20051457 Ver 1_Application_20050628

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APPI~ICAT101V FOR 13EPART217ElVT OF TIIE ARMY PERI~IIT I Ol'v1B APPROVAL R?®. 071m-003
~ (33 CFR 325)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 hours per response, including the time for viewing
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and competing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions
for reducing this burden, to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters service Directorate of Information Operations and
Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302; and to the Office of Management and Budget,
Paperwork Reduction Project (0710-0003), Washington, D.C. 20503. Please DO NOT RETURN your form to either of those addresses.
Completed applications must be submitted to the District Engineering having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed activity
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Authority: 33 USC 401, Section l0; 1413, Section 404. Principal purpose: These laws require authorizing activities in, or affecting,
navigable waters of the United States, the discharge or fill material into waters of the United States, and the transportation of dredge
material for the purpose of dumping in into ocean waters. Routine Uses: Information provided on this form will be used in evaluating
the application for a permit. Disclosure: Disclosure of requested information is voluntary. ll' information is not provided, however, the
permit application cannot be processed nor can a permit be issued One set of original drawings or good reproducible copies which show
the location and character of the proposed activity must be attached to this application (see sample drawings and instructions) and be
submitted to the District Engineering having jurisdiction over the location of the proposed activity. An application that is not completed
in full will be returned.
(ITEMS 1 THRU 4 TO BE FILLED BY THE CORPS)
1. APPLICATION NO. 2. FIELD OFFICE CODE 3. DATE RECEIVED 4. DATE APPLICATION
COMPLETED
(ITEMS BELOW TO BE FILLED BY APPLICANT)
5. APPLICANT'S NAME 8. AUTHORIZED AGENT'S NAME AND TITLE (an
Cleveland County Sanitary District agent is not required)
CIO Butch Smith, General Manager Pamela M. Boaze, Fish and Wildlife Associates, Inc
6. APPLICANT'S ADDRESS 9. AGENT'S ADDRESS
P.O. Box 788, 439 Casar Lawndale Road P.O. Box 241, 25 Water Tower Lane
Lawndale, NC 28090 Whittier, NC 28789
7. APPLICANT'S PHONE NOs. W/AREA CODE 10. AGENT'S PHONE NOs. W/AREA CODE
a. Residence a. Residence
b. Business 704-538-9033 b. Business 828-497-6505
1 l . STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION
i hereby authorize, to act in my behalf as my agent in the processing of this
application and to furnish, upon request, supplemental information in support of this permit application.
see attached
APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE DATE
NAME, LOCATION, AND DESCRIPTION OR PROJECT OR ACTIVITY
12. PROJECT NAME OR TITLE (see instructions]
First Broad River Reservoir
i 3. NAME OF WATERBODY, IF KNOWN (if
applicable)
First Broad River
15. LOCATION OF PROJECT
Cleveland North Carolina
COUNTY STATE
i4. PROJECT STREET ADDRESS (if applicable)
Dam will be located upstream L zermixius of SR 167.,1
L,
16. UTHER LOCATION DESCRIPTIONS, IF KNOWN (~ ~~«~) section, To~rnvship, Range, L.a1/tbcis andlor;Arcessoi's Parcel
Number, for example. ~ _ . ~_.r t
North of Lawndaie, NC; Lnpoundment extends past NC 226 (Hinton Creek) and SR 1529 on First Broad River
17. DIRECTIONS TO THE SITE
NC 226 north to Lawndale from Shelby, right turn on Lawndale-Shelby Road, in downtown Lawndale turn left on
NC 182, SR 1501 north (right on Hicks Hill Road) from Lawndale, east on SR 1671 to project vicinity
FORM 4345 (ONLINE) EDITION OF SEPT 91 IS OBSOLETE (Proponent CECW-0R)

Mt ~._ 6q
.ti~ ~'
I a. Nature of Activity (Description of project, include all features)
Construction of dam, impoundment of First Broad River and associated tributaries, wetlands, and surface
features.
19. Project Purpose (Describe the reason or purpose of the project, see instructions)
Provide water supply source for Cleveland County residents and businesses See attached
USE BLOCKS 20-22 IF DREDGED AND/OR FILL MATERIALS TO BE DISCHARGED
ZU. xeason(s) for Discharge
Impoundment of water for water supply reservoir
21. Type(s) of Material Being Discharged and the Amount of Each Type in Cubic Yards
Dirt, 1827 cubic yards
22. Surface Area in Acres of Wetlands or Other Waters Filled (see instructions)
<1 acre wetland; 24 miles of river and stream innundated
23. Is Any Portion of the Work Already Compete? Yes No X IF YES DESCRIBE THE COMPETED
WORK
24. Addresses of Adjoining Property Owners, Lessees, Etc., Whose Property Adjoins the Waterbody (If
more than can be entered here, please attach a supplemental list)
See attached list of property owners.
25. List of Other Certifications or Approvals/Denials Received from other Federal, State or Local Agencies
for Work Described in This A Iication
AGENCY TYPE IDENTIFICATION DATE DATE DATE
APPROVAL* NUMBER APPLIED APPROVED DENIED
NCDWQ 401 Application to be submitted
*Would include but is not restricted to zoning, building, and flood plain permits
26. Application is hereby made for a permit or permits to authorize the work described in this application. I
certify that the information in this application is complete and accurate. I further certify that I possess
the authority to undertake the work described herein or am acting as the duly authorized agent of the
applicant.
.~ 3 -~ ~
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE SIGNATURE OF AG DATE
The application must be signed by the person who desires to undertake the proposed activity (applicant)
or it may be signed by a duly authorized agent if the statement in block 11 has been filled out and
signed.
18 U.S.C. Section 1001 provides that Whoever, in any manner with in the jurisdiction of any department
or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up any trick,
scheme, or disguises a material fact or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or
representations or makes or uses any false writing or document knowing same to contain any false,
fictitious or fraudulent statements or entry, shall be fine not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more
than five years or both.
FORM 4345 (ONLINE) EDTI'ION OF SEPT 91 IS OBSOLETE
(Proponent CECW-0R)

Cleveland County Sanitary District
PO Box 788
Lawndale, NC 28090
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
March 14, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to serve as authorization for Pamela M. Boaze, President, FISH AND
WILDLIFE ASSOCIATES, INC., P.O. Box 241, Whittier, NC 28789 to act on my behalf
in regards to all issues pertaining to the state and federal environmental permitting
regarding the construction of a new water supply reservoir for the Cleveland County
Sanitary District, Cleveland County, NC.
~~~ ~
John Cline
Chairman of the Board
Cleveland County Sanitary District

CLEVELAND COUNTY SANITARY DISTRICT
FIRST BROAD RIVER RESERVOIR
PRELIMIlVARY CONSULTATION PACKAGE
Prepared for
Cleveland County Sanitary District
439 Casar Lawndale Road
Lawndale, NC 28090
Prepared by
Fish and Wildlife Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 241
Whittier, NC 28789
March 2005
Revised June 2005

Table of Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................. ii
List of Tables "'
............................................................................................................................. iii
1.0 Purpose and Need ................................................................................................................. l
2.0 Alternatives Analysis ......................................................................................................... ..2
2.1 Avoidance Alternatives .......................................................................................... ..2
2.1.1 No Action ............................................................................................... ..2
2.1.2 Water Conservation ................................................................................ .. 3
2.1.3 Recycle and Reuse of Wastewater .......................................................... .. 3
2.1.4 Groundwater .......................................................................................... ..4
2.1.5 Purchase of Water from an existing or proposed Regional Source ........... ..4
2.1.6 Request Increase Withdrawal at Existing Intake Site ............................... ..6
2.1.7 Upland Constructed Flow Augmentation Reservoir ................................ .. 7
2.2 Surface Water Supply Alternatives ........................................................................ ..7
2.2.1 Traditional Reservoir (no pumped storage) ............................................. .. 7
2.2.2 Construction of Several Reservoirs ......................................................... ..9
2.2.3 River or Stream Intake System (no storage reservoir) ............................. 10
2.2.4 River or Stream Intake with One Storage Reservoir ................................ l l
2.2.5 Construction of Several Intakes with Storage Reservoirs ........................ 12
2.2.6 Increase Size/Yield of Existing Reservoir ............................................... 12
2.3 Minimization Alternatives .................................................................................... 12
2.3.1 Combine Water Conservation With Applicant's Proposal ....................... 12
2.3.2 Combine Groundwater Use With Applicant's Proposal ........................... 12
2.3.3 Reduce the Size of the Reservoir For Applicant's Proposal ..................... 13
2.3.4 Continue Use of Existing Water System with Construction of a
Smaller Reservoir ................................................................................... 13
2.3.5 Combine Waste Water Flow Augmentation with River Intake ................ 13
2.4 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 13
3.0 Existing Environmental Resources .................................................................................... 15
3.1 Climate ................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Topography ............................................................................................................ 15
3.3 GeologY ............................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Air Quality ............................................................................................................. I S
3.5 Vegetation Resources ............................................................................................. 15
3.6 Water Resources .................................................................................................... 17
3.7 Wetland Resources ................................................................................................ 17
3.8 Wildlife Resources ................................................................................................. 1$
3.9 Fishery Resources ................................................................................................. 18
3.10 Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Species ........................................................... 18
3.11 Unique Natural Areas and Scenic Rivers ......................................................................... 19

Table of Contents continued
4.0 Archaeological and Cultural Resources ..............................................................................20
4.1 Cultural Resources .................................................................................................20
4.2 Prehistoric and Historic Archaeological Resources ................................................20
4.3 Architectural Resources .........................................................................................20
5.0 Mitigation ..........................................................................................................................21
5.1 Avoidance and Minimization ................................................................................. 21
5.2 Mitigation .............................................................................................................. 21

List of Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map for Proposed Reservoir, Cleveland County, NC ..................................23

List of Tables
Table 1 ......................................................................................................................................24
Table 2 .................................................................................................................................... 25

1.0 Purpose And Need
Cleveland County Sanitary District (CCSD) has 51,658 customers comprised of mainly
rural residential connections, a few small businesses and some agricultural use during
irrigation season. These customers are located in four counties and two states: Cleveland,
Rutherford, Gaston, and Lincoln County in North Carolina and Cherokee County in
South Carolina. CCSD has only one water treatment plant and one water intake on the
First Broad River near its confluence with Knob Creek. CCSD has two emergency
connections with the City of Shelby water distribution system and Broad River Water
Authority.
The purpose of the proposed project is two-fold. First based on the current rate of
growth, the CCSD has projected that the needs of the County will double by 2050. The
current sources of water and treatment facilities in the County cannot meet this demand.
Second, the growth of the entire region is such that demands both upstream and
downstream by other counties and states are also increasing. In the interest of providing
a reliable safe water source and preventing water rights conflicts, it is necessary to begin
to establish a regional approach to solving the future water needs and look at the
riverbasin as a whole.
The need for this type of planning on both the long and short term was dramatically re-
enforced during the recent drought. The First Broad River has an average flow of 45
MGD under normal conditions, but during the drought of 1999-2002, the river dropped to
3 MGD. Similar situations occurred throughout the adjacent areas and many water
districts faced extreme short falls.
The proposed project looks at the future demand, the downstream and upstream needs of
the communities on the First Broad River and its tributaries, the minimum flows needed
to sustain the river, and the possibility of future drought. With this in mind, the project is
designed to provide more than just the immediate and future needs of the CCSD.

2.0 Alternatives Analysis
2.1 AVOIDANCE ALTERNATIVES
2.1.1 No Action
The estimated safe yield under non-drought conditions of the Cleveland County Sanitary
District water source is 10.0 MGD. The water treatment plant has a design capacity of
six (6) million gallons per day (MGD). The current average daily production rate at the
treatment plant is 3.84 MGD. Water demand projections for the County have shown that
the plant and withdrawal volume and permitted expansions will be adequate until
sometime in the 2030's (2040 will be at 10.15 MGD demand). During the drought period
of 1999-2002, the summer water supply became limited in the early years and was
inadequate during the summer of 2002 for all water supply utilities in the Cleveland
County area. In 1992, North Carolina indicated that the safe yield of the river must be
reduced to 5.0 MGD at the current intake when river flows are less than 70 cfs.
The First Broad River and most other water supplies in the region were unable to provide
a safe water yield with the exception of the Catawba River. The Catawba River was able
to meet the water supply demands only because the large number of reservoirs on the
system provided storage for the water withdrawals. These reservoirs included Lake
James, Lake Rhodhiss, Lake Hickory, Lookout Shoals Lake, Lake Norman, Mountain
Island Reservoir, and Lake Wylie. The Catawba River water connections will be
restricted as a water source due to downstream needs in the Catawba River Watershed
and the limitations of interbasin transfer.
The No Action Alternative would not impact any additional streams or wetlands; would
not impact any land or buildings; would provide adequate water supply until the 2030's;
and would not impact any rare species during this period. The No Action Alternative
would be a short-term measure as planning and design for expansion would be needed by
the 2020's based on predicted water demand (20 year postponement). By the 2020's,
costs of land acquisition and construction will be higher, no matter which alternative is
chosen. The No Action Alternative also does not address the capacity of the Broad River
in drought/low flow conditions, which have caused problems in the past and are likely to
be experienced in the future.
The selection of this alternative will result in limiting growth within Cleveland County,
the inability to supply clean water to those citizens located within the CCSD service area,
and lack of service to other municipalities in the region. Limiting growth will result in
decreased employment opportunities for the residents of the County and will require
increased dependence on already taxed ground water supplies to meet the demands for
future residential development. The lack of an additional water supply and the limited
growth could result in the degradation of the quality of life for the current county
residents due to limited employment possibilities.

2.1.2 Water Conservation
Cleveland County Sanitary District has a program of voluntary water conservation at all
times and a mandatory program of water conservation during periods of drought. The
program restricts the watering of lawns and gardens in the District. This program was
used extensively in the summers of 1999-2002 during the drought period. The District
experienced a decrease of water usage during this period and usage remained depressed
after the mandatory conservation was removed. Public acceptance of this alternative is
minimal except during periods of drought. Mandatory conservation levels required
enforcement efforts. The conservation program did not lower the water usage to the
extent where no expansion of the water supply would be needed, especially during
drought conditions. Outside District sources of water supply had to be found and used
during the summer of 2002 even with the mandatory conservation program in place.
CCSD has used incentives for reducing flows, including low flow plumbing (toilets) and
education on repairing water leaks within the residence. There has been little reduction
in demand. CCSD has no large industry in its service area at this time, only residential
and commercial; therefore there are no requirements for industrial recycle or reuse.
Although water conservation would limit environmental impact, the implementation of a
water conservation program will not negate the demand for an additional water supply in
the future. An aggressive water conservation plan will only extend the time frame when
an additional supply is required. Typically, a water conservation plan for a system with
predominately residential customers like CCSD will result in a 10% or less decrease in
water usage. No other measures were available to increase the water conservation
program.
Based on the conditions experienced during the drought of the 1999-2002, water
conservation measures may meet a portion of the water demand needs in the future, but
will not be adequate for all of the needs. Community interest or commitment to the
program is acceptable for short terms and for well-publicized environmental limitations
on the water supply. The CCSD will continue to promote the use of the conservation
program but predicts it will address only a small percentage of the future demand.
2.1.3 Recycle and Reuse of Wastewater
In Cleveland County Sanitary District, there are no large users of water and there is no
CCSD wastewater plant. The producers of treated wastewater are outside of the District
(Shelby WWTP). This limits the ability of CCSD to implement a program of recycle and
reuse of wastewater on a large scale. This alternative will not result in a decrease in
demand for the CCSD.
Recycling efforts are encouraged by both County and State in such commercial activities
as cooling water systems, car washes, and other heavy users of water. CCSD has only
small, low volume customers for water, which do not lend themselves to recycle and
reuse programs.

CCSD proposed the recycling of water used to backwash the water treatment filters by
returning it to the pond for reuse. The state would not approve this measure due to health
concerns.
2.1.4 Groundwater
Groundwater sources for potable water in the Piedmont of North Carolina ire not lazge
and are not consistent in volume. There are no aquifers of large enough capacity to serve
large municipal systems in the Cleveland County area. As shown by studies in the NC
Piedmont area for the Randleman Dam, large numbers of wells over a lazge area are
required to supply an equivalent amount of water to a reservoir. Draw down of the water
table impacts local surface water features (wetlands and streams), impacts neighboring
well yields, and demands the most water at the driest season, further dropping the water
table and increasing the associated impacts.
Smaller communities and individual residences and businesses are served by well water
in the azea. The largest community in the area served by ground water wells is Falston,
NC, which draws approximately 150,000 gpd from multiple groundwater wells in the
azea. This was supplemented regularly with up to 30,000 gpd for maximum demand
periods from the Cleveland County Sanitary District during the 1992-1997 period.
This alternative is not a feasible or reliable alternative water supply source in the long
term for CCSD for the amount of safe water yield that is required.
2.1.5 Purchase of Water from an existing or proposed Regional Source
City of Sher
The City of Shelby has a 12.0 MGD water treatment plant that utilizes the First Broad
River as its water source. Cleveland County Sanitary District has an emergency use
agreement and pipeline connection in place with the City of Shelby. Up to 321,000 gpd
for 10 days for emergency use can be supplied by the Shelby system to the CCSD.
Shelby has limited the volume available to CCSD, and the pipeline connection is also
constrained by the 12" pipe connection between the two systems. During the drought,
Shelby Utilities had to construct an emergency intake line to the Big Broad River to
supplement their water intake on the First Broad River. Shelby also constructed an
emergency pipeline connection with Kings Mountain in 2002. Long term availability of
the Shelby connection for enough water volume for the CCSD is questionable and Shelby
has indicated no desire to expand the amount available to CCSD.
Kin s Mountain
The Town of Kings Mountain owns Moss Lake, which provides potable water for the
Town. Current average daily demand is 7.0 MGD. The published safe yield of Moss
Lake is 20 MGD. However, the past drought conditions have resulted in a drop of lake
level to unacceptable levels. These low levels and the relative small drainage area for the
lake have resulted in the North Carolina Public Water Supply Section and others
questioning the published safe yield of the reservoir. There currently is no direct pipeline

connection between the Town and CCSD. Kings Mountain did construct an emergency
pipeline connection with the City of Shelby in 2002 to supplement the City's water
supply during the drought.
Growth is expected to occur in the Kings Mountain service area at the same rate as the
CCSD. The predicted demand in 2010 will be 7.9 MGD. That leaves approximately 7.0
MGD that may be available for sale to other systems, if the distribution system is
adequate and if the Town of Kings Mountain allows the sale. The City of Kings
Mountain has indicated that their supply is for Kings Mountain customers only and has
not expressed interest in providing water to the community outside of their jurisdiction.
City of Hickory
The City of Hickory Water System may provide a possible source of water from the
Catawba River. The City of Hickory operates a 30.0 MGD water plant that utilizes the
Catawba River (Lake Hickory) as a raw water supply. Based upon current demands, the
City of Hickory has the ability to supply up to 8.0 MGD for future demands.
Future additional water supply demands for Cleveland County are estimated to be 34.0
MGD for those suppliers utilizing the First Broad River. Available supply from the river
during the 2002 drought was less than 5.3 MGD. Therefore, the purchase of up to 28.7
MGD of finished water would be required from the City of Hickory in the future to meet
the projected water demands for Cleveland County. The City of Hickory does not
currently have available excess capacity to provide this demand. However, it may be
feasible to expand the existing water plant to meet some of these proposed demands.
Improvements to both the City of Hickory and the Catawba County water distribution
systems will be required to transport the quantity of water required to meet future
demands to the Cleveland County Sanitary District system. Preliminary project cost
estimates for improvements to deliver 16.0 MGD as an initial phase are $14,164,000
(Table 1). This cost does not include any cost associated with the upgrade or expansion
of the City of Hickory water plant.
In addition to the cost for the major improvements to the existing water distribution
systems the City of Hickory, Catawba County and the CCSD would have to request
special permission from the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission to
transfer the requested amount of flow from the Catawba River basin to the Broad River
basin under the North Carolina inter-basin transfer rules. There is an interbasin transfer
in place already where an average of 1.47 MGD withdrawn from the Kings Mountain
system is discharged into the Catawba River (LWSP, 1997 data). During the drought
years of 2001 and 2002, municipalities on the Catawba River in NC and SC expressed
concern that the Catawba River would not have enough flow to serve all water supply
demands and the instream flow requirements. This area is experiencing a high rate of
growth, especially between Statesville and Charlotte, and municipalities will not be
supportive of water supply interbasin transfers.

Other Regional Sources
No proposed regional source exists and no combination of existing water authorities is
proposed for the area.
In the region, reliability of all the other water sources except the Catawba River were
shown to be inadequate during the recent drought. All water supply authorities in the
region required conservation measures and found additional water supply sources to
supplement their existing sources in the summer of 2002. Minimum instream flows in
the First Broad River and other rivers were not achieved during this period. All of the
major rivers in the region are being considered for additional water sources (Big Broad
River and Green River for Spartanburg; Big Broad River and Kings MountainlMoss Lake
emergency connection for Shelby; Big Broad River for Forest City and other water
systems in SC).
This Alternative can address some of the future water needs for the CCSD, especially in
an emergency situation. This Alternative is not a reliable source of water for future needs
due to the costs and the needs of the other individual regional providers who are under
pressure to ensure an adequate and safe water yield for their consumers.
2.1.6 Request Increase Withdrawal at Existing Intake Site
There is no additional safe yield volume available at the existing intake. CCSD's current
river intake is located on the First Broad .River near Knob Creek. Normal flows of the
First Broad River average 45 MGD (70 cfs) and NPDES discharge permits are based on
this flow. With CCSD eventually withdrawing the maximum permitted amount of 10
MGD and Shelby withdrawing the maximum 16 MGD that the plant can handle, the river
is left with 19 MGD. A minimum of 16.2 MGD (25 cfs) below the Shelby WTP intake is
required to maintain stream habitat downstream, so there is less than 3 MGD available
volume to withdraw. At this maximum permit level, this withdrawal has impacts on all
NPDES permit dischargers downstream when the normal water flow drops below 45
MGD. Specifically, the permitees will be required to remove more pollutants before
discharging, increasing the cost of treatment of the wastewater. These costs would have
to be absorbed through WWTP customers, creating a cost to the general community not
served by CCSD.
The current plant facility can process 6 MGD with plans in place to expand the facility to
10 MGD in the near future, delaying the need for expansion or new sources for a period
of time. This will maximize the withdrawal at the intake as much as possible, delaying
the time when additional sources will be necessary. However, this will not address future
demands after 2030. Also, the safe yield at the CCSD intake has been shown to be as low
as 3.0 MGD (4.6 cfs) during the 2002 drought. CCSD is addressing as much of the water
needs of the county through this option as possible, but it will only address a portion of
the needs in the future and not adequately or reliably during times of drought.

2.1.7 Upland Constructed Flow Augmentation Reservoir
This alternative is more commonly used in the western states where snow melt provides a
source of water volume during the spring months that is used to supply safe water yield
during the summer dry months. Flow augmentation reservoirs could be constructed off
line as storage reservoirs, filled either by gravity flow or pump storage. Either option
would provide the CCSD with additional water.
Upstream sources in the headwaters are limited in appropriate reservoir sites and are
located in areas with High Water Quality streams. The reliability of the source and the
amount of water available is of concern in the headwater locations. Further downstream,
this alternative would be feasible except in times of drought. An additional
considerations are the size of a flow augmentation reservoir needed to help provide 34
MGD, available land, and placement. This is not considered a reliable alternative source
for CCSD.
2.2 SURFACE WATER SUPPLY ALTERNATIVES
2.2.1 Traditional Reservoir (no .pumped storagel
A traditional water supply reservoir was considered for the First Broad River. Other
rivers in the region were rejected because of size constraints, cost estimates, existing
water demands on the system (Big Broad River), distance to the CCSD Water Treatment
Facility, or location within other regional utility service areas.
First Broad River Reservoir
The recommended reservoir would consist of an impoundment of the river that would
provide for the in-stream flow needs for those areas located below the proposed reservoir.
The proposed project will provide a safe, reliable supply of high quality raw water to
meet the long-term needs of Cleveland County. The First Broad River watershed is
currently classified for potable water supply and has a classification of WS-III upstream
of the CCSD intake. This classification will protect and provide a high quality water
supply, with adequate capacity to meet future demands for the residents of Cleveland
County.
The preliminary investigations of the proposed reservoir sites were performed taking into
account yearly variability of streamflow, regional effects of evaporation, potential for
sedimentation, and minimum downstream release required for the First Broad River.
Preliminary studies on several sites were performed to consider the volume, surface area,
shoreline, safe yield and number of roads, bridges, cemeteries and schools that would be
affected for each site (McGill, 1997, Feasibility Study First Broad River Reservoir). Two
sites on the First Broad River were considered for in depth evaluation for potential
reservoir sites. One site was also evaluated at three different pool elevations. The
Feasibility Study eliminated one site and one elevation due to cost considerations. A

second elevation (880 msl) was evaluated for cost/benefit ratio of safe water yield and
cost but is not the preferred alternative. The higher elevation would impound more water
but would have a wider environmental impact and impact more properties than the lower
elevation. The additional yield from the 880 msl elevation was not considered feasible
due to those impacts.
The proposed reservoir will be formed by the construction of a dam approximately 3,500
feet up-stream of the Cleveland County Sanitary District's current raw water intake
(Figure 1). The dam will create a reservoir with a surface area of approximately 2245
acres and will impound those areas below elevation 860 feet msl. The reservoir will have
a drainage area of approximately 146 square miles and will impound a usable volume of
raw water of 5.4 billion gallons. Depending upon the release rate required to meet down-
stream, in-stream flow requirements (estimated at 16.2 MGD or 25 cfs per Shelby WTP
permit), the safe yield of the proposed reservoir would be 34.0 MGD. In addition to
providing an estimated safe yield of 34 MGD for the CCSD, the proposed reservoir also
provides up to 18.0 MGD of release for withdrawal and treatment by the City of Shelby
at their raw water intake.
This reservoir would meet the needs of the CCSD to provide a reliable water source.
Positive impacts resulting from the construction of a reservoir include creation of
waterfowl habitat, lake habitat and fishery, increased riparian buffer, water source and
foraging opportunities for terrestrial species, more linear shoreline footage, and restricted
access of cattle to streams and river which would include health benefits and
sedimentation alleviation. The reservoir would also increase recreational opportunities
for the public and property values. Negative impacts of the reservoir include a loss of 24
miles of river and stream habitat, 1500 acres of forested or agricultural land, and 0.06
acres of wetlands. Other negative impacts include the effect on the current population of
Hexastydis naniflora which will have to be rescued/relocated, one bridge replacement,
loss of one connector road, and additional law enforcement activities required for the
reservoir.
Mitigation for the takings will include a variety of activities. The minimum amount of
buffer around the reservoir will be increased to provide a forested corridor of at least 100'
around the entire lake with larger tracts of adjacent land as available. Additional
conservation easements on the tributaries and headwaters around the lake and in other
areas of the County will be pursued to provide vegetated buffers along all water courses.
Erosion and sedimentation control as well as stream restoration will be funded through
the NRCS and other appropriate agencies. Recreational projects such as development of
a public boat launch area with parking, public bank fishing access, and picnic facilities
will be developed in consultation with the Wildlife Resources Commission and Parks &
Recreation.
Construction of the reservoir will provide for the long-term demands for raw water within
the county for the next 50 years. In addition the impoundment will permit the regulation
of downstream flows to provide for the protection of existing aquatic habitats and
maintain the in-stream flows necessary for the discharge of treated wastewater from those

facilities located downstream. This is an important consideration for the First Broad
River considering that the instream flows could not be maintained in 2002 due to the
drought conditions.
The various options for surface water supply alternatives have one common component.
The water will have to be obtained from the First Broad River drainage basin. The Broad
and Catawba Rivers have numerous demands for water supply from other municipalities
both in state and out of state. The capacity to supply all demands is not present.
Therefore, the alternatives that are under consideration involve the same water source. If
the water is from one on-line reservoir, a storage facility, on-line reservoirs in the
tributaries, or multiple storage reservoirs, the water comes from the same system.
Instream flow needs, 7Q 10, and stream flow protection can only be achieved by
construction of one or more reservoirs with sufficient capacity to augment flow during
drought or even normal low flow periods.
2.2.2 Construction of Several Reservoirs
Big Broad River Reservoir(sl
Because of the constraints noted under Traditional Reservoir and River Intake System
sections, the Big Broad River has no excess capacity and will be used by several other
utilities. These Water Systems have not expressed interest in a regional impoundment on
the Big Broad River. A reservoir on the Big Broad River is not under consideration by
the CCSD because of these reasons.
First Broad River Reservoirs
All other streams in the CCSD are in the First Broad River watershed and as such, would
not add to the total volume of water flow or safe water yield for the District in
conjunction with the Preferred Alternative. Multiple reservoirs in the First Broad River
Watershed would only be a replacement option to the one main dam.
The construction of several reservoirs would spread out the impacts of impoundments so
that each impoundment would be a smaller impact on the environment. However, in
order to achieve the same amount of safe water yield, it would be necessary to build
several reservoirs. These reservoirs would be spread outside of the area where one
reservoir would impact, increase the communities involved, impact more landowners,
and shift the obstructions to aquatic life to the smaller streams. There is a potential for
more wetland impacts on the smaller stream systems than there is on the main river
system. There would be an increase in cost for maintenance of the dams, piping and
pumping the water from the individual reservoirs to the water treatment plant.
The CCSD as well as each of its customers could construct their own reservoirs. This
alternative would likely result in smaller environmental impacts per reservoir; however,
overall it is likely that the cumulative impacts of all the reservoirs may be greater. CCSD
customers are mainly residential or small commercial facilities. Building reservoirs for

each customer in this case is not practical. Building small reservoirs in each community
is possible. This would increase the cost because of the number of construction sites and
the additional water treatment facilities. CCSD service area does not lend itself to
centralized smaller water treatment plants.
This option would not address the problems of minimum flow in the First Broad River
during normal low flow or drought. It is predicted that the diminution of tributary flows
would exacerbate the instream flow problems in the First Broad River. Also, there is a
consideration of the impacts due to drying up a small reservoir seasonally and the
increased turbidity as water levels fall requiring additional treatment at the water plant.
2.2.3 River or Stream Intake System no storage reservoir
First Broad River
The current CCSD uses a river intake system on the largest river system in their service
area. As noted under #6 in Avoidance Alternatives, between CCSD and the City of
Shelby, the First Broad River will have no excess capacity in the future. The river has
already experienced a lack of safe water yield during periods of drought (1999-2002).
Big) Broad River
The only other river of appropriate size in the region that would be cost effective for
municipal water intakes is the (Big) Broad River. This would consist of the construction
of a new run of the river type intake on the Big Broad River and the utilization of the
river for a raw water supply in addition to the First Broad River.
The Big Broad River is not currently classified for use as a water source. Prior to the
utilization the watershed will require classification for use as a water supply, a process
that can take up to three (3) years. Water quality of the Big Broad River is certainly not
equal to that of the First Broad River. A number of wastewater treatment facilities utilize
the river for the disposal of their effluent upstream of the proposed intake location. In
addition, non-point source pollution from stormwater runoff is greater than that of the
First Broad River watershed as a result of the type of development within the watershed.
Several problems are a concern with the long-term dependence of the Big Broad River.
The first and most important will be the available safe yield of the river. Historically
water suppliers have been limited to withdraw no more than 20% of the 7Q 10 flow of the
river for water supply without special provisions. Flows in the Big Broad River were
measured at 40 MGD during the summer of 2002, near the location of the Shelby
emergency intake. Assuming the implementation of the 20% rule and to provide for the
in-stream flow demands of current users of the Big Broad River, the maximum safe yield
is estimated to be 8.0 MGD.
The City of Shelby needs a projected 12.47 MGD for future use. During 2002, only 1.5
MGD was available from the First Broad River at the City's intake. Therefore, the
development of the Big Broad River as the future water supply will not provide sufficient
water to meet the City's projected demands nor be available to address the needs of

CCSD. It should be noted that the 1.50 MGD of available supply estimated from the
First Broad River in 2002 did not include flow releases for in-stream aquatic habitat
demands as recommended by the division of Water Resources.
It is also unclear at this time the impact other additional demands for water from the Big
Broad River will have on the amount of water available for the City of Shelby and
Cleveland County. The Town of Forest City has indicated the desire to develop an intake
on the river upstream of Cleveland County and withdraw up to 12.0 MGD. They have
implemented the process of reclassification for the watershed upstream of their intake
location. The Broad River Water Authority, City of Gaffney and the City of Spartanburg,
South Carolina have also expressed interest in future utilization of the river for water
supply.
With the other regional demands on the Big Broad River, this alternative is not
considered a viable option for the CCSD.
2.2.4 River or Stream Intake with One Storage Reservoir
This alternative would consist of the construction of a reservoir located near the existing
Cleveland County Sanitary Water Treatment plant. The reservoir would not be a run of
river type reservoir impounding the First Broad River. However, due to topography of
Cleveland County, this "off-stream reservoir" would impound some existing stream.
Sufficient land is not available to provide an "off-stream reservoir" to provide the 34
MGD safe yield of the larger run of the river reservoir. An area of approximately 850
acres is required to construct an "off-stream reservoir" of sufficient usable capacity to
supply this type of safe yield. The location of this size of upland tract would be difficult
to find which would minimize the impact to streams, existing farm land, homes, and
roadways.
Therefore, a scenario was developed where an upland "off-stream reservoir" could be
constructed to provide a minimum safe yield of 11.0 MGD for a period of three (3)
months, based upon low flows in the First Broad River. A site was located just north of
the existing plant that could possibly serve the purpose of this alternative. A reservoir
with a surface area of 700 acres could be developed in this location.
The reservoir would be maintained at full pool elevation during periods of normal to high
flows by pumping water from the First Broad River to the reservoir. This will require
that the existing CCSD raw water pump station be upgraded to include larger pumping
units.
During periods of low flow in the First Broad River, raw water would flow from the "off-
stream reservoir" through a 36" raw water line to the water treatment plant. The reservoir
would be designed to have sufficient holding capacity to provide a safe yield for the
water treatment plant of 11.0 MGD. Available water from the First Broad River would
be withdrawn from the river and pumped to the reservoir for storage prior to usage. The

actual amount of water available for withdrawal from the First Broad River during low
flow periods must be determined by joint agreement between the North Carolina Division
of Water Resources, Division of Water Quality, Fish and Wildlife Service, and other
regulatory agencies. However, based upon the most recent drought period, there could be
times when no withdrawal would be available form the river basin.
This reservoir would impact approximately 5 miles of Crooked Run Creek or its
tributaries. Construction will also impact approximately one half mile of existing
roadway which will require improvements to raise the level of the roadway to prevent
flooding. The reservoir would impound Crooked Run Creek and have supplemental
water pumped from the First Broad River.
This alternative will provide only for the average daily demands of the CCSD and does
not provide for the water demands of the other public water supply systems in the county.
Therefore, it does not meet the goals that were established in the purpose and need of this
project. Nor will it insure a release of minimum flow in the First Broad River during low
flow or drought periods.
2.2.5 Construction of Several Intakes with Storage Reservoirs
This alternative is not feasible due to lack of suitable areas to construct reservoirs along
the First Broad River upstream of the CCSD water treatment facility and the cost of
pumping facilities for each reservoir.
2.2.6 Increase Size~eld of Existing Reservoir
Not applicable in the case of CCSD as there is no existing reservoir.
2.3 MINIMIZATION ALTERNATIVES
2.3.1 Combine Water Conservation With Applicant's Proposal
The water conservation program will continue to be in place as a voluntary program,
which has public acceptance. Efforts to expand the conservation program will continue,
but even at the most successful, water conservation will not be able to minimize the
amount of water supply by any appreciable amount. A stricter, more mandatory program
would not be acceptable to the public, especially to the extent of not expanding the water
supply.
2.3.2 Combine Groundwater Use With Applicant's Proposal
Groundwater ca.n be used for individual residences in areas where groundwater pollution
is not a problem. Small users are most cost effective for groundwater sources in the
county. There are no large aquifers, so the CCSD would have to utilize multiple wells in
numbers and locations all through the county to create a groundwater source to

supplement the river intake. This system of widespread wells would not be cost effective
due to pumping and piping needs.
2.3.3 Reduce the Size of the Reservoir For Applicant's Proposal
CCSD proposes to build the reservoir at the minimum elevation (860 msl) that will
provide the safe water yield that is needed for growth in the county. Other higher
elevations were considered, but would not provide a reasonable yield based on costs and
would impact a greater area without additional benefits acceptable to the community and
landowners.
2.3.4 Continue Use of Existing Water System with Construction of a Smaller Reservoir
Construction of a smaller reservoir is limited by several constraints -the minimum
hydraulic elevation to supply water to the existing water treatment plant is 839 msl, the
smallest impoundment possible. Evaluating the safe water yield at 850 msl, the safe yield
would be 19.0 MGD to the CCSD system. This yield would not be adequate for CCSD,
City of Shelby and instream flow requirements. At an elevation of 860 msl, the safe yield
increases to 34.0 MGD, which is adequate to provide flows for all uses downstream.
Higher elevations were only considered for the additional cost benefit and were not found
to be feasible. The smallest reservoir possible to achieve the needs of the CCSD and
insure instream flow was proposed
2.3.5 Combine Waste Water Flow Augmentation with River Intake
No wastewater flows are available for augmentation of the water supply in the CCSD
2.4. CONCLUSION
The CCSD has carefully considered the various alternatives presented above to determine
how each could be implemented to fulfill the purpose and need. Table 2 presents the
information for the various alternatives in tabular form for comparison. Only two
alternatives are considered feasible from an economic and environmental standpoint.
These are the traditional reservoir and the river intake with one storage reservoir. The
traditional reservoir will provide more water for multiple uses over a longer period of
time than the storage reservoir. The traditional reservoir will provide 34 MGD year
round as compared to 11 MGD for 3 months during low flow periods. The traditional
reservoir will provide water for downstream users and maintain the minimum flows
needed in the river while the storage reservoir will not be able to provide any water for
downstream needs. Cost will be greater to construct the traditional reservoir, $36M as
compared to $22M.
Other factors to consider include the environmental impacts and the effect of conversion
of stream to lake habitat. The traditional reservoir will impact substantially more stream
length, converting 24 miles of streams to lake habitat while the storage reservoir will only

impact 5 miles of stream. The traditional reservoir will impact one population of the
federally threatened plant, Hexastylis nan~ora, requiring plant relocation. Two species
of crayfish listed by the state are thought to be present, and, if that is true, a suitable
mitigation plan will need to be implemented. There are two small wetland areas within
the area to be flooded by the traditional reservoir, totaling 0.067 acres.
These impacts would be offset by the creation of lake habitat that will provide other
species with suitable nesting and feeding sites, such as waterfowl and eagles. The fishery
will change from a stream to a lake, providing recreational opportunities not previously
available. The riparian buffer will be enlarged and protected. Other measures will be
taken to improve and protect water quality on the First Broad River.
The river intake with a storage reservoir will have less environmentally adverse effects.
The storage reservoir will have similar benefits, but less extensive, in providing habitat
for species that utilize lakes. There will be no adverse effect on threatened or endangered
species.
The trade off will be a smaller water supply, no emergency backup, no instream releases
for the First Broad River, and no regional considerations.

3.0 Existing Conditions
3.1 Climate
The region has a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of approximately
59 degrees F and average annual precipitation of about 48 inches. The frost-free season
is approximately 182 days and there is no prolonged wet or dry season.
3.2 TopographX
The headwaters and major tributaries of the Broad River begin in the Blue Ridge
Mountains of western North Carolina and flow through the foothills and piedmont of
North Carolina before entering South Carolina. The Piedmont is an uplifted peneplain in
various stages of dissection, with a general slope from the mountains on the west to the
coastal plain on the east. In most of Cleveland County, the topography consists of
rolling to hilly lands. In the area of northern Cleveland County, the mountain ridges feed
headwaters of tributaries to the First Broad River. The project elevation starts at 880 feet
in northwestern Cleveland County to approximately 790 feet near Lawndale at the
proposed dam. Local relief ranges from 120 to 210 feet and averages 200 feet.
Generally, the primary impact area of the First Broad River Reservoir project is
characteristic of the regional piedmont physiographic province. The land use in the First
Broad River sub-basin is primarily forested with 74% wooded, 22% in pasture, 2% urban,
and the remaining 2% in water or cultivated.
3.3 Ge loav
The proposed project area is underlain by rocks of the Inner Piedmont belt, which is the
most intensely deformed and metamorphosed segment of the Piedmont, including
metamorphic rocks ranging from 500 to 750 million years in age. They include gneiss
and schist that have been intruded by younger granitic rocks. Crushed stone for
aggregate and building construction is the principal commodity associated with these
formations; however, the mineral resources are relatively unimportant to the economy of
the area.
3.4 Air ualit
The North Carolina Administrative Code and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
establish ambient air quality standards for ground level concentrations of various air
pollution parameters. Cleveland County is currently classified as an attainment area,
meaning that ambient air quality standards are being met.
3.5 Vegetation Resources
Plant Communities within the boundaries of the proposed Cleveland County Reservoir
were surveyed in October 2004 following the 860 foot elevation contour of the First
Broad River and its tributaries. The topography ranges from broad alluvial flats to

extremely steep slopes. Much of the land is being used for agriculture, leaving relatively
narrow strips of natural vegetation along the river and streams. Even the "natural"
vegetation has been disturbed by logging or grazing in many places, significantly altering
its appearance and species composition. Much of the forest vegetation above the
floodplain consists of young, early-successional stands.
Four plant communities were identified, using Schafale and Weakley's Classijication of
the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Third Approximation (1990). These four
communities are distributed roughly in narrow bands, starting at the river and moving
outward and upward. There is some blending of communities where they meet. On some
steep slopes, the bands are so narrow that they may not all be distinct.
By far, most of the natural vegetation remaining within the impoundment zone is
Piedmont /Low Mountain Alluvial Forest. This community occupies all of the floodplain
of the river and its tributaries. It is dominated by river birch (Betula nigra), tulip poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifera), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), red maple (Ater rubrum),
and black walnut (Juglans nigra) in the canopy. Box elder (Ater negundo), ironwood
(Carpimrs caroliniana}, and American holly (Ilex opaca) are common in the understory.
These understory species also dominate the shrub layer except where they have been
displaced by invasives such as Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), multiflora rose (Rosa
mult~ora), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica}. Doghobble (Leucothoe
fontanesiana) is sometimes present on stream banks. River cane (Arundinaria gigantea)
occurs sporadically. Herbs are probably numerous and abundant, but few were evident
following the recent floods. Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is plentiful.
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest--Piedmont Subtype occurs just above the Alluvial Forest,
especially on gentle to moderate, moist slopes. Its canopy is dominated by tulip poplar,
beech (Fagus grandifolia), red maple, and red oak (Quercus rubra). Basswood (Tilia
americana var. heterophylla) is sometimes present. The understory contains flowering
dogwood (Corrrus jlorida), red maple, American holly, and box elder. The shrub and herb
layers have been modified by grazing. Holly is often the dominant shrub. Christmas fern
(Polystichum acrostichoides) is a conspicuous herb.
Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest is usually found above the Mesic Hardwood Forest,
where conditions are a little drier, but still somewhat moist. White oak (Q. alba), red oak,
and various hickories (Carya sp.) dominate the canopy. Pines (Pinus sp.) may be present,
especially on disturbed sites. The understory includes red maple, flowering dogwood,
sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), black gum {Nyssa sylvatica), and American holly.
The shrub layer is usually sparse, partly as a natural condition and partly because of
grazing. Holly is often the dominant shrub. Herbs are few and sparse.
Dry Oak-Hickory Forest occupies the driest sites. It is found mainly on steep, exposed,
sunny slopes. The canopy is dominated by white oak, southern red oak (Q. falcata), and a
mix of pine species. Some hickories and other oaks are occasionally present. Sourwood,
black gum, and American holly are common understory species. Holly is the dominant

shrub on these sites, probably because of disturbance. Herbs are few and sparse. Very
little of this community is present.
3.6 Water Resources
The First Broad River is the largest watershed within Cleveland County and drains most
of the county into the Broad River Basin. The Broad River drainage basin in North
Carolina contains approximately 1,513 squaze miles (968,320 acres), with approximately
240 square miles (153,600 acres) lying within the First Broad River basin. From the
confluence of the Broad and First Broad, the river flows southeast into South Carolina,
north of Gaffney, and joins the Saluda River to form the Congaree River at Columbia,
South Cazolina. The river eventually joins with the Wateree River prior to reaching the
Atlantic Ocean as the Cooper River at Charleston, South Carolina.
The North Carolina. Division of Water Quality has described water quality in this sub-
basin as good. Benthic macroinvertebrate data from three (3) sites on the First Broad
River have all resulted in good bioclassifications. Hickory Creek in Shelby is the only
stream in this sub-basin that has been identified as impaired. The First Broad River
watershed is currently classified for potable water supply and has a classification of WS-
III upstream of the CCSD intake.
3.7 Wetland Resources
Two areas were found during the stream and river pedestrian surveys that were deemed
potential wetlands. Subsequent investigation determined that two wetlands are present
along two tributaries that feed the First Broad River at the Clover Hill Church Road
bridge. Just upstream of the bridge, there are four tributaries that enter the First Broad
River. From downstream to upstream, the first and fourth tributaries have no wetlands
associated with it.
The second tributary has riparian wetlands on the point bazs and flood plains. The soils
were 10YR4/1 clay with no mottles. Vegetation was mostly lacking in the herbaceous
layer. Trees in the vicinity included American holly, American elm, and persimmon.
The shrubs present were privet and musclewood. The predominant vegetation was FAC.
Hydrology indicators included saturation in upper 12 inches and sediment deposits. The
total size was approximately 300 square feet.
The third tributary had two areas of potential wetland. The downstream azea had
saturated soil and free water in the pit at 10 inches. The hydrology indicators present
were saturated soil, sediment deposits and drainage patterns. There were seven species of
hydrophytic vegetation identified and four species of upland vegetation. Hence, this fits
the criteria necessary for wetland status. The soils showed 7.SYR3/3 in the upper 8
inches, 7.SYR4/1 with mottles in the next 4 inches, and 7.SYR4/6 with mottles of
7.SYR4/1 from 12-18+ inches. Although the soils are somewhat ambiguous as to hydric
characteristics, it was concluded that this is a wetland. The total area was 2772 square
feet.

The wet area further upstream on the third tributary is an old farm pond that has filled in
and the dam has been breached. The stream has two branches in this area with the main
channel on the east side of the old pond. Hydrophytic vegetation was present.
Hydrology indicators included sediment deposits and drainage patterns. Water stained
leaves were present in some of the lower areas. The soils did not exhibit clear cut
indications of hydric conditions. The upper 5 inches showed 7.SYR4/1 sandy clay, but
the next 13+ inches yielded 7.SYR4/4 clayey sand. No mottles were present. It appears
that the upper portion of the soil having a higher clay content holds the water and has
hydric characteristics. The deeper soils are not saturated, the high chroma indicates
oxygen present, and fluctuations of the water table that would result in oxidation
reduction are not occurring. Therefore, it was concluded that this is not a wetland.
Approximately half of the old pond is within the area to be flooded. The old pond is 0.3
acres in size.
3.8 Wildlife Resources
No unique wildlife resources are known to exist in the project area. The riparian zone of
the First Broad is continuously wooded in a narrow band providing a wildlife corridor.
3.9 Fishery Resources
The fishery resources will be surveyed in 2005 in both the river and the tributaries.
Preliminary investigations note that the river supports a warm water fishery with sunfish
common in the river. NC DENR fish surveys conducted in the year 2000 in wadable
streams of this river basin found 13 to 15 fish species in tributaries to the First Broad
River. These species included 2-3 species of darters, 2 species of suckers, and 1 species
of sunfish/bass/trout. Both sites had lower than expected fish species and only one
species of sunfish was present in both streams. No piscivores were present in either
stream.
3.10 Endangered. Threatened, and Rare Species
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program lists 33 rare species for Cleveland County.
This includes 4 federally listed species: 0 endangered, 1 threatened, and 3 species of
concern. The federally threatened small-flowered heartleaf, Hexastylis nan~ora, was
found on north facing banks above the main tributary of the First Broad River where
Clover Hill Church Road crosses the river. Approximately 100 plants were found. All
other areas having Pacolet, Madison or Musella soils were surveyed, but no plants were
found.
The three federal species of concern included the Diana fritillary (Speyeria diana), Sweet
pinesap (Monotropsfs odorata), and Carolina saxifrage (Sax~aga caroliniana). None of
these species were observed during the various field investigations. Host plants, violets,
for the Diana fi-itillary are present in the project area.

State species of concern include two crayfish found in the Broad River basin: Broad
River Stream Crayfish (Cambarus lenati) and Broad River Spiny Crayfish (Cambarus
spicatus). The tributaries of the First Broad River that will be impacted by the project
will be surveyed for crayfish in the spring of 2005 to determine if the species of concern
are present in the project area.
3.11 Unique Natural Areas and Scenic Rivers
There are no designated natural areas or scenic rivers within the project boundaries.

4.0 Archaeological and Cultural Resources
4.1 Cultural Resources
The First Broad River Reservoir, Cleveland County, NC has relatively few known
cultural resource sites. Archaeological and architectural surveys have been conducted to
identify archaeological and architectural resources in the project area, and where
possible, to determine if these resources are potentially eligible for inclusion in the
National Register of Historic Places. For the archaeological and architectural surveys,
the project area was that defined in Section 4.1 above.
4.2 Prehistoric and Historic Archaeological Resources
No previous comprehensive survey of Cleveland County had been done. Few sites have
been recorded in the county and none within the project boundaries. A Phase I
archaeological survey of the area within the present project boundary was performed (Joy
and Carruth, July 2003). Of the 1200 acres, approximately 100 acres is existing
waterway. Landowners denied permission to survey on 206 acres, or approximately
20%. Of the remaining 894 acres, a total of 790 acres, or 72% of the total 1100 acres was
surveyed. The survey in the proposed project flood pool consisted of surface
reconnaissance and subsurface shovel testing.
There were sixteen (16) archaeological sites identified within the study area, with seven
sites historic and nine sites prehistoric. An evaluation of all sixteen sites was made on
potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and two sites met
the criteria. Both of the potentially eligible sites were prehistoric sites and if they cannot
be avoided during the project, then additional archaeological work will be needed. In
addition, those properties that were inaccessible due to landowners refusing permission to
survey will need to be surveyed after acquisition. The references for the archaeological
site reports resulting from this survey can be found in the references cited section and are
incorporated herein by reference.
4.3 Architectural Resources
No architectural resources were identified within the project area.

5.4 Mitigation Plan
The environmental consequences of constructing a large reservoir can potentially have
very extensive effects on the aquatic and terrestrial resources. The proposed reservoir on
the First Broad River has the advantage of relatively few permanent impacts to wildlife
and aquatic communities since the lake will not flood out over flat land, but rather rise
within the banks and adjacent slopes. There are three species of concern in the project
area, 24 miles of stream habitat, 1500 acres of forested/agricultural land, and 0.06 acres
of wetland that will be affected by the project.
5.1 Avoidance and Minimization
Avoidance measures will include protection of the river during construction activities. A
buffer will be maintained along the river during the clearing phase. Appropriate Best
Management Practices will be employed to minimize impacts to the river during
construction of the dam. Sediment basins/traps, check dams, and diversion will be
utilized as appropriate to control erosion and sedimentation. Access roads will be
restricted and kept to a minimum.
5.2 Nfiti ation
Mitigative measures will address the species of concern, the loss of stream in the dam
footprint, the conversion of stream to lake aquatic habitat, and the loss of terrestrial
habitat. Consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service will be initiated concerning
the Hexastylis nan~ora population present within the project area. Depending on the
decision reached, the plants may be moved upslope, but within the same general locale.
Or, the plants may be relocated to another site along a stream where suitable habitat
exists.
Wildlife habitat will be maintained by establishment of a forested buffer around the new
reservoir. The minimum amount of buffer will be increased to provide a forested
corridor of at least 100' around the entire lake with larger tracts of adjacent land as
available. Any plantings will be limited to native species with emphasis on value to
wildlife. Land acquisition will result in many tracts being larger than just the amount
needed for the reservoir. These lands will be maintained as natural areas, forested or
allowed to return to forest, managed as gamelands in conjunction with the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission. Such areas will be held by the County for public use.
A lake fishery will be developed in the new reservoir in cooperation with the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission. Many of the fishes present in the river will be able to survive
and flourish in the lake. As construction of the reservoir progresses, fish habitat will be
developed along the shoreline. Fish attractors, such as logs and partially submerged
snags, will provide cover. Inundated plants in the upper end of coves will provide both
shelter and spawning areas. Selected trees may be retained to provide roosting and
nesting sites for ducks, eagles, kingfishers, and similar species.

Additional conservation easements on the tributaries and headwaters around the lake and
in other areas of the County will be pursued to provide vegetated buffers along all water
courses. Erosion and sedimentation control as well as stream restoration will be funded
through the MRCS and other appropriate agencies. Recreational projects such as
development of a public boat launch area with parking, public bank fishing access, and
picnic facilities will be developed in consultation with the Wildlife Resources
Commission and Parks & Recreation.

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TABLE 1
PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE
CONNECTION WITH CITY OF HICKORY
ITEM UNITS QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL COST
1 Mobilization LS 1 $15,000.0 $15,000
2 30" Water Line LF 90,000 $75.00 $6,750,000
3 Fire Hydrants EA 91 $2,100 $191,100
4 30" Gate Valves EA 25 $8,500 $212,500
5 Tie to existing water line EA 2 $8,000 $16,000
6 Asphal# Drive Repairs LF 750 $35 $26,250
7 Gravel Drive Repairs LF 700 $20 $14,000
8 Booster Pump Station Replacement LS 1 $315,000 $315,000
9 1 MG elevated Water Tank LS 1 $1,050,000 $1,050,000
10 Improvements to Hickory System Prior to LS 1 $2
500
000 $2
500
000
Rnn~te:r Pmm~ 4tatinn ,
, ,
,
12 60" Bore & Jack Encasement LF 950 $250 $237,500
SUBTOTAL $11,327,350
Contingencies (10%) $1,132,700
Design Engineering $0
Construction Administration $p
Administrative $5,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST $12,465,050

Table 2. Cleveland County Water Supply Proposal Matrix
March 2005
ALT 5-
Several
Intakes
with ALT 6-
ALT 2-
Constructio ALT 3- River ALT 4- River Storage Expand
n of Several Intake (Existing Intake with One Reservoir existing
ALT 1-Traditional Reservoir irs
Res S stem)' Sto$
'r s resNrvAoir REMARKS
AFFECTED RESOURCE N/A - 19 071 200 N/A
Pro'ect Cost $21,165,727 0 $500,000
Residential Relocations $2,435,600 0 550
Land Requirements (acres) 1296 0 0
Business Relocations 6 11
Safe Yield (MGD) 34
Wetland Impacts None Unknown
a. Flooding 0.067 acres
None None
b. dam construction None None None
c. Treatment plant None
None
None
d. Pipeline None None Unknown
e. Road relocation None
Stream Impacts
04 miles
24 None 5 miles
a. Flooding . None 0.25 miles
b. dam construction None N/A
c. Treatment plant None
None, use
use existing
None existing None
d. Pipeline ,
2 miles
2 None 2,500 feet
e. Road relocation .
Miti ation Required None 0.5 acres
a. wetland 0.07 acres
None
5 miles
24.04 miles
b. stream
Miti ation Costs - Unknown
a. wetland $1,700 _ $500,000
b. stream $1 million

L114Pn ~. ~ ~-r--~--
Formal consultation an
Possible
Unknown
a. Hexast lis naniflora relocation as needed ,
Unknown
Cultural/historic Resources
none eli ible
7 Sites
a. historic
b. archeological ,
9 Sites, 2 otentiall eli ible
State Protected Species _ Unknown resence
a. Cambarus lenati Unknown resence
-
Unknown resence
b. Cambarus spicatus
Unknown resence
Water Quality Impacts
Surface dischar e, no im act _ None
a. DO Reduced downstream;
reservoir will act as sediment

- Minimal
b. Turbidi trap
None/Minimal; warm water
fishery both upstream and
c. Temperature
downstream
-
Below minimum
None
Reduced flow due
Run Of River; Minimum Flow instream flow to pumping to
Reduction in Downstream Flows release will be required
Burin drou ht
reservoir
Cause reduced
Impacts on downstream lakes water elevation None
ool levels None
0
5 miles
Feet of stream upstream of dam 24.04 miles
Number of water intakes 1 3
downstream 3
Reduced water
flow decreased
storage pool at
None/minimum release Cleveland Mills

Impacts on Power Generation re wired & Shelby Dams
- None
1
Road closin or relocations 2.2 Miles
Feet of stream between dam and _
next downstream obstruction 12,600'/47,000' _ 125
Acres of forest land im acted est. 578 acres 11 MGD/0.5 acre
Safe Yield vs wetland impact 34MGD/0.07acre 11 MGD/5 miles =
34MGD/24.04 Miles= 1.4 2.2 MGD/mile of

Safe field vs stream impact
MGD/mile of stream stream
z
# of 303d streams downstream
Oz z
0 0
# of point source discharges
2 at closed mill)
6 6 (2 at closed
mill) 6 (2 at closed
mill)
downstream (NC) (
Proposed intakes in system (#
34 MGD 1 6 MGD 1 11 MGD
and MGD) 1 None
Utili Line relocations None Increase existing
um
require pum outside reservoir No _ 11
a. MGD 34
-
17.0
b. Cubic feet er second 52.6 ossible
c. Entrainment
TIME FRAME
2060+ _
est. 2020
Existing system to be expanded t
s None on First Broad River; tribut o maximum capacity of 10 MGD
aries to First Broad River on list
Survey Spring '05
;iirvev sorinq'05
Cleveland Mill Dam
(Partially breached);
Shelby WTP Dam
CCSD, Cleveland
Mills & City of
Dam at Shelby raw
water intake
Cleveland Mills (2),
closed; Shelby City
WWTP and WTP;
and CCSD WTP (2