20220388 Ver 1_More Information Requested_20220708

Strickland, Bev
From: Cohn, Colleen M
Sent: Friday, July 8, 2022 5:24 PM
To: Michelle Savage-Measday, PWS
Cc: [e-mail]; Mark Mayhew
Subject: RE: [External] RE: Pines at Wake Crossing DWR#20220388
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for speaking with me today.
1. As discussed, it appears that this project has Buffer Impacts that require a Major Variance for the Jordan Lake
Buffer Rules, and the locally delegated authority (Town of Apex) will need to submit their findings to the NC
Environmental Management Commission (EMC). The Major Variance process may result in changes to the
requested wetland impacts. The next EMC meeting is in September. [15A NCAC 02B .0267(12)(e)]
2. My understanding is that the project is proposing to remove forested wetlands and replace with herbaceous. Is
this correct? [15A NCAC 02H .502(c)]
a. Will trees be replanted?
b. Is any mitigation proposed?
c. What seed mix will be planted? It is unclear if a riparian mix or a wetlands mix will be used.
3. Please provide additional information on maintaining streambank stability and stability of the road crossing.
[15A NCAC 02H .0502(c)]
4. It appears that the proposed wetland impacts will include a sanitary sewer line. Is this a buried sanitary sewer
line? How will the line be affected by the removal of the wetlands above it? [15A NCAC 02H .0502(c)]
5. Thank you for the additional information on sediment and erosion controls, but please elaborate on how the
activity will not contribute to wetland standards, including but not limited to impacts on: water currents,
erosion, or sediment patterns; natural water temperature variations; the chemical, nutrient, and dissolved
oxygen regime of the wetland; the movement of aquatic fauna; the pH of the wetland; and water levels or
elevations. Additionally, has a soil scientist evaluated the soils at the location? [15A NCAC 02B .0231]
Thanks,
Colleen Cohn
Environmental Specialist II
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office
380o Barrett Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
Office: 919-791-4258
E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
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From: Michelle Savage-Measday, PWS <[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, June 9, 2022 5:26 PM
To: Cohn, Colleen M <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]; Mark Mayhew <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] RE: Pines at Wake Crossing DWR#20220388
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Colleen,
Thank you for your comments. See below for responses.
Thank you,
Michelle
MICHELLE SAVAGE-MEASDAY, PWS I Environmental Senior Project Manager
T 919.861.9910 I D 919.861.9821 1 C 919.441.2437
5260 Greens Dairy Road I Raleigh I NC 127616
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From: Cohn, Colleen M <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2022 4:10 PM
To: Michelle Savage-Measday, PWS <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Pines at Wake Crossing DWR#20220388
Good afternoon,
I am reviewing the above referenced project, and in order to complete the review, some additional information is
required:
1) Please provide additional information on avoidance and minimization of wetlands impacts. Based on the
included FEMA letter dated December 21, 2020, there are two other options available, including removing a
culvert or adding a culvert. Option 1, removing the culvert, was stated as the best option. [15A NCAC 02H
.0502(c)]
The two other options were discussed at length with FEMA and subsequent to FEMA's letter of 21 December
2020 it was agreed Option 3 would be the best scenario to proceed with. As was explained to FEMA, Option 1,
Remove existing culvert, is not a viable option given the safety issues it would create to the public and impact to
first responders due to the creation of two dead-end roads. Removing the culvert would require removing and
relaying the existing public utilities such as water, power and communications from under the roadway to
UNDER the stream bed. Removing the culvert would disconnect the roadway stormwater management system
and prevent stormwater from reaching the detention basin on the north side and hence from being treated
prior to stream discharge.
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Option 2, Add an additional culvert would disturb approximately the same amount of wetlands and buffer due
to the need to regrade (lower) the flood fringe to direct water into and out of the culvert, add appropriate riprap
and to provide construction access to the upstream and downstream areas.
2) Please provide additional information on how the proposed excavation of wetland will not cause a violation of
water quality standards. [15A NCAC .0506(b)(2)]
The construction techniques shall be conducted in accordance with NCDENR standards. Temporary and
additional erosion control measures shall be maintained throughout the construction process. Silt fencing will be
placed at the bottom of the slopes to deter sediment and control erosion during excavation activities.
Temporary erosion, sedimentation, and pollution controls will be installed prior to and maintained during the
entire construction duration and until final stabilization is established. Refer to Sheet 5 of the impact exhibits for
the grading and erosion control plan. Refer to Sheet 4 for the revegetation plan to stabilize the disturbed area.
No excavation is proposed below the OHWM. See attached stream section showing limits of excavation and
stream photos.
3) Please provide additional details on the buffer impacts. This area appears to be under the Town of Apex's
jurisdiction, but it is unclear what item in the Table of Uses you are proposing the activities fall under. [15A
NCAC .02B .0267]
The Town of Apex has reviewed and will be issuing a variance for the riparian buffer impacts. Upon receipt of the
variance, a copy will be sent to you. The variance is expected to be approved at the next Apex Board of Adjustment
Meeting in June. Attached is the Town of Apex Staff Report on the variance request. If the variance request is granted
by Apex, the applicant will then move to the NC EMC for approval for the Zone 1 impacts.
4) If the US Army Corps of Engineers requests any additional information, please provide the Division with a copy
of your response to the USACE. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(c)]
Will comply.
Thanks,
Colleen Cohn
Environmental Specialist II
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office
380o Barrett Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
Office: 919-791-4258
E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
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