20021259 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20020730

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY?+v
00 3741,, REGION 4
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center JUL 3 ? 2002
61 Forsyth Street, S.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 - 8960
Colonel Charles R. Alexander AR 2 3 2002
District Engineer
ATTN: Ms. Jean B. Manuele
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
Wilmington District, Corps of Engineers
6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120
Raleigh, North Carolina 27615
SUBJ: Deep Creek Wetland Mitigation Bank, June 2002 MBI and Draft Plan
Action ID Number 200121095
Dear Colonel Alexander:
This is in response to the latest draft mitigation plan and mitigation banking instrument
(MBI) for the Deep Creek Wetland Mitigation Bank, submitted in June, 2002 by American
Wetlands and Soil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (S&EC). The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4, Wetlands Regulatory Section has reviewed the draft MBI
and plan. We previously reviewed the draft prospectus and provided comments in a letter dated
November 8, 2001. Almost all of our comments from the November 8, 2001 letter have been
adequately addressed, although we have a few additional comments which still need addressing.
We note that the mitigation plan has no details whatsoever concerning the proposed
creation of 12.1 acres of wetlands at the mitigation site. We assume that perhaps the
sponsor believes that the subsurface dam at the stream outlet will provide sufficient
hydrology to the creation site, but there is no statement to that effect. In fact, the
mitigation plan barely states the word "creation" outside of the credit-ratio table and a
few other spots. The mitigation plan should be revised to include a detailed discussion of
the creation area, the manner in which a wetland hydroperiod will be created, and all
other aspects of the plan for the creation area (vegetation, etc). Any portions of the
document which apply to both the restoration area and creation area should be revised to
clarify that the discussion applies to both the restoration and creation proposal.
2. The document states that the reference area is approximately 1.0 foot lower than the
restoration site, and that the reference site is probably naturally wetter than the restoration
site (see page 4, last paragraph). However, it appears from the site plans and topography
that the reference site is higher in elevation than the mitigation site, and in fact that water
will flow from the reference area into the restoration area, down to Deep Creek. It
appears that the entire creation area and a portion of the restoration areas are within the

2
100 contour, while some of the reference wells are above the 105 contour. The mitigation
plan should clarify this issue.
3. In Item 22 on Page 5, the word "or" between the lines "15% after fifth year" and "25%
after fifth year..." should be revised to "and."
We appreciate the opportunity to review this project. Please contact Kathy Matthews at
[phone] with any further information, comments, or questions.
Sincerely,
TRonald J. i lak, Chief
nds ?ulatory Section
g

cc: USFWS, Raleigh
NCWRC, Raleigh
DWQ/NCDENR, Raleigh,,,,-'
TO: Eric Alsmeyer, USACOE
Raleigh Regulatory Field Office
FILE COPY
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: July 29, 2002
SUBJECT: Public Notice, American Wetlands, Proposed Deep Creek Wetland
Mitigation Bank, Yadkin County
American Wetlands proposes to restore 5,540 linear feet of stream channel using
bioengineering methods on a 70.745 acre tract containing prior converted wetlands and
channelized streams to provide mitigation banking for North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT). It appears that 30.4 acres of hydric soils are present and that
12.1 acres of headwater forested wetlands will be created. Biologists of the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area.
These comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina
Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through 113A-10; NCAC 25).
The proposed mitigation bank is recommended to compensate for impacts within the
Geographic Service Area (GSA), including the Yadkin hydrologic unit # 03040101, Sub-
basin 02, Hydrologic Unit 22. Slopes in the area are gentle, which should facilitate
restoration activities. The Piedmont Land Conservancy is indicated to be the eventual
owner of the site. Habitat values should be improved through improved water quality
and by increased edge effects and habitat diversity.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission supports efforts to restore wetlands
and associated terrestrial habitats as these areas contribute direct and indirect benefits to
aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. We urge the incorporation of depressions and hummocks
for enhanced habitat diversity and aquatic edge values. We recommended that some of
these microtopographic areas be sufficiently sized to provide open water habitats for
waterfowl and over-wintering fish whenever possible. Once mature, hummocks should
provide nesting areas for songbirds and resting areas for deer and birds of prey.
Deep Creek Mitigation Bank,
Yadkin County 2 July 29, 2002
Only native North Carolina plant species should be planted. Invasive plants should be
avoided. Large woody plants should not be utilized in areas where bog turtle habitats
may be encouraged. If the site may be used for bog turtle reintroduction, some managed
cattle grazing could help maintain necessary habitats. If the area is not suitable for
potential bog turtle habitat, cattle should be excluded from the site.
We believe that this site will be a viable stream and wetland mitigation site. Proponents
should be encouraged to pursue necessary approvals and permits. As needed and
requested, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists can provide
additional information and comments concerning native plantings for the mitigation bank
project.
Thanlvyre p It y to review and comment on this project during the early
planningae . I ,r a any questions regarding these comments, please contact me
at 336/769-9453.
Cc: Marella Buncick, USFWS
Cynthia Van Der Wiele, DWQ
Becky Fox, EPA