20201125 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20201104

DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 BEA01 A9-093E-42C8-8833-A7C51 DBAF9CD
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
November 4, 2020
DWR # 20-1125
Jackson County
Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority (TWSA)
Attn: Daniel Manring
1246 West Main Street
Sylva, North Carolina 28779
Subject: APPROVAL OF 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION WITH ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Horsepasture River WWTP and Collection System Improvements
Dear Mr. Manring:
You have our approval for the impacts listed below for the purpose described in your application dated
August 31, 2020, received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) August 31, 2020 and payment
received September 4, 2020, with subsequent information on October 26, 2020. These impacts are
covered by the attached Water Quality General Certification Number 4132, Water Quality General
Certification Number 4135, and the conditions listed below. This certification is associated with the use
of Nationwide Permit Number 7 and Nationwide Permit Number 14 once 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, and Water Supply Watershed 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 Conditions listed below and
all of the conditions of the applicable Water Quality General Certifications are met. No other
impacts are approved, including incidental impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]
Type of Impact
Amount Approved (units)
Permanent
Amount Approved (units)
Temporary
Strea m
S1
0 (linear feet)
95 (linear feet)
S2
52 (linear feet)
0 (linear feet)
S3
0 (linear feet)
20 (linear feet)
S4
8 (linear feet)
0 (linear feet)
S5
0 (linear feet)
10 (linear feet)
404/401 Wetlands
W1
0 (acres)
0.010 (acres)
W2
0.080 (acres)
0 (acres)
D —4A North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
vnHw rn;in�_ir�n �
0­Om or enwm­ta�Q"I 919,707,9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 BEA01 A9-093E-42C8-8833-A7C51 DBAF9CD
Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority (TWSA)
DWR# 20-1125
401 Certification
Page 2 of 4
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 this Certification. 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 Certification and is responsible for complying with all conditions. [15A NCAC
02H .0507(d)(2)].
3. 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)]
4. 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]
5. 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]
6. 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 15A NCAC 02B .0211(12)]
7. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters or wetlands will be regularly inspected
and maintained to prevent contamination of waters and wetlands from fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids or other potential toxic chemicals. In the event of a hydrocarbon or chemical
spill, the permittee/contractor shall immediately contact the Division of Water Resources,
between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm at the Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4500 and after
hours and on weekends call [phone]. Management of such spills shall comply with
provisions of the North Carolina Oil Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act. [15A NCAC
02H .0506 (b)(3), 15A NCAC 02B .0211 (12), and GS 143 Article 21A]
The turbidity standard of 10 NTUs (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) within streams classified as
trout, shall not be exceeded as described in 15A NCAC 02B .0200. Appropriate sediment and
erosion control practices must be used to meet this standard. [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
9. The proposed project shall follow the recommendations stated in the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) comment letter dated November 28, 2016 (attached) to the
maximum extent practicable. [15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2)]
10. 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]
11. 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

DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 BEA01 A9-093E-42C8-8833-A7C51 DBAF9CD
Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority (TWSA)
DWR# 20-1125
401 Certification
Page 3 of 4
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)]
12. The permittee shall report to the Asheville Regional Office any noncompliance with the
conditions of this Certification, the conditions of the applicable Water Quality General
Certifications, 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 0213]. 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 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 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:OOam and 5:OOpm, 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:
If sending via US Postal Service: If sending via delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc):
Office of Administrative Hearings Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center 1711 New Hope Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714 Raleigh, NC 27609-6285
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served to Department of Environmental Quality:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 BEA01 A9-093E-42C8-8833-A7C51 DBAF9CD
Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority (TWSA)
DWR# 20-1125
401 Certification
Page 4 of 4
This letter completes the review of the Division under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC
02H .0500. Please contact Kaylie Yankura at 828-296-4685 or [e-mail] if you have
any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
p � ��
7E617A38285848C...
G. Landon Davidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Asheville Regional Office
Enclosures: GC 4132
GC 4135
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Letter (November 28, 2016)
Certificate of Completion
cc: McGill Associates, PA —Jon Swaim (via email)
USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office — David Brown (via email)
NC Wildlife Resources Commission —Andrea Leslie (via email)
US Fish and Wildlife Service — Byron Hamstead (via email)
DEMLR — Stan Aiken (via email)
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch electronic file
Filename: G:\WR\WQ\Jackson\401s\Non-DOT\Horespasture River WWTP and Collection System
Improvements\20201104_Horsepastu re Rive rWWTPandColIectionSystemImprovements_APPRVL.docx

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO.4132
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 3 (MAINTENANCE),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 4 (FISH AND WILDLIFE HARVESTING, ENHANCEMENT, AND
ATTRACTION DEVICES AND ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 5 (SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENT DEVICES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 6 (SURVEY ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 7 (OUTFALL STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED INTAKE STRUCTURES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 19 (MINOR DREDGING),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 20 (RESPONSE OPERATIONS FOR OIL OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 22 (REMOVAL OF VESSELS),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 25 (STRUCTURAL DISCHARGES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 30 (MOIST SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR WILDLIFE),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 32 (COMPLETED ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 36 (BOAT RAMPS),
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 197800056 (PIERS, DOCKS AND BOATHOUSES), AND
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 197800125 (BOAT RAMPS)
Water Quality Certification Number 4132 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) (3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 19, 20, 22, 25, 30, 32, and 36) of the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations and Regional
General Permits 197800056 and 197800125.
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

GC4132
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) Total additional permanent impacts to streams (including stream relocations or
restorations) greater than 40 linear feet at an existing stream impact location; or
c) Total temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands or open waters equal to or greater
than one -tenth (1/10) of an acre; or
d) Complete dewatering and drawdowns to a sediment layer related to pond/dam
maintenance or removal; or
e) Any impacts to streams from excavation or dredging other than excavation that is
conducted as preparation for installing permanent fill or structures or projects qualifying
for a Nationwide Permit 19; or
f) Except for projects qualifying for a Nationwide permit 3, 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
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:
i. 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
program'.
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 coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands
(UWL); or
i) 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
j) 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:
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 10

GC4132
i. The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" from these rules; or
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. 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.
2. 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)]
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 documentation (including calculations, photos, etc.) 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]
Page 3 of 10

GC4132
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.
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 02B .02001
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.
Page 4 of 10

GC4132
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 0413.0124, 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 026 .0201]
8. An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (NCG010000) is required for construction
projects that disturb one (1) or more acres of land. The NCGO10000 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 046.0125]
Page 5 of 10

GC4132
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)]
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.
Page 6 of 10

GC4132
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)]
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 02B .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 026.0200]
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)]
Page 7 of 10

GC4132
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.
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters should 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.
Page 8 of 10

GC4132
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)]
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]
III. GENERAL CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:
1. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.31)(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 143-215.31)(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
Page 9 of 10

GC4132
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.
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 waters or
downstream waters are precluded.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4132 issued December 1, 2017
replaces WCQ 4085 issued March 3, 2017; WQC 3883 issued March 19, 2012; WQC Number
3687 issued November 1, 2007; WQC Number 3624 issued March 19, 2007; WQC Number 3494
issued December 31, 2004; and WQC Number 3376 issued March 18, 2002.
Page 10 of 10

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO.4135
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 14 (LINEAR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS), AND
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 198200031 (NCDOT BRIDGES, WIDENING PROJECTS,
INTERCHANGE (IMPROVEMENTS)
Water Quality Certification Number 4135 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) (14) of
the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations and Regional General Permit 198200031.
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

GC4135
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 temporary or permanent impacts to wetlands, open waters and/or streams, except
for construction of a driveway to a single family residential lot that is determined to not
be part of a larger common plan of development, as long as the driveway involves a
travel lane of less than 25 feet and total stream impacts of less than 60 feet, including
any topographic/slope stabilization or in -stream stabilization needed for the crossing; or
c) Any stream relocation or stream restoration; or
d) 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
e) Any permanent impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as:
ORW (including SAV), HQW (including PNA), SA, WS-I, WS-II, or North Carolina or
National Wild and Scenic River.
f) Any permanent impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as
Trout except for driveway projects that are below threshold (b) above provided that:
L The impacts are not adjacent to any existing structures
ii. All conditions of this General Certification can be met, including adherence to
any moratoriums as stated in Condition #10; and
iii. A Notification of Work in Trout Watersheds Form is submitted to the Division at
least 60 days prior to commencement of work; or
g) Any permanent impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands
(UWL); or
h) 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
' 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

GC4135
i) 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:
i. The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" from these rules; or
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 and driveway 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 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 (d) above shall comply with one of the following
requirements: [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
Page 3 of 11

GC4135
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 documentation (including calculations, photos, etc.) 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

GC4135
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 02B .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 04B .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 026 .0201]
Page 5 of 11

GC4135
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 046 .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

GC4135
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

GC4135
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 026 .0200 and 15A NCAC 02B .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

GC4135
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

GC4135
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

GC4135
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 (WQQ Number 4135 issued December 1, 2017
replaces WQC Number 4088 issued March 3, 2017; WQC 3886 issued March 12, 2012; WQC
Number 3820 issued April 6, 2010; WQC Number 3627 issued March 2007; WQC Number 3404
issued March 2003; WQC Number 3375 issued March 18, 2002; WQC Number 3289 issued June
1, 2000; WQC Number 3103 issued February 11, 1997; WQC Number 2732 issued May 1, 1992;
WQC Number 2666 issued January 21, 1992; WQC Number 2177 issued November 5, 198Z
Page 11 of 11

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Lyn Hardison, Environmental Assistance and SEPA Coordinator
NCDENR Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Services
FROM: Andrea Leslie, Mountain Region Coordinator n ��
Habitat Conservation
DATE: 28 November 2016
SUBJECT: Scoping for Cashiers Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sewer Lines, and Pump Stations
Jackson County
DEQ Project No. 17-0249
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the subject
document and we are familiar with the habitat values of the area. We received additional
Scoping documents from McGill Associates, which provided supplemental information to that
included in the SEPA documents. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667e) and the
North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 113-131 et seq.).
The project proposes to build a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to respond to current
and requested wastewater treatment capacity. In addition, the project proposes 7,840 feet of
sanitary sewer force main, 8,155 feet of gravity sewer line, an existing pump station upgrade,
and pump station replacement, all in pre -disturbed areas or along road right-of-way. This project
would supplement an existing 0.2 mgd plant on the Chattooga River by constructing a new 0.125
mgd plant and influent pump station on the Horsepasture River. Stream crossings would be
needed on the Horsepasture River and numerous tributaries.
The site proposed for the wastewater treatment plant is on a formerly forested parcel on the
Horsepasture River. A listed species and habitat assessment was performed for this parcel,
which concluded that the project was not likely to cause any adverse impact to any federally
listed species. Scrub -shrub wetlands were documented adjacent to the Horsepasture River, and a
portion of the proposed site is within the 100-year floodplain.
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

17-0249 Scoping Cashiers WWTP Page 2 November 28, 2016
Jackson County
The Horsepasture River is home to the French Broad River Crayfish (Cambarus reburrus, US
Federal Species of Concern, NC Significantly Rare) and the Yellowfin Shiner (Notropis
lutipinnis, NC Special Concern). Both Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout are also found in the
Horsepature River in vicinity of the project. In addition, proposed sewer lines that would run
between Cashiers and the site would cross a number of tributaries to the Horspasture River and
the Chattooga River, some of which contain Brook Trout.
Our concerns regarding the WWTP discharge include impacts to water quality resulting from
ammonia, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCP)/endocrine disrupting compounds
(EDC), chlorine, and treatment plant upsets. In order to address these concerns, we recommend
the following:
• The WWTP should include measures (e.g., flow equalization and offline storage) to
ensure consistent effluent water quality and downstream protection from overflows. The
WWTP should provide a minimum of five days of storage for untreated or undertreated
wastewater. We are concerned about impacts to water quality, aquatic habitat, and
aquatic species should treatment upsets occur particularly during low flow periods (e.g.,
7Q10 or less). The Environmental Assessment (EA) should include a description of the
measures that will be used to store untreated or undertreated wastewater, as well as
measures used to ensure consistent effluent water quality and downstream protection
from overflows.
• Develop site -specific acute and chronic water quality standards for ammonia, using the
2013 USEPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia Freshwater.
• Studies have shown PPCP and EDC in municipal effluent can cause adverse
physiological effects to fish and freshwater mussels (Bouchard et al. 2009, Bringolf et al.
2010, Farcy et al. 2011, Gagne et al. 2011 a, Gagne et al. 201 lb, Liney et al. 2011, and
Vajda et al. 2001). The WWTP should be designed with technology that is known to
reduce or eliminate PPCPs and EDCs from wastewater. Some measures that appear to
provide effective reduction or elimination of these emerging contaminants include
membrane bioreactors, granular activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, ozonation,
and combinations of these treatment technologies. The EA should provide a discussion
on emerging contaminants, particularly PPCPs and EDCs, and the treatment measures
that will be used in the WWTP to reduce or eliminate these from the effluent.
• Finally, the disinfection system should use ultraviolet light or ozone instead of chlorine.
Chlorine is acutely toxic to aquatic organisms and can form secondary compounds that
are detrimental to aquatic life.
We are concerned about the secondary and cumulative impacts resulting from development
facilitated by the project. The Environmental Assessment (EA) should include a summary of
ordinances as they pertain to riparian buffer, floodplain, and open space protection, impervious
surface limits and stormwater management, and sediment and erosion control. Adopting
ordinances that protect wide forested riparian corridors and the 100-year floodplain along with
adequately treating stormwater in development areas are essential to protect water quality and
aquatic habitat in developing landscapes. We recommend that the Water Authority refer to the
Guidance Memorandum to Address and Mitigate Secondary and Cumulative Impacts to Aquatic
and Terrestrial Wildlife Resources and Water Quality

17-0249 Scoping Cashiers WWTP Page 3 November 28, 2016
Jackson County
(hLtp://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/O/Conserving/documents/2002 GuidanceMemorandumforSec
ondaryandCumulativelmpacts.pdf ) for specific recommendations.
In addition, we have the following general recommendations:
1. Maintain a minimum 100-foot undisturbed, native, forested buffer along perennial
streams, and a minimum 50-foot buffer along intermittent streams and wetlands.
Maintaining undisturbed, forested buffers along these areas will minimize impacts to
aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources, water quality, and aquatic habitat both within
and downstream of the project area. Also, wide riparian buffers are helpful in
maintaining stability of stream banks and for treatment of pollutants associated with
urban stormwater. In addition, these buffers will provide an adequate travel corridor for
wildlife species.
2. Avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands during construction. In addition to providing
wildlife habitat, wetland areas perform important functions of flood control and water
quality protection. Temporarily disturbed wetland areas should be returned to original
soils and contours, and reseeded with annual small grains appropriate for the season (e.g.
oats, millet, rye, or wheat) and should be allowed to revert to natural wetland vegetation.
3. The directional bore (installation of utilities beneath the riverbed, avoiding impacts to the
stream and buffer) stream crossing method should be used for utility crossings wherever
practicable, especially on streams that contain Brook Trout. The open cut stream
crossing method should be used only when water level is low and stream flow is
minimal.
4. The road crossing on the Horsepasture River should be a bridge or other spanning
structure in order to maintain upstream and downstream channel stability and aquatic
organism passage.
5. Construction within the I00-year floodplain should be avoided.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures should be installed prior to any land clearing or
construction. These measures should be routinely inspected and properly maintained.
Excessive silt and sediment loads can have numerous detrimental effects on aquatic
resources including destruction of spawning habitat, suffocation of eggs, and clogging of
gills of aquatic species.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at
[phone] if there are any questions about these comments.
Literature cited:
Bouchard, B., F. Gagne, M. Fortier, and M Fournier. 2009. An in -situ study of the impacts of
urban wastewater on the immune and reproductive systems of the freshwater mussel Elliptio
complanata. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology
150(2):132-140.
Bringolf, R.B., R.M. Heltsley, J.T. Newton, C.B Eads, S.J. Fraley, D. Shea, W.G. Cope. 2010.
Environmental occurrence and reproductive effects of the pharmaceutical fluoxetine in native
freshwater mussels. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 29(6):1311-1318.

17-0249 Scoping Cashiers WWTP Page 4 November 28, 2016
Jackson County
Farcy, E., F. Gagne, L Martel, M. Fortier, S. Trepanier, P. Brousseau, M. Fournier. 2011. Short-
term physiological effects of a xenobiotic mixture on the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata
exposed to municipal effluents. Environmental Research 111(8):1096-1106.
Gagne F., C Andre, P. Cejka, R. Hausler, and M Fournier. 2011a. Evidence of neuroendocrine
disruption in freshwater mussels exposed to municipal wastewaters. Science of the Total
Environment 409(19):3711-3718.
Gagne F., C Andre, P. Cejka, R. Hausler, and M Fournier. 201 lb. Alterations in DNA
metabolism in Elliptio complanata mussels after exposure to municipal effluents. Comparative
Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology and Pharmacology 154(2):100-107.
Liney, K.E. J.A. Hagger, C.R. Tyler, M.H. Depledge, T.S. Galloway, and S. Jobling. 2011.
Health effects in fish of long-term exposure to effluents from wastewater treatment works.
Environmental Health Perspectives, April, 114 (Suppl 1): 81-89.
ec: John Swaim, McGill Associates
Allen Ratzlaff, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Steve Fraley and Powell Wheeler, NCWRC

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
WR Project No.:
Applicant:
Project Name:
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
County:
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:
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
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
Asheville Regional Office 1 2090 U.S. Highway 70 I Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778
NORTH CAROLINA
oepanmem or enmronmenmi Quail /� 828.296.4500