20170786 Ver 1_Approval Letter_20170718

Water Resources
Fnvironmental clualii,
July 18, 2017
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Attn: Brad Kleinmaier
1720 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secrermj
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Director
DWR # 17-0786
Robeson County
Subject: APPROVAL OF 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION WITH ADDITIONAL
CONDITIONS
High Hill BAA—Site Renovation
Dear Mr. Kleinmaier:
You have our approval for the impacts listed below for the purpose described in your
application dated June 28, 2017, received by the Division of Water Resources (Division) June 28,
2017 and the revised drawings provided on July 14, 2017. These impacts are covered by the
attached Water Quality General Certification Number 4085 and the conditions listed below.
This certification is associated with the use of Nationwide Permit Number 36 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, and Water Supply Watershed
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 (c)].
"Nothing Compares..�
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, Not Carolina 27699-1611
919-707-9000

NCWRC High Hill BAA—Site Renovation
D W R# 17-0786
Page 2 of 4
Type of Impact
Amount Approved
Amount Approved
(units)
(units)
Permanent
Temporary
Stream Impact 1
8 (linear feet) (floating
(linear feet)
dock construction)
Stream Impact 2
52 (linear feet)
(linear feet)
(removal of existing
boat ramp, bank
stabilization, and
construction of new
ramp)
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. 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
property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this approval letter and
General Certification(s)/Permit/Authorization and is responsible for complying with
all conditions. [15A NCAC 02H .0507(d)(2)]
No Waste, Spoil, Solids, or Fill of Any Kind
No waste, spoil, solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands, waters, or riparian
areas beyond the footprint of the impacts depicted in the Pre -Construction
Notification. All construction activities, including the design, installation, operation,
and maintenance of sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices, shall
be performed so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or
rules occur.
4. Erosion & Sediment Control Practices
Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all
specifications governing the proper design, installation and operation and
maintenance of such Best Management Practices in order to protect surface waters
standards:
a. The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed,
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of
the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual.
b. The design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the sediment and
erosion control measures must be such that they equal, or exceed, the
requirements specified in the most recent version of the North Carolina Sediment

NCWRC High Hill BAA—Site Renovation
DWR#i 17-0786
Page 3 of 4
and Erosion Control Manual. The devices shall be maintained on all construction
sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects, including contractor -owned or
leased borrow pits associated with the project.
c. For borrow pit sites, the erosion. and sediment control measures must be
designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent
version of the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual.
d. The reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the
reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution
Control Act
5. No Sediment & Erosion Control Measures in Wetlands or Waters
Sediment and erosion control measures should not be placed in wetlands or waters
without prior approval by the Division. If placement of sediment and erosion control
devices in wetlands and waters is unavoidable, design and placement of temporary
erosion control measures shall not be conducted in a manner that may result in dis-
equilibrium of wetlands or stream beds or banks, adjacent to or upstream and
downstream of the above structures. All sediment and erosion control devices shall
be removed and the natural grade restored within two (2) months of the date that
the Division of Land Resources or locally delegated program has released the
project.
6. 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 the attached certificate of completion to the DWR 401 and Buffer
Permitting Unit at: 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650.
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 maybe obtained from the OAH at http://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 S: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
NCWRC High Hill BAA—Site Renovation
D W Rk 17-0786
Page 4 of 4
If sending 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 Environment Quality
1601 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
This letter completes the review of the Division under section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Please contact Chad Turlington at [phone] or [e-mail] if you have
any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Trent Allen
Regional Supervisor
Division of Water Resources
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Enclosures: GC 4085
cc: DWR FRO 401 files
DWR 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit (via email)

Water Resources
Fnvironmental Quality
DWR Project No.:
Applicant:
Project Name:
ROY COOPER
Governor
MICHAEL S. REGAN
Secretary
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Director
County:
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 DWR Central Office —
Wetlands and Buffers Permitting Unit at 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:
Agent's Certification
Date:
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:
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 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
Registration No.
Nothing Compares=.,
State of North Carolina I Environmental Quality
1611 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina' -7699-1611
919-707-9000

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
DEVICES AND ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 5 (SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENT DEVICES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 6 (SURVEY ACTIVITIES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 7 (OUTFALL STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED INTAKE STRUCTURES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 19 (MINOR DREDGING),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 20 (RESPONSE OPERATIONS FOR OIL OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES),
• NATIONWIDE PERMIT 22 (REMOVAL OF 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 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) (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
opproval 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 -1, 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 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
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 NCDOT's
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 ISA 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.
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 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, HQW, ORW, or state -implemented Phase II NPDES
i e.g. Delegated Phase II NPDES, Water Supply Watershed, Nutrient -Sensitive Waters, or Universal Stormwater
Management Program
Page 3 of 10

GC4O85
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 O2B .02001
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.
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 .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.
Page 4 of 10

GC4085
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]
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)]
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 046 .0125]
All moratoriums on construction activities established by the INC 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. 115A 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. [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)]
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. (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(b)(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 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 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 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. [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 https:Hedocs.deci.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.
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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 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.
HistoryNote: 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, 2007; WQC Number 3494 issued December 31, 2004, and WQC Number
3376 issued March 18, 2002,
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