20170502 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20170622

CR.
Water Resources
Environmental Quality
June 22, 2017
Gregory L. Mullins
7984 West Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
ROY COOPER
G'm"ernar
MICHAEL S. REGAN
so.""'
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Da"tor
DWR # 17-0502
Macon County
Subject: APPROVAL OF 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION WITH
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Rainbow Springs Enhancement
Dear Mr. Mullins:
You have our approval for the impacts listed below for the purpose described in your application
dated April 20, 2017, and received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) on May 1,
2017, with additional information received on June 5, 2017. These impacts are covered by the
attached Water Quality General Certification Numbers 4087, 4085, and 4092 and the additional
conditions listed below. This certification is associated with the use of Nationwide Permit
Number 13, 27, 3, and 18 once it is issued to you by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please
note that you should get any other federal, state or local permits before proceeding with your
project, including those required by (but not limited to) Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -
Discharge, Water Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the enclosed certification(s) or
general permit and the following additional conditions:
1. The following impacts are hereby approved provided that all of the other specific and
general conditions of the Certification are met. No other impacts are approved, including
incidental impacts. [ 15A NCAC 02H .0506(b) and/or (c)]
Type of Impact
Amount Approved
(units)
Permanent
Amount Approved
(units)
Temporary
Stream Impact
Impact S 1
120 (linear feet
Impact S2
350 linear feet
Impact S3
10 linear feet
Impact S4
80 (linear feet
SmtcofNonh Carolina I Envlmnmoa.i Qaallty I Wale,Resoames
2090 U.S. Highway 70, Swennanoa, North Carolina 28778
828-296-4500

Rainbow Springs Enhancement
DWR# 17-0502
401 Approval
Page 2 of 4
2. This approval is for the purpose and design described in your application. The plans and
specifications for this project are incorporated by reference as part of the
Certification/Authorization. If you change your project, you must notify the Division
and you may be required to submit a new application package with the appropriate fee.
If the propertyis sold, the new owner must be given a. copy of this approval letter and
General Certification(s) and is responsible for complying with all conditions. [I 5A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2)]
3. The proposed project shall follow the recommendations stated in the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) comment letter dated June 19, 2017
(attached) to the maximum extent practicable. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
4. The designer or his designee shall supervise the installation of in -stream structures.
[15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
5. Fueling, lubrication and general equipment maintenance should not take place within 50
feet of a waterbody or wetlands to prevent contamination by fuel and oils. [ 15A NCAC
02H.0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B.0211(12)]
6. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters or wetlands will be regularly
inspected and maintained to prevent contamination of waters and wetlands from fuels,
lubricants, hydraulic fluids or other potential toxic chemicals. In the event of a
hydrocarbon or chemical spill, the permittee/contractor shall immediately contact the
Division of Water Resources, between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm at the Asheville
Regional Office at 828.296.4500 and after hours and on weekends call [phone].
Management of such spills shall comply with provisions of the North Carolina Oil
Pollution and Hazardous Substances Control Act. [15A NCAC 02H.0506 (b)(3) and
(c)(3), 15A NCAC 02B.0211(12), and GS 143 Article 21A]
7. Natural fiber matting is required for streambank stabilization over plastic matting that
can entrap small animals. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
8. Visual monitoring of the stabilization project shall be conducted at a minimum of
quarterly for the first year or two bankfull events (whichever is longer), and then
annually until the site is stable (particularly after storm events) and vegetation is
successful. Any failures of structures, stream banks, or vegetation may require future
repairs or replacement, which requires coordination with the Asheville Regional Office
to ensure the stability and water quality of the stream and downstream waters. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (b)(3)]
9. All temporary impacted areas shall be restored to pre -construction natural conditions
upon completion of the project. Native vegetation shall be used for stream bank
stabilization. [15A NCAC 02H.0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
10. The permitee shall require its contractors and/or agents to comply with the terms and
conditions of this permit in the construction and maintenance of this project, and shall

Rainbow Springs Enhancement
DWRA 17-0502
401 Approval
Page 3 of 4
provide each of its contractors and/or agents associated with the construction or
maintenance of this project with a copy of this Certification. A copy of this
Certification, including all conditions shall be available at the project site during the
construction and maintenance of this project. [15A NCAC 02H .0507 (c) and 15A
.NCAC 02H.0506 (b)(2) and (c)(2)]
11. The streams are Class B; ORW; Trout Waters. In order to protect downstream uses for
Trout Waters a requirement of this Certification is that any additional work conducted
within the stream may not occur between the dates of October 15 through April 15. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 0413 .0125]
This approval and its conditions are final and binding unless contested. [G.S. 143-215.5]
This Certification can be contested as provided in Articles 3 and 4 of General Statute 150B by
filing a written petition for an administrative hearing to the Office of Administrative Hearings
(hereby known as OAH) within sixty (60) calendar days.
A petition form may be obtained from the OAH at huo://www.ncoah.com/ or by calling the
OAH Clerk's Office at [phone] for information. A petition is considered filed when the
original and one (1) copy along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received in the OAH
during normal office hours (Monday through Friday between 8:OOam and 5:OOpm, excluding
official state holidays).
The petition may be faxed to the OAH at [phone], provided the original and one copy of
the petition along with any applicable OAH filing fee is received by the OAH within five (5)
business days following the faxed transmission.
Mailing address for the OAH:
If sending via US Postal Service:
Office of Administrative Hearings
6714 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6714
Ifsending via delivery service (UPS,
FedEx, etc):
Office of Administrative Hearings
1711 New Hope Church Road
Raleigh, NC 27609-6285
One (1) copy of the petition must also be served to DENR:
William F. Lane, General Counsel
Department of Environmental Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601

Rainbow Springs Enhancement
DWR# 17-0502
401 Approval
Page 4 of 4
This letter completes the review by the Divisionunder section 401 of the Clean Water Act as
described in 15A NCAC 0211.0500. Please contact Kevin Mitchell at 828-296-4650 or
kevin.mitchell _ncdem.eov if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
���r�
, P.E., Assistant Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
Asheville Regional Office
Enclosures: GC 4087, 4085, and 4092
Certificate of Completion
NCWRC letter dated June 19, 2017
cc: Andrew Bick— Wildlands Engineering, Inc.(via email)
David Brown — USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office (via email)
Andrea Leslie —NCWRC (via email)
Stan Aiken — Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (via email)
DWRARO 401 files
DWR 401 and Buffer Permitting Unit (via email)
G:\WR\WQ\Io rM40l,\ on-DOTVainbow springs Enhancement Project\APRVL.401 Rainbow Springs Enhancement
00.212017Aocx

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO. 4092
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 18 (MINOR DISCHARGES),
•. NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER .29(RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 39 (COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 40 (AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 41 (RESHAPING EXISTING DRAINAGE DITCHES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 42 (RECREATIONAL FACILITIES),
a NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 44 (MINING ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 46 (DISCHARGES IN DITCHES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 51 (LAND BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
FACILITIES); AND
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 52 (WATER BASED RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
PILOT PROJECTS).
Water Quality Certification Number 4092 is issued in conformity with the requirements of
Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North
Carolina Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H ,0500 and 15A.. NCAC 02B .0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B) (18, 29,
39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 46, 51 and 52) of the US Army Corps of Engineers. regulations.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified. category of activity will not violate
applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217
if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter set forth.
Effective date: March 19, 2017
Signed this day March 3, 2017
A
for S. Jay Zimmerman, P.G..
Director

GC4092
Activities meeting any one (1) of the following thresholds or circumstances require written
approval fora 401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Resources (DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this Certification (listed below) cannot be met; or
b) Any impacts to streams from excavation or dredging; or
c) Total temporary and permanent impacts to streams greater than 150 feet; or
d) Any stream relocation or stream restoration; or
e) Total temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands or open waters equal to or greater
than one-tenth (1/10) acre; or
f) Any high density project, as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)(a) and by the density
thresholds specified in 15A NCAC 02H .1017, which does not have a stormwater
management plan reviewed and approved under a state stormwater program' or a state -
approved local government stormwater programz. Projects that have vested rights,
exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally -implemented stormwater programs
and projects that satisfy state or locally -implemented stormwater programs through use
of community in -lieu programs require written approval.; or
g) Any impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as: ORW (including
SAV), HQW (including PNA), SA, WS -I, WS -II, Trout, or North Carolina or National Wild and
Scenic River; or
h) Any impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands (UWL) [15A
NCAC 02H.0506]; or
I) Any impact associated with a Notice of Violation or an enforcement action for violation(s)
of NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), INC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H
.1300), NC Surface Water or Wetland Standards (15A NCAC 02B .0200), or State
Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0200); or
j) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along subject
water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the Randleman
Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or watershed with
State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules [Buffer Rules] in effect at the time of
application) unless:
i) The activities are listed as "EXEMPT' from these rules; or
ii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued by the INC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate or a Minor Variance is issued by a delegated or
designated local government implementing a state riparian buffer program
pursuant to 143-215.23.
Activities included in this General Certification that do not meet one of the thresholds listed above
do not require written approval.
' e.g. Coastal Counties, HQW, OWN, or state -Implemented Phase II NPDES
'e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal stormwater
Management Program
Page 2 of 11

GC4092
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
1. If this Water Quality Certification is used to access residential, commercial or industrial
building sites, then all parcels owned by the applicant that are part of the single and
complete project authorized by this Certification must be buildable without additional
impacts to streams or wetlands. If required in writing by DWR, the applicant shall provide
evidence that the parcels are buildable without requiring additional impacts to wetlands,
waters, or state regulated riparian buffers. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(6)(4) and (c)(4)]
2. For road construction purposes, this Certification shall only be utilized from natural high
ground to natural high ground. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
3. Deed notifications or similar mechanisms shall be placed on all lots with retained
jurisdictional wetlands, waters, and state regulated riparian buffers within the project
boundaries in order to assure compliance with NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), NC
Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), and/or State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules
(15A NCAC 02B .0200). These mechanisms shall be put in place at the time of recording of
the property or individual parcels, whichever is appropriate. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(4) and
(c)(4)]
4. For the North Carolina Department of Transportation, compliance with the NCDOT's
individual NPDES permit NC5000250 shall serve to satisfy this condition. For all other
projects that disturb one acre or more of land (including a project that disturbs less than one
acre of land that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale); have permanent
wetland, stream, or open water impacts; and are proposing new built -upon area shall comply
with the following requirements: 115A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(S)]
a. Stormwater management shall be provided throughout the entire project area in
accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .1003. For the purposes of 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)(a),
density thresholds shall be determined in accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .1017.
b. Projects that have vested rights, exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs do not satisfy this condition. Projects that satisfy
state or locally -implemented stormwater programs through use of community in -lieu
programs do not satisfy this condition.
c. Projects that require written authorization from DWR shall submit the following with
their application for review and approval:
i. For projects that have a stormwater management plan (SMP) reviewed under a state
stormwater programs or a state -approved local government stormwater programz
shall submit plans that show the location and approximate size of all proposed
stormwater measures;
r e.g. Coastal Counties, HQW, ORW, or state -Implemented Phase II NPDES
'e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 3 of 11

GC4092
ii. All other low density projects not covered above shall submit a completed low
density supplement form with all required Items; and
iii. All other high density projects not covered above shall submit a completed SMP,
including all appropriate stormwater control measure (SCM) supplemental forms and
associated items, that complies with the high density development requirements of
15A NCAC 02H .1003.
d. Projects that do not require written approval from DWR shall obtain approval of the SMP,
when required, before any impacts authorized by this Certification occur.
e. SMPs approved by DWR may be phased on a case-by-case basis. SMPs for each future
phase must be approved before construction of that phase commences. Approved SMPs
may not be modified without prior written authorization from DWR.
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. When written authorization is required, the plans and specifications for the project are
incorporated into the authorization by reference and are an enforceable part of .the
Certification. Any modifications to the project require notification to DWR and may require -
an application submittal to DWR with the appropriate fee. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts) as authorized in the written approval
from DWR; or beyond the thresholds established for use of this Certification without written
authorization. 135A NCAC 02H .0501 and .05021
No removal of vegetation or other impacts of any kind shall occur to state regulated riparian
buffers beyond the footprint of impacts approved in a Buffer Authorization or Variance or as
listed as an exempt activity in the applicable riparian buffer rules. [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
3. In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0506(h), compensatory mitigation may be required for
losses of greater than 150 linear feet of streams and/or greater than one (1) acre of
wetlands. Impacts to isolated and other non -404 jurisdictional wetlands shall not be
combined with 404 jurisdictional wetlands for the purpose of determining when impact
thresholds trigger a mitigation requirement. For linear publicly owned and maintained
transportation projects that are not determined to be part of a larger common plan of
development by the US Army Corps of Engineers, compensatory mitigation may be required
for losses of greater than 150 linear feet per stream.
Compensatory stream and/or wetland mitigation shall be proposed and completed in
compliance with G.S. 143-214.11. For applicants proposing to conduct mitigation within a
project site, a complete mitigation proposal developed in accordance with the most recent
guidance issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District shall be submitted
for review and approval with the application for impacts.
Page 4 of 11

GC4O92
4. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules
in Chapter 2 of Title 15A.
5. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113A Article 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices for the control of sediment and erosion
so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. [15A NCAC
02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B.0200]
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the NCOOTSediment and Erosion Control Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed, installed,
operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina
Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall comply with the
reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
and the Mining Act of 1971.
If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA,
WS -I, WS -II, High Quality Waters (HQW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 04B.0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts authorized under this Certification.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR, [15A
NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
7. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used
along streambanks or within wetlands. Exceptions to this condition require application to
and written approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02B.0201]
Page 5 of 11

GC4092
8. An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (NCG010000) is required for construction
projects thatdisturb one (1) or more acres of land. The NCGO10000 Permit allows
stormwater to be discharged during land disturbing construction activities as stipulated in
the conditions of the permit. If the project is covered by this permit, full compliance with
permit conditions including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and
maintenance, self-monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements is required. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent
version of their individual NPDES (NCS000250) stormwater permit. [35A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)1
9. All work in or adjacent to streams shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does not
come in contact with the disturbed area. Approved best management practices from the
most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or the NC DOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams,
and other diversion structures shall be used to minimize excavation in flowing water.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(6)(3) and (c)(3)]
10. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 04B.0125]
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shall be implemented. Exceptions to this
condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium. A copy of the approval from the resource agency shall be forwarded to DWR.
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the Wilmington
District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal endangered or
threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC, USFWS, NMFS,
and/or DMF personnel.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the original stream profiles are
not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension, pattern,
and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified by
widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with the
construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be such as
to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering flow
velocity. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
Page 6 of 11

GC4092
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% of the
culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage ofwaterand aquatic life.
If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic the existing stream
cross section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or
sills where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided.
When topographic constraints indicate culvert slopes of greater than 5%, culvert burial is not
required, provided that all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated
and aquatic life movement/connectivity has been provided when possible (e.g. rock ladders,
cross vanes, etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include a location
map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be provided to DWR
60 calendar days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required provided that
there is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification, including
supporting documentation such as, a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports,
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 60 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR shall be
notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
If other site-specific topographic constraints preclude the ability to bury the culverts as
described above and/or it can be demonstrated that burying the culvert would result in
destabilization of the channel, then exceptions to this condition require application to and
written approval from DWR.
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA -designated floodways or
wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum extent
practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before
entering the stream. -Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval
from DWR. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5)]
Page 7 of 11

GC4092
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all other
Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a manner.
that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters. f15A NCAC 02B
.0200 and 15A NCAC 028.0231]
14. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent
direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water that
inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state. 115A
NCAC 021.02001
15. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. For projects that receive written approval, no temporary impacts are
allowed beyond those included in the application and authorization. All temporarily
impacted sites shall be restored and stabilized with native vegetation. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
and Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
17. Any rip -rap required for proper culvert placement, stream stabilization, or restoration of
temporarily disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the approved
construction activity. All rip -rap shall be placed such that the original stream elevation and
streambank contours are restored and maintained. Placement of rip -rap or other approved
materials shall not result in de -stabilization of the stream bed or banks upstream or
downstream of the area or in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. 115A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2)]
18. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to prevent
movement by wave, current action, or stream flows and shall consist of clean rock or
masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip -rap shall not be installed in the
streambed except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural
integrity of bank stabilization measures. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
19. Applications for rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 INC
Division of Coastal Management General Permit for construction of Wooden and Rip -rap
Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters) shall meet all the specific conditions for design
and construction specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
Page 8 of 11

GC4O92
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of
equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication and
general equipment maintenance shall not take place within 50 feet of a waterbody or
wetlands to prevent contamination by fuels and oils. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)
and 15A NCAC 02B.0211 (12)]
21. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
22. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the applicant shall report any petroleum spill of 25 gallons
or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill less than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
23. If an environmental document is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA),
then this General Certification is not valid until a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or
Record of Decision (ROD) is issued by the State Clearinghouse. If an environmental document
is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), then this General
Certification is not valid until a Categorical Exclusion, the Final Environmental Assessment, or
Final Environmental Impact Statement is published by the lead agency [15A NCAC O1C
.0107(a)]
24. This General Certification does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain all
other required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project,
including those required by, but not limited to Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -Discharge,
Water Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
25. The applicant and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance
with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and
Federal Law. If DWR determines that such standards or laws are not being met, including
failure to sustain a designated or achieved use, or that State or Federal law is being violated,
or that further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, then DWR may revoke or
modify a written authorization associated with this General Water Quality Certification. [15A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)]
26. When written authorization is required for use of this Certification, upon completion of all
permitted impacts included within the approval and any subsequent modifications, the
applicant shall be required to return a certificate of completion (available on the DWR
website httos:Hedocs.deg.nc.gov/Forms/Certificate-of-Completion). [15A NCAC 02H
.0502(f)]
Page 9 of 11

GC4O92
27. Additional site-specific conditions, including monitoring and/or modeling requirements, may
be added to the written approval letter for projects proposed under this Water Quality
Certification in order to ensure compliance with all applicable water quality and effluent
standards, [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
28. If the property or project is sold or transferred, the new Permittee shall be given a copy of
this Certification (and written authorization if applicable) and is responsible for complying
with all conditions. [35A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
III. GENERAL CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:
1. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.3D(e), written approval for a 401
Water Quality General Certification must include the appropriate fee. An applicant for a
CAMA permit under Article 7 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes for which a Water
Quality Certification is required shall only make one payment to satisfy both agencies; the fee
shall be as established by the Secretary in accordance with 143-215.3D(e)(7).
2. This Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any
waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Certification does not authorize any person to
interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other person and
this Certification does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding any
usage of water. This Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action
respecting the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No
consumptive user is deemed by virtue of this Certification to possess any prescriptive or
other right of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity
of the withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
3. This Certification grants permission to the Director, an authorized representative of the
Director, or DWR staff, upon the presentation of proper credentials, to enter the property
during normal business hours. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(e)]
4. This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Nationwide Permit and/or Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect
on the date of issuance of Certification for a specific project shall remain in effect for the life
of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Certification. This General
Certification is rescinded when the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes any of the
corresponding Nationwide Permits and/or Regional General Permits or when deemed
appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
5. Non-compliance with or violation of the conditionsherein set forth by a specific project may
result in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in
criminal and/or civil penalties.
Page 10 of 11

GC4092
6. The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources may require submission of a
formal application for Individual Certification for any project in this category of activity if it is
determined that the project is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon water quality,
including state or federally listed endangered or threatened aquatic species, or degrade the
waters so that existing uses of the water or downstream waters are precluded.
7. Public hearings may be held prior to a Certification decision if deemed in the public's best
interest by the Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4092 issued March 3, 2017 replaces
WQC 3890 issued March 19, 2012 replaces WQC Number 3821 issued April 6, 2010; WQC
Number 3631 issued March 19, 2007; WQC 3402 issued March, 2003; WQC Number 3362, issued
March 18, 2002; WQC 3287, issued June 1, 2000,• WQCs 3106 and 3108 issued February 11,
1997
Page 11 of 11

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO. 4087
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 13 (BANK STABILIZATION),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT NUMBER 27 (AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION, ESTABLISHMENT
AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES),. AND
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 197800080(BULKHEADS AND RIP -RAP)
Water Quality Certification Number 4087 is Issued inconformity with the requirements of
.Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North
Carolina Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC 02B.0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix A (B) (13. and
27) of the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations and Regional General Permit 197800080.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will not violate
applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217
if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter set forth.
Effective date: March 19, 2017
Signed this day March 3, 2017
By
for S. Jay Zimmerman, P.G.
Director

GC4087
Activities meeting anyone (1) of the following thresholds or circumstances require written
pppro for a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Resources (DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this Certification (listed below) cannot be met; or
b) Any permanent fill into or modification of wetlands and/or waters except for single and
independent stream stabilization or enhancement projects involving in -stream structures
that are designed based on current natural channel techniques and do not exceed a total
of three structures within 100 feet of stream length; or
c) Any stream relocation; or
d) Any dewatering activity related to dam maintenance or removal; or
e) Total temporary and permanent impacts to streambanks of greater than 150 feet for
bank stabilization projects when non -natural armoring techniques (e.g. rip -rap, gabion
baskets, deflection walls) are utilized; or
f) Total tem porary and permanent impacts to streamba nks of greater than 500 feet for
bank stabilization projects when. natural techniques (e.g. sloping, vegetation, geolifts) are
used; or
g) Any impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as: ORW (including
SAV), HQW (including PNA), SA, WS -I, WS -II, Trout, or North Carolina or National Wild and
Scenic River; or
h) Any impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H .0205], or Unique Wetlands (UWQ; or
i) Any impact associated with a Notice of Violation or an enforcement action for violation(s)
of NC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H.0500), NC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H
.1300), NC Surface Water or Wetland Standards (15A NCAC 02B.0200), or State
Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B.0200); or
j) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along subject
water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the Randleman
Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or watershed with
State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules [Buffer Rules] in effect at the time of
application) unless:
I) The activities are listed as "EXEMPT' from these rules; or
ii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued bythe NC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate or a Minor Variance is issued by a delegated or
designated local government implementing a state riparian buffer program
pursuant to 143-215.23.
Activities included in this General Certification that do not meet one of the thresholds listed above
do not require written approval.
Page 2 of 9

GC4O87
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
1. Any repairs or adjustments to the site shall be made according to the approved plans.
Repairs that result in a change from the approved plans must receive written approval from
DWR prior to commencement of the repairs. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
2. Written authorization for a compensatory mitigation project does not represent an approval
of credit yield for the project. [15A NCAC 02H .0500(h)]
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. When written authorization is required, the plans and specifications for the project are
incorporated into the authorization by reference and are an enforceable part of the
Certification. Any modifications to the project require notification to DWR and may require an
application submittal to DWR with the appropriate fee. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts) as authorized in the written approval
from DWR; or beyond the thresholds established for use of this Certification without written
authorization. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
No removal of vegetation or other impacts of any kind shall occur to state regulated riparian
buffers beyond the footprint of impacts approved in a Buffer Authorization or Variance or as
listed as an exempt activity in the applicable riparian buffer rules. [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
3. In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0506(h), compensatory mitigation may be required for
losses of greater than 150 linear feet of streams and/or greater than one (1) acre of
wetlands. Impacts to isolated and other non -404 jurisdictional wetlands shall not be
combined with 404 jurisdictional wetlands for thepurposeof determining when impact
thresholds trigger a mitigation requirement. For linear publicly owned and maintained
transportation projects that are not determined to be part of a larger common plan of
development by the US Army Corps of Engineers, compensatory mitigation may be required
for losses of greater than 150 linear feet per stream.
Compensatory stream and/or wetland mitigation shall be proposed and completed in
compliance with G.S. 143-214.11. For applicants proposing to conduct mitigation within a
project site, a complete mitigation proposal developed in accordance with the most recent
guidance issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District shall be submitted
for review and approval with the application for impacts.
4. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules
in Chapter 2 of Title 15A.
Page 3 of 9

GC4087
S. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113AArticle 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices forthe control of sediment and erosion
so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. 135A NCAC
02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B.02001.
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the NCDOTSediment and Erosion Control Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed, installed,
operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina
Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall comply with the
reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
and the Mining Act of 1971.
If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs); SA,
WS -1, WS -ll, High Quality Waters (HOW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 04B.0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts authorized under this Certification.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [15A
NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
7. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used
along streambanks or within wetlands. Exceptions to this condition require application to
and written approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02B.0201]
8. An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (NCGO10000) is required for construction
projects that disturb one (1) or more acres of land. The NCG010000 Permit allows
stormwater to be discharged during land disturbing construction activitiesas stipulated in
the conditions of the permit. If the project is covered by this permit, full compliance with
permit conditions including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and
maintenance, self-monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements is required. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
Page 4 of 9

GC4O87
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent
version of their individual NPDES (NCS000250) stormwater permit. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
9. All work in or adjacent to streams shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does not
come in contact with the disturbed area. Approved best management practices from the
most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or the NC DOT .
Construction and Maintenance Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams,
and other diversion structures shall be used to minimize excavation in flowing water.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)]
10. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 04B .0125]
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shall be implemented. Exceptions to this
condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium. A copy of the approval from the resource agency shall be forwarded to DWR.
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the Wilmington
District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal endangered or
threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC, USFWS, NMFS,
and/or DMF personnel.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner thatthe original stream profiles are
not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension, pattern,
and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified by
widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with the
construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be such as
to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering flow
velocity. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)1
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% of the
culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage of water and aquatic life.
If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to the mimic the existing
stream cross section as closely as possible including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation
and/or sills where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided.
Page 5 of 9

When topographic constraints indicate culvert slopes of greater than 5%, culvert burial is not
required, provided that all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated
and aquatic life movement/connectivity has been provided when possible (e.g. rock ladders,
cross vanes, etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include a location
map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be provided to DWR
60 calendar days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required provided that
there is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification, including
supporting documentation such as a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports;
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 60 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR shall be
notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
If other site-specific topographic constraints preclude the ability to bury the culverts as
described above and/or it can be demonstrated that burying the culvert would result in
destabilization of the channel, then exceptions to this condition require application to and
written approval from DWR.
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA -designated floodways or
wetlands, openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum extent
practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before
entering the stream. Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval
from DWR. [35A NCAC 02H.0506(b)(5)]
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all other
Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a manner
that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters. [15A NCAC 02B
.0200 and 15A NCAC 02B.02311
14. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent
direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water that
inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state. [15A
NCAC 02B.02001
Page 6 of 9

GC4087
15. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. For projects that receive written approval, no temporary impacts
are allowed beyond those included in the application and authorization. All temporarily
impacted sites shall be restored -and stabilized with native vegetation. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pads etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
and Maintenance Activities so as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
17. Any rip -rap required for proper culvert placement, stream stabilization, or restoration of
temporarily disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the approved
construction activity. All rip -rap shall be placed such thatthe original stream elevation and
streambank contours are restored and maintained. Placement of rip -rap or other approved
materials shall not result in de -stabilization of the stream bed or banks upstream or
downstream of the area or in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2)]
18. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to prevent
movement by wave, current action, or stream flows and shall consist of clean rock or
masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip -rap shall not be installed in the
streambed except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural
integrity of bank stabilization measures. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(6)(2)]
19. Applications for rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 (NC
Division of Coastal Management General Permit for construction of Wooden and Rip -rap
Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters) shall meet all the specific conditions for design
and construction specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters shall be inspected and maintained
regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants, hydraulic fluids,
or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize the exposure of
equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling, lubrication and
general equipment maintenance shall not take place within 50 feet of a waterbody or
wetlands to prevent contamination by fuels and oils. 115A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(3) and (c)(3)
and 15A NCAC 02B .0211 (12)]
21. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance. [15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3)]
Page 7 of 9

GC4O87
22. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the applicant shall report any petroleum spill of 25 gallons
or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill less than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
23. If an environmental document is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA),
then this General Certification is not valid until a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or
Record of Decision (ROD) is issued by the State Clearinghouse. If an environmental
document is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), then this General
Certification is not valid until a Categorical Exclusion, the Final Environmental Assessment, or
Final Environmental Impact Statement is published by the lead agency. [15A NCAC O1C
.0107(a)]
24. This General Certification does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain all
other required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project,
including those required by, but not limited to, Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -
Discharge, Water Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations.
25. The applicant and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance
with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and
Federal Law. If DWR determines that such standards or laws are not being met, including
failure to sustain a designated or achieved use, or that State or Federal law is being violated,
or that further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, then DWR may revoke or
modify a written authorization associated with this General Water Quality Certification. [35A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)]
26. When written authorization is required for use of this Certification, upon completion of all
permitted impacts included within the approval and any subsequent modifications, the
applicant shall be required to return a certificate of completion (available on the DWR
website: https://edocs.deg.nc.gov/Forms/Certificate-of-Completion). [15A NCAC 02H
.0502(f)]
27. Additional site-specific conditions, including monitoring and/or modeling requirements, may
be added to the written approval letterfor projects proposed underthls Water Quality
Certification in order to ensure compliance with all applicable water quality and effluent
standards. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
28. If the property or project is sold or transferred, the new Permittee shall be given a copy of
this Certification (and written authorization if applicable) and is responsible for complying
with all conditions. 115A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
III. GENERAL CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:
1. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.3D(e), written approval for a 401
Water Quality General Certification must include the appropriate fee. An applicant for a
Page 8 of 9

GC4087
LAMA permit under Article 7 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes for which a water
quality Certification is required shall only make one payment to satisfy both agencies; the fee
shall be as established bythe Secretary in accordance with 143-215.3D(e)(7).
2. This Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any
waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Certification does not authorize any person to
interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other person and
this Certification does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding any
usage of water. This Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action
respecting the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No
consumptive user is deemed by virtue of this Certification to possess any prescriptive or
other right of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity
of the withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
3. This Certification grants permission to the Director, an authorized representative of the
Director, or DWR staff, upon the presentation of proper credentials, to enter the property
during normal business hours. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(e)]
4. This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Nationwide Permit and/or Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect
on the date of issuance of Certification for a specific project shall remain in effect for the life
of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Certification. This General
Certification is rescinded when the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes any of the
corresponding Nationwide Permits and/or Regional General Permits or when deemed
appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
5. Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project may
result in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in
criminal and/or civil penalties.
6. The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources may require submission of a
formal application for Individual Certification for any project in this category of activity if it is
determined that the project is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon water quality,
including state or federally listed endangered or threatened aquatic species, or degrade the
waters so that existing uses of the water or downstream waters are precluded.
7. Public hearings may be held prior to a Certification decision if deemed in the public's best
interest by the Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
HistoryNote: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4087 issued March 3, 2017 replaces
WQC 3885 issued March 19, 2012; WQC Number 3689 issued November 1, 2007; WQC Number
3616 issued March, 2007, WQC Number 3495 issued December 31, 2004; and WQC Number
3399 issued March 1003.
Page 9 of 9

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
WATER QUALITY GENERAL CERTIFICATION NO. 4085
GENERAL CERTIFICATION FOR PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 3(MAINTENANCE),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 4(FISH AND WILDLIFE HARVESTING, ENHANCEMENT, AND ATTRACTION
DEVICESAND ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMITS (SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENT DEVICES),
•. NATIONWIDE PERMIT 6 (SURVEY ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 7(OUTFALL STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED INTAKESTRUCTURES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 19 (MINOR DREDGING),
• .NATIONWIDE PERMIT 20 (RESPONSE OPERATIONS FOR OIL OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 22(REMOVALOF VESSELS),
• NATIONWIDE. PERMIT 25 (STRUCTURAL DISCHARGES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 30 (MOIST SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR WILDLIFE),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 32 (COMPLETED ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 36 (BOAT RAMPS),.
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 197800056 (PIERS, DOCKS AND BOATHOUSES), AND
• REGIONAL GENERAL PERMIT 197800125 (BOAT RAMPS)
Water Quality Certification Number 4085 is issued in conformity withthe. requirements of
Section 401, Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North
Carolina Regulations in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 15A NCAC. 02B ,0200 for the discharge of fill
material to surface waters and wetland areas as described in 33 CFR 330 Appendix. A (B) (3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 19, 20, 22, 25, 30, 32, and 36) of the US Army Corps of Engineers regulations and Regional
General Permits 197800056 and 197800125.
The State of North Carolina certifies that the specified category of activity will not violate
applicable portions of Sections 301, 302, 303, 306 and 307 of the Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217
if conducted in accordance with the conditions hereinafter set forth.
Effective date: March 19, 2017
Signed this day March 3, 2017
By
for S. Jay Zimmerman, P.G.
Director

GC4085
Activities meeting any one (1) of the following thresholds or circumstances require written
ppproynl for a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Division of Water Resources (DWR):
a) If any of the conditions of this Certification (listed below) cannot be met; or
b) Total additional permanent impacts to streams (including stream relocations or
restorations) greater than 40 linear feet at an existing stream impact location; or
c) Total temporary and permanent impacts to wetlands equal to or greater than one-tenth
(1/10) of an acre; or
d) Any dewatering activity related to dam maintenance or removal; or
e) Any impacts to streams from excavation or dredging, except for projects qualifying for a
Nationwide Permit 19; or
f) Any impacts to waters, or to wetlands adjacent to waters, designated as: ORW (including
SAV), HOW (including PNA), SA, WS -I, WS -II, Trout, or North Carolina or National Wild and
Scenic River, except for projects qualifying for a Nationwide Permit 3; or
g) Any impacts to coastal wetlands [15A NCAC 07H.0205], or Unique Wetlands (UWL); or
h) Any impact associated with a Notice of Violation or an enforcement action for violation(s)
of INC Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), INC Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H
.1300), INC Surface Water or Wetland Standards (15A NCAC 02B .0200), or State
Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0200); or
i) Any impacts to subject water bodies and/or state regulated riparian buffers along subject
water bodies in the Neuse, Tar -Pamlico, or Catawba River Basins or in the Randleman
Lake, Jordan Lake or Goose Creek Watersheds (or any other basin or watershed with
State Regulated Riparian Area Protection Rules [Buffer Rules] in effect at the time of
application) unless:
I) The activities are listed as "EXEMPT" from these rules; or
ii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate is issued by the NC Division of Coastal
Management (DCM); or
iii) A Buffer Authorization Certificate or a Minor Variance is issued by a delegated or
designated local government implementing a state riparian buffer program
pursuant to 143-215.23.
Activities included in this General Certification that do not meet one of the thresholds listed above
do not require written approval.
I. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
1. For the North Carolina Department of Transportation, compliance with the NCDOTs
individual NPDES permit NCS000250 shall serve to satisfy this condition. For all other
projects that disturb one acre or more of land (including a project that disturbs less than one
acre of land that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale); have permanent
wetland, stream, or open water impacts; and are proposing new built -upon area shall comply
with the following requirements: [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
Page 2 of 10

GC4085
a. Stormwater management shall be provided throughout the entire project area in
accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .1003. For the purposes of 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)(a),
density thresholds shall be determined in accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .1017.
b. Projects that have vested rights; exemptions, or grandfathering from state or locally -
implemented stormwater programs do not satisfy this condition. Projects that satisfy
state or locally -implemented stormwater programs through use of community in -lieu
programs do not satisfy this condition.
c. Projects that require written authorization from DWR shall submit the following with
their application for review and approval:
i. For projects that have a stormwater management plan (SMP) reviewed under a state
stormwater program' or a state -approved local government stormwater programz
shall submit plans that show the location and approximate size of all proposed
stormwater measures;
ii. All other low density projects not covered above shall submit a completed low
density supplement form with all required items; and
iii. All other high density projects not covered above shall submit a completed SMP,
including all appropriate stormwater control measure (SCM) supplemental forms and
associated items, that complies with the high density development requirements of
15A NCAC 02H .1003.
all. Projects that do not require written approval from DWR shall obtain approval of the SMP,
when required, before any impacts authorized by this Certification occur.
e. SMPs approved by DWR may be phased on a case-by-case basis. SMPs for each future
phase must be approved before construction of that phase is commenced. Approved
SMPs may not be modified without prior written authorization from DWR.
II. GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. When written authorization is required, the plans and specifications for the project are
incorporated into the .authorization by reference and are an enforceable part of the
Certification. Any modifications to the project require notification to DWR and may require an
application submittal to DWR with the appropriate fee. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
2. No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands or waters beyond the
footprint of the impacts (including temporary impacts) as authorized in the written. approval
from DWR; or beyond the thresholds established for use of this Certification without written
authorization. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
' e.g. Coastal Counties, HOW, ORW, or state -implemented Phase II NPDES
'e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 3 of 10

GC4085
No removal of vegetation or other impacts of any kind shall occur to state regulated riparian
buffers beyond the footprint of impacts approved in a Buffer Authorization or Variance or as
listed as an exempt activity in the applicable riparian buffer rules. [15A NCAC 02B .0200]
3. In accordance with 15A NCAC 02H .0506(h), compensatory mitigation may be required for
losses of greater than 150 linear feet of streams and/or greater than one (1) acre of
wetlands. Impacts to isolated and other non -404 jurisdictional wetlands shall not be
combined with 404 jurisdictional wetlands for the purpose of determining when impact
thresholds trigger a mitigation requirement. For linear publicly owned and maintained
transportation projects that are not determined to be part of a larger common plan of
development by the US Army Corps of Engineers, compensatory mitigation may be required
for losses of greater than 150 linear feet per stream.
Compensatory stream and/or wetland mitigation shall be proposed and completed in
compliance with G.S. 143-214.11. Forapplicants proposing to conduct mitigation within a
project site, a complete mitigation proposal developed in accordance with the most recent
guidance issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District shall be submitted
for review and approval with the application for impacts.
4. All activities shall be in compliance with any applicable State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules
in Chapter 2 of Title 15A.
5. When applicable, all construction activities shall be performed and maintained in full
compliance with G.S. Chapter 113A Article 4 (Sediment and Pollution Control Act of 1973).
Regardless of applicability of the Sediment and Pollution Control Act, all projects shall
incorporate appropriate Best Management Practices for the control of sediment and erosion
so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. [15A NCAC
02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 02B.0200]
Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of all sediment and erosion control
measures shall be equal to or exceed the requirements specified in the most recent version
of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or for linear transportation
projects, the NCDOTSediment and Erosion Control Manual.
All devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil)
sites, including contractor -owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project.
Sufficient materials required for stabilization and/or repair. of erosion control measures and
stormwater routing and treatment shall be on site at all times.
For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures shall be designed, installed,
operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina
Surface Mining Manual. Reclamation measures and implementation shall comply with the
reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act
and the Mining Act of 1971.
Page 4 of 10

If the project occurs in waters or watersheds classified as Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), SA,
WS -I, WS -II, High Quality Waters (HOW), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), then the
sedimentation and erosion control designs shall comply with the requirements set forth in
15A NCAC 04B .0124, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds.
6. Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters except
within the footprint of temporary or permanent impacts authorized under this Certification.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [15A
NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
7. Erosion control matting that incorporates plastic mesh and/or plastic twine shall not be used
along streambanks or within wetlands. Exceptions to this condition require application to
and written approval from DWR. [15A NCAC 02B.0201]
8. An NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit (NCG010000) is required for construction
projects that disturb one (1) or more acres of land. The NCG010000 Permit allows
stormwater to be discharged during land disturbing construction activities as stipulated in
the conditions of the permit. If the project is covered by this permit, full compliance with
permit conditions including the erosion & sedimentation control plan, inspections and
maintenance, self-monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements is required. [15A
NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be required to be in full
compliance with the conditions related to construction activities within the most recent
version of their individual NPDES (NCS000250) stormwater permit. [15A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(5) and (c)(5)]
All work in or adjacent to streams shall be conducted so that the flowing stream does not
come in contact with the disturbed area. Approved best management practices from the
most current version of the NC Sediment and Erosion Control Manual, or the NC DOT
Construction and Maintenance Activities Manual, such as sandbags, rock berms, cofferdams,
and other diversion structures shall be used to minimize excavation in flowing water.
Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval from DWR. [35A
NCAC 02H .0506(6)(3) and (c)(3)]
10. If activities must occur during periods of high biological activity (e.g. sea turtle nesting, fish
spawning, or bird nesting), then biological monitoring may be required at the request of
other state or federal agencies and coordinated with these activities. [15A NCAC 02H .0506
(b)(2) and 15A NCAC 0413 .0125]
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission (WRC), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), NC Division of Marine Fisheries
(DMF), or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) shall be implemented. Exceptions to this
condition require written approval by the resource agency responsible for the given
moratorium. A copy of the approval from the resource agency shall be forwarded to DWR.
Page 5 of 10

GC4085
Work within a designated trout watershed of North Carolina (as identified by the Wilmington
District of the US Army Corps of Engineers), or identified state or federal endangered or
threatened species habitat, shall be coordinated with the appropriate WRC, USFWS, NMFS,
and/or DMF personnel.
11. Culverts shall be designed and installed in such a manner that the original stream profiles are
not altered and allow for aquatic life movement during low flows. The dimension, pattern,
and profile of the stream above and below a pipe or culvert shall not be modified by
widening the stream channel or by reducing the depth of the stream in connection with the
construction activity. The width, height, and gradient of a proposed culvert shall be such as
to pass the average historical low flow and spring flow without adversely altering flow
velocity. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
Placement of culverts and other structures in streams shall be below the elevation of the
streambed by one foot for all culverts with a diameter greater than 48 inches, and 20% of the
culvert diameter for culverts having a diameter less than or equal to 48 inches, to allow low
flow passage of water and aquatic life.
If multiple pipes or barrels are required, they shall be designed to mimic the existing stream
cross section as closely as possible, including pipes or barrels at flood plain elevation and/or
sills where appropriate. Widening the stream channel shall be avoided.
When topographic constraints indicate culvert slopes of greater than 5%, culvert burial is not
required, provided that all alternative options for flattening the slope have been investigated
and aquatic life movement/connectivity has been provided when possible (e.g. rock ladders,
cross vanes, etc.). Notification, including supporting documentation to include a location
map of the culvert, culvert profile drawings, and slope calculations, shall be provided to DWR
60 calendar days prior to the installation of the culvert.
When bedrock is present in culvert locations, culvert burial is not required provided that
there is sufficient documentation of the presence of bedrock. Notification, including
supporting documentation such as a location map of the culvert, geotechnical reports,
photographs, etc. shall be provided to DWR a minimum of 60 calendar days prior to the
installation of the culvert. If bedrock is discovered during construction, then DWR shall be
notified by phone or email within 24 hours of discovery.
If other site-specific topographic constraints preclude the ability to bury the culverts as
described above and/or it can be demonstrated that burying the culvert would result in
destabilization of the channel, then exceptions to this condition require application to and
written approval from DWR.
Page 6 of 10

GC4085
Installation of culverts in wetlands shall ensure continuity of water movement and be
designed to adequately accommodate high water or flood conditions. When roadways,
causeways, or other fill projects are constructed across FEMA -designated floodways or
wetlands,. openings such as culverts or bridges shall be provided to maintain the natural
hydrology of the system as well as prevent constriction of the floodway that may result in
destabilization of streams or wetlands.
The establishment of native woody vegetation and other soft stream bank stabilization
techniques shall be used where practicable instead of rip -rap or other bank hardening
methods.
12. Bridge deck drains shall not discharge directly into the stream. Stormwater shall be directed
across the bridge and pre-treated through site -appropriate means to the maximum extent
practicable (e.g. grassed swales, pre -formed scour holes, vegetated buffers, etc.) before
entering the stream. Exceptions to this condition require application to and written approval
from DWR. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(5)]
13. Application of fertilizer to establish planted/seeded vegetation within disturbed riparian
areas and/or wetlands shall be conducted at agronomic rates and shall comply with all other
Federal, State and Local regulations. Fertilizer application shall be accomplished in a manner
that minimizes the risk of contact between the fertilizer and surface waters. [15A NCAC 02B
.0200 and 15A NCAC 02B.0231]
14. If concrete is used during construction, then all necessary measures shall be taken to prevent
direct contact between uncured or curing concrete and waters of the state. Water that
inadvertently contacts uncured concrete shall not be discharged to waters of the state. [15A
NCAC 02B.02001
15. All proposed and approved temporary fill and culverts shall be removed and the impacted
area shall be returned to natural conditions within 60 calendar days after the temporary
impact is no longer necessary. The impacted areas shall be restored to original grade,
including each stream's original cross sectional dimensions, planform pattern, and
longitudinal bed profile. For projects that receive written approval, no temporary impacts
are allowed beyond those included in the application and authorization. All temporarily
impacted sites shall be restored and stabilized with native vegetation. [35A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
16. All proposed and approved temporary pipes/culverts/rip-rap pails etc. in streams shall be
installed as outlined in the most recent edition of the North Carolina Sediment and Erasion
Control Planning and Design Manual or the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual or the
North Carolina Department of Transportation Best Management Practices for Construction
and Maintenance Activities so. as not to restrict stream flow or cause dis-equilibrium during
use of this Certification. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2) and (c)(2)]
Page 7 of 10

GC4085
17. Any rip -rap required for proper culvert placement, stream stabilization, or restoration of
temporarily disturbed areas shall be restricted to the area directly impacted by the approved
construction activity. All rip -rap shall be placed such that the original stream elevation and
streambank contours are restored and maintained. Placement of rip -rap or other approved
materials shall not result in de -stabilization of the stream bed or banks upstream or
downstream of the area or in a manner that precludes aquatic life passage. 115A NCAC 02H
.0506(b)(2)]
18. Any rip -rap used for stream or shoreline stabilization shall be of a size and density to prevent
movement by wave, current action, or stream flows and shall consist of clean rock or
masonry material free of debris or toxic pollutants. Rip -rap shall not be installed in the
streambed except in specific areas required for velocity control and to ensure structural
integrity of bank stabilization measures. [15A NCAC 02H .0506(b)(2)]
19. Applications for rip -rap groins proposed in accordance with 15A NCAC 07H .1401 INC
Division of Coastal Management General Permit for construction of Wooden and Rip -rap
Groins in Estuarine and Public Trust Waters) shall meet all the specific conditions for design
and construction specified in 15A NCAC 07H .1405.
20. All mechanized equipment operated near surface waters should be inspected and
maintained regularly to prevent contamination of surface waters from fuels, lubricants,
hydraulic fluids, or other toxic materials. Construction shall be staged in order to minimize
the exposure of equipment to surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. Fueling,
lubrication and general equipment maintenance should not take place within 50 feet of a
waterbody or wetlands to prevent contamination by fuels and oils. [15A NCAC 02H .0506
(b)(3) and (c)(3) and 15A NCAC 028.0211 (12)]
21. Heavy equipment working in wetlands shall be placed on mats or other measures shall be
taken to minimize soil disturbance. (15A NCAC 02H .0506 (b)(3) and (c)(3)]
22. In accordance with 143-215.85(b), the applicant shall report any petroleum spill of 25 gallons
or more; any spill regardless of amount that causes a sheen on surface waters; any
petroleum spill regardless of amount occurring within 100 feet of surface waters; and any
petroleum spill less than 25 gallons that cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours.
23. If an environmental document is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA),
then this General Certification is not valid until a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or
Record of Decision (ROD) is issued by the State Clearinghouse. If an environmental
document is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), then this General
Certification is not valid until a Categorical Exclusion, the Final Environmental Assessment, or
Final Environmental Impact Statement is published by the lead agency. 115A NCAC 01C
.0107(a)]
24. This General Certification does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to obtain all
other required Federal, State, or Local approvals before proceeding with the project,
Page 8 of 10

GC4085
including those required by, but not limited to, Sediment and Erosion Control, Non -
Discharge, Water. Supply Watershed, and Trout Buffer regulations..
25. The applicant and their authorized agents shall conduct all activities in a manner consistent
with State water quality standards (including any requirements resulting from compliance
with §303(d) of the Clean Water Act), and any other appropriate requirements of State and
Federal Law. If DWR determines that such standards or laws are not being met, including
failure to sustain a designated or achieved use, or that State or Federal law is being violated,
or that further conditions are necessary to assure compliance, then DWR may revoke or
modify a written authorization associated with this General Water Quality Certification. 115A
NCAC 02H .0507(d)]
26. When written authorization is required for use of this Certification, upon completion of all
permitted impacts included within the approval and any subsequent modifications, the
applicant shall be required to return a certificate of completion (available on the DWR
website https://edocs.deg.nc.gov/Forms/Certificate-of-Completion). [15A NCAC 02H
.0502(f)]
27. Additional site-specific conditions, including monitoring and/or modeling requirements, may
be added to the written approval letter for projects proposed under this Water Quality
Certification in order to ensure compliance with all applicable water quality and effluent
standards. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(c)]
28. If the property or project is sold or transferred, the new Permittee shall be given a copy of
this Certification (and written authorization if applicable) and is responsible for complying
with all conditions. [15A NCAC 02H .0501 and .0502]
III. GENERAL CERTIFICATION ADMINISTRATION:
1. In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-215.3D(e), written approval for a 401
Water Quality General Certification must include the appropriate fee. An applicant for a
CAMA permit under Article 7 of Chapter 113A of the General Statutes for which a Water
Quality Certification is required shall only make one payment to satisfy both agencies; the fee
shall be as established by the Secretary in accordance with 143-215.3D(e)(7).
2. This Certification neither grants nor affirms any property right, license, or privilege in any
waters, or any right of use in any waters. This Certification does not authorize any person to
interfere with the riparian rights, littoral rights, or water use rights of any other person and
this Certification does not create any prescriptive right or any right of priority regarding any
usage of water. This Certification shall not be interposed as a defense in any action
respecting the determination of riparian or littoral rights or other rights to water use. No
consumptive user is deemed by virtue of this Certification to possess any prescriptive or
other right of priority with respect to any other consumptive user regardless of the quantity
of the withdrawal or the date on which the withdrawal was initiated or expanded.
Page 9 of 1D

GC4085
3. This Certification grants permission to the Director, an authorized representative of the.
Director, or DWR staff, upon the presentation of proper credentials, to enter the property
during normal business hours. [15A NCAC 02H .0502(e)]
4. This General Certification shall expire on the same day as the expiration date of the
corresponding Nationwide Permit and/or Regional General Permit. The conditions in effect
on the date of issuance of Certification fora specific project shall remain in effect for the life
of the project, regardless of the expiration date of this Certification. This General
Certification is rescinded when the US Army Corps of Engineers reauthorizes any of the
corresponding Nationwide Permits and/or Regional General Permits or when deemed
appropriate by the Director of the Division of Water Resources.
S. Non-compliance with or violation of the conditions herein set forth by a specific project may
result in revocation of this General Certification for the project and may also result in
criminal and/or civil penalties.
6. The Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources may require submission of a
formal application for Individual Certification for any project in this category of activity if it is
determined that the project is likely to have a significant adverse effect upon water quality,
including state or federally listed endangered or threatened aquatic species, or degrade the
waters so that existing uses of the waters or downstream waters are precluded.
7. Public hearings may be held prior to a Certification decision if deemed in the public's best
interest by the Director of the North Carolina Division of Water Resources.
History Note: Water Quality Certification (WQC) Number 4085 issued March 3, 2017 replaces
WQC 3883 issued March 19, 2012; WQC Number 3687 issued November 1; 2007, WQC Number
3624 issued March 19, 1007, WQC Number 3494 issued December 31, 2004, and WQC Number
3376 issued March 18, 2002,
Page 10 of 10

N I
.C.
Water Resources
Envlmula nial Quulily
WR Project No.:
Applicant:
ROY COOPER
Gnvemm
MIC14AEL S. REGAN
5'eernrary
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Dfrcnor
County:
Project Name:
Date of Issuance of 401 Water Quality Certification:
Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Water Quality Certification or applicable Buffer
Rules, and any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required to return this certificate to the 401 and
Buffer Permitting Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Resources, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
NC, 27699-1650. This form may be returned to DWR by the applicant, the applicant's authorized agent, or
the project engineer. It is not necessary to send certificates from all of these.
Applicant's Certification
I, , hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due care and
diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built
within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the
approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: Date
Agent's Certification
I, , hereby state that, to the best of my abilities, due cue and
diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the construction was observed to be built
within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality Certification and Buffer Rules, the
approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature: Date
If this project was designed by a Certified Professional
I, , as a duly registered Professional (i.e.,
Engineer, Landscape Architect, Surveyor, etc.) in the State of North Carolina, having been authorized to
observe (periodically, weekly, full time) the construction of the project, for the Permitee hereby state that, to
the best of my abilities, due cue and diligence was used in the observation of the construction such that the
construction was observed to be built within substantial compliance and intent of the 401 Water Quality
Certification and Buffer Rules, the approved plans and specifications, and other supporting materials.
Signature:
Registration No.
--�>"Nothln9 Grarnpare;7, ,,-
State at North Carolina I EnvEoomental Quality I Wnlct r(nmum
2090 Us. 11,hyy, y 70. S.aaaaa, Nmfi.C.,alina 28778
526-2964500

® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
June 19, 2017
Mr. David Brown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
SUBJECT: Rainbow Springs Enhancement
Trough Branch and UTs to Nantahala River, Macon County
Dear Mr. Brown
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed an
application to restore aquatic organism passage and install a water intake on Trough Branch,
stabilize an unnamed tributary (UT) to the Nantahala River, and improve an existing pond outfall
on another UT to the Nantahala River, impacting a total of 560 feet of stream in Macon County.
I attended a site visit on May 24, 2017. Our comments on this application are offered for your
consideration under provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.) and Fish
and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
There are Rainbow and Brown Trout in the Nantahala River, and activities should be avoided
between October 15 and April 15 to avoid impacts to trout spawning.
The applicants propose to install a water intake in Trough Branch to power a grist mill. Water
would be diverted to the mill for no more than 6 hours roughly once a week, although diversions
may occasionally occur twice a week. No more than 50% of the instream flow will be diverted.
Trough Branch runs under West Old Murphy Road through a culvert that is perched several feet.
The applicant proposes to raise the bed elevation with a set of 10 -in high boulder steps to
backwater the culvert, improving aquatic organism passage (AOP), and to create a pool in which
the mill intake will be installed. Water will be returned to Trough Branch via an outflow
structure approximately 500 ft downstream of the intake structure,
An eroding UT to the Nantahala River will be stabilized with rock steps, constructed riffles, bank
grading, and planting. A set of three ponds on another UT will be retrofitted with improved
spillways and an inlet. All work will be done in the dry, and graded banks will be matted,
seeded with native seed mixes, and live -staked.
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Rainbow Springs Enhancement Page 2 June 19, 2017
Trough Br & UTs, Macon County
We appreciate the efforts that the applicants have made to stabilize eroding stream banks and
improve AOR. We offer the following recommendations to minimize impacts to fish and
wildlife resources:
I. Work should be accomplished as quickly as possible and vigilance used in sediment and
erosion control during site preparation, construction, and clean up. Disturbed areas should be
seeded, mulched and/or matted as soon as possible, preferably at the end of each work day.
2. Project activities should be avoided between October 15 and April 15 to avoid impacts to
trout spawning.
3. We recommend that the applicants avoid withdrawing water from Trough Branch during
drought periods or summer low flows to avoid impacts to aquatic biota already stressed by
natural low flows.
4. We recommend that a woody buffer of at least 30 feet be planted on both sides of the stream
as infrastructure allows to ensure project success. A wide forested buffer can ensure greater
bank stability, filter overland pollutants, and provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. Please contact me at
[phone] if you have any questions about these comments.
Sincerely,
Andrea Leslie
Mountain Region Coordinator, Habitat Conservation Program
ec: Greg Mullins, landowner
Andrew Bick, Wildlands Engineering
Kevin Mitchell, NC Division of Water Resources
Byron Hamstead, US Fish and Wildlife Service