20080455 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20080320

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2 0 2008
pE-~ - WATER QUAt171`
IOS ANQ STORMWATER 6RANCH
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cyndi B. Karoly, Supervisor, 401 Oversight and Express Permits Unit
NCDWQ Wetlands and Stormwater Branch
Linville Re Tonal Coordinator /~
FROM: Ron g
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: March 18, 2008
SUBJECT: Lake James Shoreline Stabilization Application, Joe Ingram, Lot 238, Southpointe
Subdivision, DWQ No. 20080455, Burke County
The applicant is requesting letters of concurrence from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC) to obtain a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
NCWRC has reviewed information provided by the applicant, and field biologists on our staff
are familiar with habitat values of the project area. These comments are provided in accordance
with provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.} and the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The applicant proposes to install riprap to stabilize 170 feet of eroding shoreline on Lake James.
Mr. Bob Brown, Fishery biologist previously visited the site on March 14, 2008. Based on the
information provided by the applicant, we will not object to the project provided that the
following non-prioritized conditions are followed:
1. The project should be done by barge with minimum class I (class II preferred)
riprap or rock instead of a wall. This size rock improves aquatic habitat structure
and site stability. We do not support the use of river rock as mining river rock
causes impacts to aquatic environments and does not provide optimal
stabilization. Natural fiber matting may be used beneath the stone to reduce
erosion and turbidity. Plastic matting should be avoided as it entraps small
animals. To the extent practicable, rock or stone should be placed just above the
high water mark and towards the lake five (5) to six (6) feet to provide continuous
aquatic edge habitat.
2. Stabilization work should occur from the water instead of the shore to minimize
buffer impacts. Existing wooded buffers should be preserved. Any Large
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] Fax: (919} 707-0028

Joe Ingram Stabilization, Lake James -Page 2 -
March 18, 2008
Woody Debris (LWD) should be maintained to the maximum extent practicable
to provide aquatic habitat. If relocated, the LWD must be securely anchored so
that it will remain where installed. We recommend that large boulders be placed
for fish habitat every 30 feet to provide enhanced aquatic habitat. Placement
should be accomplished so as not to cause hazardous conditions.
3. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and
maintained until project completion. Temporary or permanent herbaceous
vegetation should be .planted on all bare soil within ten (10) days of ground
disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
4. Wide undisturbed shoreline buffers and natural vegetation should be maintained
to the extent practicable. Disturbed banks may be revegetated with silky
dogwood (Corpus amonum), silky willow (Salix sericea), tag alder (Alms
serrulata), black willow (Salix nigra), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) or
other native plants to provide long term bank stability and stream shading. Note
that silky dogwood, silky willow and black willow can be planted as live stakes
collected during the dormant growing season. Cuttings should be randomly
planted and done on four (4) foot centers from the waters edge to the top of the
bank. Trees should be planted on ten (10) to twelve (12) foot centers. Banks in
these areas should also be seeded with an approved riparian/wetland seed mix or
temporary crop of wheat or rye.
5. The. applicant should contact state and local planning and environmental
authorities to determine if permits are needed for the any buffer infringements or
impacts.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453. You should contact Mr. Brown
at 828-437-3977 to discuss any habitat issues.
E-copy: Kevin Barnett, DWQ-Asheville