20071868 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20071116

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TO: Steve Chapin, USACOE N~V 1 6 ZOu(
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
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FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator /" wE7UNOSM~STOfsi~~~<~ABRANCH
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: November 13, 200?
SUBJECT: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke), Bridgewater Powerhouse (Linville Dam)
Construction Project (FERC No. 2232), Catawba River/Old Linville River, DWQ
No. 20071868, Burke County
The applicant proposes to construct a new hydroelectric powerhouse below Lake James.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) are familiar with
habitat values in the area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the
Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the
North Carolina Environmental Policy Act {G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The Linville Dam project will involve demolition of the old powerhouse and construction of a
new powerhouse including needed embankment stability. Jurisdictional stream impacts
associated with the project total 632 linear feet impacts of which 230 are permanent.
Jurisdictional wetland impacts will be 0.013 acres. A cofferdam will be used to temporarily
dewater the river during tailrace construction. Compensatory mitigation will be provided by
payment to the Ecosystem Enhancement Program {EEP) in lieu of onsite mitigation. Wild
Brown and some wild Rainbow trout are known for this segment of river although waters in the
area are Hatchery Supported (stocked).
Based on our review of the submittal, we will not object to the project as proposed providing the
following conditions are implemented:
1. In channel stream work and land disturbance within the 25-foot wide buffer zone are
prohibited during the trout spawning seasons of October 15 through April 15 to
protect the egg and fry stages of trout. If trout moratorium waivers are needed for
this project, Duke should contact NCWRC District-8 fishery biologists to discuss
alternative protective actions.
2. Culverts 48" or larger should be buried a foot into the streambed. Culverts less than
48 inches in diameter should be buried to a depth equal to or greater than 20% their
size to allow for aquatic life passage. These measurements must be based on natural
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] Fag: {919) 707-0028

Bridgewater Powerhouse 404 -Page 2 - November 13, 2007
thalweg depths. Aquatic life passage should be ensured during low stream flow or
drought conditions. Any riprap used must not interfere with aquatic life movement
during low flows.
3. Sediment and erosion control measures should adhere to the design standards for
sensitive watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0124).
4. If any concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does
not contact stream water.
5. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing
pollutants into the water. If equipment must be used in waters, petroleum spill
containment equipment should be readily available. Equipment should be new or
low-hour, clean and well maintained.
6. Sate-of--the-art natural channel design methodologies should be incorporated into any
stream/channel restorations or relocations. Temporarily impacted waters should be
restored to preconstruction conditions unless alternate natural channel designs
determine better site restoration options.
7. Only autochthonous (native) plants should be used for vegetating disturbed areas.
Restored streams and stream banks should be planted with autochthonous (native)
plants like silky dogwood, rhododendron, dog hobble, red maple, silky willow, tag
alder, black willow, sycamore, river birch, or other native woody species to enhance
shading and stability. Maximum available forested buffers should be provided.
8. We encourage the use of biodegradable natural fiber matting instead of plastic
matting to minimize impingement and entrapment of small wildlife. Onsite
vegetation and materials may be used for stream bank stabilization when practicable.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
Cc: Cyndi Karoly, DWQ-Central Office
E-copy: Kevin Barnett, DWQ-ARO