20060180 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20080104

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
MEMORANDUM
D ?=
TO: Cyndi Karoly, 401 Certification Unit ,
NC Division of Water Quality
JA°? ? 20G8
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator / ?;?;Gkuura' cry
Habitat Conservation Program pSANDST011MWA'lERS?
DATE: December 31, 2007
SUBJECT: Laurelmor 401 Update Report for DWQ No. 20060180, Watauga and Wilkes
Counties
ENV Environmental Consulting Services Inc. has provided a report (dated December 4, 2007)
detailing plan changes since initial issuance of the 401 Water Quality Certification. Biologists
with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the
area. These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act (G. S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
We will not reiterate specific details of these modifications as they appear to be in line with 404
Permit and 401 Certification requirements. However, we desire to remind the consultant as well
as federal/state permitting and certification agencies that Laurelmor committed to the provision
of coldwater releases (with discharge water aeration) from their proposed impoundment(s) and
they have agreed on the provision of minimum flows based on ongoing stream flow evaluations.
Incorporation of these activities into the project is essential for the protection and benefit of
downstream aquatic habitats, including trout waters. We recommend close scrutiny during base
flow determinations as recent drought conditions may indicate diminished flow regimes. Base
flow requirements should be based on normal weather and climatic conditions.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this update report. If you have any
questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-9453.
E-copy: Amanda Jones, USACOE-ARO
Sue Homewood, DWQ-WSRO
John Vilas, ENV Environmental Consulting
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]