20090718 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20090701

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JUL 12009
DENR - WATER QUALITY
WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Amanda Jones, USACOE
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator ZppHabitat Conservation Program
DATE: June 22, 2009
SUBJECT: Bramble Ridge Farms, LLC, Streambank Stabilization, Unnamed Tributary Wolf
Branch (C-Trout), Alleghany County
The applicant proposes stabilize the referenced stream to reduce erosion as well as improve
aquatic habitats and associated riparian buffers. Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area. These comments are
provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat.
401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S.
113A-I through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project is indicated to improve 1,350 linear feet of stream in cooperation with Natural
Resource Conservation Service (MRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQUIP).
The project is not indicated to be a stream restoration project; however, it will remove invasive
and exotic species while using natural channel design techniques and native plant buffer
restorations. Brook trout have been reported for area streams. No listed threatened or
endangered animal species are known for the project area.
Based on our review of the submittal, we will not object to the project as proposed providing the
following conditions are followed:
In stream work and land disturbance within the 25-foot wide buffer zone are
prohibited during the brook trout spawning season of October 15 through April 15 to
protect the egg and fry stages of trout from off-site sedimentation during construction.
2. If any culverts are needed, culverts 48" or larger should be buried a foot into the
streambed. Culverts less than 48 inches in diameter should be buried to a depth equal
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Bramble Ridge Farms Page 2 June 22, 2009
to or greater than 20% their size to allow for aquatic life passage. These
measurements must be based on natural thalweg depths. Aquatic life passage must be
assured during low flow or drought conditions. Any riprap used must not interfere
with aquatic life movement during low flows.
3. Remaining jurisdictional waters and wetlands should be buffered, either through
protection or provision of undisturbed forested buffer zones. Buffers should be
permanently preserved with conservation easements as common contiguous forest
areas. For streams that do not support federally listed threatened or endangered
aquatic species, we recommend 50' intermittent and 100' perennial stream buffers.
Maximum available buffers should be provided; however at a minimum, the twenty-
five (25) foot trout buffer should be restored. Restored streams and streambanks
should be planted with autochthonous (native) plants like silky dogwood,
rhododendron, dog hobble, mountain pepperbush, paw paw, red maple, silky willow,
tag alder, black willow, sycamore, river birch, or other native woody species.
4. Sediment and erosion control measures should adhere to the design standards for
sensitive watersheds (15A NCAC 4B .0124). To the extent practicable, the project
should be done in small phases with each phase being completed and stabilized prior
to beginning the next stage.
5. If any concrete will be used, work must be accomplished so that wet concrete does
not contact stream water.
6. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank rather than in the stream channel
in order to minimize sedimentation and reduce the likelihood of introducing other
pollutants into the stream.
7. New or low hour equipment should be used for the project if equipment must enter
the stream. Petroleum spill containment should be readily available during the entire
project.
8. Temporary or permanent native herbaceous vegetation should be established on all
bare soil within five (5) days of ground disturbing activities in the twenty-five (25)
foot trout buffer to provide long-term erosion control.
9. Natural fiber matting is recommended over matting made of (or containing) plastic
fibers that can impinge and entrap small animals.
10. As applicable, livestock should be fenced out of stream buffers. Livestock crossings
should be designed to minimize animal loafing and agricultural pollution.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning
stages. If you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
E-copy: Sue Homewood, DWQ-WSRO