20110868 Ver 1_More Info Letter_20111014

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
October 14, 2011
DWQ Project # 11-0868
Pamlico County
Pamlico Real Property Holdings LLC
PO Box 6159
Kinston NC 28501
Subject Property: Summerwinds Subdivision Lots 1-16
Neuse River, [NEU10, 27-(118); SA, HWQ, NSW]
Dear Summerwinds Property Owners:
The Division of Water Quality received your CAMA Major application to construct a vinyl
bulkhead and sewer system for Lots 1-16 in the Summerwinds subdivision adjacent to the
Neuse River on Orchard Creek Rd. near Oriental, NC on September 23, 2011.
The proposed shoreline stabilization is a 1,250 ft long by 2 ft wide vertical bulkhead. While
the type of shoreline stabilization is at the choice of the property owner, the DWQ would like
to discuss with you the possibility of more environmentally friendly methods for stabilizing the
shoreline.
DWQ would advocate the use of either off-shore sills or rip-rap revetment in place of the
vertical sheet pile bulkheads.
A sill is a shore-parallel wood or rock structure that is designed to protect, enhance, or
restore existing or planted wetland vegetation. Typically, these structures are constructed
from rock/riprap or oyster bags. This is an environmentally friendly, low-cost option that will
allow wetland vegetation to migrate and maintain a natural "living shoreline". This shoreline
stabilization method has been utilized on two sites east of the proposed project area and is
performing with success. The success of the sill immediately east of your site can be seen in
the enclosed photographs showing the sill compared to your properties.
Riprap revetments are sloping structures parallel to the shoreline constructed along a
bank/escarpment to protect it from erosion while absorbing wave energy. Revetments are
typically constructed from rock/riprap, or concrete pieces. These structures can be used to
shorelines with large waves and are durable, easily maintained, long-lasting structures that
also create aquatic habitat. This shoreline stabilization method has been used extensively
along the shoreline east of your project area with success.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality Internet: www.ncwaterqualitv.org Ile
943 Washington Square Mall Phone: [phone]
FAX [phone]
N6 hCarollina
Washington, NC 27889
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Either of these methods will also reduce the impact to the protected shoreline riparian area
as they do not require the placement of "dead-men" or buried pilings which support the
vertical sheet pile bulkhead. This will eliminate the disturbance of 0.57 acres of sensitive
shoreline. In addition, these methods will not sever the natural processes & connections
between uplands and aquatic areas as will the bulkhead. Armoring the shorelines with
bulkheads or seawalls threatens landscapes, natural habitats, water quality, and contributes
to erosion of adjacent shorelines. These factors could reduce the number of fish, crabs, and
birds that depend on coastal habitats. This is important to the Neuse River estuary which
holds SA, HQW (shellfish and high quality waters) designation.
DWQ requests you consider utilizing either of the aforementioned "living shoreline"
stabilization techniques in lieu of the proposed vertical bulkhead. The Division of Coastal
Management's Estuarine Shoreline Stabilization guide has been enclosed for your
consideration.
Please respond in writing-to-the DWQ within 15 days of the date of this letter to verify that
you have received this letter and that you either remain interested in pursuing permitting of
your project as proposed or are willing to submit a modification of shoreline stabilization
type. Please contact me in writing at the DWQ Washington Regional Office. If we do not
hear from you within 15 days we will assume you wish to proceed with the vertical bulkhead
as proposed. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the
Washington Regional Office, 252-946-6481.
erely,
Amy Ad ms
Environmental Sr. Specialist
Surface Water Protection Section
Washington Regional Office
Enclosures: DCM Estuarine Shoreline Sfablization Guide
NOAA Living Shoreline overview
Aerial Photography of shoreline methods along Orchard Creek Rd.
Cc: Ian Mcmillan, DWQ, Webscape Unit, Central Office
Doug Huggett, DCM, Major Permits Coordinator, Morehead District Office
Brad Connell, DCM, Field Rep., Morehead District Office
WaRO Files
Eddie & Susan Clark 501 Earl Goodwin Rd. Apex, NC 27502
Island Club Investments LLC 5365 E Co Hwy 30-A Suite 105 Seagrove
Beach FL 32459
Seed Ventures, LLC 2300 Peachtree Rd. Suite C-202 Atlanta GA 30309
Robert Gunther Jr. 769 Bent Tree Rd. Oriental NC 28571
David Davenport 1448 Melvin St. Kings Port TN 37665
Leroy F. Howell 119 Fishers Creek Court Cary NC 27513