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Home My WebLink About20200256 Ver 1_Wetland Delineation Report_20200214 October 10, 2019 Mr. John Brack Parmer Innovation Centers 11755 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Reference: Preliminary Wetland Delineation Report Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project Number: 49-10155 Dear Mr. Brack: ECS Southeast, LLP (ECS) is pleased to submit this preliminary report of wetland delineation report for the above-referenced site. This report summarizes our findings and recommendations for the site. Background The project study area (PSA) is located off of Moore Drive in, Durham County, North Carolina (Figure 1). The project study area consists of portions of seven parcels. According to the Durham County NC GIS Database website, the Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) are 0739- 74-19-8533, 0739-85-90-8453, 0739-86-65-3511.SRV, 0739-02-77-4055, 0739-02-98-2166, 0739-86-65-511.RTP, and 0749-06-62-8419. The project study area consists of approximately 300 acres and is owned by Parmer RTP, LLC. It primarily contains undeveloped, heavily wooded land with some commercial buildings throughout. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Map, two unnamed tributaries are depicted flowing east to west down to Northeast Creek that flows along the western boundary (Figure 2). Wetlands are defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances, do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” In order for an area to be classified as wetland, hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology indicators must be present described in the 1987 “Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual” and the appropriate Regional Supplement. Literature Review ECS reviewed the USGS Topographic Map, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey for Durham County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Map, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Hazard Layer (NFHL), the National Hydric Soils list for Durham County, and the Geologic Map of North Carolina to obtain information regarding the PSA. Preliminary Wetland Delineation Report Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project Number: 49-10155 2  The USGS Topographic Map, Durham, NC Quadrangle, depicts two unnamed tributaries flowing east to west down to Northeast Creek that flows along the western boundary (Figure 2).  The USDA-NRCS Soil Survey of Durham County depicts three surface waters on site (Figure 3). Soils on site have been mapped as Altavista Silt Loam, Cartecay and Chewacla soils, CHewacla and Wehadkee soils, Congaree Silt Loam, Creedmoor Sandy Loam, Mayodan Sandy Loam, Pinkston Fine Sandy Loam, White Store Sandy Loam, White Store Clay Loam, and Urban Land. The Pinkston Fine Sandy Loam and Mayodan Sandy Loam are well drained, whereas the Altavista Silt Loam, Congaree Silt Loam, Creedmoor Sandy Loam, White Store Sandy Loam, and the White Store Clay loam are moderately well drained. The Cartecay and Chewacla Soils and Chewacla and Wehadkee soils are somewhat poorly drained. Of these soils, the Altavista Silt Loam, Cartecay and Chewacla soils, CHewacla and Wehadkee soils, and Congaree Silt Loam, appear on the National Hydric Soils list for Durham County, North Carolina.  ECS reviewed the USFWS NWI Map of the PSA (Figure 4). The map depicts two riverine wetlands (R4SBC) (R5UBH), two freshwater forested/shrub wetlands (PF01A) (PSS1A), and two freshwater ponds (PUBHh) within the PSA.  ECS reviewed the FEMA NFHL dataset. The site is depicted on FEMA FIRM Panel 37063C_761, dated February 20, 2018 (Figure 5). The map indicates the site is located primarily on Zone X. Zone X is defined as areas determined to be outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain. The site is prone to flooding along the western boundary of the site, as well as up along the big stream that bisects the site from east to west. Here it is depicted to be on zone AE. Zone AE is defined as areas where an area inundated by 1% annual chance flooding, for which base flood elevations (BFEs) have been determined.  The Geologic Map of North Carolina indicates that the site is located in the Piedmont Physiographic Province. The soils encountered in this area are the residual product of in- place chemical weathering of rock presently underlying the PSA. In general, shallow unconfined groundwater movement within the overlying soils is controlled largely by topographic gradients. Recharge occurs primarily by infiltration along higher elevations and typically discharges into streams or other surface water bodies. The elevation of the shallow water table is transient and can vary greatly with seasonal fluctuations in precipitation. Movement in this water table is generally from higher to lower elevations. As such, shallow groundwater would be expected to flow beneath the PSA to unnamed tributaries and eventually to the Cape Fear River. Site Reconnaissance ECS conducted the site reconnaissance on September 16-17th and October 7th, 2019. During the reconnaissance, the site was observed for evidence of ponds, tributaries, and wetlands. Nine potential tributaries, three potential wetlands, one marginal area, and two ponds were observed during the site reconnaissance. Figure 6 depicts the site boundary and feature locations on site and should be used for preliminary planning purposes. The features depicted have not been verified by the USACE or NCDWR and are subject to change. Preliminary Wetland Delineation Report Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project Number: 49-10155 3 USACE & NCDWR Field Verification and Jurisdictional Determination After review of the findings in the report and at the client’s request, ECS can coordinate with the USACE and NCDWR to conduct a field verification and subsequent jurisdictional determ ination. ECS will forward the correspondence upon receipt. General Discussion Section 404 of the Clean Water Act regulates the discharge of dredge and fill materials into waters of the United States (lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, etc.), including wetlands. Waters of the United States include the territorial seas, navigable coastal and inland lakes, rivers and streams, intermittent streams, and wetlands. Activities which are normally regulated under Section 404 include the placement of fill for construction of roadways; residential, commercial or industrial structures; and the construction of water retention ponds along tributaries. The EPA and the USCAE jointly administer the Section 404 program. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act grants each state the authority to approve, condition, or deny any Federal permits that could result in a discharge to State waters. Streams, ponds, and wetlands are regulated by the USACE and the North Carolina Department of Water Resources (NCDWR). Permits are required prior to impacting wetlands or open waters, including ponds, lakes, and perennial or intermittent streams. Mitigation and stormwater management plans will be a condition of permits issued for the site. Buffers may be required adjacent to streams and water bodies. For impacts to one-half acre or more of wetlands/waters or to 300 linear feet or more of perennial stream channel, an individual permit (IP) may be required. An IP requires a habitat analysis, alternative site analysis, project justification, plans to avoid and minimize impacts, and a proposed mitigation plan. Depending on the habitat analysis and the extent of impacts, and Environmental Impact Statement may be required by the USACE. An IP allows for a public comment period and may require 4 to 18 months to obtain depending on conditions arising during the USACE review and public comment period. Watershed Classification/Buffer Requirements State Riparian Buffer Requirements The PSA is located in the Cape Fear River Basin within the Jordan Lake W atershed. Surface waters within the Cape Fear River Basin above the Jordan Lake watershed are subject to mandatory 50 foot riparian buffers. Local Buffer Requirements ECS reviewed the Durham County Code of Ordinances to determine if the county has vegetative buffer requirements for surface waters. According to the Ordinance, a minimum one hundred-foot vegetative buffer is required for all new development activities that exceed the low density option; otherwise, a minimum fifty-foot vegetative buffer for development activities is Preliminary Wetland Delineation Report Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project Number: 49-10155 4 required along all perennial waters indicated on the most recent versions of U.S.G.S. 1:24,000 (7.5 minute) scale topographic maps or as determined by local government studies. Desirable artificial streambank or shoreline stabilization is permitted. Stormwater Requirements Surface waters located within the PSA appear to flow towards Northeast Creek and eventually to the Cape Fear River which is classified as Class C. Class C waters are protected for uses such as secondary recreation, fishing, wildlife, fish consumption, aquatic life including propagation, survival and maintenance of biological integrity, and agriculture. Secondary recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses involving human body contact with water where such activities take place in an infrequent, unorganized, or incidental manner. ECS reviewed the NCDWR online stormwater permitting map to determine jurisdiction of NCDWR stormwater regulations. According to the online permitting map, it appears the site is located in an area designated as Local Permitting Authority. ECS recommends consultation with a civil engineer to determine if mandatory vegetative buffers and/or regulated development (impervious surfaces) setbacks are required for the site in addition to those mentioned above. Closure ECS appreciates the opportunity to provide wetland services for your project. Please contact us at (919) 861-9859 if you have any questions concerning this report. Sincerely, ECS SOUTHEAST, LLP Jonathan Dale Grubb W. Brandon Fulton, LSS, PSC, PWS Environmental Assistant Staff Project Manager Environmental Principal JGrubb@ecslimited.com BFulton@ecslimited.com Attachments: Figure 1 – Site Location Map Figure 2 – USGS Topographic Map Figure 3 – USDA - NRCS Soil Survey Map Figure 4 – USFWS National Wetlands Inventory Map Figure 5 – FEMA - NFHL Flood Zone Map Figure 6 – Wetlands and Waters of the US Map Photograph Log FIGURE 1 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG WBF Project: Checked By: SITELOCATION MAP ³Legend Project Stu dy Area 1 in = 1 mile DURHAM COUN TY 10/10/2019 49:1015 5 PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA FIGURE 2 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG WBF 49:1015 5 Project: Checked By: USGS TOPOGRAPHICMAP DATED: 1986DURHAM, NC ³Legend Project Stu dy Area PROJECT STUDY AREA PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS 10/10/2019 0 1,0 00 2,0 00500Fee t MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA FIGURE 3 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG WBF Project: Checked By: USDA - NRCSSOIL SURVEY MAP DATED: 1996DURHAM COUN TYSHEET 32 ³Legend Project Stu dy Area 0 1,00 0 2,00 0500Feet SO IL MAP UNIT AlB=Altavista Silt LoamCc=Cartecay and Chewacla SoilsCh= Chewacla and Wehadkee SoilsCp=Congaree SIlt LoamCrB=Creedmoor Sandy LoamMfD=Mayodan Sandy LoamPfC=Pinkston FIne Sandy LoamWsB=White Store Sandy LoamWvC2=White Store Clay LoamUr= Urban Land PROJECT STUDY AREA 49:1015 5 09/30/2019 PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA PFO1A PUBHh PFO1/4A PFO1A R5UBH R5UBH R4SBC PUBHh R4SBC PFO1A PSS1A R4SBC PUBHh PUBHh R4SBC R4SBC R4SBC R4SBC PUBHh R4SBC R4SBC PSS1A PUBHh PUBHh R5UBH PUBHh R5UBH R4SBC R4SBC R4SBC R4SBC R4SBC R5UBH R5UBH R5UBH R5UBH R5UBH R4SBC R5UBH R4SBC R4SBC R5UBH FIGURE 4 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG WBF Project: Checked By: USFWS National WetlandsInventory Map8 Digit HUC (03030002) ³Legend Project Stu dy Area WET LAND TYPE Freshwa ter Eme rgent Wetland Freshwa ter Fo re sted/Shrub Wetland Freshwa ter Pond Lake Riverine 0 1,0 00 2,0 00500Feet PROJECT STUDY AREA 10/10/2019 49:1015 5 PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA FIGURE 5 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG 10/10/2019WBF Project: Checked By: FEMA-NFHLFLOOD ZO NE M AP PANEL: 37063C 24000KDURHAM COUN TY ³Legend Project Stu dy Area FL OOD HAZARD A AE AO X PROJECT STUDY AREA 0 1,0 00 2,0 00500Feet 49:1015 5 PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA FIGURE 6 ECS Project No. Title: Client: Approved By:Date: Drawn By:WBFJDG 10/09/2019WBF 49:1015 5 Project: Checked By: Wetlands and Waters of the U.S. Map ³Legend Project Stu dy Area Po nds Po ten tia l Stream Po ten tia l Wetla nd Marg inal Wetland Characteristics 0 1,0 00 2,0 00500Feet 1. JURISDICTIONAL WATERSOF THE US WERE DELINEATED BY ECS ON SEPTEMBER 16-17 AND OCTOBER 7, 2019 2. FEATURES DEPICTED ONTHIS MAP HAVE NOT BEEN VERIFIED BY THE USACE OR NCDWR AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 3. THIS MAP SHOULD BE USED FOR PRELIMINARY PLANNING PURPOSES. PARMER INN OVATIONCENTERS MOORE DRIVEDURHAM COU NTYNORTH CAROLINA Potential Wetland 3Approx. 9.88 Acres Potential Wetland 1Approx. 3.38 Acres Potential Wetland 2Approx. 8.15 Acres Marginal Wetland Characteristics Approx. 0.086Acre Potential Stream 1Approx. 4,761Linear Feet Potential Stream 2Approx. 988Linear Feet Potential Stream 3Approx. 120Linear Feet Potential Stream 4Approx. 1,709 Linear Feet Potential Stream 5Approx. 160Linear Feet Potential Stream 6Approx. 746Linear FeetPotential Stream 7Approx. 210Linear Feet Potential Stream 8Approx. 1,149Linear Feet Potential Stream 9Approx. 515Linear Feet Po nd 1Approx. 3.14Acres Po nd 2Approx 1.75Acres Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 1 Photo 1: Typical view of tributary 1 facing east. Photo 2: Typical View of Tributary 2 facing southwest Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 2 Photo 3: Typical view of tributary 3 facing south. Photo 4 Typical view of tributary 4 facing north. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 3 Photo 5: A Typical view of tributary 5 facing south. Photo 6: Typical view of tributary 6 facing northeast. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 4 Photo 7: Typical view of tributary 7 facing east. Photo 8: Typical view of tributary 8 facing north. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 5 Photo 8: Typical view of tributary 9 facing west. Photo 9: Typical view of pond 1 facing northwest. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 6 Photo 10: Typical view of pond 2 facing east. Photo 11 Typical view of wetland 1 facing south. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 7 Photo 12: Typical view of wetland 2 facing southeast Photo 13: Typical view of wetland 3 facing northeast. Moore Drive Durham, Durham County, North Carolina ECS Project No. 49-10155-A ECS Southeast, LLP Page 8 Photo 14: Typical view of the marginal area facing north.