HomeMy WebLinkAboutRequest for Additional Information, Bost Rd Sewer Improvements, Burke County (DWR #20221768)1
Winston, Joey
From:Winston, Joey
Sent:Friday, February 17, 2023 11:47 AM
To:megan@cws-inc.net
Subject:Request for Additional Information, Bost Rd Sewer Improvements, Burke County (DWR #20221768)
Ms. Bollero,
On January 11, 2022, the Division of Water Resources (Division) received your application requesting a 401 Water
Quality Certification and Buffer Authorization from the Division for the subject 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. The application indicates that horizontal directional drilling will be used to install a sewer line beneath the
Catawba River. This portion of the Catawba River is regulated by a state Riparian Buffer Rule. Project plans
indicate that a 250‐foot riparian buffer conservation easement is present on the eastern shoreline of the
Catawba River that will not be impacted. Please clarify whether any impacts will occur to the 50‐foot state
riparian buffer, particularly along the western shoreline of the Catawba River. If impacts are proposed, please
quantify and clearly depict them on plans. A Buffer Authorization may be required for these impacts. [15A NCAC
02B .0611(b)(1)]
2. The application indicates that horizontal directional drilling will be used to install portions of a sewer line
beneath surface waters, which has the potential to release drilling fluids to surface waters through inadvertent
returns. Please provide an Inadvertent Release Contingency Plan that establishes procedures for prevention,
containment, and clean‐up of any potential inadvertent returns. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
3. The project proposes permanent impacts to 10 feet of perennial stream for riprap bank stabilization. Please
elaborate on why this stream requires permanent impacts while other streams within the project footprint do
not. Please also clarify why natural stabilization techniques, such as a vegetated buffer, cannot be utilized. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1)]
4. Project plans indicate that a portion of wetlands will be isolated by the permanent fill for the pump station.
Plans also indicate that an existing culvert will be extended, disconnecting additional wetlands. The application
and plans identify impacts to these isolated and disconnected wetlands as temporary; however, temporary
impacts are those that are of sufficiently short duration to have no impacts to the ecology of the area, and
within a reasonably short duration will restore to their original, preconstruction function. The Division believes
that because of the proposed permanent impacts, secondary impacts will result in a post‐construction loss of
additional wetlands. Please revise plans and impact estimates or provide a detailed narrative explaining how a
permanent loss will not occur. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(a)(4)]
Pursuant to Title 15A NCAC 02H .0502(c) and Title 15A NCAC 02B .0611(b)(3), the applicant shall furnish all of the above
requested information for the proper consideration of the application. Please provide your response by March 17, 2023.
If all of the requested information is not received, the Division will be unable to approve the application and it will be
denied as incomplete. The denial of this project will necessitate reapplication to the Division for approval, including a
complete application package and appropriate fee.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
2
Joey
Joey Winston
Environmental Specialist I, Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: (828) 296‐4685 | Cell: (828) 785‐9171
joey.winston@ncdenr.gov