20140192 Ver 1_More Info Requested_20140516

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pat McCrory
Governor
May 16, 2014
Preston Royster
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
1718 NC Hwy 56 West
Creedmoor, NC 27522
Subject: Request for Additional Information
Big Hungry River Lower Dam Demolition
Dear Mr. Royster:
John E. Skvarla, III
Secretary
DWQ Project # 14 -0192
Henderson County
The Division of Water Resources (Division) has performed a preliminary review of a 401 Water Quality
Certification application submitted for the above referenced project. The Division has determined that your
application is incomplete and cannot be processed. The application is on -hold until all of the following
information is received:
1. Sheet C -104 includes what appear to be final contours after sediment removal above the dam
(labeled 70 -78). Confirm this information. If the depicted lines are final contours, provide
discussion on the stability of the constructed form.
2. Estimation of depth of sediment at the dam location and volume to be removed.
According to a visual survey, bedrock outcrops become visible approximately 500 feet above the
dam location, likely indicating the approximate elevation of the original stream channel.
Downstream of that distance, sediment appeared to inundate the channel to an indeterminate
depth. Discuss the anticipated disposition (e.g., tendency for the sediment to be displaced
[headcut] and rate thereof) and volume of the remaining sediment.
4. Discuss the anticipated downstream effects of the redistribution of the remaining sediment.
Discuss any sediment management options considered during project design, including measures
to mimic natural sediment transport, so as to avoid possible contravention of water quality
standards related to Best Usage of Waters and Other Wastes (sediment).
6. Additional sediment removal upstream of the coffer dam location, returning the streambed to a
more natural elevation, could prevent possible significant sediment loading downstream. Was
more extensive sediment removal considered? Please provide details regarding this possibility.
Water Quality Regional Operations — Asheville Regional Office
2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swannanoa, North Carolina 28778
Phone: 828 - 296 -4500 FAX: 828 - 299 -7043
Internet: http: / /portal.ncdenr.org/webtwq
An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer

Preston Royster
May 16, 2014
Page 2 of 2
7. Provide a post - project monitoring plan for the re- constructed stream channel, as well as above
and below the dam location for stability, sediment movement, habitat impacts and water quality
effects.
Describe the anticipated project monitoring and oversight during demolition and material
removal (i.e., personnel and presence).
9. The Division understands the upper dam is to be removed as well. Describe the anticipated
sequence of the projects.
If all of the requested information is not received in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of this letter, the
Division will be unable to approve the application and it will be returned. The return of this project`will
necessitate reapplication to the Division for approval, including a complete application package and the
appropriate fee.
Please respond in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of this letter by sending three copies of all of the
above requested information to the 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit:
401 and Buffer Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1650
Please be aware that you have no authorization under the Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for this activity
and any work done within waters of the state may be a violation of North Carolina General Statutes and
Administrative Code. Please call Chuck Cranford (828) 296 -4650, if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
firG. LandoVavidson, P.G., Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Asheville Regional Office
cc: Greg Hoffman - McGill (via email)
USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office
DWR ARO 401 files
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
G:\ WR \WQ\Henderson \401s\Non- DOT\Big Hungry Dam\Add1nfo.5.15.14.docx