HomeMy WebLinkAbout20090120 Ver 3_USACE Permit_20240119DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
69 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403-1343
January 19, 2024
Regulatory Division
Action ID No. SAW 2006-32722
River Bluff Holdings II, LLC
Attn: Douglas Talbott
1121 Military Cutoff Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
Dear Mr. Talbott:
Reference your application to renew a Department of the Army permit for The Bluffs on
the Cape Fear Marina located off SR 1427, Brunswick County, North Carolina. All permitted
structures have been constructed with the exception of the easternmost 39 slips and associated
floating lifts, dock, and finger piers, for which this re -authorization is being issued.
Your proposal has been reviewed and found to be consistent with the provisions and
objectives of the CAMA-Corps Programmatic Permit process, via Regional General Permit 291
(copy attached), for construction activities that receive authorization from the State of North
Carolina. Therefore, you may commence construction activity in strict accordance with the
applicable State authorization, attached Federal special conditions, RGP-291 conditions and the
approved plan. Failure to comply with the State authorization or conditions of the Federal permit
could result in civil and/or administrative penalties. This authorization expires December 31,
2026.
If any change in your work is required because of unforeseen or altered conditions or for
any other reason, plans revised to show the change must be sent promptly to this office and the
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management prior to performing any such change or
alteration. Such action is necessary as revised plans must be reviewed and the authorization
modified.
Questions or comments may be addressed to Greg Currey, Wilmington Field Office,
Regulatory Branch, telephone 910-523-1151 or email Gregory.e.currey@usace.army.mil.
Sincerely,
Digitally signed by
CURREY.GREGORY.E CURREY.GREGORY.EUGENE.1051
UGENE.1051011950 011950
Date: 2024.01.19 10:51:34-05'00'
Greg Currey, Project Manager
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
-2-
Copies Furnished by Email:
NCDEQ/DWR; Ms. Holley Snider
NCDEQ/DCM; Mr. Cameron Luck
NCDEQ/DCM; Ms. Amanda Cannon
Davey Resource Group; Mr. Andy Dortch/Mr. Greg Finch
Special Conditions
1. All work authorized by this permit must be performed in strict compliance with the submitted
plans, dated August 17, 2020, which are a part of this permit. Any modification to these plans
must be approved by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) prior to implementation.
2. The permittee must install and maintain, at his 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 the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office
at (910) 772-2191.
3. Approval of the structure is based on determinations that there would be no obstruction to
navigation. The structure may be damaged by wave wash from passing vessels. Issuance of this
permit should not be construed, as relieving the permittee of taking proper steps to ensure the
structure and moored boats will not be damaged by wave wash.
4. All mechanized equipment will be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent
contamination of waters and wetlands from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other toxic
materials. In the event of a spill of petroleum products or any other hazardous waste, the
permittee shall immediately report it to the N.C. Division of Water Resources at (919) 733-5083,
Ext. 526 or (800) 662-7956 and provisions of the North Carolina Oil Pollution and Hazardous
Substances Control Act will be followed.
5. 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 permit. A copy of this permit, including all conditions, shall be
available at the project site during construction and maintenance of this project.
6. 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
7. The activity will be conducted in such a manner as to prevent a significant increase in turbidity
outside the area of construction or construction -related discharge. Increases such that the
turbidity in the waterbody is 50 NTU's or less in all rivers not designated as trout waters by the
North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (NCDEM), 25 NTU's or less in all
saltwater classes and in all lakes and reservoirs, and 10 NTU's or less in trout waters, are not
considered significant.
-4-
8. In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus, the
applicant 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
hqps://www.fws.gov/media/2017-manatee-guidelines-north-carolina
9.The permittee, upon receipt of a notice of revocation of this permit or upon its expiration
before completion of the work will, without expense to the United States and in such time and
manner as the Secretary of the Army or his authorized representative may direct, restore the
water or wetland to its pre -project condition.
IO.Violations of these conditions or violations of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act or Section
10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act must be reported in writing to the Wilmington District U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers within 24 hours of the permittee's discovery of the violation.
EXISTING ADJACENT DOCK
15 or
RIPARIAN CORRIDOR AND SETBACK
0
PERMITTED DEBRIS DEFLECTOR
(36' LONG)
TEMPORARY TIE UP (T1)
AND PUMP OUT
PERMITTED 31' X 3' FINGER PIER
(TO BE WIDENED TO 5' PER ADA)
n
' 111'�Nlllt{Illl>tillll
�ti�11111111U1{ll{{ll{1{{{t
I
1
40
1 `
j
PERMITTED 24' X 11' FLOATING LIFT
(50)
1' 31
29 1' 300
1l24 �]r 25 26 ,rt
r `< 22.1 23. 1,
RIPARIAN CORRIDOR AND SETBACK
PERMITTED DEBRIS DEFLECTOR
PERMITTED FLOATING LIFTS, (36' LONG)
DOCKS AND FINGER PIERS
-275'
r1 !
' 1" 39 . ' 40
((��I i`f 5.. 3' 37. 38yir
33.'1 34_1 it 36,ffr!
a WATER BODY WIDTH
-2' MLW
r
� �45 1. 8
rA2 431111
1 17. 11 1
143 1� 15. 161
`1 1
12�r �
-�
2329
1
EMITTED 80X 8' DOCK ! �11 _ r
(TO BE LENGTJJFNE221 +�- '....... I
PERMITTED 12' X 8' RAMP LANQI
(TO BE LENGTHE!jE0.A=-+ QTAL)
NOTES:
1. NO WETLAND IMPACTS PROPOSED.
2. BASE CAD FILE PROVIDE BY NORRIS AND TUNSTALL,
CONSULTING ENGINEERS P.C.
3, NOT A SURVEYED OR ENGINEERED DRAWING.
4. FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING ONLY.
II }
PERMITTED 24' X 6.5' FIXED AC�ESPIER
241 1242 1243 ` 244 I 466
PERMITTEDD 20' X 30' FIXED OPEN PlIATFORM
� }, ► �r I 1
PERMITTED ACCESS PIER (563' x 10' Vl ITQ,t I ,
Legend
Lot Line --
30Buffer-------__-
75' AEC Line
1/4 Channel Width
MHW Line
404 Wetland
0 30 60 120
36' Buffer
}
75' AEC 1
l
� I
467 : 468
SEf 0.3 2020
Project:
Date:
Revision hate:
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear
ar17rzozo
NA
L M G
CAMA Permit&2-09
ApplicanL
Scale:
Job Number:
LAND MANAGEMENT GRUUF
River Bluff Holdirgs 11. LLC
�-�
LMG19.036
F company
3805 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 15
Title:
❑rewn By:
Sheet Number:
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402
R efinement
GO
1 or t
Telephone 910-452-0001
Detail
LiCAMA12D19 CAMA FILFMI-MG19.036 --The Bluffs-CAMA, Doug TalhotlThe Bluffs-Refinement,dwg
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 latoryPermitPro rg am.aspx
General Permit No. 198000291
Name of Permittee: General Public
Effective Date: January 01, 2022
Expiration Date: December 31, 2026
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT (RGP)
A RGP to do 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 (U.S.C. 403), and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), is
hereby issued 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 AUTHORIZE THOSE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE 20 COASTAL
COUNTIES RECEIVING PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE FORM OF A COASTAL AREA MANAGEMENT ACT (CAMA) PERMIT, AND/OR
A STATE DREDGE AND FILL PERMIT, AND IF REQUIRED, A WATER QUALITY
CERTIFICATION, THAT ARE OTHERWISE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL
AUTHORIZATION IN THE FORM OF A NATIONWIDE PERMIT OR ANOTHER RGP.
Operatinst Procedures
a. Applications for joint state and federal authorization under this programmatic RGP will
be accepted through the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM). Receipt of
a complete application by the NCDCM will initiate the State's field review that will include a site
visit and preparation of a Field Investigation Report and a state Bio-Report. The NCDCM will
forward a copy of the complete application, its Field Investigation Report, and its Bio-Report, to
the appropriate Corps of Engineers field office, thereby initiating federal review of the project.
The Corps, upon receipt of an application, will immediately assign an action identification
number, acknowledge receipt thereof, and examine the application to assure that it can be
processed pursuant to this programmatic RGP. The applicant and the NCDCM will be furnished
written notification of the Corps' determination. Notification to the applicant will include a brief
description of the administrative process.
b. For those proposals that may result in a discharge into waters of the U.S., including
wetlands, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) and the applicant will be
informed regarding the applicant's need to obtain a Water Quality Certification in accordance
with section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
c. If, at any time, the Corps determines that a proposed activity is eligible for
authorization under another regional RGP or a nationwide permit (NWP), this procedure may be
terminated and the activity authorized pursuant to the terms and conditions of the appropriate
RGP or NWP.
d. The permit review process conducted by the NCDCM is a public process involving
publication of public notices in local newspapers, public hearings, and various public appeal
procedures. The Corps may issue a separate public notice for a specific proposal if it is deemed
necessary for compliance with appropriate laws, regulation, and guidance.
e. This RGP does not, in any way, alter established procedures or responsibilities, as
required by federal laws, memoranda of agreements (MOA's) or administrative regulations, with
respect to the Corps' coordination with appropriate review agencies. The applicant will continue
to have the opportunity to rebut any objections to a proposal.
f. The Corps will provide copies of the application and plans, the NCDCM's Field
Investigation Report, and the state Bio-Report, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and any other federal agency that the Corps determines to be a necessary review agency
(collectively, the "Federal Agencies"). Receipt of this material will initiate the Federal Agencies'
review. The Federal Agencies will be allowed sufficient time, normally thirty (30) days, to
provide the Corps with their comments and recommendations, including any proposed permit
special conditions and recommendations of denial. The Corps may grant extensions of time for
Federal Agency review if justified by unusual circumstances. If an extension is granted that
would substantially delay an NCDCM decision, the application may be removed from this RGP
process.
g. The Corps will receive and review all Federal Agency comments as well as any
applicant rebuttal. Provided all Federal Agencies and the Corps are in agreement, the Corps will
prepare a coordinated federal position incorporating all Federal Agency comments, including
proposed permit special conditions and any recommendations for denial. The Corps will
typically furnish this coordinated federal position to the NCDCM within 45 days of its receipt of
the complete application, and copies of the Field Investigation Report and Bio-Report.
h. If the Corps does not concur with a Federal Agency's comments or recommendations,
the Corps will contact the Federal Agency and advise it of the Corps' position. Attempts to
resolve the issue may include initiating the referral procedures outlined by current memoranda of
agreement (MOA's) between the Department of the Army and the agency. No coordinated
federal position will be furnished to the NCDCM until and unless the Corps receives written
agreement from the Federal Agency that all issues have been resolved to the satisfaction of that
agency.
i. If any of the recommendations and/or conditions included in the coordinated federal
position are unacceptable to the NCDCM, the NCDCM will contact the Corps within ten (10)
days of receipt of the coordinated federal position and attempt to resolve the conflict. If
resolution of the conflict involves changes to the conditions or recommendations provided by the
Federal Agencies, the provisions of paragraphs g. and h. (above) will apply. If the conflict is
resolved to the satisfaction of the Corps and any affected Federal Agency, the NCDCM permit
will be issued and the authority of this RGP will apply.
j. If a Federal Agency conflict is not resolved within the time necessary for a decision by
the NCDCM, the NCDCM may proceed, independently, to conclude the state action without
inclusion of the federal position. In such case, the applicant and the NCDCM will be notified
immediately, in writing, that the state permit does not satisfy the federal permit requirements and
that the proposal in question may not proceed without federal authorization.
k. If the coordinated federal position is not in conflict with state agencies' positions, law,
regulation, or policy, and is acceptable to the NCDCM, a state permit will be developed by the
NCDCM fully incorporating the state and federal positions. The NCDCM will furnish copies of
the final permit to the applicant and the Corps. The NCDWR will furnish a copy of the Section
401 Water Quality Certification, if required, to the applicant and the Corps. The Corps will not
confirm the authorization of a proposed project under this RGP until the issuance of the NCDCM
permit and, if required, the Section 401 Water Quality Certification.
1. If the NCDCM permit or Section 401 Water Quality Certification is denied, the
applicant will be informed that federal authorization is denied without prejudice.
in. No work may proceed under this RGP until the Wilmington District Engineer or his
representative provides written verification that the procedures and conditions of the RGP have
been satisfied.
n. The NCDCM and the Corps will monitor all permitted work and periodically inspect
projects for compliance with permit conditions and applicable state and federal regulations. If
any violation of the NCDCM permit is discovered which would also constitute a violation of the
federal position, both the NCDCM and the Corps, in accordance with their respective regulations
and policies, may take enforcement action.
o. This RGP will not be used to authorize an activity when the Wilmington District
Engineer determines that the proposed activity would significantly affect the quality of the
human environment and therefore require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS).
General 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.arM.mil/Missions/Navigation/Setbacks.awx. 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
obtain approval from the Corps prior to the construction of any structures within the Federally
Authorized Channel Setback.
b. 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, at any time in the
construction or maintenance of this project, within waters or wetlands. 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.
c. Authorization under this RGP does not obviate the need to obtain other federal, state,
or local authorizations.
d. 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.
e. 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).
f. 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.
g. The Permittee understands and agrees that, if future operations by the United States
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 , to remove, relocate, or alter the
structural work or obstructions caused thereby, without expense to the United States. No claim
shall be made against the United States on account of any such removal or alteration.
h. 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 United
States 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.
i. 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.
j. 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.
k. 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.
1. This RGP does not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges.
in. This RGP does not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others.
n. This RGP does not authorize the interference with any existing or proposed federal
project.
o. 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 United States 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 permitted work.
(5) Damage claims associated with any future modification, suspension, or
revocation of this RGP.
p. 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
United States Government.
q. No activity may occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers 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.)
r. 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 applicant 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.
s. 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 may not begin work until notified by
the Corps that the requirements of the NHPA have been satisfied and that the activity is
authorized.
t. If you discover any previously unknown historic, cultural, or archeological remains
and artifacts while accomplishing the activity authorized by this RGP, 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.
u. Endangered Species.
(1) No activity is authorized under this RGP which is likely to jeopardize the continued existence
of a threatened or endangered species directly or indirectly 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 this RGP which "may affect" a listed species or critical habitat, unless
Section 7 consultation addressing the effects of the proposed activity has been completed.
(2) Federal agencies should follow their own procedures for complying with the requirements of
the ESA. Federal prospective Permittees (and when FHWA is the lead federal agency) must
provide the District Engineer with the appropriate documentation to demonstrate compliance
with those requirements. The District Engineer will review the documentation and determine
whether it is sufficient to address ESA compliance for the RGP activity, or whether additional
ESA consultation is necessary.
(3) As a result of formal or informal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) or NMFS, the District Engineer may add species -specific endangered species
conditions to the RGP verification letter for a project.
(4) Authorization of an activity by a RGP does not authorize the "take" of a threatened or
endangered species as defined under the ESA. In the absence of separate authorization (e.g., an
ESA Section 10 Permit, a Biological Opinion with "incidental take" provisions, etc.) from the
USFWS or the NMFS, the ESA prohibits any person subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. to
take a listed species, where "take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap,
capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. The word "harm" in the
definition of "take" means an act which actually kills or injures wildlife. Such an act may include
significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by
significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering.
(5) Information on the location of threatened and endangered species and their critical habitat can
be obtained directly from the USFWS in Raleigh, North Carolina at the address provided below,
or from the USFWS and NMFS via their world wide web pages at http://www.fws.gov/
or http://www.fws.g_ov/ipac and http://www.noaa.gov/fisheries.html respectively.
The Raleigh USFWS Office covers all NC counties east of, and including, Richmond,
Montgomery, Randolph, Guilford, and Rockingham Counties.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, NC 27636-3726
Telephone: (919) 856-4520
(6) 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.
(7) Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis). Standard Local Operating
Procedures for Endangered Species (SLOPES) for the NLEB have been approved by the Corps
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. See
http://www.saw.usace.ariny.mil/Missions/Re ug latory-Permit-Pro rg am/A ency-
Coordination/ESA/. This SLOPES details how the Corps will make determinations of effect to
the NLEB when the Corps is the lead federal agency for an NCDOT project that is located in the
western 41 counties of North Carolina. This SLOPES do not address NCDOT projects (either
federal or state funded) in the eastern 59 counties in North Carolina. Note that if another federal
agency is the lead federal agency for a project in the western 41 counties, procedures for
satisfying the requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA will be dictated by that agency and will
not be applicable for consideration under the SLOPES; however, information that demonstrates
the lead federal agency's (if other than the Corps) compliance with Section 7(a)(2) / 4(d) Rule
for the NLEB, will be required in the PCN. Note that at the time of issuance of this RGP, the
federal listing status of the NLEB as "Threatened" is being litigated at the National level. If, as a
result of litigation, the NLEB is federally listed as "Endangered", this general condition ("s")
will no longer be applicable because the 4(d) Rule, and this NLEB SLOPES, will no longer
apply/be valid.
(8) In order to further protect the endangered West Indian Manatee, Trichechus manatus, the
applicant 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
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/pdfs/1\4anateeGuidelines20l7.pdf
(9) 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.
v. 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.
w. 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 (910) 772-2191 or email Coast Guard Fifth District at cgd5waterways&uscg.mil.
x. If the display of lights and signals on the authorized structure is not otherwise
provided for by law, such lights and signals as may be prescribed by the U.S. Coast Guard will
be installed and maintained by and at the expense of the Permittee.
y. It is possible that an authorized structure may be damaged by wave wash from
passing vessels. The issuance of this RGP 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 United States liable for any such damage.
z. Structures and their attendant utilities, authorized by this RGP, located on lands subject
to an easement in favor of the United States 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 Corps acting on behalf of the United
States, 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.
aa. The Permittee must maintain any structure or work authorized by this RGP in good
condition and in conformance with the terms and conditions of this RGP. 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 RGP will automatically transfer this RGP 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 RGP and
provide the subsequent owner with a copy of the terms and conditions of this RGP.
bb. At his/her 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.
cc. 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.
dd 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.
ee. 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:
WamiA.ett
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: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-lAODBD778644
ROY COOPER
r`.;rat,ormor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretoy
S. DANIEL SMITH
Direcicta..
NOR1 i-I CAROLINA
E'rrvfrorrrrertaatual Quality
February 28, 2022
DWR # 200901200
Brunswick County
Bluffs Investments, LLC
Attn: Doug Talbot
145 Brookline Drive
Pinehurst Drive, NC 28374
Subject: Approval of Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
The Bluffs on the Cape Fear River Subdivision
USACE Action ID. No. SAW-2006-32722
Dear Mr. Talbot:
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. 004525 issued to Doug Talbot and Bluffs Investments,
LCC, dated February 28, 2022. 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.
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.
` y Nortit Ca rcr in a DepartmenI of Envir-onnientaI Chu ialitt y I DiAsiory of Water- R sow c es
Wilrnh'i lton Regional Office 1 127 C:audirrri Drive Extension I Wilmington„ North Carolina 2840
r itr iir�i tna!,
mua,,maarttr"rn�ri;aa�wn,,n�Vyoam000w 910,79ta 7215
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQC004525/DWR#20090120v3
Page 2 of 9
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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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].
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 h h p ,, v v v u,ill , „u„ „ or by calling the OAH Clerk's Office at (919) 431-
3000.
One (1) copy of the Petition must also be served to the North Carolina Department of Environmental
Quality:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
This letter completes the Division's review under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC
02H .0500. Please contact Holley Snider at 910-796-7303 or holley.snider(a_),ncdenr.gov if you have
any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DoccuSi'gned by:
voE61�'l A
MoreiT14AC7DC434.
3Aan"AeZ-King
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
cc: Kim Williams, LMG (via email)
Gary Beecher, USACE Wilmington Regulatory Field Office (via email)
Todd Bowers, EPA, (via email)
EPA Region 4 ( 40 1 -R4notices&epa.gov )
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Electronic file
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQC004525/DWR#20090120v3
Page 3 of 9
NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION #WQC004525 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 Doug Talbot and Bluffs Investments, LLC, 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 3, 2021, subsequent information received on
February 23, 2022 and by Public Notice issued by the Division on September 8, 2021.
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
Amount Approved (units)
(units) Permanent
Temporary
404 401 Wetlands
Site 1
0.0185 acres
N/A
Site 2
0.094 acres
N/A
Site 3
0.077 acres
N/A
Site 4
0.045 acres
N/A
Site 5
0.065 acres
N/A
Site 6
0.032 acres
N/A
Site 7
0.05 acre
N/A
Stream
Site 1
105 feet
N/A
Site 2
77 feet
N/A
Site 3
87 feet
N/A
This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the certification below.
CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]:
Appropriate measures should be installed prior to any land clearing activities to protect
wetlands, streams, and/or buffers from turbidity and/ or sedimentation. These measures
should be routinely inspected and properly maintained, and excavated materials should be
contained outside wetland, stream, and/or buffer boundaries. Excessive silt and sediment loads
can have numerous detrimental effects on aquatic resources including destruction of spawning
habitat, suffocation of eggs, and clogging of gills of aquatic species.
Citation:15A NCAC 021-1.0506 (b)(1) and (2)]
2. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all lots/parcels with retained
jurisdictional wetlands, waters, and state regulated riparian buffers within the project
boundaries in order to assure compliance with NC Water Quality Certification Rules (15A
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQCOO4525/DWR#2OO9O12Ov3
Page 4of9
NCAC 02H .0500), NC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), and/or State
RegulatedRiparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0200). These mechanisms shall be put in
place at the time of recording of the property or individual parcels, whichever is appropriate.
Citation: 1 SA NCAC 02H .0502(a);1 SA NCAC 02H .0506(b); 1 SA NCAC 02H .0507(c)
3. If this Water Quality Certification is used for utility related impacts, then the following Activity
Specific Conditions shall apply to those impacts.
All sewer lines shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with Title
15ANCAC Chapter 02T, applicable Minimum Design Criteria (MDC), and/or Alternative
Design Criteria.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
b. Any utility construction corridor that is parallel to a stream or open water shall not
becloser than 10 feet to the top of bank or ordinary high-water mark.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
c. Where there are temporary or permanent impacts from stream crossings, utility lines
shallcross the stream channel at a near -perpendicular direction (i.e., between 75 degrees
and 105 degrees to the stream bank).
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
d. Construction corridors in wetlands and/or across stream channels shall be minimized
tothe maximum extent practicable and shall not exceed 40 feet wide for utility lines.
For construction corridors in wetlands and across stream channels, stumps shall be
grubbed only as needed to install the utility and remaining stumps shall be cut off
atgrade level. The general stripping of topsoil within wetlands along the
construction corridor is prohibited.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
e. Permanent maintained access corridors in wetlands and across stream channels shall be
restricted to the minimum width practicable and shall not exceed 30 feet wide except at
manhole locations.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
For all utility lines constructed within wetlands, an anti -seep collar shall be placed at the
downstream (utility line gradient) wetland boundary and every 150 feet up the gradient
until the utility exits the wetland. Anti -seep collars may be constructed with class B
concrete, compacted clay, PVC pipe, or metal collars. Wetland crossings that are
directionally drilled, and perpendicular wetland crossings that are open cut and less
than150 feet long do not require anti -seep collars. The compacted clay shall have a
specific infiltration of 1 X 10-5 cm/sec or less. A section and plan view diagram is
attached for theanti-seep collars.
The following specifications shall apply to class B concrete:
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQC004525/DWR#20090120v3
Page 5 of 9
i. Minimum cement content, sacks per cubic yard with rounded coarse aggregate 5.0
ii. Minimum cement content, sacks per cubic yard with angular coarse aggregate 5.5
iii. Maximum water -cement ratio gallons per sack 6.8
iv. Slump range 2" to 4"
V. Minimum strength - 28-day psi 2,500
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
g. The permittee shall have a specific plan for restoring wetland contours to pre -construction
conditions. Any excess material will be removed to a high ground disposal area.
The mixing of topsoil and subsoils within the wetlands along utility corridors shall be
minimized to the greatest extent practical. During excavation, the soils shall be placed
on fabric to minimize impacts whenever possible. Topsoil excavated from utility
trenches will be piled separately from subsoils and will be backfilled into the trench only
after the subsoils have been placed and compacted.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
4. The permittee shall report to the DWR Wilmington 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)
S. 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)
6. 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
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQC004525/DWR#20090120v3
Page 6of9
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 0413.0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
Citation: 1 SA NCAC 02H .0506(b); 1 SA NCAC 02H .0507(c); 1 SA NCACO2B .0200, 1 SA NCAC
02B.0231
7. 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
8. 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)
9. If the project is covered by NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCGO10000 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC
02B.0231
10. 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
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.
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQCOO4525/DWR#2OO9O12Ov3
Page 7of9
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 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 topographic constraints indicate culvert
slopes of 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)
12. 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: 1 SA 02H .0506(b); 1 SA NCAC 02H .0507(c); 1 SA NCAC 02B .0200, 1 SA NCAC 02B .0231
13. 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 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200, 15A NCAC 02B .0231
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-1AODBD778644 WQCOO4525/DWR#2OO9O12Ov3
Page 8of9
14. 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)
15. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams or wetlands
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 and
Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during use of
this Certification.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
16. 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)
17. 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
18. 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
19. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be taken
to minimize soil disturbance and compaction.
Citation: 1 SA NCAC 02H .0506(b); 1 SA NCAC 02H .0507(c); 1 SA NCAC 02B .0231
20. 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
The Bluffs on The Cape Fear River
DocuSign Envelope ID: DEFC74D5-FB8A-4518-9975-lAODBD778644 WQC004525/DWR#20090120v3
Page 9of9
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)
21. 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)
22. 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 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)
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 or CAMA 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 28th day of February 2022
Ev
DocuSgned by:
OV U11 Sawn G�,t,� Al"
EMBA14AMC434...
Morella Sanchez -King
Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section