19910022 Ver 2_Maps Revised_20170417

Burdette, Jennifer a
From: [e-mail]
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2017 3:25 PM
To: [e-mail]; [e-mail]; Burdette, Jennifer a
Cc: [e-mail]; [e-mail];
[e-mail]; [e-mail];
[e-mail]
Subject: Smithfield Foods - Tar Heel NC Field evaluation of jurisdictional ditch/water
Attachments: 02_ Photo Pages.pdf, Fig3_JD Feat Map.pdf, Fig3_JD Feat Map_LIDAR.pdf
Tom,
Following the agency scoping meeting on April 11th and our discussion regarding the jurisdictional ditch/water in the
project study area, Kimley-Horn conducted a detailed field evaluation of the feature. As we mentioned in the meeting,
the original extent of the feature as presented during the meeting was based upon the physical location of the ditch at
the culvert outlet and not its origin of jurisdiction based upon the RGL 05-05 guidance and the presence of an ordinary
high water mark. Based upon this detailed evaluation, the attached figures and photos depict where we determined the
ditch to become jurisdictional based upon the criteria summarized below. The attached figures also show that the
proposed driveway and utility relocations discussed during our scoping meeting are proposed outside the area of
jurisdiction; therefore, it is our understanding that no Section 404/401 permit authorization would be required.
Kimley-Horn staff visited the Tar Heel Site on April 13, 2017 to assess the potentially jurisdictional ditch JD1 (See
attached figures) for the presence or absence of an ordinary high water mark (OHWM) within JD1 in accordance
with the USACE Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05. JD1 begins at a point within a larger ditch system where
the soil transitions from upland to hydric and a distinct change in plant community was observed (Photos 1-8).
The leaf litter was also disturbed and washed away with the presence of litter and debris wracking observed
within JD1.
Soils upslope from the beginning of JD1 were not hydric and were very dry with no evidence of saturation or
water table within 18" of the soil profile. Further, this portion of the ditch was constructed through upland areas
that drained only uplands. Vegetation within the upslope portions consisted of Chinese bush -clover (Lespedeza
cuneata), fescue (Festuca sp.), greenbriar (Smilax rotundifolia), and sweetgum (Liquidam bar s tyraciflua). Chinese
bush -clover is considered as a FACU plant according to the National Wetland Plant List for the Atlantic and Gulf
Coastal Plain (ACCP) 2016 Regional Wetland Plant List.
Soils within JD1 were moist to saturated and transitioned to hydric soils with a depleted matrix. Vegetation within
JD1 transitioned to a plant community containing hydrophytic vegetation such as water primrose (Ludwigia
decurrens), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), and polygonum (Polygonum spp.). Water primrose and
swamp milkweed are both considered as OBL plants according to the National Wetland Plant List for the AGCP
2016 Regional Wetland Plant List.
Based on the differences in soils and plant communities, it is Kimley-Horn's opinion that only the portion of the
ditch displayed on the attached figures and labeled as JD1 should be considered as jurisdictional due to the
presence of an OHWM.
Please let us know if you concur with our determination. We will provide the revised mapping as part of our PreJD
request.

Thank you for your assistance with this issue.
Beth A. Reed, PWS
Kinm|ey-Horn 1421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 600, Raleigh NC 27601
Direct: 919-677-2073 Mobile: [phone]
Celebrating eight years as one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For

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Photo 3 — View of water primrose within JD 1.
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Photo
4 — View of swamp milkweed, water primrose, and a polygonum within JD 1. Note that these plants
were not observed in the upslope portions of the ditch.
Tar Heel Site — Photo Pages
Tar Heel, Bladen County, NC Page 2 of 4 Kimley>»Horn

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Tar Heel Site — Photo Pages Page 4 of 4 Kimley>»Horn
Tar Heel, Bladen County, NC

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JD1
All
Legend
Jurisdictional Ditch
Non -Jurisdictional Ditch
Relatively Permanent Water (RPW)
Jurisdictional Wetlands'
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Offsite Wetlands (LiDAR Interpolated)
Proposed Driveway Alignment
Project Study Area 0 500 1,000
Feet
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Figure 3: Jurisdictional Features Map
Kimley O Horn Tar Heel Site
Bladen County, NC