20240129 Ver 1_Narrative_AR372_20240118

ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
KATHY B. RAWLS
Director
Pre -Construction Notice for US Army Corps of Engineers
NC Division of Marine Fisheries
January 18, 2024
North Carolina Artificial Reef Program
Sites
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NC DMF) Artificial Reef Program has
been formally operating since the 1970s and has a total of 70 permitted artificial reefs and oyster
sanctuaries within the state of North Carolina. Twenty-five (25) of these sites are in the state's
estuaries, while 43 are in ocean waters. In 2016, the NC DMF released an artificial reef guide
that outlines each of the artificial reefs and oyster sanctuaries. The artificial reef guide provides
material information, latitude/longitude information, and a figure of the material on each of the
reef sites. A pdf version of the hardcopy reef guide can be found at
http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document libEM/get file?uuid=24160156-4b96-49e6-9126-
4fa488b49cbb&groupId=38337. The NC DMF Artificial Reef Program has also developed an
interactive reef guide, set up in an ArcGIS format is available here:
hllps://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3b27e8594cb6444c88b5525b
f763aa55. The interactive guide is complete with material shapefiles, latitude/longitude
information, side -scan sonar imagery, and much more. This is available for review by the public,
state, and federal agencies.
Additionally, a reef boundary reconciliation document was prepared in 2017 which
summarized the location, boundaries, existing materials, and permitting history of each site. This
was reviewed by NCDCM and USACE for accuracy and was accepted in fall 2017. The relevant
pages and acceptance letter are included in Attachment 1.
Materials
For reef construction, NCDMF intends to use only biologically suitable materials that are
approved for reef building. Accordingly, NCDMF adheres to program documentation which
details specifications for acceptable reef construction materials, based on federal and state
guidance (references available upon request). It should be specially noted that all materials
placed at the state's artificial reef sites are free of hydrocarbons, contaminants, and toxins, as
required by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and other agencies involved in
permitting of artificial reefs.
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

Project Background
General Information
The Division of Marine Fisheries is partnering with a non-profit, Eternal Reefs, to deploy
prefabricated reef units containing the cremated remains of individuals. The ashes will be sealed
inside a capsule, which will be encased in the concrete used to construct the reef unit.
Site AR-372
AR-372 is located at 34.104917' N, 77.748617' W which is approximately 5.3 nm
northeast of the Carolina Beach Inlet sea buoy, or 4.8 nm southeast of the Masonboro Inlet sea
buoy. The reef site is defined by a 1500 ft. radius circular boundary, encompassing a total area of
162.27 acres in total. Site depth is 48 feet. and has a charted minimum vertical clearance of 15
feet. In consideration of site depth and required clearance, this site allows for a construction
profile of up to 33 feet. Surveys revealed no existing shell resource or natural hardbottom within
the proposed boundary. Existing materials already on AR-372 include barges, reef balls, concrete
pipe, and Atlantic pods.
Proposed Enhancements
Materials
NCDMF and its partner plan to use reef balls for this project. These are prefabricated
concrete structures, which have been used successfully at dozens of reef sites in North Carolina.
These structures meet the specifications outlined in the Section 7 consultation issued on 10/18/19
by the National Marine Fisheries Service. These prefabricated units weigh approximately 1000
lbs each and are consistent with NCDMF guidelines for acceptable artificial reef materials
(Attachment 2).
Spatial Design of Reef
As standard practice, the reef program maintains a 150 ft. buffer of no construction on the
inside perimeter of all ocean reef boundaries. The remaining area of each reef is gridded into 150
ft. x 150 ft. grids for spatial reference and planning purposes. An area has been identified in each
reef site for material deployment. This can be seen as the yellow box in Figure 2. The area of the
designated box is 15.49 acres.
Reef Construction/ Material Deployments
NCDMF anticipates conducting up to three deployments annually. The first deployment
for this project is projected for Spring or Summer 2024.
NCDMF personnel will be on -site for all deployments to make sure permit and vertical
clearance compliance is maintained. To guide deployments, program staff will mark deployment
locations with visible references above the waterline, using recreational grade GPS. NCDMF
staff will ensure reef construction operations and methodology are consistent with historically
successful practices.
Reef Monitoring
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

During construction, NCDMF staff will serve as observer(s) to ensure proper permit and
building compliance. Deployed materials will be surveyed with calibrated onboard sonar to
verify compliance with vertical clearance requirements.
When time allows, staff will survey the sites with bathymetric mapping equipment, as an
update to the Artificial Reef program's artificial reef guide and habitat records. Staff will also
perform SCUBA surveys on reef sites to observe material condition, as time allows. The
Artificial Reef program also employs an online survey for recreational users to provide feedback
on Artificial Reefs through its website, including these sites. Further, artificial reefs are included
in MRIP survey questionnaires, which can offer valuable biological information.
Protected Resource Interactions
NCDMF staff will adhere to all conditions outlined in the Section 7 Biological Opinion
issued on 10/18/19 by National Marine Fisheries Service.
Reef Marking
AR-372 is an existing reef site and marked on NOAA charts. NCDMF does not maintain
any physical marking on station.
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

AR-372 Eternal Reefs
AlbemaHe Sound
Pamhco
Sound
Onstow
Bay
��-
i5 30 6D Nautical Miles Legend
I I , AR-37
Figure 1. North Carolina coast map showing reef location. Figure Date: 1/18/24
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

AR-372 Eternal Reefs
0 375 750 1,500 Feet
I I I I I I I
Figure 2. Proposed spatial design for AR-372. Note there is a 150 ft. buffer of no construction around the perimeter
of the reef site. The construction boundary is gridded into 150 ft x 150 ft grids, for planning reef deployments. For
reference, the yellow highlighted area is the proposed 15.49 acre for enhancements.
Figure Date: 1/18/24
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

Attachment 1. NCDMF Artificial Reef and Oyster Sanctuary Site Information (April
2017)
AFC-7
65.7° magnetic - 5.3 nautical miles from a 375 750 1,500 Feet
Carolina Beach Inlet Sea Buev i I I I i I I I i
140.1° magnetic - 4.8 nautical miles from
MasonborD Inlet Sea Buoy
No Proposed Changes
Boundary Information:
Center
34' 06295' N
77° 44.917 vi+
Radius
1500ft.
162.27acres
Material
1 3.53 acres
Figure Prepared 44717
Permits:
SAW-2014-00567
Site Depth
48 ft.
Min. Vertical Clearance
15ft.
Clearance Verified
yes
+ Centerpoint
Reef Boundary
Material
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 1 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

I
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF WASHINGTON REGULATORY FIELDENGINEERS OFFICE
2407 W 5T" STREET
WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 27889
October 25, 2017
NC Division of Marine Fisheries I J"Soli Ppaters
Artificial Reef Program c/o Jason Peters Received 81
3441 Arendell St,
Morehead City, NC 28557 Date ne�td D � I1
SUBJECT: NC DMF Artificial Reef Boundary Modifications
Dear Mr. Peters:
This letter is in response to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Programs request to modify and
document the expansion of numerous artificial reef and oyster sanctuary sites throughout the estuarine and coastal
waters of North Carolina. The reef site boundaries specified within this letter (see attached) are existing or permitted
and have been accurately documented. These boundaries will be kept on file at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Washington Regulatory Field Office. If at any time your agency wishes to access these records, apply for a permit, or
modify a boundary, this letter shall be referenced, along with the appropriate reef site information. This
acknowledgement of the reef sites does not convey an active permit or authorization to conduct development within
the reef site boundaries. Any future development within these reef sites will require authorization from the US Army
Corps of Engineers. Please contact Mr. Josh Pelletier at the Washington Regulatory Field Office prior to the
commencement of any activity at [e-mail] or by telephone at [phone].
Sincerely,
J99h elletier, Project Manger
4q9'hington Regulatory Field Office
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 I Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Sites
October 2017
Estuarine Reefs (Coastal Inshore Waters)
AR-191
AR-197
AR-291
AR-292
AR-2951OS-04 Clam Shoal
AR-2981OS-06 Ocracoke
AR-380
AR-381
AR-392
AR-396
AR-398
AR-491
OS-01 Crootan Sound
Coastal Ocean Reefs (Atlantic Shoreline to 3nm)
AR-160
AR-165
AR-275
AR-315
AR-320
AR-342
AR-350
AR-364
AR-370
AR-378
AR-378B
AR-425
AR-430
Federal Ocean (Seaward of 3nm line)
AR-130
AR-140
AR-145
AR-220
AR-225
AR-230
AR-250
AR-255
AR-285
AR-300
AR-302
AR-305
AR-330
AR-340
AR-345
AR-355
AR-362
AR-366
AR-368
OS-02 Deep Bay
OS-03 West Bay
OS-05 Crab Hole
OS-07 Middle Bay
OS-08 Neuse River
OS-09 West Bluff
OS-10 Gibbs Shoal
OS-11 Long Shoal
OS-12 Raccoon Island
OS-13 Pea Island
OS-14 Little Creek
OS-15 Swan Island
AR-372
AR-376
AR-382
AR-385
AR-400
AR-420
AR-440
AR-445
AR-455
AR-460
AR-465
State of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

Attachment 2: Guidelines and Specifications for Acceptable Artificial Reef Materials
(2017, 3rd Edition)
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
u Secretary
Marine Fisheries BRAXTON C. DAVIS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Director
North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
Guidelines and Specifications for Acceptable Artificial Reef Materials
Card Edition, 20171
Artificial reef materials are selected on four primary considerations: Function,
compatibility, durability, and stability. Materials used must meet their intended function,
by supporting diverse and abundant biological communities. Selected materials must also
be compatible with the aquatic environment in which they are placed. This means they
must not pose environmental risks. Also, unstable materials, or those prone to movement,
and non -durable, or easily degraded, materials must be precluded from use.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Program has
produced a comprehensive list of accepted materials for use in partner projects. These
materials were chosen based on the above criteria, using guidance from internal program
studies, The ASMFC/GSMFC Guidelines for Marine Artificial Reef Materials (Second Ed.,
2004), The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Guidance: Best Management
Practices (BMPs) for Preparing Vessels Intended to Create Artificial Reefs, and the
NOAA/NMFS National Artificial Reef Plan.
Accepted Materials:
Concrete:
Any hard, strong building material made by mixing a cementing material (commonly
Portland cement) and a mineral aggregate with sufficient water to cause material to set and
bind. Types include (but are not limited to) oval and round pipe, box culverts, risers, catch -
basins, knock -out boxes, bridge rubble and bridge spans, manholes, slabs, pilings, crushed
concrete, and pre -designed structures such as Reef Balls or other units. All concrete must
be fully cured to ensure environmental compatibility.
Required Specifications:
0 cean-
• Unacceptable types in the ocean: slabs, small pilings, crushed concrete, small
designed structures
• Size - concrete pipe must be no less than 4 feet in length and no less than 36
inches in inside diameter, unless such smaller pieces are "nested" inside
large diameter pieces
• Composition - units must be no more than 25% degraded or missing. All
concrete must be fully cured before deployment
• Design - pre -designed structures must meet approval of Artificial Reef Staff
for function, compatibility, durability, and stability
Estuary -
Nothing Compares„
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 1 Morehead City. North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 I Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

• Size - concrete pipe must be no smaller than 12 inches in inside diameter
and not exceed 30 inches in inside diameter. Any concrete structure must
not exceed 8 feet in length, width, or height. Crushed concrete must be: 8"
maximum diameter, 6" average diameter, 4" minimum diameter, 10%
maximum oversize, 5% maximum undersize. In some instances of shallow
water development, 2-4" diameter crushed concrete is acceptable.
• Composition - units must be no more than 25% degraded or missing. All
concrete must be fully cured before deployment
• Design - pre -designed structures must meet approval of Artificial Reef Staff
for function, compatibility, durability, and stability
Vessels:
Vessels are a commonly used artificial reef material. These may be composed of
ferro-cement or steel, though steel vessels are most common and preferred. Thorough
preparation and cleaning is required before these materials may be used as reefs (EPA
BMPs).
Required Specifications:
Ocean -
• Size - vessels must be no smaller than 100 feet in length unless paired with a
second 100 foot or greater vessel
• Clearance - vessels are subject to clearance requirements and in many cases,
must be shortened in height to comply with permits. This may involve
expensive removal of vessel superstructure
• Cleaning and preparation - vessels are subject to US Coast Guard and/or
EPA inspection to satisfy BMPs, including removals of wood, floatables, loose
materials, and deleterious substances.
• Stability - all air must be allowed to escape during sinking
• Durability - vessel selection is ultimately at the discretion of the Artificial
Reef Coordinator, to satisfy expectations of durability
Estuary -
• Vessels are not accepted in estuarine waters
Natural Materials:
Natural materials have been used by most coastal states to replenish various types
of habitat with a particular focus on shell bottom. Natural materials include different
approved mineral rocks such as calcium carbonate shells, limestone marl, granite, and
basalt.
Required Specifications:
Ocean -
• Natural materials are not widely used in the ocean, given their size and
susceptibility to sediment burial
Estuary -
• Size -
o Limestone Marl (NCDOT Class B Spec.): 12"maximum diameter, 8"
average diameter, 5" minimum diameter, 10% maximum oversize,
5% maximum undersize. In some instances of shallow water
development, NCDOT Spec #4limestone marl is acceptable.
Nothing Compares,
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 1 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 I Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021

Granite and Basalt: 8" maximum diameter, 6 average diameter, 4"
minimum diameter, 10% maximum oversize, 5% maximum
undersize
Location- Limestone is not acceptable for use in high salinity
environments, given high susceptibility to bio-eroding organisms.
Notes on all materials:
1] All materials must be cleaned and prepared in accordance with United States Corps of Engineers General
(Regional) Permits [#GP198500194 or 4GP19000291], any applicable NC Division of Coastal Management
permits, and conform to site -specific navigational clearance requirements established by the United States Coast
Guard and NOAA Office of Coast Survey.
2) Planned arrangements for acquisition, cleaning, preparation, dockage/staging, towing, and sinking/deployment
must be described in proposals. Dockage,towing, and deployment will require proof of at least$1,000,000
marine liability insurance.
3) Additional guidance on material specifications and contracting requirements is provided in the following
documents:
a. Technical SpecificationsforArtificial Reeffonstruction Using Vessels: Publically Funded Projects
b. Technical SpecificationsforArtificial Reeffonstruction Using Vessels: Privately Funded Projects
C. Technical SpecificationsforArtificialReeforOysterSanctuaryConstructionusingNaturalMaterials:
Privately Funded Projects
d. Technical Specii icationsforArtificial Reefor Oyster Sanctuary Construction using Natural Materials:
Publically Funded Projects
e. Technical SpecifrcadonsforArtifcfalReefConstructionUsingConcrete:PublicallyFundedProjects
f. Technical SpecificationsforArtificial Reef Construction Using Concrete: Privately Funded Projects
Nothing Compares,
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 1 Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021
State of North Carolina I Division of Marine Fisheries
3441 Arendell Street I P.O. Box 769 I Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
252-726-7021