20081015 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20080716

P North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cyndi Karoly, 401 Oversight and Express Permits Unit
Division of Water Quality
FROM: Shari L. Bryant, Piedmont Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: 16 July 2008
SUBJECT: Pre-construction Notification Application for Buffaloe Preserve, LLC, Glencreek
Subdivision, Wake County, North Carolina. DWQ ID: 08-1015.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the
subject document. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of
1977 (as amended), Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d),
North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 113-131 et seq.), and North Carolina Administrative Code 15A
NCAC 101.0102.
The applicant proposes to impact 140 linear feet of perennial stream channel for construction of a
road crossing in a proposed a residential subdivision. Impervious surface in the subdivision will be
approximately 13%. The applicant indicates stormwater will be conveyed by vegetated roadside ditches
to 50 to 100 foot stream buffers. Based on information provided in the application, it appears a 50-foot
riparian buffer will be maintained along intermittent streams, a 100-foot buffer will be maintained along
perennial streams, and there is no development or lots platted in the floodplain of Swift Creek.
The proposed project will impact an unnamed tributary (Beasley Branch) to Swift Creek in the
Neuse River basin. There are records for the federal and state endangered dwarf wedgemussel
(Alasmidonta heterodon); the federal species of concern and state endangered Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia
masoni) and yellow lance (Elliptio lanceolata); the state threatened creeper (Strophitus undulatus),
Eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata), triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata) and Roanoke slabshell
(Elliptio roanokensis) in Swift Creek.
The area is experiencing rapid urban growth and we are concerned about the cumulative impacts
of development on dwarf wedgemussel downstream of the project. Changes in land use from a primarily
forested area to an urban landscape may exacerbate channel degradation and sediment impacts to stream
ecosystems due to increased stormwater runoff and elevated flooding. In addition, pollutants (e.g.,
sediment, heavy metals, pesticides, and fertilizers) washed from roads and urban landscapes can adversely
affect and extirpate species downstream of developed areas.
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telenhnne- (9191707-0??n • Fax- (9191707-00?k

Page 2
16 July 2008
Glencreek Subdivision
DWQ ID: 08-1015
We are concerned about potential impacts to dwarf wedgemussel and its habitat in Swift Creek.
Should the permit be issued, we recommend the following conditions be incorporated to further minimize
impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources.
1. Maintain a 200-foot undisturbed, native, forested buffer along perennial streams, and a 100-foot
buffer along intermittent streams and wetlands. Maintaining undisturbed, forested buffers along these
areas will minimize impacts to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife resources, water quality, and aquatic
habitat both within and downstream of the project area. In addition, wide riparian buffers are helpful
in maintaining stability of stream banks and for treatment of pollutants associated with stormwater
runoff. Whereas, a grassed buffer, particularly fescue, is a vegetated buffer but will not provide the
necessary and highly valuable functions as discussed for forested buffers.
2. All remaining wetlands and streams on the site should be protected from additional impacts by
placing them in a permanent conservation easement to prohibit filling, draining, flooding, and
excavation.
3. Use bridges for all permanent roadway crossings of streams and associated wetlands to eliminate the
need to fill and culvert, where practicable. If culverts must be used, the culvert should be designed to
allow passage of aquatic organisms.
4. New developments exceeding 6% imperviousness should include stormwater controls designed to
replicate and maintain the hydrographic condition at the site prior to the change in landscape.
5. Locate sewers and other utilities as far away from streams as functionally possible and minimize
stream crossings. It is preferable that sewers be located outside the riparian buffers as detailed in #1.
6. Use landscaping that consists of non-invasive native species and Low Impact Development (LID)
technology. Using native species instead of ornamentals should provide benefits by reducing the
need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Using LID technology in landscaping will not only help
maintain the predevelopment hydrologic regime, but also enhance the aesthetic and habitat value of
the site.
7. Sediment and erosion controls measures should be installed prior to any land clearing or construction.
These measures should be routinely inspected and properly maintained. Excessive silt and sediment
loads can have numerous detrimental effects on aquatic resources including destruction of spawning
habitat, suffocation of eggs, and clogging of gills of aquatic species.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. If we can provide further assistance,
please contact our office at [phone].
cc: Jamie Shern, USACE
ec: Dale Suiter, USFWS
Rob Nichols, WRC