20191246 Ver 2_EPCN Request for Permit Modification_20200506

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
May 6, 2020
Kyle Barnes
Regulatory Project Manager
US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
Washington Field Office
Dear Mr. Barnes,
J. ERIC BOYETTE
SECRETARY
The NC DOT Ferry Division is requesting authorization to dredge within the Southdock ferry basin
and the old ferry channel through June 30, 2020. We are currently working on obtaining sand for
the dune restoration project on Ocracoke Island. Obtaining this sand is critical for the rehabilitation
of the dunes and the recovery of the island in general so that it is protected during future storm
events. Our pipeline dredge was out in the old ferry channel getting sand from October to the
middle of December before breaking down and needing parts with long lead times. These were the
first major issues we encountered, and our entire dredging schedule was thrown off track as a
result. In early March we were planning to head down to Southport for some dredging prior to the
sturgeon moratorium and then get back up to Hatteras to finish dredging from late March to early
May. We were given authorization to dredge until May 1, 2020. Unfortunately, nothing went as
planned following the Southport dredging. Additional mechanical issues combined with the
pandemic had the dredge and the remaining crew stuck down at Southport until late last week.
Several members of the crew took leave due to concerns about the virus which didn't leave enough
of the crew to bring it back north. There were also concurrent issue with both the dredge and the
tug. No dredging has taken place since late last year and more sand is needed for the ongoing
restoration projects on Ocracoke. Location maps of the two areas being referenced have been
attached as well as the responses from the NMFS and NC DMF regarding this request.
Thank you,
Brian Doliber
Environmental Specialist
Ferry Division
159 Lucinda Lane
Powells Point, NC 27966
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
NCDOT FERRY DIVISION
159 LUCINDA LANE
POWELLS POINT, NC 27966
TELEPHONE: [phone]
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 1-877-3684968
WEBSITE: NCDOT.GOV

cc: Matt Wilkerson, NCDOT Archeology Team Leader
cc: Kyle Barnes, US ACE Regulatory Project Manager