20231297 Ver 1_More Info Received_20231129

Baker, Caroline D
From: Aliisa Harjuniemi <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2023 12:45 PM
To: Wooten, Samantha; Greer, Emily C CIV USARMY CESAW (US)
Cc: Munzer, Olivia; Stygar, KRYSTYNKA B CIV USARMY CESAW (USA)
Subject: [External] Re: Request for Additional Information for The Exchange Apartments -
Union County - DWR #20231297
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Hi Samantha,
Thank you for your comments. Our response is below in red. Let us know if this will warrant further discussion.
1. It appears that further avoidance and minimization is feasible for the proposed project. Specifically, the application
does not indicate that the sizing of the building is defined by a specific user/activity but rather appears to indicate
general commercial use. Given that the building was not designed for a specific tenant's needs/design resizing the
building would be practical and would provide further avoidance and minimization.
-The applicant met with the engineers to discuss this in detail. Given the proximity to the entrances on 74 and Wilson
Ave, the disturbance of Wetland AA is unavoidable. Irrespective of the building use in terms of final tenant, we believe
there should be a compelling argument to disturb this Wetland area. It is also worth noting that the Wetland AA is
located in fairly central portion of the property and is connected to downstream waters via pipe. Compensatory
mitigation is proposed for this wetland impact.
The project consists of two phases (Residential as Phase 1 and Mixed use development for Phase 2). The grading for the
Phase 1 driveway encroaches on the wetland, so it could not be completely avoided for Phase 1. The grading is very
steep in the area surrounding Wetland AA. The current conceptual grading shows the area around Wetland AA to be
raised a minimum of 6' and maximum upwards of 10'. Even if the engineers were able to create a layout avoiding
impacts, retaining walls would likely be required around the wetland which would hinder the ability for terrestrial
wildlife to travel in and out of the area. Additionally, the plan is for Phase 2 to begin mass grading before March 14,
2026, therefore the applicant wished to permit both phases together.
Thanks,
Aliisa

[Ill millill �\,
. PHASE 2: COMMERCIAL

On Wed, Nov 22, 2023 at 10:28 AM Wooten, Samantha <[e-mail]> wrote:
up
I have reviewed the above noted application and require additional information to complete my review. Please
respond to this request within 30 days. The application will be considered on hold until receipt of a compete
response.
1. It appears that further avoidance and minimization is feasible for the proposed project. Specifically, the
application does not indicate that the sizing of the building is defined by a specific user/activity but rather
appears to indicate general commercial use. Given that the building was not designed for a specific tenant's
needs/design resizing the building would be practical and would provide further avoidance and
minimization.
Thanks,
3

Samantha Wooten (She/Her/Hers)
401 & Buffer Coordinator
Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: [phone] / Cell: [phone]
[e-mail]
E to
1
NORT�CAROLINA
Department of Environmental Quality
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North
Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized
state official.
Aliisa Harjuniemi, PWS
Project Manager
Carolina Wetland Services, Inc.
550 E. Westinghouse Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28273
Direct: 980-259-1222
Office: 704-527-1177
www.cws-inc.net