20001061 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20001006

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0
Charles K. Fullwood, I(.xccutisr D1rcCto 1,
MEMORANDUM
TO: John Dorney, Wetland Scientist
Wetlands/401 Water Quality Certification Unit
Division gf-Water Quality
YZ.PL ?
FROM: Danielle R. Pender, Piedmont Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: 6 October 2000
SUBJECT: Pre-construction Notification Application for Hasentree Subdivision, Wake
County, North Carolina. DWQ ID: 001061
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have reviewed the
subject pre-construction notification. A site visit was conducted on 4 October 2000 to further
evaluate impacts to fish and wildlife resources. Our comments are provided in accordance with
provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (as amended), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d), and North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 113-
131 et seq.).
Applicant proposes to impact 0.08 acres and 357 linear feet of stream with culverts and
fill for access roads on a 720-acre tract of land for a residential development, Hasentree
Subdivision. The streams that run through the project flow into Falls Lake of the Neuse River
Drainage Basin. On the 4 October 2000 site visit, stream crossing No. 1 and No. 2 were viewed
and were both flowing. Upon brief examination, the stream at crossing No. 1 was observed to
average about 3 feet in width, to have noticeable pool and riffle areas, and to be inhabited by
water striders and stoneflies. The stream at crossing No. 2 had an average width of about 1.5
feet and water striders and frogs were observed. The project area appears primarily a mixed
hardwood (maple, oak, sweetgum) and pine forest. According to the site map, there are a
number of lots that are located within Neuse River Buffer Zone area.
We recommend that the following conditions be incorporated into the permit to reduce
impacts to fish and wildlife resources.
Lot owners should be informed that a portion of their property is within Neuse River
Buffer Zone area and advised of the Neuse River Buffer Rules. We recommend that the
riparian buffer be recorded on deeds and be placed in a conservation easement.
Mailing Address: Division of InImid fisheries - 1 721 Mail Srrs icc ('enter - Ralcigh, NC 2 7699-1 72 1
Telephone. (`)19) 733-3633 cit. 281 - Fax: [phone]
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6 October 2000
Hasentree Subdivision
DWQ ID: 001061
2. A minimum 50-foot undisturbed, forested buffer should be maintained along all
intermittent streams and wetland areas, while a minimum 100-foot undisturbed, forested
buffer should be maintained along all perennial streams within the project area.
Maintaining undisturbed, forested buffers along these areas will minimize impacts to fish
and wildlife resources, water quality, aquatic habitat both within and downstream of the
project area, and help prevent the extirpation of endangered and threatened species. In
addition, wide riparian buffers are helpful in maintaining stability of stream banks and for
treatment of pollutants associated with urban stormwater.
3. Use bridges for all permanent roadway crossings of streams to eliminate the need to fill
and culvert. If culverts must be used, the culvert should be designed to allow for fish
passage. Generally, this means that the culvert or pipe invert is buried at least one foot
below the natural streambed. If multiple cells are required, the second and/or third cells
should be placed so that their bottoms are at stream bankfull stage (similar to Lyonsfield
design). This will allow sufficient water depth in the culvert or pipe during normal flows
to accommodate fish movements. If culverts are long, baffle systems are required to trap
gravel and provide resting areas for fish and other aquatic organisms. If multiple pipes or
cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry during normal
flows to allow for wildlife passage. In addition, culverts or pipes should be situated so
that no channel realignment or widening is required. Widening of the stream channel at
the inlet or outlet of structures usually causes a decrease in water velocity causing
sediment deposition that will require future maintenance. Finally, riprap should not be
placed on the streambed.
4. Locate sewers and other utilities as far away from creeks as functionally possible and
minimize stream crossings. It is preferable that sewers be located outside the riparian
buffers.
5. Use grass swales to convey stormwater where practicable. Route stormwater to
bioretention structures for treatment (i.e., rain gardens) or allow it to infiltrate into the
riparian areas. To protect aquatic habitat, it is preferable that the post-development
hydrograph not exceed the pre-development condition. Energy dissipaters should be
installed as necessary to prevent scouring by stormwater discharges.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this pre-construction notice. If you require
further assistance please contact our office at [phone].