20200999 Ver 1_Draft Prospectus_20200406

PROSPECTUS
LOWGROUNDS MITIGATION BANK SITE
NEUSE 03020201 UMBRELLA MITIGATION BANK
Akk
Prepared for:
The North Carolina Inter -Agency Review Team;
for distribution and comment
Sponsored by:
Clearwater Mitigation Solutions
CI.EARWA TER AKTIGA 77ON
SOLUTIONS 6
POC: Kevin Yates
Ph: 919-624-6901
604 Macon Place
Raleigh, North Carolina
March 2020
Prepared by:
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
POC: Grant Lewis
Ph: 919-215-1693
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603

Contents
1
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Project Objectives.................................................................................................................1
1.2 Bank Sponsor and Contact Information...............................................................................3
2
ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION...................................................................................................3
2.1 Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument.............................................................................3
2.2 Credit Determination............................................................................................................4
2.3 Credit Release Schedule.......................................................................................................4
3
GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA AND USE OF CREDITS..........................................................................4
4
WATERSHED CONSIDERATIONS........................................................................................................4
4.1 Watershed Environmental Concerns and Mitigation Needs................................................4
4.2 Bank Site Selection................................................................................................................5
5
OWNERSHIP AND LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT...............................................................................5
6
QUALIFICATIONS OF SPONSOR.........................................................................................................5
7
ECOLOGICAL SUITABILITY OF SITE.....................................................................................................6
8
FINANCIAL ASSURANCES...................................................................................................................7
9
EXISTING CONDITIONS......................................................................................................................7
9.1 Physiography, Topography, and Land Use............................................................................8
9.2 Water Quality.......................................................................................................................8
9.3 Soils and Land Form..............................................................................................................8
9.3.1 Nutrient Input.....................................................................................................9
9.4 Site Design and Implementation Constraints.......................................................................9
9.4.1 Threatened & Endangered Species.....................................................................9
9.4.2 NCNHP Records.................................................................................................10
9.4.3 Cultural Resources............................................................................................10
9.4.4 F E M A.................................................................................................................11
9.4.5 Air Transport Facilities......................................................................................11
10
RESTORATION PLAN........................................................................................................................11
10.1 Wetland Reestablishment..................................................................................................11
10.2 Vegetation Planting............................................................................................................11
10.3 Nuisance Species Management..........................................................................................21
11
Proposed Mitigation........................................................................................................................21
12
MONITORING PLAN.........................................................................................................................21
12.1 Vegetation Monitoring.......................................................................................................19
12.2 Wetland Hydrology Monitoring..........................................................................................19
13
ADAPTIVE MANAGMENTAND REMEDIAL MEASURES....................................................................19
13.1 Vegetation..........................................................................................................................19
13.2 Invasive Species..................................................................................................................20
14
ASSURANCE OF SUFFICIENT WATER RIGHTS...................................................................................20
15
CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................20
16
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................21
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
Neuse 03020201
Table of Contents i

List of Tables
Table 1A. Lowgrounds Site NC WAM Summary..............................................................................................................2
Table 113. Mitigation Work Plan Components and Functional Goals/Objectives..................................................3
Table2. Web Soil Survey Soils...........................................................................................................................................9
Table 3. Threatened and Endangered Species.........................................................................................................10
Table4. Mitigation Work Plan.........................................................................................................................................11
Table S. Proposed Mitigation Units............................................................................................................................... 21
Appendices
Appendix A. Figures
Figure 1.
Site Location .....................................
Figure 2.
Hydrologic Unit Map ........................
Figure 3.
Topography and Drainage Area .......
Figure 4.
LiDAR DEM and Riparian Zones........
Figure 5.
Existing Conditions and Soils............
Figure 6.
Proposed Conditions ........................
Appendix B. Site Data
NC WAM Forms
Soil Boring Log
NC Natural Heritage Program Report
Appendix C. Landowner Authorization Form
Signed Landowner Authorization Form
.........................................................................Appendix A
.........................................................................Appendix A
.........................................................................Appendix A
.........................................................................Appendix A
.........................................................................Appendix A
.........................................................................Appendix A
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Table of Contents ii
Neuse 03020201

I INTRODUCTION
Clearwater Mitigation Solutions, LLC ("the Sponsor") is pleased to propose the Neuse 01
Mitigation Bank ("the Bank"). The proposed structure of the Site is designed to initially permit
the establishment of stream and/or wetland mitigation sites, while enabling the establishment of
future mitigation sites not yet identified. The Neuse 01 Bank "Site" proposed under this
prospectus is the Lowgrounds Site in Johnston County (Figure 1, Appendix A).
The Lowgrounds Site is located in the Neuse River basin within USGS HUC 03020201("Neuse 01").
The Site is located 3 miles southeast of Four Oaks, northeast of the intersection of U.S Highway
701 and Stewart Road (Figures 1 and 2, Appendix A).
1,1 Project Objectives
Project goals are based on the Neuse River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) report (NCEEP 2010,
amended 2018), on -site data collection of soil profiles, and functional assessment methodologies
conducted during field investigations. The Bank Site is located within Targeted Local Watershed
03020201150020. The RBRP indicates that 54% of the watershed is used for agriculture, including
44 permitted cattle and swine operations, and it suggests that wetland restoration and
enhancement projects are high priority. The project is not located in a Regional or Local
Watershed Planning Area; however, the project goals reflect priorities associated with the RBRP
including the following.
1. Promote nutrient reduction in municipal areas through implementation of stormwater
best management practices (conversion of land use from an active nursery, and
elimination of fertilizer application);
2. Promote nutrient and sediment reduction in agricultural areas by restoring and
preserving wetlands, streams, and riparian buffers (reestablishing 39.8 acres of riparian
wetland and 11.0 acres of nonriparian wetlands);
3. Continue targeted implementation of projects where they will provide the most
functional improvement to the ecosystem (restoring 39.8 acres of headwater wetlands,
thereby removing an active nursery and eliminating fertilizer applications from entering
the downstream watershed);
Site specific mitigation goals and objectives have been developed through the use of North
Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NC WAM) analyses of existing and reference wetland
systems at the Site (NC WFAT 2010). This methodology rates functional metrics for wetlands as
high, medium, or low based on field data collected on forms and transferred into a rating
calculator. Using Boolean logic, the rating calculator assigns a high, medium, or low value for each
metric and overall function of the wetland. Site functional assessment data forms are available
upon request and model output is included in Appendix B.
Tables 1A and 113 summarize NC WAM metrics targeted for functional uplift and the
corresponding mitigation activities proposed to provide functional uplift. Metrics targeted to
meet the Site's goals and objectives are depicted in bold.
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Table 1A. Lowgrounds Site NC WAM Summary
NC WAM Sub -function Rating Summary
1
2
3
Wetland Type
Hardwood Flat
LOW
Headwater
Forest
Headwater
Forest
(1) HYDROLOGY
LOW
LOW
(2) Surface Storage & Retention
LOW
LOW
LOW
(2) Sub -surface Storage & Retention
LOW
LOW
LOW
(1) WATER QUALITY
LOW
LOW
LOW
(2) Pathogen change
NA
LOW
LOW
(2) Particulate Change
NA
LOW
LOW
(2) Soluble change
NA
LOW
LOW
(2) Physical Change
NA
LOW
LOW
(2) Pollution Change
LOW
NA
NA
(1) HABITAT
LOW
LOW
LOW
(2) Physical Structure
LOW
LOW
LOW
(2) Landscape Patch Structure
LOW
LOW
LOW
(2) Vegetative Composition
LOW
LOW
LOW
LOW
OVERALL
LOW
LOW
Based on NC WAM output, all primary wetland functional metrics (Hydrology, Water Quality, and
Habitat), and all sub -metrics are under -performing as exhibited by LOW metric ratings. LOW
performing metrics are targeted for functional uplift through mitigation activities, goals and
objectives, as well as, monitoring and success criteria (see Figure 5, Appendix A for NC WAM data
form locations).
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Page 2

Table 1B. Mitigation Work Plan Components and Functional Goals/Objectives
Functional Goals/Objectives Mitigation Work Plan Component
(1) HYDROLOGY
Planting native, woody vegetation throughout the Site
(2) Surface Storage &Retention
Removing current landuses and deep ripping floodplain soils to
(2) Sub -surface Storage & Retention
reduce compaction and increase soil surface roughness
Filling the existing ditch network, reestablishing jurisdictional riparian
and nonriparian wetlands
(1) WATER QUALITY
(2) Pathogen change
Planting native, woody vegetation throughout the Site
(2) Particulate Change
Removing current landuses and deep ripping floodplain soils to
(2) Soluble change
(2) Physical Change
reduce compaction and increase soil surface roughness
(2) Pollution Change
Filling the existing ditch network, reestablishing jurisdictional riparian
(2) Pathogen change
and nonriparian wetlands
(1) HABITAT
Planting native, woody vegetation throughout the Site
(2) Physical Structure
Removing current landuses and deep ripping floodplain soils to
(2) Landscape Patch Structure
reduce compaction and increase soil surface roughness
(2) Vegetative Composition
Filling the existing ditch network, reestablishing jurisdictional riparian
and nonriparian wetlands
The proposed easement, existing conditions, and proposed mitigation activities are depicted in
Figures 5-6 (Appendix A). The Site provides for restoration and protection of aquatic resources
within a conservation easement and will result in net gains in hydrology, water quality, and habitat
functions. A summary of mitigation activities includes the following.
1. Providing 39.8 Riparian WMUs and 11.0 Nonriparian WMUs, as calculated in accordance
with the requirements stipulated in NCIRT 2016.
• Reestablishing approximately 39.8 acres of riparian wetland.
• Reestablishing approximately 11.0 acres of nonriparian wetland.
2. Removing existing landuses from the entire Site.
3. Revegetating wetlands throughout the Site with native, woody vegetation.
4. Protecting the Site in perpetuity with a conservation easement.
1.2 Bank Sponsor and Contact Information
Clearwater Mitigation Solutions
Kevin Yates
604 Macon Place
Raleigh, North Carolina
clearwatermitiLyation(@email.com
919.624.6901
2 ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION
2.1 Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument
The Sponsor is proposing to permit the Bank using an umbrella mitigation banking instrument
("UMBI"). As proposed, the UMBI would allow for the establishment and operation of multiple
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sites and multiple phases. The first phase described in this prospectus, if approved, will serve as
the Bank's initial source of mitigation credit. The Sponsor also proposes the incorporation into
the Bank of additional sites not yet identified (within the Geographic Service Area described in
the next section), following Interagency Review Team ("IRT") review and approval.
2.2 Credit Determination
Credit for the first phase, and all additional phases, shall be based on the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) most current mitigation credit determination methodology. Presently, the
USACE is utilizing the Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update
(IRT 2016) to quantify mitigation project credit potential. If other methods are released and
become de facto requirements for mitigation projects in the USACE, future phases will utilize
methods as appropriate.
2.3 Credit Release Schedule
Credits generated by actions described and approved in the Bank's final UMBI shall be released in
predetermined increments according to the milestones agreed to by the Sponsor and the
Interagency Review Team (IRT) in the UMBI's credit release schedule. The Sponsor will use the
credit release schedule detailed for mitigation banks in IRT (2016).
3 GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA AND USE OF CREDITS
Located within the Southeastern Plains level III ecoregion and the Neuse River Basin, the Bank's
geographic service area ("GSA") is defined by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 8-digit
Hydrological Unit Code ("HUC") within which the Bank's sites are located, the Neuse 01 (Figure 2,
Appendix A).
The Bank's credits are proposed to be used to offset unavoidable, permitted impacts within the
Bank's GSA. Use of the Bank's credits outside of its GSA may be permissible with approval by the
USACE, which will be considered on a case -by -case basis.
4 WATERSHED CONSIDERATIONS
-11 Watershed Environmental Concerns and Mitigation Needs
Neuse River subbasin 03-04-04 is primarily located in southern Johnston County, with the
uppermost portion in Wake County, and very small portions in Sampson and Wayne Counties.
Landcover within the subbasin is roughly 50% forest/wetland, 46% cultivated cropland, with the
remainder as surface water, urban, and pasture/managed herbaceous. Of the subbasin's 227
miles of stream, 2.0 miles are supporting, 32.9 miles are impaired, and the remaining are not rated
or have no data (NCDWQ 2009).
The Site drains to a reach of Hannah Creek (from its source to NC 96) that is listed as impaired due
to low dissolved oxygen. Recommendations for the entire Hannah Creek watershed included
working with landowners to voluntarily adopt and install conservation practices in the watershed
(NCDWQ 2009).
Population growth in this subbasin is concentrated on the 1-95 corridor between Benson and
Smithfield. In the decade between 1990 and 2000, the town of Smithfield, the largest municipality
in the watershed, increased in population by 46 percent (3327) (NCDWQ 2009).
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4.2 Bank Site Selection
Based on the analysis presented in Section 4.1, the Neuse 01 was targeted as a watershed in need
of mitigation. The Sponsor and its consultant, Axiom Environmental, Inc. (Axiom), conducted a
search for sites possessing stream and/or wetland restoration and enhancement opportunities.
Identified Sites were prioritized based on geomorphic condition and land use, and the necessary
landowners were contacted to gauge their interest in participating in a stream mitigation project.
Sites with willing landowners were then pursued further. Many of the identified opportunities
are not currently feasible because such sites require the cooperation of several landowners to
achieve sufficient ecological and economic scale. Therefore, selection of the properties was based
on a combination of geomorphic condition, land use, and the willingness of landowners to
participate.
5 OWNERSHIP AND LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT
Current property ownership and parcel information is as follows:
Owner Name PIN#
Stewart, Ralph Lee 168000-79-5094
Stewart, Virginia L.
Hereafter, the owner will be referred to as "the Landowner."
The Sponsor and the Landowner have executed separate Agreements for Purchase and Sale of
Conservation Easements covering approximately 50.8 acres. Following USACE approval of the
UMBI and the Bank Site Mitigation Plan, the Sponsor will exercise its rights provided under the
above -referenced agreements.
The property will be protected in perpetuity by conservation easements approved by the USACE.
At a minimum, conservation easements will be written to prohibit incompatible uses that might
jeopardize objectives of the Bank. Conservation easements will be held in perpetuity by the North
Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation. The Sponsor will provide the land trust with a financial sum,
in an amount agreeable to both parties, appropriate for the long-term stewardship of the Site.
During the operational period of the Site, the Sponsor will be responsible for management actions.
A long-term management plan will be developed for each Bank Site and incorporated into their
respective mitigation plans. In general, long-term management activities will include protecting
the sites from encroachment, trespass, clearing, and other violations that interfere with
conservation purposes. Other activities may be incorporated based on site -specific
considerations.
6 QUALIFICATIONS OF SPONSOR
The Sponsor, Clearwater Mitigation Solution, LLC (CMS), a North Carolina Limited Liability
Company, was founded in 2015, but has over 18 years of experience in water resources consulting,
regulatory experience, environmental site investigations, mitigation plan development,
permitting, implementation, and monitoring, with proven ability to carry out large-scale
ecological restoration projects. CMS has worked on a broad range of projects in the public and
private sector over the years, which has provided for a well-rounded approach to problem solving
and a unique ability to manage the complex needs of ecological restoration projects.
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CMS's Principal, Kevin Yates, has over 18 years of experience in water resources, stream, wetlands,
stormwater, riparian buffer, environmental restoration, and mitigation. Mr. Yates began working
for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District in 2001, while attending graduate school
at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, graduating with a Masters of Marine Science in
2004. Mr. Yates went into private environmental consulting in 2005, working on a broad range
of projects which brings a well-rounded approach to problem solving and ability to manage the
complex needs of large-scale restoration projects. More recently, Mr. Yates formed Clearwater
Mitigation Solutions in 2015 and has since developed and managed a 71-acre turn -key riparian
and non -riparian wetland mitigation site known as the Lowlands Wetland Mitigation Site, in the
Hydrologic Unit 03020201 (Neuse 01) service area. CMS is currently under contract with the
North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) on four full -delivery mitigation projects in
North Carolina, two riparian buffer mitigation sites and two stream and wetland mitigation sites.
The team assembled for this project includes the multidisciplinary expertise of Axiom Environmental, Inc.
(AXE) which has extensive experience with mitigation services throughout North Carolina for over
20 years. The AXE team of professionals consists of Licensed Soil Scientists, Professional Wetland
Scientists, a Licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agent, a geologist, botanists, biologists, and mitigation
design specialists. Our team's past record of successful work performance is directly attributed to our
ability to work interactively on multi -disciplined projects in concert with clients, agencies, and
stakeholders, and demonstrates our commitment and capabilities to undertake projects involving a
variety of environmental, engineering, and ecological challenges. CMS's philosophy on developing
successful environmental design and construction projects is to promote ownership of the project
from the ground up. This involves informing and training contractors, landowners, regulatory
staff, project owners and other project stakeholders through diligent communication and
involvement. The CMS / AXE Team has been formed with these factors in mind and will be
dedicated to the success of the project.
7 ECOLOGICAL SUITABILITY OF SITE
Primary considerations for selecting the Site included the potential for protection/improvement
of water quality within a region of North Carolina under heavy development and rapid conversion
of agriculture and forest land to commercial and residential uses, which is resulting in major
impacts to water quality. More specifically, considerations included desired physical, chemical,
and biological characteristics of the Site including aquatic resource functions, hydrologic
conditions, soil characteristics, aquatic habitat diversity, habitat connectivity, compatibility with
adjacent land uses, reasonably foreseeable effects the mitigation projects will have on
ecologically important aquatic and terrestrial resources, and potential development trends and
land use changes.
Site specific functional uplift to physical, chemical, and biological characteristics at the Site have
been documented utilizing the NC Wetland Assessment Method (NC WAM). Based on NC WAM
data collection and methodology, functional uplift would be expected to occur for the following
metrics for physical, chemical, and biological characteristics.
1) Hydrology
a. surface storage and retention
b. sub -surface storage and retention
2) Water Quality
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a.
pathogen change
b.
particulate change
c.
soluble change
d.
physical change
e.
pollution change
3) Habitat
a.
Physical structure
b.
Landscape patch structure
c.
Vegetation composition
In addition to NC WAM data forms and output published data at the proposed Bank Site indicates
that current land uses are contributing to impaired water quality; the subbasin currently includes
34 targeted local watersheds and many of the streams within the subbasins are impaired due to
increased turbidity, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), fecal coliform bacteria, iron, and/or
copper (NCDEQ 2014b). Restoration and enhancement work proposed in Section 10 (Restoration
Plan) will reduce existing nutrient and sediment loads to downstream waters. In addition,
wetland mitigation work will improve riparian habitats immediately adjacent to the NCDMS
stream restoration project, Alliance Headwaters.
8 FINANCIAL ASSURANCES
The Sponsor will provide financial assurances in a form acceptable to the IRT, sufficient to assure
completion of all mitigation work, required reporting and monitoring, and any remedial work that
may be required pursuant to the final UMBI.
Prior to the first credit release, for the Bank Site proposed here as well as all additional sites
permitted under the proposed UMBI, the Sponsor shall furnish a financial assurance instrument
covering all reasonably anticipated costs relating to construction, operation, monitoring,
maintenance, and any remedial measures associated with the Bank. This instrument shall consist
of either a Performance Bond underwritten by a surety company licensed to do business in North
Carolina with a Best's current rating of not less than "A-," or a casualty insurance policy in an
appropriate form to be approved by the USACE in compliance with current USACE policy and
guidance documents. The total value of such a bond or policy will be based on reasonably
expected costs associated with approved Mitigation Plans, plus a reasonable contingency, which
collectively shall be sufficient to ensure the project will be successfully completed in accordance
with applicable performance standards.
If performance bonds are utilized, the initial performance bond shall be replaced following
completion of construction and USACE approval of the Bank Site as -built reports. The Sponsor
shall then furnish a replacement performance bond, to be valued based on reasonably anticipated
costs associated with project monitoring and maintenance. Once all performance standards have
been met, the Sponsor may withdraw monies from or otherwise terminate the financial assurance
instrument described in this paragraph.
9 EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Site encompasses 50.8 acres of active wholesale plant nursery production along headwater
drainages to Hannah Creek. The Site has been drained with an extensive ditch and irrigation
system. Roads and raised plant beds have been graded throughout the site, and gravel has been
laid throughout. The current ditches and irrigation ponds receive extensive sediment and nutrient
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inputs from surrounding nursery activities. In its current state, the Site includes 2.1 acres of open
water and 46.1 acres of ditched and drained hydric soil (Figure 5, Appendix A).
9.1 Physiography, Topography, and Land Use
The Site is located in the Rolling Coastal Plain Ecoregion. Regional physiography is characterized
by dissected irregular plains and smooth plains, and broad interstream divides with gentle to
steep slopes with numerous small, low- to moderate -gradient sandy bottomed streams (Griffith
et al. 2002). Onsite elevations are nearly level, ranging from approximately 116-120 feet NGVD
(Figure 3, Appendix A).
The Site drainage area encompasses 280 acres at the outfall of the Site (Figure 3, Appendix A).
The drainage area is primarily composed of forest and agriculture land. Detailed GIS analysis of
the upstream drainage indicates that approximately 0.9 percent of the drainage area is
impervious including roads, driveways, and rooftops. The GIS analysis included digitizing the
impervious surfaces from aerial coverage, clipping the shapefile to the drainage area boundary,
and geoprocessing the area of impervious surface (Figure 3, Appendix A).
9.2 Water Quality
The Site is located within the Neuse River Basin in 14-digit USGS Cataloging Unit and Targeted
Local Watershed 03020201150020 of the South Atlantic/Gulf Region (North Carolina Division of
Water Resources [NCDWR] subbasin number 03-04-04) (Figure 2, Appendix A). Hannah Creek
(Stream Index Number 27-52-6), which has been assigned a Best Usage Classification of C, NSW
(NCDWR 2013). Streams with a Class C designation are suitable for uses including aquatic life
propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. Secondary
recreation includes wading, boating, and other uses not involving human body contact with
waters on an organized or frequent basis. The designation NSW (Nutrient Sensitive Waters)
includes areas with water quality problems associated with excessive plant growth resulting from
nutrient enrichment.
The North Carolina Department of Environment Quality (NCDEQ) has assembled a list of impaired
waterbodies according to the Clean Water Act Section 303(d) and 40 CFR 130.7, which is a
comprehensive public accounting of all impaired waterbodies. An impaired waterbody is one that
does not meet water quality standards including designated uses, numeric and narrative criteria,
and anti -degradation requirements defined in 40 CFR 131. The reach of Hannah Creek (27-52-6a,
from its source to Allens Crossroads NC 96) that Site hydrology drains to is listed on the NCDENR
final 2018 303(d) list for exceeding criteria for dissolved oxygen (NCDEQ 2019).
9.3 Soils and Land Form
Soils that occur within the Site, according to the Web Soil Survey (USDA 2019) are described in
Table 2.
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Table 2. Web Soil Survey Soils
Soil Series
Hydric Status
Description
This series consists of poorly drained soils on terraces and flats on
Leaf silt loam
broad interstream divides. These soils are derived from clayey marine
(Typic
Hydric
deposits. Slopes range from 0 to 2 percent. Depth to restrictive
Albaquults)
features is more than 80 inches, depth to the water table is about 0-12
inches, and the available water storage in the profile is very high.
Hydric soils were delineated and mapped on February 3, 2020 by a licensed soil scientist and were
confirmed as soils of the Leaf series (a soil boring log is included in Appendix B). Based on soil
delineations the entire Site is comprised of hydric soils that have been effectively drained by
ditches, soil compaction, and grading.
9.3.1 Nutrient Input
The site is currently an active nursery, and therefore, nitrogen and phosphorous inputs from plant
fertilizer are significant. Nursery activity will cease as a result of the wetland restoration activities.
9.4 Site Design and Implementation Constraints
The presence of conditions or characteristics that have the potential to hinder restoration
activities on the Site was evaluated. The evaluation focused primarily on the presence of
hazardous materials, utilities and restrictive easements, rare/threatened/endangered species or
critical habitats, and the potential for hydrologic trespass. Existing information regarding Site
constraints was acquired and reviewed. In addition, any Site conditions that have the potential
to restrict the restoration design and implementation were documented during the field
investigation.
No known Site constraints, that may hinder proposed mitigation activities, were identified during
field surveys.
Potential constraints reviewed include the following.
9.4.1 Threatened & Endangered Species
Five federally protected species are listed as occurring in Johnston County (USFWS 2019); the
following table summarizes potential habitat and preliminary biological conclusions for each.
Additionally, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act; however, habitat for the bald eagle is not present within the Site.
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Table 3. Threatened and Endangered Species
Species
Habitat
Potential
Biological
Habitat at Site
Conclusion
Red -cockaded woodpecker
forests with living trees old enough for
(Picoides borealis)
roosting, generally at least 60-120 years old,
Yes
May Effect
depending on species of pine
inhabits streams ranging from <5 meters-
>100 meters in width; is found in a variety of
Dwarf wedgemussel
substrates including clay, sand, gravel and
No
No Effect
(Alasmidonta heterodon)
pebble, and sometimes in silt depositional
areas near banks; usually inhabits
hydrologically stable areas
silt -free uncompacted gravel and/or coarse
Tar River spinymussel
sand in fast -flowing, well -oxygenated
No
No Effect
(Elliptio steinstansana)
stream reaches
a sand -loving species often found buried
Yellow lance
deep in clean, coarse to medium sand,
(Elliptio lanceolata)
although it can sometimes be found in
No
No Effect
gravel substrates in clean, moderate flowing
water with high dissolved oxygen
sandy or rocky open woods in association
Michaux's sumac
with basic soils; survives best in areas where
Yes
May Effect
(Rhus michuaxii)
some form of disturbance has provided an
open area
9.4.2 NCNHP Records
A query of the NCNHP database indicates there are no records for rare species, important natural
communities, natural areas, or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project
boundary. Within a one -mile radius of the project boundary there are two element occurrences
including the Coppery Emerald (Somatochlora georgiana) a state significantly rare dragonfly and
a natural community (Cypress -gum swamp [blackwater subtype]). NCNHP documentation is
included in Appendix B.
9.4.3 Cultural Resources
The term "cultural resources" refers to prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, structures, or
artifact deposits over 50 years old. "Significant" cultural resources are those that are eligible or
potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluations of site
significance are made with reference to the eligibility criteria of the National Register (36 CFR 60)
and in consultation with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Field visits were conducted in February 2020 to ascertain the presence of structures or features
that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Several structures occur within
the Site boundaries, all affiliated with the current nursery infrastructure. None of the structures
appear historic in nature. Typical SHPO coordination will occur prior to construction activities to
determine if any significant cultural resources are present; however, no constraints are expected
at this time.
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9.4.4 FEMA
Inspection of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map 3720168000K, effective June 20, 2018 was
reviewed to determine if the project is located in a FEMA study area (DFIRM panel number 1680).
Based on existing floodplain mapping, the Bank Site is not located in a Special Flood Hazard Area
and the project should not alter FEMA flood zones. Therefore, a "Conditional Letter of Map
Revision" (CLOMR) is not expected for this project.
Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas are in the process of being analyzed to predict
the feasibility of manipulating existing surface drainage patterns without adverse effects to the
Site or adjacent properties.
9.4.5 Air Transport Facilities
Johnson Field is located 2.3 miles west of the Site, no other air transport facilities are located
within 5 miles of the Site.
10 RESTORATION PLAN
Primary activities at the Site are designed to re-establish riparian and nonriparian wetlands (Figure
5, Appendix A).
Table 4. Mitigation Work Plan
Wetland Mitigation Type
Type
Acreage
Mitigation Ratio
WMU
Re-establishment
Riparian Riverine
39.8
1:1
39.8
Re-establishment
Nonriparian
11.0
1:1
11.0
Totals
50.8
50.8
10.1 Wetland Reestablishment
Reestablishment of wetland hydrology and wetland soil attributes will involve the removal of
ponds, ditches, and/or drain tile, reforestation, and removal of all nursery infrastructure
(buildings, roads, equipment, fencing, raised beds, irrigation piping). Hydric soils adjacent to
existing ditches and irrigation ponds have been drained due to compaction of soil surfaces,
removal of surface roughness, grading, lowering of groundwater tables due to ditching, and a
lateral drainage effect. Backfilling of incised ditches, leveling raised plant beds, reducing soil
compaction, removing nursery infrastructure, and planting with native woody vegetation is
expected to rehydrate soils within the Site, resulting in the restoration of jurisdictional hydrology
to riparian and nonriparian wetlands.
10.2 Vegetation Planting
Deep-rooted, woody riparian vegetation will be restored or supplementally planted within the
Bank Site. Planting vegetation throughout reestablished wetlands is proposed to reestablish
historic vegetation community patterns within the associated wetlands. Revegetating the
floodplain and stream banks will filter pollutants from adjacent stormwater and agricultural
runoff and provide habitat for area wildlife.
Variations in vegetative planting may occur based on topographic locations and hydraulic
conditions of the soil. Vegetative species composition should mimic reference forest data and
onsite observations. Species expected for this project may include the following elements.
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Page 11
Neuse 03020201

Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Riparian Areas)
1. River birch (Betula nigra)
2. Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
3. Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
4. Sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana)
5. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
6. Red bay (Persea palustris)
7. Pond pine (Pinus serotina)
8. Water oak (Quercus nigra)
9. Laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia)
10. Willow oak (Quercus phellos)
Non-Riverine Swamp Forest (Non -Riparian Areas)
1. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
2. Swamp tupelo (Nyssa biflora)
3. Pond pine (Pinus serotina)
4. White Oak (Quercus alba)
5. Swamp chestnut oak (Quercus Michauxii)
6. Water oak (Quercus nigra)
7. Willow oak (Quercus phellos)
8. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Coastal plain small stream swamp is the target community for the riparian wetland
reestablishment areas, and Non-riverine swamp forest is the target community for non -riparian
wetland reestablishment areas throughout the remainder of the Site. Bare -root seedlings will be
planted at a density of approximately 680 stems per acre on 8-foot centers throughout the Site.
10.3 Nuisance Species Management
Beaver, privet, and other potential nuisance species will be monitored over the course of the 5-
year monitoring period. Appropriate actions to ameliorate any negative impacts regarding
vegetation development and/or water management will occur on an as -needed basis.
11 Proposed Mitigation
Mitigation options outlined in this report are designed to provide 50.8 WMUs, as calculated in
accordance with the requirements stipulated in applicable guidance (IRT 2016 [Wilmington
District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update]). Proposed Mitigation Units are
presented below.
Table S. Proposed Mitigation Units
Mitigation Type
Type
Acreage
Mitigation Ratio
WMU
Re-establishment
Riparian Riverine
39.8
1:1
39.8
Re-establishment
Nonriparian
11.0
1:1
11.0
Totals
50.8
50.8
mmiTifeLlillel ll►lclaw_\il
The Bank's performance standards and monitoring plan will be based on the IRT (2016) guidance
document titled, Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update. In
general, the monitoring program will be implemented for 7 years with an opportunity for an early
termination after 5 years if a site's performance standards, as set forth in IRT (2016), are met.
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Page 21
Neuse 03020201

Additional monitoring of each site, aside from the Bank's performance standards, will occur to
identify areas to be treated by the Adaptive Management and Remedial Measures Plan (see
Section 13).
12A Vegetation Monitoring
After planting has been completed in winter or early spring, an initial evaluation will be performed
to verify planting methods and to determine initial species composition and density.
Supplemental planting and additional Bank Site modifications will be implemented, if necessary.
During quantitative vegetation sampling, sample plots (10-meter by 10-meter) will be installed
within the Bank Site as per guidelines established in CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation,
Version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008). In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include
species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and
herbaceous species will also be documented by photograph.
Vegetation Success Criteria
An average density of 320 planted stems per acre must be surviving in the first three monitoring
years. Subsequently, 290 planted stems per acre must be surviving in year 4, 260 planted stems
per acre must be surviving in year 5, and 210 planted stems per acre in year 7. Volunteer stems
may be considered on a case -by -case basis in determining overall vegetation success; however,
volunteer stems should be counted separately from planted stems.
12.2 Wetland Hydrology Monitoring
Groundwater monitoring gauges will be installed to take measurements after hydrological
modifications are performed at the Bank Site. Hydrological sampling will continue throughout the
growing season at intervals necessary to satisfy the jurisdictional hydrology success criteria within
each wetland restoration area. According to the Soil Survey of Johnston County, the growing
season is from March 21-November 4 (USDA 1962). However, for purposes of this project gauge
hydrologic success will be determined using data from March 1-November 9 to more accurately
represent the period of biological activity. Soil temperatures will be collected in late
February/early March of each monitoring year, and will be reported in the annual monitoring
report.
Wetland Hydrology Success Criteria
Inundation or saturation within 12 inches of the soil surface for 10 percent of the growing season
based on a Leaf soil.
13 ADAPTIVE MANAGMENT AND REMEDIAL MEASURES
An adaptive management plan will be developed for the Site based on the plan approved in the
MBI. In the event monitoring results indicate a Bank Site will not meet one or more of its
performance standards, remedial actions will be implemented following notification of the MBI's
USACE project manager. Adaptive management and remedial measures are discussed in general
below.
13.1 Vegetation
Remedial actions for vegetation mortality may include replanting, and, if needed, corrective
measures will be based on the cause(s) (e.g. portions of site too wet for planted species).
Remedial actions for low vegetation vigor may include, but are not limited to, deep ripping,
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Page 19
Neuse 03020201

replanting (same or similar species), mowing, herbicide application, fertilization, and replanting
with other species possessing condition -specific tolerance.
13.2 Invasive Species
In the event that invasive or otherwise undesirable species —as defined in an appendix to the NC
SAM Users Manual (NC SFAT 2014)—reasonable efforts will be made to eradicate or otherwise
control growth and distribution of the species across the mitigation Bank Site. Such efforts may
involve herbicide applications, mechanical, and/or hand removal, or prescribed burns.
14 ASSURANCE OF SUFFICIENT WATER RIGHTS
In the State of North Carolina, water rights are owned by the State (General Statute 142-211 (N.C.
G.S. § 143-211(a)). Developed using the "riparian rights" doctrine, water law in the State of North
Carolina entitles a riparian landowner to the natural flow of a stream running through or along
his land. The landowner has the right to make "reasonable use" of the watercourse, meaning the
landowner may make use the water, as long as their use does not interfere with the reasonable
use of another downstream riparian landowner.
Native waters supplied through surface runoff and groundwater will provide sustaining hydrology
to the Bank Parcel. Restoration of the Bank Parcel will not result in an adverse effect on the Bank
Parcel's hydrology.
The Bank Site encompasses approximately 50.8 acres of land currently used as an active wholesale
nursery. Within the Bank Site, existing hydric soils have been drained, compacted, excavated, and
receive extensive sediment and nutrient inputs. Mitigation outlined in this report are designed
to provide 50.8 WMUs, as calculated in accordance with applicable guidance (IRT 2016
[Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update]). Proposed
Mitigation Units are presented below.
Proposed Mitigation Units
Mitigation Type
Type
Acreage
Mitigation Ratio
WMU
Re-establishment
Riparian Riverine
39.8
1:1
39.8
Re-establishment
Nonriparian
11.0
1:1
11.0
Totals
50.8
50.8
Bank Site Characteristics Summary
Site: Lowgrounds Wetland Mitigation Site
Location: Johnston County
River Basin: Neuse
USGS Cataloging Unit: 03020201
NCDWR Subbasin: 03-04-04
USGS 14-Digit Cataloging Number: 03020201150020
Targeted Local Watershed: Yes
303d Listed: Yes
Best Use Classification: NSW
Drainage Area at Site Outfall: 0.44-square mile
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Page 20
Neuse 03020201

16 REFERENCES
Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, M.P. Schafale, W.H. McNab, D.R. Lenat, T.F.
MacPherson, J.B. Glover, and V.B. Shelbourne. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and
South Carolina. U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
Interagency Review Team (IRT). 2016. Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory
Mitigation Update. North Carolina Interagency Review Team — October 24, 2016
Lee, M.T., R.K. Peet, S.D. Roberts, and T.R. Wentworth. 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording
Vegetation. Version 4.2. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Ecosystem Enhancement Program. Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). 2019. 2018 NC Category 5
Assessments "303(d) List" Final (online). Available:
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20QualitV/Planning/TMDL/303d/2018/2018-NC-303-
d--List-Final.pdf (February 12, 2020)
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2009. Neuse River Basinwide Water Quality
Plan. (online). Available: http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/planning/basin-planning/water-resource-plans/neuse-2009 (February 8, 2020).
North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). 2013. Neuse River Basin Classification
Schedule (online). Available:
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/CSU/Surface%2OWater/River%20
Basin%20Water%20QuaIity%20Classifications%20as%20of%20Dec%209%202013/Neuse
Hydro order.pdf [February 12, 2020].
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP 2010, amended 2018). Neuse River
Basin Restoration Priorities 2010, Amended August 2018 (online). Available:
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Mitigation%20Services/Watershed Planning/Neuse River B
asin/RBRP-Neuse-201807-.pdf [February 8, 2020]. North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh.
United States Census Bureau (USCB). 2016. Population estimates V.2013.
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37000.html
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2019. Web Soil Survey (online). Available:
http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx [February 10, 2020].
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Page 21
Neuse 03020201

Appendix A
Figures
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Appendix
Neuse 03020201

-Ago
mwni
I
NO
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic \ r✓ {1'
Society, i-cubed
r p -
�` { Smithfield
� ` • �. � `, 54 is i
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,n9 I/QC r I I Q f
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_ ci �Soety!fcc,, be•d
~- N
Axiom Envacinn-4,,n;p;. Inc,
Prepared for:
CLEARWATER
i rrs� MITIGATION
"' SOLUTIONS
v ,
fD
Project:
120
1r1
LOWGROUNDS
MITIGATION SITE
- �
G �1
Johnston County, NC
Title:
01 $Nom s
IN
• r r!
'—� � ` SITE
• LOCATION
• r �
• �'� • lots
(�� �,te • - Drawn by:
r I _ IF Legend WGL
• f
rrr • ❑ •' 111l. '+�- Proposed Lowgrounds Easement Date: JAN 2020
FLEVAI)C71V � � � �
720 �' - � . � Scale:
O
USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Map (Four Oaks NE, NC Quads) 1:20,000
Project No.:
�• Directions to the Site from Smithfield: 19-008.02
Head southeast on E. Market St/US 70 Business
-� - Take the 1st right onto S. Brightleaf Blvd/US-301/NC-96
After 0.9 miles, turn left onto Brodgen Rd
-- - After 0.5 mile merge onto 1-95 S toward Benson FIGURE
•� In 3.4 miles take exit 90 (US-301 toward Bentonville
` After 0.2 miles take a slight right onto US-301 N
126 \�z Take an immediate right onto NC-96
In a quarter mile take a sharp left onto Devils Racetrack Rd
Follow for 3.2 miles then turn left onto an unamed dirt road t
,C g The site can be accessed from the end of this road, about 0.5 mile.
Site Latitude, Longitude 35.8325,--79.8879 (WGS84)
� d

14
42
Legend
Proposed Lowgrounds Easement r
USGS Hydrologic Unit 03020201
14 Digit Hydrologic Unit Boundaries
Targeted Local Watersheds
0 10 20
P
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Holly Spnn
�-
Shearon Har
Resena it
fj t Fuquay
Prepared for:
CLEARWATER
aim,
MITIGATION
SOLUTIONS
LOWGROUNDS
MITIGATION SITE
Johnston County, NC
HYDROLOGIC
UNIT MAP
Drawn by:
WGL
FEB 2020
Project No.:
19-008.02

k1k

P
k,
V W w"F

Appendix B
Site Data
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Appendix
Neuse 03020201

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name Lowgrounds #1 Date 2/2/20
Wetland Type Hardwood Flat Assessor Name/Organization Jernigan/Axiom
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) NO
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N) NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N) NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function
Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology
Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Pathogen Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Particulate Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Soluble Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Physical Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Pollution Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Habitat
Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
LOW
Vegetation Composition
Condition
LOW
Function Rating Summary
Function
Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Habitat
Condition
LOW
Overall Wetland Rating LOW

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name Lowgrounds #2 Date 2/2/20
Wetland Type Headwater Forest Assessor Name/Organization Jernigan/Axiom
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) NO
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N) YES
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N) NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N) NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function
Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology
Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Pathogen Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Particulate Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Soluble Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Physical Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Pollution Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Habitat
Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
LOW
Vegetation Composition
Condition
LOW
Function Rating Summary
Function
Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Habitat
Condition
LOW
Overall Wetland Rating LOW

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 5.0
Wetland Site Name Lowgrounds #3 Date 2/2/20
Wetland Type Headwater Forest Assessor Name/Organization Jernigan/Axiom
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N) NO
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N) NO
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N) YES
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N) YES
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N) NO
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N) NO
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N) NO
Sub -function Rating Summary
Function
Sub -function
Metrics
Rating
Hydrology
Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Sub -Surface Storage and Retention
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Pathogen Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Particulate Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Soluble Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Physical Change
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Pollution Change
Condition
NA
Condition/Opportunity
NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NA
Habitat
Physical Structure
Condition
LOW
Landscape Patch Structure
Condition
LOW
Vegetation Composition
Condition
LOW
Function Rating Summary
Function
Metrics/Notes
Rating
Hydrology
Condition
LOW
Water Quality
Condition
LOW
Condition/Opportunity
LOW
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N)
NO
Habitat
Condition
LOW
Overall Wetland Rating LOW

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile A (35.419209,-78.373101)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-2*
NA
Gravel fill
2-12*
10 YR 6/1
60
10 YR 6/2
10
D
M
Sandy Clay
10 YR 5/8
30
12-16
10 YR 4/1
90
10 YR 6/1
5
D
M
Clay
10 YR 6/6
5
C
M
16+
5 GY 7/3
25
Sandy Clay
5 G 6/8
25
10 YR 5/1
25
10 YR 6/6
25
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
*Fill material
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile B (35.420653,-78.372836)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-5
10 YR 5/3
85
10 YR 5/1
10
D
M
clay loam
10 YR 6/6
5
C
PL
5-7
10 YR 4/1
90
10 YR 5/6
5
C
PL
fine sandy loam
10 YR 6/1
5
D
M
7-14
10 YR 6/2
80
10 YR 6/6
15
C
M
sandy clay
10 YR 5/6
5
C
PL
14+
10 YR 6/1
85
10 YR 6/6
10
C
M
clay
10 YR 6/8
5
C
PL
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile C (35.419997,-78.370575)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-3
10 YR 4/1
97
10 YR 4/6
3
C
PL
loam
3-9
10 YR 4/1
97
10 YR 5/1
1
D
M
sandy clay loam
10 YR 5/6
2
C
PL
9-16
10 YR 6/2
70
10 YR 5/1
20
D
M
sand
2.5 Y 6/4
10
C
M
16+
2.5 Y 6/3
95
10 YR 6/8
5
C
M
sandy clay
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile D (35.421529,-78.3703)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-1
10 YR 3/1
97
10 YR 5/1
3
D
M
loam
1-5
10 YR 5/1
97
10 YR 6/1
2
D
M
loamy sand
10 YR 5/3
1
C
M
5-12
10 YR 6/1
60
10 YR 6/6
40
C
M
sandy clay loam
12+
10 YR 6/1
40
10 YR 5/6
20
C
M
sandy clay
10 YR 5/2
40
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile E (35.422378,-78.368598)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-2
10 YR 4/2
100
sandy loam
2-9
10 YR 5/1
95
10 YR 6/2
3
D
M
sandy clay loam
10 YR 5/6
2
C
PL
9-14
10 YR 6/2
95
10 YR 5/1
3
D
M
loamy clay
10 YR 5/6
2
C
M
14+
10 YR 6/2
80
10 YR 5/6
15
C
M
clay
10 YR 4/6
5
C
PL
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC
218 Snow Avenue
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
919-215-1693
SOIL BORING LOG
Date: 2/3/2020
Project/Site: Lowgrounds Mitigation Site
County, State: Johnston County, NC
Sampling Point/
Coordinates: Soil Profile F (35.420757,-78.367144)
Investigator: W. Grant Lewis
Soil Series: Leaf
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Notes: Location is shown on
Figure 5.
Depth (inches)
Matrix
Mottling
Texture
Color
%
Color
%
Type
Location
0-5*
NA
gravel fill
5-8*
10 YR 5/1
49
10 YR 6/6
1
C
M
loamy sand
10 YR 6/1
49
10 YR 5/6
1
C
PL
8-14
10 YR 6/1
70
10 YR 5/6
4
C
PL
sandy clay
10 YR 6/2
20
10 YR 4/6
6
C
M
14+
10 YR 6/1
95
10 YR 6/4
5
C
M
clay
Type: C=Concentration, D=Depletion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. Locaction: PL=Pore Lining, M=Matrix.
*Fill material
North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist
Number: 1233
Signature: IJ
Name/Print: W. Grant Lewis

m mom Roy Cooper, Governor
■� NC DEPARTMENT OF 5usi Hamilton, Secretary
■moms NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
s mom Walter Clark, director, Land and Water Stewardship
NCNHDE-11408
February 18, 2020
Allison Keith
Axiom Environmental
218 Snow Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603
RE: Lowgrounds; 19-008.02
Dear Allison Keith:
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
Based on the project area mapped with your request, a query of the NCNHP database indicates that
there are no records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or
conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. Please note that although there
may be no documentation of natural heritage elements within the project boundary, it does not
imply or confirm their absence; the area may not have been surveyed. The results of this query
should not be substituted for field surveys where suitable habitat exists. In the event that rare
species are found within the project area, please contact the NCNHP so that we may update our
records.
The attached 'Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that
have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these
records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area
if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile
radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report.
If a Federally -listed species is found within the project area or is indicated within a one -mile radius of
the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for
guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here:
https://www.fws.ciov/offices/Di rectory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37.
Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation
planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria
for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published
without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information
source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission.
The NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a
Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Clean Water Management Trust Fund
easement, or Federally -listed species are documented near the project area.
If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance,
please contact Rodney A. Butler at [e-mail] or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
fl 121 W. JONES STREET, RALEIGH. NC 27603 • 16S1 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH. NC 27699
OFC 919.707.9120 • FAX 919.707,9121

Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Lowgrounds
Project No. 19-008.02
February 18, 2020
NCNHDE-11408
Element Occurrences Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Taxonomic EO ID Scientific Name Common Name Last Element Accuracy
Federal State Global
State
Group RObservation Occurrence
Status Status Rank
Rank
moomdi Date Rank +`
ME
Dragonfly or 33753 Somatochlora Coppery Emerald 2004-Pre H? 5-Very
--- Significantly G3G4
S2?
Damselfly georgiana Low
Rare
Natural 28884 Cypress --Gum Swamp --- 2012 C? 2-High
--- --- G4?
S4
Community (Blackwater Subtype)
Natural Areas Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Site Name Representational Rating Collective Rating
Hannah Creek Swamp R5 (General) C5 (General)
No Managed Areas are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on February 18, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q1 Jan 2020.
Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
Page 2 of 3

NCNHDE-11408: Lowgrounds
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February 18, 2020
Project Boundary
Buffered Project Boundary
El NHP Natural Area (NHNA)
1:23,498
0 0.2 0.4 0.8 mi
0 0.3 0.6 1.2 km
Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS,
FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan,
METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS
User Community
Page 3 of 3

Appendix C
Landowner Authorization Form
Lowgrounds Mitigation Site Appendix
Neuse 03020201

LANDOWNER AUTHORIZATION FORM
PROPERTY LEGAL DESCRITION:
Deed Book: 5000 Page: 0229 County: Johnston
Parcel ID Number: 168000-79-5094
Street Address: 2508 Devils Racetrack Road
Four Oaks, NC 27524
Property Owner (please print): Ms. Virginia L_Stew M
Property Owner (please print): Mr. Ralph L. Stewart
The undersigned, registered property owner(s) of the above property, do hereby authorize:
Clearwater Mitigation Solutions
to take all actions necessary for the evaluation of the property as a potential stream, wetland and/or
riparian buffer mitigation project, including conducting stream and/or wetland determinations and
delineations, as well as issuance and acceptance of any required permit(s) or certification(s). I
agree to allow regulatory agencies, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, to visit the property
as part of these environmental reviews.
Property Owners(s) Address: PO Box 339
(if different from above)
Four Oaks, NC 27524-339
Property Owner Telephone Number: 919422-1781
Property Owner Telephone Number: 919-427-4458
We hereby certify the above information to be true and accurate to the best of our knowledge.
.l
15 Z 422-0
rOw-
ner Authorized Si nature) (Date)
Droner Autho signature) (Date)