SAC-2015-01106

The proposed work would consist of the placement of fill material in wetlands and tributaries to Little Creek for the expansion of an existing granite mining operation (DHEC Mining Permit # I-002106).  In detail, the work would consist of the excavation and fill of 5.075 acres of freshwater wetlands and 1,973 linear feet of tributaries to allow the expansion of an existing mining pit, construction of overburden storage area, expansion of the existing plant and processing area, and instillation of additional roads, parking and other mine amenities, on a 522 acre site.

            The applicant proposes to mitigate for impacts to wetlands and/or waters of the United States by implementing a Permitee-Responsible Mitigation (PRM) plan at an off-site location identified as the Little River Mitigation Site, within the same 8-digit HUC watershed as the proposed impacts.  The applicant proposes to utilize the headwater portion of the overall PRM site as compensatory mitigation for work done under a Nationwide Permit, which the Corps previously verified for Phase 1 of the Lexington Quarry project.  The proposed PRM plan includes the enhancement of approximately 62.8 acres of wetlands, 8,547 linear feet of stream enhancement, 2,564 linear feet of stream preservation, 264 linear feet of channel re-construction and 74.9 acres of upland buffer for the work proposed in this notice.

            As stated by the applicant, the project purpose is to expand the existing Lexington Quarry to provide more granite, sand, and sand/clay for use in various construction projects throughout the region.  The applicant is requesting a 10 year permit with a 10 year extension (20 year total) for these activities, due to the long-term masterplan strategy.