20060518 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_20060328

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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E. Director
Division of Water Quality
April 19, 2006
DWQ Project # 06-0518
Caldwell County
Marisue Hilliard, Forest Supervisor
National Forests in North Carolina
Post Office Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Subject Property: Craig Creek Stabilization
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APR 2 2006
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Approval of 401 Water Quality Certification with Additional Conditions
Dear Mr. Hilliard:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed
below, to place fill within or otherwise impact 425 linear feet of streams for the purpose
of stream stabilization and access repair / replacement at the subject property, as
described within your application received by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ)
on March 28, 2006. After reviewing your application, we have decided these impacts
are covered by General Water Quality Certification Number(s) 3495 (GC3495). The
Certification(s) allows you to use Nationwide Permit(s) 13 / 27 when issued by the US
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In addition, you should obtain or otherwise comply
with any other required federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your
project including (but not limited to) Erosion and Sediment Control, Non-discharge, and
stormwater regulations. Also, this approval to proceed with your proposed impacts
or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in your application shall expire upon
expiration of the 404 or CAMA Permit.
This approval is for the purpose that you described in your application. If you change
your project beyond this approval, you must notify us and you may be required to send
us a new application. If the property is sold, the new owner must be given a copy of this
Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible for complying with all
conditions. If total fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre of wetland
or 150 linear feet of stream, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in
15A NCAC 2H .0506 (h). This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in
the attached certification and any additional conditions listed below.
The Additional Conditions of the Certification are:
401 Wetlands Certification Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] / FAX [phone] / Intemet httn I?h2o err stnte.nc.us/nc,,vetlands
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NC DE- NR
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
Craig Creek Stabilization
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April 19, 2006
1. Impacts Approved
The following impacts are hereby approved as long as all of the other specific
and general conditions of this Certification (or Isolated Wetland Permit) are met.
No other impacts are approved including incidental impacts:
Amount
Approved Units Plan Location or Reference
Stream 425 linear feet Craig Creek
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
Craig Creek Stabilization
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April 19, 2006
4. No Sediment & Erosion Control Measures w/n Wetlands or Waters
Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters
to the maximum extent practicable. If placement of sediment and erosion control
devices in wetlands and waters is unavoidable, they shall be removed and the
natural grade restored within six months of the date that the Division of Land
Resources has released the project.
5. 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 401/Wetlands Unit,
North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC,
27699-1650.
6. Construction in this creek and disturbance within a 25-foot trout buffer should be
avoided during the October 15 to April 15 trout spawning period to avoid adverse
effects of sediment on eggs and larvae.
7. Sediment and erosion control measures must be implemented prior to construction
and maintained on the sites to minimize sediment in downstream areas. Seeding for
a temporary cover of wheat, millet, or similar annual grain or permanent herbaceous
cover should occur on all bare soil within five (5) days of ground disturbing activities
to provide long-term erosion control. The projects should be accomplished in stages
instead of leaving large tracts exposed to further storm events. Erosion control
matting should be used in conjunction with appropriate seeding on disturbed soils in
steep slope and riparian areas. Matting should be secured in place with staples,
stakes, or, wherever possible, live stakes of native trees. Straw mulch and tall
fescue should not be used in riparian areas. In addition, because of an anticipated
difficulty in establishing ground cover during the winter, reseeding should be
conducted, as necessary, in the spring-time with a native annual and perennial seed
mix with a temporary nursery crop of wheat, millet or other grain.
8. Only clean, large, angular rock, large woody material, or other natural stream design
materials and techniques should be used for bank stabilization. Rock should not be
placed in the stream channel in a manner that constricts stream flow or that will
impede aquatic life movements during low flow conditions. Filter cloth should be
placed behind large rock that is used for bank stabilization. Properly designed rock
vanes should be constructed wherever appropriate on bank stabilization and
channel realignment stream reaches to improve channel stability and to improve
aquatic habitat. Root wads should be installed low enough in the bank so that a
significant portion (at least one-third) the root wad is inundated during normal flows.
Should large, angular rock, large woody material, or other natural stream design
materials and techniques not be sufficient for long term stability of the stream and
adjacent roadway, and concrete be incorporated into the design, measures which
would prevent surface waters from coming into contact with live concrete.
9. The channel should be restored to a more stable condition. However, under no
circumstances should river rock, sand or other materials be dredged from the
Craig Creek Stabilization
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April 19, 2006
stream channel under authorization of this permit except, if necessary, in the
immediate vicinity of the eroding banks for the explicit purpose of anchoring
stabilizing or flow/grade control structures or for reestablishing the natural and more
stable stream channel dimensions. Stream bed materials are unstable in flowing-
water situations and are unsuitable for bank stabilization. In stream dredging has
catastrophic effects on aquatic life and disturbance of the natural form of the stream
channel can cause downstream erosion problems. The natural dimension, pattern,
and profile of the stream upstream and downstream of the permitted area should not
be modified by widening the stream channel or changing its depth. No backfilling
of stream bed materials is allowed under this authorization.
10. Stabilization measures should only be applied on or near existing erosion sites,
leaving other' stable stream bank areas in a natural condition. Grading and
backfilling should be minimized and tree and shrub growth should be retained where
possible to ensure long term availability of stream bank cover for aquatic life and
wildlife. Backfill materials should be obtained from upland sites except in cases
where excess stream bed materials are available. Berms should not be permitted
because they block the floodplain, constrict and accelerate flood flows, and often fail
and sometimes impede drainage during large flood events.
11. Repairs to eroded banks should be conducted in a dry work area. Sandbags or
other clean diversion structures should be used to minimize excavation in flowing
water. Channel realignments should be constructed by excavating the new channel
from downstream to upstream before connecting it to the old channel.
12. Heavy equipment should be operated from the bank whenever possible. All
mechanized equipment operated near surface waters should be inspected and
maintained regularly to prevent contamination of stream waters from fuels,
lubricants, hydraulic fluids or other toxic materials. Equipment used in stream
channel must be clean, new or low hour equipment. Exposure of equipment to
surface waters must be minimized to the maximum extent possible.
13. Disturbed stream banks and a 30-foot vegetated zone (as required under the Water
Supply regulations), or the widest width that is practical under the site conditions,
must be restored along the construction sites to natural riparian conditions with
native trees and shrubs (e.g., silky dogwood, rhododendron, dog hobble, red maple,
silky willow, tag alder, black willow, sycamore) to provide long-term bank stability
and stream shading. Note, silky dogwood, silky willow and black willow can be
planted as live stakes collected during the dormant growing season. Cuttings should
be randomly planted 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. Stream
banks in these areas should also be seeded with a native annual and perennial seed
mix with a temporary nursery crop of wheat, millet or other grain. Replanting of
vegetation within disturbed areas located within 30 feet of the streambank
associated with any land disturbing activity, repair, replacement and/or maintenance
must be done in a manner consistant with the Guidelines for Riparian Buffer
Restoration immediately following construction. (Please see attached.)
14. If pasture along the stream is to be used for grazing, a fence must be constructed
outside of the riparian zone and the stream to prevent livestock from entering these
areas.
15. Diffuse Flow
Craig Creek Stabilization
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April 19, 2006
All constructed stormwater conveyance outlets shall be directed and maintained
as diffuse flow at non-erosive velocities through the protected riparian zones
such that it will not re-concentrate before discharging into a stream. If this is not
possible, it may be necessary to provide stormwater facilities that are considered
to remove nitrogen. This may require additional approval from this Office.
16. Turbidity Standard
The turbidity standard of 10 NTUs (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) shall not be
exceeded as described in 15 A NCAC 2B. .0200. Appropriate sediment and
erosion control practices must be used to meet this standard.
17. No Sediment and Erosion Control Measures in Wetlands
Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters
to the maximum extent practicable. If placement of sediment and erosion control
devices in 'wetlands and waters is unavoidable, they shall be removed and the
natural grade restored within six months of the date that the Division of Land
Resources or locally delegated program has released the project.
Violations of any condition herein set forth may result in revocation of this Certification
and may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. The authorization to proceed with your
proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in your application and
as authorized by this Certification, shall expire upon expiration of the 404 or CAMA
Permit.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this Certification (associated with the
approved wetland or stream impacts), you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You
must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing,
send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General
Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh,
N.C. 27699-6714. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you
ask for a hearing.
Craig Creek Stabilization
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April 19, 2006
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of
the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone Kevin Barnett in the
DWQ Asheville Regional Office at 828-296-4657.
Sincerely,
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
AW K/khb
Enclosures: GC 3376
Certificate of Completion
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration
cc: Brady Dodd, Forest Hydrologist
US Forest Service
Post Office Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
USACE Asheville Regulatory Field Office
DWQ 401 Central Office
DLR Asheville Regional Office
David McHenry, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
File Copy
Central Files
Filename: 06-0518. USFS.CraigCreekStabil.Approval
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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Richard B. Hamilton, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
T0: Amanda Jones Permit Coordinator D ?@VIA
I1/1
Asheville Office. U.S. Arm,,- Corps of Engineers APR 0 6 2006 V
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FROI`i: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator ti DENR - WATER QUALITY
Habitat Conservation Program AhDSAt?pST0R,'.( XTERBWttcn
DATE: March 28, 2006
SUBJECT: Review of 404 Permit Application, US Forest Service (USFS), Craig Creek Stabilization
& Relocation, Caldwell County
The USFS 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. The NCWRC has revicNvcd
information provided by the applicant, and field biologists on our staff are familiar with habitat values of
the project area. Tlicse comments arc provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of
1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 ct. seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16
U.S.C. 661-667d).
The USFS proposes to reduce impacts caused by an old roadbed by redirecting Craig Creek back to its
original channel, improving stability of the channel, re-establishing natural channel sinuosity, creating
high quality aquatic habitat, and reducing sedimentation. Natural channel design techniques will be used
for the project. Cumulative impacts will occur to 425 linear feet of stream. Wild rainbow trout are
known for this area.
Based on the information provided by the applicant and our knowledge on the range of trout in the project
area, we do not believe this project will cause significant effects to waters supporting trout providing that
in channel work and land disturbance within the 25-foot wide buffer zone are prohibited during the
rainbow trout spawning season of January 1 through April 15 to protect the egg and fry stages of trout.
Native plants should be used for strcambank stabilization and shading.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding these comments, please contact me at 336/769-943.
Ec: Kevin Barnett, DWQ-ARO
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries - 1721 Mail Service Center - Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]
Triage Check List
Date: 3/31/06 Project Name: Craig Creek Stream Stabilization
DWQ #:06-0518
County: Caldwell
Kevin Barnett, Asheville Regional Office
To:
60-day Processing Time: 3/28/06 to 5/26/06
From: Cyndi Karoly Telephone: [phone]
The file attached is being forwarded to you for your evaluation.
Please call if you need assistance.
? Stream length impacted
? Stream determination
Wetland determination and distance to blue-line surface waters on USFW topo maps
? Minimization/avoidance issues
? Buffer Rules (Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, Catawba, Randleman)
? Pond fill
Mitigation Ratios
? Ditching
? Are the stream and or wetland mitigation sites available and viable?
? Check drawings for accuracy
? Is the application consistent with pre-application meetings?
Cumulative impact concern
El
Comments: As per our discussion regarding revision of the triage and delegation processes,
please review the attached file. Note that you are the first reviewer, so this file will need to be
reviewed for administrative as well as technical details. If you elect to place this project on hold,
please ask the applicant to provide your requested information to both the Central Office in
Raleigh as well as the Asheville Regional Office. As we discussed, this is an experimental, interim
procedure as we slowly transition to electronic applications. Please apprise me of any
complications you encounter, whether related to workload, processing times, or lack of a "second
reviewer" as the triage process in Central had previously provided. Also, if you think of ways to
improve this process, especially so that we can plan for the electronic applications, let me know.
Thanks!

Office Use Only: Form Version May 2002
USACE Action ID No. D?V?Nd"?"''????? l
(If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or "N/A".)
1. Processing
1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project:
® Section 404 Permit ? Riparian or Watershed Buffer Rules
? Section 10 Permit ? Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ
® 401 Water Quality Certification
2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide 27
3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification
is not required, check here: ?
4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCVW) is proposed for
mitigation of impacts (verify availability with NCWRP prior to submittal of PCN), complete
section VIII and check here: ?
5. If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page
4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of
Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: ?
IL Applicant Information
1. Owner/Applicant Information
Name: Ms. Marisue Hilliard (Forest Supervisor)
Mailing Address: U.S. Forest Scrvice
National Forests in North Carolina
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Telephone Number: 828-257-4200 Fax Number: 828-257-4263
E-mail Address:
2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter
must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.)
Name: Mr. Brady N. Dodd (Forest Hydrologist)
Company Affiliation: U.S. Forest Service
Mailing Address: U.S. Forest Service
National Forests in North Carolina
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Telephone Number: 828-257-4214 Fax Number: 828-257-4263
E-mail Address: bdodd(aDfs.fed.us
Page 5 of 12
III. Project Information
Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local
landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property
boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map
and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings,
impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should
include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property
boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion,
so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the
USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format;
however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction
drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are
reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that
the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided.
1. Name of project: Craig Creek Stream Stabilization and Relocation (UID# 1829)
2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): N/A
3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): N/A
4. Location
County: Caldwell Nearest Town: Morganton, NC
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): From Morganton, take Route 181
north to Forest Service Road (FSR) 982 on the right. Take FSR 982 approximately 4 miles
to Craig Creek crossing. Park and walk upstream approximately 300 feet to project site.
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 35° 57' 03"N and 81° 46' 58" W
(Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the
coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.)
6. Property size (acres): Grandfather Ranger District - 192,540 acres
7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Craig Creek
8. River Basin: Catawba
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at llttp://li2o.cnr.statc.nc.us/adniin/maps/.)
9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application: An old road has caused stream flow to be diverted out of the
natural channel and scour a new channel into the roadbed for about 300 feet. This
Page 6 of 12
straightened length of channel is experiencing accelerated rates of erosion and a low diversity
of habitat, and is characterized by a F3 Rosgen stream type.
Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: The
intent of the project is to eliminate road impacts to the stream and redirect the flow of Craig
Creek from the straightened, unstable, stream reach (a Rosgen F3 stream type) back into its
natural abandoned channel (a Rosgen 0). Please refer to the attached site plan sketch for site
locations.
• At Site A, road fill material will be removed from the channel to reduce erosion and the
risk of flow diversion.
• At Site B, the length of the natural channel, large wood with root wads would be placed
in the channel to enhance stability and improve habitat.
• At Site C approximately 10 yd3 of stream deposited material would be removed to regain
channel capacity. This material would be placed temporarily on the floodplain to be used
to help fill the unstable channel. Following this work, the flow would be pumped into the
natural channel around Site D to allow work to occur in the dry.
• At Site D, the inside bank would be shaped to form a point bar, a rock wall of boulders
would be constructed at the entrance of the unstable channel, and a J-hook type rock &
wood vane would be constructed.
• At Site E, fill material from off site would be hauled in to fill the straightened channel to
the floodplain level as much as possible.
• At Site F, several down trees would be relocated to the old roadbed to discoura_ge channel
abandonment by adding roughness to the floodplain.
• At Site G, 12" (and greater) size rock would be placed at the toe of the nickpoint to
stabilize the bed.
All disturbed soil would be mulched or covered with erosion control matting and grass
seeded, and the floodplain and banks would be planted with trees and shrubs. Work would
occur with the use of a tracked excavator equipped with an opposable thumb, a wheeled track
hoe, dozer, and a dump truck.
10. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: This project intends to reduce the impacts of the
road network in the valley bottom and reestablish natural sinuosity and slope, encourage
appropriate floodplain access, and improve channel stability and aquatic habitat by putting
the stream back in its original, stable channel.
IV. Prior Project History
If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this
project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include
the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and
certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits,
certifications or other useful infonnation. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and
buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project,
list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with
construction schedules.
Page 7 of 12
V. Future Project Plans
Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work,
and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application.
N/A
VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also
provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent
and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site
plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a
delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream
evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be
included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream
mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for
listing or description, please attach a separate sheet.
1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: At Site A, road fill material
would be removed from the channel to reduce current rates of erosion and the risk of flow
diversion. To reduce sediment impacts, stream flow would be diverted around the site. At
Sites C and D, excavation of deposited stream material would release sediment from the bed
and increase turbidity. Also at Site D, the construction of the wall and vane structure would
increase turbidity, as well as the filling of the unstable channel. Site G would likely
contribute to an increase in sedimentation and turbidity as rocks are placed at the toe of the
nickpoint. These potential increases in sediment and turbidity would be mitigated by working
in the dry when possible and by keeping the turbidity levels below the state standard. This
work is expected to improve currently degraded channel conditions by improving channel
integrity, water quality, and aquatic habitat by returning stream flow back to the natural
channel.
2. Individually list wetland impacts below:
Wetland Impact
Site Number
indicate on ma)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres Located within
100-year Floodplain**
(es/no) Distance to
Nearest Stream
(linear feet)
Type of Wetland***

Page 8 of 12
* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill,
excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding.
** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps
(FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or
online at http://www.fen1a.oV.
*** List a wetland type that best describes %vetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond,
Carolina Bay, bog, etc.) Indicate if wetland is isolated (determination of isolation to be made by USACE only).
List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property
Total area of wetland impact proposed:
3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below:
Stream Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
linear feet)
Strcam Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent?
(please secif )
Site A Excavation 30 Craig Creek 6 Perennial
Site C Excavation 40 Craig Creek 15 Perennial

Site D Excavation &
Fill
50
Craig Creek
12
Perennial
Site E Fill 300 Craig Creek 15 Perennial
Site G Fill 5 Craig Creek 3 Perennial

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap,
dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain),
stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is
proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included.
** Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest
downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at
www.uses.ov. Several internet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.toporone.com,
www.mamuest.com, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 425 feet
4. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic
Ocean and any other water of the U.S.) below:
Open Water Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Name of Waterbody
(if applicable) Type of Waterbody
(lake, pond, estuary, sound,
bay, ocean, etc.)

* List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: fill, excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
5. Pond Creation
0
Page 9 of 12
If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be
included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should
be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application.
Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream ? wetlands
Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of
draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): N/A
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): N/A
Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area:
VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization)
Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide
information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and
financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact
site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts
were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction
techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts.
N/A
VIII. Mitigation
DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC
Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to
freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial
streams.
USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide
Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when
necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors
including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted
aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable
mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include,
but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland
and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of
aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar
functions and values, preferable in the same watershed.
If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order
for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application
lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as
Page 10 of 12
incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration
in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at
http://h2o.cnr.state.nc.us/ncwctIands/stnn!idc.litm1.
Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide
as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions
and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet)
of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view,
preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a
description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach
a separate sheet if more space is needed.
2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration
Program (NCWRP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCWRP at
[phone] to determine availability and to request written approval of mitigation prior
to submittal of a PCN. For additional information regarding the application process for the
NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at littp://li2o.enr.state.nc.us/wrl)/index.htni. If use of
the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide the
following information:
Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet):
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet):
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres):
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres):
IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ)
Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state) funds or the use of public
(federal/state) land?
Yes ® No ?
If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the
requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA
coordinator at [phone] to review current thresholds for enviromnental documentation.
Yes ® No ?
If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a
copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.
Page 11 of 12
Yes ? No
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ)
It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to
required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide
justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein,
and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a
map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ
Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the
applicant's discretion.
Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233
(Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and
Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )?
Yes ? No ® If you answered "yes", provide the following information:
Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer
mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer
multipliers.
Zone* Impact
(square feet) Multiplier Required
Mitigation
1 3
2 1.5
Total
Zone 1 extends out 3U feet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an
additional 20 feet from the edge of Zone 1.
If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation
of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or
Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as
identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or.0260.
N/A
XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ)
Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site.
Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands
downstream from the property.
Page 12 of 12
o United States Forest National Forests in
Department of Service North Carolina
Agriculture
File Code: 1230
Route To: (2500)
Subject: Delegation of Authority
To: Brady Dodd
160A Zillicoa Street
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
828-257-4200
Date: October 12, 2005
You are hereby delegated the authority to act as my agent for all phases of the application
process for permits required by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, for watershed restoration
and improvement projects such as aquatic habitat restoration and enhancement, habitat
restoration, channel stabilization, and channel relocation on the National Forests in North
Carolina. You are authorized to make formal application for all permits to the US Army Corps
of Engineers and the North Carolina Division of Water Quality, provide all necessary
information, and sign all correspondence.
Include this letter as part of all application for Section 404 permits to the US Army Corps of
Engineers, and Section 401 Water Quality Certification to the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality.
MARISUE HILLIARD
Forest Supervisor
17

U?S ? y
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper ?«/

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Not to scale
Craig Creek Stream Stabilization &
Relocation
Proposed Action
Brady Dodd 3108/2006
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Vicinity Map: Craig Creek Channel Relocation (Vfi)
401/404 Permit Applications
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Caldwell County, NC
November 28, 2005

; ?/ 7
Craig Creels Stream Stabilization and Relocation (UID# 129
Site Plan QG'?
Brady Dodd, NFsNC Hydrologist, March 13, 2006 Dt:j; ;y
+cT'J.'i?3,',;.D ?l (? i,tr, r.?ici2it•Y".?f 1
Background
Craig Creek is a perennial fish-bearing stream that is tributary to Wilson Creek, a
designated Wild and Scenic River. The proposed project is located on Craig Creek about
2.5 miles upstream from the confluence with Wilson Creek, and just upstream from the
Forest Road 982 stream crossing (Figure 1) in the Harper Creek Wilderness Study Area.
Craig Creek Stream Stabilization &
Relocation (UID# 1829)
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Cal, n•11 COrlnly.4_ A Figure]. Vicinity neap of the Craig Creek Stream Stabilization and Relocation (UID#
1829) project.
Existing Condition
In this area, past management and more recently illegal off-road vehicle use have
disturbed the valley bottom of Craig Creek. Several old roadbeds exist in the valley
bottom. For a distance of about 300 feet, the entire stream flow of Craig Creek has been
diverted from the natural channel and captured by one of the roadbed. For this distance,
the channel is unstable due to channel straightening and excessive entrenchment
(downcutting) to the level that high flows are contained rather than allowed to access the
natural floodplain. The natural, abandoned channel is a C4 stream type as defined by the
Rosgen classification system. The 300 feet section of disturbed channel is a F3 stream
type. Rosgen (1996) characterizes the F3 stream type as having low sinuosity and a loss
of floodplain access that leads to unstable channel conditions. The floods which occurred
..,
during hurricane rainfalls in September 2004 caused additional downcutting and
widening of this straightened, incised, and entrenched channel (Figure 2). The natural
channel is a stable stream type with the proper channel dimensions, well-vegetated banks,
moderate sinuosity, and access to its floodplain.
Proposed Action
This project proposes to reduce the impacts of the road network in the valley bottom and
reestablish flow in the natural channel. This would be accomplished by doing the
following (see Figure 3 for site reference):
• Site A: Remove the old road crossing.
• Site B: Place large woody debris in the natural channel using down trees near
the old roadbed.
• Site C: Remove approximately 10 yd3 from the confluence with the two
channels to establish the appropriate channel dimensions.
• Site D: Pump flow into the natural channel to work in the dry on the unstable
channel. Shape inside bank, construct a boulder size rock wall at the entrance
of the unstable channel, and construct a J-hook type rock & wood vane
(Figure 4).
Figure 2. Straightened/incised stream reach, F3 stream type (estimated), looking
downstream (11110104).
.. - 1. r
• Site E: Fill the unstable channel with excavated material from the site and
from off site sources. Plant deposited material with trees and shrubs, and
spread tree branches.
• Site F: Relocate several down trees to the old roadbed to discourage channel
abandonment.
• Site G: Place 12" plus size rock at the toe of the nickpoint to stabilize the bed.
• Seed and mulch all disturbed soil.
Craig Creek Stream Stabilization &
?. A. Relocation i
Proposed Action
B,adV Dodd

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Figure 3. Plait view of the Craig Creek Stream Stabilization and Relocation project
showing sites A through G where work is proposed.
Stream bank material removed from the Upper Creek Stream Restoration site would be
used to fill other sections of the incised channel, and prevent flow from cutting through
the straightened reach again (Site E). The amount of material excavated from the Upper
Creek site is not likely to be enough to fill the entire length of incised channel, therefore,
material from other sources may be hauled in. There would likely be short sections of
minor depressions over the floodplain. This proposed action would lengthen the stream
channel from the straightened 288 feet to more than 450 feet, as well as reestablish
natural sinuosity and slope, and improve channel stability and aquatic habitat.

Temporary BMP's
Because the total disturbance is more than 1 acre, NC Division of Land Quality
requires an erosion and sediment control plan, and will be submitted along with an
application for Section 404 and 401 approval and a trout buffer waiver. To reduce
erosion and sedimentation of Craig Creek, the contractor will be instructed to
implement the following temporary BMP's:
A. Minimize the area of and degree of soil disturbance that reduces infiltration
capacity and permeability and destroys protective forest floor and ground cover.
1. Work will be accomplished in stages to not expose large areas of bare soil
simultaneously.
2. Limit clearing of vegetation to the minimum required for the project.
B. Work activities would not be scheduled on rainy days.
C. Heavy Equipment Operation.
1. All equipment shall be cleaned before entering the project area and stream,
to reduce the risk of fine-grained sediment and oils and grease from
entering the stream.
2. Do not operate on wet soils when they are most susceptible to damage and
erosion.
3. Do not operate heavy equipment on over-hanging stream banks.
rigure 4. jyptcat of rocK atta ivooa vaiie to oe constrrtctea at,)tteu ou tile ('raig
Creek Streant Stabilization and Relocation project.
• . . . "_ .
D. Install sand bags or sediment fences to trap potential sediment. Stabilize any
disturbed area at the end of each workday.
E. Re-vegetate exposed soils as soon as possible to take advantage of the loose soil
conditions for seeding.
1. Exposed soil will be covered with straw mulch or biodegradable and
certified weed-free erosion matting at the end of each workday. Matting
will be secured in place with staples, stakes, or live stakes of trees where
conditions allow.
2. Temporary seeding will occur on all bare soil within five days of ground
disturbing activities to provide erosion control.
3. Stabilize channel banks with a temporary seed mix of wheat, millet, or
similar annual grain as work is completed.
F. Do not move sediment trap devices until the vegetation in the disturbed areas has
been established.
G. Stockpile any side cast on upland sites and contain within sediment fence.
H. Install sediment fences around the project area (including staging area) to direct
runoff away from the project area.
In-stream structure
L Minimize the number of times required to enter Craig Creek for the installation of
in-stream structure.
J. Cross the stream and conduct activities during periods of low flow.
K. Use a skilled heavy equipment operator, trained in stream restoration and
construction of in-stream structures. Instruct the operator to minimize disturbance
to the streambed.
L. Conduct visual inspections of Craig Creek while the work is being conducted to
inspect turbidity and temporarily shut down instream disturbance when turbidity
exceeds 10%.
Brady Dodd
NFsNC Hydrologist