20200018 Ver 1_Site Post Contract IRT Site Visit Memo_20200422

Strickland, Bev
From: Wiesner, Paul
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2020 2:35 PM
To: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US); Haupt, Mac; Davis, Erin B; Leslie, Andrea J;
Kim Browning
Cc: Ullman, Kirsten J; Tsomides, Harry; Haywood, Casey; Eric Neuhaus; Shawn Wilkerson
Subject: Laurel Valley Site: Post Contract IRT Site Visit Memorandum; DMS#100140
USAC E#SAW-2020-00053 DWR#20200018
Attachments: Laurel Valley_100140_IRT Follow up Memo_4.22.2020.pdf; Laurel Valley_100140_Post
Con IRT Meeting Minutes (REVISED)_1-14-2020.pdf
Good afternoon;
There were some comments/items that Wildlands proposed to follow up on based on the post contract IRT
visit at the Laurel Valley site in Burke County.
The attached memorandum outlines those requests/items and Wildland's responses.
The final (revised) IRT post contract meeting minutes document is also attached for reference.
Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Thanks
Paul Wiesner
Western Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Mitigation Services
828-273-1673 Mobile
[e-mail]
Western DMS Field Office
5 Ravenscroft Drive
Suite 102
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may
be disclosed to third parties.
-----Original Message -----
From: Wiesner, Paul
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 10:36 AM
To: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US)<[e-mail]>; Shawn Wilkerson
<[e-mail]>; Haupt, Mac <[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B
<[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>; Kim Browning
<[e-mail]>

Cc: Ullman, Kirsten J <[e-mail]>; Tsomides, Harry <[e-mail]>;
Haywood, Casey <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: [External] RE: Laurel Valley Site_DMS# 100140: Post Contract IRT Site Visit (1-14-2020) Meeting
Minutes
BE
The REVISED Laurel Valley Post Contract IRT meeting minutes are attached based on the IRT comments
received via email. Updates are in red.
Thanks
Paul Wiesner
Western Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Mitigation Services
828-273-1673 Mobile
[e-mail]
Western DMS Field Office
5 Ravenscroft Drive
Suite 102
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may
be disclosed to third parties.
-----Original Message -----
From: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US)[mailto:[e-mail]
Sent: Monday, January 27, 2020 10:09 AM
To: Shawn Wilkerson <[e-mail]>; Wiesner, Paul <[e-mail]>; Haupt,
Mac <[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B <[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; Kim Browning <[e-mail]>
Cc: Ullman, Kirsten J <[e-mail]>; Tsomides, Harry <[e-mail]>;
Haywood, Casey <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>
Subject: [External] RE: Laurel Valley Site_DMS# 100140: Post Contract IRT Site Visit (1-14-2020) Meeting
Minutes
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as
an attachment to [e-mail]<mailto:[e-mail]>
Shawn, sorry for any confusion. What I was referring to was the discussions we had about the level of
intervention on Reach 2, and also the possibility of some minor work on Reach 1(the preservation reach), to
include expanding the buffer if possible. The notes say that Wildlands will consider enhancement -style
approaches if feasible, and I just wanted to make sure it was clear that the credit ratio should be based on
what the final approach is. If the approach doesn't change, the ratios shown on the initial proposal may have
to be reconsidered.

Thanks,
Todd
-----Original Message -----
From: Shawn Wilkerson [ma ilto:swilkerson@wild landseng.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2020 8:45 AM
To: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US) <[e-mail]>; Wiesner, Paul
<[e-mail]>; Haupt, Mac <[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B <[e-mail]>;
Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>; Browning, Kimberly D CIV USARMY CESAW (USA)
<[e-mail]>
Cc: Ullman, Kirsten J <[e-mail]>; Tsomides, Harry <[e-mail]>;
Haywood, Casey <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <eneuhaus@wild landseng.com>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] RE: Laurel Valley Site_DMS# 100140: Post Contract IRT Site Visit (1-14-2020)
Meeting Minutes
Todd
The only change that the IRT discussed was on approximately 200 feet just downstream of the driveway
crossing going to enhancement (that I remember). Was there other things that I missed - I can't tell from your
comment.
Shawn
-----Original Message -----
From: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US) <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2020 2:36 PM
To: Wiesner, Paul <[e-mail]>; Haupt, Mac <[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B
<[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J <[e-mail]>; Browning, Kimberly D CIV USARMY
CESAW (USA) <[e-mail]>
Cc: Ullman, Kirsten J <[e-mail]>; Tsomides, Harry <[e-mail]>;
Haywood, Casey <[e-mail]>; Shawn Wilkerson <[e-mail]>; Eric
Neuhaus <eneuhaus@wild Iandseng.com>
Subject: RE: Laurel Valley Site_DMS# 100140: Post Contract IRT Site Visit (1-14-2020) Meeting Minutes
Paul, the notes look good in general. Number 11 relates to the potential that the stream may drop out
sediment in the floodplain and lose its bed and banks, and there is discussion about maintaining the channel,
however, it needs to be noted that we would not want to see maintenance except possible in the first couple
years of monitoring only.
Also the discussion regarding some of the changes to the approaches we discussed, particularly on Reach 2
should note that what was originally proposed may not be acceptable, so if the changes cannot be made as we
discussed, I think we would need to reassess the proposed ratios.
Thanks,
Todd
-Original Message-----

From: Wiesner, Paul [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2020 2:03 PM
To: Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US)<[e-mail]>; Haupt, Mac
<[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B <[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; Browning, Kimberly D CIV USARMY CESAW (USA)
<[e-mail]>
Cc: Wiesner, Paul <[e-mail]>; Ullman, Kirsten J <[e-mail]>; Tsomides,
Harry <[e-mail]>; Haywood, Casey <[e-mail]>; Shawn Wilkerson
<[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Laurel Valley Site_DMS# 100140: Post Contract IRT Site Visit (1-14-2020) Meeting
Minutes
BE
The meeting minutes from the January 14, 2020 IRT post contract site visit are attached for your review.
Please let us know if you have any additional comments, questions or concerns.
Thanks
Paul Wiesner
Western Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
828-273-1673 Mobile
[e-mail] <mailto:[e-mail]>
Western DMS Field Office
5 Ravenscroft Drive

Suite 102
Asheville, N.C. 28801
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.

WILDLANDS
ENGINEERING
MEMORANDUM
MEETING: Post Contract IRT Site Visit Memorandum
LAUREL VALLEY Mitigation Site
Catawba River Basin 03050101: Burke County, NC
NCDMS Project No. 100140
USACE ID: SAW-2020-00053
NCDEQ Contract No. 7875-02
Wildlands Project No. 005-02187
DATE: On -site IRT Meeting: Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 1:00 pm
IRT Meeting Notes Revised and Redistributed: Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Memorandum Distributed: Wednesday, April 22, 2020
The following items were discussed at the Post Contract IRT Site Visit and required further investigation from
Wildlands Engineering. Original comments are shown in black while Wildlands responses are shown in blue.
1. The property owner had cleared approximately 7.5-acres beyond the left floodplain of UT1 Reach 1.
Wildlands noted that they would discuss best management practices with the property owner and have
them install erosion and sediment control measures (likely check dams) to minimize sediment induction
into existing UT1.
Wildlands discussed this with the property owner. Check dams were placed in the drainage ditch just
upstream of the driveway crossing and the property owner has sewn hay to stabilize the cleared area.
2. The walk began at the upstream end of East Prong Hunting Creek at the outlet from Laurelwood Rd. The
current culvert is perched and undersized based on initial observation. Wildlands will discuss the
possibility of removing and replacing the existing culvert to improve its current condition and facilitate
the transition to a priority 1 restoration approach with the property owner.
Wildlands discussed this with the property owner, but the adjacent property owner recently replaced
the road crossing and is not interested in allowing Wildlands to replace the crossing. Wildlands will
confirm that the culvert is not on our landowner's property once survey data is received. As much is
possible without hydrologic trespass, Wildlands will attempt to raise the baseflow water surface at the
crossing to improve aquatic organism passage and facilitate transition to a priority 1 approach.
3. The IRT also commented that if wetlands were needed by DMS, they would like to see a larger scale
stream and wetland project at this site. Soil borings taken within the floodplain of East Prong Hunting
Creek by the IRT (Mac Haupt) indicated hydric soil indicators.
Wildlands inquired if there was a wetland need in this basin but NCDMS does not currently have a
wetland need within the basin. Wildlands will not pursue wetland crediting for the project.
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 1
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk Memorandum

4. It was noted by Wildlife Resources Commission that the existing driveway culvert at the upstream end of
UT1 Reach 2 would need to be replaced to eliminate the current aquatic organism blockage (perching).
Additionally, it was requested that the existing plastic pipe be replaced with a different material culvert
which will mimic a more natural stream bed, allowing for easier upstream passage of aquatics.
Wildlands agreed to these requests regarding the replaced culvert.
Wildlands inquired about replacing the culvert with the property owner. The property owner recently
replaced the culvert. Additionally, the property owner noted that there is an existing underground
electric utility line that runs along the crossing. Due to these issues, Wildlands will not be able to replace
the crossing. However, Wildlands will raise the stream grade, backing water up the culvert to help with
culvert perching and aquatic organism passage. Wildlands will also add rock material to create
roughness within the bed of the culvert to give aquatic species some refuge within the culvert.
5. The IRT requested that Wildlands explore options to expand the buffer along UT1 Reach 1, specifically in
the right floodplain. Wildlands will follow up with the property owner and provide a memorandum
outlining the potential expansion of the buffer and any associated requested changes to the proposed
credit ratio.
Wildlands asked the property owner if he would consider a wider buffer along UT1 Reach 1 and he
declined. Wildlands still intends to place a 50-foot buffer along each side of UT1 Reach 1 and is still
proposing a credit ratio of 10:1 along the reach.
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 2
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk Memorandum

WILDLANDS
ENGINEERING
MEETING MINUTES
MEETING: Post Contract IRT Site Visit
LAUREL VALLEY Mitigation Site
Catawba River Basin 03050101: Burke County, NC
NCDMS Project No. 100140
USACE ID: SAW-2020-00053
NCDEQ Contract No. 7875-02
Wildlands Project No. 005-02187
DATE: On -site Meeting: Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 1:00 pm
Meeting Notes Distributed: Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Meeting Notes Revised and Redistributed: Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Revisions shown in red
LOCATION: 3925 Hawkins Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
Attendees
Todd Tugwell, USACE
Mac Haupt, NC Department of Environmental Quality
Erin Davis, NC Department of Environmental Quality
Andrea Leslie, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Paul Wiesner, Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS)
Kirsten Ullman, NCDMS
Harry Tsomides, NCDMS Project Manager
Casey Haywood, NCDMS
Shawn Wilkerson, Wildlands Engineering
Eric Neuhaus, Wildlands Engineering
Materials
• Wildlands Engineering Technical Proposal dated 8/13/2019 in response to NCDMS RFP #16-007875
Overall Site Notes/Comments
1. It was noted that the Site is located within the Hunting Creek targeted local watershed and that East
Prong Hunting Creek is 303(d) listed as impaired for fecal coliform bacteria.
2. The property owner had cleared approximately 7.5-acres beyond the left floodplain of UT1 Reach 1.
Wildlands noted that they would discuss best management practices with the property owner and have
them install erosion and sediment control measures (likely check dams) to minimize sediment induction
into existing UT1.
Meeting Notes
W Wildlands Engineering, Inc. page 1
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk

1. Wildlands gave a brief site overview before the walk which discussed overall site conditions and general
stream approach.
2. The walk began at the upstream end of East Prong Hunting Creek at the outlet from Laurelwood Rd. The
current culvert is perched and undersized based on initial observation. Wildlands will discuss the
possibility of removing and replacing the existing culvert to improve its current condition and facilitate
the transition to a priority 1 restoration approach with the property owner.
3. Standing water was observed along most of the entire right floodplain of East Prong Hunting Creek. The
stream is proposed for priority 1 restoration, which will raise the existing water table. The IRT noted that
while the pocket wetland habitat is positive for ecological uplift, it could inhibit woody species growth.
As such, Wildlands will include discussion in the mitigation plan outlining expected reductions in woody
size and quantity and increased herbaceous vegetation within this area and other wetter areas around
the site.
4. The walk continued along UT2 working upstream. Wildlands noted that they would attempt to save
mature vegetation along the left bank of UT2 by pulling the stream away from the existing hill slope and
relocating it into the valley with minimal disturbance to the left bank.
5. It was discussed that UT2 will likely be broken into two separate reaches based on slope and stream
type.
6. It was noted that an internal crossing with a proposed culvert crossing will be installed at the upstream
end of UT2.
7. The IRT commented that Wildlands needs to be aware of the reduction in stream power at the valley
break along UT1 and UT2 and ensure sediment doesn't settle within flatter portions of the constructed
channels.
8. The IRT also commented that if wetlands were needed by DMS, they would like to see a larger scale
stream and wetland project at this site. Soil borings taken within the floodplain of East Prong Hunting
Creek by the IRT (Mac Haupt) indicated hydric soil indicators.
9. Two drainage outlets (shown in Figure 2 of the proposal) have been implemented by the property owner
to reduce ponded water in the fields adjacent to East Prong Hunting Creek. Wildlands indicated that
these drainage features would be stabilized within the work area, but would not be addressed beyond
the limits of the proposed conservation easement unless a larger wetland restoration component is
added to the project.
10. The walk continued to the downstream end of the current UT1 Reach 2 alignment. Wildlands proposal
includes the re -alignment of UT1 Reach 2 to drain to East Prong Hunting Creek. The IRT noted that the
realignment could have potential drainage effects on the downstream property owner and to be aware
of how changes in stream pattern would change downstream hydrology.
11. The IRT noted that the portion of UT1 Reach 2 which will be re -aligned will run through a broad, flat
floodplain. Subsequently the channel may require minor maintenance during the monitoring period to
ensure upstream sediment and vegetation don't choke channel flow. Wildlands will include information
in the adaptive management plan discussing these plans and associated potential maintenance. The IRT
noted that they would not want to see instream channel maintenance except in the first two years of
monitoring.
12. The walk continued upstream along UT1 Reach 2. It was noted that the channel will be relocated to the
left, and mature vegetation along the right (eastern) boundary will be saved along the hillslope. In
sections where UT1 Reach 2 is stable (specifically, between the driveway culvert and the existing S-
shaped meander in the existing stream), Wildlands will consider enhancement style approaches if
feasible with grading and design limitations or ensure justification of restoration in mitigation plan. The
IRT noted that credit ratios would be evaluated and assigned based on the proposed level of work and
may differ from ratios originally presented in the proposal.
13. It was noted by Wildlife Resources Commission that the existing driveway culvert at the upstream end of
UT1 Reach 2 would need to be replaced to eliminate the current aquatic organism blockage (perching).
Additionally, it was requested that the existing plastic pipe be replaced with a different material culvert
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 2
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk

which will mimic a more natural stream bed, allowing for easier upstream passage of aquatics.
Wildlands agreed to these requests regarding the replaced culvert.
14. The IRT requested that Wildlands explore options to expand the buffer along UT1 Reach 1, specifically in
the right floodplain. Wildlands will follow up with the property owner and provide a memorandum
outlining the potential expansion of the buffer and any associated requested changes to the proposed
credit ratio.
W Wildlands Engineering, Inc. page 3
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk