20200018 Ver 1_IRT Conference Call Meeting Request_20200715

Strickland, Bev
From: Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 4:23 PM
To: Wiesner, Paul; Kim Browning; Davis, Erin B; Leslie, Andrea J;
[e-mail]; Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US)
Cc: Tsomides, Harry; Shawn Wilkerson; Christine Blackwelder
Subject: [External] RE: IRT Conference Call Meeting Request - Wildlands/ DMS Projects: Laurel
Valley & Double H Farms
Attachments: Laurel -Meeting Minutes_7.14.2020-Virtual Meeting.pdf
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Thanks for taking the time yesterday to discuss the Laurel Valley Mitigation Site and the few items of concern. I have
drafted minutes from our conversations yesterday. I have included a map with some notes as well as previous
correspondence, so all the information lives in one place. If there are revisions to any of these materials, please let me
know. Similarly, if we can get an OK on the items listed within the document so we can begin our more in-depth design
work, it is appreciated.
Thanks!
Eric Neuhaus, PE I Water Resources Engineer
0:828.774.5547 x105 M: 865.207.8835
Wildlands Engineering, Inc.
167-B Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
From: Wiesner, Paul <[e-mail]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2020 8:24 AM
To: Kim Browning <[e-mail]>; Davis, Erin B <[e-mail]>; Leslie, Andrea J
<[e-mail]>; [e-mail]; Tugwell, Todd J CIV USARMY CESAW (US)
<[e-mail]>
Cc: Tsomides, Harry <[e-mail]>; Shawn Wilkerson <[e-mail]>; Christine
Blackwelder <[e-mail]>; Eric Neuhaus <[e-mail]>
Subject: IRT Conference Call Meeting Request - Wildlands/ DMS Projects: Laurel Valley & Double H Farms
Kim, Erin, Andrea, Casey and Todd;
Wildlands and DMS would like to request a remote conference call meeting some time next week (July 13-17) to briefly
discuss and get input on a few outstanding issues for the Laurel Valley (Burke County) and Double H Farms (Alleghany
County) projects.

Please let us know any dates and times that work for your schedule. Once we find a date and time, I will ask that
Wildlands set up the meeting.
Here are the projects and general discussion points:
Laurel Valley (DMS#100140 / USACE#SAW-2020-00053 / DWR#20200018)
Phase - Mitigation Plan design and development
Summary - Site has been field reviewed with the IRT and a site visit memo generated; however, some follow-up emails
were sent and several questions remain.
• Preservation reach crediting
• Culvert that WRC wanted replaced but landowner would not agree
Double H Farms Mitigation Site (DMS#100082 / USACE#SAW-2018-01771 / DWR#20181270)
Phase —WEI is addressing IRT comments and finalizing the Mitigation Plan
Summary —The project Mitigation Plan has been IRT reviewed but Wildlands would like to get IRT input/resolution
before finalizing the document.
• WRC June 2020 field meeting follow up and actions
• Other minor issue resolution following IRT MP review and comments
Please let me know if you have any questions. We anticipate that the meeting will take approx. 1 hour.
Thanks
Paul Wiesner
Western Regional Supervisor
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
828-273-1673 Mobile
Pau l.wiesner(cancdenr.gov
Western DMS Field Office
5 Ravenscroft Drive
Suite 102
Asheville, N.C. 28801
D_ E Q �`
Nle�
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.

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WILDLANDS
ENGINEERING
MEETING MINUTES
MEETING: IRT Digital Meeting
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: Digital Meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 10:00 am
Meeting Notes Including Previous Correspondence Distributed:
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Attendees
Todd Tugwell, USACE
Casey Haywood, USACE
Kim Browning, USACE
Erin Davis, NC Department of Environmental Quality
Andrea Leslie, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Travis Wilson, NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Paul Wiesner, NC Division of Mitigation Services
Harry Tsomides, NC Division of Mitigation Services
Shawn Wilkerson, Wildlands Engineering
Eric Neuhaus, Wildlands Engineering
Christine Blackwelder, Wildland Engineering
Materials
• Final Post Contract IRT Site Visit Meeting Minutes Distributed 1/28/2020
• Final Post Contract IRT Site Visit Memorandum Distributed 5/19/2020
• Concept Map of the site with revision notes from virtual meeting on 7/15/2020.
Summary
• A virtual meeting was held to finalize outstanding items regarding the Laurel Valley Mitigation Site.
Previous finalized correspondence listed above is included with these meeting minutes for
documentation. All correspondence, including these minutes, will be included with the project
mitigation plan submittal within the Appendix.
Meeting Notes
1. Wildlands will place the required minimum buffer along each side of UT1 Reach 1. A proposed credit
ratio of 15:1 along the reach was agreed upon based on the preservation approach (invasive species
treatment, implementation of a conservation easement, potential supplemental planning). Wildlands
will evaluate if supplemental planting is required along the outer most edge of the proposed
conservation easement based on previous clearing by the property owner and will establish an approach
within the mitigation plan if required.

2. A preliminary fencing plan will be included with the mitigation plan submittal based on the potential of
cattle along UT1 Reach 1.
3. Crossing #2 (shown in the included map) will be relocated to the upstream extent of UT1 Reach 1. It is
anticipated that the proposed crossing will be a newly installed culvert within a 50' internal easement
break.
4. The hydrology of UT1 Reach 2 downstream of the project limits and the potential impact of rerouting
the existing channel during design was discussed. Wildlands noted that it is hypothesized hydrology
from the spring fed, small pond downstream from the property line will continue to provide flow
downstream of the project after the channel is rerouted, and we will attempt to monitor this for the
mitigation plan. Wildlands will install a pressure transducer to monitor hydrology on the downstream
reach and evaluate results pre and post construction. These monitoring efforts will be discussed within
the submitted mitigation plan.
5. The IRT expressed concern about the downstream extents of proposed UT1 Reach 2 as a potential risk
for aggradation. Wildlands will evaluate this during design and discuss methodology to mitigate this risk
within the mitigation plan. Potential adaptive management regarding this issue will also be presented in
the mitigation plan.
6. The IRT noted that fields around East Prong Hunting Creek could experience a potential hydrologic
increase based on the stream restoration proposed at the Site. Wildland noted that they will evaluate
this risk during design and present design considerations and potential adaptive management within the
mitigation plan.
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 2
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Virtual IRT Meeting Minutes — 7/14/2020

Revised Concept Map

Figure 6a Concept Map - Option 1
WWILD LANDS Laurel valley Mitigation site
E N G I N E E R I N G 0 300 600 Feet Catawba River Basin 03050101
1 1 1 1 1 Burke County, NC

Previous IRT Correspondence

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

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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
Memorandum Revised and Redistributed, May 19, 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.
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 1
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk Memorandum

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. Groundwater
gages will be installed within existing jurisdictionally delineated wetlands to monitor project effect on
wetland hydrology. Locations of the gages will be shown within the mitigation plan.
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 the required minimum buffer along each side of UT1 Reach 1
and has revised the proposed credit ratio to 15:1 along the reach based on proposed work (invasive
species, implementation of a conservation easement).
6. The IRT expressed concern that hydrology of UT1 Reach 2 downstream of the project limits would be
completely removed based on the realignment of the proposed channel.
Wildlands will attempt to monitor UT1 Reach 2 as best possible to ensure stream relocation does not
result in a complete loss of hydrology downstream of the project.
WWildlands Engineering, Inc. page 2
LAUREL VALLEY mitigation site
Post -Contract IRT Site Walk Memorandum