20041507 Ver 2_Other Agency Comments_20090604

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0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission K7?
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Ian McMillan
401 Oversight and Express Permitting Unit
NC Division of Water Quality
FROM: Maria T. Dunn, Northeast Coastal Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: June 3, 2009
SUBJECT: Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission, Halifax County, North Carolina.
DWQ No. 09-0557
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed the permit
application with regard to impacts on fish and wildlife resources. This modification request is to the
permit associated with the expansion and renovation of the Town of Weldon WRC boat ramp, Halifax
County, North Carolina. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) and Sections 401 and 404 of
the Clean Water Act (as amended).
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has applied to permanently impact 187 linear feet of
the Roanoke River below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) for bank stabilization through the
installation of a 166 linear foot gabion wall, 19 linear feet from the expansion of the existing boat ramp,
and 8 feet for the installation of a permanent concrete abutment for the attachment of temporary floating
docks, and temporarily impact 75 linear feet below the ordinary high water mark of the Roanoke River
through the installation of a temporary causeway for the removal of boulders which are currently a
boating hazard.
The NCWRC has reviewed the application and does not object to permit issuance. The Roanoke River at
this location functions as a primary nursery area (PNA). PNAs are defined as those areas inhabited by the
embryonic, larval or juvenile life stages of marine or estuarine fish or crustacean species due to favorable
physical, chemical or biological factors. This stretch of river is an important spawning and nursery area to
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
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several species of anadromous fish. Therefore, we request an in-water work moratorium of February 15 -
September 30 be included as a permit condition to minimize impacts to these fish species.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on this permit application. If you need further
assistance or additional information, please contact me at [phone].