20240322 Ver 1_RE_ _External_ RE_ Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001_20240417

Baker, Caroline D
From: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 1:02 PM
To: Morales, Kristina; Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA)
Cc: Walter Cole
Subject: RE: [External] RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Hi Kristina, yes, we resolved the USACE's concerns by agreeing to include in our construction documents
instructions to fill the stream from the downstream -most end to prevent impacts to organisms downstream.
To address your questions —yes, the 69LF is a very weak intermittent stream that is currently fed by a stormwater
outflow and groundwater. The downstream portion will be able to maintain the hydrology as a result of the
groundwater and residual stormwater.
Ashley Bentz, PWS H
Project Scientist
S&ME
3201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
M:919.896.0758 // 0:919.872.2660
wvvw.smeinc.com
From: Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 11:20 AM
To: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>; Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA)
<[e-mail]>
Cc: Walter Cole <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [External] RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Hi Ashley,
Was there an update on this impact? Is the 69 LF the headwaters of the intermittent stream and if so will the
downstream portion be able to sustain its original hydrology? This courtesy copy has been assigned to me to
review.
Best,
Kristina Morales, PhD (she/her/ella)
Environmental Specialist, DWR
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Raleigh Regional Office
3800 Barrett Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
Office: 919.791.4258

[e-mail]
DEQ�
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North
Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
From: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 12:07 PM
To: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Cc: Myers, Joseph M <[e-mail]>; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>; Walter Cole
<[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
You don't often get email from [e-mail]. Learn why this is important
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Report suspicious emails with the Report Message
button located on your Outlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Hi Alexi, you are correct — there is 69 LF of stream that will be filled in addition to the small wetland —the engineer
misspoke. I have to admit, I am surprised this project will require consultation, this is a first for me with this type of
impact to an intermittent stream. I called the number below to discuss but reached your voicemail. If you could
please give me a call on my cell phone [phone]) to discuss, I would very much appreciate it.
Ashley Bentz, PWS H
Project Scientist
S&M E
3201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
M:919.896.0758 0:919.872.2660
www.smeinc.com
From: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 11:52 AM
To: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>; Walter Cole <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Good Morning,
Thanks again, Ashley. The comment below, "I assume that they are specifically referring to the small wetland outside of
the buffer (circled below) as this is the only thing we are actually filling in", conflicts with the application submitted. Your
application requested authorization to utilize NWP 39 to, among other impacts, fill 69 linear feet of intermittent stream.
Please confirm this is still the project plan. If not, please submit new project plans.
Please be aware our consultations with the Raleigh USFWS office have been trending toward a turn -around of 60-days. If
what you've said before is all that is available, consultation will be required. We're glad to start that process if necessary.
However, if details regarding the stream impact, and how downstream reaches would be protected through BOTH

design and construction practices are available, we may be able to forego the consultation if 'no effect' is our
determination.
oVexi
Alexi Archer
Biologist
SAD Technical Regional Execution Center
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
100 W Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401-3604
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
From: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 10:55 AM
To: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]. ov; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>; Walter Cole <[e-mail]>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Alexi, as I mentioned before, the project will be following an approved sediment and erosion control plan, which
should minimize any impacts to downstream organisms. The project will be undertaken during the summer/late
fall, which may result in the project being completed in the dry. If not, appropriate measures such as a pump
around will be utilized to minimize additional impacts downstream. I have attached the photo log, which shows
the feature, feature S2 and its intermittent nature. The exact sequence will be left to the construction contractor's
professional judgement.
Ashley Bentz, PWS
Project Scientist
S&M E
3201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
M:919.896.0758 0:919.872.2660
www.smeinc.com
From: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 10:14 AM
To: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>; Walter Cole <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Hi Ashley,
Thank you for your responses for question 1 and 3.
For question 2, 1 am referring to the intermittent stream that is being filled to create a grassy area (69 linear feet). I am
specifically asking about the intended sequence for the stream to gain a better picture of how downstream organisms
might be impacted.

Thanks
oVexl
Alexi Archer
Biologist
SAD Technical Regional Execution Center
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
100 W Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401-3604
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
From: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 1:05 PM
To: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]. ov; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>; Walter Cole <[e-mail]>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Alexi, I have received more information from the engineer and have copied and pasted their feedback below.
Please let me know if this answers all your questions satisfactorily or if there is anything else I can provide.
Ashley, for number 1 your answer is sufficient however to provide further feedback:
o During construction, appropriate sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented and
monitored per the approved S&EC plan. Disturbance will be limited to the extent necessary for
construction. Two skimmer basins will be provided to treat construction runoff and reduce runoff flow
rate.
For #2, are they asking about the specific means and methods for filling the wetland area? If so, you're correct that this
will be more Contractor's means and methods. Thoughts from our internal discussion below:
- I assume that they are specifically referring to the small wetland outside of the buffer (circled below) as this is
the only thing we are actually filling in.
o The intended sequence is to:
■ Begin demolition and removal of existing facilities including those in the vicinity of the wetland,
■ Construct the southern sediment basin once necessary existing facilities have been removed,
■ Construct the gravel filter berm and temporary diversion ditch upstream of the wetland to
direct construction runoff to the southern sediment basin,
■ Continue clearing the site and install the remaining erosion control facilities shown on the
approved construction drawings,
■ Begin rough grading the site and fill in the existing wetland,
■ Continue monitoring the diversion ditch, silt fence, and silt fence outlet and maintain as
necessary until site is stabilized and construction is completed.

Potential Wetland Water of the U
Wetland Feature W; 0.01 acres
Represented by Flags W .1-W.8
M".
n
I F.
Y-
mtial Non -Wetland Water of the U
Stream Feature S 1; 543 LF
epresented by Flags S1.1-S1.25
Ashley Bentz, PWS H
Project Scientist
S&ME
3201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
M:919.896.0758 H 0:919.872.2660
www.smeinc.com
0 SF2
I
5

From: Ashley Steele Bentz
Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2024 11:56 AM
To: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Alexi, I apologize for the delay. The engineering firm for the project has had some turnover so I have been having
trouble getting the answers. See my answers in red below and I will continue to try to get the additional information
from the engineers. Thanks!
Ashley
Ashley Bentz, PWS
Project Scientist
S&ME
3201 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616
M:919.896.0758 // 0:919.872.2660
www.smeinc.com
From: Archer, C Alexi CIV USARMY CESAS (USA) <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2024 2:15 PM
To: Ashley Steele Bentz <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]; Morales, Kristina <[e-mail]>
Subject: Request for Additional Information SAW-2022-01001
Greetings,
This email is in reference to your permit application requesting Department of the Army (DA) authorization to
affect waters of the United States to demolish the existing elementary school and construct a new school and
associated facilities. The application has been assigned the file number SAW-2022-01001. The following
information is necessary to complete the evaluation of your proposal. Please provide the following:
1. How activities during construction will be designed to protect downstream? During construction,
appropriate sediment and erosion control measures will be implemented per the approved S&EC
plan. Disturbance will be limited to the extent necessary for construction.
2. The sequence of construction in regards to the filling of the wetlands and streams. I am not sure we have
this information — it will most likely be performed at the discretion of the construction company but
I am attempting to get this information if the engineers have it.
3. Information on suitability for Michaux's Sumac in impacted areas for determination conclusion. There is
no suitable habitat for Michaux's sumac on site. Open areas are consistently mowed and are
maintained with turfgrasses commonly found within landscaped areas. Wooded areas are shaded
and do not have the light necessary to support the sumac.

Please provide the requested information within 30 days, or your application will be administratively
withdrawn. To clarify, if the requested information is submitted after the 30-day timeframe, you will not be
required to re -submit an entirely new PCN (unless otherwise specified). We will continue to review and/or
process your permit application upon receipt of the requested information.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
OLEXL
Alexi Archer
Biologist
SAD Technical Regional Execution Center
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
100 W Oglethorpe Ave
Savannah, GA 31401-3604
Phone: [phone]
[e-mail]
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized
state official.