20221509 Ver 1_DMF Comments_20230531

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
KATHY B. RAWLS
Director
TO: Gregg Bodnar, NCDCM Major Permits Coordinator
FROM: James Harrison, NCDMF Fisheries Resource Specialist
SUBJECT: Town of Morehead City — Sugarloaf Island CAMA, Carteret County
DATE: 25 May 2023
A North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Fisheries Resource Specialist has
reviewed the permit application for proposed actions that may impact fish and/or fish habitats.
The proposed work is located at Sugarloaf Island, a small island located in the downtown harbor
area of Morehead City. The applicant, the Town of Morehead City, is proposing to construct a
wave attenuating sill and a smaller oyster sill closer to the existing shoreline. The applicant will
also plant wetland species and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) if necessary. Lastly, the
applicant is proposing to dredge a small portion of the island that results in shoaling of the
nearby Federal channel.
The proposed wave attenuation system includes the use of a Wave Attenuation Device (WAD)
system comprised of concrete pyramidal units that feature holes and gaps. The proposed
configuration of the WAD would follow the alignment of the mean high water (MHW) line from
2011, which is currently located at a bottom elevation of -4' (NAVD 88). The structures will be
cast in a staging area and set in place by the use of barges with a crane or excavator. This
proposal includes a two -row system that will be seven feet tall, allowing the top of the WAD to
extend approximately 1.5' above the current mean higher high water (MHHW). The chosen
height and alignment of the WAD system was primarily based on the results of modeling
conducted for this proposal. There will be periodic gaps in the WAD arrays to allow for vessel
passage. In addition to providing wave attenuation, the WAD system aims to result in quiescent
waters that may allow SAV to grow behind the WAD.
In addition to the WAD system, the applicant is proposing to install an inner oyster sill/reef.
These will consist of biodegradable Oyster Catcher Tables and Marsh Mounds that provide a
media for oyster recruitment. This oyster sill will be installed approximately between the low
and high tide lines. This sill will include gaps/openings to allow water flow and passage of
aquatic organisms.
On sand flats and areas adjacent to coastal wetlands, native riparian plantings will be
incorporated. Plantings waterward of the MHW line will primarily occur after the wave
attenuator systems have been placed. Areas above the MHW line will be planted before. Coastal
wetland species planted as part of this proposal will include native wetlands species.
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

In addition to shoreline protection/erosion control, a goal of the proposal is to provide suitable
habitat for SAV growth and expansion. The plans include SAV enhancement areas that are
expected to be a direct result of the WAD. Based on the monitoring plan submitted with the
proposal, SAV will be given a minimum one-year opportunity to result in natural recruitment.
After one year, SAV planting may occur if coverage throughout the project footprint is less than
50% coverage of an adjacent SAV reference site. Monitoring for SAV will occur for a minimum
of three years post -construction.
The final aspect of the proposed project involves dredging a small portion of the island that
results in shoaling within the Federal channel. This shoaling results in a narrow navigable section
of the channel, which is heavily used by vessels of varying sizes. The dredging will be completed
mechanically using a long reach excavator and barge. The removed material will be placed on
the island above the MHW line, incorporating the material back in the system.
In addition to the work described above, the applicant also proposes to include a variety of
signage throughout the project site. The WAD system will feature caution signs indicating that a
submerged structure is present. Solar lighting may also be included on top of piles. Additionally,
the applicant is proposing to include educational signage, at least in the SAV enhancement areas,
that will inform the public of the presence of SAV as well as additional educational information
such as ecological benefits.
Overall, DMF does not have objections to the project, and acknowledges and appreciates that the
Town of Morehead City is looking to incorporate nature -based solutions when approaching
projects such as this one. Typically, this scope of work would require adherence to an in -water
work moratorium. However, taking into consideration the accuracy required for placement of
structures and the proposed methodology (which should significantly minimize the potential for
increased turbidity) as well as the beneficial nature of the project, DMF will not require that the
placement of structures adhere to a moratorium. DMF would recommend, though, that if
dredging will exceed 1,000 cubic yards (CY), the dredging should adhere to any moratorium
required in the permit for channel maintenance, if any.
DMF would like to reiterate the importance of the SAV monitoring and ensuring that the project
is successful on a large scale. DMF staff can be available to assist with monitoring efforts (i.e.,
SAV surveys), as this can ensure continued cooperation and coordination with DMF staff during
the monitoring period. Additionally, DMF staff can be available to aid in to development of the
educational signage.
Thank you for consideration of our comments and concerns. Please contact Jimmy Harrison at
[phone] or at james.harrisongncdenr.gov with any further questions or concerns.
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021