20211766 Ver 1_PCN responses_Word_20211203_20211206

4a. Describe the existing conditionson the site and thegeneralland use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application:
The proposed Project site is an undeveloped upland area approximately2.2 acres in size located north
of the Rogers Energy Complex (Complex), Formerly known as Cliffside Steam Station in Cleveland, North
Carolina (Figure 1). Specifically, the site is located adjacent to the low head dam and along the northern
bank of the Broad River. The area has been previously used by Duke Energy as laydown space for
activities associated with the Complex. Vegetation within this area is comprised of grasses and forbs.
The Project site is surrounded by undeveloped forested and open land, gravel roads, and utility rights -
of -way. Land use in the vicinity of the Project is industrial, agricultural, rural residential land, and
undeveloped forested and open land (Figure 2).
4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
The Cliffside Low Head Dam— Laydown Area Project in Cleveland, North Carolina has been sited to
support Duke Energy's contractor during maintenance construction activities at the Cliffside low head
dam. The work area is proposed for a staging, laydown, and barge launch during the installation of
anchors and bulkhead modifications within the Broad River (Stream 1) and across from the Complex.
4i. Describe the overall project in detail, including indirect impacts and the type of equipment to be
used.
The Project proposes to construct a 50 x 50-foot barge pad and associated ramp to support construction
activities for the low head dam. Duke Energy's contractor will utilize equipment, including a crane,
mounted on a barge to access the low head dam in order to provide a dry working surface. The barge
will help to manage the existing river flow in order to access areas ofthe dam for the anchor installation.
The ramp will result in permanent fill impacts of approximately 150 feet of along the bank of Stream 1
(Figure 3). In addition, the barge will also be utilized to install 60-foot of temporarysheet piles within
the dam and to 5 H-piles within the Broad River as part of the contractor's mooring plan and to help tie -
off equipment for a safe working environment (see Cliffside ESC 20211004). To support this equipment
and access, the proposed laydown area is necessaryforthe storage and phasing of materials for this
construction. As such, erosion and sediment control plans are attached to this application and provide a
summaryof the work, including best management practices. Due tothe small work area proposed and
absence of grading/earthwork, proposed erosion and sediment control measures for this project include
a construction entrance, perimeter compost filter socks, a stone barge launch, and a concrete wash out
within the existing Duke Energyfacility. The project is located within the Broad River Basin due to the
nature of dam modification work; however, there are no surface water features within the proposed
limits of disturbance of the laydown area. Note that there will be no change in impervious surface area
from pre -to post -development conditions.

1. Avoidance and Minimization
la. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designingthe
project:
Prior to the proposed laydown and barge launch area being finalized, an alternate location was
evaluated (area adjacent to the intake and within the Cliffside facility). Due to the proximity of this area
to other active facility construction projects and because of safety concerns, this option was not
feasible. The second available option for the Project's site was to utilize a Duke Energy owned property
across the Broad River with similar access to the low head dam, which in addition provides good
clearance to the stream bank.
After the Project site was selected the laydown area and barge launch areas were designed to avoid and
minimize impacts. Dredging of the stream has been avoided and fill impacts to Stream 1 have been
minimized to the greater extent possible. The proposed work at this location will include minor
permanent impacts to the stream's shoreline, and the placement of temporary sheet piles.
Pre-existing contours will be restored, and disturbed areas will be stabilized sequentially as construction
proceeds within the proposed limits of disturbance. Access improvement, including the clearing of
trees, will take place within the proposed limits of disturbance as well.
During the construction phases, the laydown areas will be monitored weekly and inspected after storm
events to assess the condition of best management practices and progress of stabilization of areas, as
needed. Upon completion of the anchor and bulkhead installations, all project areas will be stabilized.
The proposed barge ramp will be left in place given the likelihood of future projects requiring river
access for dam safety and other Duke Energyfacility inspections and projects.