20070741 Ver 2_Staff Report Annino, Amy M_20210914

® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director
September 23, 2021
Mr. David Brown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
SUBJECT: Wade Hampton Golf Club Replacement of Water and Sewer Crossing
Whitewater River, Jackson County
Dear Mr. Brown
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an
application to temporarily impact 25 ft of the Whitewater River in Jackson County. 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).
Brook Trout are found in the vicinity of the project, and in -channel activities should be avoided
between October 15 and April 15 to minimize impacts to trout reproduction. In addition, Chauga
Crayfish (Cambarus chaugensis, NC Special Concern) is found downstream of the project area.
Effective erosion and sediment control on site is important to conserve habitat for these species.
Existing above ground water and sewer lines cross the Whitewater River, and the application
proposes to replace these under the stream bed via trench cut. Work would be done in the dry.
In addition, approximately 40 ft of stream bank would be stabilized with riprap. It appears that
there is existing erosion on the NC 107 side (right bank) of the stream, and as there is little room
to work, we do not object to the use of riprap on this side. However, there is existing native
vegetation on the left bank, which doesn't appear to be eroding. We recommend against using
riprap on this side and recommend planting native woody vegetation instead.
We recommend the following to minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats:
1. In -channel activities should be avoided between October 15 and April 15 to minimize
impacts to Brook Trout reproduction.
2. In -channel work should be accomplished as quickly as possible and vigilance used in
sediment and erosion control during site preparation, construction, and clean up.
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Wade Hampton Water & Sewer Crossing Page 2 September 23, 2021
Whitewater River, Jackson Co
Disturbed areas should be seeded, mulched and/or matted as soon as possible, preferably
at the end of each workday.
The stream channel at the crossings should be restored to near pre -disturbance conditions.
Channel dimensions should mimic the existing dimensions, and the stream bed should set
be at the pre-existing elevation. At least 6-8 inches of natural bed material should be
placed on top of the restored stream channel bed; this bed material should mimic that
which is found in the stream bed.
4. 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.
5. Specifications on seed mixes have not been provided. Tall Fescue and Lespedeza should
be avoided, and a quick growing seed such as Wheat, Rye Grain or Oats is recommended
for temporary seed. Perennial native grasses and wildflowers can be added to the seed
mix in order to provide a more permanent herbaceous cover.
6. Riprap should not be used on the left bank of the stream, which is currently forested.
Instead, native woody vegetation should be used to permanently stabilize disturbed
banks.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact meat
[phone] if you have any questions about these comments.
Sincerely,
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program
ec: Victor Lofquist, Lofquist & Associates
Kaylie Yankura, NC Division of Water Resources