20051748 Ver 2_WRC Comments_20051116

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® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
To: Cyndi Karoly
NC DENR/DWQ
From: Steven H. Everhart, PhD
Southeastern Permit Coordinator
127 Cardinal Drive Ext.
Wilmington, NC 28405 NOV 1 6 2005
Date: November 10, 2005 DENR _ NA1 EEC QUALITY
WETLANDS AND : ORIviViATER BRANCH
RE: Restoration Systems, Inc. - Lowell Dam Removal, 401/404 Application DWQ Project
#20051748, USACE Action ID 4200521370, Johnston County.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NC)YRC) have reviewed
the subject application for impacts to wildlife and fishery resources. We have coordinated with
the applicant and the US Fish and Wildlife Service during the planning of this project. Our
comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et. seq.), and Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water
Act (as amended).
The project is located east of I-95, off Lowell Dam Road in Johnston County near Kenly. The
site is surrounded by forested and agricultural land. There are scattered residential structures in
the area. The project would impact the Little River, Little Buffalo Creek, and several of their un-
named tributaries.
The applicants propose to remove a reinforced concrete dam and old millhouse at Lowell Mill
employing heavy equipment and low-grade explosives to fracture the concrete. This would
result in the loss of a 0.02 acre wetland pocket and 0.05 acre of open water. There would also be
temporary discharges to downstream waters. However, the return of anadromous fish passage to
their native spawning areas is also expected to be a benefit of this project. Additionally, the
applicant proposes to restore habitat suitable for several aquatic species, including the dwarf
wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) and Tar spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana).
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] - Fag: [phone]
Lowell Dam Removal 2 November 10, 2005
We have the following comments:
• The dam, spillways and powerhouse should be removed down to the natural stream channel,
if possible.
• A remedial action plan should be developed if excessive stream bank erosion occurs.
• The pre-dewatering activities have already lowered the water level at the NCWRC boating
access area upstream of the dam to the point that motorized vessels no longer have access to
the resources offered in the Little River. The applicant should continue to work with
NCWRC to replace the recreational boating and angling opportunities that will be lost once
the dam is removed. This should include additional access areas to include handicapped
access.
• The applicant should frequently monitor engineers and contractors to ensure they adhere
to best management practices and resource protective measures indicated in their
Restoration Plan (July 2005).
• We applaud the applicant's efforts to restore natural systems in North Carolina and to
foster public access to these systems and resources by setting them aside for public
enjoyment.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this application. If you have any
questions or require additional information regarding these comments, please call me at (910)
796-7436.
CC: Jean Manuele, USACE
Mike Wicker, USFWS
Daniel Cabe, NCWRC