20240672 IP approval letter

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1B34-3F1F-4ABA-B730-E94ADA0FC80E
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
May 15, 2024
Mr. Michael Turchy
Environmental Coordination and Permitting Group Leader
Environmental Analysis Unit
North Carolina Department of Transportation
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27699-1598
Subject: 401 Water Quality Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act with
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS for the Proposed Upgrade to US 70 from Thurman Road to the Havelock
Bypass in Craven County. STIP No. R-5777C.
NCDWR Project No. 20240672
Dear Mr. Turchy:
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. WQC006842 issued to The North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) dated May 15, 2024.
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 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.
If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
DOCUSigned by:
IC
.-w�.�, C�r,u pwu,
Richard E. Rogers31Yr �Birector
Division of Water Resources
cc: Tom Steffens, USACE, Washington Field Office
Stephen Lane, NC Division of Coastal Management
Cathy Brittingham, NC Division of Coastal Management
Jay Johnson, NC Department of Transportation, Division Two
Gary Jordan, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Beth Harmon, Division of Mitigation Services
Garcy Ward, NC Division of Water Resources, Washington Regional Office
File Copy
E
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 11617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
401 Water Quality Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act with ADDITIONAL
CONDITIONS
THIS CERTIFICATION is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401 Public Laws 92-500 and 95-
217 of the United States and subject to the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) Regulations in 15
NCAC 2H .0500. This certification authorizes the NCDOT to impact 2.00 acres of jurisdictional wetlands, and 1,913
linear feet of stream in Craven County. The project shall be constructed pursuant to the application dated received
February 7, 2024. The authorized impacts are as described below:
Wetland Impacts in the Neuse River Basin
Site
Fill
(ac)
Excavation
(ac)
Mechanized
Clearing
(ac)
Hand
Clearing
(ac)
Total
Wetland
Impact (ac)
1
0.005
--
0.006
--
0.011
2
--
--
0.011
--
0.011
3
0.007
--
--
--
0.007
4
--
--
0.001
--
0.001
5
0.494
-
0.080
0.001
0.575
6
0.121
--
0.030
0.032
0.183
7
0.126
--
0.050
0.043
0.219
8
--
--
0.007
--
0.007
9
0.062
--
0.014
0.004
0.080
10
0.013
0.010
0.002
0.031
0.056
15
0.099
0.043
0.033
0.089
0.264
17
0.004
0.019
0.016
--
0.039
19
0.032
--
0.037
--
0.069
20
0.069
--
0.008
0.005
0.082
22
0.138
--
0.018
0.019
0.175
Total
1.17
0.072
0.313
0.224
1.779
4-utility
--
--
--
0.037
0.037
6-utility
--
--
--
0.065
0.065
9-utility
--
--
--
0.018
0.018
10-utility
--
--
--
0.029
0.029
20-utility
--
--
--
0.032
0.032
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
o,P.mn or &.mmmemai u�.uq 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
24-utility
--
--
--
0.001
0.001
25-utility
--
--
--
0.003
0.003
Total -utility
--
--
--
0.185
0.185
Total
1.17
0.072
0.313
0.409
1.964
Permanent (ac)
Temp (ac)
Total
1.555
0.409
1.964
20-WP*
0.039
--
0.039
Net Total
1.594
0.409
2.003
* remainder of WP not directly impacted but counted as total take = 0.039 ac
Total Wetland Impact for Project: 1.594 permanent ac + 0.409 temporary ac = 2.003 acres
Stream Impacts in the Neuse River Basin
Site
Streams Permanent
(if)
Streams Temporary
(if)
Total
(if)
1
113
30
143
7-1
142
43
185
7-2
210
26
236
8
150
65
215
11
26
15
41
12
121
20
141
13
38
11
49
14
104
49
153
16
53
7
60
18
265
31
296
21
87
12
99
23
93
18
ill
24
156
28
184
Total
1,558
355
1,913
Total Stream Impact for Project: 1,913 linear feet.
D E Q�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTHCAF10uNA
�^�^^�*^^^^^ o^•\ r 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
The application provides adequate assurance that the discharge of fill material into the waters of the Neuse River Basin
in conjunction with the proposed development will not result in a violation of applicable Water Quality Standards and
discharge guidelines. Therefore, the State of North Carolina certifies that this activity will not violate the applicable
portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of PL 92-500 and PL 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the
application and conditions hereinafter set forth.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you submitted in your application dated received February
7, 2024. Should your project change, you are required to notify the NCDWR and submit a new application. If the
property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible
for complying with all the conditions. If any additional wetland impacts, or perennial stream impacts, for this project
(now or in the future) exceed one tenth of one acre or 300 linear feet, respectively, additional compensatory mitigation
may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506 (c).
For this approval to remain valid, you are required to comply with all the conditions listed below. In addition, you
should obtain all other federal, state or local permits before proceeding with your project including (but not limited
to) Sediment and Erosion control, Coastal Stormwater, Non -discharge and Water Supply watershed regulations. This
Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the corresponding Corps of Engineers Permit.
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 regardless of the quantity of the withdrawal or the date on which
the withdrawal was initiated or expanded. Upon the presentation of proper credentials, the Division may inspect the
property.
Condition(s) of Certification:
Compensatory mitigation for impacts to 1.594 acres of wetlands is required. This total includes 1.478 acres of
riparian wetlands and 0.116 acres of non -riparian wetlands. We understand that you have chosen to perform
compensatory mitigation for impacts to wetlands through the North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services
(DMS), and that the DMS has agreed to implement the mitigation for the project. DMS has indicated in a letter
dated February 5, 2024 that they will assume responsibility for satisfying the federal Clean Water Act compensatory
mitigation requirements for the above -referenced project, in accordance with DMS's Mitigation Banking
Instrument signed July 28, 2010. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(c)]
2. 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.
3. Impacts to Neuse Riparian Buffers are covered under a separate Buffer Authorization. All activities shall be in
compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules in Chapter 2B of Title 15A in the North
Carolina Administrative Code. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c) and 15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)]
4. 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)]
5. 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.0506(b)(3)]
RE Q
�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTI- CA"OUNA
o.Mre..d0 �mm.m.m.i u..1 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
6. 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)]
7. 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)(2) and 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
8. 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 02H.0506(b)(2) and
15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200]
Unless otherwise approved in this certification, placement of culverts and other structures in open waters
and streams, shall be placed below the elevation of the streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter
greater than 48 inches, and 20 percent of the culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than 48
inches, to allow low flow passage of water and aquatic life. Design and placement of culverts and other
structures including temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result
in dis-equilibrium of wetlands or streambeds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and down stream of the
above structures. The applicant is required to provide evidence that the equilibrium is being maintained if
requested in writing by the NCDWR. If this condition is unable to be met due to bedrock or other limiting
features encountered during construction, please contact the NCDWR for guidance on how to proceed and
to determine whether or not a permit modification will be required. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2) and 15A
NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
10. If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic natural stream cross section as
closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or sills where
appropriate. Widening the stream channel should be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet
end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased
maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
It. 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. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
12. 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)]
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. 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)]
15. All fill slopes located in jurisdictional wetlands shall be placed at slopes no flatter than 3:1, unless otherwise
authorized by this certification. [ 15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
16. 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]
RE QNorth Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTI� ONIOUNA
o,P. e„torarmmmemai0 Ity 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
a. 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 NCDOT Sediment and Erosion
Control Manual.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA, WS-1,
WS-11, 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 Watershed. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3) and (c)(3); GC 41351
17. 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)]
18. Erosion control matting in riparian areas shall not contain a plastic or nylon mesh grid which can impinge and
entrap small animals. Matting should be secured in place by staples, stakes, or wherever possible live stakes of
native trees. Riparian areas are defined as a distance 25 feet from top of stream bank. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b);
15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
19. If placement of sediment and erosion control devices in wetlands and waters is unavoidable, then design and
placement of temporary erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-
equilibrium of wetlands, stream beds, or banks, adjacent to or upstream and downstream of the above structures.
All sediment and erosion control devices shall be removed from wetlands and waters and the natural grade
restored within two (2) months of the date that the Division of Energy, Mining and Land Resources (DEMLR)
or locally delegated program has released the specific area within the project. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b); 15A
NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC 0213.0231]
20. 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.
[I5A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(2)]
21. 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
22. 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. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC
02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0201]
23. 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 02H.0506(b)(2)]
24. Discharging hydroseed mixtures and washing out hydroseeders and other equipment in or adjacent to surface waters
is prohibited. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(3)]
D Q
�� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
No�hR COUNA
oeP. e„torarmmmemai0 Ity 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
25. NCDOT shall be in compliance with the NCS00250 issued to the NCDOT, including the applicable requirements
of the NCGO 1000.
26. 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 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
27. The Permittee shall report any violations of this certification to the Division of Water Resources within 24 hours
of discovery. [15A NCAC 02B.0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0506(b)]
28. The NCDOT will conduct a pre -construction meeting with all appropriate staff to ensure that the project supervisor
and essential staff understand the permit conditions and any potential issues at the permitted site. NCDWR staff
shall be invited to the pre -construction meeting. [15A NCAC 02H.0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
29. Upon completion of the project (including any impacts at associated borrow or waste sites), the NCDOT Division
Engineer shall complete the "Certification of Completion Form" to notify the NCDWR when all work included in
the 401 Certification has been completed. [ 15A NCAC 02H.0507(c)]
30. 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)]
This Certification shall become null and void unless the above conditions are made conditions of the Federal 404
and/or Coastal Area Management Act Permit. This Certification shall expire upon the expiration of the 404 or CAMA
permit. 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. Violations of any condition herein set forth may result in
revocation of this Certification and may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. 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.
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.
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].
RE QNorth�� Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NQMI� QMOUNA
o,P. mnorammmem�i0 Ity 919.707.9000

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2DOA1 B34-3F1 F-4ABA-B730-E94ADAOFC80E
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 150B-23(a).
This the 15th day of May 2024
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
DocuSigned by:
Richa ��f,°'; Director
WQC No. 006842
D ��� North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
512 North Salisbury Street 1 1617 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1617
NORTH CA... �
��*^..-1o�•\ r 919.707.9000