20240462 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20240327

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51 C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD1 OF49B
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. B1SER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
Mr. Patrick. Breedlove
NCDOT Division 14 PDEA Engineer
253 Webster Road
Sylva, NC 28779
[e-mail]
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
March 27, 2024
DWR # 20240462
Polk County
Subject: APPROVAL OF 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION WITH ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
NCDOT Project: BP14.R042.3 , Bridge 13 on SR 1128
Dear Mr. Breedlove:
You have our approval for the impacts listed below for the purpose described in your application
received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) on March 25, 2024. These impacts are covered by
the Water Quality General Certification Number 4135 and the conditions listed below. This certification
is associated with the use of Regional General Permit 50 once it is issued to you by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. Please note that you should get any other federal, state or local permits before
proceeding with your project, including those required by (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion
Control, Non -Discharge, and Water Supply Watershed regulations.
The Division has determined that the proposed project will comply with water quality requirements
provided that you adhere to the conditions listed in General Certification 4135 and to the additional
conditions below.
The following proposed impacts are hereby approved. No other impacts are approved, including
incidental impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]
Stream Impacts in the Broad River Basin
Site
Bank Stabilization to Perennial
Stream (linear ft)
Temporary Dewatering to Perennial
Stream (linear ft)
Total Stream Impact
(linear ft)
Total
97
20
117
Total Stream Impact for Project: 117 linear feet.
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 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)].
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NOR1H CAROL Na 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD10F49B
If you are unable to comply with any of the conditions of the Water Quality General Certification or with
the additional conditions below, you must notify the NCDWR Transportation Permitting Branch 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 NC Division of Water Resources 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.
Additional Conditions:
1. As a condition of this 401 Water Quality Certification, the bridge demolition and construction must be
accomplished in strict compliance with the most recent version of NCDOT's Best Management Practices
for Construction and Maintenance Activities. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5)]
2. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed across
the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means (grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes,
vegetated buffers, etc.) before entering the stream. To meet the requirements of NCDOT's NPDES
permit NCS0000250, please refer to the most recent version of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation Stormwater Best Management Practices Toolbox manual for approved measures. [15A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5)]
3. The post -construction removal of any temporary bridge structures must return the project site to its
preconstruction contours and elevations. The impacted areas shall be revegetated with appropriate
native species. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
4. No drill slurry or water that has been in contact with uncured concrete shall be allowed to enter
surface waters. This water shall be captured, treated, and disposed of properly. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(3)]
5. A turbidity curtain will be installed in the stream if driving or drilling activities occur within the stream
channel, on the stream bank, or within 5 feet of the top of bank, or during the removal of bents from an
old bridge. This condition can be waived with prior approval from the NCDWR. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(3)]
6. For projects impacting waters classified by the NC Environmental Management Commission as Trout
(Tr), stormwater shall be directed to vegetated buffer areas, grass -lined ditches or other means
appropriate to the site for the purpose of pre -treating storm water runoff prior to discharging directly
into streams. Mowing of existing vegetated buffers is strongly discouraged. [15A NCAC 0213.0224 and
0225]
7. The permittee shall use Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 4B.0124[a]-[e]) in areas
draining to Trout waters. However, due to the size of the project, the NCDOT shall not be required to
meet 15A NCAC 4B .0124(a) regarding the maximum amount of uncovered acres.
8. NCDOT shall be in compliance with the NCS00250 issued to the NCDOT, including the applicable
requirements of the NCG01000. Please note the extra protections for the sensitive watersheds.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D � 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoalHCaao_wa 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD10F49B
9. This project has the potential to impact trout waters or other aquatic species of concern. No
construction activities shall begin until the NCWRC makes a determination regarding moratoria. Should
the NCWRC determine that a moratorium is applicable then the requirements of any moratorium(s)
shall be a condition of this 401 Certification. If the NCDOT does not wish to honor the moratorium, then
a written modification shall be submitted. [15A NCAC 2H.0506 & 15A NCAC 4B.0125]
10. If concrete is used during construction, a dry work area shall be maintained to prevent direct contact
between curing concrete and stream water. Water that inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall
not be discharged to surface waters due to the potential for elevated pH and possible aquatic life and
fish kills. [15A NCAC 0213.0200]
11. For all streams being impacted due to site dewatering activities, the site shall be graded to its
preconstruction contours and revegetated with appropriate native species. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
12. During the construction of the project, no staging of equipment of any kind is permitted in waters of
the U.S., or protected riparian buffers. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
13. The dimension, pattern and profile of the stream above and below the crossing shall not be
modified. Disturbed floodplains and streams shall be restored to natural geomorphic conditions. [15A
NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
14. The use of rip -rap above the Normal High Water Mark shall be minimized. Any rip -rap placed for
stream stabilization shall be placed in stream channels in such a manner that it does not impede aquatic
life passage. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
15. The Permittee shall ensure that the final design drawings adhere to the permit and to the permit
drawings submitted for approval. [15A NCAC 02H .0507 (c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. All work in or adjacent to stream waters shall be conducted in a dry work area. Approved BMP
measures from the most current version of NCDOT Construction and Maintenance Activities manual
such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams and other diversion structures shall be used to prevent
excavation in flowing water. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
17.Heavy equipment shall be operated from the banks rather than in the stream channel in order to
minimize sedimentation and reduce the introduction of other pollutants into the stream. [15A NCAC
02H.0506(b)(3)]
18. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters must be regularly inspected and
maintained to prevent contamination of stream waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other
toxic materials. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
19. No rock, sand or other materials shall be dredged from the stream channel except where authorized
by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
20. Discharging hydroseed mixtures and washing out hydroseeders and other equipment in or adjacent
to surface waters is prohibited. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D � 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoalHCaao_wa 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD10F49B
21. The permittee and its authorized agents shall conduct its 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. If the NCDWR
determines that such standards or laws are not being met (including the failure to sustain a designated
or achieved use) or that State or federal law is being violated, or that further conditions are necessary to
assure compliance, the NCDWR may reevaluate and modify this certification. [15A NCAC 0213.0200]
22. A copy of this Water Quality Certification shall be maintained on the construction site at all times. In
addition, the Water Quality Certification and all subsequent modifications, if any, shall be maintained
with the Division Engineer and the on -site project manager. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c) and 15A NCAC 02H
.0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
21. The outside buffer, wetland or water boundary located within the construction corridor approved by
this authorization, including all non-commercial borrow and waste sites associated with the project,
shall be clearly marked by highly visible fencing prior to any land disturbing activities. Impacts to areas
within the fencing are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by this certification. [15A NCAC 02H.0501
and .0502]
22. The issuance of this certification does not exempt the Permittee from complying with any and all
statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances that may be imposed by other government agencies (i.e. local,
state, and federal) having jurisdiction, including but not limited to applicable buffer rules, stormwater
management rules, soil erosion and sedimentation control requirements, etc.
23. The Permittee shall report any violations of this certification to the Division of Water Resources
within 24 hours of discovery. [15A NCAC 02B.0506(b)(2)]
24. Upon completion of the project (including any impacts at associated borrow or waste sites), the
NCDOT Division Engineer shall complete and return the "Certification of Completion Form" to notify the
NCDWR when all work included in the 401 Certification has been completed. [15A NCAC 02H.0502(f)]
25. Native riparian vegetation must be reestablished in the riparian areas within the construction limits
of the project by the end of the growing season following completion of construction. [15A NCAC
02B.0506(b)(2)]
26. There shall be no excavation from, or waste disposal into, jurisdictional wetlands or waters
associated with this permit without appropriate modification. Should waste or borrow sites, or access
roads to waste or borrow sites, be located in wetlands or streams, compensatory mitigation will be
required since that is a direct impact from road construction activities. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and
(c)(3)]
27. Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications governing
the proper design, installation and operation and maintenance of such Best Management Practices in
order to protect surface waters standards [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]:
a. The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed, installed,
operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina
Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D � 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoalHCaao_wa 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD10F49B
b. The design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control
measures must be such that they equal, or exceed, the requirements specified in the most
recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual. The devices
shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects,
including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
c. For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures must be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the
North Carolina Surface Mining Manual.
d. The reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in
accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act.
28. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or surface waters, or within
5 feet of the top of bank, without prior approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
29. 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0506{b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B .0200]
30. 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 NCDOTSediment 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 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, Trout, WS-
1, WS-11, High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), or 303(d) Impaired Waters,
then the sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in 15A
NCAC 0413.0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watershed. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3); GC
4135]
This approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested [G.S. 143-215.5]. Please be aware
that impacting waters without first applying for and securing the issuance of a 401 Water Quality
Certification violates Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 2H .0500. Title 15A
NCAC 2H .0500 requires certifications pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act whenever
construction or operation of facilities will result in a discharge into navigable waters, including wetlands,
as described in 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 323. It also states any person desiring
issuance of the State certification or coverage under a general certification required by Section 401 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall file with the Director of the North Carolina Division of
Water Quality. Pursuant to G.S. 143-215.6A, these violations and any future violations are subject to a
civil penalty assessment of up to a maximum of $25,000.00 per day for each violation.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D � 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoalHCaaD_NA 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 51C94071-3C88-4F56-AE45-EAOBBD10F49B
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 (919) 431-
3000.
A party filing a Petition must serve a copy of the Petition on:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
If the party filing the Petition is not the permittee, then the party must also serve the recipient of the
Certification in accordance with N.C.G.S 15013-23(a).
This letter completes the review of the Division under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC
02H .0500. Please contact Rob Ridings at rob. [e-mail] or 919-707-8786 if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
6S{ (,y Ut, C,alVpwt {t v
A56BMDFF7B3486...
Richard E. Rogers Jr, Director
Division of Water Resources
cc
Crystal Amschler, USACE Asheville Regulatory Office ([e-mail])
Kevin Barnett, NCDOT Division 14 Environmental Supervisor ([e-mail])
Dave McHenry, NC Wildlife Resources Commission ([e-mail])
File Copy
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
D � 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoalH caaD NAA 919.707.9000