20071383 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20070905

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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
MEMORANDUM M
TO: Cyndi Karoly, 401 Certification Unit D ~~~~ "" D
NC Division of Water Quality SEP ~ _ 2007
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator nENR • w~Y~~ ouAUn
Habitat Conservation Program ~~~sTCx~~!n~sa~cH
DATE: August 28, 2007
SUBJECT:. Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County, Fuda Creek Interceptor, DWQ
No. 20071383, Cabarrus County
The applicant proposes to install an interceptor sewer line to increase conveyance capacity.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat
values in the area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish
and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North
Carolina Environmental Policy Act {G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project includes 18,000 linear feet of sewer beginning at the confluence of Fuda and Back
Creeks to the County line. Temporary impacts are indicated at thirteen (13) stream crossing
locations. The rare species survey performed for this project during the Environmental
Assessment (EA) found and confirmed the presence of Carolina creekshell (Villosa
vaughaniana}, a federal species of concern and a state endangered species. This previously
unidentified mussel in the Fuda Creek basin has been reported to and confirmed as the Carolina
creekshell by the NC State Museum of Natural Sciences and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The majority of these crossings are on perennial waters, including some fairly wide streams.
Based on our review of the application, we will not object to the project as proposed providing
the following conditions are implemented:
Directional boring should be used for the stream crossings whenever possible. Where
directional boring is not practicable, listed mussel species should be professionally
searched for and relocated upstream and out of harm's way (if found). If storm
events occur, mussel locations should be determined and relocated as needed to
protect listed species in the area. Professionally certified North Carolina mussel
biologists should direct and implement this search and relocation.
2. Sewer lines must be buried sufficiently to prevent future pipe exposure within
streams. Burial should be based on natural thalweg depths. Any riprap used should
not deter aquatic life passage during periods of low stream flows.
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: {919) 707-0220 Fag: [phone]

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Fuda Creek Interceptor Sewer -Page 2 -
August 28, 2007
Sediment and erosion control measures should adhere to the design standards for
sensitive watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0124) in basins supporting listed species.
4. If any concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does
not contact stream water.
5. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream. Where this is not possible, new or low-hour, clean
equipment should be used. Petroleum spill containment equipment must be readily
available during work in stream channels and their buffers.
6. Temporary or permanent native herbaceous vegetation should be established on all
bare soil within five (5) days of ground disturbing activities in the 50' stream buffer
to provide long-term erosion control. We encourage use of fiber matting. Onsite
vegetation and materials may be used for stream bank stabilization when practicable.
Where practicable, stream banks should be planted with autochthonous (native) plants
like silky dogwood, red maple, silky willow, tag alder, black willow, sycamore, river
birch, or local woody species.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Alan Johnson, DWQ-MRO
Steve Chapin, USACOE-ARO