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� N,, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
4 __,. _ 2 FORT WORTH DISTRICT,CORPS OF ENGINEERS
ca 11111:E m P.O.BOX 17300
FORT WORTH,TEXAS 76102-0300
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November 3, 2017
Regulatory Division
SUBJECT: Project Number SWF-2013-00090, Proposed Residential Development— Use of
Nationwide Permit 13 for Bank Stabilization
Mr. Terry Holmes
Blackberry Farm, Ltd.
225 E. State Highway 121
Coppell, Texas 75019
Dear Mr. Holmes:
This letter is in regard to a site visit performed on October 17, 2017, concerning a proposal
by The Holmes Builders to develop approximately a 55-acre tract for a residential development
located in the city of Coppell, Dallas County, Texas. This project has been assigned Project
Number SWF-2013-00090. Please include this number in all future correspondence concerning
this project.
Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
regulates the discharge of dredged and fill material into waters of the United States, including
wetlands. USACE responsibility under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 is to
regulate any work in, or affecting, navigable waters of the United States. Based on the findings
of the site visit, and other information available to us, we have determined this project will
involve activities subject to the requirements of Section 404.
As a component of this project, you proposed to conduct bank stabilization work on
approximately 2,200 linear feet of Denton Creek, a tributary of the Elm Fork Trinity River.
Denton Creek, at the proposed project site, was determined to be a sinuous perennial stream
with an intact vegetated riparian corridor dominated by mature native trees 30 to 50 years old,
mid-story trees, shrubs, lianas, and a diverse herbaceous layer along its entire length. Field
observations and review of historic data indicate this stream reach is in a state of dynamic
equilibrium and therefore stable.
As such, this project would not qualify for authorization under Nationwide Permit 13 for Bank
Stabilization because the activity is not necessary. Please be aware that any future proposal for
this activity under a standard individual permit would encounter substantial challenges in
meeting the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative (LEDPA) because, based on
current information, the no-action alternative appears to be the LEDPA. The optimum way to
achieve long term continued stability in this reach of Denton Creek, would be to preserve the
existing 30 to 50 foot riparian corridor. Removal of this vegetated corridor would likely
precipitate channel destabilization.
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Thank you for your interest in our nation's water resources. If you have any questions
concerning our regulatory program, please refer to our website at
http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory or contact Mr. Joseph L. Shelnutt at the
address above or telephone (817) 886-1738.
Sincerely,
"Stephen L. Brooks
Chief, Regulatory Division
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Copy Furnished:
Mr. David L. Stelly
Stelly Environmental Services
309 North Adelaide Street, Suite A
Terrell, Texas 75160
7 Mr. Ken Griffin
City of Coppell
255 E. Parkway Blvd.
P.O. Box 9478
Coppell, Texas 75019