20240397 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20240530

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
May 30, 2024
DWR # 20240397v1
Wilkes County
Belflower Farms, LLC
Attn: Jefferson Belflower
452Luckadoo Road
Bostic, NC 28018
Delivered via email to: [e-mail]
Subject: Approval of Individual 401 Water Quality Certification
Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
Dear Jefferson Belflower:
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. WQC006887 issued to Jefferson Belflower and Belfower
Farms LLC, dated May 30, 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 Water Quality 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.
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.
Upon the presentation of proper credentials, the Division may inspect the property.
This Water Quality Certification shall expire 5 years from issuance. The conditions shall remain in effect
for the life of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Water Quality Certification.
D E Q�J/ 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
NoarH CAROLINA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaaZ�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 2 of 11
Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth may result in revocation of this
Water Quality Certification for the project and may also result in criminal and/or civil penalties.
If you are unable to comply with any of the conditions of this Water Quality Certification you must notify
the Winston Salem Regional Office 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 Winston Salem Regional Office 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.
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].
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).
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarHCAROLNA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 3 of 11
This letter completes the Division's review under section 401 of the Clean Water Act and 15A NCAC 02H
.0500. Please contact Blake Hartshorn at 919-707-3684 or [e-mail] if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
Sf t plA,aa f- C,DSS
755ABFOCD806428...
Stephanie Goss, Supervisor
401 & Buffer Permitting Branch
Electronic cc: Andrea Leslie, NCWRC
Mitchell Anderson, USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Electronic file
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarH CAROLNA 919.707.9000
Deparrmem or enviro memai Daar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744
Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 4 of 11
NORTH CAROLINA 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
CERTIFICATION #WQC006887 is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401, Public Laws
92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to North Carolina's Regulations in 15 NCAC 02H .0500
and 15A NCAC 02B .0200, to Jeff Belflower, who have authorization for the impacts listed below, as
described within your application received by the N.C. Division of Water Resources (Division) on March 12,
2024 and subsequent information on May 16, 2024, and by Public Notice issued by the Division on March
12, 2024, and within the Reasonable Period of Time pursuant to 40 CFR Part 121.6.
The State of North Carolina certifies that this activity will comply with water quality requirements and
the applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and PL 95-217 if
conducted in accordance with the application, the supporting documentation, and conditions
hereinafter set forth.
The following impacts are hereby approved. No other impacts are approved, including incidental
impacts. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)]
Type of Impact
Amount
Amount Approved
Mitigation Amount
Approved
Temporary
Required
Permanent
Perennial Streams
S1\Mainstem UT Double
1427 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
Creek— Restoration
S2\Tributary 1—
553 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
Restoration
S3\Tributary 1— Culvert
40 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
S4\Tributary 2 —
702 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
Restoration
S5\Tributary 2 — Culvert
40 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
S6\Tributary 3 -
70 linear feet
0 linear feet
0 credits
Restoration
This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the certification below.
CONDITIONS OF CERTIFICATION [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]:
1. The designer or their designee shall supervise the instream restoration activities.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1) and (2)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream structures are installed properly
will ensure that conditions of waters are suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule.
2. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized at the end of each working day to ensure downstream water
quality standards are maintained throughout construction.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1) and (2)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival, and
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarH CaaoLNA 919.707.9000
DeprMent of Environmental Duali�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 5 of 11
maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary contact recreation, agriculture), and that
activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term
basis.
3. Visual monitoring of the project shall be conducted at a minimum of quarterly for the first year or
two bankfull events (whichever is longer), and then annually until the site is stable (particularly after
storm events) and vegetation is successful. Any failures of structures, stream banks, or vegetation
may require future repairs or replacement, which requires coordination with the Winston Salem
Regional Office to ensure the stability and water quality of the stream and downstream waters.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(1) and (2)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. In determining that the proposed activity will
comply with state water quality standards (including designated uses, numeric criteria, narrative
criteria and the state's antidegradation policy), the Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided
and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of standards or would
result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
4. The permittee shall report to the DWR Winston Salem Regional Office 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Timely reporting of non-compliance is important in identifying and minimizing
detrimental impacts to water quality and avoiding impacts due to water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
5. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the footprint of
the approved impacts (including temporary impacts).
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506, 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum: aquatic life propagation, survival, and
maintenance of biological integrity; wildlife, secondary contact recreation; agriculture); and that
activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term
basis.
6. 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: The referenced Riparian Buffer rules were adopted to address water quality
impairments and further protect existing uses.
7. 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.
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
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarH CaaoLNA 919.707.9000
DeprMent of Environmental Duali�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 6 of 11
Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation projects, the North Caroline
Department of Transportation Sediment 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, WS-I,
WS-II, 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 Watersheds.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCACO2B .0200, 15A NCAC
02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses, and (21) turbidity
in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not
designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters;
for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if
turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall
not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts
on existing wetland uses.
8. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be installed in wetland or waters except within the
footprint of temporary or permanent impacts otherwise authorized by this Certification. If placed
within authorized impact areas, then placement of such measures shall not be conducted in a
manner that results in dis-equilibrium of any wetlands, streambeds, or streambanks. Any silt fence
installed within wetlands shall be removed from wetlands and the natural grade restored within two
(2) months of the date that DEMLR or locally delegated program has released the specific area
within the project to ensure wetland standards are maintained upon completion of the project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0200, 15A NCAC 02B
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarHCAROLNA 919.707.9000
DeprMent of Environmental Duali�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 7 of 11
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses, and (21) turbidity
in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not
designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters;
for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if
turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall
not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts
on existing wetland uses.
9. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used along
streambanks or within wetlands.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses (including
aquatic life propagation and biological integrity), and the water quality to protect such uses, are
protected. Protections are necessary to ensure any remaining surface waters or wetlands, and any
surface waters or wetlands downstream, continue to support existing uses during and after project
completion. The Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided and minimized impacts to waters,
would cause or contribute to a violation of standards, or would result in secondary or cumulative
impacts.
10. If the project is covered by NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG010000 or NPDES
Construction Stormwater Permit Number NCG250000, full compliance with permit conditions
including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and maintenance, self -monitoring,
record keeping and reporting requirements is required.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 02B .0200; 15A NCAC
02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses, and (21) turbidity
in the receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not
designated as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters;
for lakes and reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if
turbidity exceeds these levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall
not be increased. As cited in Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases
shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3)
Materials producing color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts
on existing wetland uses.
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarHCAROLNA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 8 of 11
11. Approved best management practices from the most current version of the NC Sediment and
Erosion Control Manual, or the NC Department of Transportation Construction and Maintenance
Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams, and other diversion structures shall be
used to minimize excavation in flowing water. The Permittee shall take all reasonable measures to
construct in -stream structures while keeping heavy equipment out of the stream channel. Only
equipment that is being used to install structures may enter the stream channel. This exemption
does not authorize the use of equipment within the stream channel for any other purpose such as a
haul road, access, streambank reshaping etc. Equipment shall access the stream at the closest point
possible to reduce impacts to the stream bed. The majority of stream flow shall be diverted around
work areas along the stream banks such as toe protection and bank sloping. All reasonable steps
must be taken to limit the amount of disturbance in the channel and to therefore reduce
downstream turbidity during construction. This exemption does not relieve the Permittee of
meeting stream standards as indicated in 15A NCAC 02B.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0200
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils, deleterious
substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters injurious to
public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the palatability
offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses; and (21) turbidity in the
receiving water shall not exceed 50 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) in streams not designated
as trout waters and 10 NTU in streams, lakes, or reservoirs designated as trout waters, for lakes and
reservoirs not designated as trout waters, the turbidity shall not exceed 25 NTU; if turbidity exceeds
these levels due to natural background conditions, the existing turbidity level shall not be increased.
12. In -stream structures installed to mimic natural channel geomorphology such as cross -vanes, sills,
step -pool structures, etc. shall be designed and installed in such a manner that allow for continued
aquatic life movement.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all
best uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. Ensuring that in -stream structures are installed
properly will ensure that surface water quality standards are met and conditions of waters are
suitable for all best uses.
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian areas
and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all other Federal,
State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a manner that minimizes
the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters.
Citation: 15A 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0200, 15A NCAC 02B .0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in
Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in
amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses, and (3) Materials producing
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarHCAROLNA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 9 of 11
color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland
uses.
14. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent direct
contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water that inadvertently
contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state.
Citation: 15A 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 028.0200, 15A NCAC 028.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in
Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in
amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses; and (3) Materials producing
color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland
uses.
15. 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided
and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of standards, or would
result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
16. 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c); 15A NCAC 028.0201
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided
and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of standards, or would
result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
17. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or other
toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of equipment to
surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication, and general equipment
maintenance shall be performed in a manner to prevent, to the maximum extent practicable,
contamination of surface waters by fuels and oils.
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarH CaaoLNA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 10 of 11
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0200, 15A NCAC 02B
.0231
Justification: A project that affects waters shall not be permitted unless the existing uses, and the
water quality to protect such uses, are protected. Activities must not cause water pollution that
precludes any best use on a short-term or long-term basis. As cited in Stream Standards: (12) Oils,
deleterious substances, or colored or other wastes: only such amounts as shall not render the waters
injurious to public health, secondary recreation, or to aquatic life and wildlife, or adversely affect the
palatability offish, aesthetic quality, or impair the waters for any designated uses. As cited in
Wetland Standards: (c)(1) Liquids, fill or other solids, or dissolved gases shall not be present in
amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland uses, and (3) Materials producing
color or odor shall not be present in amounts that may cause adverse impacts on existing wetland
uses.
18. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be taken to
minimize soil disturbance and compaction.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), 15A NCAC 02B .0231
Justification: Wetland standards require maintenance or enhancement of existing uses of wetlands
such that hydrologic conditions necessary to support natural biological and physical characteristics
are protected, populations of wetland flora and fauna are maintained to protect biological integrity
of the wetland; and materials or substances are not present in amounts that may cause adverse
impact on existing wetland uses.
19. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the permittee shall report any petroleum spill of 25 gallons or
more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any petroleum spill
regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any petroleum spill less than
25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c), N.C.G.S 143-215.85(b)
Justification: Person(s) owning or having control over oil or other substances upon notice of
discharge must immediately notify the Department, or any of its agents or employees, of the nature,
location, and time of the discharge and of the measures which are being taken or are proposed to be
taken to contain and remove the discharge. This action is required in order to contain or divert the
substances to prevent entry into the surface waters. Surface water quality standards require that
conditions of waters be suitable for all best uses provided for in state rule (including, at minimum:
aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary
contact recreation, agriculture), and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes
any best use on a short-term or long-term basis.
20. The permittee and their authorized agents shall conduct all 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.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b), 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Surface water quality standards require that conditions of waters be suitable for all best
uses provided for in state rule, and that activities must not cause water pollution that precludes any
best use on a short-term or long-term basis. The Division must evaluate if the activity has avoided
and minimized impacts to waters, would cause or contribute to a violation of standards, or would
result in secondary or cumulative impacts.
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarHCAROLNA 919.707.9000
oeparrmem or eartruomemai aaar�

DocuSign Envelope ID: 2D3F43B1-36DB-4319-B593-8E7FB6D53744 Sidden NRCS-EQIP Stream Restoration Project
DWR# 20240397v1
Individual Certification #WQC006887
Page 11 of 11
21. The permittee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and conditions of
this certification in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall provide each of its
contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or maintenance of this project with a
copy of this Water Quality Certification. A copy of this Water Quality Certification shall be available
at the project site during the construction and maintenance of this project.
Citation: 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b); 15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)
Justification: Those actually performing the work should be aware of the requirements of this 401
Water Quality Certification to minimize water quality impacts.
This approval to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in
your application shall expire upon expiration of the 404 Permit. The conditions in effect on the date of
issuance shall remain in effect for the life of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this
Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
This, the 30th day of May 2024
LDocuSigned by:
Sf t plA,aa f- C,DSS
0h1�Ffl�P9%j Supervisor
401 &Buffer Permitting Branch
D E Q�JJ North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources
!� 512 North Salisbury Street 11611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1611
NoarH cnaoLNA 919.707.9000
Deparrmem or enviro memai Daar�