20150715 Ver 1_401 Application_20150715

Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC
8630 Piney Woods Road
P.O. Box 128
Fairfield, North Carolina 27826
PFaxe(252)926 96354 2 0 5 0 5
T
Roberto Scheller
DWQ 401 Unit Raleigh
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1650
Re: Loop Block Canal Relocation Project
July 13, 2015
Dear Mr. Scheller,
P@[Rodgg .
$ PAID L 2 0 2015
DENR • WAT ER RESOURCES S
4018 BUFFER PERMITTINC;
Enclosed is a Pre - Construction Notification (PCN) form and supporting documents for our proposed
canal relocation project along the perimeter of the Loop Block in the Mattamuskeet Drainage District in Hyde
County. This project will relocate approximately half a mile of canal that currently, but unintentionally, drains a
portion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Once relocated, the refuge
property will revert back to wetland conditions and the Drainage District will be able to reduce their pumping
effort, thereby improving coastal waters. The project will restore hydrology to the extent possible on the refuge
property and will improve water quality in the Alligator River by reducing the amount of pumped drainage
water that is directed to this Outstanding Resource Water. Furthermore, this project demonstrates continued
non - traditional partnership between environmental organizations, state and federal government, and private
landowners.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments regarding this application.
Sincerely,
Jamin Simmons
Owner/President Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC

}
o�oF wArFq p�
H r
Office Use Only:
Corps action ID no.
DWQ project no.
Form Version 1.4 January 2009
Pre - Construction Notification (PCN) Form
A. Applicant Information
1. Processing
1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps: I ❑X Section 404 Permit ❑ Section 10 Permit 1
1 b. Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: NWP 40 or General Permit (GP) number: 1
1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? I ❑X Yes ❑ No
1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply):
59 401 Water Quality Certification — Regular ❑ Non -404 Jurisdictional General Permit
❑ 401 Water Quality Certification — Express ❑ Riparian Buffer Authorization
1 e. Is this notification solely for the record For the record only for DWQ For the record only for Corps Permit:
because written approval is not required? 401 Certification:
❑ Yes ❑X No ❑ Yes Q No
1f. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for
mitigation of impacts? If so, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank ❑ Yes 0 No
or in -lieu fee program.
1 g. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties If yes, answer 1 h Yes E] No
i below.
1 h. Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? I ❑ Yes XQ No
2. Project Information
2a. Name of project: Mattamuskeet Drainage Association- Loop Block Cana cation
2b. County: Hyde Q ``
2c. Nearest municipality / town. I Englehard �(�/�7
2d. Subdivision name: ' N/A J(� _``�� /�/
2e. NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state project no: ' N/A
3. Owner Information ao 8R- wgtF
e� ,.� R u�,�
3a. Name(s) on Recorded Deed: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC r `K PERM, s
3b. Deed Book and Page No. 1 179, 632; 239, 113
l
3c. Responsible Party (for LLC if Wilson Daughtry- Project Manager for Association; Ben Simmons Jr.- MV1 LLC; Mike
applicable): Bryant- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- letters attached l
3d. Street address: I
3e. City, state, zip: I 11
3f. Telephone no.: 1 252 925 9731
3g. Fax no.:
3h. Email address: ' [e-mail]; jamin@mmc- nc.com
Page 1 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

4. Applicant Information (if different from owner)
Ij 4a. Applicant is:
❑ Agent ❑X Other, specify: Association /Project Manager
4b. Name:
Wilson Daughtry
4c. Business name
(if applicable):
Mattamuskeet Association
4d. Street address:
PO Box 81
4e. City, state, zip-
Engelhard, NC 27824
J
4f. Telephone no.:
252 925 9731
4g. Fax no.:
I I
4h. Email address:
I [e-mail] I
5. Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable) J
5a. Name:
Erin Fleckenstein- Project Manager I
5b. Business name
(if applicable):
North Carolina Coastal Federation
5c. Street address:
128 Grenville Street
' 5d. City, state, zip:
I Manteo, NC 27954
5e. Telephone no.:
1 252 473 1607
5f. Fax no.:
+ 252 473 2402 l
5g. Email address:
erinf @nccoast.org i
Page 2 of 10

B. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Property Identification
1a. Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID): I Loop Block NCPIN 8678 -98 -6834; MAPID R3 17
1b. Site coordinates (in decimal degrees): ' Latitude: 35.608039 Longitude: 76.031856
1c. Property size: 1 1,000 acres
2. Surface Waters I
2a. Name of nearest body of water to proposed project: I Alligator River
2b. Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water. I ORW
2c. River basin: I Tar Pamlico /Pasquotank Line
3. Project Description
3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this
application:
The project will relocate a drainage canal with in the Mattamuskeet Drainage association The canals are used for draining land in agricultural and
forestry production
3b. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
3c. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (Intermittent and perennial) on the property:
3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
Relocating an agricultural drainage canal Please see attached narrative for further details.
3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used:
Please see attached narrative for more details.
4. Jurisdictional Determinations
4a. Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the ❑ Yes ❑x No ❑ Unknown
Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property /
project ( includinq all prior phases) in the past? Comments: USACE Field Agent Kyle Barnes has been onsite
4b. If the Corps made the jurisdictional determination, what type I ❑ Preliminary ❑ Final
of determination was made?
4c. If yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas? I Agency /Consultant Company:
Name (if known): Other:
4d. If yes, list the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determinations or State determinations and attach documentation
USACE onsite 11/25/2014- no JD
5. Project History
5a. Have permits or certifications been requested or obtained for I ❑ Yes ❑X No ❑ Unknown
this project (including all prior phases) in the past?
5b. If yes, explain in detail according to "help file" instructions.
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project? Q Yes ❑ No
6b. If yes, explain.
This project has two phases which are proposed to occur concurrently. Phase 1 consists of the canal relocation; Phase 2 consists of installing a ditch
plug (which will require NWP 40) to decommission the existing canal.
Page 3 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

C. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
If there are perennial or intermittent stream
1 a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that
apply):
- ❑X Wetlands ❑ Streams — tributaries ❑ Buffers
❑ Open Waters
❑ Pond Construction
Stream impact Type of impact
2. Wetland Impacts
Impact
number
intermittent (INT)? jurisdiction stream
If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, then complete this question for each wetland
area impacted.
width
2a. 2b. 2c
2d.
2e.
2f.
Wetland impact Type of impact Type of wetland
Forested
Type of jurisdiction
Area of
number
Corps (404,10) or
impact
Permanent (P) or
DWQ (401, other)
(acres)
Temporary (T)
S5 J Choose one
W1 P Fill I Pocosin
S6 I Choose one
No I
Corps
0.05
W2
I Choose one
I Choose one
Yes /No I
-
W3 I Choose one I Choose one
I Yes/No ,
-
W4
I Choose one I Choose one
+ Yes /No
W5
Choose one
Choose one
( Yes/No
W6 I Choose one
Choose one
I Yes/No
2g. Total
Wetland Impacts:
0.05
2h. Comments:
Fill is to be placed in an existing drainage canal to act as an earthen ditch plug in order to remove the canal from service.
3. Stream Impacts
If there are perennial or intermittent stream
impacts (including temporary impacts) proposed on the site, then complete this
question for all stream sites impacted.
3a. 3b.
3c. 3d. 3e. 3f.
3g.
Stream impact Type of impact
Stream name Perennial (PER) or Type of Average
Impact
number
intermittent (INT)? jurisdiction stream
length
Permanent (P) or
width
(linear
Temporary (T)
(feet)
feet)
S1 I Choose one
I I -
S2
I Choose one
S3
Choose one
S4 I Choose one
S5 J Choose one
S6 I Choose one
I -
3h Total stream and tributary impacts
3i. Comments:
N/A no stream impacts
Page 4 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

4. Open Water Impacts
If there are proposed impacts to lakes, ponds, estuaries, tributaries, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean, or any other open
water of
the U.S. then individually list all open water impacts below.
4a. 4b. 4c.
4d. 4e.
Open water Name of waterbody
impact number (if applicable) Type of impact
Waterbody Area of impact (acres)
Permanent (P) or
type
Temporary (T)
01 I Choose one
I Choose
02 I I Choose one
I Choose
03
I 1 Choose one
I Choose
04
1 Choose one
I Choose
4f. Total open water impacts
4g. Comments: Mc, no open water impacts
5. Pond or Lake Construction
If pond or lake construction proposed, then complete the chart below.
5a. 5b.
5c.
5d.
5e.
Pond ID number Proposed use or
Wetland Impacts (acres)
Stream Impacts (feet)
Upland
purpose of pond
(acres)
Flooded Filled
Excavated j Flooded
Filled Excavated
P1 IChoose one I
I
I
P2 ( Choose one I I
I
I
5f. Total:
5g. Comments: N/A no pond or lake construction
15h. Is a dam high hazard permit required? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes,
permit ID no:
I
5i. Expected pond surface area (acres):
1
5j. Size of pond watershed (acres):
5k. Method of construction: I
I
1
6. Buffer Impacts (for DWQ)
If project will impact a protected riparian buffer, then complete the chart below. If yes, then individually list all buffer impacts
below. If any impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form.
6a. Project is in which protected basin?
❑ Neuse ❑ Tar - Pamlico ❑ Catawba
❑ Randleman ❑ Other:
6b. ii 6c. 6d.
6e. 6f.
1
6g. J
Buffer Impact Reason for impact Stream name
Buffer Zone 1
Zone 2
number —
mitigation impact
impact
Permanent (P) or
required? (square
(square
Temporary (T)
feet)
feet)
B1 I I
Yes /No I
I
B2 I I
I Yes /No
B3 I I
I Yes /No
B4
Yes /No
I B5
Yes /No
I
I
I B6 I I
I Yes /No
6h. Total Buffer Impacts:'
6i. Comments: N/A no riparian buffer impacts
Page 5 of 10

D. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project.
The project itself is to minimize continued hydrologic trespass and subsequent drainage of U.S. fish and Wildlife Services Land connecting to and
adjacent to the project area Please see attached project narrative for more details.
1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques.
This project is taking place within a closed system, controlled by outlet pumps. Great care will be taken to minimize any runoff from this project into
adjacent canals. Woody debris and undesirable material will be spread out onsite. The limits of disturbance for all activities (constructing new canal,
disposal of woody debris and storage of equipment during construction) will be kept to 150' and likely even 100'. All suitable material will be used on
existing road and infrastructure therefore removed from the site.
2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for + ❑ Yes x❑ No
impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
2b. if yes, mitigation is required by (check all that apply): 1 ❑ DWQ ❑ Corps
❑ 'Mitigation bank
2c. If yes, which mitigation option will be used for this
project? ❑Payment to in -lieu fee program
❑ Permittee Responsible Mitigation
3. Complete if Using a Mitigation Bank
3a. Name of Mitigation Bank:
Type: Choose one Quantity:
3b. Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter) Type: Choose one Quantity:
Type: Choose one Quantity:
3c. Comments:
4. Complete if Making a Payment to In -lieu Fee Program
4a. Approval letter from in -lieu fee program is attached. ❑ Yes
4b. Stream mitigation requested: linear feet
4c. If using stream mitigation, stream temperature: Choose one
4d. Buffer mitigation requested (DWQ only): square feet
4e. Riparian wetland mitigation requested: acres
4f. Non - riparian wetland mitigation requested: acres
4g. Coastal (tidal) wetland mitigation requested: acres
4h. Comments:
5. Complete if Using a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan
5a. if using a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigation plan.
Page 6 of 10
PCN Form —Version 1.4 January 2009

6. Buffer Mitigation (State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules) — required by DWQ
6a. Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer that requires
buffer mitigation? Yes ❑X No
6b. If yes, then identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires mitigation. Calculate the
amount of mitigation required.
6c. 6d. 6e.
Zone Reason for impact Total impact Multiplier Required mitigation
(square feet) (square feet)
Zone 1 I 3 (2 for Catawba)
Zone 2 I 1.5
6f. Total buffer mitigation required:
6g. If buffer mitigation is required, discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (e.g., payment to private mitigation bank,
permittee responsible riparian buffer restoration, payment into an approved in -lieu fee fund).
6h. Comments:
Page 7 of 10

! E. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1 a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified ❑ Yes ❑X No
within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
1b. If yes, then is a diffuse flow plan included? If no, explain why.
❑ Yes ❑ No
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project? 0
2b. Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan? ( ❑ Yes No
2c. If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, explain why:
The project does not result in new impervious surface coverage. Also the canal relocation is exempt under agriculture, however measures will be
taken to minimize any runoff through critical area vegetation management.
2d. If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative description of the plan:
2e.. Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan?
3. Certified Local Government Stormwater Review
3a. In which local government's jurisdiction is this project?
3b. Which of the following locally - implemented stormwater management programs
apply (check all that apply):
3c. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
attached?
4. DWQ Stormwater Program Review
4a. Which of the following state - implemented stormwater management programs apply
(check all that apply)-
4b. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
! attached?
15. DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review
5a. Does the Stormwater Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements?
5b. Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met?
Hyde County
❑ Phase II
❑ NSW
❑ USMP
❑ Water Supply Watershed
❑ Other:
❑ Yes ❑ No
ElCoastal counties
❑HQW
❑ORW
❑Session Law 2006 -246
❑Other:
❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ Yes ❑ No
❑ Yes ❑ No
Page 8 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

F. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement)
1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal /state /local) funds or the Yes ❑ No
use of public (federal /state) land?
1 b. 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 ❑ Yes ❑Q No
(North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
1c. If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document review been finalized by the
State Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval
letter.) Yes ❑ No
Comments:
2. Violations (DWQ Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated
Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards, ❑ Yes ❑X No
or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b. Is this an after - the -fact permit application? ❑Yes ❑X No
2c. If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWQ Requirement)
3a. Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in ❑Yes No
additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?
3b. If you answered "yes" to the above, submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the
most recent DWQ policy. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description.
This project will improve downstream water quality, if anything, by reducing the amount of pumped drainage that is directed to the Alligator River.
4. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement)
4a. Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non- discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from
the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
N/A
Page 9 of 10
PCN Form — Version 1.4 January 2009

5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or Yes ❑ No
habitat?
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act Yes ❑ No
impacts?
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted. Raleigh
5d. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical
Habitat?
Emily Jernigan of US Fish and Wildlife advised that red cockaded woodpeckers were found 10 miles away from the project site on Roper Island. All
precautions to minimize habitat disturbance will be used.
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as essential fish habitat? I ❑ Yes ❑X No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
this project is taking place within a managed agricultural drainage district. The canals are blocked by permanently fixed pumps and flap gates. There is
no essential fish habitat.
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 ❑ Yes ❑X No
status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or properties significant in
North Carolina history and archaeology)?
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?
Former Hyde County Cooperative Extension Director
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA- designated 100 -year floodplain?
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
FEMA requirements do not apply to this project
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?
Hyde County Flood Maps
Ben Simmons Jr.
Mattamuskeet Venturesl, LLC
Applicant/Agent's Printed Name
X❑ Yes
Applicant/ ent's Signature
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization
letter from the applicant is provided.)
Page 10 of 10
❑ No
-1li5l.-s
Date

Mattamuskeet Drainage Association
Loop Block Canal Relocation
Applicant: Mattamuskeet Drainage Association
Project Narrative
Prepared by: Gene Fox, MMC and Erin Fleckenstein, NC Coastal Federation
This canal relocation project is a Mattamuskeet Drainage Association project constructed in
collaboration with the N.C. Coastal Federation and falls entirely within a managed drainage
association and its easements. The federation has partnered with several landowners on projects
across the 42,500 acre Mattamuskeet Drainage Association that are aimed at restoring wetlands,
historic hydrology and limiting the discharge of drainage waters into adjacent coastal
waterbodies. These projects have been written into a voluntary watershed management plan that
has been accepted by the N.C. Division of Water Resources (formerly DWQ) and EPA. Please
see attached watershed management plan summary for details about the scope and type of work
proposed.
This particular project will help meet the goals of the watershed management plan. It has
landowner permission (please see attached letters of concurrence from Mike Bryant, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Services- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and Ben Simons, Jr.
Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC) to be completed on their property but remains a project of the
Association and the federation. William Westcott, a former Corps of Engineers permit officer,
has looked at this particular project and provided verbal confirmation that the project could
proceed when discussed in June of 2013. However, he did not issue his concurrence in writing.
Currently, though not intentionally, the Association is draining Fish & Wildlife refuge lands
along 4th Avenue West. The canal in question is located on the northern side of the road and has
been in use as a major drainage way for the association for almost 40 years. The Association has
a 100' easement on 4th Avenue. The Association proposes to relocate the canal to the southern
side of the road, install a ditch plug to stop draining the northern canal and remove the culverts
located at the intersection of 1St Street and 4th Avenue that currently connect the canal to the
Association's drainage infrastructure. The relocation of the canal will not in any way convey a
relinquishment of the existing easement the Association currently maintains. Nor does the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service grant any additional rights or privileges to the association by allowing
the work to occur.
The Association members, federation, and Fish and Wildlife refuge would like this canal to be
relocated to benefit the partner's land management and water quality goals. The Association
would like to reroute silvacultural and agricultural drainage from the existing 4th Avenue canal to
a new canal on the south side of 4th Avenue thereby effectively stopping hydrologic trespass into
the Association system and the consequential drainage of Fish & Wildlife service property
adjacent to the project area. This benefits the Association in that they will have less water to
Loop Block (4`h Ave) Canal Relocation Permit Narrative July 9, 2015

manage if they are not draining refuge wetlands. The refuge is in support of the project as they
would like to see their lands in a more natural state without artificial drainage. The project would
reduce the amount of water that needs to be managed and pumped to the sound... reaching the
goals of the voluntary watershed management plan that was drafted by all project partners.
Erin Fleckenstein, as regional manager and coastal scientist for the federation, will serve as the
project manager for the work proposed. Wilson Daughtry, Drainage Association Manager, will
be responsible for carrying out the work and providing construction oversight.
This project is broken into two phases. Phase 1 is the new canal construction. Phase 2 is the
decommissioning of the existing canal. Drawings are included showing the typical cross section
of the new canal and dimensions of the proposed ditch plug.
The canal relocation project, phase 1, will take place as follows:
• Minor clearing and stacking of woody debris within a 150' limit of disturbance beginning
at the centerline of existing 4th Avenue
• Removal of organic /unsuitable material in new canal footprint, to be spread over south
side of new canal area
• Excavation of new canal to be equal in size to the existing canal (approximately 30' wide
and 12' deep from the 4th Avenue ditch bank to soft bottom). All suitable material will
be placed next to the existing road and eventually removed, being spread onto existing
Association roadways and infrastructure -
The canal relocation project, phase 2, will take place as follows:
• Suitable material, excavated from phase 1 will be used to effectively plug the existing
drainage way with a 40'x50' earthen ditch plug, severing its path to the existing pump
station, north of the project area.
• The drainage pipes leading into the existing canal will be removed so that the existing
canal is effectively removed from and therefore separated from the association pumped
drainage
For both phases, work will commence upon receipt of approved permits or state and federal
permission, anticipated to be summer /fall 2015. The work will take approximately 6 -12 months
to complete. Typical equipment to be used includes an excavator and bulldozer. This project is
exempt from stormwater management plan requirements as an agricultural activity, however,
measures will be taken to minimize any runoff through critical area vegetation management.
A site visit and meeting with USACE field agent Kyle Barnes was held on November 25, 2014.
Kyle advised that the Phase 1 work would fall under an agricultural exemption. He advised that
phase 2 would need a NWP #40 issued for the fill into the existing canal and will also require
coordination and approval with N.C. Division of Water Resources. The project area is to be 150'
south of the centerline of existing 4th Avenue West (please see the attached location map). The
existing road is a hard packed dirt road that is approximately 25' wide from grade line to grade
line. Please see the construction drawings and location maps for additional information.
Loop Block (4"' Ave) Canal Relocation Permit Narrative July 9, 2015

Alligator River t
�'-- - Swan Lake
l
Interceastal �.
Waterway
• fi.. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge g
n Shoal
�."•, r +"`.� River
at kee ent LC.._
;' , Otter Creek
/ AL
,a.
i AW
Pamlico Sound
Mattamuskeet Drainage! ssociatYo $our ary
* Drainage Association Pump Statiet"' -' '•'�
Proposed Canal Relocation -
•`' Waters Closed to Shellfish r est `
��r ,�.� , � - � "ice .► •

FW

PLANNED DITCH PLUG
40 FT. X 50 FT;
CONSTRUCTED 2 FT ABOVE
AVERAGE GROUND
NTS
AVERAGE GROUND
SS — 2.5: \ \ \` TOP OF PLUG 2.0 FT. \�40 FTC ; SS — 2.5.1
AOVE AVERAGE GROUND
N 30'
SS =1.1 10'
1
10'
SS =1:1
TYPICAL NEW CANAL SECTION
NTS
EXISTING CANAL BOTTOM
FOURTH AVE.
0
F
U
o
wF-
0 z
ZU
U
00
w=
OZ
U
�U
�O
Q�
a
(D
D
J
d
U
0
w
Q
H
D
O
LL
SCALE AS SHONM
VERIFY SCALE
0 fit'
)AE. 20-12 -10�
OWG -
SHEET 1 OF t

BACKGROUND
In 1985, the shellfishing waters of Otter Creek, Berry's
Bay and Pamlico Sound near 5th Avenue drainage canal
were closed for harvest as a result of unacceptable
levels of bacteria. They remain closed today. These
waters are adjacent to N.C. Wildlife Resources
Commission game lands and the Mattamuskeet
Drainage Association, a 42,500 -acre agricultural
drainage district. A land -based watershed restoration
plan to improve water quality has been developed.
Berry's Bay and Pamlico Sound.
Replicate as much as practical
natural hydrology by designing
and managing drainage to flow
into restored wetlands so as to
pumped into Pamlico Sound.
The Mattamuskeet Drainage Association is working
with the N.C. Coastal Federation, researchers from
N.C. State University and other stakeholders to carry
out a watershed restoration plan that was developed
with a grant from the N.C. Division of Water Quality.
These partners recognize the need to reduce the
volume of drainage water that is pumped into shellfish
waters. The networks of canals and ditches throughout
the drainage association and the nearby gamelands
transport naturally occurring bacteria to the Pamlico
Sound. This voluntary plan identifies specific projects
that reduce the amount of water pumped into coastal
waters, and at the same time provides for improved
water - management for agriculture. forestrv. and
2 MATTAMUSKEET DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN
RESTORATION PLAN
DEVELOPMENT
■ Discussions began in 2003 with association
landowners, the federation and the Hyde County
Cooperative Extension to address water quality
concerns and new ideas for water management.
■ N.C. State University began modeling these
conceptual plans to evaluate their effectiveness
and feasibility.
■ A stakeholders group which includes the Natural
Resources Conservation Service and other
adjacent landowners was formed to rank and
prioritize project ideas.
■ The plan set forth outlines a series of discrete and
measurable steps that can be taken to improve
water quality. The plan will continue to be a
working document. The objectives listed below
will be evaluated as implementation occurs and
will allow for continued input and project ideas
from involved stakeholders.
ACTIONS
OBJECTIVES
Reduce pumped volume to coastal waters
Twelve projects focused on reducing the
amount of pumped stormwater entering the
sound have been identified. New projects will
continue to be identified, funded and
implemented. As a way of increasing effectiveness
of these individual projects, capital improvements
to the association (including coring roads and dikes
around restoration projects) will be a parallel
component restoration efforts: Goals for 5 -, 10-
and 15 -year reductions in pumped volume will be
set by project partners.
2. Continue managing current projects
All current projects, stakeholder meetings and
water quality testing will continue to ensure
success of the plan.
3. Meet bacteria reduction goals at Shellfish
Sanitation stations
The state's water quality sampling stations at
Otter Creek, Berry's Bay and the 5th Avenue
drainage canal will be maintained and monitored.
Through the objectives outlined in this plan, the
amount of association drainage that can be
pumped into the sound without causing a
bacterial shellfish impairment will be determined.
4. Ensure compliance and maintenance of the
Engelhard Wastewater Treatment System
The wastewater treatment plant for the town of
Engelhard must be repaired and updated because
of its proximity to the 2nd Avenue pump station.
This plan proposes to explore a variety of
solutions, which includes alternative plant designs
more suited to the soils of the area.
S. Measure success and adapt plan based
on results
The association's restoration plan is a working
document and will be adapted based on
monitoring results received from project partners.
MATTAMUSKEET DRAINAGE ASSOCIATION WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN 3

S
This is a voluntary program to reduce pumped drainage,
but the goal of the plan is to restore water quality
through wetland restoration and water reallocation.
The proposed projects will be implemented with grant
funds and will include capital improvements to
association infrastructure. Benefits to landowners
include:
■ Significant savings in association pumping costs.
■ Road improvements through project
implementation.
■ Enhancement of water management capabilities
for waterfowl impoundments and agricultural
■ Improved coastal water quality supporting
oysters, blue crabs, shrimp and other fisheries.
■ Retention of perimeter pumps for use during
storm events.
■ Involvement with non - traditional partners.
MOVING FORWARD: COMPLETED & PENDING PROJECTS
The N.C. Coastal Federation and association landowners have already partnered to implement several projects
identified in this plan. This includes a Shorebird Project that enhanced 600 acres of wetlands to create habitat for
migrating shorebirds. Three other projects currently underway will enhance nearly 3,000 acres of wetlands and
enable them to store pumped drainage. Future plans call for an additional 9,000 acres of wetlands restoration.
PROJECT ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
` OMATTAMUSKEETQ�+'
n RCS • DRAINAGE V ' " Bye ASSOCIATION 40
deanwater �•
FNCINFF NiNG
MANAGEMENT TRUST FUND

¢14T OF
United States Department of the Interior
FISH AN
D WILDLIFE SF 1�ViC'l
..-
\ l .l.lG?i'1 OR HI N" ':l1 X,t'l'11.)\.11.. 11'ILD1.111-1: l ?l'-:F- {G ,E
owd Wildlife 110,11p,
1'. 0. Bf ix 1969
1[�intr�r, Arntl� t;r��T�lin;i,��;Sl:i�t
(7!5:') 4 i :1-1 141
USACE June 10, 2015
Field Representative
Kyle Barnes
Washington Field Office
Re: Mattamuskeet Association Canal Relocation Project
Dear Mr. Barnes,
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alligator River National Wildlife Refug; (the refuge), is in
concurrence that the proposed canal relocation as described in the attached PCN and drawings is
permissible and allowable within the Mattamuskeet Drainage Association's existing canal
easement. «'e, the landowners of the existing canal; agree to allow the ditch plugging and canal
relocation to occur. We concur and understand that the relocation of the canal will not in any
vaay convey a relinquishment of the existing easement the Association currently maintains and
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not grant any additional rights or privileges to the
association by allowing this work to occur.
We further concur that in our review of the prgject and in consultation with our biologist and
others. agree that the proposed work should not negatively impact the habitats adjacent to the
canal that is proposed to be plugged nor access to other parts of the refuge that are currently
available. In fact we may lind it advantageous to remove an existing ditch plug in the Swan
Creek Road Canal, just north of the intersection of 4th .Avenue after the new plug is installed.
The refuge has no issue with the canal relocation project as written. The refuge provides its
permission, as needed, for the project to occur as described and relinquishes all responsibility for
the project to the Mattamuskeet Drainage Association with the understanding that they will
adhere to all laws. regulations. and secure all needed permits from the state of North Carolina
and federal agencies to carry out the work.
Please feel tree to contact me with any questions or additional clarification that you may need.
Sincerely,
Xt
Mike Bryant 1
U.S. Fish anJ \Vilcilifc Services
Alligator River National Wildlife, Refuge Manager

Ma�uskeet Ventures 1, LLC
8630 Piney Woods Road
P.O. Box 128
Fairfield, North Carolina 27826
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
5/26/15
USACE
Field Representative
Kyle Barnes
Washington Field Office
Re: Mattamuskeet Association Canal Relocation Project
Dear Mr. Barnes,
Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC has no issue with the canal relocation project as written. MVl grants
permission for this project to be completed on their property. MV1 also relinquishes all responsibility for
the project to the Mattamuskeet Association and North Carolina Coastal Federation with the
understanding that they will adhere to all laws, regulations, and permits issued from the state of North
Carolina and federal agencies.
Sincerest Regards,
Ben C. Sim ons J .
Owner/Manager
Mattamuskeet Ventures 1, LLC