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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20060052 Ver 1_Notice of Violation_20060405Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources ~ ~ William F. Dunker 136 Triple J Lane Mocksville, NC 27028 Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director Division of Water Quality March 31, 2006 SUBJECT: CORRECTIVE ACTIONS REQUIRED 401 Water Quality Certification Requirements Stream Standards Project located on NC Highway 601, Mocksville Davie County Dear Mr. Dunker: On March 28, 2006, Ms. Jenifer Carter and Ms. Sue Homewood from the Winston-Salem Regional Office (WSRO), of the Division of Water Quality, revisited the subject project site to determine the extent of impacts to surface waters. Observations indicated that approximately 1,075 total linear feet of two unnamed tributaries to Bear Creek had been impacted by grading of the riparian area. As a result of observations during this and two previous visits, the following violations were noted: 1) failure to obtain a Section 401 Water Quality Certification, and 2) preclusion of best usage. Failure to Obtain a Section 401 Water Quality Certification The WSRO confirmed seven (7) rock check dams were installed instream, prior to the proper securing of a Section 404 Nationwide Permit from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Any activity that results in a loss of use of stream functions including but not limited to fillin ,relocating, flooding, excavation, dredging and are considered stream impacts requiring prior approval. Preclusion of Best Usage These impacts resulting from the grading of the riparian area without proper BMPs in place, and placement of fill in waters represent a removal of best usage, which is a stream standard violation. Specifically, 15A NCAC 2B.0211 (2) states that the preclusion of best usage, which includes aquatic life propagation and maintenance of biological integrity, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture, represents a water quality standard violation. Required Corrective Action Prior to and during this visit, some corrective action had already taken place. Specifically, the site was sprayed with hydroseed and hay to help stabilize the site. It was noted; however, that hydroseed was also sprayed in the streams, which could potentially change the chemical and biological makeup of the water, leading to violations of other water quality standards. This has already been discussed with Mr. Dunker, who took full responsibility and agreed not to allow this to happen again. North Carolina Division of Water Quality 585 Waughtown Street; Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Phone (336) 771-5000 Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748 Internet: www.ncwaterquality.org Fax (336) 771-4630 An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper w uuam r . ~unxer March 31, 2006 Page 2 of 2 Other corrective actions already taken include the placement of additional rock check dams to prevent sediment from moving downstream of the project site, before an expected rain. While the intent was understood, it must be noted that the Division of Water Quality does not allow instream measures of any kind except in extenuating and emergency situations, and/or with prior approval. The idea is to prevent sediment from reaching waters in the first place with proper BMPs (i.e. silt fences and sediment traps). The following additional actions are required: Once the site is stabilized, all rock check dams must be removed. The site must remain stabilized and backed up with proper BMPs to prevent further impacts to the streams. Great care must be used when removing the rock to prevent unnecessary damage to the streambed. Heavy equipment is not allowed in the streams. 2. Contact DWQ and/or the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to any future work in or near the streams. Please note that intermittent streams fall under the same jurisdiction as perennial streams do. DWQ and the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers are the only ones qualified to make determinations as to what is defined as a stream or wetland versus a drainage ditch. 3. Response to the previous NOV for failure to follow the approved plan and to monitor as required in the NPDES stormwater permit is still required as per the letter, dated March 24, 2006. Due to Mr. Junker's demonstrated desire to cooperate and to attain compliance, no further enforcement action will be taken at this time. No written response is required, but the corrective actions above must be taken. Please note that any continued or future violations may be subject to enforcement and civil penalties of up to $25,000.00 per day, per violation. If you have questions concerning this matter, or if we can be of assistance, please contact Jenifer Carter or myself at (336) 771-5000. Sincerely, t,0 Steve W. Tedder WSRO Regional Supervisor Division of Water Quality cc: WSRO Files SWP -Central Files WSRO - DLR Wetlands/401 Unit NPS Assistance & Compliance Oversight Unit