20060035 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_20060106

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
March 7, 2006
DWQ Project # 06-0035 Ver. 2
Transylvania County
Marisue Hilliard, Forest Supervisor
National Forests in North Carolina
Post Office Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Subject Property: Sycamore Flats Stabilization
i
to P? P,
WEI'uk,I0 aP 0o-7 v' xE1V'f:,;'.k A f\WH
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 1,200 linear feet of streams for the
purpose of stream stabilization at the subject property, as described within your
application received by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ) on February 22, 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 (USAGE). 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] I FAX [phone] Internet www.ncwaterquality.org

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled110% Post Consumer Paper
DavidsonRiver
Page 2 of 6
March 7, 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 (Unit s Plan Location or Reference
Stream 1,200 feet Davidson River
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.
DavidsonRiver
Page 3 of 6
March 7, 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
DavidsonRiver
Page 4 of 6
March 7, 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 HQW
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.
DavidsonRiver
Page 5 of 6
March 7, 2006
15. Diffuse Flow
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.
18. Notification of Construction
The applicant and/or authorized agent shall contact the DWQ Asheville Regional
Office by phone at 828-296-4657 within 10 days of the commencement of
construction.
Violations of any condition herein set forth
and may result in criminal and/or civil pens
proposed impacts or to conduct impacts tc
as authorized by this Certification, shall E
Permit.
may result in revocation of this Certification
ties. The authorization to proceed with your
waters as depicted in your application and
xpire upon expiration of the 404 or CAMA
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.
DavidsonRiver `
Page 6 of 6
March 7, 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 Klkhb
Enclosures: GC 3376
Certificate of Completion
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration
cc: Brady N. Dodd,
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: 06-0035Ver2. USFS.SycamoreFlats.Approval
G J x..77
Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Deparnnent of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimck, P.E. Director
Division of WatcrQuality
February 24, 2006
Marisue Hilliard, Forest Supervisor
National Forests in North Carolina
Post Office Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Subject Property: Sycamore Flats Stabilization
DWQ Project # 06-0035
Transylvania Co ty
MPS ?
WpTERa& to
Y? ?p gj0?
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 230 linear feet of streams for the purpose
of stream stabilization at the subject property, as described within your application
received by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ) on January 6, 2006. After
reviewing your application, we have decided these impacts are covered by General
Water Quality Certification Number(s) 3495 (G.C3495). The Certification (s) allows you
to use Nationwide Permit(s) 13 / 27 when issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers
(USAGE). 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] / Internet: http://h 2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncvvetlanos
,V"
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycledl10% Post Consumer Paper
Page 2 of 6
February 24, 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 230 (feet) Davidson River
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.
uaviusonu tver
Page3 of6
February 24, 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
L'Paviasoniciver
Page 4 of 6
February 24, 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 HQW
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 consistent 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.
uavidsonk(wer
Pages of 6
February 24, 2006
15. Diffuse Flow
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.
aiu v ?uwui?i v a.a
Page 6 of 6
February 24, 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 Klkhb
Enclosures: GC 3376
Certificate of Completion
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration
cc: Brady N. Dodd,
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: 06-0035. US FS. Sycamore Flats.Approval
Triage Check List
Date: 1/19/06 Project Name: Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistrib.
DWQ #:06-0035
County: Transylvania
Kevin Barnett, Asheville Regional Office
To:
60-day Processing Time: 1/17/06 to 3/18/06
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 (Meuse, 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
1-1
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!

United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest National Forests in 160A Zillicoa Street
Service North Carolina P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
Cyndi Karoly
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
401 /Wetlands Unit
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC
27699-1650
Dear Cyndi Karoly:
File Code: 2530-3
Date: January 12, 2006
- E
This letter is to complete the request for Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the
US Forest Service project: DWQ # 06-0035 (Sycamore Flats Bank Stabilization
VWP24 . The attached fee of $475 is intended to complete the application of the project
per your January 6, 2006 letter. Thank you for your patience.
Enclosed are the following documents:
• A check made payable to the Division of Water Quality for $475.00.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 828-257-4214 or [e-mail]
Sincerely,
Brady N. Dodd
Forest Hydrologist
cc: NC Storm Recovery Team
JAN 1 7 2006
DENR - WA-1 LR QUALITY
WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
s 4w-.
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled PapertO
D
TFgP
G
r
Michael F. Easley, Governor
1W William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director
Division of Water Quality
Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director
Division of Water Quality
January 6, 2005
DWQ # 06-0035
Transylvania County
CERTIFIED MAIL
US Forest Service
Attn: Brady Dodd
PO Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802-2750
Subject: US Forest Service: Sycamore Flats Branch
Application Fee Payment
Mr. Dodd:
On January 6, 2005 the Wetlands/401 Unit of the Division of Water Quality received-your application and check
in the amount of $200.00 for a 401 Water Quality Certification in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Please
note that beginning January 1, 1999, the N.C. General Assembly passed legislation requiring payment of a fee for
all 401 applications. The fee for applications is $200 for projects impacting less than an acre of wetland and less
than 150 linear feet of streams. For projects impacting one or more acres of wetland or 150 or more feet of
streams, the fee is $475. The US Forest Service project reflects perennial stream impact total of 230 linear feet.
In order for DWQ to begin review and process your request, you must send a check in the appropriate amount
made payable to the N.C. Division of Water Quality. Please reference the above DWQ # in all future
correspondence. Your check is being returned for correction of payment amount. The project has been placed on
hold pending receipt of payment.
If you have any questions regarding this letter please do not hesitate to call me at [phone].
Sincerely,
Cyn i Karoly
Enclosure: Check #1370 for $200.00
CBK/ljd
cc: File copy + check copy
Central Files + check copy
06-0035 US Forest Service: Sycamore Flats (Transylvania) Hold for Fee
N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit,
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address)
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location)
[phone] (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/newetlands)
Customer Service #: 1-877-623-6748
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MICHAEL WALKER
USDA
SOUTHERN RESEARCH STATION
P 0 BOX 2750
ASHEVILLE NC 28802
THE
OF
For Official Use Only
US Government Tax Exempt
DATE
1370
- 88-1/510
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BallkofAmerlCa Bank ofAmerica, N.A. (USA) , Not Valid For More Than $25,000.0
Payable through
Bank of America, NA
GCSU [phone] Richmond, Virginia - ^
R&_" 2:% United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest National Forests in
Service North Carolina
160A Zillicoa Street
P.O. Box 2750
Asheville, NC 28802
File Code:
Date:
Cyndi Karoly
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
401 /Wetlands Unit
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC
27699-1650
Dear Ms. Karoly,
2530-3
January 3, 2006
20060035
QLr9-,,3 @ 9 aac??
JAN 6 -,2006
wAll TO QUALITY
This letter is to request Section 401 Water Quality Certification from the North Carolina Division
of Water Quality for U.S. Forest Service project: Sycamore Flat Bank Stabilization (VWP24).
Located within the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina, this project is
situated on Davidson River of the French Broad River Basin. Due to the storm events of 2004, a
large tree has fallen in the Davidson River just upstream from the Sycamore Flats Recreational
Area. This woody debris is causing the following problems:
• The down tree is blocking part of the main channel of the Davidson River, which impedes
recreational river use (e.g. canoeing and tubing) and poses a concern for public safety.
• The down tree is partially re-directing streamflow into an over-flow channel at higher than
baseflows, causing 40 feet of stream bank erosion at the inlet and outlet, and posing the
threat of turning more flow into the side-channel during future stormflow events.
The intent of the project is to re-establish the flow through the main channel of the Davidson River
without eliminating the function of the side-channel, stabilize stream banks, and restore public
safety through the following tasks:
• Relocate the log from within the main channel in order to improve flow and boater safety.
• Stabilize eroding stream banks in the side-charnel through the placement of large woody
debris.
The total anticipated disturbed area, due to equipment movement and excavation, is less than 1 acre
and 140 linear feet of stream channel, which includes the main channel and the side-channel. The
proposed work is expected to take up to two weeks (one week mobilization/demobilization and one
week construction). The contractor will be directed to do the following related to sediment and
erosion control:
• Construction will take place between April 16 and October 14, outside of the period for
brown and rainbow trout spawning.
• Work activities would not be scheduled on rain days.
• Minimize the degree and extent of disturbed areas.
U S 7?
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper %$
A ' 4
• Install sediment fencing at the toe of all disturbed banks to trap potential sediment.
• Stabilize any disturbed area along the stream and channel bank at the end of each
workday.
• Stabilize channel banks with temporary and permanent seeding as well as straw mulch
or biodegradable and certified weed-free erosion control matting as work is completed.
Enclosed are the following materials:
• 5 copies of the PCN, application for 404 permit (Nationwide Permit #27).
• 5 copies of the vicinity map and site plans for the Boyd Branch Restoration Project.
• A check made payable to the Division of Water Quality for $200.00.
If you require any additional information, please contact me at 828-257-4214.
Sincerely,
Brady N. Dodd
Forest Hydrologist
cc: NC Storm Recovery Team

Office Use Only: Form Version May 2002
20 0 6 0 0 3 5
USACE Action ID No. DWQ No.
(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 Permit 13
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 (NCWRP) 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 to e: ?
II. Applicant Information
JAN -.2006
1. Owner/Applicant Information
ql hl?k . wO& U&TY
Name: Marisue Hilliard ??Nos00 ' ?
«r
Mailing Address: U.S. Forest Service
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: Brady N. Dodd (Forest Hydrologist)
Company Affiliation:
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(a),fs.fed.us
Y
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: Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution in Davidson River (VWP24)
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: Transylvania Nearest Town: Brevard, NC
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): From Asheville take Interstate
26E toward Asheville Airport and take the exit for State Route 280 toward Brevard. Take
SR280 south to the intersection with US276; go west on US276 approximately %z mile and
turn left into the Sycamore Flats Recreation Area. Park at the first set of parking spaces and
walk west toward the overflow channel, which is visible from parking lot (the debris).
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 35° 16'34"N, 82° 42'52"W (NAD27)
(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 water body.)
6. Property size (acres): Pisgah Ranger District (235,576 acres)
7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Davidson River
8. River Basin: French Broad
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admi.n/maps/.)
Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application: As a result of the high flows during the hurricanes in 2004,
this reach of Davidson River was blocked by large woody debris. Due to the location and
arrangement of the woody debris in the main channel, more runoff than normal flows into an
over-flow channel causing stream bank erosion. Also recreational enthusiasts can not float
down this reach of Davidson River without portaging around the debris. It is a safety
concern as someone may not be able to get out of the river in time and may become caught in
the large woody debris.
9. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: In the
project area there are several whole and partial trees spanning the Davidson River. They
span from the bank of the overflow channel to a large point bar on the opposite side of the
river. There is some bank erosion at the overflow channel (especially at the outlet) and at the
streambank immediately adjacent to the southern end of the overflow channel. These areas
of erosion would be stabilized as part of this project. The largest tree spanning from the bank
over to the point bar is approximately 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree needs to be cut
before it can be moved. A large excavator with a thumb would be used to move the large
woody debris to the streambanks. The bole of the tree, with root wads, would be anchored to
the bank via a large boulder and a cable lasso at the inlet (Site 1) and via boulders at the
outlet of the overflow channel (Site 2).. (See proposed action schematic.)
10. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: The intent is to re-establish the flow through the
main channel of the Davidson River, stabilize stream banks in the over flow channel, and
improve public safety by redistributing the large woody debris.
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 information. 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.
N/A
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.
3
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: There will be short term sediment
introduction into Davidson River at this location and also downstream of this location due to
the excavator working in the river to move the large woody debris out of the main channel.
There will also be short term soil displacement and sedimentation from digging in the
streambanks of the over flow channel to place and anchor woody debris into the
streambanks. Potentially, oil and other chemicals from the excavator could leak into the river
during the implementation.
2. Individually list wetland impacts below: N/A
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***

* 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 htta://www.fema.gov.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland 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: N/A
Total area of wetland impact proposed: N/A
3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below:
4
Stream Impact
Site Number
(indicate on ma)
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
linear feet)
Stream Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent?
(please secify)
Davidson River
Side Channel Stream bank
Stabilization 200 Davidson River 30 Perennial

Davidson River Stream bed
disturbance due
to woody debris
removal from the
main channel

30

Davidson River

60

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.usks.gov. Several intemet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.coin,
www.niapquest.coni, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 230 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 map)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Name of Waterbod
(if applicable) y 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: till, excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
5. Pond Creation N/A
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.): NA
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): NA
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.
Construction will take place between April 16 and October 14 outside of the period for brown
and rainbow trout spawning. Work activities will not be scheduled on rainy days. Points of
entry into Davidson River will be designated by a hydrologist. Over-hanging banks will be
avoided. Equipment will be cleaned before entering the river, so as to eliminate a potential
source of sediment and oils and grease. The degree and extent of disturbed areas will be
minimized. Sediment fencing will be installed around all disturbed areas to trap potential
sediment. All disturbed areas will be stabilized at the end of each workday, with temporary
seeding and biodegradable and certified weed-free erosion control matting as work is completed.
Upon completion of the project, stream banks will be planted with riparian vegetation such as
dog hobble rhododendron, and dogwood for long-term stabilization.
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
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.enr. state.nc.us/newetlands/strmgide.html.
6
1. 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.
N/A
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 http://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/wrp/index.htm. 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): N/A
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): N/A
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
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 environmental 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.
Yes ? No
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ)
7
K
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 30 teet 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.
N/A
XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ)
8
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
N/A
XIII. Violations (required by DWQ)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500) or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ? No
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
ZS
Applicant/Agent's Signature Date
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
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
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper ??
A,
Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
Site Plan
Brady Dodd, NFsNC Hydrologist
Location
Located within the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina, this
project is situated on Davidson River of the French Broad River Basin (Figure 1).
Vicinity Map: Sycamore Flat Bank Stabilization ti.
(VWP24) 401 Application
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December 8, 2D0:5
Figure 1. Vicinity map of Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
project.
Background
Due to the storm events that occurred during the 2004 hurricane season, a woody debris
jam developed and has blocked the main channel of Davidson River at the Sycamore
Flats Recreational Area on the Pisgah National Forest (Figure 2). This woody debris is
causing the following problems:
• The debris jam is blocking part of the main channel of the Davidson River, which
impedes recreational river use (e.g. canoeing and tubing) and poses a concern for
public safety (Photos 1-4).
• The debris jam is partially re-directing streamflow into an side-channel, causing
40 feet of stream bank erosion at the inlet (site 1) and outlet (site 2) (photos 5-8),
1

and posing a threat of turning more flow into the side-channel during future
stormflow events.
Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 1
I
North
Not to scale
?O
Existing
UserTrail
,site 7
w
-. Q tdf?jl Idr'd ::
f`
r Floodplain
Sycamore Fiats
Picnic Area
F5R 257
?r
rigure -,. vian view of Sycamore flats current condition. Channel width of Davidson River is
60 feet and channel width of the side-channel is 30 feet. The areas between State Route (SR)
27, Forest Service Road (FSR) 257, and Davidson River are forested. There is an open area by
the picnic table at site 2 (outlet of side-channel). Within the red oval is a supply of large woody
debris to be used at Site 2.
Planned Work
FSR 257 will be closed to the public during the project. Staging will occur from the
northern segment of the loop road. A tracked excavator with a thumb will be used at both
sites 1 and 2. The intent of the project is to re-establish the flow through the main
channel of the Davidson River without eliminating the function of the side-channel,
stabilize stream banks, and restore public safety through the following tasks:
• Relocate the debris jam from within the main channel to the inlet of the side-
channel (site 1) in order to improve flow and boater safety.
• Stabilize eroding stream banks in the side-channel through the placement of large
woody debris (site 2).
2
Site 1
The objective at site 1 is to open up the main channel for the majority of the river flow
and for recreational users, but still allow for storm flows to access the side-channel as
needed and protect the stream banks from severe erosion.
To access site 1, the excavator will use a user-created trail, which will be widened to
accommodate the excavator. Upon completion of the project, the trail will be rehabilitated to pre-
project condition. At the inlet of the side-channel, a tracked excavator will pull the woody
debris from Davidson River (Photos 1 and 2) rotating the largest tree about the root wad
on the right downstream bank of the side-channel (Figure 3). The largest tree will be cut
to approximately the width of the side-channel at the inlet of the side-channel. The tops
of the tree and other woody debris from the jam will be placed along the banks at the
upper end of the inlet to protect the streambank and provide fish habitat. Root wads of
the trees will be positioned on the right downstream bank of the side-channel, facing
downstream. Root wads will serve the following functions:
To provide protection for the stream banks.
To collect debris during high flow events, acting as a debris jam in the side-
channel.
To provide fish cover in the side-channel and along the streambanks of the main
channel of the Davidson River.
A 5' to 6' boulder will be placed at the inlet of the side-channel, near the left bank. A
cable will be attached to the tree and the boulder to anchor the large log in place.
3
Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 2
I
North
Notto scale
Existing
User Trail
e ?,, r„aui3n,
........... ..........
,Site 7
C
sic 2 ? ,
/ yam JF 1IN
for, `Cs ??
Floodplain
`?.
Sycarraore Fiats
Picnic Area
:.? .-..?... ......,,.,
M
FSR 257
rigure J. Site plan of proposed access and woody debris relocation.
Site 2
The excavator will collect woody debris from the side-channel (red oval in Figure 3) to be used at
the outlet (site 2). Forty-feet of stream bank within the oval may be disturbed. A hydrologist or
fish biologist will select woody debris to be used. The excavator should be able to remain on the
widened user-created trail to collect the debris. The excavator will remain on the user-created
trail and FSR 257 and use a new access trail to reach site 2. The new access trail will be
rehabilitated. No trees will be removed. If necessary, the path will be scarified to break up
compacted soils.
Site 2 is characterized by an undercutting streambank that has overhanging roots and
vegetation. Woody debris from the side-channel would be located to the base of this
bank to provide protection during high storm events but still provide fish habitat. The
exact placement of these logs will be determined by the hydrologist and fisheries
biologist at the time of implementation.
tl
......................................................
:
relocation of large t
woody debris 1
4
Photos
Site 1: Debris jams at the inlet of the side-channel.

Photos I and 2: Root wads and boles of trees at the debris jam at the inlet of the side-channel.
The tree on the top is the largest tree at 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree spans over the
Davidson River and onto the point bar at the upstream end of the side-channel.
Photos 3 and 4: Top of the longest tree in the Davidson River at the upstream debris jam.
These pictures show where the tree is spanning the river over to the point bar.
Photos 5 and 6: View of the inlet of the side-channel looking upstream from the banks along
the side-channel toward the picnic area access road.
5
Site 2: Side-channel outlet and undercut bank.
Photos 7 and 8: Undercut bank at the south end of the side-channel outlet (left side picture).
View upstream from the south bank of the side-channel outlet looking into the main channel of
the Davidson River and the power line (sunny section) that crosses the river.
Temporary BMP's
To reduce erosion and sedimentation of Davidson River, the contractor will be
instructed to implement the following temporary BMP's during construction:
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 so as 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,
so as 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. Points of entry to Davidson River would be designated by a hydrologist or
soil scientist.
4. Do not operate heavy equipment on over-hanging stream banks.
5. 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.
6. Minimize the number of times required to enter Davidson River for the
manipulation of large woody debris.
7. Cross the stream and conduct activities during periods of low flow.
8. Minimize disturbance to stream banks.
9. Install sediment fences to trap potential sediment. Stabilize any disturbed
area at the end of each workday.
6
D. 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 control 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. Stabilize channel banks with a temporary seed mix of wheat, millet, or
similar annual grain as work is completed
E. Do not move sediment trap devices until the vegetation in the disturbed areas has
been established.
F. Stockpile any side cast on upland sites and contain within sediment fence.
G. Install sand bags or sediment fence around the project area (including staging
area) to direct runoff away from the project area.
H. Conduct visual inspections of Davidson River while the work is being conducted
to inspect turbidity.
1. Scarify compacted soils.
7
Office Use Only: Form Version May 2002
X0060035
USAGE Action ID No. DWQ No.
(If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicabie" or "Niw°.)
I. 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 Permit 13
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 (NCWRP) 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 furth check here: ?
II. Applicant Information lial Rn`?MD
1. Owner/Applicant Information JAN 6 -,2006
o n' ,
Name: Marisue Hilliard mm- 1,_ . _,+rn,WRrr±a QFAI ,r,
°?? aTOWWA
Mailing Address: U .S. Forest Service BtiHtiK,N
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: Brady N. Dodd (Forest Hydrologist)
Company Affiliation:
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(a?fs fed us
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: Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution in Davidson River (VWP24)
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: Transylvania Nearest Town: Brevard, NC
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): From Asheville take Interstate
26E toward Asheville Airport and take the exit for State Route 280 toward Brevard. Take
SR280 south to the intersection with US276; go west on US276 approximately %i mile and
turn left into the Sycamore Flats Recreation Area. Park at the first set of parking spaces and
walk west toward the overflow channel, which is visible from parking lot (the debris).
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 35° 16'34"N, 82° 42'52"W (NAD27)
(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 water body.)
6. Property size (acres): Pisgah Ranger District (235,576 acres)
7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Davidson River
8. River Basin: French Broad
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/admin/maps/.)
Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application: As a result of the high flows during the hurricanes in 2004,
this reach of Davidson River was blocked by large woody debris. Due to the location and
arrangement of the woody debris in the main channel, more runoff than normal flows into an
over-flow channel causing stream bank erosion. Also, recreational enthusiasts can not float
down this reach of Davidson River without portaging around the debris. It is a safety
concern as someone may not be able to get out of the river in time and may become caught in
the large woody debris.
9. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: In the
project area there are several whole and partial trees spanning the Davidson River. They
span from the bank of the overflow channel to a large point bar on the opposite side of the
river. There is some bank erosion at the overflow channel (especially at the outlet) and at the
streambank immediately adjacent to the southern end of the overflow channel. These areas
of erosion would be stabilized as part of this project. The largest tree spanning from the bank
over to the point bar is approximately 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree needs to be cut
before it can be moved. A large excavator with a thumb would be used to move the large
woody debris to the streambanks. The bole of the tree, with root wads, would be anchored to
the bank via a large boulder and a cable lasso at the inlet (Site 1) and via boulders at the
outlet of the overflow channel (Site 2). (See proposed action schematic.)
10. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: The intent is to re-establish the flow through the
main channel of the Davidson River, stabilize stream banks in the over flow channel, and
improve public safety by redistributing the large woody debris.
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 information. 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.
N/A
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.
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.
Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: There will be short term sediment
introduction into Davidson River at this location and also downstream of this location due to
the excavator working in the river to move the large woody debris out of the main channel.
There will also be short term soil displacement and sedimentation from digging in the
streambanks of the over flow channel to place and anchor woody debris into the
streambanks. Potentially, oil and other chemicals from the excavator could leak into the river
during the implementation.
2. Individually list wetland impacts below: N/A
Wetland Impact
Site Number.
(indicate on map)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Located within
100-year Floodplain**
(yes/no) Distance to
Nearest Stream
(linear feet)
Type of Wetland***

* 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 httt)://www.fema.gov.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland 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: N/A
Total area of wetland impact proposed: N/A
3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below:
Stream Impact
Site Number
indicate on map)
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
(linear feet
Stream Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent?
(please secify
Davidson River
Side Channel Stream bank
Stabilization 200 Davidson River 30 Perennial

Davidson River Stream bed
disturbance due
to woody debris
removal from the
main channel

30

Davidson River

60

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.us9s.90v. Several internet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.com,
www.mapnuest.com, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 230 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 N/A
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.): NA
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): NA
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.
Construction will take place between April 16 and October 14 outside of the period for brown
and rainbow trout spawning. Work activities will not be scheduled on rainy days. Points of
entry into Davidson River will be designated by a hydrologist. Over-hanging banks will be
avoided. Equipment will be cleaned before entering the river, so as to eliminate a potential
source of sediment and oils and grease. The degree and extent of disturbed areas will be
minimized. Sediment fencing will be installed around all disturbed areas to trap potential
sediment. All disturbed areas will be stabilized at the end of each workdav. with temnorarv
Upon completion of the project, stream banks will be planted with riparian vegetation such as
dog hobble, rhododendron, and dogwood for long-term stabilization.
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
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
htlp:Hh2o.enr.state.ne.us/newetlands/stnn,gide.html.
I . 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.
N/A
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 http://h2o.enr.state.ne.us/wl-p/index.htm. 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): N/A
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): N/A
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
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 environmental 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.
Yes ? No
X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ)
e
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
(Meuse), 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
fi Gone 1 extends out 3U teet perpendicular trom near bank of channel; Gone 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.
N/A
XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ)
8
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
XIII. Violations (required by DWQ)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ? No
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
91/ZS
Applicant/Agent's Signature Date
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
9
s?"4 United States Forest National Forests in
i 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
Q 7Q_7C9_A7M
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.
i
MARISUE HILLIARD
Forest Supervisor
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper 1?

Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
Site Plan
Brady Dodd, NFsNC Hydrologist
Location
Located within the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina, this
project is situated on Davidson River of the French Broad River Basin (Figure 1).
Vicinity Map: Sycamore Flat Bank Stabilization z ?. '-
(VWP24) 401 Application ?'r r '-
t? t :. ' { . •??? 4 L . v.
f t yy
A lam. i ? ? .7? j'?1 ??, _S J ???_ ,? . •
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l
ou_7,
r A ) i • +?.
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e
• 1
?! '8?" ?a __: RNr"r r7rT-a l i i t F P._. 'r atx, i
Prole tArea If7_?
qtr',
n l ?i? 1 FS?
Ai?i ?- ; .. '? ."1 ° • C7 A N t inch als474feet
tRl g.h -. MInWS4JWelfdnpk
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7rq*pfA'rars4, rounr.X, rnM
Few 1 in& equm 883 feet
a 235 i,-a 940 +,++a UK Andrew8rebart
4ecemberb, 21145
Figure 1. Vicinity map of Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
project.
Background
Due to the storm events that occurred during the 2004 hurricane season, a woody debris
jam developed and has blocked the main channel of Davidson River at the Sycamore
Flats Recreational Area on the Pisgah National Forest (Figure 2). This woody debris is
causing the following problems:
• The debris jam is blocking part of the main channel of the Davidson River, which
impedes recreational river use (e.g. canoeing and tubing) and poses a concern for
public safety (Photos 1-4).
• The debris jam is partially re-directing streamflow into an side-channel, causing
40 feet of stream bank erosion at the inlet (site 1) and outlet (site 2) (photos 5-8),
1
1
and posing a threat of turning more flow into the side-channel during future
stormflow events.
Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 1
I
North
Notto scale

t
{
l
dy debris jam
...........................................;may 1
Existing
User Trail
%.site 1
aFt?t, ?j i_, a?i,
Re 2 ??
1, N
Floodplain
Sycamore Fiats +
Picnic Area
FSR 257
4
ragure 1. Plan view of Sycamore Plats current condition. Channel width of Davidson River is
60 feet and channel width of the side-channel is 30 feet. The areas between State Route (SR)
27, Forest Service Road (FSR) 257, and Davidson River are forested. There is an open area by
the picnic table at site 2 (outlet of side-channel). Within the red oval is a supply of large woody
debris to be used at Site 2.
Planned Work
FSR 257 will be closed to the public during the project. Staging will occur from the
northern segment of the loop road. A tracked excavator with a thumb will be used at both
sites 1 and 2. The intent of the project is to re-establish the flow through the main
channel of the Davidson River without eliminating the function of the side-channel,
stabilize stream banks, and restore public safety through the following tasks:
• Relocate the debris jam from within the main channel to the inlet of the side-
channel (site 1) in order to improve flow and boater safety.
• Stabilize eroding stream banks in the side-channel through the placement of large
woody debris (site 2).
2
Site 1
The objective at site 1 is to open up the main channel for the majority of the river flow
and for recreational users, but still allow for storm flows to access the side-channel as
needed and protect the stream banks from severe erosion.
To access site 1, the excavator will use a user-created trail, which will be widened to
accommodate the excavator. Upon completion of the project, the trail will be rehabilitated to pre-
project condition. At the inlet of the side-channel, a tracked excavator will pull the woody
debris from Davidson River (Photos 1 and 2) rotating the largest tree about the root wad
on the right downstream bank of the side-channel (Figure 3). The largest tree will be cut
to approximately the width of the side-channel at the inlet of the side-channel. The tops
of the tree and other woody debris from the jam will be placed along the banks at the
upper end of the inlet to protect the streambank and provide fish habitat. Root wads of
the trees will be positioned on the right downstream bank of the side-channel, facing
downstream. Root wads will serve the following functions:
• To provide protection for the stream banks.
• To collect debris during high flow events, acting as a debris jam in the side-
channel.
• To provide fish cover in the side-channel and along the streambanks of the main
channel of the Davidson River.
A 5' to 6' boulder will be placed at the inlet of the side-channel, near the left bank. A
cable will be attached to the tree and the boulder to anchor the large log in place.
3
Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 2
I
North
Not to scale
e 2 ,P?ted Iorid
.....................
-.Site 7
Sit t
W
Floodplain
Sycarrrore Flats :?•
Picnic Area
FSR 257 ...
rigure J. Site plan of proposed access and woody debris relocation.
Site 2
The excavator will collect woody debris from the side-channel (red oval in Figure 3) to be used at
the outlet (site 2). Forty-feet of stream bank within the oval may be disturbed. A hydrologist or
fish biologist will select woody debris to be used. The excavator should be able to remain on the
widened user-created trail to collect the debris. The excavator will remain on the user-created
trail and FSR 257 and use a new access trail to reach site 2. The new access trail will be
rehabilitated. No trees will be removed. If necessary, the path will be scarified to break up
compacted soils.
Site 2 is characterized by an undercutting streambank that has overhanging roots and
vegetation. Woody debris from the side-channel would be located to the base of this
bank to provide protection during high storm events but still provide fish habitat. The
exact placement of these logs will be determined by the hydrologist and fisheries
biologist at the time of implementation.
Existing
UserTrail
................................:- .,................,
relocation of large
woody debris
4

Photos
Site 1: Debris jams at the inlet of the side-channel.
Photos 1 and 2: Root wads and boles of trees at the debris jam at the inlet of the side-channel.
The tree on the top is the largest tree at 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree spans over the
Davidson River and onto the point bar at the upstream end of the side-channel.
Photos 3 and 4: Top of the longest tree in the Davidson River at the upstream debris jam.
These pictures show where the tree is spanning the river over to the point bar.

JI"')
Site 2: Side-channel outlet and undercut bank.
Photos 7 and 8: Undercut bank at the south end of the side-channel outlet (left side picture).
View upstream from the south bank of the side-channel outlet looking into the main channel of
the Davidson River and the power line (sunny section) that crosses the river.
Temporary BMP's
To reduce erosion and sedimentation of.Davidson River, the contractor will be
instructed to implement the following temporary BMP's during construction:
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 so as 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,
so as 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. Points of entry to Davidson River would be designated by a hydrologist or
soil scientist.
4. Do not operate heavy equipment on over-hanging stream banks.
5. 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.
6. Minimize the number of times required to enter Davidson River for the
manipulation of large woody debris.
7. Cross the stream and conduct activities during periods of low flow.
8. Minimize disturbance to stream banks.
9. Install sediment fences to trap potential sediment. Stabilize any disturbed
area at the end of each workday.
6

D. 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 control 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. Stabilize channel banks with a temporary seed mix of wheat, millet, or
similar annual grain as work is completed
E. Do not move sediment trap devices until the vegetation in the disturbed areas has
been established.
F. Stockpile any side cast on upland sites and contain within sediment fence.
G. Install sand bags or sediment fence around the project area (including staging
area) to direct runoff away from the project area.
H. Conduct visual inspections of Davidson River while the work is being conducted
to inspect turbidity.
1. Scarify compacted soils.
7
Office Use Only: Form Version May 2002
Gr?-.::6005
USACE Action ID No. DWQ No.
(If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not Applicable" or 'NSA".)
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 Permit 13
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 (NCWRP) 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 nt Area of
Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further deta' r .
D
II. Applicant Information , JQ*
0 co-
Owner/Applicant Information
Name:
Mailing Address: U.S. Forest Service
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: Brady N. Dodd (Forest Hydrologist)
Company Affiliation:
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(c),fs.fed.us
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 II 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: Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution in Davidson River (VWP24)
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: Transylvania Nearest Town: Brevard, NC
Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): N/A
Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): From Asheville take Interstate
26E toward Asheville Airport and take the exit for State Route 280 toward Brevard. Take
SR280. south to the intersection with US276; go west on US276 approximately '/Z mile and
turn left into the Sycamore Flats Recreation Area. Park at the first set of parking spaces and
walk west toward the overflow channel, which is visible from parking lot (the debris).
5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): 35° 16'34"N, 82° 42'52"W (NAD27)
(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 water body.)
6. Property size (acres): Pisgah Ranger District (235,576 acres)
7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake)
Davidson River
8. River Basin: French Broad
(Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The
River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/maps/.)
Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project
at the time of this application: As a result of the high flows during the hurricanes in 2004,
this reach of Davidson River was blocked by large woody debris. Due to the location and
arrangement of the woody debris in the main channel, more runoff than normal flows into an
over-flow channel causing stream bank erosion. Also recreational enthusiasts can not float
down this reach of Davidson River without portaging around the debris. It is a safety
concern as someone may not be able to get out of the river in time and may become caught in
the large woody debris.
9. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: In the
project area there are several whole and partial trees spanning the Davidson River. They
span from the bank of the overflow channel to a large point bar on the opposite side of the
river. There is some bank erosion at the overflow channel (especially at the outlet) and at the
streambank immediately adjacent to the southern end of the overflow channel. These areas
of erosion would be stabilized as part of this project. The largest tree spanning from the bank
over to the point bar is approximately 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree needs to be cut
before it can be moved. A large excavator with a thumb would be used to move the large
woody debris to the streambanks. The bole of the tree, with root wads, would be anchored to
the bank via a large boulder and a cable lasso at the inlet (Site 1) and via boulders at the
outlet of the overflow channel (Site 2). (See proposed action schematic.)
10. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: The intent is to re-establish the flow through the
main channel of the Davidson River, stabilize stream banks in the over flow channel, and
improve public safety by redistributing the large woody debris.
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 information. 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.
N/A
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.
3
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.
Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: There will be short term sediment
introduction into Davidson River at this location and also downstream of this location due to
the excavator working in the river to move the large woody debris out of the main channel.
There will also be short term soil displacement and sedimentation from digging- in the
streambanks of the over flow channel to place and anchor woody debris into the
streambanks. Potentially, oil and other chemicals from the excavator could leak into the river
during the implementation.
2. Individually list wetland impacts below: N/A
Wetland Impact
Site Number
(indicate on map)
Type of Impact* Area of
Impact
(acres) Located within
100-year Floodplain**
(yes/no) Distance to
Nearest Stream
(linear feet)
Type of Wetland***

* 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://a-xN?l.fema.gov.
*** List a wetland type that best describes wetland 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: N/A
Total area of wetland impact proposed: N/A
3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below:
4
Stream Impact
Site Number
indicate on ma
Type of Impact* Length of
Impact
(linear feet
Stream Name** Average Width
of Stream
Before Impact Perennial or
Intermittent?
specify)
Davidson River
Side Channel Stream bank
Stabilization 200 Davidson River 30 Perennial

Davidson River Stream bed
disturbance due
to woody debris
removal from the
main channel

30

Davidson River

60

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.us9s.Q0V. Several intemet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.com,
www.mayguest.com, etc.).
Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 230 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: till, excavation, dredging,
flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc.
5. Pond Creation N/A
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.): NA
Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond,
local stormwater requirement, etc.): NA
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.
Construction will take place between April 16 and October 14 outside of the period for brown
and rainbow trout spawning. Work activities will not be scheduled on rainy days. Points of
entry into Davidson River will be designated by a hydrologist. Over-hanging banks will be
avoided. Equipment will be cleaned before entering the river, so as to eliminate a potential
source of sediment and oils and grease. The degree and extent of disturbed areas will be
minimized. Sediment fencing will be installed around all disturbed areas to trap potential
sediment. All disturbed areas will be stabilized at the end of each workday, with temporary
seeding and biodegradable and certified weed-free erosion control matting as work is completed.
Upon completion of the project, stream banks will be planted with riparian vegetation such as
dog hobble, rhododendron, and dogwood for long-term stabilization.
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
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
htlp://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/stn-ngide.html.
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.
N/A
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 http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wip/in.dex.htm. 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): N/A
Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): N/A
Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): N/A
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 environmental 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.
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
(Meuse), 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
Gone 1 extends out SU teet perpendicular trom near bank of channel; Zone2 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.
N/A
XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ)
8
Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of
wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
XIII. Violations (required by DWQ)
Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules?
Yes ? No
Is this an after-the-fact permit application?
Yes ? No
XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional):
It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired
construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may
choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on
work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and
Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control).
ZS
Applicant/Agent's Signature Date
(Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.)
9
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
Caring for the Land and Serving People Printed on Recycled Paper ??
--11
Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
Site Plan
Brady Dodd, NFsNC Hydrologist
Location
Located within the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, North Carolina, this
project is situated on Davidson River of the French Broad River Basin (Figure 1).
Vicinity Map: Sycamore Flat Bank Stabilization
(VWP24) 401 Application

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ate
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9 inch savals 474 fe-i aw
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or- NC 7or2h oaropna F~ 0
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ira„LpYIaR°a eoue;Y. ?+%
Andrew 8:reibar#
6ecemberfi, 2005
Figure 1. Vicinity map of Sycamore Flats Woody Debris Redistribution (VWP24)
project.
Background
Due to the storm events that occurred during the 2004 hurricane season, a woody debris
jam developed and has blocked the main channel of Davidson River at the Sycamore
Flats Recreational Area on the Pisgah National Forest (Figure 2). This woody debris is
causing the following problems:
• The debris jam is blocking part of the main channel of the Davidson River, which
impedes recreational river use (e.g. canoeing and tubing) and poses a concern for
public safety (Photos 1-4).
• The debris jam is partially re-directing streamflow into an side-channel, causing
40 feet of stream bank erosion at the inlet (site 1) and outlet (site 2) (photos 5-8),
1

and posing a threat of turning more flow into the side-channel during future
stormflow events.
Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 1
I
North
Notto scale
Vo'
Existing
UserTrail
Site 7
a tat,t3?i 1
4
he 2
NO
Floodplain
Sycarnore Flats
Picnic Area
F-872 57
Prgure 1. Plan view of Sycamore Flats current condition. Channel width of Davidson River is
60 feet and channel width of the side-channel is 30 feet. The areas between State Route (SR)
27, Forest Service Road (FSR) 257, and Davidson River are forested. There is an open area by
the picnic table at site 2 (outlet of side-channel). Within the red oval is a supply of large woody
debris to be used at Site 2.
Planned Work
FSR 257 will be closed to the public during the project. Staging will occur from the
northern segment of the loop road. A tracked excavator with a thumb will be used at both
sites 1 and 2. The intent of the project is to re-establish the flow through the main
channel of the Davidson River without eliminating the function of the side-channel,
stabilize stream banks, and restore public safety through the following tasks:
• Relocate the debris jam from within the main channel to the inlet of the side-
channel (site 1) in order to improve flow and boater safety.
• Stabilize eroding stream banks in the side-channel through the placement of large
woody debris (site 2).
2
Site I
The objective at site 1 is to open up the main channel for the majority of the river flow
and for recreational users, but still allow for storm flows to access the side-channel as
needed and protect the stream banks from severe erosion.
To access site 1, the excavator will use a user-created trail, which will be widened to
accommodate the excavator. Upon completion of the project, the trail will be rehabilitated to pre-
project condition. At the inlet of the side-channel, a tracked excavator will pull the woody
debris from Davidson River (Photos 1 and 2) rotating the largest tree about the root wad
on the right downstream bank of the side-channel (Figure 3). The largest tree will be cut
to approximately the width of the side-channel at the inlet of the side-channel. The tops
of the tree and other woody debris from the jam will be placed along the banks at the
upper end of the inlet to protect the streambank and provide fish habitat. Root wads of
the trees will be positioned on the right downstream bank of the side-channel, facing
downstream. Root wads will serve the following functions:
• To provide protection for the stream banks.
• To collect debris during high flow events, acting as a debris jam in the side-
channel.
• To provide fish cover in the side-channel and along the streambanks of the main
channel of the Davidson River.
A 5' to 6' boulder will be placed at the inlet of the side-channel, near the left bank. A
cable will be attached to the tree and the boulder to anchor the large log in place.
3

Sycamore Flats Bank
Stabilization Typical 2
T
North
Not to scale
Site2
%,Site 1
GF4 ?? ?? 6
Floodplain
Sycamore Fiats V?
Picnic Area _
03 7 _7 7
rigure J. Fite plan of-proposed access and woody debris relocation.
Site 2
The excavator will collect woody debris from the side-channel (red oval in Figure 3) to be used at
the outlet (site 2). Forty-feet of stream bank within the oval may be disturbed. A hydrologist or
fish biologist will select woody debris to be used. The excavator should be able to remain on the
widened user-created trail to collect the debris. The excavator will remain on the user-created
trail and FSR 257 and use a new access trail to reach site 2. The new access trail will be
rehabilitated. No trees will be removed. If necessary, the path will be scarified to break up
compacted soils.
Site 2 is characterized by an undercutting streambank that has overhanging roots and
vegetation. Woody debris from the side-channel would be located to the base of this
bank to provide protection during high storm events but still provide fish habitat. The
exact placement of these logs will be determined by the hydrologist and fisheries
biologist at the time of implementation.
Existing
UserTrail
.................................. ...................
:
relocation of large
woody debris
4
Photos
Site 1: Debris jams at the inlet of the side-channel.
k
Photos 1 and 2: Root wads and boles of trees at the debris jam at the inlet of the side-channel.
The tree on the top is the largest tree at 105' long with a 30" DBH. This tree spans over the
Davidson River and onto the point bar at the upstream end of the side-channel.
Photos 3 and 4: Top of the longest tree in the Davidson River at the upstream debris jam.
These pictures show where the tree is spanning the river over to the point bar.
H ?-
5

Site 2: Side-channel outlet and undercut bank.
Photos 7 and 8: Undercut bank at the south end of the side-channel outlet (left side picture).
View upstream from the south bank of the side-channel outlet looking into the main channel of
the Davidson River and the power line (sunny section) that crosses the river.
Temporary BMP's
To reduce erosion and sedimentation of Davidson River, the contractor will be
instructed to implement the following temporary BMP's during construction:
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 so as 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,
so as 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. Points of entry to Davidson River would be designated by a hydrologist or
soil scientist.
4. Do not operate heavy equipment on over-hanging stream banks.
5. 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.
6. Minimize the number of times required to enter Davidson River for the
manipulation of large woody debris.
7. Cross the stream and conduct activities during periods of low flow.
8. Minimize disturbance to stream banks.
9. Install sediment fences to trap potential sediment. Stabilize any disturbed
area at the end of each workday.
6
.-1
D. 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 control 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. Stabilize channel banks with a temporary seed mix of wheat, millet, or
similar annual grain as work is completed
E. Do not move sediment trap devices until the vegetation in the disturbed areas has
been established.
F. Stockpile any side cast on upland sites and contain within sediment fence.
G. Install sand bags or sediment fence around the project area (including staging
area) to direct runoff away from the project area.
H. Conduct visual inspections of Davidson River while the work is being conducted
to inspect turbidity.
1. Scarify compacted soils.
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