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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20070747 Ver 1_Mitigation Plans_20090224February 23, 2009 Mr. Eric Kulz Environmental Senior Specialist NCDWQ Wetlands and Stormwater Branch 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit 2321 Crabtree Blvd. Suite 250 Raleigh, NC 27604 Re: Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Neuse Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Plan Bank Parcel Development Package Craven County DWQ #07-0747 Dear. Mr. Kulz: gjj @ FF824Z009 pENi,Ao TORSO ?wgul'f R? WOODS ANA S GreenVest/Flat Swamp has reviewed the comments made by your staff for the Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank - Neuse Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Plan. Your prompt review of the previous submittal and generation of comments was greatly appreciated. Our response regarding the 401 Oversight Express Review Permitting Unit comments are as follows: Proposed Restoration Activities (Page 4): Based on Figure l la provided by you via e- mail on January 27, 2009, the proposed mitigation site was to include buffer restoration along state-regulated streams, as determined by DWQ in the field, and additional buffer restoration for the generation of nutrient offset credit. This is not the same Figure 11 a that is presented in the document. o Figure Ha (now Figure 4) was sent 1127109 as a draft conceptual figure and had not been revised based on an amended stream determination conducted by the Washington Regional Office field staff (1122109). Figure 4 in the revised BPDP illustrates the subject streams and associated buffer mitigation proposed. • In addition, the above-referenced document describes enhancement of streams through reconnection with adjacent riparian wetlands and restoring a functional floodplain. The document goes on the state that "variations in the floodplain/bank/stream interface will be established to encourage low-energy meandering". It was our understanding through previous discussions that the existing stream features would be planted with buffer; no in-stream work was described. Please clarify. In addition, this enhancement is subject to approval by the Interagency Review Team (IRT). GreenVest, LLC ? 726 Second Street, Suite 313, Annapolis, MD 21403 ? 410-268-7422(p) ? 410-268-74230 www.greenvestus.com Mr. Kulz Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Page 2 of 5 2/23/2009 It should be noted that for any stream credit to be generated, the conservation easement generally needs to encompass the riparian zone on both sides of a restored or enhanced stream. It appears that the north side of the stream feature along the northern property boundary would not be under the control of the bank Sponsor, as it is located on the adjacent property. o It is our understanding that previous email correspondence did not indicate streams would be buffered only, rather there was potential for stream enhancement pending IRT approval (Email to Eric Kulz: 112 7109) No channel realignment is proposed in order to ensure proposed Nutrient Offset Credits and Neuse Buffer Credits remain consistent regardless of restoration/enhancement activities within the overall Bank project boundary. Our last proposal to the IRT included significant stream "restoration " across the historic floodprone area. This was modified due to consideration of IRT comments during our last meeting (10114108). However, we have now proposed stream enhancement in this our newest proposal. We are aware that this enhancement will require IRT approval and will be included in our next MBI/Mitigation Plan submission to the IRT. The proposed enhancement work will include pulling banks back to create a "bankfull bench " floodprone area, reconnect to a floodplain, and placement of large woody debris. o Correct, the north side of the stream along the northern property line is not under control of the bank sponsor and is delimited by the existing agricultural road which will remain in place. We do however, control the south side of that stream and are proposing to 1) restore riparian buffer and 2) include it in our mitigation bank submittal to IRT.. • Table 3 (Page 5): The table indicates three planting zones, but does not indicate the acreage of each zone; these are listed in the Table as "TBD". Please clarify. o The three vegetation zones proposed for planting include; I)Stream/Ditch Banks, 2)Riparian Buffer (-19.5 ac) and 3) Non-Riparian Buffer (274.19 ac). Table] has been revised in the BPDP to reflect these proposed acreages. Additionally, as an editorial note, this is the first table presented in the report; there are no Tables 1 or 2. o All tables in the BPDP are now properly labeled. Mitigation Potential (Page 6): Please clarify that Neuse riparian buffer credit is only being generated along streams identified by DWQ as being subject to the buffer rules. Figure I 1 a in the document differs from the Figure 11 a sent on January 27, 2009 with respect to the origin of the streams. o Figure ]]a sent on January 27, 2009 was issued prior to the latest DWQ jurisdictional stream call amended on January 22, 2009. This amendment GreenVest, LLC ? 726 Second Street, Suite 313, Annapolis, MD 21403 ? 410-268-7422 (p) ? 410-268-7423 (0 www.greenvestus.com Mr. Kulz Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Page 3 of 5 2/23/2009 o expanded the linear footage of stream, from the September 30, 2008 JD, recognized by DWQ as at least intermittent therefore jurisdictional under the Neuse Buffer Rules. Thus the figure included in the document is accurate as shown. Credit Generation (Page 6): Please clarify that no square footage of restored buffer is being included in the calculations for both nutrient offset and riparian buffer credit. Each square foot of buffer restored should be given a value for either nutrient offset or riparian buffer credit (riparian buffer credit must be within 50 feet of the top of bank on subject streams). o Correct, no square footage of restored buffer is being included in the calculations for both nutrient offset and riparian buffer credit. o Total NOC's proposed =274.19 ac o Total NBC's proposed =19.5 ac Accounting (Page 6)/Ledger in Appendix VI: Two separate ledgers should be developed and maintained; one for riparian buffer credit and one for nutrient offset credit. The same square foot of land shall not appear on both ledgers. Also, please remove all references and accounting related to stream or wetland credits/debits. These will be tracked by the US Army Corps of Engineers under a separate Mitigation Banking Instrument. o Corrected. Ssee updated ledger in the BPDP. The values tracked by USACE were eliminated as requested. • Figures (Appendix I): Figures included in Appendix I are 1, 2, 3, 11 a, and 13. It is unclear if figures were supposed to be included, but were inadvertently omitted in the document. Please clarify. o No figures were inadvertently omitted. Figures Ha and 13 have been renumbered as Figures 4 and 5 respectively. • Figure 11a: Please see above comments regarding this figure and the proposed activities at the site. Figure l la in the document differs from the Figure l la sent on January 27, 2009 with respect to the origin of the streams. o Addressed above. • Example Conservation Easement: Please note that for any buffer credit to be released, a copy of the recorded Conservation Easement will be required. o Understood. We included an example conservation easement and will forward a conservation easement for recordation prior to the release of any credits. GreenV est, LLC ? 726 Second Street, Suite 313, Annapolis, MD 21403 ? 410-268-7422 (p) ? 410-268-7423 (f) www.greenvestus.com Mr. Kulz Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Page 4 of 5 2/23/2009 • Project Bonding: Please note that for any buffer credit to be released, demonstration of financial assurance in the form of a Performance Bond will be required. o Understood. A performance bond will be posted prior to the release of any credits. Approved Mitigation Banking Instrument: This instrument was for the establishment of the wetland mitigation bank, and has no relevance to the establishment of the proposed Neuse buffer and nutrient offset bank. In addition, the proposed site development plans approved when this MBI was approved have changed substantially. DWQ recommends that you contact your IRT chairperson to arrange for IRT review of the revised site plans if you wish to pursue wetland mitigation credits for the site. o This document was included for information purposes only and will be removed from the Appendices. We are already in contact with the IRT Chairman and are in the process of updating our next MBI and plan submission to the IRT. Proposed DWQ Mitigation Banking Instrument (Page 1): the instrument describes restoration of a historic coastal plain headwater system. This appears inconsistent with recent information provided by you regarding establishment of a riparian buffer and nutrient offset bank. Please clarify. o The language in the MBI has been amended to refer only to the State values being sought namely Neuse Buffer and Nutrient Offset Credits. • Proposed DWQ Mitigation Banking Instrument (Table 1- Credit Release Schedule): The credit release schedule outlined in the MBI is not correct. Please use the following schedule: Table I -Buffer Credit Release Schedule Task Project Milestone % Credit Available for Sale 1 Mitigation Banking Instrument signed, BPDP Approved, Conservation Easement or Restrictive Covenants Recorded and Performance Bond Purchased 20 2 Mitigation Site Earthwork, Planting and Installation of Monitoring Devices Completed 20 3 Ar)proval of As-Bualt Report and Monitoruna Bond Purchased 10 4 Submit Monitoring Report #1 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 5 Submit Monitoring Report #2 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 6 Submit Monitoring Report #3 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 7 Submit Monitoring Report #4 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 8 Submit Monitoring Report #5 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 Total 100% o Understood and amended. GreenVest, LLC ? 726 Second Street, Suite 313, Annapolis, MD 21403 ? 410-268-7422(p) ? 410-268-7423 (0 www.greenvestus.com Mr. Kulz Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Page 5 of 5 2/23/2009 Proposed DWQ Mitigation Banking Instrument (Page 5 - Procedures for Debiting or Crediting the Bank): Two separate ledgers should be maintained; one ledger for riparian buffer credit (credit generated from 0 - 50 feet from top of bank along streams subject to the Neuse buffer rules) and a second ledger for nutrient offset credit (credit generated from 51 - 200 feet on streams or from 0 - 200 feet on ditches). When a credit release milestone is achieved, credit will be released as riparian buffer credit (square feet) and nutrient offset credit (pounds N). Should you wish to transfer credit from the riparian buffer ledger to the nutrient offset ledger, released riparian buffer credit can be debited from the buffer ledger, converted to pounds of nitrogen, and added to the nutrient offset ledger. Released credit cannot be transferred from the nutrient offset ledger to the riparian buffer ledger. o Understood and amended in Table I and Credit Accounting Ledger (MBI). Proposed DWQ Mitigation Banking Instrument (Page 6 - Force Majeure): While Greenvest may not have control of such events, if such an event occurs before the final sale of all credits, the Sponsor shall take remedial action to restore the property to its condition prior to this event, in a manner sufficient to provide adequate mitigation to cover credits that were sold prior to the occurrence of the event. Such remedial action shall be taken by the Sponsor only to the extent necessary and appropriate, as determined by DWQ in order to offset authorized impacts to buffers or to satisfy nutrient offset buydown requirements imposed during land development activities and satisfied through payment into the Flat Swamp bank. o Understood and amended in the MBI. We look forward to your review of this response letter and moving forward with the establishment of the Flat Swamp riparian buffer and nutrient offset bank. Please feel free to contact Scott Frederick at (919) 831-1234 if you have any questions regarding this project or our response comments. Douglas Lashley President GreenVest cc: Scott Frederick, SWE Group Brett Berkley, GreenVest Tracey Wheeler - USACE Washington Regulatory Field Office David Lekson - USACE Washington Regulatory Field Office GreenVest, LLC ? 726 Second Street, Suite 313, Annapolis, MD 21403 ? 410-268-7422 (p) ? 410-268-7423 (1) www.greenvestus.com THE FLAT SWAMP MITIGATION BANK Neuse Buffer & Nutrient Offset Buffer Mitigation Plan Bank Parcel Development Package Craven County, North Carolina B Are pared -- - GreenVest/Flat Swamp, LLC 1001 Capability Drive, Suite 312 Raleigh, NC 27606 (00p? QW Quality Woods UUP S09, %Vmw, ec PIMM-mmc Group Soil, Water & Environment Group PLLC February 2009 Table of Contents Objective ................ ............... I Site Location, HUC, Existing Conditions ................................................................................... 1 Proposed Restoration Activities ................................................................................................... 2 Monitoring and Maintenance Plans ............................................................................................ 4 Mitigation Potential ...................................................................................................................... 4 Credit Generation .......................................................................................................................... 5 Service Area .................................................................................................................................... 5 Accounting ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Appendix I - Figures .............. ................................................................................................. 6 Appendix II - Photos .......... ............................................................................................... Appendix III - E ation Easement ........................................................................ Appendix IV n ing ..................................................................................................... Appendix V - ADMitigation Banking Instrument & Credit Accounting Ledger ................. Appendix VI - Correspondence ...................................................................................................... v Objective GreenVest Flat Swamp LLC is proposing to establish a Nutrient Offset and Neuse Buffer Mitigation Bank through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Division of Water Quality (DWQ). The purpose of the Bank is to improve water quality through the restoration of riparian and non-riparian buffer as proposed in this plan and supporting documentation. Our primary objective is to establish Nutrient Offset and Neuse Buffer credits, provide mitigation for Neuse Buffer and Neuse Nitrogen offset payments within the Neuse River Basin, and/or to sell resulting credits to third parties public or private. Site Location, HUC, Existing Conditions The FSB is located in North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) subbasin 03-04-08 of the Neuse River Basin. More specifically, the site is located within US Geologic Survey (USGS) 8-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) 03020202 and 14-digit HUC 03020202080020. Flat Swamp creek originates approximately 3.2 miles southwest of Fort Barnwell and 4.5 miles northeast of Dover in Craven County, North Carolina. Flat Swamp Creek is a tributary of the Neuse River and flows east from the site intersecting Core Creek before emptying into the south side of the Neuse River. The FSB is located in the headwaters of Flat Swamp Creek (Latitude 35 degrees 15 minutes 10.96 seconds N and Longitude 77 degrees 22 minutes 04.05 seconds E). The site is bounded by Dover Fort Barnwell Road (SR 1262) to the north and west, Jonestown Road (SR 1258) and Camp Oak Road (SR 1261) to the east, and Dover Bay to the south (Appendix I: Figure 1). The FSB is located entirely on two adjoining parcels in Craven County, NC (Appendix L• Figure 2). The site and its watershed encompass extensive areas of cleared and drained wetlands currently in agriculture and forestry production. Total area of the site is approximately 386 acres which includes 360.7 acres of prior- converted (PC) agricultural land and approximately 25.3 acres of partially drained forested wetlands based on a jurisdictional determination field review (USACE 1/9/09). The Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank includes -50 acres of PC agricultural land and -14,281.91f of streams including - 19.5 acres of riparian area (100 ft. buffer) associated with the proposed stream enhancement (Figure 4). Quality Woods has exercised the option to purchase both parcels in their entirety to encompass all of the proposed wetland restoration and stream enhancement on the site. The new ownership entity is GreenVest, Flat Swamp, LLC (GV/FS). Land adjacent to the FSB is being managed for timber production by timber corporations and private individuals. Based on the characteristics of remaining forested wetlands both on-site and on adjacent land, the site once supported a rich diversity of habitats including wet flat hardwoods and pine swamp hardwoods, as well as cypress and riverine hardwoods along the historic Flat Swamp Creek system. Much of this habitat, including the original Flat Swamp Creek has been destroyed or altered during the past 50-60 years as a result of ditching, draining, channelization, and road building associated with the conversion of the land to agricultural production. It is estimated that the watershed serving Flat Swamp Creek is approximately 25% cultivated crop or pasture land, 70% forested/wetland, and 4% urban/residential. Only 1% of the watershed is estimated to be impervious. The FSB exhibits characteristics of a riparian headwater system as described in guidance set forth by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) and NCDWQ titled Information Regarding Stream Restoration with Emphasis on the Coastal Plain (2007). All streams on-site exist as zero order or first order jurisdictional streams. Zero order streams are referred to as "jurisdictional waterways that do not appear on a county Soil Survey" and a first order stream is "that portion of a waterway from its identified origin downstream to the first intersection with another waterway" (USACE, 2005). The NCDWQ visited the site on 9/30/08 and 1/22/09 and issued a stream determination JD identifying streams exhibiting intermittent characteristics and thus subject to Neuse River buffer regulation (Appendix VI). The original Flat Swamp Creek system no longer exists, having been obliterated by land clearing for agriculture, ditching and road building. What was once a natural stream network now exists in the form of zero order, linear jurisdictional streams located within interior and along margins of the project site. These modified streams are now direct unnamed tributaries (UTs) to Flat Swamp Creek and are jurisdictional under the Clean Water Act (CWA) as indicated in a recent wetland and stream jurisdictional determination by USACE and DWQ (see Appendix VI). The combined drainage area of these tributaries is approximately 1.8 square mile (1,141 acres) which is more than adequate tributary area to support streams on this site and within this area of the coastal plain (Appendix I: Figure 3). Topography on the site has very minimal variation, as would be expected on the lower coastal plain. Ground elevations of the FSB range from approximately 49.0 feet above mean sea level to approximately 53.5 feet above mean sea level, with elevations around the manmade ditches ranging between 6-inches and 1.5 feet lower. The Flat Swamp watershed has been extensively impacted by clearing, ditching, ongoing agricultural practices and road building over the past 100 years (Appendix II: Photos 1-4). These activities have obliterated many of the historical stream and wetland systems, including the riparian and non-riparian wetlands, as well as small coastal plain zero, first and second order streams that once flowed to the Neuse River. The site is in the upper reaches of the Flat Swamp Creek watershed and therefore has a large influence on the water quality and habitat in Flat Swamp Creek, Core Creek, and ultimately the Neuse River. Proposed Restoration Activities Riparian headwater system improvement will be accomplished through the restoration of forested buffers along jurisdictional streams and watercourses draining to jurisdictional streams. Restoration of the riparian and non-riparian areas using strategic vegetation planting practices will provide stream bank stability, stream shading, water quality improvements through nutrient uptake and sediment filtering, as well as providing wildlife habitat. These riparian buffers will be restored by planting appropriate native species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation in zones specific to landscape position, topography and hydrology. Vegetation data was collected from the Croatan National Forest along an unnamed tributary to Brice Creek as well as a non-riparian hardwood wetland reference site for use in development of preliminary planting plans for the FSB. Dominant species within the canopy were recorded and their percent of canopy coverage documented. Data recorded for species present in the canopy along the UT is as follows: black gum (40%), red maple (20%), swamp chestnut oak (15%), willow oak (10%), sweetgum (5%), green ash (<50/o), holly (<50/o), black willow (<50/6), and bays (<50/6). Other species present at the non-riparian hardwood wetland reference site include water oak (20%), cherry bark oak (15%) yellow poplar (15%), and swamp white oak (<5%). Additionally, dominant understory species were recorded as well as their abundance within the UT 2 reference site. Understory species in order of abundance are as follows: giant cane, dog hobble (Leucothoe racemosa), netted chain fern, poison ivy, royal fern (Osmunda regalis), spicebush (Lindera benZoin), arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), cinnamon fern (Osmunda einnamomea), false nettle (Boebmeria cylindrica), and miscellaneous sedges. Other species located at the non-riparian hardwood site include horse sugar (Symplocos tinctoria) and holly (Ilex sp.). GV/FS has also identified two significant natural areas (SNA) proximal to the FSB to use as additional reference plant communities if necessary. These two SNAs are recorded in the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database (2008). Both sites are located within 20 miles of the FSB and contain applicable reference quality plant communities should additional vegetative information be required. In addition, the proposed restoration site is adjacent to Dover Bay to the south, a large intact Carolina Bay system thereby providing connectivity between core wildlife habitats and subwatersheds. Tree and shrub species will be planted in specific planting zones. These planting zones will accommodate plant species which have specific requirements for growth. Hydrology and topography are the main factors that dictate a plant's ability to survive and to thrive following planting. These planting zones will be created around these requirements and will include the following zones: Zone 1 (Stream/Ditch Vegetation), Zone 2 (Riparian Buffer), and Zone 3 (Non-Riparian Buffer). The total width for Zones 1, 2, and 3 is approximately 200 feet for all ditches connecting to surface waters and jurisdictional streams within the project area (Appendix I: Figure 4). A list of species recommended for each Zone can be found in Table 1. A proposed vegetation plan is shown on Figure 5 in Appendix I. W MW Craven County Planting Zone Area Zone Recommended Plant Species (Character Trees) Zone (Acres) Description Scientific Name Common Name Cephalanthus occidentalis Buttonbush Included in Stream/Ditch Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash 1 Zone 2 Bank Cornus amomum Silky dogwood * acreage Nyssa sylvatica Swamp Blackgum Salix nigra Black willow Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Betula nigra River birch Celtis occidentalis Hackberry Riparian Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash 2 -19.5 acres Buffer Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak (<51 ft.) Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak Quercus nigra Water oak Quercus phellos Willow oak Gordonia lasianthus Loblolly bay Non-Riparian Persea borbonia Red bay 3 274.19 acres Buffer Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak (0-200 ft. and Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak >51 ft. buffers) Quercus nigra Water oak Quercus phellos Willow oak 3 * Area calculated based on a Zone width (Zones 1, 2 & 3 = 200 ft.) Presently there are no non-native or exotic species present onsite. If encountered during construction or post construction non-native exotic vegetation species will be removed mechanically during site preparation. If needed certain areas would be treated with appropriate herbicides rated for use in aquatic environs such as Rodeo in order to promote the establishment and protection of desired native species vegetation. Standard silvicultural practices and site preparation techniques using appropriate herbicides will be utilized to promote vigorous growth of desirable tree species, particularly in the early years of project establishment. All vegetation related design and construction implementation services, including exotic vegetation removal, as well as site planting and associated site preparation will be led and coordinated under the supervision of GV/FS. Project monitoring will identify any potential invasive/exotic/undesirable herbaceous and tree species establishment following construction. Any corrective actions required will be documented in writing and submitted to DWQ for review prior to execution. It is our intent to actively manage this project through the end of the maintenance/monitoring period employing adaptive management techniques. Monitoring and Maintenance Plans Stem counts will be conducted within strategically placed 10m x 10m plots. When choosing the location for each plot, the primary goal will be to obtain a representative sample of the entire area of disturbance. Therefore, plots will be scattered throughout the project and will attempt to capture all habitat and vegetation density variations. The total area of sample plots will be based on the total mitigation type area and in accordance with The Carolina Vegetative Sampling Protocol (Levels I & II), such that no more than 2 percent of any one Parcel is encompassed in monitoring plots. Based on the approximate planting areas shown in Table 3, FSB will require 20 sample plots spaced throughout Planting Zone 2 and Planting Zone 3. The minimum density of plant stems within each sample plot established during construction will be 460 stems per acre. Given the plot density, approximately 300+ man-hours will be devoted to sampling and project vegetation success annually, with particular attention given to project monitoring in the first two years of growth. Vegetation success will be based on tree survivability over a five year monitoring period. Success will be measured by density and growth of character tree species. "Character Trees" are defined as planted or volunteer species identified from a survey of local vegetation on less degraded sections of the specified reference site and from reference literature that details native species. Survivability will be based on achieving at least 320 stems (Character Trees) per acre after five years. Planted species must account for a minimum of 30 percent of the above densities. A survey of vegetation during the growing season (mid-March to early November) will be conducted annually over the five year monitoring period in order to verify survivability of the installed plantings. This survey will track the total mortality on an annual basis and be used to calculate survivability at the end of three and five years. Survivability of less than 320 stems per acre at the end of the three and five year monitoring periods may require the installation of additional plantings as replacement for the mortality. Note the stem count procedure only applies to planted and transplanted woody vegetation. For shrubby species with multiple branching stems, the base will be considered one stem. Trees with two or more main stems branching from the base or near the ground will be considered one stem. Planted individuals will be kept separate from volunteers by loosely tied flagging. All flagging material will be designed to degrade within a couple years and will not be tied tightly or in a manner that would inhibit plant growth. Mitigation Potential 4 The project design as proposed allows for the buffering of ditches connected with surface waters extending to 200 feet. Figure 4 illustrates the proposed 51-200 ft. and 0-200 ft. buffers and equates to 274.19 acres available for nutrient offset mitigation. In addition, the project will restore -19.5 acres of Neuse River buffers extending to 50 feet from the top of bank along jurisdictional streams. In some cases, only one side of a jurisdictional stream is available for buffer restoration. Credit Generation Nutrient offset credits (NOC) and Neuse Buffer credits (NBC) will be generated through the restoration of 274.19 acres of riparian buffer equating to approximately 623,239.35 lbs of NOCs using established DWQ guidelines for determining nutrient removal efficiencies by vegetated buffers at 2,273.02 lbs per acre. In addition to the nutrient offset credits, the project will also generate ^19.5 NBCs. Service Area Neuse Basin including US Geologic Survey (USGS) 8-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) 03020202 - Middle Neuse Accounting See Ledger in MBI (Appendix V) 5 Appendix I - Figures Figure 1. Project Vicinity Map y 4 .-P F.IP-11 ,rf ! ` ? •i_I ? I t .\ ?? '`+?`' •?`' ?; f- I ?1 '_?a::/:mar SITE LOCATION \ ? Rio ? ,,? `•'x ;'/ .,., .,,. 1 i., J - I f ' a Ilk t I _ i _ -? t. on 7- r • 1 1:50,000 0 0.25 0.5 Miles USGS 7.5- Minute Topographic Quadrangle: Cove City, Dover, Fort Barnwell, , & & Grafton cove Contour Interval 2 Meters Prepared For: PROJECT VICINITY MAP Figure m FLAT SWAMP MITIGATION BANK USACE CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Figure 2. Project Boundaries Prepared For: PROJECT BOUNDARIES FLAT SWAMP MITIGATION BANK Figure 2 usACE I CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Figure 3. Project Drainage Area Prepared For: USACE PROJECT DRAINAGE AREA FLAT SWAMP MITIGATION BANK CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Figure 3 Figure 4 ( Formerly 11 a). Flat Swamp Restoration/Enhancement Site Plan NCDWQ FLAT SWAMP MITIGATION BANK 4 CRAVEN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Prepared For: Flat Swamp Restoration/Enhancement Site Plan Figure Figure 5 (Formerly 13). Flat Swamp Riparian and Non-Riparian Buffer Vegetation Cross Section LU w U O 0 a E Y z W L) (� 1 Q N O a n m 19 ^—. O cn ��NU�w LLJ l g vow _ ON W O �/� \V @ W n °. O o Q C Z VJS71 1 � a°i m m o d 1'1 Z //'� W Q O V i�WJ Z U)> o Lij LU -i > � N v Q U P 3O Z0 viz=°3 0 iL FY w N m(nc�mm Co LL F—� r �, '+ It - o c� W �� .., L o W � Y `° v / o�Yt a Z 0 N �LL N �nOQ C Q\Jri E 3° c 1 LL � CL O 10 19 U m m 00, >.m / mm 3`Ez Om d ovmy—n v _3:1 c L 0 Appendix 11 - Photos QW PHOTOGRAPHIC LOG Client Name: Project Name: NCDWQ Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank Photo No. 1 Date: F b 2007 e Perspective: , Unknown Description: Current land use at the Site after previous conversion of the original riparian system for agriculture. „Y 1 Photo No. Date: 4 Apr 2008 Perspective: Facing South Description: N? 2 Appendix III - Example Conservation Easement MODEL CONSERVATION EASEMENT January 18, 2001 Rev'd October 16, 2002 Rev'd August, 2003 Model Conservation Easement for use in preserving mitigation property. Language in italics is instructional, and should be deleted when site-specific Conservation Easement is prepared. PERMANENT CONSERVATION EASEMENT THIS CONSERVATION EASEMENT ("Conservation Easement") made this day of , 200 by and between , ("Grantor") and (Grantee). The designation Grantor and Grantee as used herein shall include said parties, their heirs, successors and assigns, and shall include singular, plural, masculine, feminine or neuter as required by context. RECITALS WHEREAS, Grantor owns in fee simple certain real property situated, lying and being in County, North Carolina, more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein ("Property"); WHEREAS, Grantee is [either a public body of this state, an agency of the United States, or a nonprofit corporation or trust whose purpose is the conservation of property], and is qualified to be the Grantee of a conservation easement pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 121-35; WHEREAS, Grantor and Grantee recognize the conservation, scenic, natural, or aesthetic value of the property in its natural state, which includes the following natural communities: [describe by wetland and/or stream type, as well as any associated buffers or upland communities]. The purpose of this Conservation Easement is to maintain wetland and/or riparian resources and other natural values of the Property, and prevent the use or development of the Property for any purpose or in any manner that would conflict with the maintenance of the Property in its natural condition. [For use when the mitigation is offered for impacts of a single individual or general permit use] WHEREAS, the preservation of the Property is a condition of Department of the Army permit Action ID issued by the Wilmington District Corps of Engineers, required to mitigate for unavoidable stream and/or wetland impacts authorized by that permit. Grantor and Grantee agree that third-party rights of enforcement shall be held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (Corps, to include any successor agencies), and that these rights are in addition to, and do not limit, the rights of enforcement under said permit. [Alternate paragraph for use when the conservation easement supports a mitigation bank] WHEREAS, the preservation of the Property is required by a Mitigation Banking Instrument for the [Name of Bank], Department of the Army Action ID [Action ID number for the mitigation bank]. The Mitigation Bank is intended to be used to compensate for unavoidable stream and/or wetland impacts authorized by permits issued by the Department of the Army. Grantor and Grantee agree that third-party rights of enforcement shall be held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (Corps, to include any successor agencies), and that these rights are in addition to, and do not limit, the rights of the parties to the Mitigation Banking Instrument. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and representations contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Grantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably grants and conveys unto Grantee, its heirs, successors and assigns, forever and in perpetuity a Conservation Easement of the nature and character and to the extent hereinafter set forth, over the Property described on Exhibit A, together with the right to preserve and protect the conservation values thereof, as follows: ARTICLE I. DURATION OF EASEMENT This Conservation Easement shall be perpetual. This conservation Easement is an easement in gross, runs with the land and is enforceable by Grantee against Grantor, Grantor's personal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, lessees, agents and licensees. ARTICLE II. PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ACTIVITIES Any activity on, or use of, the Property inconsistent with the purpose of this Conservation Easement is prohibited. The Property shall be preserved in its natural condition and restricted from any development that would impair or interfere with the conservation values of the Property. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following activities and uses are expressly prohibited, restricted or reserved as indicated hereunder: A. Disturbance of Natural Features. Any change disturbance, alteration or impairment of the natural features of the Property or any introduction of non-native plants and/or animal species is prohibited. B. Construction. There shall be no constructing or placing of any building, mobile home, asphalt or concrete pavement, billboard or other advertising display, antenna, utility pole, tower, conduit, line, pier, landing, dock or any other temporary or permanent structure or facility on or above the Property. C. Industrial, Commercial and Residential Use. Industrial, residential and/or commercial activities, including any right of passage for such purposes are prohibited. D. Agricultural, Grazing and Horticultural Use. Agricultural, grazing, animal husbandry, and horticultural use of the Property are prohibited. E. Vegetation. There shall be no removal, burning, destruction, harming, cutting or mowing of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation on the Property. F. Roads and Trails. There shall be no construction of roads, trails or walkways on the property; nor enlargement or modification to existing roads, trails or walkways. G. Signage. No signs shall be permitted on or over the Property, except the posting of no trespassing signs, signs identifying the conservation values of the Property, signs giving directions or proscribing rules and regulations for the use of the Property and/or signs identifying the Grantor as owner of the property. H. Dumping or Storage. Dumping or storage of soil, trash, ashes, garbage, waste, abandoned vehicles, appliances, machinery or hazardous substances, or toxic or hazardous waste, or any placement of underground or aboveground storage tanks or other materials on the Property is prohibited. 1. Excavation, Dredging or Mineral Use. There shall be no grading, filling, excavation, dredging, mining or drilling; no removal of topsoil, sand, gravel, rock, peat, minerals or other materials, and no change in the topography of the land in any manner on the Property, except to restore natural topography or drainage patterns. J. Water Quality and Drainage Pattern. There shall be no diking, draining, dredging, channeling, filling, leveling, pumping, impounding or related activities, or altering or tampering with water control structures or devices, or disruption or alteration of the restored, enhanced, or created drainage patterns. In addition, diverting or causing or permitting the diversion of surface or underground water into, within or out of the easement area by any means, removal of wetlands, polluting or discharging into waters, springs, seeps, or wetlands, or use of pesticide or biocides is prohibited. K. Development Rights. No development rights that have been encumbered or extinguished by this Conservation Easement shall be transferred pursuant to a transferable development rights scheme or cluster development arrangement or otherwise. L. Vehicles. The operation of mechanized vehicles, including, but not limited to, motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, cars and trucks is prohibited. [The Corps will generally allow the use of vehicles on existing roads provided those roads are identified by reference to a recorded map showing their location, configuration, and size.] M. Other Prohibitions. Any other use of, or activity on, the Property which is or may become inconsistent with the purposes of this grant, the preservation of the Property substantially in its natural condition, or the protection of its environmental systems, is prohibited. ARTICLE III GRANTOR'S RESEVERED RIGHTS The Grantor expressly reserves for himself, his personal representatives, heirs, successors or assigns, the right to continue the use of the property for all purposes not inconsistent with this Conservation Easement, including, but not limited to, the right to quiet enjoyment of the Property, the rights of ingress and egress, the right to hunt, fish, and hike on the Property, the right to sell, transfer, gift or otherwise convey the Property, in whole or in part, provided such sale, transfer or gift conveyance is subject to the terms of, and shall specifically reference, this Conservation Easement. [For use when mitigation work (approved or required restoration, creation, or enhancement)is to be done on the property]Notwithstanding the foregoing Restrictions, Grantor reserves for Grantor, its successors and assigns, the right to construct wetland and stream mitigation on the Property, in accordance with the [describe mitigation plan by title, date and permit action id if a single mitigation site; if a mitigation bank, include the language "detailed mitigation plan approved in accordance with the Mitigation Banking Instrument for the Mitigation Bank.] ARTICLE IV. GRANTEE'S RIGHTS The Grantee or its authorized representatives, successors and assigns, and the Corps, shall have the right to enter the Property at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting said property to determine if the Grantor, or his personal representatives, heirs, successors, or assigns, is complying with the terms, conditions, restrictions, and purposes of this Conservation Easement. The Grantee shall also have the right to enter and go upon the Property for purposes of making scientific or educational observations and studies, and taking samples. The easement rights granted herein do not include public access rights. ARTICLE V ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES A. To accomplish the purposes of this Easement, Grantee is allowed to prevent any activity on or use of the Property that is inconsistent with the purposes of this Easement and to require the restoration of such areas or features of the Property that may be damaged by such activity or use. Upon any breach of the terms of this Conservation Easement by Grantor that comes to the attention of the Grantee, the Grantee shall notify the Grantor in writing of such breach. The Grantor shall have 30 days after receipt of such notice to correct the conditions constituting such breach. If the breach remains uncured after 30 days, the Grantee may enforce this Conservation Easement by appropriate legal proceedings including damages, injunctive and other relief. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Grantee reserves the immediate right, without notice, to obtain a temporary restraining order, injunctive or other appropriate relief if the breach of the term of this Conservation Easement is or would irreversibly or otherwise materially impair the benefits to be derived from this Conservation Easement. The Grantor and Grantee acknowledge that under such circumstances damage to the Grantee would be irreparable and remedies at law will be inadequate. The rights and remedies of the Grantee provided hereunder shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other rights and remedies available to Grantee in connection with this Conservation Easement. The costs of a breach, correction or restoration, including the Grantee's expenses, court costs, and attorneys' fees, shall be paid by Grantor, provided Grantor is determined to be responsible for the breach. The Corps shall have the same right to enforce the terms and conditions of this easement as the Grantee. B. No failure on the part of the Grantee to enforce any covenant or provision hereof shall discharge or invalidate such covenant or any other covenant, condition, or provision hereof or affect the right to Grantee to enforce the same in the event of a subsequent breach or default. C. Nothing contained in this Conservation Easement shall be construed to entitle Grantee to bring any action against Grantor for any injury or change in the Property resulting from causes beyond the Grantor's control, including, without limitation, fire, flood, storm, war, acts of God or third parties, except Grantor's lessees or invitees; or from any prudent action taken in good faith by Grantor under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to life, damage to property or harm to the Property resulting from such causes. ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS A. Warran . Grantor warrants, covenants and represents that it owns the Property in fee simple, and that Grantor either owns all interests in the Property which may be impaired by the granting of this Conservation Easement or that there are no outstanding mortgages, tax liens, encumbrances, or other interests in the Property which have not been expressly subordinated to this Conservation Easement. Grantor further warrants that Grantee shall have the use of and enjoy all the benefits derived from and arising out of this Conservation Easement, and that Grantor will warrant and defend title to the Property against the claims of all persons. B. Subsequent Transfers. The Grantor agrees to incorporate the terms of this Conservation Easement in any deed or other legal instrument that transfers any interest in all or a portion of the Property. The Grantor agrees to provide written notice of such transfer at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the transfer. The Grantor and Grantee agree that the terms of this Conservation Easement shall survive any merger of the fee and easement interests in the Property or any portion thereof and shall not be amended, modified or terminated without the prior written consent and approval of the Corps. C. Assignment. The parties recognize and agree that the benefits of this Conservation Easement are in gross and assignable provided, however that the Grantee hereby covenants and agrees, that in the event it transfers or assigns this Conservation Easement, the organization receiving the interest will be a qualified holder under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 121-34 et seq. and § 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, and the Grantee further covenants and agrees that the terms of the transfer or assignment will be such that the transferee or assignee will be required to continue in perpetuity the conservation purposes described in this document. D. Entire Agreement and Severability. This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Conservation Easement and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings or agreements relating to the Conservation Easement. If any provision is found to be void or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect. E. Obligations of Ownership. Grantor is responsible for any real estate taxes, assessments, fees, or charges levied upon the Property. Grantor shall keep the Property free of any liens or other encumbrances for obligations incurred by Grantor. Grantee shall not be responsible for any costs or liability of any kind related to the ownership, operation, insurance, upkeep, or maintenance of the Property, except as expressly provided herein. Nothing herein shall relieve the Grantor of the obligation to comply with federal, state or local laws, regulations and permits that may apply to the exercise of the Reserved Rights. F. Extinguishment. In the event that changed conditions render impossible the continued use of the Property for the conservation purposes, this Conservation Easement may only be extinguished, in whole or in part, by judicial proceeding. G. Eminent Domain. Whenever all or part of the Property is taken in the exercise of eminent domain so as to substantially abrogate the Restrictions imposed by this Conservation Easement, Grantor and Grantee shall join in appropriate actions at the time of such taking to recover the full value of the taking, and all incidental and direct damages due to the taking. H. Proceeds. This Conservation Easement constitutes a real property interest immediately vested in Grantee. In the event that all or a portion of this Property is sold, exchanged, or involuntarily converted following an extinguishment or the exercise of eminent domain, Grantee shall be entitled to the fair market value of this Conservation Easement. The parties stipulate that the fair market value of this Conservation Easement shall be determined by multiplying the fair market value of the Property unencumbered by this Conservation Easement (minus any increase in value after the date of this grant attributable to improvements) by the ratio of the value of this easement at the time of this grant to the value of the Property (without deduction for the value of this Conservation Easement) at the time of this grant. The values at the time of this grant shall be the values used, or which would have been used, to calculate a deduction for federal income tax purposes, pursuant to Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code (whether eligible or ineligible for such a deduction). Grantee shall use its share of the proceeds in a manner consistent with the purposes of this Conservation Easement. 1. Notification. Any notice, request for approval, or other communication required under this Conservation Easement shall be sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, to the following addresses (or such address as may be hereafter specified by notice pursuant to this paragraph): To Grantor: [Name, address and fax number] To Grantee: [Name, address and fax number] To the Corns: [Name, address and fax number] J. Failure of Grantee. If at any time Grantee is unable or fails to enforce this Conservation Easement, or if Grantee ceases to be a qualified grantee, and if within a reasonable period of time after the occurrence of one of these events Grantee fails to make an assignment pursuant to this Conservation Easement, then the Grantee's interest shall become vested in another qualified grantee in accordance with an appropriate proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction. K. Amendment. This Conservation Easement may be amended, but only in a writing signed by all parties hereto, and provided such amendment does not affect the qualification of this Conservation Easement or the status of the Grantee under any applicable laws, and is consistent with the conservation purposes of this grant. L. [For use if there is a document describing the current condition of the property. The language provided is applicable if there is a mitigation plan that accurately describes the current condition and uses of the property. If there is not such a plan, another document we agree is accurate and can be identified and is in our files can be referenced.] Present Condition of the Property. The wetlands, scenic, resource, environmental, and other natural characteristics of the Property, and its current use and state of improvement, are described in Section _, Appendix B of the Mitigation Plan, dated , prepared by Grantor and acknowledged by the Grantor and Grantee to be complete and accurate as of the date hereof. Both Grantor and Grantee have copies of this report. It will be used by the parties to assure that any future changes in the use of the Property will be consistent with the terms of this Conservation Easement. However, this report is not intended to preclude the use of other evidence to establish the present condition of the Property if there is a controversy over its use. TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said rights and easements perpetually unto Grantee for the aforesaid purposes. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Grantor has hereunto set his hand and seal, the day and year first above written. [Signatures of the Grantor and Grantee in appropriate form] Appendix IV - Project Bonding This page intentionally left blank Appendix V - DWQ Mitigation Banking Instrument & Credit Accounting Ledger FLAT SWAMP NEUSE RIVER RIPARIAN BUFFER AND NUTRIENT OFFSET MITIGATION BANKING INSTRUMENT 1. PREAMBLE This Mitigation Banking Instrument, is for the establishment, use, operation, and maintenance of the Flat Swamp Neuse Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Bank (Bank) and is made and entered into by and among GreenVest/Flat Swamp, L.L.C. (GV/FS) and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Division of Water Quality (DWQ). GreenVest Flat Swamp LLC owns fee simple title to the 386 acre (the "Property") in Craven County, North Carolina within the Neuse River Basin upon which the Bank will be established. The purpose of the Bank is a) to improve water quality through the restoration of forested riparian buffers within the Neuse River Basin in the State of North Carolina, United States Geological Survey (USGS) including Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 030202. The goal of improving water quality will be achieved by 1) restoring 293.69 acres of agricultural fields to riparian buffer dedicated to Neuse Nutrient Offsets of which 19.50 acres of riparian buffer would be dedicated to Neuse Buffer Credits. This objective of this document is to establish Nutrient Offset Credits (NOCs), and Neuse Buffer Credits (NBCs) to provide mitigation to third parties, public or private, within the Neuse River Basin, and/or to sell resulting credits to third parties public or private. II. AUTHORITY The Bank will be used to provide Nutrient Offset and Neuse River buffer mitigation in accordance with the requirements of 15A NCAC 2B .0234 (Wastewater Discharge Requirements), 2B .0235 (Basinwide Stormwater Requirements), 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h) (NC Stream, Wetland and Buffer Mitigation), 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Meuse Buffer Rule), 15A NCAC 2B .0235 (Meuse Nutrient Sensitive Water Management Plan) 2B .0240 (Nutrient Offset Payments) under such authority as established in SL 2007- 438 and any amendments thereto. All activities will be consistent with rules adopted by the Environmental Management Commission and all other applicable authorities. III. ESTABLISHMENT OF BANK PARCEL(S) A. Portions of the Property aforementioned hereinafter referred to as the "Bank Parcel" will be subject to a conservation easement or restrictive covenant as described in Section III-E ("Parcel") included in the BPDP. The Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP), contains detailed information concerning site location, existing conditions, proposed restoration activities, Page I 1 monitoring and maintenance plans, financial assurances (III(D)), and associated mitigation potential (including credit generation, service area, and accounting as appropriate for each regulatory authority cited above). B. GV/FS agrees to perform all necessary work, in accordance with the provisions of this Banking Instrument, to establish and/or maintain riparian buffer and nutrient offset buffer until it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the DWQ that the Bank Parcel complies with all conditions contained herein, or until all credits are sold, whichever is later. C. GV/FS will obtain all appropriate environmental documentation, permits or other authorizations needed to establish and maintain the Bank. This Banking Instrument does not qualify or substitute for such authorization. D. Financial Assurance Requirements: Following approval of the BPDP, GreenVest/Flat Swamp, LLC shall provide a Performance Bond, Letter of Credit or other form of financial assurance acceptable to DWQ from a surety that is rated no less than an "A-" as rated by A.M. Best. The Financial Assurance amount shall be 125% the estimated cost for implementation of the restoration plan included in the BPDP, but no less than $100,000.00. After completion of the construction, a Monitoring Bond will be substituted for the initial assurance vehicle. The Penal Sum of said Monitoring Bond shall be for two times the estimated cost to implement the monitoring and maintenance plan but no less than $100,000.00 in amount. The Monitoring Bond shall be in effect for a period of five (5) years. E. Real Estate Provisions: Prior to the certification of any credits, GV/FS shall record a permanent conservation easement(s) or record restrictive covenants to the deed(s) on all Bank Parcels to provide protection to the restored riparian buffer from activities that would impair its ability to provide nutrient abatement to waters of the Neuse River Basin. The form of the conservation easement or restrictive covenants shall be consistent with the standards employed by the State of North Carolina in the protection of restored riparian buffers and shall be approved by the DWQ prior to the certification of any credits. GV/FS shall not grant additional easements, right of way, or any other property interest in or to the project areas without the written consent of the DWQ or its designee. In the case of a conservation easement, GV/FS will hold the easement until all credits are released from the Bank Parcel. At the conclusion of Bank activities, the conservation easement(s) may be permanently transferred to a DWQ approved land trust or non-profit group to be held in perpetuity. Please refer to the BPDP for a sample conservation easement. F. As-Built Reports: GV/FS agrees to submit an as-built report for each Bank Parcel within 30 days after completing the establishment of the project. The as-built report will describe in detail any deviation from the BPDP. In addition, the as-built report will document finished grades, and surface and Page 12 groundwater elevations, as appropriate. IV. MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING OF BANK PARCEL(S) A. Maintenance Provisions: GV/FS agrees to perform all necessary work to maintain the Parcel(s) consistent with the maintenance criteria established in this instrument. GV/FS shall continue with such maintenance activities until all credits are sold or the maintenance and monitoring provisions are completed to the satisfaction of DWQ. Deviation from the approved BPDP is subject to review and written approval by DWQ or its designee. B. Monitoring Provisions: GV/FS agrees to perform all necessary work to monitor the Bank to demonstrate compliance with the Success Criteria established in this Banking Instrument specific to the conditions of the attached BPDP. C. Vegetative Success Criteria: Vegetative Success Criteria will be based upon the density and growth of character tree species. "Character Trees" are defined as planted or volunteer species identified from a survey of local vegetation on less degraded sections of the specified reference site and from reference literature that details native species. A list of Character Tree species for this project is detailed in a planting plan and planting schedule within the BPDP. Vegetative Success Criteria will be based upon guidelines set forth in the Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration prepared by the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (or subsequent updated versions of this Guidance in place at the date of acceptance of a BPDP). Success is defined as the survival of an average density of 320 Character Trees per acre. Planted species must account for a minimum of 30 percent of the above densities. If vegetative success criteria are not achieved based on acreage density calculations from combined monitoring plots over the entire restoration area, supplemental planting may be performed with tree species approved by DWQ. Supplemental planting may be performed as needed until vegetative success criteria are met. No quantitative measurements of herb assemblages will be required to meet the vegetative success criteria. The quantity of monitoring plots will be determined in accordance with The Carolina Vegetative Sampling Protocol (Levels I & I1), such that no more than 2 percent of any one Parcel is encompassed in monitoring plots (see BPDP). Visual estimates of the percent cover of herbaceous species and photographic evidence will be reported for informational purposes. Visual observation of streambank stability will also be made. Areas of significant bank erosion will be repaired through matting and/or vegetative planting. D. Monitoring Reports: GV/FS shall submit to the DWQ an annual monitoring report, no later than December 31 each year for five (5) years after the first full growing season, describing the conditions of each Bank Parcel and relating those conditions to the success criteria. Reports will be submitted annually and shall contain the following: 1. A U.S. Geological Survey map showing location of the Bank; 2. A detailed narrative summarizing the condition of the Bank and all Page 13 regular maintenance activities; 3. Appropriate topographic maps showing location of sampling plots, permanent photo points, location of transects, etc.; 4. Monitoring data, including specific vegetative counts and photographs; and 5. A copy of the Bank credit/debit ledger. E. Contingency Plans/Remedial Actions: In the event the Bank fails to achieve the success criteria described in this instrument, GV/FS shall develop necessary contingency plans and implement appropriate remedial actions for the Bank in coordination with the DWQ or designee. If the DWQ determines that the Bank is operating at a deficit (i.e., GV/FS is selling or transferring credits not yet available), the sale/transfer of credits will immediately cease, and the DWQ, in consultation with GV/FS, will determine what remedial actions are necessary to correct the situation. V. OPERATION OF BANK A. Nutrient (nitrogen (N)) Abatement of Restored Riparian Buffer: GV/FS and DWQ agree that the pounds of nitrogen offset per acre of restored riparian buffer shall be two thousand two hundred and seventy three point two (2,273.2 lbs N/acre) as established by the DWQ and applied to existing riparian buffer-based nutrient abatement sites across the State of North Carolina. Riparian Buffer: GV/FS and DWQ agree that the credit ratio shall be a 1:1 for every acre of Riparian Buffer restored. B. Establishment and Release of Credits: Upon submittal of all appropriate documentation by GV/FS, and subsequent approval by DWQ or its designee and unless sooner approved by DWQ, it is agreed that the mitigation credits associated with this Bank will become available for sale to a third party in accordance with the following schedule: Table I -Buffer Credit Release Schedule Task Project Milestone % Credit Available for Sale 1 Mitigation Banking Instrument signed, BPDP Approved, 20 Conservation Easement or Restrictive Covenants Recorded and Performance Bond Purchased 2 Mitigation Site Earthwork, Planting and Installation of 20 Monitoring Devices Completed 4 A r v of -B it R r n M ni rin Bond Purchased Submit Monitoring Report #1 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 1 10 5 Submit Monitoring Report #2 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 6 Submit Monitoring Report #3 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 7 Submit Monitoring Report #4 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 8 Submit Monitoring Report #5 to DWQ (meets success criteria) 10 Total 100% Page 14 C. Projects Eligible to Use the Bank. Projects eligible for utilization of the credits are those requiring authorization under the requirements of 15A NCAC 2B .0234 (Wastewater Discharge Requirements), 213 .0235 (Basinwide Stormwater Requirements), and 02B .0242 (Mitigation Program for Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffer) 15A NCAC 2H.0506(h) (NC Stream, Wetland and Buffer Mitigation), 15A NCAC 213 .0233 (Meuse Buffer Rule), 15A NCAC 2B .0235 (Meuse Nutrient Sensitive Water Management Plan) 2B .0240 (Nutrient Offset Payments) under such authority as established in SL 2007-438 and any amendments thereto provided such use has met all applicable requirements and is authorized by the appropriate authority and any others as deemed appropriate by DWQ. D. Procedure for Debiting or Crediting the Bank: GV/FS shall maintain 2 credit ledgers: 1) one accounting for Nutrient Offset Credits (in square feet), which are generated by buffer areas both 0-200 feet in width; and >51 feet in width, and 2) one for Neuse Buffer Credits, which are generated by buffering 50 feet from top of bank, NCDWQ jurisdictional streams subject to Neuse River buffer regulation (15A NCAC 213 .0233). The ledgers (see the BPDP) shall record the area of available area for each credit value and all associated debits and credits. GV/FS reserves the right to amend this MBI post construction. No debits or credits to the ledger shall be made without the written concurrence of the DWQ and GV/FS. All written concurrences shall be kept in the ledger. The accounting and tracking presented in the ledgers and overseen by DWQ will 1) allow for accurate tracking of debits and 2) prevent "double-dipping" of the same. VI. OTHER PROVISIONS A. GV/FS will allow, or otherwise provide for, access to the Parcel(s) by the DWQ or other parties authorized by the DWQ, as necessary, for the purpose of inspection and compliance with the terms and conditions of this Banking Instrument and the conservation easement or restrictive covenants. Inspecting parties shall provide reasonable notice, of not less than 24 hours, to GV/FS, prior to inspection of Bank. B. Force Majeure: GV/FS will not be responsible for Bank failure that is attributed to natural catastrophes such as flood, drought, disease, regional pest infestation, etc. that are beyond the control of GV/FS. DWQ must concur in writing that a. force majeure event has occurred. If such an event occurs before the final sale of all credits, the GV/FS shall take remedial action to restore the property to its condition prior to this event, in a manner sufficient to provide adequate mitigation to cover credits that were sold prior to the occurrence of the event. Such remedial action shall be taken by the GV/FS only to the extent necessary and appropriate, as determined by DWQ Page 15 in order to offset authorized impacts to buffers or to satisfy nutrient offset buy down requirements imposed during land development activities and satisfied through payment into the Flat Swamp Bank. C. Validity, Modification, and Termination of the Banking Instrument: This Banking Instrument will become valid on the date of the last party's signature. This Banking Instrument may be amended or modified only with the written approval of all signatory parties. D. Specific Language of Banking Instrument Shall Be Controlling: To the extent that specific language in this document changes, modifies, or deletes terms and conditions contained in those documents that are incorporated into the Banking Instrument by reference, and that are not legally binding, the specific language within the Banking Instrument shall be controlling. E. Dispute Resolution. Any disputes between the Bank Sponsor and the DWQ regarding the attainment of success criteria and release of credits from a specific site and appropriate monitoring, maintenance and/or remedial onsite activities shall first be addressed among the field staff of DWQ and GV/FS field personnel and then, if not settled, raised to the level of the individual signatories to the Banking Instrument or their designees. F. Notices: Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices and other communications which may be or are required to be given or made by any party to the other in connection herewith shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given and received on the date delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, to the addresses setut below, or at such other addresses as specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith. If to GV/FS: 1001 Capability Drive, Suite 312 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 If to DWQ: G. Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the sole and entire agreement among the parties hereto and no modification of this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by all parties hereto. H. Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be construed under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Page 16 GreenVest/Flat Swamp, LLC: By: A?? Name: Douglas Lashley Title: Managing Member North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources: Division of Water Quality: By: Name: Title: Page 17 Hr `W V 0 W J Z H Z 0 U Q W U Y c m m c 0 U a) Z w c a o U N U) N 76 W LL U p d C L v^ 1 ?p M 1 o M m . = N f N U f Q U z i z Q ? f E ? t'i rn c d a) 'i m ? a) i c m °) i t 5 COO U N L f0 0 N ? fl O ? ? 0 V ff) y U O c _? l0 O O (n > C vi t5 0) 0 C) N 0 Z Z e T 0 w N Q m ? o Q .? N rn K S i3 n s 3 MN ? 0 i m N ) U U i z i Q s C, I m I CD 7 1 ? z !U Z Ci CJl O O M C c _ C c N M N E E ( O (D 4) I N N a =a U U N ? y J Q O ? O N N N N U U N N U 1n U M ? Oj d fJ> U U N o `o N N Q Q J J 0 r O N O cn r- 0 p N N d ? a a Q a J J W O a O T H F - N io c 0 c p O) 76 0) C M fA O co U O T 7 Q N N N 4k ) M m m h N h in c 0 iD w 6 0 N V co N N L d m ? c in rn o CD U o m o z 1n o C) I U N w Z U z w , f ? y m N c U ? 1 U c m ? 0 i N 0 C f /) m N 7 \ t; I 2 m Z 1 Z Z 0 U m Z Y3 m Z m H s m U m i ? N U 1 r I ? m , d ? N 3 i N z N Appendix VI - Correspondence Beverly Eaves Pardue, Governor W ATE Dee Freeman, Secretary ??' ? North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Co* en H. Sullins, Director > 704 011111111111111 " y r Chuck Wakild, P.E., Deputy Director January 22, 2009 DWQ Project # 2007-0737 Craven County Page I of 2 Scott J. Frederick, El, NCrLSS Sail, Water & Environment Group Research Building I. Centennial Campus 1001 Capability Drive, Suite. 312 Raleigh, ItiC° 27606 Subject Property: Flat Swamp Mitigation Bank UTs to Flat Swamp, Neuse River Basin On-Site Determination for Applicability to the Neuse River Riparian Area Protection Rules (15A NGAC 2(3.0233) Dear Mr. Frederick. On January 22, 2009, at your request I conducted an on-site determination to review features located on the subject property for applicability to the Meuse Buffer Rules (I 5A NCAC 213 .0233). "1'lte feature is labeled as "2007-0747 on the attached map initialed by me on January, 22, 2009. The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) has determined that the portion of the surface water circled, highlighted in blue, and labeled as "2007-07=17" on the attached map are at least intermittent and therefore Subject to the Neuse Buffer Rules, The portions of the feature highlighted in pink on the attached map are Not Subject to the Meuse Buffer Rule. l'ltis determination supencedes the determination letter of September 30, 2008. This feature and its associated buffers should be identified on any future plans for this property. The owner (or f'ctture owners) should notify the DWQ (and other relevant agencies) of this decision in any futures correspondences concerning this propcrty. 1`his on-site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected parties that dispute a determination made by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that a surface water exists and that it is subject to the buller rule may request a determination by the Director. A request for a determination by the Director shall be referred to the Director in writing clo C yndi Karoly. DWQ, 401 OversighYExpress Review Permitting (:nit. 2321 Crabtree Bled., Suite 250, Ralcigh, NC 27604-2260. Individuals that dispute a determination by the DWQ or Delegated Local Authority that "exempts" a surface water from the buffer rule may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. Applicants are hereby notified that the 60-day statutory appeal time does ,orthCarol inaDivisionofWatelQuatitg Intemet. h2c.enrratencus 943 W.Witstgtori 5j4uarc Mali P'honc, 252-946-&481 One Washrngeton.;tiC"27889 FA 252-446-9215 N_o lCaroJ?1i/ifTYa An Equal OppartunltylAffirmative Action Employer - 50% Resycledrtfl% Past Consumer paper ??[ , Applicant Pike 2 of 2 Date not start until the affected party (including downstream and adjacent tandowners) is notified of this decision. DWQ recommends that the applicant conduct this notification in order to be certain that third party appeals are made in a timely manner. To ask for a hearing. send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Bearings. 6 714 Mail Service Center. Raleigh, N.C. 27099-6714. This determination is final and binding unless you ask for a hearing within 60 days. This letter only addresses the applicability to the buffer rules and does not approve any act' vity° within the buffers. Nor does this letter approve any activity within Waters of the United States or Waters of the State. If you have any additional questions or require additional information please call Chris Pullinger at (252) 948-3920. Sincerely. Chris Pullinger Environmental Specialist Enclosures: copy of Fort Barnwell quadrangle. 1:24,000 scale [ iSGS topographic map cc: DWQ 401 OversightEExpress Emit U.S_ Army Carps of Engineers. 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