HomeMy WebLinkAbout20081834 Ver 2_WRC Comments_20090102North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 0
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cyndi B. Karoly, 401 Oversight and Permits Unit
NC Division of Water Quality
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
December 29, 2008
JAN 2 2009
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Review of an application for Margaret Leef, Lot 113, 1780 Subdivision-Phase III,
Lake James, DWQ No. 20081834, Burke County
The applicant is requesting a letter of concurrence from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission (NCWRC) to obtain a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and 401
Certification from the NC Division of Water Quality. The NCWRC has reviewed information
provided by the applicant, and field biologists on our staff are familiar with habitat values of the
project area. These comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water
Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et. seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The applicant proposes to install "rock-brown" to stabilize approximately 195 linear feet of
shoreline on Lake James. We are concerned that the "rock-brown" may be river rock. A site
visit has not been conducted by our agency. Accordingly, these comments are provided based on
information provided in the submittal package.
Based on the information provided and our knowledge of the project area, we will not object to
the project provided that the following conditions are followed:
The stabilization project should be done with minimum class I (class II preferred)
riprap. This size rock improves aquatic habitat structure. We do not support the
use of river rock. In channel mining of river rock causes direct impacts to aquatic
species as well as it disrupts aquatic environs by causing geomorphic and biologic
modifications. River rock is subject to more slippage than more irregularly
shaped quarry rock. Fabric matting may be used beneath the stone to reduce
erosion and turbidity. Natural fiber matting is recommended over plastic matting
that can impinge and entrap small animals. To the extent practicable, rock or
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: (919) 707-0220 - Fax: (919) 707-0028
Margaret Leef, Lake James -Page 2 - December 29, 2008
stone should be placed just above the high water mark and towards the lake five
(5) to six (6) feet or further to provide continuous aquatic edge habitat. To
improve aquatic habitat values, a large boulder is recommended a minimum of
every thirty (30) feet of stabilized shoreline. Placement of boulders should be
accomplished in a manner that safety is not compromised.
2. Stabilization work should occur from the water instead of the shore to minimize
buffer impacts. Any existing wooded buffers should be preserved.
3. Any Large Woody Debris (LWD) should be maintained to the maximum extent
practicable to provide aquatic habitat. If relocated, the I" must be securely
anchored so that it will remain where installed.
4. Stringent erosion control measures should be installed where soil is disturbed and
maintained until project completion. Temporary or permanent herbaceous
vegetation should be planted on all bare soil within ten (10) days of ground
disturbing activities to provide long-term erosion control.
5. Wide undisturbed shoreline buffers and natural vegetation should be maintained
to the extent practicable. Disturbed banks may be revegetated with silky
dogwood (Cornus amonum), silky willow (Salix sericea), tag alder (Alnus
serrulata), black willow (Salix nigra), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) or
other native plants to provide long term bank stability and stream shading. Note
that silky dogwood, silky willow and black willow can be planted as live stakes
collected during the dormant growing season. Cuttings should be randomly
planted and done on four (4) foot centers from the waters edge to the top of the
bank. Trees should be planted on ten (10) to twelve (12) foot centers. Banks in
these areas should be seeded with a temporary crop of wheat or oats.
6. The project should comply with NC Division of Water Quality and local planning
authority buffer provisions.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Kevin Barnett, DWQ-MRO
Steve Chapin, USACOE-ARO
Mark Cantrell, USFWS