20081155 Ver 4_Staff Comments_20170814

Homewood, Sue
From:Johnson, Alan
Sent:Monday, August 14, 2017 10:28 AM
To:Homewood, Sue
Subject:FW: Kellswater NWP 29 Issued February 29 2016 and NC SAM Forms
Attachments:SAW-2016-00410_MRECV-KWLLC_KellswaterDevelopment - NWP and JD.pdf; Impact #1
NCSAM Assessment.xlsm; Impact #2 NCSAM Assessment.xlsm; Impact #3 NCSAM
Assessment.xlsm
I play with the SAM (streamside habitat/buffer)…overall quality stayed medium.

From: Paul Petitgout \[mailto:[e-mail]\]
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2017 4:12 PM
To: Johnson, Alan <[e-mail]>
Subject: Kellswater NWP 29 Issued February 29 2016 and NC SAM Forms

Alan:

Attached, please find the Issued NWP 29 from the Corps (dated February 29, 2016).

Also, I have attached the NC SAM forms for the streams we looked at yesterday.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

Thanks!!

Paul

S. Paul Petitgout
President/Managing Member
Lowrys Environmental & Ecological Services, LLC
1823 Quinn Road
Chester, South Carolina 29706
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

1

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Action ID. SAW -2016-00410 County: Cabarrus U.S.G.S. Quad: Kannapolis
GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION
Permittee: MRECV-KW LLC A Delaware LLC /Attn: Mr. Alexander
Address: 13860 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Suite130
Charlotte, NC 28277
Telephone Number: 704-930-7501
Size (acres): 112 LF Nearest Town: Charlotte
Nearest Waterway: Irish Buffalo Creek Coordinates: 35.46665 N, -80.65874 W
River Basin/ HUC: Rocky Watershed; Upper Pee Dee Basin; HUC: 03040105
Location description: The >200 acre proposed pro 0ect site is located between Keadv Mill Loop and Irish Buffalo Creek in
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
Description of projects area and activity: This verification authorizes permanent impacts to 112 LF of perennial stream channel
associated with the construction of a residential development.
Applicable Law: ® Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344)
❑ Section 10 (Rivers and Harbors Act, 33 USC 403)
Authorization: Regional General Permit Number or Nationwide Permit Number: 29
SEE ATTACHED RGP or NWP GENERAL, REGIONAL AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Your work is authorized by the above referenced permit provided it is accomplished in strict accordance with the attached
conditions and your submitted application and attached information dated November 13, 2015 . Any violation of the
attached conditions or deviation from your submitted plans may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a restoration
order, a Class I administrative penalty, and/or appropriate legal action.
This verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below unless the nationwide/regional authorization is modified,
suspended or revoked. If, prior to the expiration date identified below, the nationwide/regional permit authorization is reissued and/or
modified, this verification will remain valid until the expiration date identified below, provided it complies with all requirements of
the modified nationwide/regional permit. If the nationwide/regional permit authorization expires or is suspended, revoked, or is
modified, such that the activity would no longer comply with the terms and conditions of the nationwide/regional permit, activities
which have commenced (i.e., are under construction) or are under contract to commence in reliance upon the nationwide/regional
permit, will remain authorized provided the activity is completed within twelve months of the date of the nationwide/regional permit's
expiration, modification or revocation, unless discretionary authority has been exercised on a case-by-case basis to modify, suspend or
revoke the authorization.
Activities subject to Section 404 (as indicated above) may also require an individual Section 401 Water Quality Certification. You
should contact the NC Division of Water Resources (telephone [phone]) to determine Section 401 requirements.
For activities occurring within the twenty coastal counties subject to regulation under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA),
prior to beginning work you must contact the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.
This Department of the Army verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain any other required Federal,
State or local approvals/permits.
If there are any questions regarding this verification, any of the conditions of the Permit, or the Corps of Engineers regulatory
program, please contact Steve Kichefski at 828-271-7980, ext. 234 or [e-mail].
by
KICHEFSKI.STEVEN.L KDICHEFSKI.STeEVEN.L138-539
DN:-US,—U.S. G—.—,
Corps Regulatory Official:. 1386908539 —USA,—KICHEFSKI.STE—L1386WB539 Date: February 29, 2016
Dale: 2016.02.291630:12 -05'00'
Steve Kichefski
Expiration Date of Verification: March 18, 2017

SAW -2016-00410
Determination of Jurisdiction:
A. ® Based on preliminary information, there appear to be waters of the US including wetlands within the above described project
area. This preliminary determination is not an appealable action under the Regulatory Program Administrative Appeal Process
( Reference 33 CFR Part 331).
B. ❑ There are Navigable Waters of the United States within the above described project area subject to the permit requirements of
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Unless there is a change in the law or our
published regulations, this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this
notification.
C. ❑ There are waters of the US and/or wetlands within the above described project area subject to the permit requirements of
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA)(33 USC § 1344). Unless there is a change in the law or our published regulations,
this determination may be relied upon for a period not to exceed five years from the date of this notification.
D. ❑ The jurisdictional areas within the above described project area have been identified under a previous action. Please reference
jurisdictional determination issued . Action ID: SAW -
Basis for Determination:
The project area contains wetlands as determined by the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and the
Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountain and Piedmont
Region(version 2.0). These wetlands are adjacent to stream channels located on the property that exhibit indicators of
ordinary high water marks. The stream channel in the project area is an unnamed tributary (UT) to Irish Buffalo Creek which
flows into the Rocky Watershed; Upper Pee Dee Basin; HUC. 03040105. The UT to Irish Buffalo Creek flows to the Atlantic
Ocean via Irish Buffalo Creek, Cold Water Creek, the Rocky River and the Pee Dee River. The Pee Dee River is a Section 10
Navigable -In -Fact water starting at the Blewett Falls Dam.
Remarks: A portion of this project area was included with the verification/JD SAW -2005-31764 issued on June 20,
2005. A follow up field visit was conducted by Steve Kichefski on June 18, 2013 and this PJD is based on the updated maps
submitted November 13, 2015.
E. Attention USDA Program Participants
This delineation/determination has been conducted to identify the limits of Corps' Clean Water Act jurisdiction for the particular site
identified in this request. The delineation/determination may not be valid for the wetland conservation provisions of the Food Security
Act of 1985. If you or your tenant are USDA Program participants, or anticipate participation in USDA programs, you should request
a certified wetland determination from the local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, prior to starting work.
F. Appeals Information (This information applies only to approved jurisdictional determinations as indicated in B
and C above).
This correspondence constitutes an approved jurisdictional determination for the above described site. If you object to this
determination, you may request an administrative appeal under Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331. Enclosed you will find a
Notification of Appeal Process (NAP) fact sheet and request for appeal (RFA) form. If you request to appeal this determination you
must submit a completed RFA form to the following address:
US Army Corps of Engineers
South Atlantic Division
Attn: Jason Steele, Review Officer
60 Forsyth Street SW, Room 10M 15
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]
In order for an RFA to be accepted by the Corps, the Corps must determine that it is complete, that it meets the criteria for appeal
under 33 CFR part 331.5, and that it has been received by the Division Office within 60 days of the date of the NAP. Should you
decide to submit an RFA form, it must be received at the above address within 60 days of the date of issue below.
**It is not necessary to submit an RFA form to the Division Office if you do not object to the determination in this correspondence.**

SAW-2016-00410
KICHEFSKI.STEVEN.L.1386908 DNDig'c=IUS, ly Io=USed bGovemmentSouV DoD'ou6PK8539
ou=USA, cn=KICHEFSKI.STEVEN.L.1386908539
Corps Regulatory Official: 539 Date: 2016.02.2916:30:53-05'00'
Steve Kichefski
Issue Date of JD: February 29, 2016 Expiration Date of JD: N/A
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us ensure we
continue to do so, please complete our Customer Satisfaction Survey, located online at hqp://reizulatory.usacesurvey.com/.
Copy furnished:
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
1) Please be advised that if additional impacts to waters of the U.S., either on this property or on/adjacent
to this property and associated with this project/activity, are proposed at a later date, those impacts will
be combined with the current impacts to waters of the U.S. and will be reviewed cumulatively.
Generally, compensatory mitigation will be required if individual or cumulative (i.e., past and present)
losses or degradation of waters of the U.S. are greater than 150 linear feet of perennial or intermittent
stream channel and/or 0.1 acre of wetland. Additionally, cumulative impacts that result in the loss or
degradation of greater than 300 linear feet of perennial or intermittent* stream channel, and/or 0.5
acre of wetland, will be processed under an Individual Permit. This verification of the use of the
Nationwide Permit Program for this project does not imply that this office will necessarily approve any
future proposal to impact waters of the U.S. on this property and/or associated with this
project/activity.
* The District Commander has the ability to waive the 300 linear foot limit for intermittent streams on
a case-by-case basis. All requests for waiver must be in writing and shall include rationale for the
request.
2)

Action ID Number: SAW -2016-00410
Permit Type: NWP 29
County: Cabarrus
Permittee: MRECV-KW LLC A Delaware LLC /Attn: Mr. Alexander
Project Name: KellswaterDevelopment
Date Verification Issued: February 29, 2016
Project Manager: Steve Kichefski
Upon completion of the activity authorized by this permit and any mitigation required by the permit, sign this
certification and return it to the following address:
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
WILMINGTON DISTRICT
Attn.: CESAW-RG-A
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, North Carolina 28801-5006
Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by a U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers representative. Failure to comply with any terms or conditions of this authorization may result in the
Corps suspending, modifying or revoking the authorization and/or issuing a Class I administrative penalty, or
initiating other appropriate legal action.
I hereby certify that the work authorized by the above referenced permit has been completed in accordance with
the terms and condition of the said permit, and required mitigation was completed in accordance with the permit
conditions.
Signature of Permittee
Date

SECTION I - The following identifies your rights and options regarding an administrative appeal of the above decision.
Additional information may be found at hqp://www.usace.g=.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Re ug laton Pro,gramandPermits.aspx
or Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331.
A: INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit.
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• OBJECT: If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request
that the permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section II of this form and return the form to the district
engineer. Your objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will
forfeit your right to appeal the permit in the future. Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your
objections and may: (a) modify the permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your
objections, or (c) not modify the permit having determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After
evaluating your objections, the district engineer will send you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in
Section B below.
B: PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or appeal the permit
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• APPEAL: If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein,
you may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of
this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days
of the date of this notice.
C: PERMIT DENIAL: You may appeal the denial of a permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by
completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division
engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.
D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new
information.
• ACCEPT: You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD. Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the
date of this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD.
• APPEAL: If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers
Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the district engineer. This form
must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.
NOTIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL OPTIONS AND PROCESS AND
REQUEST FOR APPEAL
Applicant: MRECV-KW LLC A Delaware LLC
/Attn: Mr. Alexander
File Number: SAW -SAW -2016-00410
Date: February
29, 2016
Attached is: See Section below
❑
INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
A
❑
PROFFERED PERMIT (Standard Permit or Letter of permission)
B
❑
PERMIT DENIAL
C
❑
APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
D
®
PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION
E
SECTION I - The following identifies your rights and options regarding an administrative appeal of the above decision.
Additional information may be found at hqp://www.usace.g=.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Re ug laton Pro,gramandPermits.aspx
or Corps regulations at 33 CFR Part 331.
A: INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or object to the permit.
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• OBJECT: If you object to the permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein, you may request
that the permit be modified accordingly. You must complete Section II of this form and return the form to the district
engineer. Your objections must be received by the district engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice, or you will
forfeit your right to appeal the permit in the future. Upon receipt of your letter, the district engineer will evaluate your
objections and may: (a) modify the permit to address all of your concerns, (b) modify the permit to address some of your
objections, or (c) not modify the permit having determined that the permit should be issued as previously written. After
evaluating your objections, the district engineer will send you a proffered permit for your reconsideration, as indicated in
Section B below.
B: PROFFERED PERMIT: You may accept or appeal the permit
• ACCEPT: If you received a Standard Permit, you may sign the permit document and return it to the district engineer for final
authorization. If you received a Letter of Permission (LOP), you may accept the LOP and your work is authorized. Your
signature on the Standard Permit or acceptance of the LOP means that you accept the permit in its entirety, and waive all
rights to appeal the permit, including its terms and conditions, and approved jurisdictional determinations associated with the
permit.
• APPEAL: If you choose to decline the proffered permit (Standard or LOP) because of certain terms and conditions therein,
you may appeal the declined permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of
this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division engineer within 60 days
of the date of this notice.
C: PERMIT DENIAL: You may appeal the denial of a permit under the Corps of Engineers Administrative Appeal Process by
completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the division engineer. This form must be received by the division
engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.
D: APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You may accept or appeal the approved JD or provide new
information.
• ACCEPT: You do not need to notify the Corps to accept an approved JD. Failure to notify the Corps within 60 days of the
date of this notice, means that you accept the approved JD in its entirety, and waive all rights to appeal the approved JD.
• APPEAL: If you disagree with the approved JD, you may appeal the approved JD under the Corps of Engineers
Administrative Appeal Process by completing Section II of this form and sending the form to the district engineer. This form
must be received by the division engineer within 60 days of the date of this notice.

E: PRELIMINARY JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION: You do not need to respond to the Corps regarding the
preliminary JD. The Preliminary JD is not appealable. If you wish, you may request an approved JD (which may be appealed),
by contacting the Corps district for further instruction. Also you may provide new information for further consideration by the
Corps to reevaluate the JD.
SECTION II - REQUEST FOR APPEAL or OBJECTIONS TO AN INITIAL PROFFERED PERMIT
REASONS FOR APPEAL OR OBJECTIONS: (Describe your reasons for appealing the decision or your objections to an initial
proffered permit in clear concise statements. You may attach additional information to this form to clarify where your reasons or
objections are addressed in the administrative record.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The appeal is limited to a review of the administrative record, the Corps memorandum for the
record of the appeal conference or meeting, and any supplemental information that the review officer has determined is needed to
clarify the administrative record. Neither the appellant nor the Corps may add new information or analyses to the record.
However, you may provide additional information to clarify the location of information that is already in the administrative
record.
POINT OF CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION:
If you have questions regarding this decision and/or the
If you only have questions regarding the appeal process you may
appeal process you may contact:
also contact:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division, Attn.:
Mr. Jason Steele, Administrative Appeal Review Officer
Steve Kichefski
CESAD-PDO
828-271-7980
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division
60 Forsyth Street, Room 10M 15
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]
RIGHT OF ENTRY: Your signature below grants the right of entry to Corps of Engineers personnel, and any government
consultants, to conduct investigations of the project site during the course of the appeal process. You will be provided a 15 day
notice of any site investigation, and will have the opportunity to participate in all site investigations.
Date:
Telephone number:
Signature of appellant or agent.
For appeals on Initial Proffered Permits send this form to:
District Engineer, Wilmington Regulatory Division, Attn.: Steve Kichefski, 69 Darlington Avenue, Wilmington, North
Carolina 28403
For Permit denials, Proffered Permits and approved Jurisdictional Determinations send this form to:
Division Engineer, Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Division, South Atlantic, Attn: Mr. Jason Steele, Administrative Appeal
Officer, CESAD-PDO, 60 Forsyth Street, Room 1OM15, Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8801
Phone: [phone]

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):Kellswater Phase 32. Date of evaluation:May 2017
3. Applicant/owner name:MRECV-KW, LLC4. Assessor name/organization:LEES
5. County:Cabarrus6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin:Yadkin-Pee Dee on USGS 7.5-minute quad:Irish Buffalo Creek
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):35.469 N -80.655 W
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):Impact # 310. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):3Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):213. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?
14. Feature type:Perennial flowIntermittent flowTidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)
16. Estimated geomorphic
(skip for
valley shape
ab
Tidal Marsh Stream):
(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
222
(skip
Size 1 (< 0.1 mi)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi)
17. Watershed size:
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?YesNoIf Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 waterClassified Trout WatersWater Supply Watershed (I
Essential Fish HabitatPrimary Nursery AreaHigh Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned propertyNCDWR riparian buffer rule in effectNutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish303(d) ListCAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
AWater throughout assessment reach.
BNo flow, water in pools only.
CNo water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
A
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
BNot A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
AA majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
BNot A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
AMajority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
BNot A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A< 10% of channel unstable
B10 to 25% of channel unstable
C> 25% of channel unstable

Check for TidalonlyMarsh Streams
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LBRB
AALittle or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
BBModerate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
CCExtensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area\] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access \[examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
7.
Check all that apply.
ADiscolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
B
Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
C
DOdor (not including natural sulfide odors)
ECurrent published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
FLivestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
GExcessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
HDegraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
IOther:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
JLittle to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
A
Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B
CNo drought conditions
9Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
YesNo
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.YesNoDegraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
Check all that occur(skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
(occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach)
10b.
AMultiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mossesF5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)GSubmerged aquatic vegetation
BMultiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergentHLow-tide refugia (pools)
vegetationISand bottom
CMultiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J5% vertical bank along the marsh
D5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or rootsKLittle or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
ELittle or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
(skip for Coastal Plain streams)
Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream?
11a.YesNo
Check the appropriate box(es).
Bedform evaluated.
11b.
ARiffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
BPool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
(skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
Natural bedform absent
C
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
11c.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NPRCAP
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)

Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
11d.YesNo
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.YesNoWas an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No WaterOther:
12b.YesNoAre aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1>1Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera \[T\])
Corbicula
Asian clam ()
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera \[E\])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
GambusiaUmbra pygmaea)
Mosquito fish () or mud minnows (
Corbicula
Mussels/Clams (not )
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera \[P\])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LBRB
AALittle or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
BBModerate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
CCSevere alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LBRB
AAMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
BBMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
CCMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LBRB
YYAre wetlands present in the streamside area?
NN
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
AStreams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
BPonds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
CObstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
DEvidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
EStream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
FNone of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
AEvidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

BObstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Urban stream ( 24% impervious surface for watershed)
C
≥
DEvidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
EAssessment reach relocated to valley edge
FNone of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
AStream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
BDegraded (example: scattered trees)
CStream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
VegetatedWooded
LBRBLBRB
≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
AAAA
BBBBFrom 50 to < 100-feet wide
CCCCFrom 30 to < 50-feet wide
DDDDFrom 10 to < 30-feet wide
< 10-feet wide or no trees
EEEE
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMature forest
Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
BB
CCHerbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
DDMaintained shrubs
EELittle or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts< 30 feet30-50 feet
LBRBLBRBLBRB
AAAAAARow crops
BBBBBBMaintained turf
CCCCCCPasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
DDDDDDPasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMedium to high stem density
BBLow stem density
No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
CC
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LBRB
AAThe total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
BBThe total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
CCThe total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LBRB
AAVegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
BBVegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
CC
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.YesNoWas a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No WaterOther:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
230
A<46B46 to < 67C67 to < 79D79 to < 230E
≥
Notes/Sketch:

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
May 2017
LEES
Irish Buffalo Creek
35.469 N -80.655 W
20
Unable to assess channel depth.
YesNo
Outer Coastal Plain (O)
(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
2
Size 4 ( 5 mi)
≥
If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
IIIIIIVV)
High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
YesNo
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).

Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
Submerged aquatic vegetation
5% vertical bank along the marsh
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative

skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

230
≥

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):Kellswater Phase 32. Date of evaluation:May 2017
3. Applicant/owner name:MRECV-KW, LLC4. Assessor name/organization:LEES
5. County:Cabarrus6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin:Yadkin-Pee Dee on USGS 7.5-minute quad:Irish Buffalo Creek
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):35.469 N -80.657 W
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):Impact # 210. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):3Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):213. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?
14. Feature type:Perennial flowIntermittent flowTidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)
16. Estimated geomorphic
(skip for
valley shape
ab
Tidal Marsh Stream):
(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
222
(skip
Size 1 (< 0.1 mi)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi)
17. Watershed size:
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?YesNoIf Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 waterClassified Trout WatersWater Supply Watershed (I
Essential Fish HabitatPrimary Nursery AreaHigh Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned propertyNCDWR riparian buffer rule in effectNutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish303(d) ListCAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
AWater throughout assessment reach.
BNo flow, water in pools only.
CNo water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
A
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
BNot A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
AA majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
BNot A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
AMajority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
BNot A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A< 10% of channel unstable
B10 to 25% of channel unstable
C> 25% of channel unstable

Check for TidalonlyMarsh Streams
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LBRB
AALittle or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
BBModerate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
CCExtensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area\] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access \[examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
7.
Check all that apply.
ADiscolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
B
Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
C
DOdor (not including natural sulfide odors)
ECurrent published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
FLivestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
GExcessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
HDegraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
IOther:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
JLittle to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
A
Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B
CNo drought conditions
9Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
YesNo
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.YesNoDegraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
Check all that occur(skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
(occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach)
10b.
AMultiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mossesF5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)GSubmerged aquatic vegetation
BMultiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergentHLow-tide refugia (pools)
vegetationISand bottom
CMultiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J5% vertical bank along the marsh
D5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or rootsKLittle or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
ELittle or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
(skip for Coastal Plain streams)
Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream?
11a.YesNo
Check the appropriate box(es).
Bedform evaluated.
11b.
ARiffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
BPool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
(skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
Natural bedform absent
C
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
11c.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NPRCAP
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)

Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
11d.YesNo
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.YesNoWas an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No WaterOther:
12b.YesNoAre aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1>1Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera \[T\])
Corbicula
Asian clam ()
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera \[E\])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
GambusiaUmbra pygmaea)
Mosquito fish () or mud minnows (
Corbicula
Mussels/Clams (not )
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera \[P\])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LBRB
AALittle or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
BBModerate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
CCSevere alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LBRB
AAMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
BBMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
CCMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LBRB
YYAre wetlands present in the streamside area?
NN
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
AStreams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
BPonds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
CObstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
DEvidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
EStream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
FNone of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
AEvidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

BObstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Urban stream ( 24% impervious surface for watershed)
C
≥
DEvidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
EAssessment reach relocated to valley edge
FNone of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
AStream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
BDegraded (example: scattered trees)
CStream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
VegetatedWooded
LBRBLBRB
≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
AAAA
BBBBFrom 50 to < 100-feet wide
CCCCFrom 30 to < 50-feet wide
DDDDFrom 10 to < 30-feet wide
< 10-feet wide or no trees
EEEE
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMature forest
Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
BB
CCHerbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
DDMaintained shrubs
EELittle or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts< 30 feet30-50 feet
LBRBLBRBLBRB
AAAAAARow crops
BBBBBBMaintained turf
CCCCCCPasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
DDDDDDPasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMedium to high stem density
BBLow stem density
No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
CC
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LBRB
AAThe total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
BBThe total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
CCThe total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LBRB
AAVegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
BBVegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
CC
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.YesNoWas a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No WaterOther:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
230
A<46B46 to < 67C67 to < 79D79 to < 230E
≥
Notes/Sketch:

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
May 2017
LEES
Irish Buffalo Creek
35.469 N -80.657 W
118
Unable to assess channel depth.
YesNo
Outer Coastal Plain (O)
(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
2
Size 4 ( 5 mi)
≥
If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
IIIIIIVV)
High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
YesNo
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).

Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
Submerged aquatic vegetation
5% vertical bank along the marsh
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative

skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

230
≥

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
USACE AID #:NCDWR #:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
PROJECT / SITE INFORMATION:
1. Project name (if any):Kellswater Phase 32. Date of evaluation:May 2017
3. Applicant/owner name:MRECV-KW, LLC4. Assessor name/organization:LEES
5. County:Cabarrus6. Nearest named water body
7. River Basin:Yadkin-Pee Dee on USGS 7.5-minute quad:Irish Buffalo Creek
8. Site coordinates (decimal degrees, at lower end of assessment reach):35.469 N -80.655 W
STREAM INFORMATION: (depth and width can be approximations)
9. Site number (show on attached map):Impact # 110. Length of assessment reach evaluated (feet):
11. Channel depth from bed (in riffle, if present) to top of bank (feet):3Unable to assess channel depth.
12. Channel width at top of bank (feet):213. Is assessment reach a swamp stream?
14. Feature type:Perennial flowIntermittent flowTidal Marsh Stream
STREAM RATING INFORMATION:
15. NC SAM Zone:Mountains (M)Piedmont (P)Inner Coastal Plain (I)
16. Estimated geomorphic
(skip for
valley shape
ab
Tidal Marsh Stream):
(more sinuous stream, flatter valley slope)(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
222
(skip
Size 1 (< 0.1 mi)Size 2 (0.1 to < 0.5 mi)Size 3 (0.5 to < 5 mi)
17. Watershed size:
for Tidal Marsh Stream)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
18. Were regulatory considerations evaluated?YesNoIf Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
Section 10 waterClassified Trout WatersWater Supply Watershed (I
Essential Fish HabitatPrimary Nursery AreaHigh Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
Publicly owned propertyNCDWR riparian buffer rule in effectNutrient Sensitive Waters
Anadromous fish303(d) ListCAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
Documented presence of a federal and/or state listed protected species within the assessment area.
List species:
Designated Critical Habitat (list species):
19. Are additional stream information/supplementary measurements included in "Notes/Sketch" section or attached?
1.Channel Water – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 1 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
AWater throughout assessment reach.
BNo flow, water in pools only.
CNo water in assessment reach.
2.Evidence of Flow Restriction – assessment reach metric
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
A
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
BNot A
3.Feature Pattern – assessment reach metric
AA majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
BNot A.
4.Feature Longitudinal Profile – assessment reach metric
AMajority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
these disturbances).
BNot A
5.Signs of Active Instability – assessment reach metric
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).
A< 10% of channel unstable
B10 to 25% of channel unstable
C> 25% of channel unstable

Check for TidalonlyMarsh Streams
6.Streamside Area Interaction – streamside area metric
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
LBRB
AALittle or no evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction
BBModerate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
CCExtensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
disruption of flood flows through streamside area\] or too much floodplain/intertidal zone access \[examples:
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
man-made feature on an interstream divide
Water Quality Stressors – assessment reach/intertidal zone metric
7.
Check all that apply.
ADiscolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Excessive sedimentation (burying of stream features or intertidal zone)
B
Noticeable evidence of pollutant discharges entering the assessment reach and causing a water quality problem
C
DOdor (not including natural sulfide odors)
ECurrent published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
section.
FLivestock with access to stream or intertidal zone
GExcessive algae in stream or intertidal zone
HDegraded marsh vegetation in the intertidal zone (removal, burning, regular mowing, destruction, etc.)
IOther:(explain in "Notes/Sketch" section)
JLittle to no stressors
8.Recent Weather – watershed metric
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
drought.
Drought conditions and no rainfall or rainfall not exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
A
Drought conditions and rainfall exceeding 1 inch within the last 48 hours
B
CNo drought conditions
9Large or Dangerous Stream – assessment reach metric
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
YesNo
10.Natural In-stream Habitat Types – assessment reach metric
10a.YesNoDegraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
(evaluate for size 4 Coastal Plain streams only, then skip to Metric 12)
Check all that occur(skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams)
(occurs if > 5% coverage of assessment reach)
10b.
AMultiple aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mossesF5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
(include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)GSubmerged aquatic vegetation
BMultiple sticks and/or leaf packs and/or emergentHLow-tide refugia (pools)
vegetationISand bottom
CMultiple snags and logs (including lap trees)J5% vertical bank along the marsh
D5% undercut banks and/or root mats and/or rootsKLittle or no habitat
in banks extend to the normal wetted perimeter
ELittle or no habitat
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
11.Bedform and Substrate – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
(skip for Coastal Plain streams)
Is assessment reach in a natural sand-bed stream?
11a.YesNo
Check the appropriate box(es).
Bedform evaluated.
11b.
ARiffle-run section (evaluate 11c)
BPool-glide section (evaluate 11d)
(skip to Metric 12, Aquatic Life)
Natural bedform absent
C
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
11c.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative
percentages should not exceed 100% for each assessment reach.
NPRCAP
Bedrock/saprolite
Boulder (256 – 4096 mm)
Cobble (64 – 256 mm)
Gravel (2 – 64 mm)

Sand (.062 – 2 mm)
Silt/clay (< 0.062 mm)
Detritus
Artificial (rip-rap, concrete, etc.)
skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
11d.YesNo
12.Aquatic Life – assessment reach metric (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
12a.YesNoWas an in-stream aquatic life assessment performed as described in the User Manual?
If No, select one of the following reasons and skip to Metric 13. No WaterOther:
12b.YesNoAre aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
all that apply. If No, skip to Metric 13.
1>1Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Adult frogs
Aquatic reptiles
Aquatic macrophytes and aquatic mosses (include liverworts, lichens, and algal mats)
Beetles (including water pennies)
Caddisfly larvae (Trichoptera \[T\])
Corbicula
Asian clam ()
Crustacean (isopod/amphipod/crayfish/shrimp)
Damselfly and dragonfly larvae
Dipterans (true flies)
Mayfly larvae (Ephemeroptera \[E\])
Megaloptera (alderfly, fishfly, dobsonfly larvae)
Midges/mosquito larvae
GambusiaUmbra pygmaea)
Mosquito fish () or mud minnows (
Corbicula
Mussels/Clams (not )
Other fish
Salamanders/tadpoles
Snails
Stonefly larvae (Plecoptera \[P\])
Tipulid larvae
Worms/leeches
13.Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
upland runoff.
LBRB
AALittle or no alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
BBModerate alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area
CCSevere alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
soil, compaction, livestock disturbance, buildings, man-made levees, drainage pipes)
14.Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB) of the streamside area.
LBRB
AAMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water ≥ 6 inches deep
BBMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
CCMajority of streamside area with depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
15.Wetland Presence – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
normal wetted perimeter of assessment reach.
LBRB
YYAre wetlands present in the streamside area?
NN
16.Baseflow Contributors – assessment reach metric (skip for size 4 streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all contributors within the assessment reach or within view of and draining to the assessment reach.
AStreams and/or springs (jurisdictional discharges)
BPonds (include wet detention basins; do not include sediment basins or dry detention basins)
CObstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
DEvidence of bank seepage or sweating (iron oxidizing bacteria in water indicates seepage)
EStream bed or bank soil reduced (dig through deposited sediment if present)
FNone of the above
17.Baseflow Detractors – assessment area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all that apply.
AEvidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

BObstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Urban stream ( 24% impervious surface for watershed)
C
≥
DEvidence that the stream-side area has been modified resulting in accelerated drainage into the assessment reach
EAssessment reach relocated to valley edge
FNone of the above
18.Shading – assessment reach metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider aspect. Consider “leaf-on” condition.
AStream shading is appropriate for stream category (may include gaps associated with natural processes)
BDegraded (example: scattered trees)
CStream shading is gone or largely absent
19.Buffer Width – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
of bank out to the first break.
VegetatedWooded
LBRBLBRB
≥ 100-feet wide or extends to the edge of the watershed
AAAA
BBBBFrom 50 to < 100-feet wide
CCCCFrom 30 to < 50-feet wide
DDDDFrom 10 to < 30-feet wide
< 10-feet wide or no trees
EEEE
20.Buffer Structure – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Vegetated" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMature forest
Non-mature woody vegetation or modified vegetation structure
BB
CCHerbaceous vegetation with or without a strip of trees < 10 feet wide
DDMaintained shrubs
EELittle or no vegetation
21.Buffer Stressors – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
is within 30 feet of stream (< 30 feet), or is between 30 to 50 feet of stream (30-50 feet).
If none of the following stressors occurs on either bank, check here and skip to Metric 22:
Abuts< 30 feet30-50 feet
LBRBLBRBLBRB
AAAAAARow crops
BBBBBBMaintained turf
CCCCCCPasture (no livestock)/commercial horticulture
DDDDDDPasture (active livestock use)
22.Stem Density – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) for Metric 19 ("Wooded" Buffer Width).
LBRB
AAMedium to high stem density
BBLow stem density
No wooded riparian buffer or predominantly herbaceous species or bare ground
CC
23.Continuity of Vegetated Buffer – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Consider whether vegetated buffer is continuous along stream (parallel). Breaks are areas lacking vegetation > 10-feet wide.
LBRB
AAThe total length of buffer breaks is < 25 percent.
BBThe total length of buffer breaks is between 25 and 50 percent.
CCThe total length of buffer breaks is > 50 percent.
24.Vegetative Composition – First 100 feet of streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams)
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
to assessment reach habitat.
LBRB
AAVegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
species, with non-native invasive species absent or sparse.
BBVegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
communities missing understory but retaining canopy trees.
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
CC
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

25.Conductivity – assessment reach metric (skip for all Coastal Plain streams)
25a.YesNoWas a conductivity measurement recorded?
If No, select one of the following reasons. No WaterOther:
25b.Check the box corresponding to the conductivity measurement (units of microsiemens per centimeter).
230
A<46B46 to < 67C67 to < 79D79 to < 230E
≥
Notes/Sketch:

NC SAM FIELD ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 2.1
INSTRUCTIONS:
Attachasketchoftheassessmentareaandphotographs.AttachacopyoftheUSGS7.5-minutetopographic
quadrangle,andcirclethelocationofthestreamreachunderevaluation.Ifmultiplestreamreacheswillbeevaluatedonthesame
property,identifyandnumberallreachesontheattachedmap,andincludeaseparateformforeachreach.SeetheNCSAMUser
Manual for detailed descriptions and explanations of requested information. Record in the "Notes/Sketch" section if any supplementary
measurements were performed. See the NC SAM User Manual for examples of additional measurements that may be relevant.
NOTE EVIDENCE OF STRESSORS AFFECTING THE ASSESSMENT AREA (do not need to be within the assessment area).
May 2017
LEES
Irish Buffalo Creek
35.469 N -80.655 W
67
Unable to assess channel depth.
YesNo
Outer Coastal Plain (O)
(less sinuous stream, steeper valley slope)
2
Size 4 ( 5 mi)
≥
If Yes, check all that appy to the assessment area.
IIIIIIVV)
High Quality Waters/Outstanding Resource Waters
CAMA Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)
YesNo
At least 10% of assessment reach in-stream habitat or riffle-pool sequence is adversely affected by a flow restriction or fill to the
point of obstructing flow or a channel choked with aquatic macrophytes or ponded water or impounded on flood or ebb within
the assessment reach (examples: undersized or perched culverts, causeways that constrict the channel, tidal gates).
A majority of the assessment reach has altered pattern (examples: straightening, modification above or below culvert).
Majority of assessment reach has a substantially altered stream profile (examples: channel down-cutting, existing damming,
over widening, active aggradation, dredging, and excavation where appropriate channel profile has not reformed from any of
Consider only current instability, not past events from which the stream has currently recovered
. Examples of instability include
active bank failure, active channel down-cutting (head-cut), active widening, and artificial hardening (such as concrete, gabion, rip-rap).

Moderate evidence of conditions (examples: berms, levees, down-cutting, aggradation, dredging) that adversely affect
reference interaction (examples: limited streamside area access, disruption of flood flows through streamside area,
leaky or intermittent bulkheads, causeways with floodplain constriction, minor ditching \[including mosquito ditching\])
Extensive evidence of conditions that adversely affect reference interaction (little to no floodplain/intertidal zone access
\[examples: causeways with floodplain and channel constriction, bulkheads, retaining walls, fill, stream incision,
impoundments, intensive mosquito ditching\]) or floodplain/intertidal zone unnaturally absent or assessment reach is a
Discolored water in stream or intertidal zone (milky white, blue, unnatural water discoloration, oil sheen, stream foam)
Current published or collected data indicating degraded water quality in the assessment reach. Cite source in the "Notes/Sketch"
For Size 1 or 2 streams, D1 drought or higher is considered a drought; for Size 3 or 4 streams, D2 drought or higher is considered a
If Yes, skip to Metric 13 (Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition)
Is stream is too large or dangerous to assess? .
Degraded in-stream habitat over majority of the assessment reach (examples of stressors include excessive
sedimentation, mining, excavation, in-stream hardening \[for example, rip-rap\], recent dredging, and snagging)
5% oysters or other natural hard bottoms
Submerged aquatic vegetation
5% vertical bank along the marsh
*********************************REMAINING QUESTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR TIDAL MARSH STREAMS****************************
In riffles sections, check all that occur below the normal wetted perimeter of the assessment reach – whether or not submerged.
Check at least one box in each row (skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain Streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
. Not Present (NP) =
absent, Rare (R) = present but ≤ 10%, Common (C) = > 10-40%, Abundant (A) = > 40-70%, Predominant (P) = > 70%. Cumulative

skip for Size 4 Coastal Plain streams and Tidal Marsh Streams)
Are pools filled with sediment? (
Are aquatic organisms present in the assessment reach (look in riffles, pools, then snags)? If Yes, check
Numbers over columns refer to “individuals” for size 1 and 2 streams and “taxa” for size 3 and 4 streams.
Streamside Area Ground Surface Condition – streamside area metric (skip for Tidal Marsh Streams and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Consider storage capacity with regard to both overbank flow and
Severe alteration to water storage capacity over a majority of the streamside area (examples include: ditches, fill,
Streamside Area Water Storage – streamside area metric (skip for Size 1 streams, Tidal Marsh Streams, and B valley types)
Consider for the Left Bank (LB) and the Right Bank (RB).
Do not consider wetlands outside of the streamside area or within the
Obstruction that passes some flow during low-flow periods within assessment area (beaver dam, bottom-release dam)
Evidence of substantial water withdrawals from the assessment reach (includes areas excavated for pump installation)

Obstruction not passing flow during low flow periods affecting the assessment reach (ex: watertight dam, sediment deposit)
Consider “vegetated buffer” and “wooded buffer” separately for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB) starting at the top
Check all appropriate boxes for left bank (LB) and right bank (RB).
Indicate if listed stressor abuts stream (Abuts), does not abut but
Evaluate the dominant vegetation within 100 feet of each bank or to the edge of the watershed (whichever comes first) as it contributes
Vegetation is close to undisturbed in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of native
Vegetation indicates disturbance in terms of species diversity or proportions, but is still largely composed of native
species. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clear-cutting or clearing or
communities with non-native invasive species present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata or
Vegetation is severely disturbed in terms of species diversity or proportions. Mature canopy is absent or communities
with non-native invasive species dominant over a large portion of expected strata or communities composed of planted
stands of non-characteristic species or communities inappropriately composed of a single species or no vegetation.

230
≥