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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20001020 Ver 2_Denial_20240229 (3)ROY COOPER Governor ELIZABETH S. BISER Secretary RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR. Director NORTH CAROLINA Environmental Quality September 12, 2023 DWR # 20001020 V2 Wayne County Brian Joyner US Air Force, Seymour Johnson AFB 1095 Patterson Avenue Goldsboro, North Carolina 27530 Subject: REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEYMOUR JOHNSON AFB STREAMBANK STABILIZATION Dear Mr. Joyner: On June 26, 2023, the Division of Water Resources (Division) received a copy of your PCN application requesting a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Division for the subject project. The applicant, US Air Force (USAF), is seeking approval to stabilize streams on Seymour Johnson AFB, within Wayne County, North Carolina. The USAF is proposing the stabilization of stream banks and stormwater outfalls. The impacts to wetlands are temporary impacts of 1.193 acres and permanent impacts of 0.014 acres. The impacts to streams are permanent impacts of 733 linear feet and 6,257 linear feet of temporary impacts. The Division has determined that your application is incomplete and cannot be processed. The application is on - hold until the following information is received: The proposed project involves grading wetlands adjacent to two stream channels; however, based on observations during our site visit on August 29, 2023, most streambanks were stabilized with vegetation (woody and grass). The proposed work at each section was discussed and at each section, DWR and USACE asked the question, "What is the purpose and need?" It was conveyed that grading in these areas were necessary for "maintenance". It appears the overall project could be reduced by the areas that need stabilization. Please provide further justification for the need for bank stabilization or a revised plan that only includes areas where erosion control is needed. The proposed means of stabilization is to grade stream banks down to the high-water mark and then revegetate with grass. Please explain how the stream bank will be stabilized by this method. It appears that once the segment is graded, sloped and revegetated that the stream will take on the same characteristics of the northern segment of Hospital Creek. At this segment, you can see the historical erosion where the stream came out of its channel and spilled over into its floodplain. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources Washington Regional Office - 943 Washington Square Mall - Washington, North Carolina, 27889 NORTHCARouNA J/ 252-946-6481 Two stream segments are regulated under the Neuse River Riparian Buffer rule 15A NCAC 02B.0714. All three segments had woody vegetation. The Burge Creek segment had woody vegetation at the top of the bank and is located adjacent to the runway. The woody vegetation can be removed at this stream segment in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B.0714 (11)(a). The Hospital Creek North segment also had woody vegetation along the stream banks and will be required to be revegetated with woody vegetation. The Hospital Creek South segment is not regulated under the rule. Please include a restoration plan for the revegetation of the Hospital Creek North segment. The project could result in secondary or cumulative impacts that could cause or contribute to, or will cause or contribute to, a violation of water quality standards. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 2H. 0502 (c) and Title 15A NCAC 02H .0502 (d), the applicant shall furnish all of the above requested information for the proper consideration of the application. If all of the requested information is not received in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of this letter, the Division will be unable to approve the application and it will be returned. The return of this project will necessitate reapplication to the Division for approval, including a complete application package and the appropriate fee. Please respond in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of this letter by sending three copies of all the above requested information to the 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617. Please be aware that you have no authorization under the Clean Water Act for this activity and any work done within waters of the state may be a violation of North Carolina General Statutes and Administrative Code. Please contact Robert Tankard at 252-948-3921 or robert.tankardpncdenr.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, ROW TOW." Robert Tankard, Assistant Regional Supervisor Water Quality Regional Operation Section Division of Water Resources, NCDEQ Washington Regional Office cc: Emily Thompson, USACE Washington Field Office (via e-mail) Brad Luckey, Pilot Environmental, Inc. (via e-mail) DWR Files/Laserfiche North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources D ��� Washington Regional Office - 943 Washington Square Mall - Washington, North Carolina, 27889 NCRTH CARCLINA ^ 252-946-6481 0_p Mo Emimnmen quay