HomeMy WebLinkAbout20161217 Ver 2_Restoration Plan_20180206Scarbraugh, Anthony
From: Johnston, Charlie <Charlie.Johnston@duke-energy.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2018 12:03 PM
To: Barnes, Kyle W CN USARMY CESAW (US)
Cc: Scarbraugh, Anthony
Subject: [External] RE: Windsor Solar
Attachments: Windsor PCN_rlcsj_complete.pdf, WindsorSolarTractB_Wetland Restoration
Plan reduced.pdf
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless verified. Send all suspicious email as an
attachment to Report Spam.<mailto:report.spam@nc.gov>
I had not submitted an electronic version but I've attached one here, including figures and credit availability letter. I've
also attached the restoration plan, which I had to compress due to large file size.
-----Original Message -----
From: Barnes, Kyle W CIV USARMY CESAW (US)[maiIto: Kyle.W.Barnes@usace.army.mill
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2018 11:08 AM
To: Johnston, Charlie
Cc: 'Scarbraugh, Anthony'
Subject: RE: Windsor Solar
*** Exercise caution. This is an EXTERNAL email. DO NOT open attachments or click links from unknown senders or
unexpected email. ***
Charlie,
Thanks I will add this to the file.
Did you submit an electronic version of the PCN and supporting documentation? I have the hard copy but it would be
helpful if there is an electronic copy. If you sent one please let me know who the sender was and I can search them in
my email.
Kyle Barnes
Regulatory Project Manager
US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
Washington Field Office
910-251-4584
We at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Branch are committed to improving service to our customers. We
would appreciate your feedback on how we are performing our duties. Our automated Customer Service Survey is
located at:
http://corpsmapu.usace.army.mil/cm_apex/flp=136:4:0 <http://corpsmapu.usace.army.mil/cm_apex/f?p=136:4:0>
Thank you for taking the time to visit this site and complete the survey.
-----Original Message -----
From: Johnston, Charlie [mailto:Charlie.Johnston@duke-energy.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2018 10:53 AM
To: Barnes, Kyle W CIV USARMY CESAW (US) <Kyle.W.Barnes@usace.army.mil>; Scarbraugh, Anthony
<anthony.scarbraugh@ncdenr.gov>
Cc: McNay, Tom <Tom.McNay@duke-energy.com>; Hayes, Tim <Tim.Hayes@duke-energy.com>; Hooper, Matt
<Matt.Hooper@duke-energy.com>; Snead, Paul B <Paul.Snead@duke-energy.com>
Subject: [Non-DoDSource] RE: Windsor Solar
Please find attached a revised p.8 of the Windsor PCN, reflecting corrections to the mitigation.
From: Johnston, Charlie
Sent: Monday, February 05, 2018 11:58 AM
To: Barnes, Kyle; Scarbraugh, Anthony
Cc: McNay, Tom; Hayes, Tim; Hooper, Matt; Snead, Paul B
Subject: FW: Windsor Solar
Gentlemen:
Please find attached confirmation of mitigation credit availability for the Windsor project. As requested, this has been
revised to reflect the non -riparian nature of these proposed wetland impacts.
As always, please call or email me at any time.
Thanks,
Charlie
Charles Johnston, PWS, PMP
Senior Environmental Specialist I Siting & Licensing Support I Duke Energy
Office: 919-546-7323 1 Cell: 919-619-4732
Charles.Johnston@duke-energy.com <mailto:Charles.Johnston@duke-energy.com> I Blockedwww.duke-energy.com
< BlockedhttP://www.duke-energy.com/>
Windsor Solar Tract B
Wetland Restoration Plan
Bertie County, North Carolina
December 2017
Duke Energy Renewables
Site Description
The Windsor wetland restoration project is located in Bertie County, NC within the Roanoke
River Basin (USGS HUC 03010107). The project consists of 2 restoration sites (Restoration
Areas WA and WC) which are located within the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain USEPA level III
ecoregion and more specifically within the Mid -Atlantic Floodplains and Low Terraces USEPA
level IV ecoregion. These areas are characterized by large, sluggish rivers, deep -water swamps,
oxbow lakes, and alluvial deposits with abrupt textural changes.
Restoration Area WA is located in the northeast section of the project area ranging from 23 to 26
feet above mean sea level (see Figure 1: Existing Conditions). Its proposed size after completion
will be approximately 0.34 acre. Restoration Area WC is located in the southeast section of the
project area ranging from 5 to 14 feet above mean sea level (see Figure 1: Existing Conditions).
Its proposed size after completion will be approximately 0.1 acre. The project area is located on
the Windsor South US Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute series topographic quadrangle.
The USGS map indicates that the project area including both restoration sites drains into the
Cashie River floodplain just south of the project area. Cashie River's best usage classification is
C; Sw and its Stream Index number is 24-2-(1).
Site Soils
Two soils were mapped by the USDA-NRCS within the restoration areas: Leaf loam
(Restoration Area WA) and Craven fine sandy loam (Restoration Area WC) (see Figure 2:
NRCS Soil Survey). Both soils have loamy surface layers (A and E horizons) and subsoil layers
(Bt or Btg horizons) that are clay or silty clay in texture (Figure 3 NRCS Map). The soils differ
primarily in the color of their subsoil layers. Subsoil colors in the Leaf soil are gray to grayish
brown with Munsell chromas of 2 or less within 20 inches of the surface. Subsoils in the Craven
soil are brownish yellow with Munsell chromas of 4 to 6 within 20 inches of the soil surface.
In addition to the Craven and Leaf soils, the soil investigation performed by Carolina
Ecosystems, Inc. in April 2017, found one other soil (Wehadkee sandy loam) that occurs in
Restoration Area WC. The Wehadkee sandy loam has loamy surface layers with subsoil layers
ranging from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil matrix colors in all layers are gray to dark
gray with Munsell values of 4 or more and chromas of two or less.
Site Vegetation
Currently the Restoration Area WA has an approximately 0.26 acre wetland area that is
classified as Non -tidal Freshwater Marsh according to the NC Wetland Assessment Method
(NCWAM). Dominant wetland vegetation in this area include soft rush (Juncus effusus), shallow
sedge (Carex lurida), witch grass (Dichanthelium sp.), and spikerush (Eleocharis sp.). The entire
area of Restoration Area WC has been completely filled and no longer exists as a wetland. It is
currently vegetated with upland grasses and herbs. Restoring both restoration sites to forested
wetlands, described in the Reference Sites section below, is proposed.
Reference Sites
Based on historical aerials, the wetland restoration sites were forested before 2012. To determine
the likely forest community prior to conversion at the restoration sites, CEI staff investigated two
forested sites (reference sites) near the corresponding restoration sites on November 22, 2017.
Both reference sites make excellent reference sites to their corresponding restoration sites based
upon their near vicinity with the restoration sites (see Figure 1: Existing Conditions).
Reference Area WA is adjacent to and just north of Restoration Area WA (see Figure 1: Existing
Conditions). Based on the field investigation and NCWAM procedures, Reference Area WA is
classified as Hardwood Flat. Based upon the species assemblage documented at the reference
site, Reference Area WA best resembles the Nonriverine Wet Hardwoods Forest (Oak Flat
Subtype) community as described in the Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina,
4`h Approximation (Schafale, 2012). Dominant canopy species observed for the reference site
include red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciva), Shumard oak (Quercus
shumardii), white oak (Quercus alba), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Dominant understory and
herbaceous species observed at Reference Area WA include sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana),
American holly (Ilex opaca), inkberry (Ilex glabra), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium
corymbosum), blue huckleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa), wax myrtle (Morelia cerifera), sweet
pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), soft rush (Juncus effusus), slender woodoats (Chosmanthium
laxum), woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus), and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).
Reference Area WC is adjacent to and just south of Restoration Area WC and extends into the
floodplain of the Cashie River (see Figure 1: Existing Conditions). Based on the field
investigation and NCWAM procedures, Reference Area WC is classified as Riverine Swamp
Forest. Based upon the species assemblage documented at the reference site, Reference Area WC
best resembles the Cypress -Gum Swamp (Blackwater Subtyhpe) community as described in the
Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina, 4` Approximation (Schafale, 2012).
Dominant canopy species observed for this reference site include bald cypress (Taxodium
distichum), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciva), swamp tupelo
(Nyssa biJlora), and pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens). Dominant understory and herbaceous
species observed at Reference Area WC include sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana), American
holly (Ilex opaca), inkberry (Ilex glabra), highbush blueberry, (Vaccinium corymbosum), swamp
doghobble (Eubotrys racemosus), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), possumhaw (Viburnum
nudum), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea), soft rush (Juncus
effusus), woolgrass (Seirpus cyperinus), and sedge (Carex sp.).
Restoration Plan
Solar panel structures will be removed in Restoration Area WA. Clearing, grading, soil
preparation, seeding, and matting for both restoration sites will be performed according to the
Erosion Control Plan prepared by Albemarle & Associates, Ltd (see attached plans). Selected
tree and shrub species (bare root) including Shumard oak, American holly, highbush blueberry,
inkberry, and sweet pepperbush will be planted for Restoration Area WA (see Figure 3: Planting
Plan for Restoration Area WA). Selected tree species for Restoration Area WC include bald
cypress and red maple along with the same shrub species selected for Restoration Area WA (see
Figure 4: Planting Plan for Restoration Area WC).
Tree and shrub planting will be performed at approximately 10' x 10' spacing. One row of
shrubs spaced at 5' along the wetland boundary will also be planted to create a dense boundary
so as to reduce potential disturbance of the wetland areas. Tree and shrub planting will be
approximately 597 stems per acre for Restoration Area WA and 829 stems per acre for
Restoration Area WC during the dormant season (December through February). If planting
occurs during the growing season, then a minimum pint size container plant shall be used instead
of bare root. Successional species such as red maple, tulip poplar, and sweetgum will be allowed
to volunteer.
Monitoring Plan
Two 30' x 30' plots for the restored WA area and one 30' x 30' for the restored WC area will be
established for monitoring and determination of project success. Monitoring will be done
immediately after planting completion (baseline) and annually for 3 years. Planting completion is
anticipated to occur between December 2017 and February 2018. The subsequent annual
monitoring events will occur in September 2018, 2019 and 2020. If planting completion is
finalized by May 1, 2018, then initial monitoring will take place in May 2018 and the first annual
monitoring will still commence in September 2018. The final vegetative success criteria will be
survival of at least 260 trees/shrubs per acre after Year 3. Native volunteer trees and shrubs
including successional species such as red maple, sweetgum, and tulip poplar will also be
counted and included in the success criteria of 260 trees/shrubs per acre. In addition to the
monitoring plots, at least 2 permanent photo points in each restoration area will be established. A
photo will be collected at each photo station during the baseline and 3 annual monitoring events.
The entire restoration areas will be traversed and any issues or threats to the success of the
restoration will be photographed. A monitoring report documenting the findings of each of the 4
monitoring events will be prepared and supplied to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
and the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR).
Corrective Actions
If corrective actions are deemed necessary through the monitoring process, a corrective action
plan will be prepared and provided to the USACE and NCDWR. Following approval of the
corrective action plan, all actions described in the plan will be implemented.
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Existing fence will be removed during restoration
activities and replaced upon completion. \
See Albemarle plans for grading/construction plan.
See Albemarle plans for sediment and erosion control plan.
See Albemarle plans for temporary seeding/stabilization plan.
Table 1. Vegetation to be planted in restoration area
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Scientific Name
Common Name
Vegetation Type
Number of Trees
Spacing
Container Size
uercus shumardii
Shumard Oak
Tree
32
10' x 10'
Bare Root
Ilex o aca
American Hofly
Tree
32
10' x 10'
Bare Root
Ilex glabra
Inkberry
Shrub
47
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Vaccinium corymbosum
Highbush Blueberry
Shrub
47
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Clethra alni olia
Sweet Pe erbush
Shrub
47
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Following panel removal and prior to planting the restoration area will be mowed (bush hogged).
Shrubs to be randomly planted at locations depicted on plan.
Trees to be randomly planted at locations depicted on plan.
Plantings (bare root) will be performed at 10' x 10' spacing during dormant season (December - February).
*Outermost row of shrubs will be planted at 5' spacing to protect against future disturbance.
Monitoring plots and success criteria will be evaluated in wetland areas only.
Two 30' x30' plots within restored wetlands will be established for monitoring and determination of project success.
N � Project Area + Shrub Location
CAROLINA Feet
ECOSYSTEMS 0 10 20 Restoration Site ® Tree Location
Fence Line
.G
Map Date: December 2017
Revised:
Revised:
Revised:
Windsor Solar Tract B Wetland Restoration
Bertie County, NC
Figure 3: Planting Plan for
Restoration Area WA
See Albemarle plans for grading/construction plan.
See Albemarle plans for sediment and erosion control plan.
See Albemarle plans for temporary seeding/stabilization plan.
Table 1. Veeetation to be planted in restoration area
Scientific Name
Common Name
Vegetation Type
Number of Trees
Spacing
Container Size
Taxodium distichum
Bald Cypress
Tree
14
10' x 10'
Bare Root
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
Tree
14
10' x 10'
Bare Root
Ilex glabra
Inkberry
Shrub
18
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Vaccinium cor mbosum
Hi bush Blueberry
Shrub
18
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Clethra alni olia
Sweet Pepperbush
Shrub
18
10' x 10'*
Bare Root
Bcavated soils will be deposited in on -site stockpiles. Silt fencing will be installed as needed for protection.
Newly created side slopes will be seeded and matted to ensure stability and erosion control.
Shrubs to be randomly planted at locations depicted on plan.
Trees to be randomly planted at locations depicted on plan.
Plantings (bare root) will be performed at 10' x 10' spacing during dormant season (December - February).
*Outermost row of shrubs will be planted at 5' spacing to protect against future disturbance.
Monitoring plots and success criteria will be evaluated in wetland areas only.
One 39 x30' plot within restored wetlands will be established for monitoring and determination of project success.
N
CAROLINA EEEENK=== Feet � Project Area
ECOSYSTEMS 0 7.5 15 Restoration Site
4"
FkisfiA']ileltaitaVitd -
.�L"
Map Date: December 2017 Windsor Solar Tract B Wetland Restoration
Shrub Location Revised: Bertie County, NC
® Tree Location Revised: Figure 4: Planting Plan for
Revised: Restoration Area WC