20080587 Ver 1_Staff Comments_20080414

South Muddy Creek (08-0586) and South Fork Hoppers Creek (08-
Subject: South Muddy Creek (08-0586) and South Fork Hoppers Creek (08-0587)
From: Eric Kulz <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:15:13 -0400
To: Salam Murtada <[e-mail]>
CC: Tammy L Hill <[e-mail]>, Cyndi Karoly <[e-mail]>
Salam;
Both of these sites appear to be great candidates for restoration.
Glad to see the target hydrology for the wetland at South Fork Hoppers Creek at 9% of the growing
season. Lots of projects we get through here propose 5.5% (I think this is the minimum from some
USACE criteria for wetlands as a whole), but the reality is in North Carolina, most of the wetlands are
wetter than 5.5% during an average rainfall year (except maybe pine flats). The report did not
specifically say, but I assume that the proposed wetlands are riparian, given the proximity to the
stream.
Two comments on the projects. The plan states for both projects that the buffer will be a minimum of
30 feet from the stream banks. Since these projects are in the Piedmont, the projects may not receive
full stream credit in the areas where buffers are less than 50 feet.
In addition, South Fork Hoppers Creek UT2 has a drainage ditch flowing into the proposed
Enhancement reach. If possible, some form of treatment (e.g. floodplain depressional wetland areas)
similar to those used on other projects should be added to improve water quality within the mitigation
reach. Maybe check with your designer to see if they can add something.
Call if you have any questions.
Eric
Eric W. Kulz
Environmental Specialist
401 Oversight and Express Permitting Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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