20230546 Ver 1_ePCN Application_20230414

DW R
DHlsloo of Water Resources
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
For Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits
(along with corresponding Water Quality Certifications)
April 13, 2022 Ver 4.3
Initial Review
Has this project met the requirements for acceptance in to the review process?
Yes
No
Is this project a public transportation project?*
Yes No
Change only If needed.
Pre -Filing Meeting Date Request was submitted on:
3/14/2023
BIMS # Assigned
20230546
Is a payment required for this project?*
No payment required
Fee received
Fee needed - send electronic notification
Reviewing Office*
Asheville Regional Office - [phone]
Information for Initial Review
1a. Name of project:
Gateway Trailhead, Meadow Trail
1a. Who is the Primary Contact?*
Joel Lenk
1b. Primary Contact Email: *
[e-mail]
Date Submitted
4/14/2023
Nearest Body of Water
Curtis Creek
Basin
Catawba
Water Classification
C;Tr
Site Coordinates
Latitude:
35.655525
A. Processing Information
Is this project connected with ARPA funding?
Yes No
County (or Counties) where the project is located:
McDowell
Is this a NCDMS Project
Yes No
Longitude:
-82.178155
Version#*
1
What amout is owed?*
$240.00
$570.00
Select Project Reviewer*
Joey Winston:Joey.Winston@ncdencgov
1c. Primary Contact Phone:*
[phone]
Is this project a public transportation project?*
Yes No

1a.Type(s)of approval sought from the Corps:
Section 404 Permit (wetlands, streams and waters, Clean Water Act)
Section 10 Permit (navigable waters, tidal waters, Rivers and Harbors Act)
Has this PCN previously been submitted?*
Yes
No
1b. What type(s) of permit(s) do you wish to seek authorization?
Nationwide Permit (NWP)
Regional General Permit (RGP)
Standard (IP)
1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps?
Yes No
Nationwide Permit (NWP) Number:
NWP Numbers (for multiple NWPS):
1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWR:
401 Water Quality Certification - Regular
Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
14 - Linear transportation
le. Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWR 401 Certification:
For the record only for Corps Permit:
1f. Is this an after -the -fact permit application? *
Yes No
1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
Yes No
1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
Yes No
1h. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties?
Yes No
1j. Is the project located in a designated trout watershed?
Yes No
B. Applicant Information
401 Water Quality Certification - Express
Riparian Buffer Authorization
1d. Who is applying forthe permit?
Owner Applicant (other than owner)
le. Is there an Agent/Consultant for this project?
Yes No
2. Owner Information
2a. Name(s) on recorded deed:
United States of America USDA
2b. Deed book and page no.:
Book 401 Page 301
2c. Contact Person:
Nicolas Larson, Grandfather District Ranger
2d.Address
Street Address
109 Lawing Dr
Address Line 2
City State / Province / Region
Nebo NC
Postal / Zip Code Country
28761 USA
Yes No
Yes No

2e. Telephone Number:
[phone]
2g. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
3. Applicant Information (if different from owner)
3a. Name:
Joel D. Lenk, P.G.
3b. Business Name:
Quible & Associates, P. C.
3c.Address
Street Address
90 Church St. Ste. B
Address Line 2
City
Black Mountain
Postal / Zip Code
28711
3d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
3f. Email Address:
[e-mail]
4. Agent/Consultant (if applicable)
4a. Name:
Joel D. Lenk, P.G.
4b. Business Name:
Quible & Associates, P.C.
4c.Address
Street Address
90 Church St. Ste. B
Address Line 2
City
Black Mountain
Postal / Zip Code
28711
4d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
4f. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
C. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Project Information
1b. Subdivision name:
(if appropriate)
1c. Nearest municipality / town:
Old Fort
2. Project Identification
2f. Fax Number:
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
USA
3e. Fax Number:
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
USA
4e. Fax Number:
2a. Property Identification Number: 2b. Property size:
0752-54-3969 27,845.31

2c. Project Address
Street Address
Intersection of Jarret Creek (USFSR 4030) and Curtis Creek (SR 1227) Roads
Address Line 2
City
State / Province / Region
Old Fort
NC
Postal / Zip Code
Country
28762
USA
3. Surface Waters
3a. Name of the nearest body of water to proposed project:
Curtis Creek
3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving water:
C;Tr
3c. What river basin(s) is your project located in?"
Catawba
3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is located.
030501010101
4. Project Description and History
4a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: "
Existing conditions on the site consist of historic agricultural fields, mowed areas, and cultural trails. Land use in the vicinity is outdoor recreational associated with allowable USFS uses.
The area has been historically impacted, previous to USFS ownership (circa 1989) and supports a very large and diverse abundance of exotic invasive plant species.
4b. Have Corps permits or DWR certifications been obtained for this project (including all prior phases) in the past?'�
Yes No Unknown
4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
—3 acres
4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams on the property:
—2 miles in the vicinity of the project
4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
Following provided by USFS:
The Meadow Trail
OVERVIEW
A mile long lop trail that will pas by a large meadow, cross through a wetland area and travel
along Curtis Creek with numerous aces points.
GOALS
1. Create an ADA accessible, hardened surface trail for
hiking/running/walking/fishing/swimming close to a parking lot and road.
2. Develop numerous points of interest (POls) along the trail to engage users with their
activity of choice. POls are defined below.
3. Install an access point of entry for NC Wildlife officials in order to stock native fish species
each season.
4. Restore meadow and riparian area(s).
5. Additionally, make improvements in the existing Gateway Trailhead parking lot.
SPECIFICATIONS
e Construct 1 mile of hardened trail tread with locally compacted clay along with imported
stone and gravel as needed. Trail will have a width of 5 feet within a 10 foot corridor and 8
feet overhead. Grade of trail is between 2 % -5 % with a crown of 3 % cross slope. TBD
e Construct 2-3 bridges to cross streams and dry creek beds, keeping a continuous 2 % -5
grade to avoid any potential flooding. Bridges will meet and exceed USFS standards and
will require minimum maintenance for 25 years. TBD
e Construct 150 foot long boardwalk through a wetland delineation (POI), providing a
walkable surface with minimal damage to the area. TBD
e Remove invasive species as well aggressive local flora. Removal will be conducted by
means of cutting back the vegetation and using herbicide remedies to cut back growth.
(this will be ongoing for several seasons/years)
e Convert existing field into a native pollinator meadow (POI). Methods are cutting and
grading field and planting a native garden with the NC WRC.
e Construct an accessible point of entry to Curtis Creek for NC WRC officials to
seasonally stock native fish species (POI). This section of trail will be located close to
Curtis Creek Road and its stream bank is protected by local stone.
4i. Describe the overall project in detail, including indirect impacts and the type of equipment to be used:
The project will include construction of ADA accessible boardwalks through wetland areas. The greater project area, particularly the north-northeast part of the project area, can be
considered a wetland mosaic and the path of the Meadow Trail was selected to avoid and minimize stream and wetland impacts. All stream crossings will be spanned with approved USFS
bridges. Boardwalks will be constructed on USFS approved foundations (details and specifications attached). Wetland impacts will not exceed 0.10 acre. A detailed PJD Exhibit showing
areas of maximum impact is also attached. Indirect impacts will include continued control of exotic invasive plant species and restoration of wetlands, streams, forest, and meadows
through planting and maintenance of native beneficial vegetation. Other impacts will likely include improved land and water quality thorough more controlled access to the area by USFS
visitors. A stream and wetland delineation and Preliminary Jurisdictional Request has been completed and submitted to NC DWR and USACE. Additionally some of the funding for this
project is provided by the NC DWR-Water Resources Development Grant Program. Equipment used for the project will include: track mounted excavator, pickup truck, and hand tools.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures will be installed before construction of the project begins and will be maintained throughout project construction in order to keep sediment out
of streams and wetlands. The project will not disturb and area greater than one acre in size.

5. Jurisdictional Determinations
5a. Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the property or proposed impact areas?"
Yes No
Comments:
Submitted 3/10/23, per Mitchell Anderson of USACE the PJD will be held until this PCN is reviewed.
5b. If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made?"
Preliminary Approved Not Verified Unknown N/A
Corps AID Number:
5c. If 5a is yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas?
Name (if known):
Agency/Consultant Company:
Other:
Joel Lank & Warren Eadus
Quible & Associates, P.C.
Unknown
5d. List the dates of the Corp jurisdiction determination or State determination if a determination was made by the Corps or DWR
TBD based on review of this PCN.
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project?"
Yes No
Are any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permits(s) used, or intended to be used, to authorize any part of the proposed project or related activity?
D. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1a. Where are the impacts associated with your project? (check all that apply):
Wetlands Streams -tributaries Buffers
Open Waters Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
U
2a1 Reason (?)
boardwalk
2b. Impact type" (')
P
2c. Type of W.*
Headwater Forest
2d. W. name
WA-1
2e. Forested*
Yes
2f. Type of Jurisdicition *
(?)
Both
2g. Impact
area
0.029
(acres)
=F,ardwalk
P
Headwater Forest
tL
t::::]
Both
0.011
(acres)
2g. Total Temporary Wetland Impact
0.000
2g. Total Wetland Impact
0.040
21. Comments:
Temporary impacts will be kept within permanent impact footprints.
E. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
2g. Total Permanent Wetland Impact
0.040
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing the project:
Performing a stream and wetland delineation of the project area prior to final trail layout.
Using the delineation to guide trail placement and avoid and minimize water quality impacts.
Submitting a PJD request to USACE for the project.
Completing a PCN and submitting to NC DWR and USACE in order to use a NWP for unavoidable water quality impacts.
Proposing standard, approved USFS measures for planning and design of the project.
0
V

1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques:
Implementing the measures described above during construction.
Hiring qualified contractors or USFS staff to complete the work.
Receiving all required federal, state, and local permits required for the proposed work and abiding by conditions outlined in the permits.
Conducting frequent construction monitoring to ensure unpermitted impacts are not resulting from project construction.
2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
Yes No
2b. If this project DOES NOT require Compensatory Mitigation, explain why:
The project does not meet regulatory impact thresholds that require compensatory mitigation.
F. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWR)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
Yes No
If no, explain why:
The project is not within or adjacent to waters that are identified in NC RBPRs. However, stormwater management and diffuse flow through vegetated conveyances will be implemented as
part of the project.
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. Is this a NCDOT project subject to compliance with NCDOT's Individual NPDES permit NCS000250?
Yes No
2b. Does this project meet the requirements for low density projects as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)?
Yes No
Comments:
G. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation
1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land?
Yes No
1b. If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State (North Carolina)
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?*
Yes No
1c. If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearing House?
Yes No
2. Violations (DWR Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Water Quality Certification Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), or DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards or
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)? *
Yes No
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWR Requirement)
3a. Will this project result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?
Yes No
4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement)
4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR for this project?
Yes No N/A
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or habitat?"
Yes No
8
n

5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act impacts?"
Yes No
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted.
Asheville
5d. Is another Federal agency involved?
Yes No
What Federal Agency is involved?
USDA Forest Service
5e. Is this a DOT project located within Division's 1-8?
Yes No
5f. Will you cut any trees in order to conduct the work in waters of the U.S.?
Yes No
5g. Does this project involve bridge maintenance or removal?
Yes No
5h. Does this project involve the construction/installation of a wind turbine(s)?*
Yes No
Unknown
5i. Does this project involve (1) blasting, and/or (2) other percussive activities that will be conducted by machines, such as jackhammers, mechanized pile drivers, etc.?
Yes No
5j. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat?
A NEPA evaluation of the Old Fort Trails Project was completed and a final approval letter is attached.
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as an Essential Fish Habitat?*
Yes No
Are there submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) around the project vicinity?"
Yes No Unknown
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact an Essential Fish Habitat?
NEPA documentation for the approved project.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation status?
Yes No
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?
NEPA documentation for the approved project.
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain?
Yes No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
Fill or obstructions that could change the area or elevation of the FEMA 100-year floodplain are not proposed as part of this project.
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?"
The link above, McDowell County GIS, and the FEMA FRIS website.
Miscellaneous
Please use the space below to attach all required documentation or any additional information you feel is helpful for application review. Documents should be combined into one file when
possible, with a Cover Letter, Table of Contents, and a Cover Sheet for each Section preferred.
Click the upload button or drag and drop files here to attach document
P15115.7 Gateway Trailhead PJD Agent Authorization Form final.pdf 184.15KB
P15115.7-Base-PJD EXHIBIT.pdf 2.47MB
File must be PDF or KMZ
Comments
Signature
By checking the box and signing below, I certify that:
• The project proponent hereby certifies that all information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief; and
• The project proponent hereby requests that the certifying authority review and take action on this CWA 401 certification request within the applicable reasonable period of time.

• I have given true, accurate, and complete information on this form;
• I agree that submission of this PCN form is a "transaction" subject to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I agree to conduct this transaction by electronic means pursuant to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal effect and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature; AND
• I intend to electronically sign and submit the PCN form.
Full Name:
Joel D. Lank, P.G.
Signature
Q'I
Date
4/14/2023