20041238 Ver 7_USACE Permit_20240214 (2)

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, WILMINGTON DISTRICT
WILMINGTON RG FIELD OFFICE
69 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON NC 28403
February 14, 2024
Regulatory Division
Brian Clark
Executive Director
North Carolina State Ports Authority
PO Box 9002
Wilmington, NC 28402
Via Email: brian.clark(c�ncports.com
Dear Mr. Clark:
This letter is in response to the application you submitted to the Wilmington District,
Wilmington RG Field Office for a Department of the Army general permit verification.
This project is assigned the file number SAW-2017-01680 and is known as Northern
Barge Fleeting Area expansion. This file number should be referenced in all
correspondence with this office.
A review of the information provided indicates that the proposed work includes
expanding the existing northern barge fleeting area in the Newport River at the Port of
Morehead City (Port) in Carteret County, North Carolina (NC). Specifically, the project
would expand the existing barge fleeting area westward by dredging an additional 2.0
acres of subtidal bottom to a depth of -14 ft MLLW (12 + 2 ft of over dredge). An
additional 1.0 acre of new dredging would be required to construct a transitional 3:1
slope along the western margin of the 2.0-acre expansion area. In total, the proposed
action would require 3.0 acres of new dredging and the removal of an estimated 35,000
cubic yards of material. Construction of the barge fleeting expansion area would employ
a hydraulic pipeline (cutterhead) dredge and/or a mechanical bucket dredge and scow
system. Construction dredged material would be placed in one of the existing Port -
owned confined disposal facilities, which include the Marsh Island, Brandt Island, and
North Radio Island disposal areas. Construction disposal operations for cutterhead
dredging would involve direct hydraulic delivery to the disposal area via floating pipeline.
In the case of mechanical dredging, disposal would involve the transport of dredged
material via scow to the disposal area for placement via mechanical means or hydraulic
offloading.
The project/review area is located in the Newport River; adjacent to 113 Arendell Street,
at Latitude 34.723790 and Longitude-76.696100; in Morehead City, Carteret County,
North Carolina.

We have determined that the proposed work is authorized by RGP 291 pursuant to
authorities under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. § 403),
and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1344). The proposed work must
be accomplished in strict accordance with the enclosed general permit conditions, any
regional conditions, the special conditions listed in this letter, the application materials,
and the enclosed plans (Figures 1 and 3 dated June 2022). If the extent of the project
area and/or nature of the authorized impacts to waters are modified, a revised
application must be submitted to this office for written approval before work is initiated.
Any deviation from the terms and conditions of the permit, or your submitted plans, may
subject the permittee to enforcement action.
This verification is valid until December 31, 2026, unless the subject general
permit(s) is suspended, revoked, or is modified prior to that date such that the activity
no longer complies with the terms and conditions of the general permit.
Project Specific Special Conditions:
1. Construction and maintenance dredging will be conducted between a 1 October
to 31 January project window.
2. Water injection dredging (WID) will be conducted only on falling tides.
3. Good Engineering Practices (GEPs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs)
shall be applied to all dredging activities. These practices include (depending on
the dredge type) the use of turbidity curtains as appropriate, as well as outflow
turbidity monitoring, and observing in -water work construction moratoriums.
4. Dredged material delivery pipelines will be routinely inspected for pressurized
leaks, and any detected leaks would be immediately repaired.
5. Dredging contractors will be required to maintain spill control plans and waste
management plans for all dredging fleet equipment.
6. Multiple maintenance dredging activities will not occur simultaneously within
5,000 feet of each other so that that turbidity effects are not amplified by multiple
events.
7. All additional Protected Species Construction Conditions (NMFS 2021) that are
applicable to the project will be followed.
8. The Permittee shall comply with the "Vessel Strike Avoidance Measures and
Reporting for Mariners", revised May 2021, for marine turtles and marine
mammals.
9. All work will occur during daylight hours.
Activities subject to Section 404 (as indicated above) may also require an individual
Section 401 Water Quality Certification. You should contact the NC Division of Water
Resources (telephone [phone]) to determine Section 401 requirements.

For activities occurring within the twenty coastal counties subject to regulation under the
Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA), prior to beginning work you must contact the
N.C. Division of Coastal Management Morehead City, NC, at [phone].
This general permit verification and any associated authorizations does not
preclude the necessity to obtain any other Federal, State, or local permits, licenses,
and/or certifications, which may be required.
If you have any questions related to this verification or have issues accessing
documents referenced in this letter, please contact Sarah (Liz) Hair, Project Manager of
the Wilmington RG Field Office at 910-251-4049, by mail at the above address, or by
email at [e-mail]. mi1.
Sincerely,
Liz Hair
Regulatory Project Manager
Enclosures
GP 291 conditions
Manatee Guidelines
NMFS PRD conditions
401 Certification dated 9/20/2022
CAMA Major Mod dated 10/26/2022
Construction Plans
Electronic Cc (w/enclosures):
Todd Walton, NCSPA
Steve Dial/Jimmy Hargrove, Dial Cordy and Associates, Inc.
Gregg Bodnar, NC DCM
Michael Meilinger, NC DWR
Pete Benjamin, US FWS
Pace Wilber/Fritz Rohde, NMFS HCD
Todd Bowers, US EPA
Ryan Doody, USCG

General Conditions (33 CFR PART 320-330):
1. The time limit for completing the work authorized ends on December 31, 2026.
2. You must maintain the activity authorized by this permit in good condition and in
conformance with the terms and conditions of this permit. You are not relieved of this
requirement if you abandon the permitted activity, although you may make a good faith
transfer to a third party in compliance with General Condition 4 below. Should you wish
to cease to maintain the authorized activity, or should you desire to abandon it without a
good faith transfer, you must obtain a modification of this permit from this office, which
may require restoration of the area.
3. If you discover any previously unknown historic or archeological remains while
accomplishing the activity authorized by this permit, you must immediately notify this
office of what you have found. We will initiate the Federal and state coordination
required to determine if the remains warrant a recovery effort of if the site is eligible for
listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
4. You must allow a representative from this office to inspect the authorized activity
at any time deemed necessary to ensure that it is being or has been accomplished in
accordance with the terms and conditions of your permit.

Commencement Notification Form
Action ID Number: SAW-2017-01680 County: Carteret
Permittee: North Carolina State Ports Authority, Brian Clark
Project Name: Northern Barge Fleeting Area expansion
Date Verification Issued: 2/14/2024
Project Manager: Sarah Hair
Upon commencement commencing the activity authorized by this permit, sign this
certification, and return it to the following address:
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Wilmington District
Attn: Sarah Hair
Wilmington RG Field Office
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
or
[e-mail]
910-251-4049
Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by a U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers representative. Failure to comply with any terms or conditions
of this authorization may result in the Corps suspending, modifying or revoking the
authorization and/or issuing a Class I administrative penalty, or initiating other
appropriate legal action.
Construction Start Date:
Signature of Permittee
Date

Compliance Certification Form
Action ID Number: SAW-2017-01680 County: Carteret
Permittee: North Carolina State Ports Authority, Brian Clark
Project Name: Northern Barge Fleeting Area expansion
Date Verification Issued: 2/14/2024
Project Manager: Sarah Hair
Upon completion of the activity authorized by this permit and any mitigation required by
the permit, sign this certification, and return it to the following address:
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Wilmington District
Attn: Sarah Hair
Wilmington RG Field Office
69 Darlington Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
or
[e-mail]
Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by a U. S.
Army Corps of Engineers representative. Failure to comply with any terms or conditions
of this authorization may result in the Corps suspending, modifying or revoking the
authorization and/or issuing a Class I administrative penalty, or initiating other
appropriate legal action.
hereby certify that the work, and mitigation (if applicable), authorized by the above
referenced permit has been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of
the said permit including any general or specific conditions.
Date Authorized Work Started:
Completed:
Describe any deviations from permit (attach drawing(s) depicting the deviations):
*Note: The description of any deviations on this form does not constitute approval by the Corps.
Signature of Permittee
Date

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: [phone]
(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 [phone] 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
4 s. % 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 measure 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 aboul
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 ext. 16), 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 ext. 16), 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. 06/2003):
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
919/856-4520

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.
9TO
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.

"OMM ' NOAA FISHERIES
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Southeast Regional Office
PROTECTED SPECIES CONSTRUCTION CONDITIONS,
NOAA FISHERIES SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE
The action agency and any permittee shall comply with the following construction conditions for
protected species under the jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office (SERO)
Protected Resources Division (PRD):1
Protected Species Sightings —The action agency and any permittee shall ensure that all personnel
associated with the project are instructed about the potential presence of species protected under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). All on -site
project personnel are responsible for observing water -related activities for the presence of
protected species. All personnel shall be advised that there are civil and criminal penalties for
harming, harassing, or killing listed species and all marine mammals. To determine which
protected species and critical habitat may be found in the transit area, please review the relevant
marine mammal and ESA -listed species at Find A Species (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/find-
species) and the consultation documents that have been completed for the project.
1. Equipment —Turbidity curtains, if used, shall be made of material in which protected
species cannot become entangled and be regularly monitored to avoid protected species
entrapment. All turbidity curtains and other in -water equipment shall be properly secured
with materials that reduce the risk of protected species entanglement and entrapment.
a. In -water lines (rope, chain, and cable, including the lines to secure turbidity
curtains) shall be stiff, taut, and non -looping. Examples of such lines are heavy
metal chains or heavy cables that do not readily loop and tangle. Flexible in -water
lines, such as nylon rope or any lines that could loop or tangle, shall be enclosed
in a plastic or rubber sleeve/tube to add rigidity and prevent the line from looping
and tangling. In all instances, no excess line shall be allowed in the water. All
anchoring shall be in areas free from hardbottom and seagrass.
b. Turbidity curtains and other in -water equipment shall be placed in a manner that
does not entrap protected species within the project area and minimizes the extent
and duration of their exclusion from the project area.
c. Turbidity barriers shall be positioned in a way that minimizes the extent and
duration of protected species exclusion from important habitat (e.g. critical
habitat, hardbottom, seagrass) in the project area.
2. Operations —For construction work that is generally stationary (e.g., barge -mounted
equipment dredging a berth or section of river, or shore -based equipment extending into
the water):
a. Operations of moving equipment shall cease if a protected species is observed
within 150 feet of operations.
1 Manatees are managed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

b. Activities shall not resume until the protected species has departed the project
area of its own volition (e.g., species was observed departing or 20 minutes have
passed since the animal was last seen in the area).
3. Vessels —For projects requiring vessels, the action agency, and any permittee shall ensure
conditions in the Vessel Strike Avoidance Measures are implemented as part of the
project/permit issuance
(https://www. fisheries.noaa. gov/southeast/consultations/regulations-policies-and-
guidance).
4. Consultation Reporting Requirements —Any interaction with a protected species
shall be reported immediately to NOAA Fisheries SERO PRD and the local
authorized stranding/rescue organization.
To report to NOAA Fisheries SERO PRD, send an email to [e-mail].
Please include the species involved, the circumstances of the interaction, the fate and
disposition of the species involved, photos (if available), and contact information for the
person who can provide additional details if requested. Please include the project's
Environmental Consultation Organizer (ECO) number and project title in the subject line
of email reports.
To report the interaction to the local stranding/rescue organization, please see the following
website for the most up to date information for reporting sick, injured, or dead protected
species:
Reporting Violations —To report an ESA or MMPA violation, call the NOAA Fisheries
Enforcement Hotline. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days week for anyone in
the United States.
NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline [phone]
5. Additional Conditions —Any special construction conditions, required of your
specific project, outside these general conditions, if applicable, will be addressed in
the project consultation and must also be complied with.
For additional information, please contact NOAA Fisheries SERO PRD at:
NOAA Fisheries Service
Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Tel: [phone]
Visit us on the web at Protected Marine Life in the Southeast
(https://www. fisheries.noaa. gov/region/southeast#protected-marine-life)
Revised: May 2021
4

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
September 20, 2022
DWR #20041238 v7
Carteret County
North Carolina Ports Authority
Attn: Brian Clark
PO Box 9002
Wilmington, NC 28402
Subject: Approval of Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
Port of Morehead City North Barge Fleeting Area Expansion
USACE Action ID. No. SAW 2017-01680
Dear Mr. Clark:
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. WQC005183 issued to Brian Clark and the North
Carolina Ports Authority dated September 20, 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.
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolinb 28405
NORTH CAROLINq
nw.� Mo E .nme lo�a� /" 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 2 of 12
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 http://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the OAH Clerk's Office
at [phone].
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 John Perry at 910-796-7341 or john.perryglacdenngov if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
l o_ �natrl�On,
r>'rra gton
Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
cc: Todd Walton (via email)
Liz Hair, USACE Wilmington Regulatory Field Office (via email)
Todd Bowers, EPA, (via email)
Gregg Bodner, DCM (via email)
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Electronic file
Filename:20041238v6_NC Ports Authority_IWQC_Carteret Co_Jul22
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO
North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 3 of 12
NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION #WQC005183 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 Brian Clark and the North Carolina Ports Authority, who have
authorization for the impacts listed below, as described within your application received by the N.C.
Division of Water Resources (Division) on August 23, 2022 and by Public Notice issued by the
Division of Coastal Management on August 12, 2022.
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.
Type of Impact
Amount Approved
Amount Approved
Plan Location or Reference
(units) Permanent
(units) Temporary
Dredging
5 acres
Project Narrative
Figure 7.
The following impacts are hereby approved. No other impacts are approved, including incidental
impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]
This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the certification below.
CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]:
1. Moratoriums
You will comply with any moratoriums per the INC Division of Marine Fisheries and the NC
Wildlife Resources Commission. Dredging moratoriums shall be observed as required by the INC
Division of Marine Fisheries, INC Wildlife Resources, US Fish and Wildlife and National Marine
Fisheries. If such activities should take place during periods of high biological activity (e.g.
anadromous species and shorebirds), biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state and federal agencies and coordinated with these dredging activities.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 04B .0125
Justification: In order to protect against impairment of water quality standards and best usage of
receiving and downstream waters, water quality based management practices must be
employed to protect against direct or indirect discharge of waste or other sources of water
pollution. Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation, agriculture), and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 4 of 12
The Permittee shall adhere specially to 15A NCAC 0213.0221 Tidal Salt Water Quality for Class SA
Waters (3)(g) pH: shall be normal for waters in the area, which generally shall range between
6.8 and 8.5 except that swamp waters may have a pH as low as 4.3 if it is the result of natural
conditions; (1) Turbidity: the turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity
exceeds this level due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be
increased.
Citation: 15A NCAC 028.0221
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity (including fishing, fish, and Primary Nursery Areas
(PNAs)), wildlife, and secondary contact recreation], and that activities must not cause water
pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
3. The effluent water from the dredge spoil shall not be released into open shellfish waters
unless Shellfish Sanitation and the DWR Washington (252-946-6481) or Wilmington (910-796-
7215) Regional Office, as applicable, are notified and provide approval prior to the release.
Citation: 15A NCAC 028.0221
Justification: In order to protect against impairment of water quality standards and best usage of
receiving and downstream waters, water quality based management practices must be
employed to protect against direct or indirect discharge of waste or other sources of water
pollution. Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation, agriculture, and
shellfishing for marketing purposes) and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
4. Canals or boat basins shall not be dredged beyond their original depth and width. The area shall
not be dredged to a depth deeper than the receiving water. In this case a boat basin is
authorized to a connecting depth of -5 feet Mean Low Water adjacent to the existing docking
facility.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation; agriculture); and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
5. All wetlands impacted by the placement of temporary construction equipment, materials and/or
clearing activities shall be restored to the preconstruction contours and elevations. The
impacted areas shall be revegetated with appropriate native species including woody species.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 5 of 12
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation, agriculture), and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
6. 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)
Justification: Timely reporting of non-compliance is important in identifying and minimizing
detrimental impacts to water quality and avoiding impacts due to water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
7. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the footprint
of the approved impacts (including temporary impacts).
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506; 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival,
and maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife; secondary contact recreation; agriculture); and
that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or
long-term basis.
8. 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
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 6 of 12
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 04B .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCACO28.0200; 15A NCAC 02B
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses; and (21) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units
(NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs
designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity
shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions,
the existing turbidity level shall not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids,
fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present
in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
9. 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 028.0200; 15A NCAC 02B
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses; and (21) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units
(NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs
designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity
shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions,
the existing turbidity level shall not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids,
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 7 of 12
fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present
in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
10. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used
along streambanks or within wetlands.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses
(including aquatic life propagation and biological integrity), and the water quality to protect
such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to ensure any remaining surface waters or
wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands downstream, continue to support existing uses
during and after project completion. The Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided and
minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of standards, or would
result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
11. 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 028.0200; 15A NCAC 02B
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses; and (21) turbidity in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units
(NTU) in streams not designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs
designated as trout waters; for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity
shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions,
the existing turbidity level shall not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids,
fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3) Materials producing color or odor shall not be present
in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses.
12. 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. If multiple
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 8 of 12
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)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that structures are installed
properly in waters will ensure that surface water quality standards are met and conditions of
waters are suitable for all best uses.
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian areas
and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all other Federal,
State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a manner that
minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters.
Citation: 15A 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC 02B .0231
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 9 of 12
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not
be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses, and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses.
14. 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
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not
be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses.
15. 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)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Protections are necessary to ensure any
remaining surface waters or wetlands, and any surface waters or wetlands downstream,
continue to support existing uses after project completion.
16. 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)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 10 of 12
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that structures are installed
properly in waters will ensure that surface water quality standards are met and conditions of
waters are suitable for all best uses.
17. 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)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the
activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation
of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
18. 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 028.0201
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the
activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation
of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
19. 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 028.0200, 15A NCAC 028
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 11 of 12
Oils, deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render
the waters injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or
adversely affect the palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated
uses. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not
be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses, and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse
impacts on existing wetland uses.
20. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be taken
to minimize soil disturbance and compaction.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 028.0231
Justification: Wetland standards require maintenance or enhancement of existing uses of
wetlands such that hydrologic conditions necessary to support natural biological and physical
characteristics are protected, populations of wetland flora and fauna are maintained to protect
biological integrity of the wetland; and materials or substances are not present in amounts that
may cause adverse impact on existing wetland uses.
21. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the permittee shall report any petroleum spill of 25 gallons or
more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any petroleum spill
regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any petroleum spill less
than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); N.C.G.S 143-215.85(b)
Justification: Person(s) owning or having control over oil or other substances upon notice of
discharge must immediately notify the Department, or any of its agents or employees, of the
nature, location, and time of the discharge and of the measures which are being taken or are
proposed to be taken to contain and remove the discharge. This action is required in order to
contain or divert the substances to prevent entry into the surface waters. Surface water quality
standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule
(including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological
integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation; agriculture), and that activities must not cause
water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
22. The permittee and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance with
§303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and Federal
Law.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the
activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation
of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!ll 127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Carolint 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215

DocuSign Envelope ID: 6DACF21A-073A-42AF-8119-D5DOOA17E6EO North Carolina Ports Authority
DWR# 20041238v7
Individual Certification #WQC005183
Page 12 of 12
23. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this certification in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or maintenance
of this project with a copy of this Water Quality Certification. A copy of this Water Quality
Certification shall be available at the project site during the construction and maintenance of
this project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Those actually performing the work should be aware of the requirements of this
401 Water Quality Certification to minimize water quality impacts.
This approval to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in
your application shall expire upon expiration of the 404 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 20th day of September 2022
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
�cOA,
7F141E73B6F3456...
Tom Tharrington
Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
TT/J P
D � ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
127 Cardinal Drive Ext. I Wilmington, North Caroling 28405
NORTH CAROLINA 910.796.7215
nepe .mo F.w. wquay

Permit Class
MODIFICATION/MAJOR
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Environmental Quality
and
Coastal Resources Commission
V er m it
for
Permit Number
120-13
��C�IlrpcF-;
Nov ; <
X Major Development in an Area of Environmental Concern
pursuant to NCGS I I3A-118
X Excavation and/or filling pursuant to NCGS 113-229
Issued to North Carolina State Ports Authority, PO Box 9002, Wilmington, NC 28402
Authorizing development in Carteret County ad* to State Port MHD City and the Newport River, in
Morehead City as requested in the permittee's application dtd 7/5/22 (MP-1) & 7/7/22 (MP-2), incl attached
workplan drawings (3), Fig 1,3 of 3 both dtd 6/2 & Proposed Pipeline Corridor dtd "Rec MP Section MHD 9/9/22".
This permit, issued on October 26, 2022 , is subject to compliance with the application (where consistent
with the permit), all applicable regulations, special conditions and notes set forth below. Any violation of these terms may
be subject to tines, imprisonment or ctvu action; or may cause the permit io re nun ana voia.
Excavation Expansion
1) In accordance with commitments made by the permittee and in order to protect juvenile shrimp and
finfish populations, no excavation or filling shall be permitted between April I and September 30 of
any year without the prior approval of the Division of Coastal Management, in consultation with
appropriate resource agencies.
2) No excavation shall take place outside of the area indicated on the workplan drawings.
3) Excavation shall not exceed -14 feet below the mean lower low water level. In no case shall the depth
of excavation exceed the depth of connecting waters.
(See attached sheets for additional conditions)
This permit action may be appealed by the permittee or other
qualified persons within twenty (20) days of the issuing date.
This permit must be accessible on -site to Department
personnel when the project is inspected for compliance.
Any maintenance work or project modification not covered
hereunder requires further Division approval.
All work must cease when the permit expires on
October 26, 2027
In issuing this permit, the State of North Carolina agrees that
your project is consistent with the North Carolina Coastal
Management Program.
Signed by the authority of the Secretary of DEQ and the Chair
of the Coastal Resources Commission.
z_///10-1�
Braxton C. Davis, Director
Division of Coastal Management
This permit an ' conditions are hereby accepted.
s—�
Signature of Permittee

North Carolina State Ports Authority Permit No. 120-13
Page 2 of 3
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
4) The temporary placement or double handling of excavated or fill materials within waters or vegetated
wetlands is not authorized.
5) No excavated or fill material shall be placed at any time in any vegetated wetlands/marsh or surrounding
waters outside of the alignment of the fill area indicated on the workplan drawings.
6) 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
National Response Center at [phone] and provisions of the North Carolina Oil Pollution and
Hazardous Substances Control Act will be followed.
NOTE: The permittee is advised that the dredge template and dredge material disposal site is in
proximity to shellfish resource identified by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries. A turbidity
monitoring plan is recommended to monitor any turbidity plume and its proximity to the
shellfish resource. Contact the NC Division of Marine Fisheries for more information.
Dredge Material Disposal
7) No dredge material shall be placed within 30 feet of the normal high-water line.
8) All excavated materials shall be confined above normal high water and landward of regularly or
irregularly flooded marsh behind adequate dikes or other retaining structures to prevent spillover of
solids into any marsh or surrounding waters. The barriers shall be maintained and functional until the
site is graded and stabilized.
9) The diked disposal area shall be constructed a sufficient distance from the normal high-water level or
any marsh and sufficiently maintained to eliminate the possibility of dike erosion or dredge material
deposition into surrounding wetlands or waters.
10) The disposal area effluent shall be contained by pipe, trough, or similar device to a point at or beyond
the normal low water level to prevent gully erosion and unnecessary siltation.
11) The terminal end of the pipeline shall be positioned at or greater than 50 feet from any part of the dike
and a maximum distance from spillways to allow settlement of suspended sediments.
12) A water control structure shall be installed at the intake end of the effluent pipe to assure compliance
with water quality standards.
13) The dredge material disposal area shall be inspected and approved by a representative of the Division of
Coastal Management prior to the commencement of any dredging activities.

North Carolina State Ports Authority Permit No. 120-13
Page 3 of 3
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Maintenance Clause
14) The Division of Coastal Management shall be notified in writing at least two (2) weeks in advance of
any maintenance excavation work authorized by this permit, and such notification shall include:
A. The number of the original permit.
B. A statement that no dimensional changes are proposed.
C. A copy of the original permit plans with cross -hatching indicating the area to be maintained, the
area to be used for dredge material disposal, and the estimated amount of material to be removed.
The location, design and holding capacity of the dredge material disposal site shall be approved
by a representative of the Division prior to the initiation of any maintenance dredging activities.
D. The date of map revision and the permittee's signature shown anew on the original plan.
General
15) This permit shall not be assigned, transferred, sold, or otherwise disposed of to a third party without the
written approval of the Division of Coastal Management.
16) The permittee and/or his or her contractor shall meet with a representative of the Division prior to
project initiation.
17) All debris associated with the removal or construction of the permitted development shall be contained
within the authorized project area and removed to an appropriate upland location.
18) This Major Modification shall be attached to Permit No. 120-13, which was issued to the permittee on
11/18/13, as well as all subsequent modifications, refinements, and renewals, and copies of all
documents shall be readily available on site when a Division representative inspects the project for
compliance.
19) All conditions and stipulations of the active permit remain in force, under this Major Modification,
unless specifically altered herein.
NOTE: This permit does not eliminate the need to obtain any additional state, federal or local permits,
approvals or authorizations that may be required, including, but not limited to any authorization
required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
NOTE: The Division of Water Resources assigned the proposed project DWR Project No. 2017-01680.
NOTE: An application processing fee of $475 was received by DCM for this project. This fee also
satisfied the Section 401 application processing fee requirements of the Division of Water
Resources.

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0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
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Figure 1. North Barge Fleeting Area Expansion Layout
Port of Morehead City
Northern Barge Fleeting Expansion
ng -14-ft Fleeting Area
ised -14-ft Expansion Area
used 3:1 slope
Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
June 2022
7

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7
8
9 Proposed Bathymetry Profile
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1
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2-3
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
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-4
Existing Bathymetry Profile
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8
Proposed Bathymetry Profile
w -10
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0 -12
Slope Proposed Fleeting Areaqq;;.Existing Fleeting Area
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-16
0 50 160 150 200 250 300
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Proposed Fleeting Area Existing Fleeting Area
c 29 c 0 50 100 150 200 250 300�
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M M
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Barge Fleeting Area Elevation (MLLW)
® Existing Fleeting Area Value
® Proposed Fleeting Area High :-2
0 150 300 450 600
Proposed 3:1 Slope Low :-30 Feet
Figure 3. Northern Barge Fleeting Expansion Area — Existing and Proposed
Bathymetry
Port of Morehead City Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.
Northern Barge Fleeting Expansion June 2022
0