20070627 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20070503

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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive lltrector
Apri130, 2007
Mr. Dennis Whitaker
Duke Power Lake Management
PO Box 1006
Charlotte, North Carolina 28201-1006
RE: Hidden Harbour Subdivision (formerly Greenwood Subdivision), Reduction of Boatslips & Addition of a
Boat Ramp, Lake Norman, DWQ # 20070627, Catawba County
Dear Mr. Whitaker:
This correspondence is in response to a letter to Ms. Cyndi Karoly, NC Division of Water Quality from Ms. Ann
Duncan, Permits-4-U lnc. concerning the referenced project modification. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC) is authorized to comment and make recommendations which relate to the impacts of this
project on fish and wildlife through the Federal License of Water Resource Project Act (Federal Power Act-16
U.S.C. 791a et seq.), and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The applicant proposes to modify an approved 24-boatslip marina by reducing the number of boatslips to fourteen
{ 14) and adding a boat ramp. Approximately 500' of shoreline stabilization is indicated as necessary.
Based on our review, we have found no reason to object to the modification providing it conforms to Duke Power's
Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). All activities should follow any special conditions specified by the NC
Department of Environmeirt and Natural Resources, including buffer zones as well as sedimentation and stormwater
controls as appropriate to protect lake water. This office recommends stonmwater management using techniques
found at wu~v.lowimpactdevelopment~. Should additional activities or permits be necessary for the site, the
attached list of shoreline recommendations for lakes should be used far the project as appropriate.
Thank you far the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions regarding these
comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
Si ce
on Linville
Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
Attachment: Standard Recommendations for Shoreline Activities on Lakes
E-copy: Mike Parker, Allan Johnson & Cyndi Karoly, DWQ
Ann Duncan, Permits-4-U
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service (;enter tcateign, t~~., L ioyy-~ ,~ ~
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Hidden Harbour Boatslips & Ramp -Page 2 - April 30, 2007
Standard Recommendations for Shoreline Activities on Lakes
1. Boat slips should not be placed so as to impede or block navigation or create a navigational hazard for
recreational vessels. Reflectors or night lights maybe needed for recreational safety.
2. Boat slips should not extend into the lake further than necessary. Duke Power guidance should be followed
to minimize impacts to open waters. Dock facilities muss not extend more than a third (1/3}, preferably less
than a quarter (1/4) of the total water body width.
3. If any dredging is necessary, it should be done in the dry (if possible) when the lake level is low. This will
minimize sedimentation into the lake. NCWRC discourages dredging shallow water areas with productive
bottom, wetlands, or submerged aquatic vegetation We are less concerned with dredging shallow areas
having a mud or sand substrate.
4. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers should be contacted to determine if a 404 Permit is required. The NC
Division of Water Quality should be contacted to determine if certifications and stormwater permits are
necessary.
5. Any existing Environmental Areas, Natural Areas and shoreline buffers in the area should be surveyed or
photographed to create a permanent record of current habitat conditions. Copies of this documentation
should be permanently maintained and provided to Duke Power and/or commenting agencies upon request.
These habitat areas and any newly established habitats should be protected through common area
conservation easements, individual lot deed restrictions or other enforceable methods to prevent future
direct and/or indirect habitat impacts. Should impacts occur, project proponents should guarantee
restoration of any affected habitats to original pre-disturbance conditions.
6. Boating restrictions and lake access restrictions may be appropriate that prevent and minimise secondary
impacts from boat wakes and shoreline activities to Environmental Areas and shoreline buffers.
7. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and maintained until project
completion. Excavated materials should not be stockpiled where sediment will erode to surface waters.
8. Concrete is toxic to aquatic organisms so procedures which prevent wet concrete from contacting surface
waters should be used.
9. Beneficial undisturbed. forested shoreline buffers should be provided along the shoreline. We recommend
shoreline reforestation using autochthonous plants. These should include large woody shrubs and trees.
Disturbed buffers should be restored to preexisting conditions. Depending on local conditions, buffers can
be replanted with silky dogwood, river birch, red maple, silky willow, tag alder, black willow, sycamore, or
other native woody species to provide improved habitat, stability and shade. Note that silky dogwood,
silky willow and black willow can be planted as live stakes collected during the dormant growing season.
Cuttings should be randomly planted and done on four (4) foot centers from the waters edge to the top of
the bank. Trees should be planted on ten (10) to twelve (12) foot centers. Stream banks in these areas
should also be seeded with an approved temporary crop of annual wheat or rye. Once established, native
woody plants should improve habitats along the edge of the lake and provide water quality benefits as well
as improve aesthetics.
10. Fencing is recommended to protect buffers and direct users to provided access points.
11. Although not recommended, a walking trail may be placed in the buffer zone providing it is kept away
from streams to the maximum extent practicable, it is pervious, and its width does not exceed minimum
width requirements specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
12. NCWRC recommends Duke Power's Fish-Friendly Pier construction practices for piers and docks as these
devices provide fish habitat.
13. If fueling stations or maintenance areas will be provided, emergency spill containment and stormwater
management activities should be provided that meet Division of Water Quality and Emergency
Management requirements. Emergency spill containment equipment should be readily available on site.
14. All activities must follow Duke Power Guidelines and arty other special conditions specified by the NC
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, including Catawba River shoreline buffer
requirements.
15. If any water and sewer connections will be provided, Department of Environmental Health and Division of
Water Quality requirements must be followed to avoid any noxious conditions or health concerns.