20040953 Ver 1_Complete File_20040611

? A T Michael F. Easley, Governor
AC
?9 William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
P
O? Q? North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
\
r Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
lit
Q
ua
y
Division of Water
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DWQ Project No.: D?o9S3 County:
Applicant: NCDOT
Project Name: 4-- l
Date of Issuance of 401 Water Quality 5ertification: 7 -
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/Wetlands Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC,
27699-1650. This form may be returned to DWQ 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, Joel B. Setzer, P.E., 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 of rti terials.
Signature: Date:-
Agent's Certific lon
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 Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.usincwetiands/
F W q TF Michael F. Easley, Governor
`OHO 9QG William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Cq r Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
> .? Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
p .? Division of Water Quality
Asheville Regional Office
July 23, 2004
Cherokee County
DWQ Project No. 040953
SR 1879 (Pipes Branch Road)
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification with Additional Conditions
Mr. R. G. Watson, P.E.
Division Engineer
N C Department of Transportation
253 Webster Road
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Dear Mr. Watson:
1N(...?..L,!1Nl)S ; X01 (7R()lIP
A116 0 4 2004
t'uA 1 "EH QUALI I Y SECTION
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to impact 40 linear feet of
Pipes Branch (17 linear feet of new pipe and 23 linear feet of stream elimination) in order to make improvements to
NCSR 1679 (Pipes Branch Road) in Cherokee County. The project must be constructed in accordance with the
application dated June 1, 2004 (received June 11, 2004), including the environmental commitments made in the
application letter. After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water
Quality Certification No. 3404, corresponding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit Number 14.
In addition, you must acquire any other federal, state or local permits before you proceed with your project including
(but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations. This
approval will expire with the accompanying 404 Permit unless otherwise specified in the Water Quality Certification.
This approval is valid solely for the purpose and design described in your application (unless modified below).
Should your project change, you must notify the DWQ in writing and submit a new application. If the property is
sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter, and is thereby responsible for
complying with all the conditions. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre, or if
total impacts to streams (now or in the future) exceed 150 linear feet, compensatory mitigation may be required as
described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions
listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed below.
Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications governing the proper
design, installation and operation and maintenance of such Best Management Practices in order to protect surface
waters standards:
a. The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed, installed, operated, and
maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual.
b. The design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control measures must
be such that they equal, or exceed, the requirements specified in the most recent version of the North
Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual. The devices shall be maintained on all construction
sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects, including contractor-owned or leased borrow pits
associated with the project.
c. For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures must be designed, installed, operated,
and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Surface Mining
Manual.
d. Any reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in accordance with
the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
2090 U. S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, N.C. 28778 Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone] Customer Service: 1-877/623-6748
1
Mr. R. G. Watson, P.E.
July 23, 2004
Page Two
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands, waters, or riparian areas beyond the footprint
of the impacts depicted in the Preconstruction Notice Application. All construction activities, including the
design, installation, operation, and maintenance of sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices,
shall be performed so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur.
3. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters to the maximum extent
practicable. If placement of sediment and erosion control devices in wetlands and waters is unavoidable, they
shall be removed and the natural grade restored within six months of the date that the Division of Land Quality
has released the project.
4. Riparian vegetation must be reestablished within the construction limits of the project by the end of the growing
season following completion of construction. The WRC recommends and encourages DOT to use erosion
control matting instead of straw mulch around stream crossings and in riparian areas. NCWRC is also requesting
that temporary or permanent herbaceous vegetation be planted on all bare soil as soon as possible and within 15
days of ground disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
5. At Station 3+50 NCDOT should remove the culvert headwall constructed of concrete bags. Care should be taken
in removing the concrete bags. If the concrete is still active, spillage into the stream could result in pH changes
of the water and possibly fish kills.
6. Stormwater should be directed to vegetated buffer areas, grass lined ditches or other means appropriate to the site
for the purpose of pre-treating stormwater runoff, and must not be routed directly into streams. Mowing of
existing vegetated buffers is strongly discouraged, so that they may be utilized for stormwater diffuse flow.
7. Culverts that are less than 48-inch in diameter should be buried to a depth equal to or greater than 20% of their
size to allow for aquatic life passage. Culverts that are 48-inch diameter or larger should be buried at least 12
inches below the stream bottom to allow natural stream bottom material to become established in the culvert
following installation and to provide aquatic life passage during periods of low flow. This may require
increasing the size of the culvert to meet flow conveyance requirements. If any of the existing pipes are perched,
they shall be removed and replaced, and re-installed correctly, unless demonstrated that this is topographically
unfeasible.
8. Removal of vegetation at the stream crossing and adjacent to streams should be minimized. Native trees and
shrubs (e.g. Rhododendron, dog hobble, willows, alders, sycamores, dogwoods, black walnut and red maple)
should be planted along the streambank to reestablish the riparian zone and to provide long-term erosion control
in the vicinity of the road crossing and along the streams within dedicated rights of way.
9. Riprap placed for bank stabilization should be limited to the streambank below the high water mark, and
vegetation should be used for stabilization above the high water elevation.
10. Heavy equipment must be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to minimize
sedimentation and to reduce the likelihood of introducing other pollutants into the stream.
11. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials.
12. Excavation of the stream crossings and relocations should be conducted in the dry, if possible. Sandbags,
cofferdams, flexible pipe or other diversion structures should be used to minimize excavation in flowing water.
13. If concrete is used during culvert installation (e.g., headwalls), a dry work area should be maintained to prevent
direct contact between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete
should not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for fish kills.
14. Discharging hydroseed mixtures and washing out hydroseeders and other equipment in or adjacent to surface
waters is strictly prohibited.
15. The presence of equipment in the channels must be minimized. Under no circumstances must rock, sand or other
materials be dredged from the wetted stream channel under authorization of this permit, except in the immediate
vicinity of the culverts. Instream dredging has catastrophic effects on aquatic life and disturbance of the natural
form of the stream channel will likely cause downstream erosion problems, possibly affecting other landowners.
16. Rock check dams at culvert outlets should be removed at project completion to avoid blocking movement of
aquatic life.
17. This certification does not authorize the discharge of waste rock and dirt into the stream or riparian zone except
for permitted areas associated with culvert conditions.
18. All work shall be performed during low flow conditions (below bankfull).
J ^
Mr. R. G. Watson, P.E.
July 23, 2004
Page Three
19. Upon completion of the project, the NCDOT shall complete and return the enclosed "Certificate of Completion"
form to notify NCDWQ when all work included in the §401 Certification has been completed. The responsible
party shall complete the attached form and return it to the 401/Wetlands Unit of the NC Division of Water
Quality upon completion of the project. NCDOT is strongly advised to send in photographs upstream and
downstream of each structure to document correct installation.
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, which
conforms 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 Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you
have any questions, please telephone Mr. Mike Parker of the Asheville Regional Office at 828.296.4500.
Sincerely,
Alan W. limek, P.E.
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District, U S Army Corps of Engineers
Mark Davis, Division 14, DEO
Ed Ingle, Roadside Environmental
Angie Pennock, USACE Asheville Field Office
Wetlands/401 Unit
Mike Parker, NCDWQ Asheville Regional Office
n ?. SGl= °?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
JSl4fTN2b04
WETLANDS/ 401 GROUP
JUN 1 1 2004
WATER QUALITY SECTION
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
Mr. Steve Lund, NCDOT Regulatory Project Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 040953
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801-2714
Subject: Nationwide Permit 14 Application
Proposed Secondary Road Construction
SR 1679, Pipes Branch Road, near Murphy, NC, Cherokee County.
State Project No. 14C.020031 (DWQ Minor Permit Fee $200)
Dear Mr. Lund:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing to widen and
improve SR 1679, Pipes Branch Road, in Cherokee County. This proposal entails
widening the existing gravel road to a standard 18 foot roadway. In order to accomplish
this work, NCDOT is requesting permission to extend/replace one PVC pipe culvert with
a CMP culvert and eliminate 23 linear feet of stream.
The proposed improvements of SR 1679 have been identified as necessary maintenance
and safety improvements. Funds have been issued for this project, and NCDOT would
like to perform these activities sometime during the 2004 calendar year.
I am attaching details of the site where we propose to be in conflict with the stream. I ain
also attaching a vicinity map as well as a USGS map with this site shown with its
coordinates listed. We propose to install the new culvert slightly below the existing
streambed elevations where bedrock is not encountered to minimize impacts to wildlife
habitats and allow the existing stream gradients to remain as unchanged as is physically
possible.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Database was checked for records of threatened and
endangered species. There are no records in the database for threatened or endangered
species from the Pipes Branch watershed. The unnamed tributary to be impacted is too
small to support fish. Additionally, the scope of the project is limited and impact is
expected to be minimal. For these reasons, this project will have "no effect" on
threatened or endangered species.
Andrews District Office
191 Robbinsville Road, Andrews, N. C. 28901
Phone: [phone] Far: [phone]
Impacts to historic or cultural resources are not anticipated. If the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Office of State Archaeology determines that further
investigations are required, NCDOT will conduct the appropriate site investigations and
obtain compliance from SHPO prior to project construction.
Best management practices will be used to minimize and control sedimentation and
erosion on this project. The construction foreman will review all erosion control
measures daily to ensure sedimentation and erosion is being effectively controlled. If the
planned devices are not functioning as intended, they will be immediately replaced with
better devices. The erosion control devices will be in place prior to pipe culvert
construction and will remain in place until the project is stabilized.
Impacts to Waters of the United States
In order to complete the above-mentioned improvements along SR 1679 in Cherokee
County, it will be necessary to impact waters of the United States in the Hiwassee River
Basin. Specifically, NCDOT is requesting to extend/replace a PVC pipe culvert with a
metal pipe culvert, and eliminate 23 linear feet of existing stream bed, in an unnamed
tributary to Pipes Branch (Class C). Listed below is a summary of the proposed impacts.
Station Existing
Condition Proposed
Condition Net Impacts
Site # 1, Sta. 1+40 31' x 6" PVC 65' x 24" CMP 34' extension, 17' impact
Site # 1, Sta. 1+40 2' branch Eliminate branch 23' to be eliminated
40 linear feet total
* See plan drawing for clarification.
Permits Requested
NCDOT is hereby requesting authorization under NWP 14 and Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act to proceed with the construction project outlined above. By copy of this letter,
I am asking Mr. Dave McHenry, Mountain Regional Coordinator, of the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) to comment directly to you concerning the
404 Nationwide Permit Request. Also, by copy of this letter, I am requesting
authorization to proceed under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act from the North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Division of Water
Quality (DWQ). In addition, I am asking Mr. McHenry and Mr. Ed Ingle (NCDOT) to
comment directly to me concerning this permit request.
Again, we would like to proceed with this project during the 2004 calendar year. If you
require additional information, please contact me at [phone]. Your early review
and consideration will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly,
hilip W. Moore
Assistant District Engineer
Copy: Mr. John Dorney, DWQ, DENR, Raleigh (7 copies)
Mr. Mike Parker, DWQ, DENR, Asheville
Mr. Dave McHenry, Mountain Regional Coordinator, NCWRC
Mr. Carson Fisher, PE, Regional Engineer, LQS, DLR, DENR
Mr. R.G. Watson, PE, Division Engineer, NCDOT
Mr. B.C. Burch, PE, District Engineer, NCDOT
Mr. Wendell Chastain, Transportation Supervisor, NCDOT
Mr. Mark Davis, Division Environmental Officer, NCDOT
Mr. E. L. Ingle, Roadside Environmental Field Operations Engineer, NCDOT
STREAM IMPACTS
Site Existing Proposed Net Impacts Latitude/ Longitude
Condition Condition
Site # 1 31' x 6" PVC 65' x 24" CMP 34' extension, 35-05-68 / 83-54-88
17' impact *
Site # 1 2' branch Eliminate branch 23' eliminated 35-05-68 / 83-54-88
40 linear feet total
* See plan drawing for clarification.
Peachtree Quadrangle
Pipes Branch Road, SR 1679
Cherokee County
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PZPFS BRANCH RD
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Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) Application Form
For Section 404 and/or Section 10 Nationwide, Regional and General Permits, Section 401 General Water Quality
Certifications, and Riparian Buffer and Watershed Buffer Rules
SR 1679, Pipes Branch Road, Cherokee County
M?
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NCDOT Division 14, District III
Prepared by: Philip W. Moore
Assistant District Engineer
Page 1
Office Use Only: Fonn version October 2001
USACE Action ID No. DWQ No.
If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A" rather than
leaving the space blank.
1. Processing
1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project:
® Section 404 Permit
? Section 10 Permit
® 401 Water Quality Certification
? Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules
2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: 14
If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification
is not required, check here: ? N/A
4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for
mitigation of impacts (see section VIII - Mitigation), check here: ? N/A
II. Applicant Information
Owner/Applicant Information
Name: North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Mailing Address: 191 Robbinsville Road
Andrews, NC 28901
Telephone Number: 828.321.4105 Fax Number: 828.321.3228
E-mail Address: pwmooreCaldot.state. nc.us
2. Agent Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be
attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.)
Name: Philip W. Moore
Company Affiliation: Assistant District Engineer
Mailing Address: (same as above)
Telephone Number: Fax Number:
E-mail Address:
Page 2
III. Project Information
Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local
landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property
boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity snap
and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings,
impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should
include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property
boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion,
so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the
USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format;
however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction
drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are
reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that
the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided.
1. Name of project: Pipes Branch Road, SR 1679
2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only)
3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN):
4. Location
140.020031
County: Cherokee Nearest Town: MuMhy
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): Take US 64 E from Mu!phy.
Left at light onto NC 141, then 1.9 miles then ri<uht onto SR 1535. Travel 1.9 miles then
m-ht onto SR 1540. Travel 0.13 miles then lett onto Pipes Branch Rd.
Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 35-05-68 / 83-54-88
(Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the
coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.)
6. Describe the existing land use or condition of the site at the time of this application:
forest, light residential
7. Property size (acres)
8. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Pipes Branch - Class C
9. River Basin: Hiwassee
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.)
10. Describe the purpose of the proposed work: Construct road to current NCDOT secondary
road standards
Page 3
11. List the type of equipment to be used to construct the project: trackhoe, backhoc,
loader, grader, dump trucks
12. Describe the land use in the vicinity of this project: forest, pasture, residential
IV. Prior Project History
If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this
project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include
the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and
certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits,
certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and
buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project,
list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with
construction schedules.
V. Future Project Plans
Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work,
and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application:
N/A
VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also
provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent
and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site
plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a
delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream
evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be
included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream
mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for
listing or description, please attach a separate sheet.
1. Wetland Impacts No wetland impacts
Page 4
Wetland Impact
Site Number
indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Located within
I00-year Floodplain**
es/no Distance to
Nearest Stream
linear feet
Type of Wetland***

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill,
excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding.
** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or
online at http://www.fenut.go\.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond,
Carolina Bay, bog, etc.)
List the total acreage (estimated) of existing wetlands on the property:
Total area of wetland impact proposed:
2. Stream Impacts, including all intermittent and perennial streams
Stream Impact
Site Number
indicate on map)
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
('linear feet)
Stream Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent'?
(please secif )
Site t: I culvert 17 feet UT to Pipes Branch 2 feet P
Site ,1 1 eliminate stream 23 feet UT to Pipes Branch 2 feet P

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap,
dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain),
stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is
proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included.
** Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest
downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at
www.uses.eov. Several internet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.tooozone.coin,
www.man(juest.com, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 40 linear feet
Page 5
Open Water Impacts, including Lakes, Ponds, Estuaries, Sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any
other Water of the U.S. No open water impacts
Open Water Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres)
(if Name applicable) ) Wate Type of Waterbody
(lake, pond, estuary, sound,
bay, ocean, etc.)

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: till, excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
4. Pond Creation
If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be
included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should
be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application.
Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream
Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation,
draw-down valve or spillway, etc.):
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.):
Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area:
VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization)
Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and
financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact
site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts
were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction
techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts.
Erosion and sedimentation control measures and BMP's will be used during construction to
avoid environmental impacts. We are proposing that the new pipes be installed slightly below
the existingstreambed to allow for fish / aquatic life passage. Eliminating the 23 LF of existing
stream was proposed in order to maintain a safe roadway width and avoid excessive impacts to
an adjacent home while avoidint; a channel chanme which would likely have resulted in unstable
stream banks and sedimentation of the stream.
VIII. Mitigation N/A
DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC
Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to
? wetlands
installation of
Page 6
freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial
streams.
USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide
Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when
necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic enviromnent are minimal. Factors
including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted
aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable
mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include,
but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland
and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of
aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar
functions and values, preferable in the same watershed.
If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order
for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application
lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as
incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration
in DWQ's ,Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at
llttp://li2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/strnlbide.litni1.
Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide
as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions
and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet)
of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view,
preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a
description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach
a separate sheet if more space is needed.
N/A
2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration
Program (NCWRP) with the NCWRP's written agreement. Check the box indicating that
you would like to pay into the NCWRP. Please note that payment into the NCWRP must be
reviewed and approved before it can be used to satisfy mitigation requirements. Applicants
will be notified early in the review process by the 401/Wetlands Unit if payment into the
NCWRP is available as an option. For additional information regarding the application
process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at http://l12o.enr.state.nc.us/M/index.htm. If
use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide
the following information: N/A
Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet):.
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet):
Page 7
IX.
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Environmental Documentation (DWQ Only)
Does the project involve an expenditure of public funds or the use of public (federal/state/local)
land?
Yes ® No ?
If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the
requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA
coordinator at [phone] to review current thresholds for environmental documentation.
Yes ? No
If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a
copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.
Yes ? No
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (DWQ Only)
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide
justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein,
and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a
map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ
Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the
applicant's discretion.
Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233
(Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 213 .0250 (Randleman Rules and
Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify p
Yes ? No ? If you answered "yes", provide the following information:
Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer
mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer
multipliers.
Zone* Impact
(square feet Multiplier Required
Mitigation
1 3
2 1.5
Total
* Zone I extends out 30 feet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Lone Z extends an
additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1.
Page 8
If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation
of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or
Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as
identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or.0260.
XI. Stormwater (DWQ Only)
Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site.
Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands
downstream from the property.
The existing compacted t*ravel roadway acts as an impervious surface Widening of the roadway
will increase impervious acreage by 50-80%. Pavin€7 of the roadway should eliminate
sedimentation from fines associated with gravel surface treatment The roadway surface will be
approximately 40% of the right-of-way area. Stormwater will be diverted through settling basins
or grass lined buffers prior to entering streams. (See erosion control plan)
XII. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Only)
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
XIII. Violations (DWQ Only)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500) or any Buffer Rules'?
Yes ? No ?
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No ?
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
f.
Applicant/Agent's Signature / - / Date
(Agept's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
Page 9
MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
The following questions provide direction in determining when the Department is
required to prepare environmental documents for state-funded construction and
maintenance activities. Answer questions for Parts A through C by checking either yes
or no. Complete Part D of the checklist when Minimum Criteria Rule categories #4 or
# 15 are used.
TIP Project No.: N/A
State Project No.: 140.020031
Project Location: SR 1679, Pipes Branch Road, Cherokee County
Project Description: Construct road to DOT secondary road standards.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: 401 & 404
Special Project Information:
Project consists of upgrading the existing gravel roadway to meet existing NCDOT
secondary road construction standards.
06/01/04 1 of 4
PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
YES NO
I . Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed under N F1
the Minimum Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation is not
required?
If the answer to number 1 is "no", then the project does not qualify as a
minimum criteria project. A state environmental assessment is required.
If yes, under which category? Ei ht 8
If either category #8 or #15 is used complete Part D of this checklist.
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
ten??'<..??o???? omP?gted'?6 "t?e;,- W',tTw,a ? 11 2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use F-1 N
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse air quality
impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative impacts F1 that may result in a significant adverse impact to human health or the
environment?
4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed
activity have such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern
for its environmental effects has been expressed to the Department?
{ n
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on wetlands; F-1 1-1
surface waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries; parklands; prime or
unique agricultural lands; or areas of recognized scenic, recreational,
archaeological, or historical value?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the 1-1 ?
Department of Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use F-1 F-1
concentrations that would be expected to create adverse water quality or
ground water impacts?
06/01/04 2 of4
YES NO
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on El F1
long-term recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their
natural habitats
If any questions 2 through 8 are answered "yes", the proposed project may not qualify as a
Minimum Criteria project. A state environmental assessment (EA) may be required. For
assistance, contact:
Manager, Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
P. O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 733 -3141
Fax: [phone]
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
"Tre&,i ?12,to Ile
co p t?,?
1 ivE V
I Ql? YES NO
,
,
.
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its
habitat, likely to be impacted by the proposed action?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent ? ?
fill in waters of the United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of
fill in high quality or relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as
mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental ? F1
Concern, as defined in the coastal Area Management Act?
'7`leins23-A mip'ed
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes? © F1
Cultural Resources
13. Will the project have an "effect" on a property or site listed on the
National Register of Historic Places?
14. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of ?
way from publicly owned parkland or recreational areas?
Questions in Part "C" are designed to assist the Engineer and the Division Environmental
Officer in determining whether a permit or consultation with a state or federal resource
agency may be required. If any questions in Part "C" are answered "yes", follow the
appropriate permitting procedures prior to beginning project construction.
06/01/04 3 of 4
PART D:( To be completed when either cateyzory #8 or #15 of the rules are used.)
E Ite?ts?' & ? a, two tb? ?^dmplesd by?' ? ,o ?? r t' art al ?(?' p<
15. Project length:
16. Right of Way width:
17. Project completion date:
18. Total acres of disturbed ground surface:
19. Total acres of wetland impacts:
20. Total linear feet of stream impacts:
21. Project purpose:
If Part D of the checklist is completed, send a copy of the entire checklist document to:
Don G. Lee
State Roadside Environmental Engineer
Mail Service Center 1557
Raleigh, NC 27699-1557
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Reviewed by: fijto- P/ vow, Date: June 1, 2004
Lea Engine
Division Environmental Engineer
cc: Don Lee
Date:
06/01/04 4 of4