20210420 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20210406

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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director
April 6, 2021
Ms. Amanda Fuemmeler
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
SUBJECT: Swannanoa River Stabilization at Veterans Park
Swannanoa River, Buncombe County
Dear Ms. Fuemmeler:
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an
application to stabilize 1,100 ft of the Swannanoa River in Buncombe County. NCWRC staff
attended a site visit on March 16, 2021. Our comments on this application are offered for your
consideration under provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.) and Fish
and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
Wild Rainbow Trout are found in the project vicinity, and in -stream work should be avoided
between January 1 and April 15 to minimize impacts to trout reproduction. In addition, the
Eastern Hellbender [Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, US Federal Species of Concern (FSC), NC
Special Concern] is found in the Swannanoa River in the area of the project. Due to the
sensitivity of these species to fine sediments, it is essential that excellent erosion and sediment
control be maintained during the project.
The project involves the stabilization of an eroding reach of river at three main work areas, with
the work taking place over approximately 3 months. Four constructed riffles, log vanes, a rock
vane, brush mattresses, and geolifts will be used. A new section of channel will be constructed to
reroute the channel around a tight meander bend. Sloping and planting of native riparian
vegetation will also be done. Most of the work will occur from the top of bank. According to
Andrew Bick, a coffer dam of large rock will be used to divert flows away from work areas
including those involving geolifts, vane tie-in locations, and constructed riffles.
Due to the potential for the project reach to support hellbenders, NCWRC biologists will survey
for and relocate animals before the project begins.
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Swannanoa River Stabilization Page 2 April 6, 2021
Swannanoa R, Buncombe Co
We offer the following recommendations to minimize impacts to fish and wildlife resources:
1. In -stream work should be avoided between January 1 and April 15 to minimize impacts to
trout reproduction.
2. The applicant should notify Lori Williams ([e-mail]) and Andrea Leslie
([e-mail]) at least 3 weeks before project construction is to begin so the
affected reach can be surveyed for hellbenders and found animals relocated.
3. Be vigilant with sediment and erosion control during site staging, construction, and cleanup.
Disturbed areas should be stabilized at the end of each day.
4. Work should be done at low flows.
5. Any erosion control matting used should be free of nylon or plastic mesh, as this type of
mesh netting frequently entangles wildlife and is slow to degrade, resulting in a hazard that
may last for years.
6. We recommend that a woody buffer of at least 30 feet be planted in order to ensure project
success. A wide forested buffer can ensure greater bank stability, filter overland pollutants,
and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
7. If Eastern Hellbenders are disturbed during construction, they should be captured in a bucket
and moved away from the area of disturbance. Contact Lori Williams
([e-mail]) if animals are seen.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at
[phone] if you have any questions about these comments.
Sincerely,
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program
ec: Andrew Bick, Headwaters Engineering
Andrew Moore, NC Division of Water Resources
Byron Hamstead, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Lori Williams, NCWRC