19960421 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_19960503

Charlode-Mecklenburg
STORM
WATER
Services -
Administrative Offices: Mecklenburg County Engineering Department
700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
[phone] FAX [phone]
September 17, 1996
Ms. Karen Lynch
NCDEHNR
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Environmental Sciences Building
Raleigh, NC 27607
Subject: Briar Creek at Charlotte Country Club (Project # 960421)
RECEIVED
?t 1 91996
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Dear l GEC E r
J
Please withdraw our application for 401 Certification for the subject project. Scheduling conflicts
have required us to drop this project from our current improvement list.
As you requested, I have enclosed a draft copy of our Channel Restoration Techniques manual. We
hope to have the final version in a couple of months and I'll mail you one when we do.
Please call me at 704-336-3712 if you any questions.
Sincerely,
,?b QJ 6
Joe Aug, E.
Mecklenburg Storm Water Services
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS
To report drainage problems: 336-RAIN
Environmental Sciences Lab
MEMO
TO: Steve Tedder
FROM: John Dorney
THRU: Ken Eagleson
Jimmie Overton
July 12, 1996
RE: Charlotte stream improvement projects

Attached is the letter sent to you from Dave Canaan dated 28
June concerning a meeting to discuss ongoing concerns we have had
with several recent projects in Mecklenburg County regarding
stream relocations. As requested attached is a copy of the
letter from us that Mr. Canaan mentioned.
If you agree, I propose that Karen Lynch, some of the
Mooresville Regional Office staff who have expressed interest in
the issue, Owen Anderson of the Wildlife Resources Commission and
I meet with the CMUD staff at the MRO on Monday July 22nd to
discuss the issue and resolve our differences. If you think this
would be a good resolution, please call and I will make the
arrangements with MRO and CMUD staff.
cmud.mtg
cc: Karen Lynch
KEMORANDUM PRINT NAMES: -
Reviewer: J odd sf <l h
TO: ,) WQ SUPV.: t)k
eu,
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C DATE : S 7
SUBJECT: WETLAND STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
***EACH ITEM MUST BE ANSWERED (USE N/A FOR NOT APPLICABLE) %PERMIT YR: 96 PERMIT NO: 0000421 COUNTY: MECKLENBU]
APPLICANT NAME: MECK. CO.BRIAR CREEK IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT TYPE: BANK STABILIZATION PERMIT TYPE: NW13
COE #: DOT #:
RCD_FROM _CDA: APP DATE_FRM_CDA: 05/03/96
REG OFFICE: MRO
I CO. RIVER-AND-SUB-BASIN-#: 030834 SU,INDEX _NO: 11-137-8-2
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MITIGATION-SIZE: DID YOU REQUEST MORE INFO? :
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MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Engineering & Building Standards Department
June 28, 1996 I,
North Carolina Department of Environmental Protection,
Division of Emergency Management JUL I 1996
Steve Tedder, Water Quality Section Chief
4401 Reedy Creek WATER QUALITY
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 S-ECTION
Subject: Briar Creek @ Charlotte Country Club (Project #960421)
Dear Steve,
As we discussed today via phone, due to unplanned State Legislative meetings in Raleigh over the next couple
of weeks, we will not be able to meet with you and subsequently respond to Mr. Dorney's request for additional
documentation as stated in his June 18, 1996 letter. I feel it is imperative that Mecklenburg County and the State
come to an understanding of what are the intentions of the Water Quality Certification Program and Mecklenburg
County's approach to bio-engineering/alternative channel design techniques. Our meeting to reach that
understanding should occur prior to any further submittals for the above referenced project. Therefore, I hereby
request that the project not be considered "withdrawn" until a meeting has taken place and an acceptable time
frame for the submittal of additional documentation for the project be mutually agreed upon.
As discussed above and on the phone, Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services is approaching bio-
engineering/altemative channel designs in a three-project approach. I have attached a summary of our approach
for your review. Obviously this approach will take time and projects will need to go forward regardless.
However, this approach provides a better understanding of short and long-term aquatic and habitat benefits in
addition to maintenance (financial) obligations to the County. If, prior to our meeting, you or your staff can
review the material and reconsider your position as stated in your June 18, 1996 letter it would be greatly
appreciated.
Please call meat [phone] if you have questions on this matter. I also will be looking for your response
to the above requests.
Sincerely,
o
W. Dave Canaan
Assistant Director
cc: Joe Aug
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS
700 North Tryon Street • Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 • [phone] • Fax [phone]

Experimenting with
May 8, 1996
Prepared for
NCACC Outstanding County Program Award
by
Mecklenburg County Engineering & Building Standards Department
Storm Water Services

f
Alternative to What? ......................................... 1
Why We Want Choices ...... 1
TheTrapezoidal Shape ........ 1
The Straight Channel Alignment ............................. 2
The Cost Factor ........................................ 2
The Rip Rap Lining ...................................... 2
Developing a Program ........ 2
The Three-Project Approach .................................... 3
Dairy Branch .................... 3
Toby Creek ........................................... 4
Little Sugar Creek ..................................... 5
In Closing ............ .................. ................. 6

Alternative to What?
Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (SWS) has embarked on an ambitious alternative
channel design program. Currently storm water problems often require the design and
construction of an open channel. In Mecklenburg County, as in many other parts of the country, a
commonly used design is a trapezoid-shaped, rip rap lined open channel. The trapezoid shape
maximizes the cross-sectional area available for water to flow through and the rip rap lining on
the sloped banks provides a flexible barrier against erosion. These trapezoidal, rip rap lined
channels are easy to design, easy to construct, and definitely solve flooding and erosion problems.
However, there are concerns being raised regarding the widespread use of rip rap trapezoidal
channels.
To address these concerns SWS is experimenting with alternatives to the rip rap trapezoidal
design. Alternative channel geometry and bank stabilization are being focused on. Also the
potential for SWS projects to enhance or restore natural habitat will be studied.
Why We Want Choices
Since the development of a storm water utility
in Mecklenburg County in January 1993, the Charlotte-Mecklenhurg
number of channel improvement projects the SronORM
County does has increased exponentially. Also,
more than ever before, the work is being done
literally iri the back yards of customers. The
feedback from customers indicated a desire for WATER
an option to the rip rap channel--some Services
customers didn't like the appearance of rip rap
and there were concerns about the environment.
In response employees have attended seminars, continued their education, and learned more about
what other communities have experienced as they have used alternative channel designs to solve
their storm water problems. The following are some of the specific concerns from customers and
staff:
The Trapezoidal Shape
Most channels do not naturally shape themselves into true trapezoids. Engineers can learn
a lot by observing what happens naturally to channels and take their design cues from it.
Most stable natural channels do have sloped banks and flat bottoms (voila, a trapezoid!)
But the sides are not sloped equally ... or, there is a small "pilot" channel in the bottom of
the main channel where the water always flows with water creeping up onto the overbank
area only during flooding. Sometimes after large trapezoidal channel projects are
completed, they begin to transform themselves back into a more "natural shape."
However, the transformation of trapezoid-shaped channels back to their natural shape
means less room for the water in the channel and therefore more frequent flooding. When

there are yards, houses, and roads near the top of the banks of these channels, more
frequent flooding can be a problem.
The Straight Channel Alignment
By design, most trapezoidal, rip rap lined channels follow straight paths through their
watersheds. Natural channels do not do this. The meandering natural stream with tree
and boulder blockages has pools and riffles, sand bars, and bank overhangs that provide
habitat for many life forms. Very homogenous waterways do not provide this high quality
habitat. However, that high quality habitat can cause flooding and erosion, something that
can potentially cause property damage and threaten human life in an urban environment.
The Cost Factor
Trapezoidal, rip rap lined channels are very cost effective. They are relatively easy to
construct and the rip rap lining is made of granite, an abundant, low-cost, natural resource
in our area. Constructing alternate channels will be new in Mecklenburg County, many
contractors will not have experience building anything other than the trapezoid-shaped
channel. Therefore, the cost of building projects with alternative designs is unknown.
The Rip Rap Lining
Rip rap is obviously made from a naturally occurring material, but when it is applied from
top to bottom on a channel bank for erosion control, there is some evidence to suggest
that the quality of habitat in streams is degraded. In addition some Storm Water Services
customers think rip rap is inappropriate to use in a back yard because it's just plain ugly.
Developing a Program
SWS wanted to make sure that it had a clear understanding
about the economics and the effectiveness of alternative
designs before they started using them on a large scale.
Alternative channel designs, especially those that
incorporate soil bioengineering (the use, of plant material to
stabilize channel banks), are one of the "hot topics" in
erosion control and stream restoration currently. SWS
wanted to avoid getting swept along on the "bandwagon"
of the "hot topic." The decision to incorporate new designs
would also mean educating contractors, engineers,
customers, etc., and should not be undertaken lightly. In addition, it was important to carefully
document each of the alternative designs considered to avoid possible repetition of any mistakes
at some point in the future.
Therefore SWS has established a carefully thought-out experimental program to evaluate
alternative channel designs. The program is designed to:
.2
Develop a plan to address as many concerns and answer as many questions as possible.
Implement the plan, carefully documenting all activities.
Study results of experimental projects and draw conclusions.
Integrate successful techniques into the Storm Water program and ultimately into all
land development activities that affect Mecklenburg County's water resources.
As stated earlier, the goal is to provide the "best" solution for every storm water service request.
"Best" means that all factors--cost, threat to property and safety, natural habitat, and
environment-- are considered in the design. The trapezoidal, rip rap channel will definitely still be
used, but with careful experimenting and documentation other options can be considered on a
project-by-project basis.
The Three-Project Approach
The program will encompass the planning, design, construction, and monitoring of three storm
water projects. The projects are Dairy Branch at Freedom Park, Toby Creek Floodplain Bench,
and Little Sugar Creek at Huntingtowne Farms Park. Dairy Branch was the first project of the
experiment and is currently in the monitoring phase. Toby Creek has been designed and will be .:.
constructed this year and Little Sugar Creek will have its design finalized and be constructed this-
year as well.
Dairy Branch
A main goal of the Dairy Branch project was to determine
if bioengineering techniques would work with the
vegetation available in Piedmont region of NC where
Mecklenburg County is located. Bioengineering is the
specialized use of plant materials to stabilize soil by
combining engineering principles with plant science.
Bioengineering is widely used in Europe and most often
used in the US in the northeast. Much of the information Storm Water Services staff had
on bioengineering described the use of plants that thrived in cooler climates or simply
weren't available in Mecklenburg.
City and County Storm Water Services staff designed and built the project. Both local
and non-local plants were used to stabilize the channel banks and their survival and growth
rates are now being monitored. Mecklenburg County Department of Environmental
Protection performed a pre-construction water quality analysis and will perform a post-
construction analysis at the end of the monitoring period. Volunteers from Storm Water
staff and local environmental groups helped Habitat Assessment Restoration and
Preservation (HARP) company plant the channel banks. HARP is monitoring the project

for the County.
Construction was completed at Dairy Branch in Spring 1995. A wide variety of plants
were installed in both the Spring and Fall of 1995. As planned, plant species that did not
survive are being replaced in a final planting this spring and HARP and volunteers are
participating again. The monitoring period will continue until November 1996 (a total of
18 months).
The alternative design experimental program is already beginning to yield useful
results. Results and preliminary conclusions from the project at Dairy Branch"
include:
The cost of stabilizing channel banks with vegetation at
Dairy Branch falls within the range of costs SWS incurs
when using rip rap (see Attachment A).
Monitoring data of plant survival and growth rates indicate:
Shrubs harvested locally and planted to control erosion on the banks
perform better than species shipped in from other areas.
100% of the herbaceous (soft-stemmed) vegetation planted at or below
the water surface in the fall survived. The overall survival rate was
67%.
Two reasons for plant failure include destruction by predators-(ducks,
muskrats) and shade conditions.
A planting guide for best management practices (BMP's) has been developed
using in part, the information gathered from Dairy Branch. This guide is
available free of charge to the public and will provide helpful information to
Mecklenburg County Land Development Services customers who are
s
required to build wetponds or other BMP's when they are developing
property in the County's watershed protection areas.
Toby Creek
Toby Creek, a larger-scale project than Dairy Branch, was designed by a local
engineering firm for the County rather than by County staff. It was important that
some of the experimental projects be designed by staff and some by others, so as
many ideas as possible would come to light. Toby Creek Floodplain Bench project
will experiment with the use of bioengineering as well as alternative channel
shapes. A "pilot channel" will be constructed with a flat overbank above it to
receive flood waters. Rip rap, vegetation, and a combination of both will be used
4

to stabilize the banks of the channel against erosion on this project. Lessons
learned about the plants at the Dairy Branch project were applied in the selection
of plants for this project. After construction is complete, the channel will be
monitored to compare the methods of bank stabilization to each other.
Information on the cost to design, construct, and maintain each type of channel
lining will be kept, so SWS will have accurate information to use when planning
future projects
The design of Toby Creek is complete and the work will be bid during summer of
1996. Having a contractor bid to perform this work is also an important difference
in the way the Dairy Branch project was done. Dairy Branch was constructed by
County staff and a contractor the County had a standing contract with. Bidding
Toby Creek should begin to give SWS an idea about what difficulties may exist
(higher cost, availability of labor) in finding contractors to perform what to many
seems like unusual work.
Toby Creek Floodplain Bench project has also starting yielding results even
though construction has not even begun.
The consultant engineer that designed the project also performed a
literature review for SWS, searching for information on
bioengineering and alternative designs used all over the world. They
compiled all of the written
information they found into a
handbook that SWS can use a
reference for future designs.
The consultant has also created
a draft "Standards Manual" of
channel restoration and
stabilization techniques.. These
standards provide detailed
information on how to construct many of the'alternative designs.
These standards will be available for staff and consulting engineers to
customize for future designs.
Little Sugar Creek
Little Sugar Creek at Huntingtowne Farms Park, a large-scale project, will also be
designed by a consultant. Information learned from the first two experiments will be
available for the engineers to use. This project will combine the use of bioengineering and
traditional engineering to stabilize a highly eroded channel that transports large amounts of
storm water runoff at high velocities.
5
In Closing
As you see, each of the experiments in SWS Alternative Channel Design program builds on the
ones before it. Each project is unique so the County can maximize the amount of information
they get from the entire effort. Once the lessons are learned from this program, Storm Water
Services will begin applying them to all storm water projects.
r ,
Cost Comparison
¦ Total Project Cost
¦ Total Cost (without
items for experiment
only, $3000)
¦ Fascines Only
¦ Rip Rap Projects
$41,800
($9.90/linear foot)
$38,800
($9.22/linear foot)
$13.64/linear foot
$7.00 to $20/LF
Attachment A, "Cost Comparison"
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Alternative to What?
Post-it" brand fax tramsmittal memo 7671 eo+p,g„ I- flaIN?2

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Co. ?? G v Co. Jam/ ?w
Dept. r,7Se y-?` or ° a4t 336., 3734
Fax?J `i 733-'N Iq ex ?4V 34-.3226
Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services (SWS) has embarked on an ambitious alternative
channel design program. Currently storm water problems often require the design and
construction of an open channel. In Mecklenburg County, as in many other parts of the country, a
commonly used design is a trapezoid-shaped, rip rap lined open channel. The trapezoid shape
maximizes the cross-sectional area available for water to flow through and the rip rap lining on
the sloped banks provides a flexible barrier against erosion. These trapezoidal, rip rap lined
channels are easy to design, easy to construct, and definitely solve flooding and erosion problems.
However, there are concerns being raised regarding the widespread use of rip rap trapezoidal
channels.
To address these concerns SWS is experimenting with alternatives to the rip rap trapezoidal
design. Alternative channel geometry and bank stabilization are being focused on. Also the
potential for SWS projects to enhance or restore natural habitat will be studied.
Why We Want Choices
Since the development of a storm water utility
in Mecklenburg County in January 1993, the Ch2dotfe-Meeklenbag
number of channel improvement projects the
County does has increased exponentially. Also,
more than ever before, the work is being done STORM
literally in'the back yards of customers. The IV 1VB
feedback from customers indicated a desire for AT
an option to the rip rap channel--some SBrY/CGS
Customers didn't like the appearance of rip rap
and there were concerns about the environment.
In response employees have attended seminars, continued their education, and learned more about
what other communities have experienced as they have used alternative channel designs to solve
their storm water problems. The following are some of the specific concerns from customers and
staff-
The Trapezoidal Shape
Most channels do not naturally shape themselves into true trapezoids, Engineers can learn
a lot by observing what happens naturally to channels and take their design cues from it.
Most stable natural channels do have sloped banks and flat bottoms (voila, a trapezoid!)
But the sides are not sloped equally... or, there. is a small "pilot" channel in the bottom of
the main channel where the water always flows with water creeping up onto the overbank
area only during flooding. Sometimes after large trapezoidal channel projects are
completed, they begin to transform themselves back into a more "natural shape."
However, the transformation of trapezoid-shaped channels back to their natural shape
means less room for the water in the channel and therefore more frequent flooding. When
RECEIVED
`Jo[. Q 5 1996
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
""" ' T Od T97-# :ON XNA ON I ?03N I EINEI n O3 A03W : Q I cS : G ti I CIA 95 . -eE-Nnf

'A.
there are yards, houses, and roads near the top of the banks of these channels, more
frequent flooding can be a problem.
The Straight Channel Alignment
By design, most trapezoidal, rip rap lined channels follow straight paths through their
watersheds. Natural channels do not do this. The meandering natural stream with tree
and boulder blockages has pools and riffles, sand bars, and bank overhangs that provide
habitat for many life forms. Very homogenous waterways do not provide this high quality
habitat. However, that high quality habitat can cause flooding and erosion, something that
can potentially cause property damage and threaten human life in an urban environment.
The Cost Factor
Trapezoidal, rip rap lined channels are very cost effective. They are relatively easy to
construct and the rip rap lining is made of granite, an abundant, low-cost, natural resource
in our area. Constructing alternate channels will be new in Mecklenburg County, many
contractors will not have experience building anything other than the trapezoid-shaped
channel. Therefore, the cost of building projects with alternative designs is unknown.
The Rip Rap Lining
Rip rap is obviously made from a naturally occurring material, but when it is applied from
top to bottom on a channel bank for erosion control, there is some evidence to suggest
that the quality of habitat in streams is degraded. In addition some Storm Water Services
customers think rip rap is inappropriate to use in a back yard because it's just plain ugly.
Developing a Program,.
SWS wanted to make sure that it had a clear understanding
about the economics and the effectiveness of alternative
designs before they started using them on a large scale.
Alternative channel designs, especially those that
incorporate soil bioengineering (the use.of plant material to
stabilize channel banks), are one of the "hot topics" in
erosion control and stream restoration currently. SWS
wanted to avoid getting swept along on the "bandwagon"
of the "hot topic." The decision to incorporate new designs
would also mean educating contractors, engineers,
customers, etc., and should not be undertaken lightly. In addition, it was important to carefully
document each of the alternative designs considered to avoid possible repetition of any mistakes
at some point in the future.
Therefore SWS has established a carefully thought-out experimental program to evaluate
alternative channel designs. The program is designed to;
70d Z 9ztt :ON Xb_? @N I GG IN I SNP noo >iaEw : a I 29:0T I ?JA 9G eE-N(nf
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
James EL Hunt, Jr., G ove mor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Steven J. Levitas, Deputy Secretary
r4
C) EHNR
Division of Water Quality
Environmental Sciences Branch
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, N.C. 27607
FAX:[phone]
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DEM ID: 960421 ACTION ID:
-?Nati&wide Permit Requested (Provide Nationwide Permit ft
JOINT FORM FOR
Nationwide permits that require notification to the Corps of Engineers
Nationwide permits that require application for Section 401 certification
WILMINGTON DISTRICT ENGINEER
CORPS OF ENGINEERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
P.O. Box 1890
)Wlmington, NC 28402-1890
ATTN: CESAW-CO-E
Telephone [phone]
WATER QUALITY PLAT
DIVISION OF ENVIRON
NC DEPARTMENT OF E
AND NATURAL RESOU
P.O. Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
ATTN: MR. JOHN DORI
3
MAY 6 1996
Telephone [phone] ?v- i) inY `
ONE (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.
PLEASE PRINT.
1. Owners Name: Mecklenburg County, NC
2. Owners Address: 700 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
3. Owners Phone Number (Home): (Work): [phone]
4. If Applicable: Agent's name or responsible corporate official, address, phone number-
Joe Aug
Mecklenburg County Engineering Dept.
700 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
5. Location of work (MUST ATTACH MAP). County: Mecklenburg
Nearest Town or City: _Ch r-lstte
Specific Location (Include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): Briar Ck _ Prnm Cnnntry C-1 »h Dr _ t-n
existing riprap stabilization, North of Harbinger Ct.
6. Name of Closest Stream/River. Rri ar Creek
7. River Basin: _rATAWBA --
8. Is this project located in a watershed classified as Trout, SA, HQW, ORW, WS I, or WS II? YES [ ] NO R )
9. Have any Section 404 permits been previously requested for use on this property? YES [?] NO [ ]
If yes, explain. Permit wac i .--suprl for -,i mi 1 ar jDrn3pr i an same property immediately downstr&
10. Estimated total number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, located on project site:
11. Number of acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, impacted by the proposed project:
Filled: 2.704' x 2 sides x 3000' / 43560 = 0.37 Ac.
Drained:
Flooded:
Excavated: 3000' x 10 8'(avg) x 2 sides = 1.5 acres
Total Impacted: 1.87 Acres
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State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Mecklenburg County Engineering Dept.
700 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
Project #960421
Mecklenburg County
Dear Mr. Joe Aug:
h. L A 4
C) EHNR
June 18, 1996
The Division of Environmental Management, Water Quality Section has reviewed your plans for the
discharge of fill material (rip-rap) into 1.87 acres of stream waters located at Briar Creek in Mecklenburg County
for stream bank stabilization. Based on this review, we have identified significant uses which would be removed
by this project. These uses are aquatic life and habitat. We strongly urge the use of rip rap only in the most
severely eroded outside curves. The continued use of rip rap often causes degradation of downstream waters. In
addition, riprap is expensive, presents problems with maintenance such as mowing and decreases habitat for
large animals. Once established, native vegetation will be more aesthetically pleasing and will provide long
term stability with less long term erosion. There are other techniques which can be used in urban areas in
conjunction with vegetative plantings. Therefore, we hereby suggest changes for your 401 Certification as
required by 15A NCAC 2B.0109. Until we receive additional information, we are requesting (by copy of this
letter) that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers place your project on administrative hold.
We are pleased to hear that native vegetation (mixed with other stabilization techniques such as riprap) are
being proposed in the midsection of the stream. In addition, the upper forested section of Briar Creek (from
downstream of Country Club Rd. to the proposed mixed hardwood area) may be ideal for native plantings since
there are no houses in this area that are in immediate danger of being undermined. Currently the plans indicate
that the stream channel is proposed to be riprapped with only the top bank planted. The steep banks will likely
need to be sloped to a ratio closer to 1:1 or 2:1 before stabilizing techniques can be used. The downstream
(fairway) section appears to need stabilization because of undercut banks. Low growing shrubs would be ideal
for this area of the golf course. I have included a list of commonly planted stream bank stabilizing shrubs.
The use of a structure (A jacks) which is a 6-legged concrete interlocking engineering tool, has been
successful along with coconut husk fiber rolls and live stakings. A -jacks are sometimes used in a pyramidal
stacking fashion (two bottom rows and one top row). N.C. Sea Grant (Barbara Doll) has much knowledge of
stream bank stabilization and can provide you with further information. She can be reached at [phone].
Any documentation such as maps and narrative that you can supply to address alternative designs for your
project may be helpful in our review of your 401 Certification. Please respond within two weeks of the date of
this letter by sending a copy of this information to me and one copy to Todd St. John at the Mooresville
Regional Office at Mooresville. If we do not hear from you in two weeks, we will assume that you no longer
want to pursue this project and we will consider the project as withdrawn. I can be reached at 919-733-1786 if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
cc: Mooresville DEM Regional Office
Wilmington Office Corps of Engineers
Central Files
??,?.
- rhrn'e- "t
John R. Dorney
Water Quality Certification Program
960421.nty
Division of Environmental Management - Environmental Sciences Branch
4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 - Telephone [phone] - FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
Plants Commonly Used for Streambank Stabilization or Bioen eneerin Techniques
Common name ' Botanical name Comments
Wood plants
Green ash Fraxinum ennsylvanica Grows 50 to 60' in height.
Silky dogwood Cornus amomum Great wetland planting potential - stick in the
round and it rows.
Hazel-nut Corylus americana Although not a wetland plant, does well in
wetland situations.
Tag alder Alnus serrulata Widely used.
Pawpaw Asimina triloba Understo shrub - can et u to 15 or 20' tall.
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Grows easily, dies back eve winter.
Buttonbush Ce halanthus occidentalis Grows well in water
Black willow Salix nigra Good at becoming established, will root easily,
good lateral root growth for stabilization.
Beauty berry Callicarpa americana Naturalized species, 34 tall Will grow in
moist bank, may be hard to find in nursery.

Herbaceous plants
Duck potato or Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia or
Sa ittaria s pp. Grows effectively in wetter areas. Good
stabilization potential..
Arrow arum Peltandra vir inica Similar to duck potato.
Pickerel weed Pontederia cordata Can be used in deeper waters and as stream
edge species.
Rose mallow Hibiscus moscheutos Can be used on banks where you don't want
tall vegetation.
Blue flag iris Iris vir inica Show iris flower. May be later divided.
?. _ "a
NCWPC, t1CP , FALLS LAKE TEL :[phone] Jun 12 ' 96 13:09 No. 002 P.02
® North Carolina WWII& Resources Colmmission ?
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919.733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: John Dorney
Water (duality Planning, L?` PEH
FROM: Owen F. Andersora dmont Region Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: June 12, 1996
SUBJECT: Mecklenburg County Request For 401 Writer Quality Certification To Line
Stroambank With Riprap, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Briar Creek, {
Catawba River Basin DEM ID # 960421
Biologists on the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission staff have reviewed the
subject project. A site visit was made on February 21, 1995 to assess the proposed riprapping
downstream of this project. Our comments are provided in accordance with certain 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) and North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 113-
131 et seq.).
We continue to be alarmed about the wholesale riprapping of Mecklenburg; County
Creeks by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services. Recently we have had inquires from
private citizens about the destruction of habitat on Sugar Creek by these practices.
We realize that riprapping is necessary in some caws when severe erosion is causing an
immediate threat to property or safety. However, our experience, on some Mecklenburg County
projects has indicated there has been little field reconnaissance to determine what is actually
needed. Additionally, we are not aware of other practices being employed other than riprap. The
conversion of creeks to rock lined ditches may address stonnwater in the immediate area but the
cumulative impacts on downstream aquatic habitats are of concern.
The continued use of riprap in this urban area will cause degradation of water quality
downstream in Little Sugar Creek, Little Sugar Creek does support relatively good fish
populations.
We would again welcome the opportunity to meet with Mecklenburg County, DEM, and
the COL to discuss Mecklenburg County°s overall stormwater management plan, We would like
to exanni.ne what alternatives are available besides riprap to address sstormwater prublernw.
We have the following continents concerning the issuance of this permit:
NCWRC,HCP,FALLS LAKE TEL:[phone] Jun 12'96 13:10 No.002 P.03
401 Certification 2 June 12, 1996
Prc?leet No 960421
Most of the project proposed for riprapping is through a golf course. Since houses or
salbty should not be threatened along this stretch, other less destructive methods of
streambank stabilization should be considered. Tree revetment, five fascines and other
natural methods of stabilization arc suggested. Riprap should only be used whea•e
absolutely necessary.
2. Forested buffers of native trees and shrubs should be maintained or established along the
streaan. Where fairways cross the creek, low growing shrubs that will not interi`ere with
play should be planted. The width of the buffer should be 100-feet if possible,
3. Any stormwater inlets to the stream should be modified to reduce the potential to erode
the banks. Stormwater check basins and energy dissipaters should be installed ill
drainages to reduce erosion potential of incoming water. Stormwater inlets should not be
placed at right angles to the opposing banks (This was a problem observed at the
downstream section that was previously permitted).
4. For unavoidable impacts, we request the applicant provide mitigation by restoring
selected stream segments in the Catawba River Basin at a ratio of 2:1.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input into the review process. If 1 can be of
further assistance, please contact me at [phone].
NCWRC,HCP,FALLS LAKE TEL:[phone]
FAX COVER
Falls Lake Office
pate 6 - i.? - 96
Number of pages including cover sheet ?
Jun 12'96 13:09 No.002 P.01
NC Wildlife Resources Commisalon
Habitat Cons&yatian Program
P.O. Box 798
Northside, NC 2T564
To: From'
Phone Fhone 919-52$-9$$6
Fax Phone F2x Fhcne 919-528-9$319
CC:
? Urgent ? For your review C F.enly ASAP l ii Ple-2s= ctimrnent
Cal
t f'..cJ?.?tl.ssaC_
/ .7? as / ..?.+s-
State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
Mecklenburg County Engineering Dept.
700 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, N.C. 28202
Project #960421
Mecklenburg County
Dear Mr. Joe Aug:
ATM
?EHNR
June 18, 1996
The Division of Environmental Management, Water Quality Section has reviewed your plans for the
discharge of fill material (rip-rap) into 1.87 acres of stream waters located at Briar Creek in Mecklenburg County
for stream bank stabilization. Based on this review, we have identified significant uses which would be removed
by this project. These uses are aquatic life and habitat. We strongly urge the use of rip rap only in the most
severely eroded outside curves. The continued use of rip rap often causes degradation of downstream waters. In
addition, riprap is expensive, presents problems with maintenance such as mowing and decreases habitat for
large animals. Once established, native vegetation will be more aesthetically pleasing and will provide long
term stability with less long term erosion. There are other techniques which can be used in urban areas in
conjunction with vegetative plantings. Therefore, we hereby suggest changes for your 401 Certification as
required by 15A NCAC 2B.0109. Until we receive additional information, we are requesting (by copy of this
letter) that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers place youriproject on administrative hold.
We are pleased to hear that native vegetation (mixed with other stabilization techniques such as riprap) are
being proposed in the midsection of the stream., In addition, the upper forested section of Briar Creek (from
downstream of Country Club Rd. to the proposed mixed hardwood area) may be ideal for native plantings since
there are no houses in this area that are in immediate danger of being undermined. Currently the plans indicate
that the stream channel is proposed to be riprapped with only the top bank planted. The steep banks will likely
need to be sloped to a ratio closer to 1:1 or 2:1 before stabilizing techniques can be used. The downstream
(fairway) section appears to need stabilization because of undercut banks. Low growing shrubs would be ideal
for this area of the golf course. I have included a list of commonly planted stream bank stabilizing shrubs.
The use of a structure (A-jacks) which is a 6-legged concrete interlocking engineering tool, has been
successful along with coconut husk fiber rolls and live stakings. A -jacks are sometimes used in a pyramidal
stacking fashion (two bottom rows and one top row). N.C. Sea Grant (Barbara Doll) has much knowledge of
stream bank stabilization and can provide you with further information. She can be reached at [phone].
Any documentation such as maps and narrative that you can supply to address alternative designs for your
project may be helpful in our review of your 401 Certification. Please respond within two weeks of the date of
this letter by sending a copy of this information to me and one copy to Todd St. John at the Mooresville
Regional Office at Mooresville. If we do not hear from you in two weeks, we will assume that you no longer
want to pursue this project and we will consider the project as withdrawn. I can be reached at 919-733-1786 if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jo R, orney
W ]ter Quality CertifiItin r ogram
cc: Mooresville DEM Regional Office
Wilmington Office Corps of Engineers
Central Files
960421.nty
Division of Environmental Management • Environmental Sciences Branch
4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 • Telephone [phone] • FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
Charloffe•Macklenbuig
STORM
WATER
Services -
P14
" lck,
Hinz,
April 30, 1996
John Dorney
Water Quality Planning
Division of Environmental Management
NCDEHNR
P.O. Box 29535
Raleigh, NC 27626-0535
Dear Mr. Dorney:
bUnK-
Enclosed are seven (7) copies of a completed application for a Nationwide Permit 13 and Section 401
Water Quality Certification. This application includes a "Joint Form for Nationwide Permits that
require notification to the Corps of Engineers, Nationwide permits that require application for Section
401 Certification" and an 8.5"x 11" copy of the plans. One copy of the application has been sent to
the Corps of Engineers, and one copy has been sent the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Please contact me at [phone] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Daryl Hammock
Storm Water Services
PEOPLE *PRIDE *PROGRESS
Administrative Offices: Mecklenburg County Engineering Department
700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
[phone] FAX [phone]
To report drainage problems: 336-RAIN
Printed on recycled paper.
Plants Commonly Used for Streambank Stabilization or Bioen eneerin Techniques
Common name Botanical name Comments
Wood plants
Green ash Fraxinum enn lvanica Grows 50 to 60' in height.
Silky dogwood Cornus amomum Great wetland planting potential - stick in the
round and it rows.
Hazel-nut Corylus americana Although not a wetland plant, does well in
wetland situations.
Tag alder Alnus serrulata Widely used.
Pawpaw Asimina triloba Understo shrub - can et u to 15 or 20' tall.
Elderberry Sambucus canadensis Grows easily, dies back ever winter.
Buttonbush Ce halanthus occidentalis Grows well in water
Black willow Salix nigra Good at becoming established, will root easily,
good lateral root growth for stabilization.
Beauty berry Callicarpa americana Naturalized species, 34 tall Will grow in
moist bank, may be hard to find in nursery.

Herbaceous plants
Duck potato or Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia or
Sa ittaria spp. Grows effectively in wetter areas. Good
stabilization potential..
Arrow arum Peltandra vir inica Similar to duck potato.
Pickerel weed Pontederia cordata Can be used in deeper waters and as stream
edge species.
Rose mallow Hibiscus moscheutos Can be used on banks where you don't want
tall vegetation.
Blue flag iris Iris vir inica Show iris flower. May be later divided.