20200121 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20200430

April 30, 2020

DWR # 20-0121
Graham County

Graham County Rural Development Authority
Attn: Brian Johnson
12 North Main St
Robbinsville, NC 28771

Subject: APPROVAL OF 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION WITH
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Moose Branch Subdivision

Dear Mr. Johnson:

You have our approval for the impacts listed below for the purpose described in your application
dated January 20, 2020, and received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) on January
20, 2020, with the appropriate fee received on January 23, 2020, and additional information
received on April 6, 2020. These impacts are covered by the attached Water Quality General
Certification Number 4139 and the additional conditions listed below. This certification is
associated with the use of Nationwide Permit Number 29 once it is issued to you by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. Please note that you should get any other federal, state or local
permits before proceeding with your project, including those required by (but not limited to)
Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge, Water Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer
regulations.

This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the enclosed certification(s) or
general permit and the following additional conditions:

1. The following impacts are hereby approved provided that all of the other specific and
general conditions of the Certification are met. No other impacts are approved, including
incidental impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b) and/or (c)]

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A064FF9-3AAB-44B8-B2F0-5DE9E7715BA3

Moose Branch Subdivision
DWR# 20-0121
401 Approval
Page 2 of 5

Type of Impact

Amount Approved
(units)
Permanent
Amount Approved
(units)
Temporary

Stream Impact
Impact S1 0 (linear feet) 10 (linear feet)
Impact S2 73 (linear feet) 0 (linear feet)
Impact S3 0 (linear feet) 11 (linear feet)
Impact S4 0 (linear feet) 10 (linear feet)
Impact S5 60 (linear feet) 0 (linear feet)
Impact S6 0 (linear feet) 12 (linear feet)
Impact S7 0 (linear feet) 5 (linear feet)
Impact S8 0 (linear feet) 5 (linear feet)
Wetland Impact
Impact W1 0 (acres) 0.003 (acres)
Impact W2 0.019 (acres) 0 (acres)
Impact W3 0.004 (acres) 0 (acres)
Impact W4 0 (acres) 0.003 (acres)
Impact W5 0 (acres) 0.002 (acres)
Impact W6 0 (acres) 0.003 (acres)
Impact W7 0.001 (acres) 0 (acres)

2. This approval is for the purpose and design described in your application. The plans and
specifications for this project are incorporated by reference as part of the
Certification/Authorization. If you change your project, you must notify the Division
and you may be required to submit a new application package with the appropriate fee.
If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this approval letter and
General Certification(s) and is responsible for complying with all conditions. [15A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2)]

3. Any additional impacts to streams and/or wetlands as a result of future roads, buildings,
driveways, utility lines or other development related activities within this subdivision
will require a modification of this 401 Water Quality Certification approval. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(4) and 15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]

4. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all lots with retained
jurisdictional wetlands, waters, and state regulated riparian buffers within the project
boundaries in order to assure compliance with NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H
.0500), NC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), and/or State Regulated
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0200). These mechanisms shall be put in place
at the time of recording of the property or individual parcels, whichever is appropriate.
[15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(4) and (c)(4)]
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A064FF9-3AAB-44B8-B2F0-5DE9E7715BA3

Moose Branch Subdivision
DWR# 20-0121
401 Approval
Page 3 of 5

5. The proposed project shall follow the recommendations stated in the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) comment letter dated February 18, 2020
(attached) to the maximum extent practicable. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]

6. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be
used along streambanks or within wetlands. Exceptions to this condition require
application to and written approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02B .0201]

7. All temporary impacted areas shall be restored to pre-construction natural conditions
upon completion of the project. Native vegetation shall be used for stream bank
stabilization. [15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]

8. All work in or adjacent to streams 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 to and written approval
from DWR. [15 NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]

9. Fueling, lubrication and general equipment maintenance should not take place within 50
feet of a waterbody or wetlands to prevent contamination by fuel and oils. [15A NCAC
02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B .0211(12)]

10. The permitee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this permit in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or
maintenance of this project with a copy of this Certification. A copy of this
Certification, including all conditions shall be available at the project site during the
construction and maintenance of this project. [15A NCAC 02H .0507 (c) and 15A
NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]

11. The permittee shall report to the Asheville Regional Office any noncompliance with this
certification, any violation of stream or wetland standards [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
including but not limited to sediment impacts, and any violation of state regulated
riparian buffer rules [15A NCAC 02B .0200]. Information shall be provided orally
within 24 hours (or the next business day if a weekend or holiday) from the time the
applicant became aware of the circumstances. A written submission shall also be
provided within 5 business days of the time the applicant becomes aware of the
circumstances. The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompliance,
and its causes; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, if the
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A064FF9-3AAB-44B8-B2F0-5DE9E7715BA3

Moose Branch Subdivision
DWR# 20-0121
401 Approval
Page 4 of 5

noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time compliance is expected to
continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of
the noncompliance. The Division may waive the written submission requirement on a
case-by-case basis.

This approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested. [G.S. 143-215.5]

This Certification can be contested as provided in Articles 3 and 4 of General Statute 150B by
filing a written petition for an administrative hearing to the Office of Administrative Hearings
(hereby known as OAH) within sixty (60) calendar days.

A petition form may be obtained from the OAH at http://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the
OAH Clerk’s Office at [phone] for information. A petition is considered filed when the
original and one (1) copy along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received in the OAH
during normal office hours (Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm, excluding
official state holidays).
The petition may be faxed to the OAH at [phone], provided the original and one copy of
the petition along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received by the OAH within five (5)
business days following the faxed transmission.
Mailing address for the OAH:

One (1) copy of the petition must also be served to DENR:

William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

If sending via US Postal Service: If sending via delivery service (UPS,
FedEx, etc):
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714
Office of Administrative Hearings
1711 New Hope Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27609-6285
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A064FF9-3AAB-44B8-B2F0-5DE9E7715BA3

Moose Branch Subdivision
DWR# 20-0121
401 Approval
Page 5 of 5

This letter completes the review by the Division under section 401 of the Clean Water Act as
described in 15A NCAC 02H .0500. Please contact Amy Annino at 828-296-4656 or
[e-mail] if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional
Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Asheville Regional Office

Enclosures: GC 4139
Certificate of Completion
NCWRC Letter dated February 18, 2020

cc: David Brown – USACE (via email)
Andrea Leslie – NCWRC (via email)
Stan Aiken – DEMLR (via email)
Jon Swaim – McGill Associates, P.A. (via email)
DWR ARO 401 files

G:\WR\WQ\Graham\401s\Non-DOT\Moose Branch SD\20200430_Moose Branch Subdivision_APRVL.docx
DocuSign Envelope ID: 6A064FF9-3AAB-44B8-B2F0-5DE9E7715BA3
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO.4139
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 18 (MINOR DISCHARGES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 29 (RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 39 (COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL
DEVELOPMENTS),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 40 (AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 41(RESHAPING EXISTING DRAINAGE DITCHES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 42 (RECREATIONAL FACILITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 44 (MINING ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 46 (DISCHARGES IN DITCHES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 51(LAND BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
FACILITIES), AND
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 52 (WATER BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
PILOT PROJECTS).
Water Quality Certification Number 4139 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 Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 02B .0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B) (18, 29,
39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 51 and 52) of the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations.
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.
Effective date: December 1, 2017
Signed this day: December 1, 2017
By
for Linda Culpepper
Interim Director

GC4139
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 Resources (DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this Certification (listed below) cannot be met; or
b) Any impacts to streams from excavation or dredging other than excavation that is
conducted as preparation for installing permanent fill or structures; or
c) Total temporary and permanent impacts to streams greater than 150 feet; or
d) Any stream relocation or stream restoration; or
e) Complete dewatering and drawdowns to a sediment layer related to pond/dam
maintenance or removal; or
f) Total temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands or open waters equal to or greater
than one -tenth (1/10) acre; or
g) Any high -density project, as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)(a) and by the density
thresholds specified in 15A NCAC 02H .1017, which:
L Disturbs one acre or more of land (including a project that disturbs less than one
acre of land that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale); and
ii. Has permanent wetland, stream or open water impacts; and
iii. Is proposing new built -upon area; and
iv. Does not have a stormwater management plan reviewed and approved under a
state stormwater program' or a state -approved local government stormwater
program2.
Projects that have vested rights, exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs and projects that satisfy state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs through use of community in -lieu programs require
written approval.; or
h) Any permanent impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as:
ORW (including SAV), HQW (including PNA), SA, WS-I, WS-II, Trout, or North Carolina or
National Wild and Scenic River; or
i) Any permanent impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands
(UWL) [15A NCAC 02H .0506]; or
j) Any impact associated with a Notice of Violation or an enforcement action for
violation(s) of NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), NC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A
NCAC 02H .1300), NC Surface Water or Wetland Standards (15A NCAC 02B .0200), or
State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0200); or
k) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along
subject water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the
Randleman Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or
watershed with State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules [Buffer Rules] in effect
at the time of application) unless:
L The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" from these rules; or
1 e.g. Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW, or state -implemented Phase II NPDES
2 e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 2 of 11

GC4139
ii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued by the NC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate or a Minor Variance is issued by a delegated or
designated local government implementing a state riparian buffer program
pursuant to 143-215.23.
Activities included in this General Certification that do not meet one of the thresholds listed
above do not require written approval.
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
1. If this Water Quality Certification is used to access residential, commercial or industrial
building sites, then all parcels owned by the applicant that are part of the single and
complete project authorized by this Certification must be buildable without additional
impacts to streams or wetlands. If required in writing by DWR, the applicant shall provide
evidence that the parcels are buildable without requiring additional impacts to wetlands,
waters, or state regulated riparian buffers. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(4) and (c)(4)]
2. For road construction purposes, this Certification shall only be utilized from natural high
ground to natural high ground. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
3. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all lots with retained
jurisdictional wetlands, waters, and state regulated riparian buffers within the project
boundaries in order to assure compliance with NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), NC
Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), and/or State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules
(15A NCAC 02B .0200). These mechanisms shall be put in place at the time of recording of
the property or individual parcels, whichever is appropriate. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(4)
and (c)(4)]
4. For all dam removal projects meeting the definition under G.S. 143-215.25 and
requirements under G.S. 143-215.27 of a professionally supervised dam removal, the
applicant shall provide documentation that any sediment that may be released has similar
or lower level of contamination than sediment sampled from downstream of the dam in
accordance with Session Law 2017-145.
5. For the North Carolina Department of Transportation, compliance with the NCDOT's
individual NPDES permit NCS000250 shall serve to satisfy this condition. All other high -
density projects that trigger threshold Item (g) above shall comply with one of the following
requirements: [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
Page 3 of 11

GC4139
a. Provide a completed Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) for review and approval,
including all appropriate stormwater control meAsure (SCM) supplemental forms and
associated items, that complies with the high -density development requirements of 15A
NCAC 02H .1003. Stormwater management shall be provided throughout the entire
project area in accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .1003. For the purposes of 15A NCAC
02H .1003(2)(a), density thresholds shall be determined in accordance with 15A NCAC
02H .1017.
b. Provide calculations to document that the project will not cause degradation of
downstream surface waters. Documentation shall include a detailed analysis of the
hydrological impacts from stormwater runoff when considering the volume and velocity
of stormwater runoff from the project built upon area and the size and existing
condition of the receiving stream(s).
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR.
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. When written authorization is required, the plans and specifications for the project are
incorporated into the authorization by reference and are an enforceable part of the
Certification. Any modifications to the project require notification to DWR and may require
an application submittal to DWR with the appropriate fee. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts) as authorized in the written approval
from DWR; or beyond the thresholds established for use of this Certification without
written authorization. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
No removal of vegetation or other impacts of any kind shall occur to state regulated riparian
buffers beyond the footprint of impacts approved in a Buffer Authorization or Variance or
as listed as an exempt activity in the applicable riparian buffer rules. [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
3. In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0506(h) and Session Law 2017-10, compensatory
mitigation may be required for losses of greater than 300 linear feet of perennial streams
and/or greater than one (1) acre of wetlands. Impacts associated with the removal of a
dam shall not require mitigation when the removal complies with the requirements of Part
3 of Article 21 in Chapter 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Impacts to isolated
and other non-404 jurisdictional wetlands shall not be combined with 404 jurisdictional
wetlands for the purpose of determining when impact thresholds trigger a mitigation
requirement. For linear publicly owned and maintained transportation projects that are not
determined to be part of a larger common plan of development by the US Army Corps of
Engineers, compensatory mitigation may be required for losses of greater than 300 linear
feet per perennial stream.
Page 4 of 11

GC4139
Compensatory stream and/or wetland mitigation shall be proposed and completed in
compliance with G.S. 143-214.11. For applicants proposing to conduct mitigation within a
project site, a complete mitigation proposal developed in accordance with the most recent
guidance issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District shall be submitted
for review and approval with the application for impacts.
4. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer
Rules in Chapter 2 of Title 15A.
5. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113A Article 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices for the control of sediment and
erosion so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 026.0200]
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the NCDOT Sediment and Erosion Control Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the
North Carolina Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall
comply with the reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act and the Mining Act of 1971.
If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA,
WS-I, WS-II, High Quality Waters (HQW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 046 .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts authorized under this Certification.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [15A
NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
7. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be
used along streambanks or within wetlands. Exceptions to this condition require
application to and written approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02B .0201]
Page 5 of 11

GC4139
8. An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (NCG010000) is required for construction
projects that disturb one (1) or more acres of land. The NCG010000 Permit allows
stormwater to be discharged during land disturbing construction activities as stipulated in
the conditions of the permit. If the 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. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
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. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
9. All work in or adjacent to streams 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 to and written approval from DWR.
[15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
10. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. 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. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 04B .0125]
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) shall be implemented. Exceptions to
this condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium. A copy of the approval from the resource agency shall be forwarded to DWR.
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the
Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal
endangered or threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC,
USFWS, NMFS, and/or DMF personnel.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the original stream profiles
are not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension,
pattern, and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified
by widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with
the construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be
such as to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering
flow velocity. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
Page 6 of 11

GC4139
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% 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.
If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic the existing stream
cross section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or
sills where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided.
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 (e.g.
rock ladders, cross vanes, etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include
a location map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be
provided to DWR 60 calendar 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, including
supporting documentation such as, a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports,
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 60 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR 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 to and
written approval from DWR.
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA-designated floodways or
wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be
directed across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum
extent practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.)
before entering the stream. -Exceptions to this condition require application to and written
approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5)]
Page 7 of 11

GC4139
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all
other Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a
manner that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters. [15A
NCAC 02B .0200 and 15A NCAC 026 .0231]
14. If concrete is used during 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.
[15A NCAC 02B .0200]
15. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. For projects that receive written approval, no temporary impacts
are allowed beyond those included in the application and authorization. All temporarily
impacted sites shall be restored and stabilized with native vegetation. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
and Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
17. Any rip -rap 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. All rip -rap shall be placed 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 or in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage.
[15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
18. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to
prevent movement by wave, current action, or stream flows and shall 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
19. Applications for rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 (NC
Division of Coastal Management General Permit for construction of Wooden and Rip -rap
Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters) shall meet all the specific conditions for design
and construction specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
Page 8 of 11

GC4139
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of
equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication and
general equipment maintenance shall be performed in a manner to prevent, to the
maximum extent practicable, contamination of surface waters by fuels and oils. [15A NCAC
02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B .0211(12)]
21. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
22. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the applicant shall report any petroleum spill of 25
gallons or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill less than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
23. If an environmental document is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (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. If an environmental
document is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), then this
General Certification is not valid until a Categorical Exclusion, the Final Environmental
Assessment, or Final Environmental Impact Statement is published by the lead agency [15A
NCAC 01C .0107(a)]
24. This General Certification does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain all
other required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project,
including those required by, but not limited to Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -
Discharge, Water Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
25. The applicant 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 DWR 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 DWR may revoke or
modify a written authorization associated with this General Water Quality Certification.
[15A NCAC 02H .0507(d)]
26. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this permit in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or
maintenance of this project with a copy of this Certification. A copy of this Certification,
including all conditions shall be available at the project site during the construction and
maintenance of this project. [15A NCAC 02H .0507 (c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and
(c)(2)]
Page 9 of 11

GC4139
27. 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 a certificate of completion (available on the DWR
website https://edocs.deg.nc.gov/Forms/Certificate-of-Completion). [15A NCAC 02H
.0502(f)]
28. 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
29. If the property or project is sold or transferred, the new permittee shall be given a copy of
this Certification (and written authorization if applicable) and is responsible for complying
with all conditions. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
GENERAL CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:
1. 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. An applicant for
a CAMA permit under Article 7 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes for which a Water
Quality Certification is required shall only make one payment to satisfy both agencies; the
fee shall be as established by the Secretary in accordance with 143-215.3D(e)(7).
2. This Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any
waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Certification does not authorize any person
to interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other person
and this Certification does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding
any usage of water. This Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action
respecting the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No
consumptive user is deemed by virtue of this Certification to possess any prescriptive or
other right of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity
of the withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
3. This Certification grants permission to the Director, an authorized representative of the
Director, or DWR staff, upon the presentation of proper credentials, to enter the property
during normal business hours. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(e)]
4. This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Nationwide Permit 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. This General
Certification is rescinded when the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes any of the
corresponding Nationwide Permits and/or Regional General Permits or when deemed
appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
Page 10 of 11

GC4139
5. 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.
6. The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources may require submission of a
formal application for Individual Certification for any project in this category of activity if it
is deemed in the public's best interest or 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 water or
downstream waters are precluded.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4139 issued December 1, 2017
replaces WQC 4092 issued March 3, 2017; WQC 3890 issued March 19, 2012; replaces WQC
Number 3821 issued April 6, 2010; WQC Number 3631 issued March 19, 2007; WQC 3402 issued
March 28, 2003; WQC Number 3362, issued March 18, 2002; WQC 3287, issued June 1, 2000;
WQCs 3106 and 3108 issued February 11, 1997.
Page 11 of 11

WR Project No.: ______________________ County: _____________________________________________
Applicant: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Project Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Issuance of 401 Water Quality Certification: ________________________________________

Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Water Quality Certification or applicable Buffer
Rules, and any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required to return this certificate to the 401 and
Buffer Permitting Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Resources, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
NC, 27699-1650. This form may be returned to DWR by the applicant, the applicant’s authorized agent, or
the project engineer. It is not necessary to send certificates from all of these.

Applicant’s Certification
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 to be built
within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the
approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: ______________________________ Date:_________________________________

Agent’s Certification
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 to be built
within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the
approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: ______________________________ Date:_________________________________

If this project was designed by a Certified Professional
I, ____________________________________, as a duly registered Professional ___________ (i.e.,
Engineer, Landscape Architect, Surveyor, etc.) in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized to
observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the project, for the Permitee 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 to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality
Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: ______________________________________ Registration No. ________________
Date ____________________

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director

Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
February 18, 2020

Mr. David Brown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006

SUBJECT: Moose Branch Subdivision
UT to Mauney Branch, Graham County

Dear Mr. Brown:

Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an
application to permanently impact 125 ft of an unnamed tributary (UT) to Mauney Branch and
0.043 acre of wetland, as well as temporarily impact 50 ft of the UT and 0.019 acre of wetland,
in order to construct a road, water and sewer lines, and other infrastructure for a subdivision in
Graham County. Our comments on this application are offered for your consideration under
provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.) and Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).

Wild Rainbow Trout are found in the project vicinity and in-stream work should be avoided
during the trout moratorium of January 1 to April 15 to minimize impacts to trout spawning.

The project site is on a largely forested parcel, and the development will involve 14 residential
lots, a road, and water and sewer line construction. Two sections of stream are proposed for
culverting – (1) one associated with the entrance road, which involves a 41-ft double-barreled
reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) culvert, and (2) the other associated with a construction entrance,
which involves 2 sections of single-barreled RCP culvert totaling 42 ft in length. Double
culverts set at the same elevation often result in one culvert carrying most or all of the flows over
time; this can cause channel instability and problems with aquatic organism passage. We
recommend replacing the double culverts with a spanning structure such as a bridge or
bottomless arch instead. If a culvert must be used, we recommend using a single larger squash
pipe capable of carrying base and stormflows. We also recommend against using RCP material,
as it is smooth and is less likely to hold stream substrate and provide for movement of aquatic
organisms like fish and salamanders.

Moose Br Development Page 2 February 18, 2020
UT Mauney Br, Graham County
As the culvert associated with the construction entrance appears to be needed only for
construction, we recommend removing this when construction is completed.

We offer the following recommendations for the project to minimize impacts to fish and wildlife
resources:
1. Work should be accomplished as quickly as possible and vigilance used in sediment and
erosion control during site preparation, construction, and clean up.
2. Any matting used on site should be free of nylon mesh; nylon mesh netting frequently
entangles wildlife and is slow to degrade, resulting in a hazard that may last for years.
3. We recommend against using RCP culverts, as RCP is smooth and is less likely to hold
stream substrate and provide for movement of aquatic organisms like fish and salamanders.
4. We recommend replacing the double culverts with a spanning structure such as a bridge or
bottomless arch instead. If a culvert must be used, we recommend using a single larger
squash pipe capable of carrying base and stormflows.
5. If at all possible, remove the culvert and restore the wetland impacts associated with
construction access.
6. Tall Fescue is listed as a temporary and permanent seed; this species is highly invasive and
should be avoided.
7. In-stream activities should be avoided between January 1 and April 15 in order to minimize
impacts to Rainbow Trout spawning.
8. The stream should not be excavated except in the immediate vicinity of the utility and road
crossing locations.
9. Manage stormwater from the site in order to mimic a hydrograph consistent with an
impervious coverage of less than 10%. Incorporate Low Impact Development (LID)
techniques in site design. Ensure that stormwater management controls temperature,
releasing cool water downstream. 
10. Use non-invasive native species and LID technology in landscaping. Using native species
instead of ornamentals should reduce the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides. Using
LID technology in landscaping will not only help maintain the predevelopment hydrologic
regime, but also enhance the aesthetic and habitat value of the site.
11. We recommend maintaining undeveloped parts of the parcel as forested habitat and
conserving these areas as green space.

Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at
[phone] if you have any questions about these comments.

Sincerely,

Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program

ec: Jon Swaim, McGill Associates
Amy Annino, NC Division of Water Resources