20240227 Ver 1_ePCN Application_20240205

i DWR
Division of Water Resources
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form
For Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits
(along with corresponding Water Quality Certifications)
October 2, 2023 Ver 4.3
Initial Review
Has this project met the requirements for acceptance in to the review process?
Yes No
Is this project a public transportation project?*
Yes No
Change only If needed.
Does this project involve maintenance dredging funded by the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund or involve the distribution or transmission of energy or
fuel, including natural gas, diesel, petroleum, or electricity?
Yes No
BIMS # Assigned
Version# *
20240227
1
Is a payment required for this project?*
No payment required
What amount is owed?*
Fee received
$240.00 $570.00
Fee needed - send electronic notification
$323.00 $767.00
Reviewing Office*
Select Project Reviewer*
Raleigh Regional Office - [phone]
Zachary Thomas:zachary.thomas
Information for Initial Review
la. Name of project:
Big Branch 2 Force Main and Pump Station
1a. Who is the Primary Contact?*
Keven Duerr
1b. Primary Contact Email: * 1c. Primary Contact Phone:*
[e-mail] [phone]
Date Submitted
2/5/2024
Nearest Body of Water
Big Branch, White Oak Creek, Little White Oak Creek
Basin
Cape Fear
Water Classification
C
Site Coordinates
Latitude: Longitude:
35.677944-78.911341
A. Processing Information
Is this project connected with ARPA funding?
Yes No
County (or Counties) where the project is located:
Wake
Is this a NCDMS Project
Yes No
Is this project a public transportation project?*
Yes No
O

1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps:
Section 404 Permit (wetlands, streams and waters, Clean Water Act)
Section 10 Permit (navigable waters, tidal waters, Rivers and Harbors Act)
Has this PCN previously been submitted?*
Yes
No
1b. What type(s) of permit(s) do you wish to seek authorization?
Nationwide Permit (NWP)
Regional General Permit (RGP)
Standard (IP)
1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps?
Yes No
Nationwide Permit (NWP) Number:
NWP Numbers (for multiple NWPS):
1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWR:
401 Water Quality Certification - Regular
Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
58 - Utility Line Activities for Water and Other Substances (frequently used)
le. Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required?
For the record only for DWR 401 Certification:
For the record only for Corps Permit:
1f. Is this an after -the -fact permit application? *
Yes No
1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
Yes No
fig. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts?
Yes No
1h. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties?
Yes No
1j. Is the project located in a designated trout watershed?
Yes No
B. Applicant Information
401 Water Quality Certification - Express
Riparian Buffer Authorization
1d. Who is applying for the permit?
Owner Applicant (other than owner)
le. Is there an Agent/Consultant for this project?
Yes No
2. Owner Information
2a. Name(s) on recorded deed:
Town of Apex
2b. Deed book and page no.:
Utility easement
2c. Contact Person:
Marty Stone, PE
2d. Address
Street Address
105 B Upchurch Street
Address Line 2
City State / Province / Region
Apex NC
Postal/Zip Code Country
27502 United States
Yes No
Yes No

2e. Telephone Number:
[phone]
2g. Email Address:*
[e-mail]
4. Agent/Consultant (if applicable)
4a. Name:
Keven Duerr
4b. Business Name:
4c. Address
Street Address
4011 WestChase Blvd., Suite 500
Address Line 2
City
Raleigh
Postal / Zip Code
27607
4d. Telephone Number:
[phone]
4f. Email Address:
[e-mail]
C. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Project Information
1b. Subdivision name:
(if appropriate)
1c. Nearest municipality / town:
Apex
2. Project Identification
2a. Property Identification Number:
utility easement
2c. Project Address
Street Address
Address Line 2
city
Postal / Zip Code
3. Surface Waters
3a. Name of the nearest body of water to proposed project:
Big Branch, White Oak Creek, Little White Oak Creek
3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving water:
C
3c. What river basin(s) is your project located in?*
Cape Fear
3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is located.
030300040102
4. Project Description and History
2f. Fax Number:
State / Province / Region
NC
Country
United States
4e. Fax Number:
2b. Property size:
38.5
State / Province / Region
Country
4a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: *
The project is located in the southwesternmost portion of the Town of Apex in western Wake County. The project area includes undeveloped woods, existing utility and roadway corridors,
portions of rural residential properties, and a portion of the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF). The project vicinity consists of similar land uses to the project
area as well as suburban residential subdivisions, of which some are under construction at this time.
4b. Have Corps permits or DWR certifications been obtained for this project (including all prior phases) in the past?
Yes No Unknown
a

4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
0.08
4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams on the property:
900
4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:'
The Town of Apex seeks to replace four small PSs with the proposed Big Branch 2 Pump Station (PS) and associated force main (FM). The replacement of four PSs with one PS will help
to streamline operations and maintenance for the Town. The four PSs currently transfer water from the Cape Fear River basin to the Nauss River basin. The interbasin transfer will be
eliminated by the proposed project, as the wastewater will be generated, treated, and discharged in the Cape Fear River basin. Additionally, the proposed Big Branch 2 PS will provide
adequate capacity to meet the projected demands of the service area in 2040 with the capability to be expanded to meet the demands at build -out of the service area.
41. Describe the overall project in detail, including indirect impacts and the type of equipment to be used: *
The proposed project consists of a new wastewater PS and FM in the southwestern portion of Apex, Wake County, North Carolina. The proposed project will connect to a sanitary sewer
line to be constructed as part of a separate project that will extend to the proposed PS entrance gate. The access road to the PS is proposed to connect to Old Holly Springs Apex Rd at
the NC 540 interchange and run approximately 2,500 feet west to the proposed PS site.
The proposed FM extends northwest then west from the proposed PS to a crossing under US Highway 1 (US 1) immediately west of the US 1 and NC 540 interchange. The FM corridor
parallels the north side of US Highway 1 to the southwest to the New Hill Holleman Road interchange. The FM corridor turns west then north to follow an existing utility corridor to the north
side of the WWRWRF. The proposed FM will connect to the existing influent structure at the WWRWRF. The proposed FM from the PS to the WWRWRF is 26,014 feet in length.
The FM shall consist of twin, parallel, 20-inch diameter sewers from the PS to the WWRWRF parcel boundary, a length of approximately 22,803 feet. The twin sewers will join, and flow
shall continue through a single, 24-inch diameter sewer to the WWRWRF influent structure. The pipes shall be PVC for the majority of the length. Where necessary to ensure stable joints
and turns in the pipes, ductile iron joints will be used. The PVC pipes shall be encased in a steel carrier pipe at the crossings under US 1, Friendship Road, New Hill Holleman Road, and
existing gas transmission lines. With the exception of the listed road crossings, the pipe will be installed via open -cut trench. The listed road crossings shall be installed via bore and jack.
The PS is proposed to provide up to 4 million gallons per day (mgd) of capacity, utilizing a combination of high -flow and low -flow pumps for operational flexibility as demand grows. In
addition to the PS, the PS infrastructure includes a chemical building, an electrical building, back-up generator, and odor control. The PS site shall contain an access road, FM and
waterline that will roughly parallel the access road and feed into the PS, perimeter fence, stormwater pond with outlet, and retaining wall.
The FM will be installed with a minimum cover of 4 feet for the majority of its length. Stream crossings will have minimum cover of 3 feet, and manholes will be set with a minimum of 5 feet
of cover.
The project crosses two (2) wetlands and fourteen (14) streams, including Big Branch, White Oak Creek, and Little White Oak Creek. The unnamed tributaries (UTs) in the project area
drain to the aforementioned named streams as well as to a second Big Branch, which is located west of the project area and is a direct tributary to Shearon Harris Reservoir. One stream
(stream SKA, a UT to Big Branch) will be culverted to accommodate the PS access road. The remainder of the streams and wetlands are located along the FM corridor and will be
temporarily impacted by the pipe installation and permanently impacted by the permanent access corridor.
Anti -seep collars will be installed on the FM at the wetland/upland boundaries. No wetland crossings exceed 150 feet in length; therefore, anti -seep collars are proposed for the
wetland/upland boundary only for each of the three wetland crossings. Anti -seep collars shall be cast -in -place concrete, and the contractor shall ensure that no live concrete comes into
contact with surface waters. Permanent impacts to wetlands are proposed to consist of establishment of permanent, 15-foot-wide, maintained access corridor along the FM, being
characterized by placement of stone fill. The stone fill will be placed such that the top elevation matches the existing land surface elevation and shall provide stability and reduced
degradation of the abutting wetland area over time due to maintenance vehicle use.
Stream impacts will include temporary construction impacts and permanent impacts. The permanent impacts consist of a 10-foot-wide, riprap-lined ford to accommodate future
maintenance access along the pipeline. The ford requires that the streambanks be laid back to attain a suitable slope for safe vehicular passage; see sheet EC15 for details on the
proposed fords and slope per stream. The ford will consist of riprap embedded in the stream bed, keyed in to the bed elevation to ensure aquatic life movement and maintenance of low
flows across the ford. The downstream face of the ford will consist of a rock sill embedded in the streambed. The top elevation of the ford and rock sill will match the elevation of the
thalweg of the stream.
Erosion and sediment control measures will be utilized onsite to manage stormwater runoff and prevent indirect impacts to surface waters and degradation of water quality. Erosion and
sediment control measures will be installed prior to commencing land -disturbing activities. Regular weekly inspections and maintenance will be performed to ensure the efficacy of the
devices. Inspections will also be performed following any rain event that generates greater than one inch of rainfall.
The PS site, including the access road, will utilize the following measures: temporary slope drains; inlet protection for yard inlets; sediment basin with skimmer and baffles; lined,
stormwater drainage channels with wattles to trap sediments; riprap outlet protection at downstream end of aforementioned channels and the outlet from the sediment basin; and silt fence.
Rock check dams and a temporary pump -around system will be used in stream SKA to establish and maintain a dry work area. The temporary pump -around will discharge clean stream
water onto a stable riprap pad and the water from within the work area into a filter bag or similar device. The temporary riprap pad will be installed along the stream bank, not to encroach
on or below the Ordinary High -Water Mark.
Erosion and sediment control measures to be implemented along the FM are as follows. Silt fence and tree protection fence will run the length of the corridor with stabilized stone outlets at
regular intervals. The construction entrances will be stabilized with stone to minimize soil disturbance and tracking soil offsite. Temporary coir matting is prescribed on steep slopes.
The approach to a stream or wetland will include a double row of silt fence that crosses the pipe centerlines with stabilized stone outlets upslope of the jurisdictional feature. Temporary
pump -around systems will be utilized for all jurisdictional stream crossings to establish and maintain a dry work area. Permanent crossings of streams and wetlands will be installed to
facilitate future operations and maintenance access needs. The permanent crossings will consist of at -grade stone, measuring 10 feet wide in streams and 15 feet wide in the wetland, and
an embedded rock sill abutting the downstream side of the crossing stone in streams. The rock sill will protect against future scour of the streambed.
Construction access to the FM corridor will be achieved from existing roadways, including Old Holly Springs Apex Road, Woodfield Dead End Road, Winding Way, Friendship Road, New
Hill Holleman Road, and US 1. The PS access road will provide the access point from Old Holly Springs Apex Road. New temporary access roads and or construction entrances will be
developed at Winding Way and at four locations along US 1. The corridor will be accessed directly from the roadway along the other roads.
Crossing of the streams and wetlands by the waterline will not result in the net loss of jurisdictional waters. Stream crossings will be performed within 15 degrees of perpendicular to the
maximum extent feasible. A near -perpendicular crossing is not feasible for one of the two parallel pipes at stream impact sites S5/S6 (stream SKC) due to the natural meander of the
stream. A near -perpendicular crossing is not feasible at stream impact sites S19/S20 (stream SLB) and S21/S22 (stream SLA) due to the natural topography, proximity of the two channels
to each other, and proximity of the NCDOT right-of-way.
Equipment anticipated to be used to construct the proposed project includes, but is not limited to, cranes, excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, and dump trucks. Due to the depth of
the force main and the geology of the area, blasting is anticipated to be necessary to fracture subsurface rock to facilitate construction of the proposed PS and/or FM. Blasting will be
confined to the minimum space needed to accommodate pipe installation. The specific blasting locations will be dictated by subsurface conditions.
Indirect impacts associated with installation of the sewer are anticipated to be negligible since construction of the proposed project will not induce growth but is required to meet current
and future demands of the service area. Furthermore, indirect impacts associated with the ongoing growth int he service area will be managed in accordance with the Town's Secondary
and Cumulative Impact Master Management Plan (December 2014).
5. Jurisdictional Determinations
5a. Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the property or proposed impact areas? *
Yes
Comments:
No
5b. If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made? *
Preliminary Approved Not Verified Unknown N/A
Corps AID Number:
O Unknown

5c. If 5a is yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas?
Name (if known): Keven Duerr and Linda Diebolt
Agency/Consultant Company: Hazen and Sawyer
Other:
6. Future Project Plans
6a. Is this a phased project?*
Yes No
Are any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permits(s) used, or intended to be used, to authorize any part of the proposed project or related activity?
D. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1a. Where are the impacts associated with your project? (check all that apply):
Wetlands Streams -tributaries Buffers
Open Waters Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
2a1 Reason (?)
2b. Impact type* (?)
�2c. Type of W. *
2d. W. name
2e. Forested*
2f. Type of Jurisdicition *
?)
2g. Impact
area
W1
Utility easement-
conversion
t
mland Hardwood Forest
F
WLB
Yes
Both
0.010
(acres)
W2
Utility installation
T
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
WLB
Yes
Both
0.014
(acres)
W3
Utility easement -
conversion
P
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
WLA
No
Both
0.009
(acres)
W4
Utility installation
T
fftt hwater Marsh
WLA
t—A
Both
0.035
(acres)
2g. Total Temporary Wetland Impact
0.049
2g. Total Wetland Impact
0.068
2i. Comments:
3. Stream Impacts
2g. Total Permanent Wetland Impact
0.019
3a. Reason for impact (?)
3b.lmpact type*
3c. Type of impact*
3d. S. name*
3e. Stream Type*
3f. Type of
3g. S. width
3h. Impact
❑
Jurisdiction *
length
S1
Access road to PS
Permanent
Culvert
SKA - UT1 to Big Branch
Perennial
Both
155
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
g2
Access road to PS
Temporary
Other
SKA - UT1 to Big Branch
Perennial
Both
48
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S3
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
Big Branch
Perennial
Both
25
13
access
Average (feel)
(linear feet)
S4
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
Big Branch
Perennial
Both
25
38
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
SS
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SKC - UT2 to Big Branch
Intermittent
Both
15
access
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S6
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
SKC -UT2 to Big Branch
Intermittent
Both
47
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
g7
Utility easement -permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SLE - UT1 to White Oak
Intermittent
Both
28
32
access
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
gg
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
SLE - UT1 to White Oak
Intermittent
Both
28
42
Creek
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)

S9
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SKF - UT2 to White Oak
Intermittent
Both
10
10
access
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S10
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation �]
SKF - UT2 to White Oak
Intermittent
Both
10
21
Creek
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S11
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
ffZp Fill
fitaOak Creek
Intermittent
Both
9
10
access
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S12
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation _]
White Oak Creek
Intermittent
Both
40
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
�3�Utility
easement - permanent
Permanent
FZp Fill
SKE - UT3 to White Oak
Intermittent
Both
4
12
access
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S14
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
FSKE-T3 toWhite Oak
Intermittent
Both
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S15
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SLC - UT1 to Little White Oak
Intermittent
Both
18
access
Creek
Average (feel)
(linear feet)
�6�Utility
installation
Temporary
Excavation
SLC - UT1 to Little White Oak
Intermittent
Both
44
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S17
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
f"ite Oak Creek
Perennial
Both
15
13
access
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S18
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
Little White Oak Creek
Perennial
Both
15
53
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S19
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
LB - UT2 to Little White Oak
Perennial
Both
9
17
access
Creek
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S20
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
SLB -UT2 to Little White Oak
Perennial
Both
9
63
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S21
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SLA -UT3 to Little White Oak
Intermittent
Both
19
access
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S22
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
SLA -UT3 to Little White Oak
Intermittent
Both
5
112
Creek
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
flUtility
easement -per
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SC - UT1 to Big Branch
Intermittent
Both
12
access
(western)
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S24
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
SC - UT1 to Big Branch
Intermittent
Both
7
42
(western)
Averege (feet)
(linear feet)
S25
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SA - UT2 to Big Branch
Perennial
Both
15
13
access
(western)
Averege (reef)
(iinear feet)
�6�Utility
installation
Temporary
Excavation
SA - UT2 to Big Branch
Perennial
Both
15
38
(western)
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
S27
Utility easement - permanent
Permanent
Rip Rap Fill
SB - UT3) to Big Branch
Intermittent
Both
14
access
(western)
Ave age (feet)
(linear feet)
S2g
Utility installation
Temporary
Excavation
=UT3)Branch
ntermittent
Both
Average (feet)
(linear feet)
3i. Total jurisdictional ditch impact in square feet:
3i. Total permanent stream impacts:
353
3i. Total stream and ditch impacts:
997
3j. Comments:
E. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
3i. Total temporary stream impacts:
644
O

la. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing the project:
Delineation of jurisdictional areas and identification of sensitive resources occurred early in the design process. Avoidance of all impacts is possible only
with a no -build alternative, which does not meet the need of the project. The limits of disturbance of the project have been reduced to the extent feasible
to minimize impacts to waters of the US and private properties. Further reduction would render the pipelines not constructible due to the depth of the FM.
Installation of the FM and of the PS access road cannot be completed without in -water work. Stream crossings were designed to minimize the limits of
disturbance with crossings within 15 degrees of perpendicular, where feasible. Erosion and sediment control measures are included in the project design
to protect water quality downstream of the construction corridor.
Three alternatives for the PS location and four alternatives for the FM corridor associated with the selected PS site were evaluated during the early
phase of project design. Big Branch PS site 12, named for the subbasin it would directly serve, was eliminated due to the depth required for the pumps
and FM. Site 12 is at a higher elevation than the selected site, would require extensive grading and taller retaining walls, and has potential issues with
structural integrity of the PS and with stormwater runoff. The Town opted to pursue a combination of Big Branch PS site 1 and Big Branch PS site 2. Big
Branch PS site 1 is being designed and permitted as a separate project by others. Big Branch PS site 2 consists of the herein proposed PS location.
Four routes were evaluated for the FM corridor from the selected PS site to the W WRWRF. The selected route is Route 1. Route 2 is similar to Route 1
but is situated within the NCDOT right-of-way along the north side of US 1. NCDOT declined the Town's request for a utility easement, effectively
eliminating the alternative. Routes 3 and 4 are situated on the south side of US 1. Both routes traverse a planned, large-scale development and
encroach into the Town of Holly Springs' extra -territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Coordination challenges with the proposed development and with the Town of
Holly Springs are significant, given that there is an alternative that avoids encroachment into these two areas. Additionally, Routes 3 and 4 impact a
greater number of parcels than Routes 1 or 2. Further, none of the alternative routes provide reduction in number of stream crossings, as the streams
within the project area generally flow from north to south across an east -west FM corridor.
1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques:
Best management practices for erosion and sediment control measures are specified in the project design. Measures include perimeter silt fence,
minimization of tree removal, and channel protection and restoration measures. The contractor shall perform inspections of erosion and sediment control
devices weekly and following rain events of 1 inch or greater and shall perform maintenance as needed to ensure maximum efficacy of all devices in
use. Vehicle and equipment maintenance activities are required to be performed outside of jurisdictional areas. Disturbed soils will be temporarily
stabilized if the disturbed area will not be final graded and permanently stabilized within a reasonable timeframe. Impacts to jurisdictional areas during
construction will be limited to the extent feasible by performing as much work as is possible from upland areas. Disturbed areas, including temporary
wetland and stream impacts, will be returned to original grade and seeded with an appropriate native seed mix as soon as possible, not to exceed 90
days of completion of the project.
In wetlands, the contractor shall remove and stockpile the top 12-inches of material. The stockpiled material shall be used to backfill the top 12 inches of
the trench in wetlands during backfill operations. Trenches will be constructed and backfilled to ensure waters of the U.S. are not subject to drainage
during construction activities. Excavation of the pipe trench will be performed as prescribed by the USACE in jurisdictional areas, and side casting of
excavated material into abutting wetland areas will be avoided to the extent feasible.
Assessment of trenchless installation methods versus using open -cut installation for the proposed FM was performed. The proposed stream and wetland
crossings along the FM corridor are located in areas for which easements on private property are being obtained. Mobilizing trenchless installation
machinery to each stream crossing would result in greater impacts to private property due to wider temporary construction easement needs and would
not eliminate the need to impact the stream. Permanent access across the streams and wetlands will remain a need of the project, thereby necessitating
the temporary and permanent impact footprints proposed herein.
2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
Yes No
2b. If this project DOES NOT require Compensatory Mitigation, explain why:
The permanent impacts are below the threshold at which mitigation is required. Impacts have been minimized to the extent feasible, in accordance with the general conditions of NWP 58
and GC 4276.
F. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWR)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
la. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
Yes No
If no, explain why:
The project is not located within a portion of the Cape Fear River basin in which riparian buffers are protected under NC rules.
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. Is this a NCDOT project subject to compliance with NCDOT's Individual NPDES permit NCS000250?
Yes No
2b. Does this project meet the requirements for low density projects as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)?
Yes No
Comments:
G. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation
la. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? *
Yes No
O
V

1b. If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State (North Carolina)
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?*
Yes No
Comments:'
The project does not meet the minimum criteria to trigger the preparation of a SEPA document. The project does not involve federal funds, federal lands,
or federal agency involvement other than USACE authorization under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
2. Violations (DWR Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Water Quality Certification Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), or DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards or
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)? *
Yes No
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWR Requirement)
3a. Will this project result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? *
Yes No
4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement)
4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR for this project? *
Yes No N/A
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or habitat?*
Yes No
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act impacts?
Yes No
5d. Is another Federal agency involved?*
Yes No Unknown
5e. Is this a DOT project located within Division's 1-8?
Yes No
5f. Will you cut any trees in order to conduct the work in waters of the U.S.?
Yes No
5g. Does this project involve bridge maintenance or removal?
Yes No
5h. Does this project involve the construction/installation of a wind turbine(s)?*
Yes No
5i. Does this project involve (1) blasting, and/or (2) other percussive activities that will be conducted by machines, such as jackhammers, mechanized pile drivers, etc.?
Yes No
5j. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat?
Hazen biologists reviewed the USFWS IPaC tool to determine species and/or critical habitat within the vicinity of the proposed project most recently on
November 7, 2023. The IPaC tool identified the following species as known to or having the potential to occur within or in proximity to the project limits:
red -cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) (endangered), Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mekistocholas) (endangered), and Michaux's sumac (Rhus
michauxii) (endangered) as well as the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) (proposed endangered) and monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
(candidate).
The proposed project is not located within range of critical habitat for any federally listed species. Onsite field investigations were conducted by Hazen
staff in June and July 2022, including pedestrian surveys for Michaux's sumac in areas of suitable habitat and visual assessment of mature trees for
evidence of use by red -cockaded woodpeckers. No evidence of either species was observed. Cape Fear shiner inhabits streams with rocky substrate
and good water quality and has been observed in slow pools, riffles, and slow runs. Habitat with the potential to support Cape Fear shiner may be
present in or adjacent to the project limits; however, there are no records of the species in any stream in the subwatersheds traversed by the project, and
the area has been impacted previously by road construction projects and development upgradient. During the 2022 field investigations, several of the
jurisdictional streams were dry or nearly dry, which is unsuitable for supporting a fish population.
The tricolored bat is not currently protected under federal law, but it may be listed as endangered prior to the completion of construction of the proposed
project. As such, the tricolored bat is addressed as a proactive step to facilitate future consultation needs, should the species be listed. Tree clearing in
jurisdictional areas will occur in wetland WLB and will affect 0.025 acre of forest. The surrounding lands have been recently timbered to support a
planned development. Areas of suitable habitat for the tricolored bat remain intact in the vicinity. Additionally, the project does not entail the alteration or
demolition of any structure or culvert. No impact to the tricolored bat is anticipated as a result of the proposed project. The monarch butterfly is also not
currently protected under federal law but may be listed prior to completion of construction of the proposed project. No areas of milkweed plants, a critical
host plant for the butterfly, were observed during field investigations. As such, no impacts to the monarch butterfly are anticipated to result from
construction of the proposed project.
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as an Essential Fish Habitat?*
Yes No

6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact an Essential Fish Habitat? *
Hazen reviewed the Essential Fish Habitat mapper for the Mid -Atlantic region provided through NOAA Fisheries website to determine potential impacts
to Essential Fish Habitat anticipated by the proposed project.
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation status? *
Yes No
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources? *
Hazen biologists reviewed HPOWEB on numerous occasions through the course of the project design, most recently on December 15, 2023, to
determine potential impacts to historic resources. At present, the westernmost portion of the FM is proposed to be located approximately 1,100 feet from
the New Hill Historic District (Site ID WA1011). The area in which the FM is proposed to be constructed in proximity to the New Hill Historic District
includes the WWRWRF, existing overhead and buried utilities, and is adjacent to recent residential development. No new aboveground structures are
proposed as part of the project within a one -mile radius of the New Hill Historic District. There is an undisturbed forested buffer between the existing
WWRWRF and the Historic District. No portion of the Historic District will be utilized during construction activities or is visible from the WWRWRF due to
the existing, densely vegetated buffer.
Much of the project area has been disturbed by prior construction or timbering operations. Archaeological resources that may have been present within
the project area have likely been previously disturbed. Additionally, excavated materials will be reused to backfill the excavated trenches along the FM
corridor.
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain? *
Yes No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements:
The portions of the project located within the 100-year floodplain consist of buried utility infrastructure. The ground surface elevation shall be returned to
preconstruction conditions upon completion of the pipe installation. No change in the floodplain elevation, grade, or contours shall occur.
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?*
FEMA FIRM Panels 3720074000K, 3720073000K, 3720072000K, 3720062800K, 3720060800L, and 372007100L, effective July 19, 2022.
Miscellaneous
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Please use the space below to attach all required documentation or any additional information you feel is helpful for application review. Documents should be combined into one file when
possible, with a Cover Letter, Table of Contents, and a Cover Sheet for each Section preferred.
Click the upload button or drag and drop files here to attach document
PCN attachments.pdf 18.04MB
Big Branch 2 PS_scanned.pdf 5.77MB
Big Branch 2 FM_scanned.pdf 10.05MB
File must be PDF or KMZ
Comments
Signature
By checking the box and signing below, I certify that:
• The project proponent hereby certifies that all information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief'; and
• The project proponent hereby requests that the certifying authority review and take action on this CWA 401 certification request within the applicable reasonable period of time.
• I have given true, accurate, and complete information on this form;
• I agree that submission of this PCN form is a "transaction" subject to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I agree to conduct this transaction by electronic means pursuant to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act");
• I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal effect and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature; AND
• I intend to electronically sign and submit the PCN form.
Full Name:
Keven (Arrance) Duerr
Signature
Date
2/2/2024
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