supporting data is requested.
REPLY: This agency has no objection to the project as proposed.
This agency has no comment on the proposed project.
This agency approves of the project only if the recommended changes are incorporated.
See attached.
This agency objects to the project for reasons described in the attached comments.
SIGNED DATE
127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone]\Fax: [phone] \ Internet: http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled \10% Post Consumer Paper
NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management
Michael F. Easley, Governor Donna D. Moffitt, Director William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
Memorandum:
From: Diana Nash GLA
Date: March 10, 2003
Subject: Change to State Plane Coordinates on Field Investigation Report for NC Wildlife
Resources Commission.
Please note the changes on the State Place Coordinates on the attached Field Investigation Report for NC
Wildlife Resources Commission. This is to go with the information that was sent to you last week.
127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, North Carolina 28405-3845
Phone: [phone]\Fax: [phone] \ Internet: http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us
An Equal Opportunity \ Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled \10% Post Consumer Paper
DIVISION OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
FIELD INVESTIGATION REPORT
1. APPLICANT'S NAME: NC Wildlife Resources Commission
2. LOCATION OF PROJECT SITE: Cape Fear River between Snows Cut and Zekes Island.
Photo Index - Only coverage available is a 1995 photo of Ferry Slip Island, taken 11-8-95, 9CDOT
photo ID - 1995:13-120 R,S,T 15-18
State Plane Coordinates - X: 2321196 Y: 82647 GPS - 0021315A (Ferry Slip Island)
X: 2311422 Y: 68930 GPS - 0021315B (South Pelican Island)
3. INVESTIGATION TYPE: CAMA/DREDGE AND FILL
4. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURE: Dates of Site Visit - 2/13/03
Was Applicant Present - Yes (agent)
5. PROCESSING PROCEDURE: Application Received - 2/2/03
Office - Wilmington
6. SITE DESCRIPTION:
(A) Local Land Use Plan - Brunswick Co./New Hanover Co./Wilmington
Land Classification From LUP - Conservation
(B) : AEC(s) Involved: EW, PT, ES
(C) Water Dependent: Yes
(D) Intended Use: Wildlife Conservation
(E) Wastewater Treatment: Existing - N/A
Planned - N/A
(F) Type of Structures: Existing - N/A
Planned - N/A
(G) Estimated Annual Rate of Erosion: > 1.0' /yr
Source - Personal Observations
7. HABITAT DESCRIPTION: [AREA]
T)RRTX`.RT) PTT T PTl nrrTTI L-n
(A) Vegetated Wetlands
(B) Non-Vegetated Wetlands
(Open Water) +/-239,580
sq. ft.
(C) Other - Highground disturbance +/- 8.5 acres
(D) Total Area Disturbed: +/- 14 Acres
(E) Primary Nursery Area: No
{F) Water Classification: SA Open: OPEN
NC Wildlife Resources Commission