20190537 Ver 1_NCWRC Comments_20190530

Q North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission [,�
Gordon Myers, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Anthony Scarbraugh
Washington Regional Office, Division of Water Resources
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
FROM: Maria T. Dunn, Coastal Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Division
DATE: May 30, 2019
SUBJECT: Section 401 Water Quality Certification for John Kobelski (20190537), Currituck County
North Carolina.
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) reviewed the application
with regard to impacts of the project on fish and wildlife resources. The project site is within the
Whalehead Beach subdivision in Corolla, NC. Our comments are provided in accordance with provisions
of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U. S.C. 661 et. seq.) and the
Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended, and Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act, as amended.
The applicant proposes to fill 0.1 acre of wetland to facilitate the construction of a four floored residential
structure with eight parking spaces. Alternative designs were said to have been reviewed by the applicant,
but a reduction of residential floor levels and parking were not preferred.
The NCWRC has reviewed the information and believes additional minimization of wetland impacts
could be demonstrated. Wetlands in this area perform several functions that include habitat opportunities,
water quality improvement functions, and stormwater management. This area is susceptible to flooding
events. Increased impervious area lessens the ability for the area to manage stormwater. Therefore, all
measures should be made to decrease the amount of wetland fill to preserve exiting wetland habitat
opportunities and to insure hydrologic connectivity rather than fragmentation. We encourage the
reconsideration designs that reduce wetland fill that may include the reduction or relocation of parking
area.
The NCWRC appreciates the opportunity to comment on this permit application. If you have further
comments, questions, or concerns, please contact me at [phone].
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]