HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240705_Southerland Mills_Johnston_Response to Public Comment
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200
September 10, 2024
Subject: Memorandum Addressing Public Comments
Application for Individual 401 Certification and Neuse Buffer Authorization
Project: Southerland Mills
DWR# 20240705
Johnston County
The following is a summary of the comments received by DWR during the public comment period
beginning May 22, 2024:
1. Comments were received about work being performed involving land disturbance and tree
clearing close to the creek and property line along Riverstone Drive.
o Response: DWR received complaints that possible tree removal, digging, and other
earth-moving activities have occurred within the buffer and stream channel. After
investigation by the RRO and follow-up with the contractor and inspector from Johnston
County, it was determined that clearing was associated with installation of BMPs as part
of the approved sediment and erosion control plan. All clearing was within the
approved area of the plan and outside of the 50-foot riparian buffer.
2. Comments were received regarding residents of adjacent neighborhoods not receiving notice of
plans for this development and the “planning and zoning director mentioning that the
development was to maintain a certain percentage of trees as well as a buffer between existing
houses/neighborhoods”.
o Response: DWR issued the public notice for the proposed development and associated
401 certification and buffer authorization applications on May 22, 2024. Notification
and implementation of zoning and other local ordinances are outside of DWR’s purview.
3. Comments were received regarding concerns over potential impacts to the creek channel and
that a 100-foot buffer should be afforded to this channel. In addition, concerns regarding cut
trees and additional items being left alongside and within the creek.
o Response: DWR regulates 50-foot-wide riparian buffers within the Neuse River Basin
that meet all criteria under 15A NCAC 02B .0714. Any additional buffer areas would fall
under local ordinances or by recommendation from other agencies. Please refer to Item
1 for construction investigation findings.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources
Raleigh Regional Office 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919.791.4200
Southerland Mills
Response to Public Comment
DWR# 20240705
Page 2 of 2
4. Comments were received regarding concerns about existing water supply wells and impacts
from soil and contaminants draining and/or leaching into the ground from temporary
construction silt basins, drainage ditches, and permanent stormwater ponds.
o Response: Applications are reviewed to ensure water quality is protected and that
proposed plans are designed to minimize and avoid impacts to surface waters to the
greatest extent practicable. Silt basins, drainage ditches, and stormwater ponds are
part of the sediment and erosion control/stormwater management plans and are
evaluated by NC DEMLR or the local delegated program to ensure that they are in
compliance with all rules and regulations.