20140044 Ver 1_Year 1 Monitoring Report_20160224

Monitoring Report
Hofler Property
Monitoring Year 1
DMS Project ID #: 95355
DMS Contract #: 004628
USACE AID# SAW -2012-01393
Gates County, North Carolina
Submitted November, 2015
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Mitigation Services
1652 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
Submitted by:
ALBEMARLE RESTORATIONS, LLC
P.O. Box 176
Fairfield, NC 27826
[phone]

Table of Contents
1.0: Project Summary.............................................................................................
1.1: Project Goals...................................................................................................
1.2: Project Success Criteria..................................................................................
1.3: Project Setting.................................................................................................
1.4: Mitigation Components..................................................................................
1.5: Project Timeline..............................................................................................
1.6: Design Approach............................................................................................
1.7: Project Performance........................................................................................
VicinityMap..........................................................................................................
1.8: Methods and References.................................................................................
Appendix A: Background Tables(1-4)..................................................................
Appendix B: CCPV, Vegetation Condition Assessment Table and Site Photos ...
Appendix C: Vegetation Plot Data........................................................................
Appendix E: Hydrologic Data...............................................................................
Appendix F: COE Permitting Determination........................................................
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
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1.0: PROJECT SUMMARY
1.1: Project Goals
The project goals of the Hofler property per the approved mitigation plan are as follows:
• Reduce sediment and nutrient loading from agricultural runoff
• Improve downstream anadromous fish habitat and onsite wildlife habitat
• Restore groundwater and surface water hydrology in heavily ditched areas
• Restore natural drainage patterns where appropriate
1.2: Project Success Criteria
Wetland hydrology data must consistently document the appropriate hydroperiod has been
restored for all areas proposed for wetland mitigation. The targeted hydroperiod for the
Hofler Property is 6% or greater. Planted vegetation will be considered successful if at
least 320 three year-old planted stems/acre are present after year three. At year five, density
must be no less than 260 five year-old planted stems/acre. At year 7, density must be no
less than 210 seven year-old planted stems/acre. Additionally, planted vegetation must
average 10 feet in height in each plot at year 7. Per the recommendations of the NCIRT,
the following understory species were incorporated in the planting schedule on the
condition they be exempted from the minimum 10 -foot height criterion and exempted from
the calculation of average height as a measure of that success criterion: Button bush (C.
occidentalis), Sweet bay (M. virginiana), Wax myrtle (M. cerifera), and Laurel oak (Q.
laurifolia). These species will be included in the calculations for the survival criterion. All
vegetative monitoring will follow CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation -Version
4.0.
Additionally, the project will strive to establish a variety of hydrologic regimes ranging
from shallow inundated areas to intermittently saturated conditions, restoring diffuse flow
patterns through what will ultimately be a forested wetland. The successful establishment
of these conditions, mimicking nearby reference wetlands will help determine the overall
success of the project.
1.3: Project Setting
The Hofler property consists of +/- 345 acres, of which 27 acres have been designated for
this project. The site consisted of a rectangular tract of land primarily being used for cotton
and small grain production. The prior converted wetlands on the site had been extensively
ditched and drained, lowering the local water table and diminishing aquatic habitat and
water quality. The site drained from south to north to an unnamed tributary of Lassiter
Swamp and Bennets Creek upstream of Merchants Mill Pond. The project site along with
the surrounding areas has undergone expansive hydrologic alterations and excessive
sediment and nutrient inputs from agricultural production resulting in overall water quality
Page: 1
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

degradation. The vicinity map is included with the CCPV in Appendix B. Table 4 in
Appendix A contains additional information regarding the project's location and attributes.
1.4: Mitigation Components
The mitigation components are 23 acres of non -riparian wetland restoration with a credit
ratio of 1:1 (Restoration: WMU), please refer to Table 1 for more information.
1.5: Project Timeline
Construction commenced on August 12th, 2014 with the installation of recommended
erosion control practices and was completed on Oct. 14th, 2014. Planting was officially
concluded on May 6th, 2015 (Table 2). Refer to Table 2 in Appendix A for the Project
History and Reporting Timeline.
1.6: Design Approach
A natural design approach focused on mimicking nearby wetlands, including non -riparian
hardwood flats and swamp forests both in hydrologic regime and vegetative diversity.
Grading was specifically formulated to provide storage for overland flow while creating
densely vegetated plots interspersed with shallow diffuse flows. All of these features
contribute to nutrient and sediment attenuation, improving downstream habitat and
promoting diversity of ecological communities. The reference area for this project is a
nearby mature pine/hardwood flat with the same soils and topography and similar
hydrologic function.
1.7: Project Performance
Rainfall for the period of April through November, 2015 totaled 32.03 inches which was
slightly above the median of 30.52 inches for the 30 — 70 percent range during the same
period. Hydrology within the project area was successful with an average across all nine
monitoring gauges of 15.1% of the growing season. In order to meet the ten -foot height
requirement, some older, taller trees were planted but many of them suffered top dieback
or mortality possibly due to the fact that they were potted and not open grown, bare root
stock. Wet site conditions may have put too much stress on these larger, root -bound trees.
Future monitoring will determine the extent of the damage, but gains in height to meet the
requirement were lost regardless of it. With the exception of plot 11, all the plots met or
exceeded the success criterion for stems per acre. The site is covered with very heavy
herbaceous vegetation and some stems that were not found during monitoring this year
may well resprout and show up in subsequent years so stocking on that particular plot is
not cause for concern just yet and is not noted on the CCPV.
Page: 2
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

4
m —
YA T -
Merchants
Mikpond 0Stare Park
Hofler Project Site
ti

1.8: Methods and References
Monitoring methodology did not differ from the approved Mitigation Plan. Vegetation
assessment was done according to the level 2 protocol specified by the Carolina Vegetation
Survey. Hydrology monitoring wells were installed per ERDC TN -WRAP -00-02
"Installing Monitoring Wells/Piezometers in Wetlands" dated 2000. Groundwater levels
were recorded using the U20-001-01 water level data loggers manufactured by Onset
Computer. The loggers were installed in the wells per the manufacturer's instructions.
Page: 4
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Appendix A: Background Tables
Table 1. Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Table 3. Project Contacts
Table 4. Project Information and Attributes
Page: 5
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 1. Project Components and Mitigation Credits
Hofler Project #95355, Contract #004628
Mitigation Credit Summations
Stream
Riparian
Wetland
Non -riparian
Wetland
Buffer
Nitrogen
Nutrient Offset
Phosphorous Nutrient
Offset
Overall Credit
23
Project Components
Project
Component -
or- Reach
Stationing
Existing
Footage or
Acreage
Restoration
Footage or
Acreage
Restoration
Level
Restoration or
Rest. Equiv.
Mitigation
Ratio
Mitigation
Credits
Notes
Wetland 1
23
23
Restoration 1
1:1
23
Length and Area Summations
Restoration
Level
Stream
(Linear Feet)
Riparian Wetland (acres)
Non -riparian
Wetland (acres)
Buffer
(square feet)
Upland (acres)
Riverine
Non-
Riverine
Restoration
23
Enhancement
Enhancement I
Enhancement II
Creation
Preservation
High Quality
Preservation
BMP Elements
Element
Location
Purpose/Function
Notes
Page: 6
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
Hofler Property Wetland Mitigation Project #95355
Hofler Property Wetland Mitigation Project #95355
Activity, Deliverable or Milestone
Data
Collection
Complete
Actual Completion
or Deliver
Project Institution
N/A
May -12
Mitigation Plan
May 2014
July 2014
Permits Issued
May 2014
July 2014
Final Design Construction Plans
May 2014
July 2014
Construction
N/A
October 2014
Temporary S & E mix applied to entire project area
N/A
N/A
Permanent seed mix applied to entire project area
N/A
October 2014
Containerized and BR Planting over entire project area
N/A
May 2015
Baseline Monitoring Document (Year 0 Monitoring -baseline)
May 2015
Sept. 2015
Year 1 monitoring
November 2015
November 2015
Year 2 monitoring
Monitoring Performers
Woods, Water and Wildlife, Inc.
Year 3 monitoring
Ashby Brown [phone]
Year 4 monitoring
Fairfield, NC 27826
Year 5 monitoring
Table 3. Project Contacts
Hofler Property Wetland Mitigation Project #95355
Designer
Ecotone, Inc.
Primary Project design POC
Scott McGill [phone]
2120 High Point Rd, Forest Hill, MD 21050
Construction Contractor
Jennings Land Development
Construction contractor POC
Rodney Jennings [phone]
156 Trotman Rd.
Camden, NC 2791
Planting Contractor
Carolina Silvics, Inc.
Planting contractor POC
Mary -Margaret McKinney (252-482-8491)
908 Indian Trail Road
Edenton, NC 27932
Seeding Contractor
Woods, Water and Wildlife, Inc.
Seed planting contractor POC
Ed Temple [phone]
P. O. Box 176,
Fairfield, NC 27826
Seed mix sources
Earnst Conservation Seeds, LLP, Meadville, PA
Nursery stock suppliers
Carolina Silvics (from various sources)
Monitoring Performers
Woods, Water and Wildlife, Inc.
Wetland and Vegetation POC
Ashby Brown [phone]
P. O. Box 176,
Fairfield, NC 27826
Page: 7
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 4. Project Information and Attributes
Project name
HOFLER PROPERTY
County
GATES
Project Area (ac)
27.0 AC
Project Coordinates (Lat and Long)
+36' 25'48.44", -76' 39' 10.91"
4.1 Project Watershed Summary Information
Physiographic province
INNER COASTAL PLAIN
River basin
CHOWAN RIVER BASIN
USGS Hydrologic Unit 8-
digit
03010203
USGS Hydrologic Unit 14 -digit
03010203040040
DWQ Sub -basin
BENNETTS CREEK LOCAL WATERSHED
Project Drainage Area (acres)
103.8
Project Drainage Area Percentage of Impervious Area
5%
CGIA Land Use Classification
2.01.01.07 Annual Row Crop Rotation
4.2 Wetland Summary Information
Parameters
Wetland I Wetland 2
Wetland 3
Size of Wetland (acres)
23.0
Wetland Type (non -riparian, riparian riverine or riparian
non-riverine)
Non -riparian
Mapped Soil Series
BnA & PnA
Drainage Class
Poorly drained &
very poorly drained
Soil Hydric Status
Hydric
Source of Hydrology
Surface and Ground
Hydrologic Impairment
44.8' to 155.2'
Native Vegetation Community
Percent Composition of Exotic Invasive Vegetation
N/A
4.3 Regulatory Considerations
Regulation
Applicable? Resolved?
Supporting
Documents
Waters of the United States — Section 404
N N/A
Appendix F
Waters of the United States — Section 401
N N/A
Appendix F
Endangered Species Act
N Y
Historic Preservation Act
N Y
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA)/ Coastal Area
Management Act (LAMA)
N Y
FEMA Floodplain Compliance
N Y
Essential Fisheries Habitat
N Y
Page: 8
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Appendix B:
Current Condition Plan View
Table 5. Vegetation Condition Assessment Table
Site Photos
Page: 9
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

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Hoi7er Restoration Pro ect
LEGEND:
YEAR 1 CONDITION: YJetland ,,,:
Current Condition Plan View
Easement Bound. — Ditches
Vegetation Plats • Hydrology Met
'0 Weyand Gauges P'owerline
E criteria Met f Hydrology thrmet
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Ptojeck # 95355
Jan. 8, 20P6
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Page: 10
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 5 Vegetation Condition Assessment
Planted Acreage' 23
Easement Acreage 27
Number
% of
Mapping
CCPV
of
Combined
Planted
Vegetation Category
Definitions
Threshold
Depiction
Polygons
Acreage
Acreage
1. Bare Areas
Very limited cover of both woody and herbaceous material.
0.1 acres
None
0
0.00
0.0%
2. Low Stem Density Areas
Woody stem densities clearly below target levels based on MY3, 4, or 5
0.1 acres
None
0
0.00
0.0%
stem count criteria.
Total
0
0.00
0.0%
3. Areas of Poor Growth Rates
Areas with woody stems of a size class that are obviously small given the
0.25
None
0
0.00
0.0%
or Vigor
monitoring year.
acres
Cumulative Total
0
0.00
0.0%
Easement Acreage 27
No areas of concern are noted with the exception of plot 11 which had only five planted stems after the end of the first growing season (202 stems per
acre). Due to excessively thick herbaceous vegetation, the stems may be found during the next survey in 2016 so plot I 1 is not yet considered a
problem area.
Page: 11
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
Number
% of
Mapping
CCPV
of
Combined
Easement
Vegetation Category
Definitions
Threshold
Depiction
Polygons
Acreage
Acreage
4. Invasive Areas of Concern
Areas or points (if too small to render as polygons at map scale).
1000 SF
None
0
0.00
0.0%
5. Easement Encroachment
Areas3
Areas or points if too small to render as polygons at ma scale
p ( p yg p )
none
None
0
0.00
0.0%
No areas of concern are noted with the exception of plot 11 which had only five planted stems after the end of the first growing season (202 stems per
acre). Due to excessively thick herbaceous vegetation, the stems may be found during the next survey in 2016 so plot I 1 is not yet considered a
problem area.
Page: 11
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Photo 1: Vegetation in July, typical of entire site. A planted cypress on right.
Photo 2: A row of oaks, heavy herbaceous vegetation.
Page: 12
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Photo 3: Looking across the site to the south.
Photo 4: Some tall water oaks that eventually suffered top dieback.
Page: 13
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Appendix C
Vegetation Plot Data
Page: 14
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 6.
Proiect Code 95355. Proiect Name: Holler I Current Plot Data (MY1 2015)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Species Type
95355 -ab -0001
95355 -ab -0002
95355 -ab -0003
95355 -ab -0004
95355 -ab -0005
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
P-
PnoLS all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P -
all
T
Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry
Tree
Ce halanthus occidentalis
common buttonbush
Shrub
4
4
4
Magnolia virginiana
sweetbay
Tree
1 1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
Myrica
sweet ale
shrub
1
1
1
3
3
3
Quercus bicolor
swamp white oak
Tree
2
2
2
3
3
3
Quercus laurifolia
laurel oak
Tree
1 1
1
1
1
1
Quercus michauxii
swamp chestnut oak
Tree
4
4
4
4
4
4
4 4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Quercus nigra
water oak
Tree
2
2
2
1
1
1
2 2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Quercus phellos
willow oak
Tree
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
1
Taxodium distichum
bald c ress
Tree
1
1
1
1 I
I
I
1
1
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
12
1 12
1 12
12
12
12
9 9
9
15
1 15
15
12
12
12
1
1
1
1
1
0.02
0.02
0.02
1 0.02
0.02
5 5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
486
486
4g5a 1,
486
485.62
364.22
364
364.22
60i.C?3
607
607.03
.
486
485.62
Page: 15
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 6, continued.
Proiect Code 95355. Proiect Name: Holler I Current Plot Data (MYl 2015)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Species Type
95355 -ab -0006
95355 -ab -0007
95355 -ab -0008
95355 -ab -0009
95355 -ab -0010
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P -
all
T
Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry
Tree
Ce halanthus occidentalis
common buttonbush
Shrub
2
2
2
Magnolia virginiana
sweetbay
Tree
1
1
1
Myrica
sweet ale
shrub
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
2
2
2
Quercus bicolor
swamp white oak
Tree
4
4
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Quercus laurifolia
laurel oak
Tree
I
1
1
Quercus michauxii
swamp chestnut oak
Tree
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
Quercus nigra
water oak
Tree
1
1
1
2
2
2
Quercus phellos
willow oak
Tree
4
4
4
5
5
5
4
4
4
2
2
2
Taxodium distichum
bald cypress
Tree
3
3
3
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
14
14
14
11
11
1 I
14
14
14
13
13
13
9
9
9
1
1
1
1
1
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
6
6
6
5
5
5
7
7
7
1 5
5
5
5
5
5
566.56
567
566.56
445.15
445
445.15
566.56
567
566.56
526.09
526
526.09
364.22
364
364.22
Page: 16
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 6, continued.
Proiect Code 95355. Proiect Name: Holler I Current Plot Data (WI 2015)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Species Type
95355 -ab -0011
95355 -ab -0012
95355 -ab -0013
95355 -ab -0014
95355 -ab -0015
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P -
all
T
Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry
Tree
Ce halanthus occidentalis
common buttonbush
Shrub
2
2
2
Magnolia virginiana
sweetbay
Tree
Myrica
sweet ale
shrub
1
1
1
Quercus bicolor
swamp white oak
Tree
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
Quercus laurifolia
laurel oak
Tree
I
1
1
Quercus michauxii
swamp chestnut oak
Tree
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
Quercus nigra
water oak
Tree
1
1
1
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Quercus phellos
willow oak
Tree
1
1
1
1
1
1
Taxodium distichum
bald cypress
Tree1
1
1
3
3
3
2
2
2
3
3
3
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
5
5
5
9
9
9
8
8
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
1
1
1
1
1
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
3 3
1 3
5 1 5
1 5
4 4
4
5
5
5
5 5
5
202
1 202.34
M 364
1 364.22
323.75 1 324
323.75
-3'0.,2 ,
364
364.22
405
404.69
Page: 17
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Table 6, continued.
Project Code 95355. Project Name: Hoffer Current Plot Data (WI 2015)
Annual Means
Scientific Name
Common Name
Species Type
95355 -ab -0016
95355 -ab -0017
95355 -ab -0018
MYl (2015)
MYO(2015)
Pn.LS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P-
all
T
PnoLS
P -
all
T
Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry
Tree
I
I
I
1
1
1
Ce halanthus occidentalis
common buttonbush
Shrub
1
1
1
9
9
9
8
8
8
Magnolia virginiana
sweetbay
Tree
1
1
1
8
8
8
9
9
9
Myrica
sweet ale
shrub
1
1
1
15
15
15
15
15
15
Quercus bicolor
swamp white oak
Tree
2
2
2
1
1
1
3
3
3
25
25
25
36
36
36
Quercus laurifolia
laurel oak
Tree
1
1
1
5
5
5
7
7
7
Quercus michauxii
swamp chestnut oak
Tree
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
49
49
49
55
55
55
Quercus nigra
water oak
Tree
1
1
1
1
1
1
23
23
23
34
34
34
Quercus phellos
willow oak
Tree
2
2
2
26
26
26
30
30
30
Taxodium distichum
bald c ress
Tree
1
1
1
2
2
2
4
4
4
31
31
31
35
35
35
Stem count
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
11
1 11
1 11
9
9
9
9
9
9
191
191
191
230
230
230
1
1
1
18
18
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.44
0.44
7
7
7
1 6
6
1 6
3
3
3
9
9
9
10
10
10
445.15
445
445.15
1 364.22
364
364.22
364.22
364
364.22
429.42
429
429.42
517.1
S I7
517. I
Page: 18
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Appendix E
Hydrologic Data
Precipitation Records
Hydrographs
Hydroperiods
Page: 19
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Page: 20
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #1 (9669819)
4
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lim
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01 V1 U1 Cn 01
U1 Cn 01 Cn 01
Cyl V1 01 U1
01 Cn 01 U1 O1
U1 U1
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 21
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
m
1.5 c
0.5
m

Hofler Monitoring Gauge #2 (9669784)
d
-2
Start
m m m W rn v v v
M \ N
of growing
CO CD CO c0
M \ (0 O O O O O
smw
W N -\P 0
O N W O J N — -
on
3/9
—
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N N
N O_ O_ N N N
O_ N N N
O O O O O
_. — _a (P U1 � �
_O
O_ O O O O_ O_
(P — — — (}�
O O O O
_. (n V1 _. _a _.
O O O O N N N N O N
(P � � _a � O O O O — O
End
of growng
01 01 01 V1
V1 01 U1 O1 — — — — 01 I
m CP m U1 U1
sea
on
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 22
22
c
ns
c.days
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
N
'r
I
-2
_P1 _P1 m m m m
\ N \ N
m m m W rn v v v
M \ N
v W W w W W
N \ \ N N
CO CD CO c0
M \ (0 O O O O O
N (00
C�1 N N W
W N -\P 0
O N W O J N — -
q0
C\1 N N C�1 N (2
N
N N CD W N W
—
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N N
N O_ O_ N N N
O_ N N N
O O O O O
_. — _a (P U1 � �
_O
O_ O O O O_ O_
(P — — — (}�
O O O O
_. (n V1 _. _a _.
O O O O N N N N O N
(P � � _a � O O O O — O
01 01 U1 V1 V1
V1 U1 V1 O1 01 Cn
01 01 01 V1
V1 01 U1 O1 — — — — 01 I
m CP m U1 U1
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 22
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
4
3.5
3
2.5 s
1.5
0.5
m

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #3 (1272305)
-2 vr�a
� � Cn Cn Cn Cn
CP m m rn m -1 v
v v m m 00 O
m (0 C0 c0 co
N N CO N
Oo C\1 N N W
W (A N N -P
O N W O v N
N Cb N
00 C\1 N N C\ N
N U7 N
CO N N CO W
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
O O O O O
_. _. _. Cn Cn — _.
_O
O O O O O
_. (n _a � � (}I —
O O O O
Cn � � Cn _. _.
O O O O O N N
_. (n _. — O O
Cn Cn Cn Cn Cn
Cn Cn Cn Cn Cn
Cn Cn 01 Cn
Cn Cn Cn (n Cn
Cn Cn
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 23
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
O O �
� z
zt
N
N N O
O_ O_
Cn
Cn 01
4
3.5
3
2.5 s
2
d
W
1.5
0.5
m

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #4 (1303319)
4
3.5
3
2.5 s
-2
vr�
Fm
-P, 4�.
4�.
Cn
Cn
Cn
Ul
Ul m
O
m
m
v
v v v W w
W
w
co
O O
O O
N
N
CO
N
W O
N
N
-P
N OJ
N
N
Ui
N
zt Oo
C\
fV
N
W
O N
W
O
v
N
C\ fV fV
C\
N
CO
N N
(O
W
N N
N
O_
O_
N
N
N O_
N
N
N
N N N O_ O_
N
N
N
O_ N
N N
N
O O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
_O
O O O
O
O
O
O
O O
O
N N
(n
O O
Cn V1
U1
Cn
Cn
U1
Cn
Cn
Cn
Cn Cn V1
UI
U1
Cn
Cn
Cn U1
Cn
Ut Ut
Date
Water Surface
Elevation
Required Elevation
-Onsite Rainfall
Page: 24
Series4
Series5
Series6
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Holler Property, Project ID# 95355
O O �
N
N N O
O_ O_
Cn
Cn Cn
m
1.5 c
0.5
m

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #5 (10610204)
-2 vr�
lim
-P, 4�. 4�. U1 Cn Cn Ul
U1 m O Orn m -1 v
v v m m 00 00
m t0 (0 c0 CO
N N CO N
zt 00 C\1 N N W
W d7 N N A
O N W O v N
N O0 N
00 C\1 N N C\ N
N Cn N
CO N N (O W
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
O O O O O
_O
O O O O O
O O O O
O O O O O N N
(n O O
01 V1 U1 Cn 01
U1 Cn 01 Cn V1
Cyl V1 01 U1
01 Cn 01 O1 O1
U1 U1
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 25
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
►,i
3.5
3
2.5 s
2
d
W
m
1.5 c
1
0.5
0

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #6 (2250033)
4
3.5
3
2.5 s
-2 vr�
lim
4�. 4�. Cn Cn Cn U>
U1 m O Orn m -1 v
v v m m 00 00
m t0 (0 c0 CO
N N CO N
Oo C\1 N N (\
W d7 N N A
O N W O v N
N O0 N
00 C\1 N N C\ N
N U1 N
C0 N N (O Q W
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N NCD N
N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
O O O O O
O O O O O
(n
O O O O
O O O O O N N
O O
01 01 U1 Cn 01
U1 Cn 01 01 01
Cn 01 01 01
01 Cn 01 O1 O1
U1 U1
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 26
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
m
1.5 c
0.5
m

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #7 (1126651)
-2 vr�
lim
-P, 4�. 4�. U1 Cn Cn Ul
U1 m O Orn m -1 v
v v m m 00 00
m t0 (0 c0 CO
N N CO N
zt 00 C\1 N N W
W d7 N N A
O N W O v N
N O0 N
00 C\1 N N C\ N
N Cn N
CO N N (O W
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
O O O O O
_O
O O O O O
O O O O
O O O O O N N
(n O O
01 V1 U1 Cn 01
U1 Cn 01 Cn V1
Cyl V1 01 U1
01 Cn 01 O1 O1
U1 U1
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 27
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
►,i
3.5
3
2.5 s
2
d
W
m
1.5 c
1
0.5
0

Hofler Monitoring Gauge #8 (1126652)
►,i
3.5
3
2.5 s
d
-2
4�. 4�. Cn Cn Cn Ul
U1 m O m m -1 v
v v m m 00 O
m t0 (0 c0 CO
N N CO N
00 C\ N N W
W d7 N N A
O N W O v N
N O0 N
00 C\ N N C\ N
N CnN
CO N N (O W
N N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
N N O_ O_ N N
N O_ N N N N
O O O O O
_O
O O O O O
(n
O O O O
O O O O O N N
O O
01 01 01 Cn 01
Cn U1 01 Cn 01
Cyl V1 01 U1
01 Cn 01 Cn O1
Ut Ut
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 28
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
m
1.5 c
1
0.5
0

1
Hofler Monitoring Gauge #9 (2238368)
n
3.5
3
-2 4
_VI
4� _VI
Cn Cn cn
N N
Cn
N
Cn
m m m
m - N
m
N
v -4 —4
-
—4 00 00
N
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- N
w Co W
N
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- N
C
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Cn N N
Cn N
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N N N O O N
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N
O
N
O
O N N
— O O
N
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O N N
O O
N O O
O — —
N N
O O
N0 N
O — O
N N N
O O O
Cn (
Cn Cn Cn Cn
Cn
—
Cn
Cn —
Cn Cn
Cn
Cil —Cn
Cn Cn
CP
Cn
— —
Cn Cn
— Cn
Cn Cn
Cn Cn Cn
Date
Water Surface Elevation
Required
Elevation
Onsite Rainfall
Page: 29
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
m
1.5 c
1
0.5
C
ca

Hofler Monitoring Reference Gauge (2238372)
1
d
-2
S
art of
growing
season
(3/9)
End Df grDwng
season
(n
1
m
3 1
ons
11
c. d
ys
�1
-4
v
v
W
W
co
W
(0
(0
(D
II
'
N
W
8
�
N
zt
W
�
N
N
C\
CO
N
N
-2
(n
(n
m
m
m
m
-4
�1
-4
v
v
W
W
co
W
(0
(0
(D
(.CO
N
N
W
8
�
N
zt
W
�
N
N
C\
CO
N
N
10
8
N
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_
W
O
v
N
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\
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N
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N
(2
N
6�
N
N
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\
N
N A
N
N
N
N
NC)
N
N
N
N
N
N
—
N
O_
O_
—
N
N
N
"P
N
O
O
_O
O
O
O
_O
O
O
O
_O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
N
N
N O
(n
(n
Cn
Cn
(n
(n
(n
(n
Cn
Cn
Cn
Cn
Cn
Cn
Cn
—
—
— Cn
Cn
(n
(n
Date
Page: 30 Water Surface Elevation Required Elevation Onsite Rainfall
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355
N
O
cn
►,i
3.5
3
2.5 s
1.5
0.5
C

Monitoring Gauge
Number
Max Consecutive Hydroperiod: Saturation within 12 Inches of Soil Surface: Percent of growing season and Dates
WETS Table: Murfreesboro, NC Growing Season 3/9 -11/6 (243 days)
2015
Dates
2016
Dates
2017
Dates
2018
Dates
2019
Dates
2020
Dates
2021
Dates
Mean
9669819(l)
14.0
4/11-5/14
14.0
9669784 (2)
9.1
4/15-5/6
9.1
1272305 (3)
12.8
6/25-7/25
12.8
1303319 (4)
12.8
6/25-7/25
12.8
10610204 (5)
24.7
6/4-8/2
24.7
2250033 (6)
14.0
6/25-7/28
14.0
1126651 (7)
23.5
6/2-7/28
23.5
1126652 (8)
14.0
6/25-7/28
14.0
2238368 (9)
11.5
4/15-5/12
11.5
2238372 (Ref)
1.2
6/4-6/6
1.2
Precip Total
30.02
Within 30%/70% Range?
Y
30/70 Range adjusted to match data collection period.
_ Meets or exceeds success criteria
N/A Not available - Gage pulled or yet to be installed by this phase
M Malfunction, Data Overwritten or Irretrievable
Page: 31
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hofler Property, Project ID# 95355

Appendix F
USACE Permit Needs Determination
Page: 32
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

SEP
ATFEPY N OF
G) LY TO
Regulatory Division
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
VOLMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
69 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 284031349
July 21, 2-014
Re: NCIRT Review and 11SACE Approval of the Hotter Property Wetland Mitigation Site Plan, SAW -
2012 -01393; NCEEP Project # 95355
Mr, Tim Baumgartner
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
1552 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
Beau Mr. Baumgartner:
The purpose of this letter is to provide the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program
(NCEEP) with all -comments generated by the North Carolina Interagency Review Team (NCIRT)
during the 30 -day comment period for the the Hofler Property Wetland Mitigation Site Plan, which was
reposted and closed on April 5, 2014. These comments are attached for your review.
This mitigation plan was originally posted in January, 2014. Comments posted identified
numerous concerns with the projects (see attached memo). Because of these comments, the plan was
revised in March 2014, and reposted on March 6, 2014 for a second review. The deadline for comments
was April 5, 2414. An initial review of the comments revealed that many of the comments from the first
round of comments had not been addressed in the March mitigation plan revision.
Prior to making a determination as to whether to approve this project, a third copy of the
mitigation plan, dated May 2014, was received on May 29, 2014. This plan has subsequently been
reviewed in light of the comments provided by NC'IRT members during the review. Most of the
comments have been addressed in the recent version of the plan, including concerns regarding well
placement, vegetation plots, appropriate hydroperiod, and the proposed species list for planting. Based
on these modifications, we have determined that major concerns identified with the Draft Mitigation
Plan have been addressed, and the mitigation plan is considered approved with this correspondence.
Nevertheless, we believe it is important to note that the location and method of construction at
the proposed site are not preferred, and effort should be made to avoid this type of project in the future.
As a general rale, we do not believe that building berms around a restored wetland is an appropriate way
to reestablish hydrology on a site. To begin with, this is not true restoration as you are establishing an
entirely new hydrology regime on the site. Water flaw into and out of the wetland is severely restricted
by the berms, and the outflow elevation for the entire site is controlled by "ditch plugs/check dams" (see
discussion on page 23 of the mitigation plan dated May 2014). In addition, there is the potential that
Page: 33
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

berms maw be breached in the future though natural or anthropogenic means, which could affect the
hydrology of the entire site. Lastly, constructing a wetland site in the middle of an agricultural field is
not ideal as it drastically limits the connection between the site and forested wetlands adjacent to or
downstream from the project. In this case, water flowing from the site must travel through more than ''/4
mile of ditch before it reaches the forested headwaters of Lassiter Swamp, limiting the benefit of the
project and the ability of the site to fully achieve the stated goals of the mitigation plan.
The Final Mitigation Plan is to be submitted with the Preconstruction Notification (PCN)
Application for Nationwide permit approval of the project along with a copy of this letter. All changes
made to the Final Mitigation Plan should be summarized in an errata sheet included at the beginning of
the document. As it was determined that the project does not contain jurisdictional waters of the U.S.,
construction for the project does not require a Department of the Army permit; however, you must still
provide a copy of the Final Mitigation Plan, along with a copy of this letter, to the appropriate USACE
held office at least 30 days in advance of beginning construction of the project. Please note that this
approval does not preclude the inclusion of permit conditions in the permit authorization for the project.
Additionally, this letter provides initial approval for the Mitigation Plan, but this does not guarantee that
the project will generate the requested amount of mitigation credit. As you are aware, unforeseen issues
may arise during construction or monitoring of the project that may require maintenance or
reconstruction that may lead to reduced credit.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and if you have any questions regarding this
letter, the mitigation plan review process, or the requirements of the Mitigation Rule, please call me at
919-846-2564.
Sincerely,
TUGW ELL.TO DDJA5ON.1048429293
2014.07.21 14:23:23-04'00'
Todd Tugwell
Special Projects Manager
Enclosures
Electronic Copies Furnished:
NCIRT Distribution List
NCEEP/Heather Smith
NCEEP"/Lin Xu
Page: 34
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Ed Temnle
From: Smith, Heather [heather.c.sm th [e-mail])
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2414 3:24 PM
To: edtemple@vvl.c©m
Subject: FW: NCEEP Craft Mitigation Plan ,approval Letter with Comment Memo 1 Hofler Property
Wetland Mitigation Project I Gates County I SAW -201201393 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Categories: Red Category
Ed,
Here is the clarification email.
Sincerely,
Heather Smith
Eastern Project Manager
Ecosystem Enhancement Program
919-707-8496
heather,c,smithPncdenr.eov
Physical Address:
217 West Jones St., 3rd Floor, Suite 3000A, Raleigh, N.C. 27603
Mailing address:
1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1652.
Parking and visitor access information is available on the EEP website.
Email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public
Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
-----Original Message -----
From: Tugwell, Todd SAW [mailto:Todd.Tu well usace.arm .mil]
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 3:17 PM
To: Baumgartner, Tim
Cc: Smith, Heather
Subject: RE: NCEEP Draft Mitigation Plan Approval Letter with Comment Memo / Hofler Property
Wetland Mitigation Project / Gates County / SAW -2012-01393 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
No, that was an oversight. No need for a PCN.
Todd
-----original Message -----
From: Baumgartner, Tim[mailto:tim.baumgartner64ncdenr.gav]
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2014 3:02 PM
To: Tugwell, Todd SAW
Cc: Smith, Heather
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: NCEEP Draft Mitigation Plan Approval Letter with Comment Memo /
Hafler Property Wetland Mitigation Project / Gates County / SAW -2012-01393 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Page: 35
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Todd,
Thanks for the letter. We are a little confused. The last paragraph of the letter says to
submit a PCN. There is no PCN needed for the project because the site is not currently
jurisdictional. Do they submit a PCN anyway or was this an oversight?
Thanks
Tim
--------------------------
Tim Baumgartner, CPESC
Deputy Director of Operations
Ecosystem Enhancement Program
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Office - 919-707-8543
Cell - 919-218-2557
From: Tugwell, Todd SAW[mailto:Todd.TugwellNusace.army.mil]
Sent: Monday, ]uly 21, 2014 2:43 PM
To: Baumgartner, Tim
Cc: Xu, Lin; Smith, Heather; Fritz Rohde (Fritz.Rohdepnoaa. ov); Chapman,, Amy; Baker,
Virginia; Beter, Dale E SAW; Biddlecome, William D SAW; bowers.todd(@epa.gov; Crumbley, Tyler
SAW; Karoly, Cyndi; Cox, David R.; Hall, Dolores; Emily lerni_p_anffws.gov; Alsmeyer, Eric G
SAW; Kulz, Eric; Gibby, lean B SAW; Greer, Emily C SAW; ]ones, Scott SAW; Higgins, Karen;
; Marella Buncick (Marella Buncick ws. ov); McLendon, Scott C SAW;
Gledhill -Barley, Renee; Sollod, Steve; Wilson, Travis W.; Wheeler, Tracey L SAW; Wicker,
Henry M IR SAW
Subject: NCEEP Draft Mitigation Plan Approval Letter with Comment Memo / Hofler Property
Wetland Mitigation Project I Gates County 1 SAW -2012-01393 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Mr. Baumgartner,
z
Page: 36
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355

Attached is the approval letter for the Draft Mitigation Plan for the Hofler Mitigation
Project, along with all the comments that were generated during the IRT's review of the
project on the Mitigation Plan Review Portal. Please note that this letter approves the
Draft Mitigation Plan- The site was determined to have no waters of the U.S., so a permit is
not required for construction; however, a copy of the final mitigation plan should be
provided at least 30 days prior to construction an site. Also, please ensure that the Final
Mitigation Plan is posted to NCEEP's documents portal so that all members of the IRT have
access to the Final plan.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the process or the attached letter.
Todd Tugwell
Special Projects Manager
Regulatory Division
Wilmington District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
11495 Falls of Neuse Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
[phone]
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
3
Page: 37
Year 1 (2015) Monitoring Report
Hoffer Property, Project ID# 95355