HomeMy WebLinkAbout20040526 Ver 1_Complete File_20050519LandWanagement Group, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
Post Office (Box 2522
,Wfini ton, North Carolina 28402
T hone. 910-452-0001
9Kay 16, 2005
Mr. Dan Cameron
Noremac Enterprises, LLC Dto;
3504 Saint Frances Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Re: Mitigation Plan for Proposed Truck Stop off of Blackwell Road.
To Whom It May Concern:
In order to address comments from NC DWQ, the mitigation plan has been edited. A more thorough
investigation of the property has revealed additional opportunities for wetland restoration. The revised plan
calls for the filling and grading of an additional 1,175 linear feet of ditching. The ditch was found to be
roughly 3-4' deep and has a north-south orientation. Surrounding soil units (Torhunta, Woodington) are
defined as Group "D" under the hydric soil drainage guide publication. The guide states that lateral drainage
effect of a 3-4' ditch in these soils is greater than 600'. However, we are proposing a less aggressive total of
200' for the entire length, restoring a total of 5.4 acres.
Additional edits to the monitoring protocols have also been included to reflect the increase in total restored
acreage (increased monitoring wells, plots, etc.) Otherwise, the plan remains very similar to the originally
submitted document. Final ratios will provide for greater than 2:1 mitigation for the project, with a total of
12.3 acres of pocosin habitat restoration
At the present time, we are preparing for a meeting scheduled for June 3rd, 2005, where the plan will be
discussed by all parties. Please review the enclosed attachment and feel free to contact me with any
questions or comments. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Brent Manning ---
Environmental Scientist
Cc: Noelle Lutheran, NCDWQ
Tom Farrell, USACOE
Cyndi Karoly, NCDWQ
L W72
MAY 1 9 2005
DENR - WATER QUALITY
TLMIDS AND STOPoIIV 72R- BRANCH
Rattlesnake Bay Wetland Restoration Plan
Introduction
1. Background
Noremac Enterprises, LLC. is the applicant requesting a 404/401
permits for a proposed construction project in Brunswick County, NC. If
permitted, a full service truck stop will be constructed along the HWY 17 corridor
west of Wilmington (Figures 1-4). The project proposes to fill 11.09 acres of
wetlands on the property. The applicant has been involved in the individual
permit (IP) process orchestrated by the USACOE for the past 18 months to
develop a suitable mitigation plan to accompany the overall development and the
associated wetland impacts. In order to accommodate the mitigation required by
USACOE and NC DWQ, the applicant proposes a mixture of restoration,
preservation, and enhancement of wetlands located on a 114.06 acre tract near
the town of Sandy Run in Brunswick County. This tract lies within the same 8
HUC (Cape Fear 03030005) as the impact site. In addition to these measures,
approximately 18 acres of wetlands will also be preserved at the impact site.
II. Pre-restoration Site Conditions
The tract is located west of NC 87 (Maco Rd.) near the municipality of
Sandy Run in Brunswick County, N.C. The center of the tract is located at
Longitude 7809'40"W and Latitude 34016'25" N. The site is bounded by the
Sandy Run housing development to the north and Little Green Swamp the west.
Several logging roads provide access to most areas of the property. The
previous owner of the property cleared land for an airstrip which would have
served members of the proposed development. However, the owner became ill
the development plan was never completed.
III. Wetland Classification and Functions
Much of the southeastern North Carolina coastal plain, including this
tract, is underlain by an extensive Pleistocene marine terrace that is flat and
poorly to very poorly drained. Saturated conditions produced by this terrace
have driven the development of hydric soils and large interstream divide
wetlands. Many of these wetland ecosystems are classified hydrogeomorphically
as flats. These ecosystems receive precipitation as their sole water source and
lose water primarily by evapotranspiration with overland flow and gradual
seepage to the underlying aquifer. Soils of wet flats can be either histosol or
mineral. Flats with organic soil are dominated by bay type vegetation (e.g.
Magnolia virginiana, Persea borbonia, Ilex spp., Lyonia spp.) while mineral soil
flats tend to be dominated by pine species (e.g. Pinus taeda).
A majority of the 114.06 tract is classified as a pocosin wetland which
drains primarily into Chinnis Branch and secondarily into an unnamed tributary
ditch to the west. The area forms the headwaters for both Chinnis and
Rattlesnake Branches (Figure 5). As a result of this landscape position, the area
can play a dramatic role in preserving water quality for those streams and would
be protected in perpetuity under the current mitigation package.
Wetland restoration at the Rattlesnake Bay tract will re-establish 12.3
acres of pocosin habitat that was impacted during the construction of the airstrip
and adjacent roadway. In addition to the restoration, 4.7 acres will also be
enhanced by filling and grading the local drainage ditch network. The goal is to
provide for functional restoration via re-establishment of characteristic hydrology
and vegetative assemblages. By re-establishing these criterion, wetland
functions such as nutrient cycling and removal, sediment retention, and water
storage will be realized on the tract.
2
IV. Soil
The soils of the property are of the Woodington and Torhunta soil series
(Figure 6). These soils are poorly to very poorly drained and are commonly
found along interstream divides in the lower coastal plain of North Carolina.
While these soils are not considered spodosols, inclusions of Leon and Murville
series (which contain spodic horizons) have been found within the property
boundaries. The drainage restrictions present in these spodosols allow them to
retain wetland hydrology almost year round through the retention of precipitation
and without any additional input from surrounding stream systems. The
presence of spodic horizons also minimizes the drainage effect from the
surrounding ditching.
V. Vegetation Community
Prior to mechanized impacts the tract contained vegetation typical of
pocosins including pond pine (Pinus serotina), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana),
loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), hollies (Ilex spp.), blueberry, fetterbush
(Lyonia lucida), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), American ti-ti (Cyrilla
racemiflora), and laurel-leaf greenbriar (Smilax laurifolia).
VI. Prior Anthropogenic Impacts
A 3.4 ac. area of cleared land for the airstrip represents a majority of the
anthropogenic disturbance (Figure 7). Several thousand linear feet of old
forestry ditching are currently in place in the western portion of the tract (Figure
8). These ditches are pre-Tulloch and are not in violation of standards set by
DWQ or the Army Corps. of Engineers. While these features do provide local
drainage benefits for growing trees, the overall impact on hydrology and adjacent
wetlands is unknown.
3
VII. Adjacent Land Use
The land use in the surrounding area consists of residential, light
commercial development, and silviculture. Residential developments consisting
of 0.5 ac. lots and bound the subject property while light commercial
development occupies the road frontage of HWY 74 and HWY 87. Land to the
west and south is owned and managed by International Paper and is considered
part of Little Green Swamp.
Mitigation Plan
1. Physical Restoration Plan
Restoration activities at the Rattlesnake Bay tract will take place at three
locations, restoring a total of 12.3 acres of pocosin habitat (Figure 9). Backfilling
of an existing ditch, flowing north through the property, will restore a total of 5.4
acres (given a 100' drainage effect on either side of the ditch). The remaining
acreage will be associated with the airstrip, restoring 3.4 acres and removal of
the roadbed which will re-establish 3.5 acres. At the present time, this area is
covered with a variety of herbaceous vegetation such as sundew (Drosera spp.)
and broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) which may become submerged for
several days following rain events. Field investigations found little evidence that
adjacent ditches and swales were effectively removing water from the area.
At present surface ponding increases from 0" to 12" from the northwest
to the southeast across the airstrip. During restoration grading activities will be
designed to allow for more uniform surface ponding and drainage across the
entire area. The ditches and swales which are in close proximity to the site will
also be filled and graded to restore natural contours. Following grading activities,
the acreage will be planted with typical pocosin vegetation (Table 1) at a density
of 600 stems per acre.
4
The remaining 8.9 acres of the restoration will be achieved through the
removal of an existing access road and filling of the adjacent ditches and swales.
At present, topsoil (0-6" below surface) strippings from the mechanized land
clearing activities remain on-site. These strippings were not burned and maintain
an active, viable seed source for fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) and sweet pepper
bush (Clethra alnifolia), which will be used to fill in the adjacent ditches. The
road surface will be disked and mixed with topsoil to provide a more suitable
substrate for planting. In addition to the available seed source, a mixture of
pocosin species will be planted during the dormant season (Winter 2006).
Common Name Scientific Name Quantity
Gallberry Ilex glabra 1,200
Fetterbush Lyonia lucida 1,200
Red Bay Persea borbonia 1,000
Loblolly Bay Gordonia lasianthus 1,000
Pond Pine Pinus serotina 3,000
Total 7,400
Table 1. Preliminary planting list for Rattlesnake Bay site
II. Wetland Enhancement
Wetland enhancement procedures are planned for a 4.7 acre portion of
the tract located to the south of the airstrip (Figure 9). At present, this portion of
the tract is densely vegetated and has evidence of active hydrology but is
partially drained by the surrounding ditches. These ditches will be filled in
conjunction with the restoration mentioned above and should restore natural
hydrologic functions to the existing area.
5
III. Wetland Preservation
Following the restoration and enhancement activities the entire property
will be placed under a conservation easement. This easement will protect the
entire 114.6 acre tract in perpetuity. In addition, 18.0 acres at the impact site will
also be placed under a conservation easement, for a total of 132.60 acres
(Figure 9).
Monitoring Plan
1. Annual Report Schedule
All restoration monitoring will be conducted in the 6.0 acre restoration for
three years or until deemed successful, whichever is longer. Annual reports will
be submitted to the US Army Corps. of Engineers (USACE) and DWQ no later
than September 30th of the following year. Each report will include a narrative
summarizing the findings of the monitoring. Vegetative and hydrologic data will
also be included to document conditions of the restored area over the course of
the year. Photographs will be incorporated to illustrate the evolution of site soil
and vegetative communities.
H. Reference Site
The reference site for this project will be located in adjacent undisturbed
wetlands within the property boundaries. These wetlands maintain similar
vegetative and hydrologic characteristics and are easily accessible through
existing roads on the property.
III. Restoration Monitoring
Hydrologic Criteria
Filling of ditches in wetlands precludes the necessity of hydrologic
monitoring as it removes the transport mechanism for the existing water volume
6
causing retention times to increase within the area. The two ditches that were
dug drain a very narrow distance laterally due to the shallow depth and narrow
channel width. Furthermore, field visits have shown water levels to consistently
remain at surface levels indicating little effective drainage.
However, in order to demonstrate the restored hydrology, seven (7)
shallow automated groundwater monitoring wells will be installed as shown in
Figure 10. Two wells will be located in the old roadbed area adjacent to the
existing ditches. Three will be installed in the airstrip area to demonstrate the
effect of grading work designed to balance the hydrologic flow. The remaining
two will be located in the southern portion of the tract to demonstrate the effect of
the ditch filling. Groundwater levels will be recorded daily. The success criterion
will be the establishment and maintenance of a static water table which closely
mirrors the levels recorded in the reference well.
Vegetation Monitorinq
While the primary success criterion for the restoration will be based on
hydrology, vegetation community development will also be monitored. A
vegetation monitoring study will include twelve 0.10 ac. circular plots, which will
be randomly selected throughout the restored area. The number of acceptable
volunteer species and planted individuals will be quantified and the results will be
compared with those from the reference site. Overall, survivorship must meet or
exceed 320 stems per acre by the end of the monitoring period for the project to
be deemed successful.
Contingency Plan
In the event that the hydrology and vegetation success criteria are not
fulfilled, a contingency plan will be implemented. The contingency plan will
require consultation with all regulatory agencies if success is not achieved during
the monitoring period. Sample contingency measures may include selective re-
grading or replanting. Recommendations for further activities will be
7
implemented and monitored until the hydrology and vegetation accurately
represent the reference site and meet or exceed regulatory statutes.
Restoration Implementation Schedule
Restoration planning is currently underway. Monitoring in the restoration
site will begin after the earthwork and plantings are complete and will continue for
the duration of the project. Earthwork and plantings will take place throughout
the winter and spring of 2006. Annual vegetation monitoring will be conducted in
the spring of each year following planting and will continue until 2009.
Summary
A multi-tiered mitigation plan has been designed to address the 11.08
acres of wetland impact associated with the development of the truck stop
proposed by Noremac Energy, Inc. A majority of the mitig ion will take place at
a 114.6 acre tract near the Little Green Swamp in Brunswic County. A total of
12.3 acres will be restored, while 4.7 acres will be enhanced through the filling of
on-site ditches and swales. When completed the entire tract will be placed under
a conservation easement which will protect the headwaters of Chinnis and
Rattlesnake Branches perpetually. In addition to these measures, 18.0 acres of
wetlands at the impact site will also be preserved under an easement to prevent
damage to the surrounding environment. A total of 27.85 acres are proposed,
providing greater than 2:1 mitigation without the use of the Wetland Restoration
Program reserves.
Final Proiect Mitigation Ratios
12.3 ac. of wetland restoration (1:1 ratio) 4 12.3 acres
4.7 ac. of wetland enhancement (2:1 ratio) 4 2.35 acres
132.6 ac. of wetland conservation (10:1 ratio) 413.2 acres
TOTAL RESTORATION CREDITS4 27.85 acres
The plan will provide for a functional restoration via re-establishment of
characteristic hydroperiod and vegetative communities in the restoration area.
Earth work will restore contours to their original grades and will remove the
existing roadbed. Following these activities 7,400 stems will be planted. The
target stem density (for planted and characteristic volunteer species) will be 320
stems/acre by the completion of the third year of monitoring. It is anticipated that
the native seed bank within the ditch spoil piles and stripping windrows will
germinate via seed and sucker sprout once this material is spread over top of the
regraded areas. If the target species diversity and density are not met,
contingency plans will be developed in conjunction with NCDENR and USACOE,
ensuring a successful restoration project. Successful restoration of the tract
should be completed within three years or less.
9
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0
LandWanagement Group, Inc.
Environmental Consultants
. ost Office 0ox 2522
Withnington, North Carolina 28402
Telephone. 910-452-0001
9Kay 16, 2005
Mr. Dan Cameron
Noremac Enterprises, LLC
3504 Saint Frances Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Re: Mitigation Plan for Proposed Truck Stop off of Blackwell Road.
To Whom It May Concern:
MAY D
3 ?005
?? - WATER 3MD'fC A %
In order to address comments from NC DWQ, the mitigation plan has been edited. A more thorough
investigation of the property has revealed additional opportunities for wetland restoration. The revised plan
calls for the filling and grading of an additional 1,175 linear feet of ditching. The ditch was found to be
roughly 3-4' deep and has a north-south orientation. Surrounding soil units (Torhunta, Woodington) are
defined as Group "D" under the hydric soil drainage guide publication. The guide states that lateral drainage
effect of a 3-4' ditch in these soils is greater than 600'. However, we are proposing a less aggressive total of
200' for the entire length, restoring a total of 5.4 acres.
Additional edits to the monitoring protocols have also been included to reflect the increase in total restored
acreage (increased monitoring wells, plots, etc.) Otherwise, the plan remains very similar to the originally
submitted document. Final ratios will provide for greater than 2:1 mitigation for the project, with a total of
12.3 acres of pocosin habitat restoration
At the present time, we are preparing for a meeting scheduled for June 3rd, 2005, where the plan will be
discussed by all parties. Please review the enclosed attachment and feel free to contact me with any
questions or comments. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Brent Manning
Environmental Scientist
Cc: Noelle Lutheran, NCDWQ
Tom Farrell, USACOE
Cyndi Karoly, NCDWQ
Rattlesnake Bay Wetland Restoration Plan
Introduction
1. Background
Noremac Enterprises, LLC. is the applicant requesting a 404/401
permits for a proposed construction project in Brunswick County, NC. If
permitted, a full service truck stop will be constructed along the HWY 17 corridor
west of Wilmington (Figures 1-4). The project proposes to fill 11.09 acres of
wetlands on the property. The applicant has been involved in the individual
permit (IP) process orchestrated by the USACOE for the past 18 months to
develop a suitable mitigation plan to accompany the overall development and the
associated wetland impacts. In order to accommodate the mitigation required by
USACOE and NC DWQ, the applicant proposes a mixture of restoration,
preservation, and enhancement of wetlands located on a 114.06 acre tract near
the town of Sandy Run in Brunswick County. This tract lies within the same 8
HUC (Cape Fear 03030005) as the impact site. In addition to these measures,
approximately 18 acres of wetlands will also be preserved at the impact site.
II. Pre-restoration Site Conditions
The tract is located west of NC 87 (Maco Rd.) near the municipality of
Sandy Run in Brunswick County, N.C. The center of the tract is located at
Longitude 78°9'40"W and Latitude 34°16'25" N. The site is bounded by the
Sandy Run housing development to the north and Little Green Swamp the west.
Several logging roads provide access to most areas of the property. The
previous owner of the property cleared land for an airstrip which would have
served members of the proposed development. However, the owner became ill
the development plan was never completed.
III. Wetland Classification and Functions
Much of the southeastern North Carolina coastal plain, including this
tract, is underlain by an extensive Pleistocene marine terrace that is flat and
poorly to very poorly drained. Saturated conditions produced by this terrace
have driven the development of hydric soils and large interstream divide
wetlands. Many of these wetland ecosystems are classified hydrogeomorphically
as flats. These ecosystems receive precipitation as their sole water source and
lose water primarily by evapotranspiration with overland flow and gradual
seepage to the underlying aquifer. Soils of wet flats can be either histosol or
mineral. Flats with organic soil are dominated by bay type vegetation (e.g.
Magnolia virginiana, Persea borbonia, Ilex spp., Lyonia spp.) while mineral soil
flats tend to be dominated by pine species (e.g. Pinus taeda).
A majority of the 114.06 tract is classified as a pocosin wetland which
drains primarily into Chinnis Branch and secondarily into an unnamed tributary
ditch to the west. The area forms the headwaters for both Chinnis and
Rattlesnake Branches (Figure 5). As a result of this landscape position, the area
can play a dramatic role in preserving water quality for those streams and would
be protected in perpetuity under the current mitigation package.
Wetland restoration at the Rattlesnake Bay tract will re-establish 12.3
acres of pocosin habitat that was impacted during the construction of the airstrip
and adjacent roadway. In addition to the restoration, 4.7 acres will also be
enhanced by filling and grading the local drainage ditch network. The goal is to
provide for functional restoration via re-establishment of characteristic hydrology
and vegetative assemblages. By re-establishing these criterion, wetland
functions such as nutrient cycling and removal, sediment retention, and water
storage will be realized on the tract.
2
IV. Soil
The soils of the property are of the Woodington and Torhunta soil series
(Figure 6). These soils are poorly to very poorly drained and are commonly
found along interstream divides in the lower coastal plain of North Carolina.
While these soils are not considered spodosols, inclusions of Leon and Munrille
series (which contain spodic horizons) have been found within the property
boundaries. The drainage restrictions present in these spodosols allow them to
retain wetland hydrology almost year round through the retention of precipitation
and without any additional input from surrounding stream systems. The
presence of spodic horizons also minimizes the drainage effect from the
surrounding ditching.
V. Vegetation Community
Prior to mechanized impacts the tract contained vegetation typical of
pocosins including pond pine (Pinus serotina), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana),
loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus), hollies (Ilex spp.), blueberry, fetterbush
(Lyonia lucida), sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), American ti-ti (Cyrilla
racemiflora), and laurel-leaf greenbriar (Smilax laurifolia).
VI. Prior Anthropogenic Impacts
A 3.4 ac. area of cleared land for the airstrip represents a majority of the
anthropogenic disturbance (Figure 7). Several thousand linear feet of old
forestry ditching are currently in place in the western portion of the tract (Figure
8). These ditches are pre-Tulloch and are not in violation of standards set by
DWQ or the Army Corps. of Engineers. While these features do provide local
drainage benefits for growing trees, the overall impact on hydrology and adjacent
wetlands is unknown.
VII. Adjacent Land Use
The land use in the surrounding area consists of residential, light
commercial development, and silviculture. Residential developments consisting
of 0.5 ac. lots and bound the subject property while light commercial
development occupies the road frontage of HWY 74 and HWY 87. Land to the
west and south is owned and managed by International Paper and is considered
part of Little Green Swamp.
Mitigation Plan
1. Physical Restoration Plan
Restoration activities at the Rattlesnake Bay tract will take place at three
locations, restoring a total of 12.3 acres of pocosin habitat (Figure 9). Backfilling
of an existing ditch, flowing north through the property, will restore a total of 5.4
acres (given a 100' drainage effect on either side of the ditch). The remaining
acreage will be associated with the airstrip, restoring 3.4 acres and removal of
the roadbed which will re-establish 3.5 acres. At the present time, this area is
covered with a variety of herbaceous vegetation such as sundew (Drosera spp.)
and broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) which may become submerged for
several days following rain events. Field investigations found little evidence that
adjacent ditches and swales were effectively removing water from the area.
At present surface ponding increases from 0" to 12" from the northwest
to the southeast across the airstrip. During restoration grading activities will be
designed to allow for more uniform surface ponding and drainage across the
entire area. The ditches and swales which are in close proximity to the site will
also be filled and graded to restore natural contours. Following grading activities,
the acreage will be planted with typical pocosin vegetation (Table 1) at a density
of 600 stems per acre.
4
The remaining 8.9 acres of the restoration will be achieved through the
removal of an existing access road and filling of the adjacent ditches and swales.
At present, topsoil (0-6" below surface) strippings from the mechanized land
clearing activities remain on-site. These strippings were not burned and maintain
an active, viable seed source for fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) and sweet pepper
bush (Clethra alnifolia), which will be used to fill in the adjacent ditches. The
road surface will be disked and mixed with topsoil to provide a more suitable
substrate for planting. In addition to the available seed source, a mixture of
pocosin species will be planted during the dormant season (Winter 2006).
Common Name Scientific Name Quantity
Gallberry Ilex glabra 1,200
Fetterbush Lyonia Iucida 1,200
Red Bay Persea borbonia 1,000
Loblolly Bay Gordonia lasianthus 1,000
Pond Pine Pinus serotina 3,000
Total 7,400
Table 1. Preliminary planting list for Rattlesnake Bay site
H. Wetland Enhancement
Wetland enhancement procedures are planned for a 4.7 acre portion of
the tract located to the south of the airstrip (Figure 9). At present, this portion of
the tract is densely vegetated and has evidence of active hydrology but is
partially drained by the surrounding ditches. These ditches will be filled in
conjunction with the restoration mentioned above and should restore natural
hydrologic functions to the existing area.
5
III. Wetland Preservation
Following the restoration and enhancement activities the entire property
will be placed under a conservation easement. This easement will protect the
entire 114.6 acre tract in perpetuity. In addition, 18.0 acres at the impact site will
also be placed under a conservation easement, for a total of 132.60 acres
(Figure 9).
Monitoring Plan
1. Annual Report Schedule
All restoration monitoring will be conducted in the 6.0 acre restoration for
three years or until deemed successful, whichever is longer. Annual reports will
be submitted to the US Army Corps. of Engineers (USACE) and DWQ no later
than September 30th of the following year. Each report will include a narrative
summarizing the findings of the monitoring. Vegetative and hydrologic data will
also be included to document conditions of the restored area over the course of
the year. Photographs will be incorporated to illustrate the evolution of site soil
and vegetative communities.
II. Reference Site
The reference site for this project will be located in adjacent undisturbed
wetlands within the property boundaries. These wetlands maintain similar
vegetative and hydrologic characteristics and are easily accessible through
existing roads on the property.
III. Restoration Monitoring
Hydrologic Criteria
Filling of ditches in wetlands precludes the necessity of hydrologic
monitoring as it removes the transport mechanism for the existing water volume
6
causing retention times to increase within the area. The two ditches that were
dug drain a very narrow distance laterally due to the shallow depth and narrow
channel width. Furthermore, field visits have shown water levels to consistently
remain at surface levels indicating little effective drainage.
However, in order to demonstrate the restored hydrology, seven (7)
shallow automated groundwater monitoring wells will be installed as shown in
Figure 10. Two wells will be located in the old roadbed area adjacent to the
existing ditches. Three will be installed in the airstrip area to demonstrate the
effect of grading work designed to balance the hydrologic flow. The remaining
two will be located in the southern portion of the tract to demonstrate the effect of
the ditch filling. Groundwater levels will be recorded daily. The success criterion
will be the establishment and maintenance of a static water table which closely
mirrors the levels recorded in the reference well.
Vegetation Monitoring
While the primary success criterion for the restoration will be based on
hydrology, vegetation community development will also be monitored. A
vegetation monitoring study will include twelve 0.10 ac. circular plots, which will
be randomly selected throughout the restored area. The number of acceptable
volunteer species and planted individuals will be quantified and the results will be
compared with those from the reference site. Overall, survivorship must meet or
exceed 320 stems per acre by the end of the monitoring period for the project to
be deemed successful.
Contingency Plan
In the event that the hydrology and vegetation success criteria are not
fulfilled, a contingency plan will be implemented. The contingency plan will
require consultation with all regulatory agencies if success is not achieved during
the monitoring period. Sample contingency measures may include selective re-
grading or replanting. Recommendations for further activities will be
7
implemented and monitored until the hydrology and vegetation accurately
represent the reference site and meet or exceed regulatory statutes.
Restoration Implementation Schedule
Restoration planning is currently underway. Monitoring in the restoration
site will begin after the earthwork and plantings are complete and will continue for
the duration of the project. Earthwork and plantings will take place throughout
the winter and spring of 2006. Annual vegetation monitoring will be conducted in
the spring of each year following planting and will continue until 2009.
Summary
A multi-tiered mitigation plan has been designed to address the 11.08
acres of wetland impact associated with the development of the truck stop
proposed by Noremac Energy, Inc. A majority of the mitigation will take place at
a 114.6 acre tract near the Little Green Swamp in Brunswick County. A total of
12.3 acres will be restored, while 4.7 acres will be enhanced through the filling of
on-site ditches and swales. When completed the entire tract will be placed under
a conservation easement which will protect the headwaters of Chinnis and
Rattlesnake Branches perpetually. In addition to these measures, 18.0 acres of
wetlands at the impact site will also be preserved under an easement to prevent
damage to the surrounding environment. A total of 27.85 acres are proposed,
providing greater than 2:1 mitigation without the use of the Wetland Restoration
Program reserves.
Final Project Mitigation Ratios
12.3 ac. of wetland restoration (1:1 ratio) 4 12.3 acres
4.7 ac. of wetland enhancement (2:1 ratio) 4 2.35 acres
132.6 ac. of wetland conservation (10:1 ratio) 413.2 acres
TOTAL RESTORATION CREDITS-> 27.85 acres
The plan will provide for a functional restoration via re-establishment of
characteristic hydroperiod and vegetative communities in the restoration area.
Earth work will restore contours to their original grades and will remove the
existing roadbed. Following these activities 7,400 stems will be planted. The
target stem density (for planted and characteristic volunteer species) will be 320
stems/acre by the completion of the third year of monitoring. It is anticipated that
the native seed bank within the ditch spoil piles and stripping windrows will
germinate via seed and sucker sprout once this material is spread over top of the
regraded areas. If the target species diversity and density are not met,
contingency plans will be developed in conjunction with NCDENR and USACOE,
ensuring a successful restoration project. Successful restoration of the tract
should be completed within three years or less.
9
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