20230373 Ver 1_USACE Permit_20230504

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Action Id. SAW-2023-00579 County: Brunswick County U.S.G.S. Quad: Southport
GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION
Permittee: Ravmond & Elizabeth Granata
Address: 152 Oceangreens Lane
Caswell Beach, NC 28461
Telephone Number:845-200-9964
Size (acres)
Nearest Waterway Piney Point Creek
Nearest Town Caswell Beach
River Basin Cape Fear
USGS HUC 03030005 Coordinates Latitude: 33.9085972222222; Longitude:-78.0586777777778
Location description: The site is located in Piney Point Creek at 152 Oceangreens Lane, Caswell
Beach, Brunswick County, North Carolina.
Description of project area and activity: The proposal is to construct a new single-family docking
facility that can accommodate up to two (2) vessels. An approximately 4.5 feet wide by 586
feet long fixed pier will be constructed perpendicular to the shoreline of the subject property
and will extend north to Piney Point Creek. Approximately 200 feet waterward of Mean High
Water Level (MHW), the proposal is to have the pier cross over a navigational slough. The
section of pier to cross this navigational slough will have an ADA compliant 40 feet bridge
section that will be at least 10 feet wide and 8 feet above MHW at the highest point.
At the start of the bridged section, an approximately 10 feet wide by 8 feet long fixed platform,
off the east side of the pier over open water, will be constructed. An uncovered boatlift,
measuring approximately 13 feet wide by 13 feet long will be located at the end of the pier to
the east. Approximately 60 feet landward from the waterward end of the docking facility, an
approximately 4 feet long by 6 feet wide fixed platform will lead via ramp to an approximately
14 feet long by 8 feet wide floating dock that will have the potential to accommodate up to one
(1) vessel on the east side. Located landward of the floating dock an approximately 5.5 feet
wide by 10.5 feet long kayak launch will be installed.
Please note, a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) permit authorization must
be obtained from the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (DCM) prior
to commencing any work on this project.
Applicable Law: ❑ Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344);
® Section 10 (Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 USC 403)
Authorization: Regional General Permit Number: 197800056
Special Condition: In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee, Trichechus
manatus. the aaDlicant must implement the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Manatee

Guidelines, and strictly adhere to all requirements therein. The guidelines can be found at
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/manatee_guidelines.p
SEE ATTACHED RGP GENERAL AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Your work is authorized by the above referenced permit provided it is accomplished in strict
accordance with the attached conditions and your submitted application and attached
information and drawings dated February 1, 14 and 16, 2023. Any violation of the attached
conditions or deviation from your submitted plans may subject the permittee to a stop work
order, a restoration order, a Class I administrative penalty, and/or appropriate legal action.
This verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below unless the nationwide
and/or regional general permit authorization is modified, suspended or revoked. If, prior to the
expiration date identified below, the nationwide and/or regional general permit authorization is
reissued and/or modified, this verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below,
provided it complies with all requirements of the modified nationwide permit. If the nationwide and/or
regional general permit authorization expires or is suspended, revoked, or is modified, such that the
activity would no longer comply with the terms and conditions of the nationwide permit, activities
which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under contract to commence in reliance
upon the nationwide and/or regional general permit, will remain authorized provided the activity is
completed within twelve months of the date of the nationwide and/or regional general permit's
expiration, modification or revocation, unless discretionary authority has been exercised on a case -
by -case basis to modify, suspend or revoke the authorization.
Activities subject to Section 404 (as indicated above) may also require an individual Section 401
Water Quality Certification. You should contact the NC Division of Water Resources (telephone 919-
807-6300) to determine Section 401 requirements.
For activities occurring within the twenty coastal counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area
Management Act (CAMA), prior to beginning work you must contact the N.C. Division of Coastal
Management in Wilmington, NC, at [phone].
This Department of the Army verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain
any other required Federal, State or local approvals/permits.
If there are any questions regarding this verification, any of the conditions of the Permit, or the Corps
of Engineers regulatory program, please contact Gregory Currey at [phone] or
Gregory.E.Currey(c_usace.army.mil.
Corps Regulatory Official:
Expiration Date of Verification: December 31, 2026
Date: May 4, 2023
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help
us ensure we continue to do so, please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey, located online at
https://regulatoly.ops.usace.army.mil/customer-service-survey/

Copies furnished by email:
Ben Brink (Coastal Permit Guy LLC)
Tara MacPherson (NC DCM)
Cameron Luck (NC DCM)
Amanda Cannon (NC DCM)
Holley Snider (NC DWR)

Action ID Number: SAW-2023-00579 County: Brunswick County
Permittee: Ravmond & Elizabeth Granata
Project Name: Granata Docking Facitlity/ 152 Oceangreens Ln/ Caswell Beach/ Brunswick
Date Verification Issued: May 4, 2023
Project Manager: Gregory Currey
Upon completion of the activity authorized by this permit and any mitigation required by the
permit, sign this certification and return it to the following address:
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Attn: Gregory Currey
Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by a U. S. Army
Corps of Engineers representative. Failure to comply with any terms or conditions of this
authorization may result in the Corps suspending, modifying or revoking the authorization
and/or issuing a Class I administrative penalty, or initiating other appropriate legal action.
I hereby certify that the work authorized by the above referenced permit has been completed
in accordance with the terms and condition of the said permit, and required mitigation was
completed in accordance with the permit conditions.
Signature of Permittee
Date

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*Not a Survey
R/C based on CAMA Major 52-04 and
Plat Survey for Ocean Greens _ _ _ _ _ 1/4 Width
Subdivision Book 28 Page 123
Piney Point Creek
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N CW to end of structure 2
R/C width: —26'
CW Boundary
Page 3 of 5
Proposed Structures (Water Dependent)
152 Oceangreens Ln. Caswell Beach, NC
Granata Docking Facility
Scale 1:20
February 16, 2023
Proposed Structures:
(A) 1 Ok lb Boat Lift (13' x 131)
(B) Floating Dock (8' x 14')
(Not shown) Fixed Platform (10' x 8') Seepage 2 of 5
(C) Fixed Platfonn (4' x 6')
(D) Kayak Launch (5.5' x 10.5')
(E) Pier (4.5 x 586')
RECEIVED S�
FEB 21 2R3
DCM WILMINGTON, NC

*Not a survey
Measurements Based on Aerial Image (Google Earth)
Proposed Structures:
I Ok lb Boat Lift 0 3' x 13')
Floating Dock (8' x 14')
Fixed Platform (10' x 81)
Fixed Platform (4' x 6')
Kayak Launch (5.5' x 10.5')
Pier (4.5' x 586')
age 4 of 5
Cross Sectional (Proposed Structures)
152 Oceangreens Ln. Caswell Beach, NC
Granata Docking Facility
Scale 1:80
14, 2023
RECEIVED
FEB 2 1 2023
DCM WILMINGTON, NC
Deck boards minimum
3' above substrate
Open Water < -1,0' @ NLW
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Re ug latoryPennitPro rg am.aspx
General Permit No. 197800056
Name of Permittee: General Public
Effective Date: January 1, 2022
Expiration Date: December 31, 2026
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT (RGP)
A RGP to perform work in or affecting navigable waters of the U.S. and waters of the
U.S., upon recommendation of the Chief of Engineers, pursuant to Section 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors Act of March 3, 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403), and Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), is hereby modified and renewed by authority of the
Secretary of the Army by
District Engineer
U.S. Army Engineer District, Wilmington
Corps of Engineers
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343
TO MAINTAIN, REPAIR, CONSTRUCT AND INSTALL PIERS, DOCKS,
BOATHOUSES AND BOAT SHELTERS, PILINGS, MOORING BOUYS,
DOLPHINS, JETTIES, GROINS, AND BREAKWATER STRUCTURES IN
NAVIGABLE WATERS OF THE U.S. IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Projects must be constructed in conformance with the following standards in order to be
authorized by this RGP.
1. All piers, docks, boathouses, and boat shelters will be pile -supported or
floating structures.
2. Pilings, dolphins, jetties, and breakwater structures maybe constructed of
wood, metal, or pre -cast concrete. Groins may be constructed of wood, pre -cast concrete,
or rock riprap.
3. Breakwater structures will be designed to provide for adequate water
circulation landward of the structures.
This RGP does not authorize dredging or excavation, or the discharge of dredged,
excavated, or fill material within waters of the U.S., except for the placement of

structures for jetty, breakwater, or groin construction. This RGP does not authorize any
work on Atlantic Ocean beaches.
The following definitions will be used for purposes of this RGP:
a. Mean high water mark (MHWM): The line on the shore, in tidal water, reached by
the plane of the mean (average) high water. The precise determination of the actual
location of the line can be established by survey with the reference to the available tidal
datum, preferably averaged over a period of 18.6 years. A less precise method, such as
observation of the apparent shoreline, which is determined by reference to physical
markings, lines of vegetation, may be used for the purpose of this permit.
b. Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM): The line on the shore, in non -tidal waters,
established by the fluctuations of water indicated by physical characteristics such as
clear, natural line impressed on the bank; shelving changes in the soil; destruction of
terrestrial vegetation; the presence of litter and debris; or other appropriate means that
consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas.
Special Conditions
a. Authorized structures located on or adjacent to Federally authorized waterways
will be constructed in accordance with the latest setback criteria established by the
Wilmington District Engineer. You may review the setback policy at
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Setbacks.aspx. This RGP does not
authorize the construction of hardened or permanently fixed structures within the
Federally Authorized Channel Setback, unless the activity is approved by the Corps. The
Permittee must submit the information described in General Condition "y" and obtain
approval from the Corps prior to the construction of any structures within the Federally
Authorized Channel Setback.
b. Floating structures installed within the Federally Authorized Channel Setback
must be designed to be removable. No utilities or infrastructure shall be permanently
fixed/attached to floating structures located within the Federally Authorized Channel
Setback. The Permittee must submit the information described in General Condition "y"
and obtain approval from the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers (Corps) prior to the
construction of any structures within the Federally Authorized Channel Setback.
c. This RGP does not authorize construction across or into any natural or manmade
channel or waterbody in any manner that may adversely affect navigation by the general
public.
d. Piers, docks, boathouses, boat shelters and piles authorized by this RGP may be
extended or be located up to 400 feet waterward of the Mean High Water Mark
(MHWM) elevation contour (tidal areas), or the OrdinarHigh Water Mark (OHWM)
elevation contour (non -tidal areas), or one-third (1/3) the width of a waterbody,

whichever is closer to the shoreline, except as otherwise governed by the presence of a
Federally maintained channel.
e. The width of any pier will not exceed six (6) feet, unless the Corps determines, in
writing, that a greater width is necessary for safe use, to improve public access, or to
support a water dependent use that cannot otherwise occur.
f. The total square footage of shaded impact for docks and mooring facilities
(excluding the pier) allowed shall be 8 square feet per linear foot of shoreline with a
maximum of 800 square feet. In calculating the shaded impact, uncovered open water
slips shall not be counted in the total. The maximum size of any individual component of
the docking facility (excluding the pier) authorized by this RGP shall not exceed 400
square feet unless the Corps determines, in writing, that a greater width is necessary for
safe use, to improve public access, or to support a water dependent use that cannot
otherwise occur.
g. Boathouses and boat shelters will not be enclosed and will not exceed 400 square
feet. Boatlifts will be open and will not exceed 400 square feet.
h. Boathouses, boatlifts, boat shelters and will not be constructed over Federally
jurisdictional wetlands.
i. Docks and piers extending over wetlands will be elevated sufficiently (minimum
of 3 feet) above the wetland substrate to prevent total shading of vegetation, substrate, or
other elements of the aquatic environment.
j. Groins, jetties, or breakwater structures shall not be constructed in wetlands,
seagrasses, and other submerged aquatic vegetation.
k. Piers and docking facilities located over submerged aquatic vegetation may be
constructed without prior consultation from the National Marine Fisheries Service if the
following two conditions are met:
1) Water depth at the docking facility location is equal to or greater than two feet
at mean low water level: and
2) The pier and docking facility are located to minimize the area of submerged
aquatic vegetation under the structure.
1. Floating piers and docking facilities located over submerged aquatic vegetation
shall be allowed if the water depth between the bottom of the proposed structure and the
substrate is at least 18 inches at mean low water level.
in. Jetties will not extend farther than 100 feet waterward of the MHWM (tidal
areas), or the OHWM elevation contours.

n. This RGP does not authorize the installation of fueling facilities on authorized
structures.
o. Riprap groins shall not exceed a base width of 10 feet.
p. Riprap groins must be constructed of clean rock or masonry material and be of
sufficient size to prevent displacement by wave or current action.
q. No groin shall extend more than 25 feet waterward of the mean high water or
normal water level elevation contour.
r. Groins and jetties shall not be located within primary nursery areas.
s. No jetty shall be constructed during the period between April 1 and September 30
unless the activity is approved by NCDMF and the NMFS.
t. Floating structures will be supported by material that will not become
waterlogged or sink when punctured, will be installed to provide for fluctuations in water
elevation, will be designed so that the structure will not rest on the bottom of the
waterbody at any time, and will be secured in such manner as to not break away.
u. Breakwater structures will be no longer than 500 feet. They will have a minimum
of one -inch openings between standard width (6 to 12-inch) sheathing boards and at least
one, five-foot wide opening for each 100 linear feet of structure.
v. Breakwater structures may not be constructed so as to prohibit access to estuarine
waters or public trust areas.
w. It is possible that the authorized structure may be damaged by wave wash from
passing vessels. The issuance of this permit does not relieve the Permittee from taking all
proper steps to ensure the integrity of the permitted structure and the safety of moored
boats. The Permittee will not hold the US liable for any such damage.
x. This RGP does not authorize habitable structures or any structure or associated
facility for non -water related use.
y. Structures and their attendant utilities, authorized by this RGP, located on lands
subject to an easement in favor of the US for the operation, maintenance, improvement,
and enlargement of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), will be removed at the
expense of the Permittee, in the event that, in the judgment of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers acting on behalf of the US, the lands are needed at any time for any purpose
within the scope of the easement. Permanent buildings will not be constructed within the
easement.
z. This RGP does not apply to structures within existing or proposed marinas as
defined by North Carolina Administrative Code, Title 15, Subchapter 7H.0208(b)(5).

aa. Should all or part of a proposed development activity be located in an Area of
Environmental Concern (AEC) as designated by the North Carolina Coastal Resources
Commission, a Coastal Area Management Act (LAMA) permit is required from the
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management before the onset of the proposed
activity. Should a Federal activity within any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties
or which could affect a coastal use or resource in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal
counties be proposed by a Federal agency, a consistency determination pursuant to
Subpart "C" of 15 CFR 930 must be prepared and submitted by that Federal agency to the
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management before the onset of the proposed
activity.
General Conditions.
a. Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this
RGP, no excavation, fill or mechanized land -clearing activities shall take place within
waters or wetlands, at any time in the construction or maintenance of this project. This
permit does not authorize temporary placement or double handling of excavated or fill
material within waters or wetlands outside the permitted area. This prohibition applies to
all borrow and fill activities connected with this project.
b. Authorization under this RGP does not obviate the need to obtain other federal,
state, or local authorizations.
c. All work authorized by this RGP must comply with the terms and conditions of
the applicable Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification for this RGP
issued by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
d. The Permittee shall employ all sedimentation and erosion control measures
necessary to prevent an increase in sedimentation or turbidity within waters and wetlands
outside the permit area. This shall include, but is not limited to, the immediate
installation of silt fencing or similar appropriate devices around all areas subject to soil
disturbance or the movement of earthen fill, and the immediate stabilization of all
disturbed areas. Additionally, the project must remain in full compliance with all aspects
of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (North Carolina General Statutes
Chapter 113A Article 4).
e. The activities authorized by this RGP must not interfere with the public's right to
free navigation on all navigable waters of the U.S. No attempt will be made by the
Permittee to prevent the full and free use by the public of all navigable waters at or
adjacent to the authorized work for a reason other than safety.
f. The Permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the US require
the removal, relocation, or other alteration, of the structure or work herein authorized, or if,
in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army or his/her authorized representative, said
structure or work shall cause unreasonable obstruction to the free navigation of the

navigable waters, the Permittee will be required, upon due notice from the Corps of
Engineers, to remove, relocate, or alter the structural work or obstructions caused thereby,
without expense to the US. No claim shall be made against the US on account of any such
removal or alteration.
g. The Permittee, upon receipt of a notice of revocation of the permit for the verified
individual activity, may apply for an individual permit, or will, without expense to the US
and in such time and manner as the Secretary of the Army or his/her authorized
representative may direct, restore the affected water of the US to its former conditions.
h. This RGP does not authorize any activity that would conflict with a federal
project's congressionally authorized purposes, established limitations or restrictions, or
limit an agency's ability to conduct necessary operation and maintenance functions. Per
Section 14 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended (33 U.S.C. 408), no
project that has the potential to take possession of or make use of for any purpose, or
build upon, alter, deface, destroy, move, injure, or obstruct a federally constructed work
or project, including, but not limited to, levees, dams, jetties, navigation channels, borrow
areas, dredged material disposal sites, flood control projects, etc., shall be permitted
unless the project has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate Corps approval
authority. The Permittee must submit the information described in General Condition "y"
and obtain approval from the Wilmington District Engineer prior to the initiation of any
activity that has the potential to modify or conflict with a federally authorized project.
i. The Permittee shall obtain a Consent to Cross Government Easement from the
Wilmington District's Land Use Coordinator prior to any crossing of the Corps easement
and/or prior to commencing construction of any structures, authorized dredging or other
work within the right-of-way of, or in proximity to, a federally designated disposal area.
The Land Use Coordinator may be contacted at: CESAW-OP-N, 69 Darlington Avenue,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403-1343, email: SAWWeb-NAVgusace.army.mil.
j. The Permittee will allow the Wilmington District Engineer or his/her
representative to inspect the authorized activity at any time deemed necessary to assure
that the activity is being performed or maintained in strict accordance with the Special
and General Conditions of this permit.
k. This RGP does not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges.
1. This RGP does not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others.
m. This RGP does not authorize the interference with any existing or proposed
federal project.
n. In issuing this RGP, the Federal Government does not assume any liability for the
following:

(1) Damages to the permitted project or uses thereof as a result of other
permitted or unpermitted activities or from natural causes.
(2) Damages to the permitted project or uses thereof as a result of current or
future activities undertaken by or on behalf of the US in the public interest.
(3) Damages to persons, property, or to other permitted or unpermitted activities
or structures caused by the activity authorized by this RGP.
(4) Design or construction deficiencies associated with the penmitted work
(5) Damage claims associated with any future modification, suspension, or
revocation of this RGP.
o. Authorization provided by this RGP may be modified, suspended, or revoked in
whole or in part if the Wilmington District Engineer, acting for the Secretary of the
Army, determines that such action would be in the best public interest. The term of this
RGP shall be five (5) years unless subject to modification, suspension, or revocation.
Any modification, suspension or revocation of this authorization will not be the basis for
any claim for damages against the US Government.
p. No activity may occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic River
System, or in a river officially designated by Congress as a "study river" for possible
inclusion in the system while the river is in an official study status, unless the appropriate
Federal agency with direct management responsibility for such river, has determined in
writing that the proposed activity will not adversely affect the Wild and Scenic
designation or study status. Information on Wild and Scenic Rivers may be obtained
from the appropriate Federal land management agency responsible for the designated
Wild and Scenic River or "study river" (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service,
etc.)
q. This RGP does not authorize any activity within, or directly affecting, a marine
sanctuary established by the Secretary of Commerce under authority of Section 302 of
the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, unless the Permittee
provides the Corps with a certification from the Secretary of Commerce that the proposed
activity is consistent with the purposes of Title III of the Marine Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act. Information on marine sanctuaries may be obtained at
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/#MN. Permittees may not begin work until they provide the
Corps with a written certification from the Department of Commerce.
r. In cases where the Wilmington District Engineer determines that the activity may
affect properties listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places and
its codified regulations, the National Historic Preservation Amendment Acts of 1980 and
1992, the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 and the Native American Graves Protection
and Repatriation Act, the activity is not authorized, until the requirements of Section 106 of
the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) have been satisfied. Permittees must submit
the information described in General Condition "y" to the Corps if any properties subject

to the above criteria may be affected by the proposed project. The Permittee may not
begin work until notified by the Corps that the requirements of the NHPA have been
satisfied and that the activity is authorized.
s. If you discover any previously unknown historic, cultural or archeological
remains and artifacts while accomplishing the activity authorized by this permit, you
must immediately notify the Wilmington District Engineer of what you have found, and
to the maximum extent practicable, avoid construction activities that may affect the
remains and artifacts until the required coordination has been completed. The
Wilmington District Engineer will initiate the Federal, tribal, and state coordination
required to determine if the items or remains warrant a recovery effort or if the site is
eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
t. No activity is authorized under this RGP which is likely to directly or indirectly
jeopardize the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species or a species
proposed for such designation, as identified under the Federal Endangered Species Act
(ESA), or which will directly or indirectly destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat of
such species. No activity is authorized under any RGP which "may affect" a listed species or
critical habitat, unless Section 7 consultation addressing the effects of the proposed activity
has been completed*. Information on threatened and endangered species and their critical
habitat can be obtained directly from the Corps field offices, the USFWS field offices or
at the following web addresses: http://www.fws.gov/ or http://www.fws.gov/ipac/ or
http://www.noaa.gov/fisheries.html. Permittees must submit the information described in
General Condition "y" to the Corps if any listed species or designated critical habitat may
be affected by the proposed project. Permittees may not begin work until notified by the
Wilmington District Engineer that the requirements of the ESA have been satisfied and
that the activity is authorized.
*Note - Section 7 consultation has been completed for the West Indian Manatee and
if the activity may affect the manatee, the Permittee does not have to submit the
information in General Condition "y" to the District Engineer as long the Permittee
complies with General Condition "u". Section 7 consultation has been completed for the
Northern long-eared bat and the Permittee must submit the information described in
General Condition "y" to the District Engineer prior to commencing the activity if the
project meets the criteria in General Condition "v'.
u. In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee (Trichechus
manatus), the Permittee must implement the USFWS' Manatee Guidelines, and strictly
adhere to all requirements therein. The guidelines can be found at
https://www.fws.gov/raleifzh/pdfs/ManateeGuidelines20l7.pd
v. The Wilmington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has consulted
with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in regard to the threatened Northern
long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) and Standard Local Operating
Procedures for Endangered Species (SLOPES) have been approved by the Corps and the
Service. This condition concerns effects to the NLEB only and does not address effects to
other federally listed species and/or to federally -designated critical habitat.

A. Procedures when the Corps is the lead federal* agency for a project:
The Permittee must comply with (1) and (2) below when:
• The project is located in the western 41 counties of North Carolina, to
include non-federal aid North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) projects, OR;
• The project is located in the 59 eastern counties of North Carolina and is a
non-NCDOT project.
*Generally, if a project is located on private property or on non-federal land, and the
project is not being funded by a federal entity, the Corps will be the lead federal agency
due to the requirement to obtain Department of the Army authorization to impact waters
of the U.S. If the project is located on federal land, contact the Corps to determine the
lead federal agency.
(1) A Permittee using a RGP must check to see if their project is located in the
range of the NLEB by using the following website:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/WNSZone.pd£ If the
project is within the range of the NLEB, or if the project includes percussive
activities (e.g., blasting, pile driving, etc.), the Permittee is then required to check
the appropriate website in the paragraph below to discover if their project:
• Is located in a 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Code area ("red HUC" - shown as
red areas on the map), AND/OR;
• Involves percussive activities within 0.25 mile of a red HUC.
Red HUC maps - for the western 41 counties in NC (covered by the Asheville Ecological
Services Field Office), check the project location against the electronic maps found at:
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project review/NLEB in WNC.html. For the
eastern 59 counties in NC (covered by the Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office),
check the project location against the electronic maps found at:
https://www.fws. ovg /raleigh/NLEB_RFO.html.
(2) A Permittee must submit a pre -construction notification (PCN) to the district
engineer, and receive written authorization from the district engineer, prior to
commencing the activity, if the activity will involve either of the following:
• Tree clearing/removal, construction/installation of wind turbines in a red
HUC, AND/OR;
• Bridge removal or maintenance, unless the bridge has been inspected
and there is no evidence of bat use, (applies anywhere in the range of the

NLEB), AND/OR:
• Percussive activities in a red HUC, or within 0.25 mile of a red HUC.
The Permittee may proceed with the activity without submitting a PCN to either
the Corps or the USFWS, provided the activity complies with all applicable RGP
terms and general and special conditions, and if the Permittee's review under A.(1)
and A.(2) above shows that the project is:
• Located outside of a red HUC (and there are no percussive activities),
and the activity will NOT include bridge removal or maintenance, unless the
bridge has been inspected and there is no evidence of bat use, OR;
• Located outside of a red HUC and there are percussive activities, but the
percussive activities will not occur within 0.25-mile of a red HUC boundary,
and the activity will NOT include bridge removal or maintenance, unless the
bridge has been inspected and there is no evidence of bat use, OR;
• Located in a red HUC, but the activity will NOT include tree
clearing/removal; construction/installation of wind turbines; bridge removal
or maintenance, unless the bridge has been inspected and there is no
evidence of bat use, and/or; any percussive activities.
B. Procedures when the Corps is not the lead federal agency:
For projects where another federal agency is the lead federal agency - if that other federal
agency has completed project -specific ESA Section 7(a)(2) consultation for the NLEB,
and has (1) determined that the project would not cause prohibited incidental take of the
NLEB, and (2) completed coordination/consultation that is required by the Service (per
the directions on the respective Service office's website), that project may proceed
without notification to either the Corps or the Service, provided all RGP general and
special conditions are met.
The NLEB SLOPES can be viewed on the Corps website at the following World Wide
Web Page: http://www.saw.usace.anny.mil/Missions/Re ul�atory-Permit-
Pro regency-Coordination/ESA/. Permittees who do not have internet access may
contact the Corps at (910) 251- 4633.
w. The Wilmington District, USFWS, NCDOT, and the FHWA have
conducted programmatic Section 7(a)(2) consultation for a number of federally listed
species and habitat, and programmatic consultation concerning other federally listed
species and/or habitat may occur in the future. The result of completed programmatic
consultation is a Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) issued by the USFWS. These
PBOs contain mandatory terms and conditions to implement the reasonable and prudent
measures that are associated with "incidental take" of whichever species or critical
habitat is covered by a specific PBO. Authorization under this RGP is conditional upon

the permittee's compliance with all the mandatory terms and conditions associated with
incidental take of the applicable PBO (or PBOs), which are incorporated by reference in
this RGP. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions associated with incidental take
of an applicable PBO, where a take of the federally listed species occurs, would
constitute an unauthorized take by the permittee, and would also constitute permittee
non-compliance with the authorization under this RGP. If the terms and conditions of a
specific PBO (or PBOs) apply to a project, the Corps will include this/these requirements
in any RGP verification that may be issued for a project. The USFWS is the appropriate
authority to determine compliance with the terms and conditions of its PBO, and with the
ESA. All PBOs can be found on our website at:
https://www.saw.usace.q my.mil/Missions/Re ug latoly-Permit-Pro rg anl/Agena-
Coordination/ESA/
x. If the Permittee discovers or observes any live, damaged, injured or dead
individual of an endangered or threatened species during construction, the Permittee shall
immediately notify the Wilmington District Engineer so that required coordination can be
initiated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or National Marine Fisheries
Service.
y. For activities that require approval from the Corps prior to initiating any work, the
Permittee must submit the following information to the appropriate Corps Regulatory
Field Office. You may apply online at https://edocs.deq.nc.pov/Forms/Pre-
Construction Notification Form.
1. Name, address, email and/or telephone number of the prospective Permittee.
2. Location of the proposed project, including waterbody, nearest community,
and county.
3. A detailed description of the proposed project, including applicable project
details such as width, height, length of structures or fills, piling span, distance
from the shoreline, type of materials, location of structure(s), and the amount
of proposed impact to waters and/or wetlands. The description must be
sufficiently detailed to allow the Wilmington District Engineer to determine
that the adverse effect of the project will be minimal and to determine the need
for compensatory mitigation. Project drawings must be provided when
necessary to show that the activity complies with the terms of the RGP.
(Drawings usually clarify the project and when provided results in a quicker
decision. Drawings must contain sufficient detail to provide an illustrative
description of the proposed activity (e.g., a conceptual plan), but do not need to
be detailed engineering plans).
z. Permittees are advised that development activities in or near a floodway may be
subject to the National Flood Insurance Program that prohibits any development,
including fill, within a floodway that results in any increase in base flood elevations.

This RGP does not authorize any activity prohibited by the National Flood Insurance
Program.
aa. The Permittee must install and maintain, at his/her expense, any signal lights and
signals prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard, through regulations or otherwise, on
authorized facilities. For further information, the Permittee should contact Coast Guard
Sector North Carolina at [phone] or email Coast Guard Fifth District at
[e-mail].
bb. The Permittee must maintain any structure or work authorized by this permit in
good condition and in conformance with the terms and conditions of this permit. The
Permittee is not relieved of this requirement if the Permittee abandons the structure or
work. Transfer in fee simple of the work authorized by this permit will automatically
transfer this permit to the property's new owner, with all of the rights and responsibilities
enumerated herein. The Permittee must inform any subsequent owner of all activities
undertaken under the authority of this permit and provide the subsequent owner with a
copy of the terms and conditions of this permit.
cc. At his sole discretion, any time during the processing cycle, the Wilmington
District Engineer may determine that this RGP will not be applicable to a specific
proposal. In such case, the procedures for processing an individual permit in accordance
with 33 CFR 325 will be available.
dd. Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this
RGP, all fill material placed in waters or wetlands shall be generated from an upland
source and will be clean and free of any pollutants except in trace quantities. Metal
products, organic materials (including debris from land clearing activities), or unsightly
debris will not be used.
ee. Except as authorized by this RGP or any Corps approved modification to this
RGP, all excavated material will be disposed of in approved upland disposal areas.
ff. Activities which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under
contract to commence in reliance upon this RGP will remain authorized provided the
activity is completed within twelve months of the date of the RGP's expiration,
modification, or revocation. Activities completed under the authorization of this RGP
that were in effect at the time the activity was completed continue to be authorized by the
RGP.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY:
ami ?.Bleett
Colonel, U.S. Army
District Commander

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING IMPACTS TO THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE
Precautionary Measures for Construction Activities in North Carolina Waters
The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), also known as the Florida manatee, is a Federally -listed
endangered aquatic mammal protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.0 1461 et seq.). The
manatee is also listed as endangered under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act of 1987 (Article
25 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the lead
Federal agency responsible for the protection and recovery of the West Indian manatee under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act.
Adult manatees average 10 feet long and weigh about 2,200 pounds, although some individuals have been
recorded at lengths greater than 13 feet and weighing as much as 3,500 pounds. Manatees are commonly
found in fresh, brackish, or marine water habitats, including shallow coastal bays, lagoons, estuaries, and
inland rivers of varying salinity extremes. Manatees spend much of their time underwater or partly
submerged, making them difficult to detect even in shallow water. While the manatee's principal
stronghold in the United States is Florida, the species is considered a seasonal inhabitant of North
Carolina with most occurrences reported from June through October.
To protect manatees in North Carolina, the Service's Raleigh Field Office has prepared precautionary
measures for general construction activities in waters used by the species. Implementation of these
measures will allow in -water projects which do not require blasting to proceed without adverse impacts to
manatees. In addition, inclusion of these guidelines as conservation measures in a Biological Assessment
or Biological Evaluation, or as part of the determination of impacts on the manatee in an environmental
document prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, will expedite the Service's review
of the document for the fulfillment of requirements under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.
These measures include:
1 The project manager and/or contractor will inform all personnel associated with the project that
manatees may be present in the project area, and the need to avoid any harm to these endangered
mammals. The project manager will ensure that all construction personnel know the general appearance
of the species and their habit of moving about completely or partially submerged in shallow water. All
construction personnel will be informed that they are responsible for observing water -related activities for
the presence of manatees.
2. The project manager and/or the contractor will advise all construction personnel that there are civil and
criminal penalties for harming, harassing, or killing manatees which are protected under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.

3. If a manatee is seen within 100 yards of the active construction and/or dredging operation or vessel
movement, all appropriate precautions will be implemented to ensure protection of the manatee. These
precautions will include the immediate shutdown of moving equipment if a manatee comes within 50 feet
of the operational area of the equipment. Activities will not resume until the manatee has departed the
project area on its own volition (i.e., it may not be herded or harassed from the area).
4. Any collision with and/or injury to a manatee will be reported immediately. The report must be made
to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (ph. 919-856-4520), the National Marine Fisheries Service (ph. 252-
728-8762), and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (ph. 252-448-1546).
5. A sign will be posted in all vessels associated with the project where it is clearly visible to the vessel
operator. The sign should state:
CAUTION: The endangered manatee may occur in these waters during the warmer months,
primarily from June through October. Idle speed is required if operating this vessel in shallow
water during these months. All equipment must be shut down if a manatee comes within 50 feet
of the vessel or operating equipment. A collision with and/or injury to the manatee must be
reported immediately to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (919-856-4520), the National Marine
Fisheries Service (252-728-8762), and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (252-
448-1546).
6. The contractor will maintain a log detailing sightings, collisions, and/or injuries to manatees during
project activities. Upon completion of the action, the project manager will prepare a report which
summarizes all information on manatees encountered and submit the report to the Service's Raleigh Field
Office.
7. All vessels associated with the construction project will operate at "no wake/idle" speeds at all times
while in water where the draft of the vessel provides less than a four foot clearance from the bottom. All
vessels will follow routes of deep water whenever possible.
8. If siltation barriers must be placed in shallow water, these barriers will be: (a) made of material in
which manatees cannot become entangled; (b) secured in a manner that they cannot break free and
entangle manatees; and, (c) regularly monitored to ensure that manatees have not become entangled.
Barriers will be placed in a manner to allow manatees entry to or exit from essential habitat.
Prepared by (rev. 02/2017):
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
919/856-4520
2

Figure 1. The whole body of the West Indian manatee may be visible in clear water; but in the dark and
muddy waters of coastal North Carolina, one normally sees only a small part of the head when the
manatee raises its nose to breathe.
, 73
Illustration used with the permission of the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences.
Source: Clark, M. K. 1987. Endangered, Threatened, and Rare Fauna of North Carolina: Part I. A re-
evaluation of the mammals. Occasional Papers of the North Carolina Biological Survey 1987-3. North
Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences. Raleigh, NC. pp. 52.
3

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO. 4497
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS REGIONAL
GENERAL PERMIT 197800056 (PIERS, DOCKS AND BOATHOUSES)
Water Quality Certification Number 4497 is issued in conformity with the requirements of
Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North
Carolina Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 02B .0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in the US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District's Regional General Permit 197800056.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will comply with
water quality requirements and applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of
the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter
set forth.
Effective date: January 3, 2022
Signed this day: October 28, 2021
0
Docu Signed by:
9 P61yXV -
8FB19B649DD2478...
for
S. Daniel Smith
Director

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4497
GENERAL CERTIFICATION COVERAGE:
Activities that are eligible for US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District's Regional
General Permit 197800056 qualify for coverage under this General Certification unless they
meet one of the thresholds listed below. Activities meeting any one (1) of the thresholds or
circumstances listed below are not eligible for coverage under this General Certification and
require an Individual401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Resources
(DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this General Certification cannot be met; or
b) Any permanent fill into, or modification of, wetlands and/or streams; or
c) Activities that result in fill, dredging, or excavation of open waters except for
maintenance dredging of less than 0.5 acres of open water provided that the areas are
not dredged beyond their original depth and width; or
d) Any stream relocation or stream restoration; or
e) Any permanent impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as:
ORW (including SAV), HQW (including PNA), SA, WS-I, WS-II, Trout, or North Carolina or
National Wild and Scenic River; or
f) Any high -density project, as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(3) and by the density
thresholds specified in 15A NCAC 02H .1017, which:
i. Disturbs one acre or more of land (including a project that disturbs less than one
acre of land that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale); and
ii. Has permanent wetland, stream or open water impacts; and
iii. Is proposing new built -upon area; and
iv. Does not have a stormwater management plan reviewed and approved under a
state stormwater program' or a state -approved local government stormwater
program2.
Projects that have vested rights, exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs and projects that satisfy state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs through use of community in -lieu programs require
an Individual 401 Certification; or
g) Any permanent impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands
(UWL); or
h) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along
subject water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the
Randleman Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or
watershed with State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules in Chapter 2B of Title
15A in the North Carolina Administrative Code in effect at the time of application)
unless:
i. The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" or "DEEMED ALLOWABLE" from these rules;
or
1 e.g. Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW, or state -implemented Phase II NPDES
z e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 2 of 13

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4497
ii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued by the NC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii. A Buffer Authorization Certificate, Certificate with Exception, or a Minor
Variance is issued by a delegated or designated local government implementing
a state riparian buffer program pursuant to 143-214.23.
In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0503(f), the Director of the North Carolina Division of Water
Resources may require submission of a formal application for Individual Certification for any
project if it is deemed in the public's best interest or determined that the project is likely to
have a significant adverse effect upon water quality, including state or federally listed
endangered or threatened aquatic species, or will degrade the waters so that existing uses of
the waters or downstream waters are precluded.
This General Certification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain all other
required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project, including those
required by, but not limited to, Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -Discharge, Water Supply
Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
This General Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in
any waters, or any right of use in any waters. This General Certification does not authorize any
person to interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other
person and does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding any usage of
water. This General Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action respecting
the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No consumptive
user is deemed by virtue of this General Certification to possess any prescriptive or other right
of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity of the
withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
Upon the presentation of proper credentials, DWR may inspect the property.
This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect on the date of issuance of
Certification for a specific project shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of
the expiration date of this General Certification. This General Certification is rescinded when
the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes the corresponding Regional General Permit or
when deemed appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project may
result in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in criminal
and/or civil penalties.
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
Canals or boat basins shall not be dredged beyond their original depth and width. The area
shall not be dredged to a depth deeper than the receiving water.
Page 3 of 13

DocuSign Envelope ID: 7AB8F9AE-0944-472F-9939-465216A3F5A9
GC4497
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506, 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
2. All dredge and/or fill material shall be placed on high ground and excavation shall not occur
in Primary Nursery Areas.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife: secondary contact recreation:
agriculture), and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. The permittee shall report to the appropriate DWR Regional Office any noncompliance with,
and/or any violation of, stream or wetland standards [15A NCAC 02B .0200], including but not
limited to sediment impacts to streams or wetlands. Information shall be provided orally
within 24 hours (or the next business day if a weekend or holiday) from the time the
permittee became aware of the non-compliance circumstances.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Timely reporting of non-compliance is important in identifying and minimizing
detrimental impacts to water quality and avoiding impacts due to water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts); or beyond the thresholds
established for use of this General Certification and Regional General Permit.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation,
survival, and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation;
agriculture); and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use
on a short-term or long-term basis.
3. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer
Rules in Chapter 2B of Title 15A in the North Carolina Administrative Code.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: The referenced Riparian Buffer rules were adopted to address water quality
impairments and further protect existing uses.
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4. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113A Article 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices for the control of sediment and
erosion so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur.
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the North Caroline Department of Transportation Sediment and Erosion Control
Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the
North Carolina Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall
comply with the reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation
Pollution Control Act and the Mining Act of 1971.
If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA,
WS-I, WS-II, High Quality Waters (HQW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 04B .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A
NCAC 02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses, and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses;
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
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5. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be installed in wetland or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts otherwise authorized by this
Certification. If placed within authorized impact areas, then placement of such measures
shall not be conducted in a manner that results in dis-equilibrium of any wetlands,
streambeds, or streambanks. Any silt fence installed within wetlands shall be removed
from wetlands and the natural grade restored within two (2) months of the date that
DEMLR or locally delegated program has released the specific area within the project to
ensure wetland standards are maintained upon completion of the project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 028.0200, 15A NCAC
028.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses,
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
6. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be
used along streambanks or within wetlands.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses
(including aquatic life propagation and biological integrity), and the water quality to protect
such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to ensure any remaining surface waters
or wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands downstream, continue to support existing
uses during and after project completion. The Division must evaluate if the activity has
avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of
standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
7. If the project is covered by NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG010000 or
NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG250000, full compliance with permit
conditions including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and
maintenance, self -monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements is required.
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The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent
version of their Individual NPDES Stormwater Permit Number NCS000250.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC
02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses; and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses;
and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause
adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
8. All work in or adjacent to streams shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does not
come in contact with the disturbed area. Approved best management practices from the
most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or the NC
Department of Transportation Construction and Maintenance Activities Manual, such as
sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, and other diversion structures shall be used to minimize
excavation in flowing water.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses, and (12) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU
in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters, for lakes and reservoirs not
designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these
levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased.
9. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities.
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All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shall be implemented. Exceptions to
this condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium.
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the
Wilmington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal
endangered or threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC,
USFWS, NMFS, and/or DMF personnel.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 048.0125
Justification: In order to protect against impairment of water quality standards and best
usage of receiving and downstream waters, water quality based management practices
must be employed to protect against direct or indirect discharge of waste or other sources of
water pollution. Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be
suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life
propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact
recreation, agriculture), and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
10. In -stream structures installed to mimic natural channel geomorphology such as cross -vanes,
sills, step -pool structures, etc. shall be designed and installed in such a manner that allow
for continued aquatic life movement.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the original stream profiles
are not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension,
pattern, and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified
by widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with
the construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be
such as to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering
flow velocity. If the width of the culvert is wider than the stream channel, the culvert shall
include multiple boxes/pipes, baffles, benches and/or sills to maintain the natural width of
the stream channel. If multiple culverts/pipes/barrels are used, low flows shall be
accommodated in one culvert/pipe and additional culverts/pipes shall be installed such that
they receive only flows above bankfull.
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% of
the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48 inches, to allow
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low flow passage of water and aquatic life. If the culvert outlet is submerged within a pool
or scour hole and designed to provide for aquatic passage, then culvert burial into the
streambed is not required.
For structures less than 72" in diameter/width and in area where topographic constraints
dictate culvert slopes will be greater than 2.5%, culvert burial is not required, provided that
all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated and aquatic life
movement/connectivity has been provided when possible (e.g. rock ladders, cross -vanes,
sills, baffles etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include a location
map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be provided to
DWR 30 calendar days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required, provided that
there is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification, including
supporting documentation such as a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports,
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR shall be
notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA-designated floodways or
wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be
directed across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum
extent practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.)
before entering the stream.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream
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structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all
other Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a
manner that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
14. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to
prevent direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water
that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
15. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross -sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. All temporarily impacted sites shall be restored and stabilized with
native vegetation.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H.0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to
ensure any remaining surface waters or wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands
downstream, continue to support existing uses after project completion.
16. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
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and Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this General Certification.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream
structures are installed properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met
and conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses.
17. Any rip -rap required for proper culvert placement, stream stabilization, or restoration of
temporarily disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the
approved construction activity. All rip -rap shall be placed such that the original streambed
elevation and streambank contours are restored and maintained and shall consist of clean
rock or masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Placement of rip -rap or other
approved materials shall not result in de -stabilization of the stream bed or banks upstream
or downstream of the area or be installed in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
18. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to
prevent movement by wave, current action, or stream flows, and shall consist of clean rock
or masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip -rap shall not be installed in the
streambed except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural
integrity of bank stabilization measures.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0201
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
19. Rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 (NC Division of Coastal
Management General Permit for construction of Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters
and Ocean Hazard Areas) shall meet all the specific conditions for design and construction
specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 07H .1400 et seq.
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
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the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of
equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication, and
general equipment maintenance shall be performed in a manner to prevent, to the
maximum extent practicable, contamination of surface waters by fuels and oils.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses,
and the water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream
Standards: (2) Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as
shall not render the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life
and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the
waters for any designated uses.
21. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance and compaction.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0231
Justification: Wetland standards require maintenance or enhancement of existing uses of
wetlands such that hydrologic conditions necessary to support natural biological and
physical characteristics are protected; populations of wetland flora and fauna are
maintained to protect biological integrity of the wetland; and materials or substances are
not present in amounts that may cause adverse impact on existing wetland uses.
22. In accordance with G.S 143-215.85(b), the permittee shall report any petroleum spill of 25
gallons or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill less than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); N.C.G.S 143-215.85(b)
Justification: Person(s) owning or having control over oil or other substances upon notice of
discharge must immediately notify the Department, or any of its agents or employees, of the
nature, location, and time of the discharge and of the measures which are being taken or
are proposed to be taken to contain and remove the discharge. This action is required in
order to contain or divert the substances to prevent entry into the surface waters. Surface
water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best uses
provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival, and
maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation, agriculture), and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
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23. The permittee and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance
with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and
Federal Law.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable
for all best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution
that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if
the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a
violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
24. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this permit in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or
maintenance of this project with a copy of this General Certification. A copy of this General
Certification shall be available at the project site during the construction and maintenance
of this project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Those actually performing the work should be aware of the requirements of
this 401 Water Quality General Certification to minimize water quality impacts.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4497 issued October 28, 2021 replaces
WQC 4132 issued December 1, 2017; WQC 4085 issued March 3, 2017; WQC 3883 issued March
19, 2012; WQC Number 3687 issued November 1, 2007; WQC Number 3624 issued March 19,
2007, WQC Number 3494 issued December 31, 2004; and WQC Number 3376 issued March 18,
2002.
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