19960291 Ver 1_COMPLETE FILE_19960326

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
A LTI.K?FA
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April 2, 1996
Swain County
DEM Project # 960291
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification
Ms. Sally Browning
USDA Forest Serv ice
Wayah Ranger District
Nantahala National Forest
90 Sloan Road
Franklin, NC 28734
Dear Ms. Browning:
You have our approval to place fill material in 0.1 acres of wetlands or waters for the purpose of
stabilizing the streambank at SR 1100, as you described in your application dated 26 March 1996.
After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality
Certification Number 2665. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 13 when
it is issued by the Corps of Engineers.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application. If
you change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new application.
For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification. In
addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your
project.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, 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 ATitten petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the
Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, T.C. 27611-7447. This certification and
its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Environmental Management under Section
401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-
1786.
Sincerely,
w
ston Ho d, Jr. P.
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Asheville DEM Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Central Files
960291.1tr
Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
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DEM ID:
6 02 9
ACTION ID:
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Nationwide Permit Requested (Provide Nationwide Permit N): 1
JOINT FORM FOR
Nationwide permits that require notification to the Corps of Engineers
Nationwide permits that require application for Section hOl Certification
WILMIGTON DISTRICT ENGINEER WATER QUALITY PLANNING DIVISION --?---- --
CORPS OF ENGINEERS DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MAMAGAIEN ( f`
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NC DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, Hl] .?
P.O. Box 1890 AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1 u
Wilmington, NC 28402-1890 P.O. Box 29535
ATTN: CESAW-CO-E Raleigh, NC 27626-0535 MAR ? 6
Telephone [phone] ATTN: MR. JOHN DORNEY
Telephone [phone] ..
ONE (1) COPY OF THIS COMPLETED APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS.
SEVEN (7) COPIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE N.C. DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGE'MEN'T
PLEASE PRINT.
1. Owners Name: USDA Forest Service, Wayah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
2. Owners Address: 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734
3. Owners Phone Number (Home): None (Work): [phone]
4. If Applicable: Agent's name or responsible corporate official, address, phone number:
Sally Browning, Soil Scientist
USDA Forest Service, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734 [phone]
5. Location of work (MUST ATTACH MAP). County: Swain
Nearest Town or City: Wesser
Specific Location (Include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): SR 1100 Winding Stairs Road, located
6.5 miles SW of Wesser on US Hwy. 19/74, on southeast side of Nantahala River.
Site is entirely on National Forest lands and waters.
David Baker, from the COE. has looked at the sites with us in the spring of 1995•
6. Name of Closest Stream/River: Nantahala River - Class 11 Trout and Outstanding Resource Waters
0
7. River Basin: Nantahala River
8. Is project located in a watershed classified as Trout, SA, HQW, ORW, WSI or WSII? YES [X] NO [ ]
9. Have any Section 404 permits been previously requested for this property? NO [X]
If yes, explain.
10. Estimated total acres of waters of the U.S., including wetlands, located on project site:
A. (Fill Section) 0.06 acres - 300 running feet in length and averaging 8 feet in width.
Fill averages 0.5 cubic yards per running foot - total of 140 cubic yards
Drained: None.
Flooded: None.
Excavated: .03 acre( this old fill material will be hauled away to a disposal site
along Wnding Stair Road away from any live streams.)
Total Impacted: 0.10 acres.

Page 2 of 3
B (Culverts) Filled: 0.1 ac Place fill and trail on top of culverts
Culverts will be placed:
Station 21+62 - 18" x 28'
Station 26+85 - 18" X 20'
Station 32+68 - 18" X 18
Station 38+38 - 72" X 44" X 30'
Station 47+89 - 18" X 28'
Station 51+59 - 30" X 20'
Station 54+22 - 42" X 29" X 28'
Station 55+67 - 18" X 18'
Station 65+78 - 36" X 24'
Station 66+62 - 18" X 18'
Station 81+50 - 18" X 22'
Station 82+23 - 18" X 22'
Station 83+76 - 24" X 26'
Bridge will be placed above high water level.
Drained: None.
Flooded: None.
Excavated: N
Total Impacted: 0.10 acres.
All stream crossings will be seeded the same day that they are disturbed.
12. Purpose of proposed work: A. To provide stable trail location 13. To prevent sediment from
entering the small side drains of the Nantahala River and then the Nantahala River.
13. State reasons why the applicant believes that this activity must be carried out in wetlands.
Also, note measures taken to minimize wetlands impacts. This trail route has the least crossings and
the ones with the best approaches of any of the routes that were surveyed.
12. Description of proposed work (Attach PLANS-8 1/2" X 11" drawings only): A.Stabilize shoreline
and riverbank of Nantahala River, on fill slope of old existing roadbed. Machine-place large clean
local rock (ave. 5' diameter) at river's edge. Reinforce streambank as needed with clean local
of various sizes. Place 8-10 treewells on stabilized riverbank. Provide_ stable trail location
that does not cause sediment to enter the side drains of the Nantahala River or sediment to go into
the Nantahala River. B. Provide adequate trail drainage and sediment control.
8 1/2" X 11" drawings would not show the needed detail of the project - larger drawings are needed A
13. Purpose of proposed work: A.TO provide stable roadbase on location of old roadbed, for the
Nantahala Bicycle Route part of NCDOT's Mtn. to Sea Bicycle Route; and to stop existing erosion.
14. State reasons why the applicant believes that this activity must be carried out in wetlands.
Also, note measures taken to minimize wetlands impacts. A.Old roadbed Is only feasible access into
area, and must be stabilized if it is to be used. Fill is minimum amount needed for stabilization.
B. This route had the least stream crossings of any route surveyed.
15. You are required to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMPS) regarding the presence of any Federally listed or proposed endangered or
for listing endangered or threatened species or critical habitat that may be affected by the
proposed project. Have you done so? YES [X] NO [ ]
RESPONSES FROM THE USFWS AND/OR NMFS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE CORPS.
Page 3 of 3
16. You are required to contact the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) reguarding the
presence of historic properties in the permit area that may be affected by the proposed
project. Have you done so? YES [X] NO [ J
An archelogical survey was completed by Forest Service archeologists - no significant sites are in
the trail pathway. This information wil be forwarded to SlIPO.
17. Additional information reguired by DEM:
A. Wetland delineation map showing all wetlands, streams, and lakes on the property.
Soils series are Rosman and Reddies which are moderately well drained and not classified
as hydric. These soils are formed from alluvial deposits.
13. If available, representative photograph of wetlands to be impacted by project.
C. If delineation was performed by consultant, include all data sheets relevant to the
placement of the delineation line.
D. If a stormwater management plan is required for this project, attach copy.
E. What is the use of the surrounding property? National Forest land- public recreational use.
F. If applicable, what is the proposed method of sewage disposal? Not applicable.
Owner's Sig 24 ture ?{0""ev- Date
NANTAIIALA BICYCLE ROUTE PROJECT MITIGATION g)Ay/` h
The following measures are incorporated into this project as mitigation against impacts to
floodplains and fisheries habitat:
1) The project will be accomplished as much as possible during periods of power generation
shutdown, so that river levels are well below construction. No disturbed areas will be left exposed
if power generation occurs and raises river levels. This will reduce or eliminate sedimentation
into the Nantahala River as a result of construction.
2) Compliance with State of North Carolina'a Sedimentation Pollution Control Act will be
accomplished; no ground disturbing activity will occur ouside normal seeding season (4/1 to 9/30).
3) To provide shade for fisheries habitat in Nantahala River, 8 to 10 trees will be planted in
treewells on the riverbank. Roots of trees cut on riverbank will be retained, to provide organic
input into the river. The tree planting will be after the bank is stabilized.
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4) Areas adjacent to stream crossings will be seeded within 24 hours of soils disturbance.
. _s
- QPQ?NENT OF rye/y
o? United States Department of the Interior
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FISH AND WILDLIF8 SERVICE
ARCH 3 18p9 Asheville Field Office
33,9 Ridgefield Court
Asheville, North Carolina 28806
July 6, 1995
Mr. Michael L. Wilkins
Wayah District Ranger
Nantahala National Fores'U
8 Sloan Road
Franklin, North Carolina 28734
Dear Mr. Wilkins:
TAKES i
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s-
JI II 1 0 1995 /A V
Subject: Environmental assessment and biological evaluation for the
Nantahala Bicycle Route Project, Wayah Ranger District,
Nantahala National Forest, Swain County, North Carolina
In your letter of June 15, 1995, you requested our comments on the
subject assessment. The following comments are provided in accordance
with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 661-667e), and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
According to the environmental assessment, the project involves the
construction of a 1.0 mile 10 foot wide paved bicycle route along the
Nantahala River between Winding Stairs Road and the Nantahala River in
the Nantahala National Forest. The proposed bicycle trail would be
constructed in the river floodplain with a portion of the trail
constructed in an old roadbed and a portion on an old railroad bed.
Sections of riverbank would be stabilized where necessary using clean
local rock. Culverts will be constructed at three perennial streain
crossings. The purpose of this project is to complete one portion of the
Mountains to Sea Bicycle Route and to improve safety by removing long
distance bicycle traffic from US Highway 19.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is familiar with the project
area and believes that this project will not result in significant
impacts to fish and wildlife resources. The Service found the assessment
to be well written and thorough, and we support the mitigative measures
proposed for the preferred alternative. The Service also encourages
implementation of the additional three mitigative measures outlined in
the biological evaluation; (1) no ground disturbance in riparian areas
outside the normal seeding season of September 30 to April 1, (2) any
disturbed soil should be contained to prevent sedimentation into the
river, and (3) disturbed areas near water crossings should be seeded
within 24 hours.
n t
,F.i al)y,:.the Service concurs with the'U S.'Fore:st;Se rice°s,determination
that the proposed project will have "no effect" on federally listed.. _
endangered, threatened or proposed species. Obligations under Section 7
of the Act must be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts
of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical
habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is
subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review,
or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be
affected by the identified action.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this assessment.
In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference
our Log Number 4-2-94-057.
Side Iy,
Br P. Cole '
Field Supervisor

United States Forest
Department of Service
Agriculture
File Code: 2360
Route to: Sally Browning
Recreation
National Forests P.O. Box 2750
in North Carolina Asheville, NC 28802
Date: March 14, 1996
Subject: Heritage Resources - Nantahala Gorge Bike Trail
To: Mike Wilkins, Wayah District Ranger
The archeological fieldwork for the proposed bike trail has been completed.
Two Class II sites, the Jarrett Inn and Jarrett Cemetery, were located in
proximity to the trail. Two historic Cherokee homesteads shown on historic maps
of the area were not located in the field along the trail route.
There are no archeological objections to the trail construction as long as the
commitment (time & funding) is made for monitoring effects from trail use.
Necessary protective measures must then be put in place. The cemetery is
easily avoided by the trail but should be screened in some manner to eliminate
impacts. The Inn has two standing chimneys that need to be preserved and also
may be a safety hazard. This area also offers opportunity for interpretation.
The final report is in preparation and will be sent to the SHPO for comment.
/s/ Rodney J. Snedeker
RODNEY J. SNEDEKER
Forest Archeologist
cc:
S.Browning
Recreation
Engineering
F,F & HR Staff
i NORTH CAROLINA STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
DEPARTMENT('c ADMINISTRATICN
116 WEST Jtm?S STREET
RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA 27603-8003
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW COMMENTS R
MAILED TO FROM
USDA/FOREST SERVICE MRS. CHRYS BAGGETT
MICHAEL WILKINS DIRECTOR
8 SLOAN ROAD N C STATE CLEARINGHOUSE
FRANKLINI NC 28734
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ENV. ASSESS. - NANTAHALA BICYCLE ROUTE PROJECT ON THE WAYAH
RANGER DISTRICT OF NANTAHALA NAT•L- FOREST
SAI NO 95EC0000935 PROGRAM TITLE - ENV- ASSESS-
THE ABOVE PROJECT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NORTH CAROLINA
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS- AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING
IS SUBMITTED ( ) NO COMMENTS WERE RECEIVED
( X ) COMMENTS ATTACHED
SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONSP PLEASE CALL THIS OFFICE (919) 733-723Z-
4
C-C- REGION A
WAYAH A OISEAICi
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JUL 3 1 1995

State of North Ljrolina
Department of Environment,
;Health -and. Natural Resources
Legislative &, Intergovernmental Affairs
James .B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
Henry M. Lancaster II, Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chrys Baggett
State Clearinghouse
r
F1=1NR
FROM: Melba MCGee^Y/
Environmental Review Coordinator
RE: 95-0935 USFS EA for the Nantahala Bicycle Route' on Wayah
Ranger District
DATE: July 25, 1995
The Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources
has reviewed the proposed information. The attached comments are
for your consideration.
Thank you for the opportunity to review.

attachments
RECEIVED
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N.C. STATE CLEARINGHOUSE

P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-7687 Telephone [phone]
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urcJ. lyYS 11k11
State of North ?. irollno ,..?. •
Department of Environment,
Health and Notural Resources +
x DIvlsion of Forest Resources
-James S, Hunt; J „Governor
Jonathion"B, Hoes, Secretary --? N
i
Griffiths Fort stry Center
2411 Old U 70 West
Clayton, North Carolina 27520
June 29, 1995
I
i
Mr. Michael L. W s, District hanger
USDA Forest Servic
Wayah Ranger Dis et
8 Sloan Road
Franklin, North Car Tina 28734
Re: USFS EA for the Nantahala Bicycle Route
Dear Mr. Wilkins:
We have reviewed your above subject EA docu
comments:
eject oa Wayah Ranger District
dated June 22, 1995 and have the following
1. We have no objections to the need or concept of the proposed project.
2. It looks like yob have covered all issues, except for the possible increase of woodland fires
from an incm-a ed number of users as a result of the Bicycle Route on National Forest lands
in that area. a more recreational type of eople using the route could in turn cause more
wild fires to b ome established and escap g as a result of these activities. You might need
to address thiv i ssue. If not a problem, then indicate this.
3. We have no over problems with the docun ent,
Sincerely,
Don H. R¢bbins, taff Forester
pc: Warren Boyette - CO
Gerald McCao - D9
Melba McGee - Office of Legislative Affa4rs
File
F. I
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