19950429 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_19950427

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr„ Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E„ Director
June 1, 1995
Col. Robert Sperberg
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
P. O. Box 1890
Wilmington, N.C. 28402-1890
Dear Col. Sperberg:
'A171 F
44
Nov^
ED FE F1
fILF COPI
Subject: Certification Pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal
Clean Water Act,
Proposed advanced maintenance dredging - Smith Island Range
Project # 95429
Brunswick County
Attached hereto is a copy of Certification No. 3001 issued to U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers dated 21 April 1995.
If we can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
ton o , Jr. P.E
Attachments
3001.wgc
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Wilmington Field Office
Wilmington DEM Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Mr. John Parker, Division of Coastal Management
Central Files
Dan McLawhorn; Attorney General's Office
Linda Rimer; EHNR Administration
Dan Small; COE - Environmental Resources Section
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
NORTH CAROLINA
Brunswick County
CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATION is issued in conformity with the requirements of Section 401
Public Laws 92-500 and 95-217 of the United States and subject to the North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management Regulations in 15 NCAC 2H, Section .0500 to U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers resulting in Brunswick County pursuant to an application filed on the 21st day of April of
1995 to conduct maintenance dredging at Smith Island Rand and dispose of spoil on beaches of Oak
and Bald Head Islands.
The Application provides adequate assurance that the discharge of fill material into the waters
of Atlantic Ocean in conjunction with the proposed development in Brunswick County will not result
in a violation of applicable Water Quality Standards and discharge guidelines. Therefore, the State of
North Carolina certifies that this activity will not violate Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 of PL 92-
500 and PL 95-217 if conducted in accordance with the application and conditions hereinafter set
forth.
Condition(s) of Certification:
That the activity be conducted in such a manner as to prevent significant
increase in turbidity outside the area of construction or construction related
discharge (50 NTUs in streams and rivers not designated as trout waters by
DEM; 25 NTUs in all saltwater classes, and all lakes and reservoirs; 10 NTUs
in trout waters).
Violations of any condition herein set forth shall result in revocation of this Certification. This
Certification shall become null and void unless the above conditions are made conditions of the
Federal 404 and/or Coastal Area Management Act Permit. This Certification shall expire upon
expiration of the 404 or CAMA permit.
If this Certification is unacceptable to you, you have the right to an adjudicatory hearing upon
written request within sixty (60) days following receipt of this Certification. This request must be in
the form of a written petition conforming to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes and
filed with the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 276 1 1-7447. Unless
such demands are made, this Certification shall be final and binding.
This the 1st day of June, 1995.
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
eston Howard, Jr E
WQC# 3001
State of North Carolina ""A
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Coastal Management Aware
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary ID s H N M
Roger N. Schecter, Director
RECEIVED
MAY 3 1 1995
--MEMORANDUM-- ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
TO: John Dorney
Environmental Sciences Branch, DEM
FROM: Roger N. Schecter, it c r
Division of Coastal *gel en
RE: Public Notice (May 2, 1995) on Proposed Corps of Engineers Maintenance
Dredging/Spoil Disposal Project
DATE: May 24, 1995
The Division of Coastal Management supports the Corps of Engineers' proposal, as
described in the public notice of May 2, 1995, to deposit the spoil material from the maintenance
dredging of the Smith Island Range on South Beach, Bald Head Island and on the Oak Island
beaches. I encourage the Division of Environmental Management to give favorable
consideration to the Corps of Engineers' request for a Section 401 Certification if it is determined
that the spoil material is of acceptable quality.
Both the Division of Coastal Management and the Coastal Resources Commission have
long supported use of beach quality dredge spoil material to stabilize erosion-threatened beaches
as an alternative to ocean disposal of the spoil material. In 1994, the General Assembly amended
the Dredge and Fill Act, G.S. 113-229, to state the same policy. G.S. 113-229(hl) now states:
All construction and maintenance dredgings of beach quality sand may be placed on the
downdrift beaches or if placed elsewhere an equivalent quality and quantity of sand from
another location shall be placed on the downdrift beaches.
The Corps of Engineers proposal for disposal on South Beach, Bald Head Island and on Oak
Island is fully consistent with the statute.
P.O. Box 27687, Rdelgh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr„ P.E., Director
May 2, 1995
The State Port Pilot
P. 0. Box 10548
Southport, N.C. 28461
ATTN: Legal Ad Department
Dear Sir:
SUBJECT: Public Notice
A[4?EHNR
FILE COPY
Please publish the attached Public Notice one time in the
section set aside for Legal Advertisements in your newspaper. T e
publication should run on or before May 10, 1995. Please send to
invoice for publication and three copies of the affidavit :f
publication to the address given below. Payment cannot '::a
prccessed without the affidavit of publication.
N.C. Division of Environmental Management
Water Quality Section
4401 Reedy Creek Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Attn: John Dorney
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please cal:
John Dorney at 919/733-1786.
Sincerely,
Jo n Dorney
We lands Technic Review Group
uscoe.pub
cc: John Dorney
Wilmington DEM Regional Office
P.O. Box 29535, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0535 Telephone [phone] FAX [phone]
An Equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer 50% recycled/ 10% post-consumer paper
. ,
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that US Army Corps of Engineers,
Wilmington District, North Carolina, has applied to the North
Carolina Division of Environmental Management for a Water Quality
Certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water
Act and Environmental Management Commission rules in 15A NCAC 2H
.0500 and 15A NCAC 2B .0109. The activity for which the
certification is sought is to conduct maintenance dredging of the
Smith Island Range with disposal on Bald Head and Oak Islands,in
Brunswick County.
The public is invited to comment on the above mentioned application
to the Division of Environmental Management. Comments shall be in
writing and shall be received by the Division no later than 30 May,
1995. Comments should be sent to N.C. Division of Environmental
Management, Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Road,
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, Attention: John Dorney. A copy of
the application is on file at the Division office at 127 Cardinal
Drive Extension Wilmington, N. C. 28405-3845 (Wilmington Regional
Office [phone]; Fax # [phone] during normal business
hours and may be inspected by the public.
4 reston oward, r.
,Dir ctor
'N.C. Division of
Environmental Management
DATE: May 2,1995
-79
oJI-1
6?
Malled Completed Application to:
Water Quality Planning
Division of Environmental Management
NC Department of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-1786
ATTN. MR. JOHN DORNEY
Ph. [phone]
DEM ID:
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
APPLICATION FOR 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
1. DATE. April21, 1995
2. NAME/ADDRESS: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
3. RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL: Robert J. Sperberg
Colonel, U. S. Army
District Engineer
4. NAME OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS CONTACT. Daniel Small
TELEPHONE NUMBER: [phone]
5. TYPE OF APPLICATION: New Application
6. PROJECT NAME: Advanced Maintenance Dredging - Smith Island Range, Wilmington
Harbor Project, Brunswick County, North Carolina.
7. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK: The proposed work involves the discharge of
dredged material from the maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range on the ocean
beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island. The work will be performed as described in the
Environmental Assessment Advanced Maintenance Dredging - Smith Island Range.
Wilmington Harbor Proiect, Brunswick County. North Carolina, dated April 1995.
8. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK. The purpose of the work would be to place dredged
material suitable for beach disposal along an ocean shoreline for erosion protection and
restoration of an ocean beach that provides nesting habitat for threatened and endangered
species (loggerhead sea turtles, seabeach amaranth) and ecologically significant habitat for
shorebirds.

9. PROPOSED ACTIVITY TO BEGIN. Dredged material would be placed along the ocean
shoreline of Bald Head Island during routine maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range.
10. DURATION OF ACTIVITY. Beach disposal is scheduled during the fall-winter months
and is expected to take approximately 2 months
11. DISCHARGE OF. Dredged material from maintenance dredging of the Smith Island
navigation channel would be placed along the ocean shoreline of Bald Head Island and Oak
Island by a hydraulic pipeline dredge or a hopper dredge with pumpout capability.
12. LOCATION OF DISCHARGE: See 11, above.
Municipality: Not applicable
County: Brunswick County, North Carolina
Drainage Basin: Cape Fear River
Receiving Waters: Atlantic Ocean
13. NATURE OF RECEIVING WATERS:
Type: Coastal
Nature: Salt
Direction of Flow: Variable
14. TYPE OF DISCHARGE INCLUDING CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. The material
proposed for discharge would be naturally occurring coarse-to-fine grain sand removed during
maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range. The quantity of material discharged to the
beach would vary with the amount of material being dredged. Discharge of dredged material
on the ocean beach would be by hydraulic pipeline dredge. The type and diameter of the
discharge pipe will vary with each dredge.
15. PROJECTED FUTURE VARIATION IN THE NATURE OF THE DISCHARGE: None.
16. IS THIS PROJECT LOCATED IN A WATERSHED CLASSIFIED AS SA, HQW, OR
OR W?
_ YES x NO
17. NUMBER OF ACRES OR VOLUME OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED
ACTION.
Excavated. Not applicable
Filled. Not applicable
2

18. STATE REASON WHY THE APPLICANT BELIEVES THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE
CARRIED OUT AS PLANNED. ALSO. NOTE MEASURE TAKEN_ TO MINIMIZE WETLAND
IMPACTS: Reference 7, 8, and 17. No wetlands will be affected by the proposed discharge
of dredged material on the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island.
19. HAVE ANY SECTION 401 CERTIFICATES BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR
USE ON THIS PROPERTY?
_ YES x NO
I certify that all information contained herein or in support thereof is true and correct
to the best of my knowledge.
William R. Dawson, P.E.
Chief, Engineering and
Planning Division
DATE: ?l ZI 7?
Attachments
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
P.O. BOX 1890
` WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28402-1890
IN REPLY REFER TO April 21, 1995
Engineering and Planning Division
Mr. John Dorney
Division of Environmental Management
North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources
Post Office Box 29535
Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-1786
Dear Mr. Dorney:

I have enclosed an Application for Water Quality Certification,
pursuant to Section 401 of Public Law 95-217, for discharge of
dredged material from maintenance dredging of the Smith Island
Range on the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island,
Brunswick County, North Carolina. The Environmental Assessment
for this project is also enclosed.
Should you have any questions
please contact Mr. Daniel Small,
at [phone].
Enclosures (7 copies)
Copy Furnished (with one copy of
each enclosure):
concerning the application,
Environmental Resources Section,
Sincerely,

William R. Dawson, P.E.
Chief, Engineering and
Planning Division
Mr. Jim Gregson
Division of Environmental Management
North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health, and Natural Resources
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

Mailed Completed Application to:
Water Quality Planning
Division of Environmental Management
NC Department of Environment, Health,
and Natural Resources
P.O. Box 29535 Raleigh, NC 27626-1786
ATTN: MR. JOHN DORNEY
Ph. [phone]
DEM ID:
U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
APPLICATION FOR 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATION
1. DATE: AprV 21, 1995
2. NAME/ADDRESS: U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
3. RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL: Robert J. Sperberg
Colonel, U. S. Army
District Engineer
4. NAME OF CORPS OF ENGINEERS CONTACT. Daniel Small
TELEPHONE NUMBER: [phone]
5. TYPE OF APPLICATION: New Application
6. PROJECT NAME: Advanced Maintenance Dredging - Smith Island Range, Wilmington
Harbor Project, Brunswick County, North Carolina.
7. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED WORK: The proposed work involves the discharge of
dredged material from the maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range on the ocean
beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island. The work will be performed as described in the
Environmental Assessment, Advanced Maintenance Dredging - Smith Island Range,
Wilmington Harbor Project Brunswick County. North Carolina. dated April 1995.
8. PURPOSE OF PROPOSED WORK. The purpose of the work would be to place dredged
material suitable for beach disposal along an ocean shoreline for erosion protection and
restoration of an ocean beach that provides nesting habitat for threatened and endangered
species (loggerhead sea turtles, seabeach amaranth) and ecologically significant habitat for
shorebirds.
9. PROPOSED ACTIVITY TO BEGIN. Dredged material would be placed along the ocean
shoreline of Bald Head Island during routine maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range.
10. DURATION OF ACTIVITY. Beach disposal is scheduled during the fall-winter months
and is expected to take approximately 2 months
11. DISCHARGE OF. Dredged material from maintenance dredging of the Smith Island
navigation channel would be placed along the ocean shoreline of Bald Head Island and Oak
Island by a hydraulic pipeline dredge or a hopper dredge with pumpout capability.
12. LOCATION OF DISCHARGE. See 11, above.
Municipality. Not applicable
County: Brunswick County, North Carolina
Drainage Basin: Cape Fear River
Receiving Waters: Atlantic Ocean
13. NATURE OF RECEIVING WATERS:
Type: Coastal
Nature: Salt
Direction of Flow: Variable
14. TYPE OF DISCHARGE INCLUDING CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The material
proposed for discharge would be naturally occurring coarse-to-fine grain sand removed during
maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range. The quantity of material discharged to the
beach would vary with the amount of material being dredged. Discharge of dredged material
on the ocean beach would be by hydraulic pipeline dredge. The type and diameter of the
discharge pipe will vary with each dredge.
15. PROJECTED FUTURE VARIATION IN THE NATURE OF THE DISCHARGE. None.
16. IS THIS PROJECT LOCATED IN A WATERSHED CLASSIFIED AS SA, HQW, OR
ORW1
_ YES x NO
17. NUMBER OF ACRES OR VOLUME OF WETLANDS IMPACTED BY THE PROPOSED
ACTION:
Excavated. Not applicable
Filled: Not applicable
2
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18. STATE REASON WHY THE APPLICANT BELIEVES THAT THIS ACTIVITY MUST BE
CARRIED OUT AS PLANNED. ALSO, NOTE MEASURE TAKEN TO MINIMIZE WETLAND
IMPACTS: Reference 7, 8, and 17. No wetlands will be affected by the proposed discharge
of dredged material on the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island.
19. HAVE ANY SECTION 401 CERTIFICATES BEEN PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED FOR
USE ON THIS PROPERTY?
_ YES x NO
I certify that all information contained herein or in support thereof is true and correct
to the best of my knowledge.
3kt t cu- -
William R. Dawson, P.E.
Chief, Engineering and
Planning Division
DATE: ZIl Z117?-
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US Army Corps
of Engineers
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
APRIL 1995
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
1
ITEMS
APRIL 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE M2.
1.00 PURPOSE ...................................................... 1
2.00 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE ................................. 1
3.00 PROJECT LOCATION ............................................. 2
4.00 PREVIOUS WORK ............................................... 2
5.00 PROPOSED ACTION ............................................. 3
6.00 DISPOSAL OF MAINTENANCE DREDGED MATERIAL .................. 3
7.00 ALTERNATIVES ................................................. 4
8.00 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ....................................... 5
9.00 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ................................ 7
10.00 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS .............................. 10
11.00 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS ............................... 12
12.00 LIST OF RECIPIENTS ........................................... 13
13.00 POINT OF CONTACT ........................................... 14
14.00 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ............................ 14
15.00 REFERENCES ................................................ 14
i
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
APRIL 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1: Wilmington Harbor Federal Navigation Project.
FIGURE 2: Wilmington Harbor Smith Island Range.
FIGURE 3: Wilmington Harbor Smith Island Range, 100-Foot Channel
Widener.
FIGURE 4: Typical Channel Cross Sections Without and With
Advance Maintenance.
FIGURE 5: Beach Disposal Alternative (Bald Head Island).
FIGURE 6: Location Map - Oak Island.
LIST OF APPENDIXES
APPENDIX A: Cultural Resources Survey.
APPENDIX B: Evaluation of Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines.
ii
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
APRIL 1995
1.00 PURPOSE
This Environmental Assessment (EA) covers the proposed advanced
maintenance dredging of one of the Wilmington Harbor Ocean Entrance Channels
(Smith Island Range), Wilmington Harbor Project, Brunswick County, North Carolina
(Figure 1). The advanced maintenance dredging would involve the construction and
maintenance of a 100-foot widener along the west side of the Smith Island Range.
Rapid shoaling conditions caused by shoals moving from Jay Bird Shoal rarely allows
the full 500-foot width of the Smith Island Range to remain at project depth for
significant periods following dredging. Advanced maintenance will increase the amount
of time full project dimensions are available in the Smith Island Range and reduce the
frequency of dredging.
2.00 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Environmental issues and concerns associated with maintenance dredging of
the Smith Island Range are addressed in the following documents and are being
incorporated into this EA by reference:
a. Final Environmental Impact Statement Long-Term Maintenance of
Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina, October 1989.
b. Final Environmental Impact Statement Savannah, GA: Charleston, SC: and
Wilmington NC Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Sites Designation, October 1983,
prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Aaency (EPA).
c. Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact Wilmington
Harbor Dredged Material Disposal on Bald Head Island. Brunswick County. North
Carolina, September 1990.
d. Wilmington Harbor - Bald Head Island, Wilmington, North Carolina,
Evaluation Report,Section 933, Public Law (PL) 99-662, June 1990 (revised October
1990).
e. Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact,
Maintenance Dredging in Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Channels by Ocean-Certified
Hydraulic Pipeline, or Bucket and Barge Dredge with Disposal in the Wilmington
Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site, Brunswick County, North Carolina,
August 1991.
f. Environmental Assessment and Findina of No Significant Impact, Wilmington
Harbor Ocean Bar Channel Deepening, Wilmington. North Carolina. June 1993.
3.00 PROJECT LOCATION
The Wilmington Harbor Entrance Channels consist of a series of channels or
"ranges" at the mouth of the Cape Fear River (Bald Head Shoal Channel, Smith Island
Channel, Caswell Channel, Southport Channel, and Battery Island Channel) (Figure 2).
The authorized dimensions of the Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Channels are 500 feet
wide with a depth of 40 feet, plus 2 feet of overdepth, for a total authorized dredging
depth of 42 feet. Approximately 840,000 cubic yards of dredged material are removed
annually during maintenance dredging of the Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Channels
and disposed of in the Wilmington Harbor Ocean Dredged Material Disposal Site
(ODMDS) (Figure 1). Maintenance dredging in Caswell-Southport Range, Southport
Range, and Battery Island Range is infrequent due to the limited amount of shoaling
that occurs in these channel segments.
Routine maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range involves removing
shoal material lying above the plane of 40 feet below mean lower low water (m.l.l.w)
within the designated limits of the channel. Based on historical dredging records, the
Smith Island Range experiences rapid shoaling between dredging cycles as a result of
material moving into the channel from Jay Bird Shoal which lies to the west of the
channel. Analysis of sand movement from Jay Bird Shoal indicates that the shoaling is
consistent from season to season. Shoal material migrating into Smith Island Channel
consists of medium-to-coarse grain originating from adjacent beaches by way of Jay
Bird Shoal.
4.00 PREVIOUS WORK
Based on historical dredging records, the rate of shoaling in the Smith Island
Range rarely allows the channel to remain at its authorized dredged dimensions for
significant periods following dredging. To address this problem, in 1984 the District
placed a 25-foot widener along the west prism of the channel. Figure 4 shows a typical
cross section of a navigation channel without and with a widener installed. The 1984
widener reduced the frequency of maintenance dredging to a 2-year basis.
2
Subsequently, in 1990 a 50-foot widener was placed along the same side of the
channel (i.e., an additional 25 feet beyond the 25-foot widener installed in 1994).
5.00 PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action involves dredging and maintaining a channel widener up to
100 feet wide along the west prism of the Smith Island Range (Figure 3). The 100-foot
width would include the existing 50-foot widener plus up to an additional 50 feet.
Hence, the total width of the widener would be no more than 100 feet wide (Figure 3).
The widener would have a side slope no flatter than 1 vertical to 7 horizontal (1:7) and
would be dredged to -42 feet below mean low water (m.l.w.) (40 feet plus 2 feet of
allowable overdepth). Construction of a widener up to 100 feet wide would help
facilitate interception, collection, and storage of material moving into the channel from
the west. This additional storage area would reduce the need for frequent dredging of
the channel to remove encroaching shoals between normal maintenance dredging
cycles. Advanced maintenance is expected to allow project depth to be maintained
along the channel approximately 85 percent of the year.
6.00 DISPOSAL OF MAINTENANCE DREDGED MATERIAL
Maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range is routinely performed by
hopper dredge with disposal of dredged material in the Wilmington Harbor ODMDS
(Figure 1). Environmental clearances have been obtained to allow dredging of the
channel by hydraulic pipeline dredge, bucket and barge dredge, and hopper dredge
with pumpout. The type of dredge plant used is based on competitive bidding.
Dredging by hopper dredge, ocean-certified pipeline dredge, or bucket and barge
dredge, with disposal of dredged material in the Wilmington ODMDS, is normally
performed during the five months from December to April. The length of time for
dredging and disposal depends on the equipment used.
a. Disposal in ODMDS. Maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range by
hopper dredge with disposal of dredged material in the ODMDS is described in
reference 2.a. Maintenance of the channel by a hydraulic pipeline dredge or bucket
and barge dredge with disposal in the ODMDS is described in reference 2.d. Should
the material be pumped to the ODMDS by a hydraulic pipeline dredge, the pipeline
route from the dredge would be laid along the ocean bottom adjacent to the existing
navigation channel to the offshore ODMDS (Figure 1). Maintenance by bucket and
barge dredge involves dredging by a bucket dredge with material being loaded into a
barge and transported to the ODMDS. All dredged material is discharged within the
confines of the existing ODMDS.
3
b. Beneficial Use - Beach_Disnosal of Dredged Material. Construction of the
channel widener is expected to require the initial removal of approximately 500,000
cubic yards of coarse-to-fine grain beach quality sand. The quantity of sand removed,
thereafter, during each maintenance operation would be contingent on the amount of
material that would have to be removed from the widener to achieve control depth. An
environmentally acceptable method of disposal of the material from the Smith Island
Range is on an adjacent ocean beach in lieu of disposal in the ODMDS offshore.
Ocean beaches adjacent to the Smith Island Range include Bald Head Island to the
east and along Oak Island to the west (Figure 2). Disposal of beach quality sand along
the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island or Oak Island would keep the material within
the littoral system and would hep restore and protect eroding beaches that provide
habitat for threatened and endangered species as well as other ecologically significant
species (USFWS 1993).
In 1991, maintenance material removed from the Smith Island Range was
pumped to the ocean beach of Bald Head Island using an ocean-certified hydraulic
pipeline dredge. Environmental compliance documentation and coordination are
described in reference 2.c. Beach disposal of the maintenance dredged material from
the Smith Island Range could be along the entire reach of Bald Head Island, or along
the most critically eroding area which is confined within a portion of the Cape Fear
River entrance ebb tide delta known as Bald Head Shoal (Figure 4). This area is
subject to large scale shoreline changes due to changes in the configuration of Bald
Head Shoal and the positioning of flood channels next to the beach. Erosion along the
ocean shoreline of Bald Head Island is expected to continue and to increase in the
future.
Oak Island, which is approximately 12.7 miles long and about 0.9 mile wide, is
situated between the Cape Fear River and Lockswoods Folly Inlet. Developments on
the island include Caswell Beach, Yaupon Beach, and Long Beach. No specific
disposal areas have been identified along the Oak Island beach. Placement of beach
quality sand along the ocean beach of Oak Island would include coordination and
consultation with local and State agencies to establish support and to identify areas
needing material.
7.00 ALTERNATIVES
The alternative to the proposed advanced maintenance dredging of the Smith
Island Range would be the continued maintenance of the ranges under current project
dimensions and dredging frequency with disposal of dredged material in the ODMDS.
An alternative to disposal of dredged material in the ODMDS or on the ocean
beaches of Bald Head Island or Oak Island is discharge in a nearshore littoral zone. If
4
this alternative is pursued, dredged material could be placed between the 15- and 23-
foot depth contour nearshore in the form of a feeder berm designed to allow natural
bottom currents to move the material shoreward. Overtime, the nearshore berm would
gradually dissipate. Placement of material in the berm site would allow the material to
remain in the littoral environment and possibly serve as a source of nourishment
material for the adjacent beach. Environmental documentation and coordination with
Federal, State, and local resource agencies and the interested public, as well as
obtaining any required environmental clearances would have to occur prior to formal
designation and use of a nearshore placement site for dredged material.
8.00 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
a. Marine Resources. Marine resources in the project area include estuarine-
dependent species, seasonal migratory species that use the inlet area as a migratory
route, and permanent benthic resident species. The mouth of the Cape Fear River is a
migration route for both anadromous and estuarine-dependent fish spawn offshore,
moving into the estuarine waters as larvae, and returning to the ocean as juveniles or
adults.
b. Beach Resources. Beach habitats on Bald Head Island and Oak Island
include intertidal beach, upper beach or berm, and sand dunes.
The intertidal beach is inhabited primarily by coquina clams (Donax variablis and
Donax parvulus), mole crabs (Emerita talpoida), and probably amphipods, such as
haustorius species. Polychaetes and nematodes also may be important inhabitants
(USFWS 1993). These invertebrates specie are important prey to fish and shorebirds,
such as sanderlings, (calidris alba), back-bellied plovers and Eastern willets
(catoptrophorus semipalmatus).
The upper beach or berm is located between the tide line and the dune line and
is largely unvegetated. Scattered clumps of dune building species such as sea rocket
(Cakile edentual) and possibly seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus up milus), a federally
listed threatened species, are found in this area. These plants serve as building blocks
of dune trapping sand. The upper beach is an important nesting habitat for loggerhead
sea turtles and for shorebirds such as Eastern willets, and American Oystercatchers,
and potentially for the federally listed threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus).
The dune community is vegetated primarily by sea oats (uniola paniculata) and
broomsedge species (Andropogon sp.) with scattered beach pea (Strophostvles
helvola), pennywort (Hvdrocotyle bonariensis), sandspur (Cenchrus tribuloides), sea
rocket, seaside croton (Croton punctuates), beach splurge (Euphoria polvaoniflora),
evening primrose (Oenotherea humifusa), and seaside elder (Iva imbricata). Sand
5
dunes provide habitat for red wing blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), seaside sparrows
(Ammodramus maritimus), rice rats (Oryzomys palustrius) raccoons, lizards, and
snakes and various other animals (USFWS, 1993).
c. Threatened and Endangered Species. Threatened (Th) and Endangered
(E) Species that may transit or utilize the project area include:
SPECIES
Finback whale
Humpback whale
Right whale
Sei whale
Sperm whale
Florida Manatee
Piping plover
Hawksbill sea turtle
Leatherback sea turtle
Green sea turtle
Loggerhead sea turtle
Kemp's ridley sea turtle
Shortnose sturgeon
Seabeach amaranth
SCIENTIFIC NAME STATUS
Balaenoptera phvsalus Endangered
Megaptera novaeangliae Endangered
Eubaleana lacialis Endangered
Balaenoptera borealis Endangered
Phvseter catodon Endangered
Trichechus manatus Endangered
Charadrius melodus Threatened
Eretmochelys imbricata Endangered
Dermochelvs coriacea Endangered
Chelonia mvdas Threatened
Caretta caretta Threatened
Lepidochelvs kempii Endangered
Acipenser brevirostrom Endangered
Amaranthus up milus Threatened
(1) Whales. Whales have been documented in both nearshore and
offshore waters off the coast of North Carolina (USFWS, 1993). Northern right whales
and humpback whales have been sighted offshore. Northern right whales migrate off
the coast of North Carolina during spring and fall (USFWS 1993). Most nearshore
sighting have been between January and May. Humpback whales are believed to
migrate offshore of North Carolina during the spring migration (April and May) and fall
migration (September through December). They are generally found in waters between
66 and 240 feet deep, out of the limits of the project area.
(2) Florida Manatee and Shortnose Sturgeon. There are no records of
the manatee being in the study area.
The shortnose sturgeon occurs in the Cape Fear River. Adults may migrate
through the area as they move from ocean to fresh water areas for spawning and as
they return to the ocean (USFWS 1993).
6
(3) Sea Turtles. Sea turtles are known to nest on ocean beaches in
North Carolina between May 1 and November 15. The sea turtle nesting season
begins in early spring, increases to a peak in late spring to mid-summer, and declines
until completion in late summer (August). The loggerhead sea turtle (threatened) is
known to nest all along North Carolina's coast, with numbers gradually increasing
toward the south. The green sea turtle generally nests in more southern parts of the
country but has been known in recent years to nest sporadically in southeastern
portions of North Carolina. Sea turtles known to nest in the project area include the
loggerhead sea turtle and the green sea turtle. To date, too few green sea turtle nests
have been discovered in the state to allow meaningful analysis of nesting trends or
success (USFWS 1993).
(4) Piping Plovers. Piping plovers prefer upper edges of overwash
areas at inlets or large open unvegetated beaches for nesting. While there have been
no documentation of piping plovers nesting on Bald Head Island, suitable piping plover
habitat may exist on the island. Three piping plover nests were observed on Holden
Beach during the 1992 season, but none of these nest were successful (USFWS
1993).
(5) Sea beach Amaranth. Seabeach amaranth is an annual or perennial
plant that usually grows between the seaward toe of the dune and the limit of wave
uprush zone. Greatest concentrations of seabeach amaranth occur near inlet areas of
barrier islands, but in favorable years plants may occur away from inlet areas. The
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has instituted a long-term seabeach amaranth
monitoring program at every beach in North Carolina which routinely receives dredged
material. The program will be in affect until such time that enough data are available to
allow a reasonable prediction of the actual impacts of each planned disposal action on
the species in the future. The ocean beach along Bald Head Island is included in this
monitoring program. During the initial survey in 1992 only one plant was counted. In
1993, 26 plants were counted. Between 1993 and 1994 the ocean beach experienced
severe erosion. During 1994, only two plants were counted. No formal surveys have
been conducted along the beach of Oak Island.
9.00 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Environmental effects associated with maintenance dredging of the Wilmington
Harbor Entrance Channels are addressed in reference 2.a. Environmental impacts
associated with discharge of dredged material in the ODMDS are addressed in
reference 2.b.
Advanced maintenance would be conducted in conjunction with routine
maintenance dredging. Impacts of the construction of the advanced maintenance
7
portion of the Smith Island Range will be similar to what is occurring in the authorized
channel. Free-swimming fish are not expected to experience any significant effects as
a result of the construction of the channel widener. Most would avoid or escape the
area during construction and maintenance of the channel. The existing navigation
channel is subject to periodic maintenance dredging which results in loss of benthic
resources during each dredging cycle. Removal of the area west of the channel will
result in the loss of benthic organisms inhabiting the area to be disturbed. However,
benthic populations in the vicinity of the widener are in a state of flux due to the
continual shifting and migration of the sand shoal. This condition is not expected to
change after construction of the widener since the channel maintenance will keep the
substrate in a constant state of flux due to continued sedimentation. Construction of
the proposed widener would occur concurrent with routine maintenance of the
Wilmington Harbor Entrance Channels during the fall-winter months. Any significant
concentrations of sediments suspended during dredging operations should be confined
to the ship channel due to strong currents.
Environmental impacts associated with beach disposal of dredged material on
Bald Head Island in 1991 are addressed in reference 2.c. Environmental impacts
associated with beach disposal of dredged material on an adjacent beach during
routine maintenance dredging would be the same as those described in reference 2.c.
The ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island provide habitat and nesting
conditions for both federally listed endangered and threatened species (i.e.,
endangered loggerhead sea turtles and seabeach amaranth) as well as ecologically
significant habitat for nesting shorebirds such as Eastern willets and American
oystercatchers. Placement on the eroding beaches of Bald Head Island or Oak Island
would be for erosion control and for improving habitat for threatened and endangered
species. To address concerns raised regarding potential impacts of beach disposal
projects, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has contracted with a local university to
perform a literature review regarding impacts of beach nourishment in the southeastern
United States, and make recommendations regarding additional monitoring efforts that
may be warranted. A report is anticipated in the summer of 1995 and will discuss
fishes, benthos, and beach face organisms. This report will be coordinated with all
interested agencies and individuals. Based on the findings of this report and
subsequent coordination, the Wilmington District will take appropriate action to
minimize impacts of beach disposal.
a. Threatened and Endangered Species. Maintenance dredging including
advanced maintenance of the Smith Island Range may have an effect on threatened
and endangered species, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended. A Biological Assessment (BA) for maintenance dredging in Wilmington
Harbor was provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on July 15, 1991. This BA was amended on
September 18, 1991, to include the use of an ocean-certified hydraulic pipeline dredge.
8
NMFS concurrence with the District's BA on September 19, 1991, for maintenance of
ocean bar channels by hydraulic pipeline dredge or hopper dredge with disposal of
dredged on the ocean beach of Bald Head Island. The NMFS subsequently
supplemented their September 19, 1991 concurrence on December 4, 1991, to include
the provisions of the Generic Biological Opinion for hopper dredging in the southeast.
The USFWS Biological Opinion concurring with the District's July 15, 1991, BA was
received on August 19, 1991.
Project construction would take place during the migration period for whales
offshore. However, an ocean-certified hydraulic pipeline dredge, is, essentially,
stationary during operation. Therefore, it poses no threat of collision with whales.
The NMFS has also determined that hydraulic pipeline dredges are unlikely to
adversely affect sea turtles. If advanced maintenance of Smith Island is performed by
hopper dredge, the work will be performed in accordance with conditions outlined in the
generic biological opinion for hopper dredging in the southeast.
Beach disposal would be scheduled during the fall-winter months. Beach
disposal within the sea turtle nesting season would only be done after coordination with
the NMFS and the USFWS, and approval of a turtle nesting and relocation program by
the USFWS. Sand compaction will be tested on beach areas which are nourished. If
sand compaction exceeds 500 cone penetrometer units (CPUs), tilling will be
performed.
Beach disposal would be scheduled within the Fall-Winter time period, thus
avoiding the blooming/flowering period for seabeach amaranth which normally occurs
during the June-August timeframe. Conditions along the ocean beaches of Bald Head
Island and Oak Island indicated that suitable habitat for seabeach amaranth is being
overwashed by erosion. Widening of the beaches, or the making of a more gentle
beach profile would restore habitat conditions for seabeach amaranth. Thus disposal
of dredged material on the ocean beaches would have beneficial effects. Beaches
receiving dredged material for nourishment purposes would be included in the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers' long-term seabeach amaranth monitoring program.
A copy of this EA will be forwarded to the NMFS and the USFWS. Both services
will be requested to review the above assessment of impacts of this proposed action on
listed species under their jurisdiction. A revised Biological Opinion will be requested
from both agencies to cover the advanced maintenance of Smith Island Range with
placement of dredged material on the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak
Island.
9
10.00 ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
a. Inlet Hydrolooy and Salinity. Waters in the Cape Fear River Inlet display
considerable daily variation in current and salinity conditions due to fresh water inflow,
tides, and wind. The proposed widener is not expected to result in a significant
geometric change in the morphology of the inlet that would result in increase flows
along the Cape Fear River. The Smith Island Range has been widen by 50 feet in the
past. The present proposal is to increase the channel width up to a 100 feet. The
additional 50-foot width would increase the flow area of the Smith Island Range by
1,100 square feet. The flow area in the Smith Island Range is about 127,000 square
feet. This change is less than one percent. It is reasonable to assume that any change
in the velocity would be of the same magnitude and would be a decrease. Since the
Smith Island Range is located at the mouth of the river in a well mixed environment, the
change in the flow area resulting from the proposed widener would be small, and the
change does not affect the channel, salinities would not be affected. Any project-
induced changes in the vicinity or upstream as a result of the widener would be very
small (if any) in comparison to normal conditions. Therefore, no changes are
anticipated in the hydrology or salinity conditions of the Cape Fear River as a result of
the construction of the channel widener.
b. Water Quality. Discharge of maintenance dredged material in the ODMDS
takes place within the territorial sea; therefore, the discharge is regulated under the
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended. Compliance
with Section 103 (PL 92-532) Guidelines of the Marine Protection, Research, and
Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, has been completed and is included in reference
2.d. Material dredged from the channel has been found to meet the physical and
chemical requirements for ocean disposal. The material moving into the navigation
channel from Jaybird Shoal is relatively coarse sand. Material in the advanced
maintenance portion of the channel is similar to the grain size that is currently being
removed during routine maintenance dredging. The sediments to be dredged are
considered to be suitable for placement along the eroding ocean beaches of Bald Head
Island and Oak Island.
A Section 401 water quality certification is being requested for the routine
placement of beach quality dredged material on the ocean beaches of Bald Head
Island and Oak Island.
A Section 404(b)(1) Evaluation for the discharge of dredged material on the
ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island from maintenance dredging of the
Smith Island Range is included in this document as Attachment B.
c. Flood Plain Management. The proposed action has been evaluated for
adherence to the requirements of Executive Order 11988, Flood Plain Management.
10
The Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Ranges and the Wilmington Harbor ODMDS are not
located in the flood plain.
d. Protection of Wetlands. The proposed action has been evaluated under
Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands. The work will not require dredging or
filling of any wetlands.
e. Cultural Resources. Cultural resources clearances have been obtained for
routine maintenance dredging of Smith Island Channel. A cultural resources survey
was performed along both sides of the Smith Island Range. The remote survey has
found twelve anomalies in the channel area. A recommendation has been made for
further investigation. A management summary of the survey is included as Attachment
A.
f. Coastal Management Program. Maintenance dredging of the Smith Island
Range by hopper dredging is consistent with the approved Coastal Management
Program of the State of North Carolina and local land use plans. Concurrence was
received from the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources, on September 23, .1981. Maintenance dredging of the Wilmington Harbor
Entrance Channels with an ocean-certified hydraulic pipeline dredge or bucket and
barge dredge, with disposal of dredged material in the Wilmington Harbor ODMDS, is
consistent with the North Carolina Coastal Management Program. Concurrence from
the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management was received on September 24,
1991.
The proposed disposal of beach quality dredged material on the ocean beaches
of Bald Head Island and Oak Island meets the State Area of Environmental Concern
(AEC) guidelines for Ocean Hazard and Public Trust Waters (15A NCAC 7H. 0308).
The proposed discharge of beach quality dredged material from maintenance dredging
of a Federally authorized navigation channel is consistent with State policy 15A North
Carolina Administrative Code 7M Section. 1100 which encourages the beneficial
disposal of dredged material so that the sand is not removed from the active coastal
system.
The propose discharge of dredged material from maintenance dredging of the
Smith Island Range on the adjacent beaches is also consistent with State policies on
erosion (15A North Carolina Administrative Code 7 M .0202- Shoreline Erosion
Response Policies) adopted by the State of North Carolina on January 27, 1995.
These policies address the State's preferred responses to erosion, and more directly,
the beach nourishment option. These policies state that "the replenishment of sand on
ocean beaches can provide storm protection and a viable alternative to allowing the
ocean shoreline to migrate landward threatening to degrade public beaches and cause
the loss of public facilities and private property." Placement of dredged material on
11
eroding beaches along Bald Head Island and Oak Island would lessen or slow the
effects of erosion while minimizing the adverse impacts on the public beach and on
nearby properties. Further, the material would help restore habitat critical to
threatened and endangered species as well as other ecologically significant species.
The decision to place the material on the adjacent ocean shoreline will be made after
coordination and consultation with local and State agencies to ensure public access
and services for public recreational use of the restored beach.
Advanced maintenance dredging of the Smith Island Range will not result in a
substantial change in the project except for the reduction of the frequency of the
dredging. Therefore, a determination is being made that advanced maintenance
dredging of the Smith Island Range and disposal of maintenance dredged material on
the ocean beaches of Bald Head Island and Oak Island are consistent with the North
Carolina Coastal Management Program. This determination is being forwarded to the
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of
Coastal Management for review and concurrence.
g. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Requirements. The following fish and
wildlife reports for the Wilmington Harbor project that covers the Smith Island Range
have been prepared by the USFWS pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act:
- Planning Aid Report, Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Channel, October 1992;
- Draft Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report, Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar
Channel Deepening, June 1993;
- Final Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report, Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar
Channel Deepening, August 1993.
11.00 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS
The following environmental commitments will be incorporated into the project to
minimize or reduce potential impacts of routine maintenance of the Smith Island Range
with disposal of dredged material on adjacent ocean shorelines.
- Prior to each maintenance dredging operation involving beach disposal, a 15-
day notice for information purposes would be circulated to Federal, State, and local
agencies and the interested public. The notice would describe the proposed operation,
the construction schedule, and the dredged material disposal method. The notice
would include evidence of compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local
environmental statutes and regulations.
12
- Beach deposal of dredged material would be timed to the maximum extent
possible to occur during the fall-winter time period, thereby, avoiding the sea turtle
nesting season. However, should it become necessary to place dredged material along
the beach during the nesting season, a sea turtle relocation program would be
implemented after coordination with the USFWS and the N.C. Wildlife Resources
Commission.
- Beach disposal would occur during the fall-winter months outside of the
blooming/flowering season for seabeach amaranth which occurs from April through
August. The ocean beach where dredged material is placed would be included in the
District's annual seabeach amaranth monitoring program.
- Tilling of the beach after disposal of dredged material would be conducted
based on the results of sand compaction tests of the material after project construction.
12.00 LIST OF RECIPIENTS
This EA/FONSI is being circulated for information to the following concerned
agencies and individuals.
All United States Senators and Representatives for the State of North Carolina
Regional Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV, EIS Review Section
Office of Ecology and Conservation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
Director, Office of Environmental Compliance, U.S. Department of Energy
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Habitat Conservation Division, Beaufort Marine Fisheries Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service
State Clearinghouse
U.S. Department of Interior
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
State Conservationist, Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Area Director, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Fifth U.S. Coast Guard District
Region 3, Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
Federal Maritime Administration
Refuge Manager, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Superintendent, Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park Service
13
Division of Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
National Audubon Society
National Wildlife Federation
National Park Service
North Carolina Wildlife Federation
Izaac Walton League
Sierra Club
Environmental Defense Fund
Center for Environmental Health
Conservation Council of North Carolina
Duke University, Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines
Librarian, North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and
Natural Resources
UNC-Wilmington Library
UNC-Chapel Hill Library
Chairman, Board of County Commissioners
Postmasters
Mayors
Water Resources Research Institute
13.00 POINT OF CONTACT
Any comments or questions regarding this EA should be sent to Mr. Daniel
Small, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, Post Office Box 1890,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890, telephone [phone].
14.00 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT
I have determined that advanced maintenance dredging in the Smith Island
Range with disposal of dredged material on the adjacent ocean shorelines of Bald
Head Island and Oak Island will not significantly affect the quality of the human
environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be prepared.
15.00 REFERENCES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 1993. Final Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
Report, Wilmington Harbor Ocean Bar Channel Deepening. Raleigh Field Office,
Raleigh, NC.
14

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4
A Management Summary
For
Archaeological Remote Sensing Survey at Smith Island Channel,
Cape Fear River, Wilmington Harbor, North Carolina
Modification of
Request Number DACW54-93-D-0030
Delivery Order 0009
Submitted to:
Wilmington District Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
P.O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
Submitted by:
Tidewater Atlantic Research, Inc
P. O. Box 2494
Washington, North Carolina 27889
29 March 1995
Introduction
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, has proposed to
deepen the Smith Island Channel on the Cape Fear River by two feet. The
deepening of the channel will increase the channel side slope by ten feet on
the east side and two hundred and ten feet on the west side. There is an
existing channel widener in - -lace on the west side of the channel. In order to
determine the effects of th,: proposed deepening project and evaluate the
impacts of the existing channel widener on significant underwater cultural
resources, a remote sensing survey was conducted to locate, identify, and
assess the significance of any underwater cultural resources in the proposed
dredging areas.
The investigation completed by Tidewater Atlantic Research of Washington,
North Carolina, was designed to provide accurate and reliable identification,
assessment, and remote sensing documentation of submerged cultural
resources located within the proposed expansion area. An additional area
was included in the survey on either side of the channel as outlined in
modification 1 of the existing contract. The field investigation involved the
systematic collection of magnetic and acoustic data from the survey areas.
Remote Sensing Survey
The survey was conducted from the survey vessel Atlantic Surveyor on 27
and 28 March 1995. A Navstar XR5M DGPS positioning system in
conjunction with Hypack navigational software was utilized for position
control. All positions were recorded in North Carolina State Plane
Coordinates in US. feet; based on NAD 1983. Tidewater Atlantic Research
crew members surveyed the proposed areas using an EG&G Geometrics 866
dual channel proton precession magnetometer capable of plus or minus .1
gamma resolution. To minimize the influence of modern magnetic debris
the magnetometer sensor was towed in the water column at a depth of 10 to
12 feet above the bottom surface. The magnetometer was interfaced with
Hypack and all readings were recorded relative to boat position. A 500 kHz
Klein 521 side scan sonar was utilized with an event mark recorded every 100
feet.
The remote sensing survey of the proposed dredging area was conducted
using parallel lanes no greater than 30 feet apart. To ensure that sufficient
data would be available to identify the type of target signatures that could be
indicative of small vessels, magnetic data was collected along a series of 8
lanes on the east side of the channel, and on 14 lanes on the west side.
Magnetic data was contour plotted at 20 gamma intervals. The survey located
no potentially significant targets on the east side of the channel, but eleven
potentially significant targets were located on the west side of the channel.
2
Data Analysis
To ensure reliable target identification and assessment, analysis of the
magnetic data was carried out as it was generated. In addition, magnetic data
generated during the survey was contour plotted to facilitate analysis and
accurate positioning of each target. This data was later marked on a magnetic
contour map and then reduced for reproduction in the report. Analysis of the
survey area included an assessment of each magnetic signature.
Target signatures which were suggestive of significant submerged cultural
material were isolated and analyzed in accordance with anomaly intensity,
duration, areal extent, and signature characteristics suggestive of the material
generating the anomaly. Analysis of the target signatures included
consideration of magnetic signature characteristics previously demonstrated
to be reliable indicators of historically significant submerged cultural
resources. Assessmnent of each target included recommendations for
additional investigation to determine the exact nature of cultural material
generating the signature.
Eleven targets were identified during the investigation, all on the west side of
the channel. Of those targets, SI-07, SI-08, SI-09 and SI-10 were found to
generate multiple component magnetic signatures characteristic of
shipwrecks structures or scatters of ferrous debris. Targets SI-01, SI-02, SI-03,
SI-04, SI-05, and SI-06, and were found to generate magnetic signatures with
characteristics that compare favorably with those of single ferrous objects.
Also, one target, SI-10 had an acoustic signature associated with it.
Target Descriptions
SI-01 X 2301300 Y 50682
Located on lane 5, target SI-01 was detected on lanes 2, 3, 4, and 6. Target SI-01
had a positive monopolar signature of 60 gammas over an 8 second duration.
No corresponding acoustic signature was identified in association with the
magnetic signature.
SI-02 X 2301010 Y 50169
Located on lane 12, target SI-02 was also detected on lanes 11 and 13. Target SP
02 had a dipolar signature with a maximum intensity of 20 gammas over a 23
second duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was identified in
association with the magnetic records.
3
SI-03 X 2301056 Y 50072
Located on lane 10, target SI-03 was also detected on lanes 9, 11, and 12. Target
SI-03 had a positive monopolar signature of 88 gammas over a 14 second
duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was identified in association
with the magnetic records.
SI-04 X 2301092 Y 49964
Located on lane 9, target SI-04 was also detected on lanes 7, 8, and 10. Target
SI-04 had a positive monopolar signature with a maximum intensity of 98
gammas over a 30 second duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was
identified in association with the magnetic records.
SI-05 X,2301132 Y 49796
Located on lane 7, target SI-05 was also detected on lanes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
Target SI-05 had a negative monopolar signature of 198 gammas over a 33
second duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was identified in
association with the magnetic records.
SI-06 X 2301053 Y 49139
Located on lane 6, target SI-06 was also detected on lanes 4, 5, 7, and 8. Target
SI-06 had a dipolar signature with a maximum intensity of 50 gammas over a
19 second duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was identified in
association with the magnetic records.
SI-07 X 2301002 Y 48788
Located on lane 6, target SI-07 was detected on lanes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Target SI-
07 had a multi-component signature with a maximum intensity of 86
gammas with a duration of 40 seconds. No corresponding acoustic signature
was identified in association with the magnetic records.
SI-08 X 2300859 Y 48009
Located on lane 7, target SI-08 was also detected on lanes 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9.
Target SI-08 had a multi-component signature with a maximum intensity of
164 gammas over a 22 second duration. No corresponding acoustic signature
was identified in association with the magnetic records.
4
SI-09 X 2300794 Y 47661
Located on lane 8 target SI-09 was also detected on lanes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,
and 12. Target SI-09 had a multi-component signature with a maximum
intensity of 284 gammas over a 46 second duration. No corresponding
acoustic signature was identified in association with the magnetic records.
SI-10 X 2300826 Y 47030
This target was located on lane 4 and was also detected on lanes 2, 3, 5, and 6.
Target SI-10 had a multi-component magnetic signature with a maximum
magnitude of 67 gammas over a 40 second duration. Acoustic records
associated with the target show an area of debris approximately 250 feet long,
but do not reveal the nature of the target.
SI-11 X2300683 Y 46434
Located on lane 6, target SI-11 was also detected on lanes 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8. This
target had a positive monopolar signature of 96 gammas maximum intensity
over a 23 seconds duration. No corresponding acoustic signature was
identified in association with the magnetic records.
Conclusions
The remote sensing survey and data analysis of the Smith Island Channel
revealed eleven targets in the proposed improvement areas. All of the targets
identified were located on the west side of the channel. These targets posses
signatures that have been found in association with shipwreck sites. The
frequency of the targets found on this side of the channel tend to indicate an
area of treacherous navigation, debris trap, or disposal area. Four of the
targets SI-07, SI-08, SI-09 and SI-10 have multi-component signatures
indicative of structures or debris fields. Since all of the targets signatures
appear to indicate that they are potentially significant, further investigation
of these targets is recommended.
APPENDIX B
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
EVALUATION OF' SECTION 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES
40 CFR 230
ADVANCED MAINTENANCE DREDGING - SMITH ISLAND RANGE
WILMINGTON HARBOR PROJECT
BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
EVALUATION OF SECTION 404(b)(1) GUIDELINES
40 CAR 230
Section 404 Public Notice No. CESAW-EP-PE-95-10-0004
Review of Compliance (230.10(a)-(d))
A review of the NEPA Document
indicates that:
a. The discharge represents the least
environmentally damaging practicable
alternative and if in a special aquatic
site, the activity associated with the
discharge must have direct access or
proximity to, or be located in the aquatic
ecosystem to fulfill its basic purpose (if no,
see section 2 and NEPA document);
b. The activity does not:
1) violate applicable State water quality
standards or effluent standards prohibited
under Section 307 of the CWA; 2) jeopardize
the existence of federally listed endangered
or threatened species or their habitat; and
3) violate requirements of any federally
designated marine sanctuary (if no, see section
2b and check responses from resource and
water quality certifying agencies);
c. The activity will not cause or contribute
to significant degradation of waters of the
U.S. including adverse effects on human
health, life stages of organisms dependent
on the aquatic ecosystem, ecosystem diversity,
productivity and stability, and recreational,
esthetic, and economic values (if no,
see section 2);
d. Appropriate and practicable steps have
been taken to minimize potential adverse
impacts of the discharge on the aquatic
ecosystem (if no, see section 5).
Preliminary 1/ Final 2/
YESIJ NOI_I' YESIXI NOI_I
YESI_I NOI_I* YESIXI NOI_I
YESI_I NOIJ' YESIXI NOIJ
YESIJ NOIJ` YESIXI NOIJ
Proceed to Section 2
`, 1, 2/ See page 6.
2. Technical Evaluation Factors (Subparts C-F)
a. Physical and Chemical Characteristics
of the Aquatic Ecosystem (Subpart C)
(1) Substrate impacts.
(2) Suspended particulates/turbidity
impacts.
(3) Water column impacts.
(4) Alteration of current patterns
and water circulation.
(5) Alteration of normal water
fluctuations/hydroperiod.
(6) Alteration of salinity
gradients.
b. Biological Characteristics of the
Aquatic Ecosystem (Subpart D)
(1) Effect on threatened/endangered
species and their habitat.
(2) Effect on the aquatic food web.
(3) Effect on other wildlife (mammals,
birds, reptiles, and amphibians).
c. Special Aquatic Sites (Subpart E)
(1) Sanctuaries and refuges.
(2) Wetlands.
(3) Mud flats.
(4) Vegetated shallows.
(5) Coral reefs.
(6) Riffle and pool complexes.
d. Human Use Characteristics (Subpart F)
(1) Effects on municipal and private
water supplies.
(2) Recreational and commercial
fisheries impacts.
(3) Effects on water-related recreation
(4) Aesthetic impacts.
(5) Effects on parks, national and
historical monuments, national
seashores, wilderness areas,
research sites, and similar
preserves.
Not Signifi- Signifi-
N/A cant cant*
I I X I I
I I I
I I X I I
I X I I
I I X I I
j i X j
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2
Remarks: Where a check is placed under the significant category,
preparer add explanation below.
Proceed to Section 3
*See page 6.
3. Evaluation of Dredged or Fill Material (Subpart G) 3/
a. The following information has been
considered in evaluating the biological
availability of possible contaminants in
dredged or fill material. (Check only
those appropriate.)
(1) Physical characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IXI
(2) Hydrography in relation to
known or anticipated -
sources of contaminants ................. .............IXI
(3) Results from previous
testing of the material
or similar material in -
the vicinity of the project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I_I
(4) Known, significant sources of
persistent pesticides from -
land runoff or percolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I_I
(5) Spill records for petroleum
products or designated
(Section 311 of CWA) -
hazardous substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I_I
(6) Other public records of
significant introduction of
contaminants from industries,
municipalities, or other -
sources .......................................I_I
(7) Known existence of substantial
material deposits of
substances which could be
released in harmful quantities
to the aquatic environment by
man-induced discharge activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • IJ
(8) Other sources (specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I_I
Ust appropriate references.
Reference: Environmental Assessment Advanced Maintenance Dredging - Smith Island
Range Wilminaton Harbor Project Brunswick County, North Carolina, dated April 1995.
3
b. An evaluation of the appropriate information in 3a
above indicates that there is reason to believe the
proposed dredge or fill material is not a carrier of
contaminants, or that levels of contaminants are sub-
stantively similar at extraction and disposal sites and
not likely to result in degradation of the disposal site.
The material meets the testing exclusion criteria. YES IXI NO IJ"
Proceed to Section 4
", 3/, see page 6.
4. Disposal Site Determinations (230.11(f)).
a. The following factors as appropriate,
have been considered in evaluating the
disposal site.
(1) Depth of water at disposal site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •IXI
(2) Current velocity, direction, and
variability at disposal site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IXI
(3) Degree of turbulence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •IXI
(4) Water column stratification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IXI
(5) Discharge vessel speed and _
direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...IXI
(6) Rate of discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IXI
(7) Dredged material characteristics
(constituents, amount and type _
of material, settling velocities) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . •IXI
(8) Number of discharges per unit of
time ............................ .............IXI
(9) Other factors affecting rates and
patterns of mixing (specify)
List appropriate references.
Reference: Environmental Assessment Advanced Maintenance Dredgina - Smith Island
Range Wilmington Harbor Project Brunswick County. North Carolina, dated April 1995.
b. An evaluation of the appropriate factors in
4a above indicates that the disposal site
and/or size of mixing zone are acceptable YES IXI NO IJ'
4
5. Actions to Minimize Adverse Effects (Subpart H).
All appropriate and practicable steps have been taken,
through application of recommendations of 230.70-230.77,
to ensure minimal adverse effects of the proposed
discharge. List actions taken. YES IXI NO IJ*
For benthos see Section 9 of the EA.
For fisheries see Section 9 of the EA.
For threatened and endangered species see Section 9.a. of the Fro.
For water quality see Section 10.b. of the EA.
Return to section 1 for final stage of compliance review.
See also note 3/, page 3.
*See page 6.
6. Factual Determinations (230.11).
A review of appropriate information as identified in
items 2-5 above indicates that there is minimal
potential for short- or long-term environmental
effects of the proposed discharge as related to:
a. Physical substrate at the disposal site
(review sections 2a, 3, 4, and 5). YES IXI NO I_I*
b. Water circulation, fluctuation, and salinity
(review sections 2a, 3, 4, and 5). YES IXI NO I_I*
c. Suspended particulates/turbidity
(review sections 2a, 3, 4, and 5). YES IXI NO I_I*
d. Contaminant availability
(review sections 2a, 3, and 4). YES IXI NO I_I*
e. Aquatic ecosystem structure and function _
(review sections 2b and c, 3, and 5). YES I? NO I_I*
f. Disposal site
(review sections 2, 4, and 5). YES IXI NO IJ*
g. Cumulative impact on the aquatic
ecosystem. YES IXI NO IJ*
h. Secondary impacts on the aquatic
ecosystem. YES IN NO IJ*
5
7. Findings.
a. The proposed disposal site for discharge of
dredged or fill material complies with the
Section 404(b)(1) guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
b. The proposed disposal site for discharge of
dredged or fill material complies with the
Section 404(b)(1) guidelines with the
inclusion of the following conditions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U
c. The proposed disposal site for discharge of
dredged or fill material does not comply with
the Section 404(b)(1) guidelines for the
following respons(s):
(1) There is a less damaging practicable alternative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FJ
(2) The proposed discharge will result in significant
degradation of the aquatic ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (J
(3) The proposed discharge does not include all
practicable and appropriate measures to minimize
potential harm to the aquatic ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IJ
8.
William R. Dawson, P.E.
Chief, Engineering and
Planning Division
Date:
Dater
•A negative, significant, or unknown response indicates that the permit application may not be in
compliance with the Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines.
1/ Negative responses to three or more of the compliance criteria at this stage indicate that the
proposed projects may not be evaluated using this "short form procedure." Care should be used in
assessing pertinent portions of the technical information of items 2 a-d, before completing the final
review of compliance.
21 Negative response to one of the compliance criteria at this stage indicates that the proposed
project does not comply with the guidelines. If the economics of navigation and anchorage of
Section 404(b)(2) are to be evaluated in the decision-making process, the "short form evaluation
process is inappropriate."
3/ If the dredged or fill material cannot be excluded from individual testing, the "short-form"
evaluation process is inappropriate.
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00

DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
WATER QUALITY SECTION
May 26, 1995
MEMO
TO: Linda Rimer
Roger Schecter
John Morris
Dan McLawhorn
Robin Smith
Richard Whisnant
FROM: John Dorne
RE: Bald Head Island b drenourishment
As a followup to our meeting this week, I promised to send
each of you copies of the public notice, application and
Environmental Assessment for the Corps of Engineers plans to
dredge Smith Island Range and dispose of the spoil on Oak and
Bald Head Islands. The Corps proposes to dispose of the spoil on
the south beach of Bald Head as we hoped. The Public Notice
period ends May 30 after which time a 401 Certification can be
issued.
Please call me at 733-1786 if you have any questions.
baldie.mem
cc: Preston Howard
Steve Tedder
Jimmie Overton
Jim Gregson, Wilmington DEM Regional Office