20231226 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20231113

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

November 13, 2023

DWR # 20231226
Ashe County

Twin Rivers Family Campground
Attn: Susan Carter
1863 Garvey Bridge Rd
Crumpler, NC 28617

Delivered via email to: [e-mail]

Subject: Approval of Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
Twin Rivers Stabilization After the Fact

Dear Mrs. Carter:

Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. WQC006415 issued to Susan Carter and Twin Rivers Family
Campground, dated November 13, 2023. This approval is for the purpose and design described in your
application. The plans and specifications for this project are incorporated by reference as part of this
Water Quality Certification. If you change your project, you must notify the Division and you may be
required to submit a new application package with the appropriate fee. If the property is sold, the new
owner must be given a copy of this Certification and is responsible for complying with all conditions. [15A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2)].

This Water Quality 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 Water Quality Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any
lands or waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Water Quality 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
Water Quality 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 Water Quality Certification to possess any prescriptive or other right of priority with
respect to any other consumptive user.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 2 of 8

Upon the presentation of proper credentials, the Division may inspect the property.

This Water Quality Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the corresponding
Section 404 Permit. The conditions shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of the
expiration date of this Water Quality Certification.

Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth may result in revocation of this
Water Quality Certification for the project and may also result in criminal and/or civil penalties.

If you are unable to comply with any of the conditions of this Water Quality Certification you must notify
the Winston-Salem Regional Office within 24 hours (or the next business day if a weekend or holiday)
from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances.

The permittee shall report to the Winston-Salem 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.

This approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested [G.S. 143-215.5]. Please be aware
that impacting waters without first applying for and securing the issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification violates Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2H .0500. Title 15A
NCAC 2H .0500 requires certifications pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act whenever
construction or operation of facilities will result in a discharge into navigable waters, including wetlands,
as described in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 323. It also states any person desiring
issuance of the State certification or coverage under a general certification required by Section 401 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall file with the Director of the North Carolina Division of
Water Quality. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, these violations and any future violations are subject to a
civil penalty assessment of up to a maximum of $25,000.00 per day for each violation.

This Certification can be contested as provided in Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes by
filing a Petition for a Contested Case Hearing (Petition) with the North Carolina Office of Administrative
Hearings (OAH) within sixty (60) calendar days. Requirements for filing a Petition are set forth in Chapter
150B of the North Carolina General Statutes and Title 26 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
Additional information regarding requirements for filing a Petition and Petition forms may be accessed at
http://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the OAH Clerk’s Office at [phone].

A party filing a Petition must serve a copy of the Petition on:

William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

If the party filing the Petition is not the permittee, then the party must also serve the recipient of the
Certification in accordance with N.C.G.S 150B-23(a).

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 3 of 8

This letter completes the Division’s review under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC 02H
.0500. Please contact Rebecca Chandler at 336-776-9705 or [e-mail] if you have
any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Lon T. Snider
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ – WSRO

Electronic cc: Randy Stump, Stump Financial
Amanda Jones, USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office
Andrea Leslie, NCWRC
Todd Bowers, EPA
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Electronic file

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 4 of 8

NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION #WQC006415 is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401, Public Laws
92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to North Carolina’s Regulations in 15 NCAC 02H .0500
and 15A NCAC 02B .0200, to Susan Carter and Twin Rivers Family Campground, who have authorization
for the impacts listed below, as described within your application received by the N.C. Division of Water
Resources (Division) on September 7, 2023, and by Public Notice issued by the Division on September 11,
2023.

The State of North Carolina certifies that this activity will comply with water quality requirements and
the applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and PL 95-217 if
conducted in accordance with the application, the supporting documentation, and conditions
hereinafter set forth.

The following impacts are hereby approved. No other impacts are approved, including incidental
impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]

Type of Impact

Amount Approved Permanent Amount Approved Temporary
Perennial Streams
S1 – bank stabilization 250 linear feet N/A

This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the certification below.

CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]:
1. The permittee shall report to the DWR Winston-Salem 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 approved impacts (including temporary impacts).
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.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 5 of 8

3. 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 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: (12)
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 of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses; and (21) 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: (c)(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.
4. 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.
5. 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

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 6 of 8

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: (12)
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 of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses; and (21) 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 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: (12)
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 of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(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. 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.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 7 of 8

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.
9. 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.
10. 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; 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: (12)
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 of fish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(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.
11. In accordance with 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)

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality | Division of Water Resources
Winston-Salem Regional Office | 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105
336.776.9800

Twin Rivers Stabilization
DWR# 20231226
Individual Certification #WQC006415
Page 8 of 8

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.
12. 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.
13. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this certification 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 Water Quality Certification. A copy of this Water Quality
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 Certification to minimize water quality impacts.
This approval to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in
your application shall expire upon expiration of the 404 Permit. The conditions in effect on the date of
issuance shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this
Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]

This, the 13th day of November 2023

Lon T. Snider
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ – WSRO