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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201177 Ver 1_Response to Notice of Incomplete PCN_20201027Strickland, Bev From: Mark Van Sickle < MVanSickle@littleonline.com > Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 11:06 AM To: lagnocco, Michael Cc: Kotheimer, Joshua L. Subject: RE: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307_Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre -Construction Notification He was looking at the old PDF — I figured something was off somewhere. Mark S. Van Sickle, PLA, LEED AP Land Development Services Associate Little 615 South College Street, Suite 1600 Charlotte, NC 28202 704.561.3417 (t) 704.491.0345 (m) 704.561.8700 (f) Littleonline.com I Explore I Linkedln I Instagram I Vimeo I Twitter From: lagnocco, Michael <Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com> Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 10:57 AM To: Mark Van Sickle <MVanSickle@littleonline.com> Cc: Kotheimer, Joshua L. <Joshua.Kotheimer@stvinc.com> Subject: RE: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307—Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre - Construction Notification This email originated from outside of our organization, so don't click links or open attachments from any unknown sources. My hero —thanks Mark!! Have a great weekend — sounds like its well -deserved!! Michael A. lagnocco, PWS JILST) Y, 00 �,*lf STV Engineers, Inc. michael.iagnoccoa-stvinc.com Office: (704) 372-1885 Mobile: (704) 281-7918 Direct: (704) 816-2513 Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail 1 From: Mark Van Sickle <MVanSickle@littleonline.com> Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 10:53 AM To: lagnocco, Michael <Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com>; Johnson, Alan <alan.iohnson@ncdenr.gov>; Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (US) <Bryan.K.Roden Reynolds@usace.army.mil> Cc: Kotheimer, Joshua L. <Joshua.Kotheimer@stvinc.com>; 4020717 <4020717@stvinc.com> Subject: RE: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307—Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre - Construction Notification Im Alan and I spoke and he is OK with what we are showing at this time. There is no longer a boulder drop structure at the confluence of the channels and we have regraded the channel to make it a more consistent slope and have incorporated 6 boulder cross -vanes into the design. I have attached the current exhibits again for your reference. Pleas don't hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information or modifications to the design of the relocated stream. Have a great remainder of your Friday. Mark Mark S. Van Sickle, PLA, LEED AP Land Development Services Associate Little 615 South College Street, Suite 1600 Charlotte, NC 28202 704.561.3417 (t) 704.491.0345 (m) 704.561.8700 (f) Littleonline.com I Explore I Linkedln I Instagram I Vimeo I Twitter From: lagnocco, Michael <Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com> Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 9:59 AM To: Johnson, Alan <alan.lohnson@ncdenr.gov>; Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (US) <Bryan.K.Roden Reynolds@usace.army.miI> Cc: Kotheimer, Joshua L. <Joshua.Kotheimer@stvinc.com>; 4020717 <4020717@stvinc.com>; Mark Van Sickle <MVanSickle@littleonline.com> Subject: RE: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307—Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre - Construction Notification This email originated from outside of our organization, so don't click links or open attachments from any unknown sources. Hey Alan — hope you're well; I'm going to have Mark Van Sickle give you a call to discuss — he's handled the civil portion of the work; the plan was regraded to eliminate the elevation drop at the confluence — please double check the station numbers when you're reviewing the profile sheets; as far as additional monitoring requirements, fell free to add those as conditions of the 401 and we'll build those into our plan; thanks Michael A. lagnocco, PWS STV Engineers, Inc. michael.iagnoccoa-stvinc.com Office: (704) 372-1885 Mobile: (704) 281-7918 Direct: (704) 816-2513 Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail From: Johnson, Alan <alan.iohnson@ncdenr.gov> Sent: Friday, October 9, 2020 9:27 AM To: lagnocco, Michael <Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com>; Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (US) <Bryan.K.Roden Reynolds@usace.army.miI> Cc: Kotheimer, Joshua L. <Joshua.Kotheimer@stvinc.com>; 4020717 <4020717@stvinc.com> Subject: RE: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307—Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre - Construction Notification I asked earlier about the drop down to the confluence of the existing channel. It appears there are 7 steps w/I an 2 ft elevation grade change. Up gradient in the channel the drops are spaced approximately 30 ft apart. Would it be more appropriate to shorten these spacing to provide a less dramatic step down at confluence of the new and existing channel Monitoring should include following the first 3 bankfull bench events. To catch any early failure following construction Alan DWR Division of Water Resources Alan D Johnson — Senior Environmental Specialist NC Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources (NCDENR) Division of Water Resources - Water Quality Regional Operations 3 610 East Center Ave., Suite 301, Mooresville, NC 28115 Phone: (704) 235-2200 Fax: (704) 663-6040 E-mail correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties unless the content is exempt by statute or other regulation. From: lagnocco, Michael [mailto:Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com] Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2020 3:51 PM To: Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (US) <Bryan.K.RodenReynolds@usace.army.mil> Cc: Johnson, Alan <alan.lohnson@ncdenr.gov>; Kotheimer, Joshua L. <Joshua.Kotheimer@stvinc.com>; 4020717 <4020717@stvi nc.com> Subject: [External] RE: SAW-2020-01307—Unity Classical Academy - Response to Notice of Incomplete Pre -Construction Notification External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as an attachment to report.spam@nc.gov Hey Bryan — hope you're doing well; attached is a consolidated response to your comments received SEP 16, 2020; 1 trust that based on our subsequent conversation that we've adequately addressed your comments; please see the attached file entitled SAW-2020-01307 Response to Notice of Incomplete PCN; In summary, the compensatory mitigation plan now consists of a payment to NCDMS as well as the on -site stream relocation plan; we've provided a commitment letter from NCDMS as well as a stand-alone stream relocation plan that includes a planting plan, monitoring plan, and success criteria; we're also providing confirmation of concurrence on T&E issues from FWS; please let me know if you have any comments on what we're providing; we appreciate your ongoing attention to this project. DWR #20201177 Hey Alan — hope you are also doing well; I also trust that the revised grading plan associated with the stream relocation plan has addressed your previous concerns regarding the originally proposed change in elevation at the confluence with the existing stream — the grading plan/relocated stream profile was revised to include a nearly at -grade confluence with the existing channel; in addition, the stream relocation plan includes the following statement— "An underdrain will be installed along the portion of the stream being impacted to help minimize the risk associated with ground water degrading the sub surface under the proposed site improvements" - this has been added to address your previous comment regarding the 170 If section of stream to be filled. Michael A. lagnocco, PWS STV�t` .oQ STV Engineers, Inc. michael.iagnoccoa-stvinc.com Office: (704) 372-1885 Mobile: (704) 281-7918 Direct: (704) 816-2513 Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail From: Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (US) <Bryan.K.Roden Reynolds@usace.army.mil? Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2020 4:10 PM To: Iagnocco, Michael <Michael.lagnocco@stvinc.com> Cc: Johnson, Alan <alan.iohnson@ncdenr.gov>; bwhallon@hcollc.com Subject: SAW-2020-01307_Unity Classical Academy (Notice of Incomplete Pre -Construction Notification) Importance: High Mr. Iagnocco, On September 10, 2020, we received the Pre -Construction Notification you submitted on behalf of Performance Charter School Development, LLC on a property located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. I have completed my initial review of the report and I have determined that it is incomplete. The following information is necessary before I will issue a determination: a. The project proposes permanent stream impacts (i.e. 170 linear feet) which result in the loss of waters occurring within the HUC 103. Any loss of waters, in this HUC specifically, have been and will likely continue to require compensatory mitigation. This watershed is highly urban and has a long history of intensive land uses which has resulted in long-term degradation to aquatic resources. In addition, there are currently no private mitigation banks or in -lieu fee sites with credits available to offset losses of aquatic function from private development in this watershed. Therefore, stream credits are purchased through the Expanded Service Area which generally result in the doubling of the determined compensatory mitigation. For example, impacting 170 linear feet of a medium quality stream would result in a compensatory mitigation ratio of 1.75:1; but would be doubled to 3.25:1 for HUC 103. The PCN proposed onsite stream restoration which has potential to reduce or eliminate the double requirement for this HUC but onsite stream restoration will not negate compensatory mitigation entirely. Therefore, please provide a Compensatory Mitigation Plan for the 170 linear feet of stream impacts. b. The PCN lacked confirmation from NCDMS for the purchase of compensatory mitigation credits to offset the permanent loss of waters from the project. Therefore, please include a Compensatory Mitigation Reservation Letter from NCDMS for the permanent stream impacts in the revised PCN. c. The PCN contained a letter from USFWS (dated August 19, 2020) which stated "Service records show historic occurrences for the federally endangered Schweinitz's sunflower in the project vicinity and suitable habitat may be present within the action area for this species. Suitable habitat may also occur onsite for the federally endangered Michaux's sumac and smooth coneflower. To ensure that these species are not inadvertently lost and to inform a prudent effect determination form the appropriate action agency, targeted botanical surveys should be conducted during the optimal window where project -mediated impacts may alter its suitable habitats within the action area." Based on this letter, the Corps will initial consultation with USFWS for the previously mentioned species and will not be able to make an effects determination until the USFWS has the recommended information for them to make their determination. Therefore, please conduct the USFWS recommended targeted botanical surveys where project -mediated impacts may alter suitable habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower, Michaux's sumac, and smooth coneflower during the optimal survey window and provide this survey and results to the USFWS. d. The PCN lacked a Stream Restoration Plan which includes sufficient detail to analyze the proposed onsite stream enhancement activities. A Stream Restoration Plan would include but not limited to: 1) a narrative write-up on the approach for the site; 2). Post -construction monitoring activities; 3). Success criteria; 4). Planting lists and timing; 5). Etc. As stated in Nationwide Permit 27, "The NWP authorizes the relocation of non -tidal waters, including non -tidal wetlands and streams, on the project site provided there are net increases in aquatic resources functions and services"; however, the Corps is concerned that the proposed stream restorations activities would not provide aquatic uplift from the current conditions onsite (i.e., Stream A is rated as medium by NCSAM). In Bulletin Drawing Sheet 1, Stream A goes from a meandering, sinuous channel to a straightened channel (170 linear feet) and the slight bend in the "new portion of stream (245 linear feet)" with boulder cross vanes. In order to demonstrate aquatic uplift from the stream restoration activities, NCSAM would need to be conducted on the new stream (415 linear feet) to determine its quality (i.e., this evaluation of stream quality would likely need to be conducted multiple times for multiple years during post construction monitoring activities). Since the existing Stream A rated at medium quality, the new stream would need to rate at medium to high quality to demonstrate aquatic uplift. Based on the current proposal, the Corps is not confident the stream would rate at medium or high because nearly half of the new stream in a straight line ditch, there would be no to a very limited wooded buffer, loss of sinuosity, etc. PLEASE NOTE: The Corps is unable to make an effects determination, meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, and move forward with the NWP authorization until the issue (i.e., target surveys during the optimal survey window) with the USFWS is resolved. Please ensure the Corps is CC'd on any email transactions between the applicant/agent and the USFWS. The current rate schedules for a linear foot of stream channel is $558.81. This project could have a compensatory mitigation bill ranging from $166,245.98 (170 linear feet at 1.75:1) to $308,742.53 (170 linear feet at 3.25:1). This information can be found at the following link (https://deg.nc.gov/about/divisions/mitigation- services/dms-customers/fee-schedules) Please provide the information requested above in ONE consolidated response within 30-days of the date of this correspondence. If you do not respond within 30-days, the request will be administratively canceled. Please contact me via telephone or e-mail if you have any questions. You may also consider withdrawing your current PCN which would allow you additional time to satisfy all the above additional information requests. A revised PCN can be resubmitted at a later date which addresses all these issues. Thanks, Bryan Roden -Reynolds, PWS Regulatory Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District Charlotte Regulatory Field Office 8430 University Executive Park Drive Charlotte, NC 28262 Office: (704)510-1440 Redesigned and rebuilt: visit our new website at www.stvinc.com ntain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are informed that any dissemination, copying or disclosure of the material contained herein, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify STV and purge this message. STV moo SAW-2020-01307; DWR #20201177 Unity Classical Academy Response to Notice of Incomplete PCN October 8, 2020 Stream Relocation Plan Overview The project will result in the initial loss of 170 linear feet of intermittent Stream A. The project proposes to mitigate for this impact to 170 linear feet of intermittent Stream A through a combination of an on -site stream relocation plan supplemented by a mitigation payment to the NCDMS. The existing stream is experiencing active channel downcutting and bank failures throughout its length which also limits the streamside area interaction. The 170 linear feet of intermittent channel will be relocated along the eastern border of the study area within the City's required vegetated Zoning Buffer. The project proposes relocating the 170 linear feet of Stream A and creating an additional 245 linear feet of headwater stream channel for a total of 415 linear feet of functionally relocated channel; see exhibits prepared by LITTLE entitled Unity Classical Charter School Stream Relocation, Bulletin Drawings 1 through 10. As indicated in the drawings, the stream relocation grading plan has been designed to extend above the current upper elevation of the existing stream allowing any existing groundwater to enter the new channel. The grading and drainage have been carefully considered to help maintain as much of the original drainage area as possible that contributed flow to the intermittent stream. A sand filter will be utilized to treat the impervious run-off that will be directed toward the upper reaches of the relocated intermittent stream — the sand filter will be situated immediately north of the Arrival Drive as shown on Bulletin Drawing 1 of 10, entitled Stream Relocation Grading and Location. The drawdown time will help extend the time stormwater will flow into the relocated portion of the stream as well as the remainder of the existing stream. Stormwater will also be directed to the relocated channel from the open field that has been incorporated into the campus immediately north of the Arrival Drive; see Bulletin Drawing 1 of 10. Retaining walls have been utilized to help minimize the stream impact and help with the relocation of the stream; see Bulletin Drawing 9 of 10, Section A, which depicts a cross section through the two proposed retaining walls. The area available to reconstruct the stream falls within a Zoning Buffer and is limited in width, which creates some limitations in terms of being able to construct more significant meanders. The stream relocation is designed to mimic the sinuosity of the existing stream to the extent practicable given these spatial constraints. 900 WEST TRADE STREET, SUITE 715 PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE SINCE 1912 I CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202-1144 (704)372-1885 FAX: (704) 372-3393 The relocated stream will be graded to incorporate shallow sloped banks to allow for higher intensity storms to be less channelized and allow greater streamside interaction which is an improvement over the incised condition of the existing stream. An underdrain will be installed along the portion of the stream being impacted to help minimize the risk associated with ground water degrading the sub surface under the proposed site improvements. Grade breaks comprised of six boulder cross -vanes have been incorporated into the design of the relocated portion of the intermittent stream. One of the boulder cross -vanes will be incorporated immediately upstream of the relocated channel's confluence with the existing channel. The confluence point has been specifically targeted to occur at a non jurisdictional swale that currently intersects the existing channel. The locations of these in -stream structures are shown on Bulletin Drawing 1 of 10 (plan view) as well as in the profile views presented in Bulletin Drawings 2 thru 5. There is a 1/2-foot drop at each boulder cross -vane structure and then an approximate 2.5-foot drop in the stream run until the next structure. The relocated stream has been graded to facilitate a minimal change in elevation at the confluence with the existing channel. The six in -stream structures will provide grade control, maintain the thalweg in the center of the channel, and provide a pool which will help to reduce flow velocities, reduce stream bank scour and provide additional aquatic habitat; see Bulletin Drawing 6 of 10, Boulder Cross -Vane Detail. Over time, sediment transport and deposition by the stream flow will cover the crushed rock with material such as leaf litter and sediments. This should help the relocated stream channel to mimic the conditions of the existing stream channel and provide a benthic substrate suitable for macro invertebrates. Coir fiber matting will be utilized for initial bank stabilization, in order to reduce erosion and establish seeding faster; see Bulletin Drawing 1. In addition, a native riparian seed mix will be utilized from the normal water level to one foot beyond the top of bank on either side of the stream; the riparian see mix developed by the City of Charlotte will be utilized. Riparian seed mix is typically applied in the fall or spring which should coincide with the anticipated construction schedule. The relocated stream corridor will be replanted with woody tree and shrub species following construction; see Bulletin Drawings 7 and 8 of 10 (Planting Plan). The combined elements of the grading plan and profile, along with the interception of existing groundwater and post -construction drainage and planting plan will promote stream stability, mitigate channel incising, improve streamside area interaction and offer equal or improved stream function. Construction will commence with an initial stage of clearing and mass grading and will not initially include disturbance of the existing intermittent stream. The mass grading will include the construction of the main BMP located south of existing/preserved Wetland A, as well as smaller sediment traps and basins to contain erosion associated with the grading. The second stage will include the grading of the relocated portion of the stream and will allow for an early planting of this portion of the site to allow a greater time frame for the plantings to start to become established prior to most of the site development. Planting Plan An overview of the proposed planting plan for the relocated and preserved stream corridor is presented on Bulletin Drawings 7 and 8, entitled Planting Plan Area A and Planting Plan Area B, respectively). Riparian Seed Mix: • A native riparian seed mix will be utilized from the normal water level to one foot beyond the top of bank on either side of the stream • The riparian seed mix developed by the City of Charlotte will be utilized • The riparian seed mix will be applied in the fall or spring which should coincide with the anticipated construction schedule • Seeds should be broadcast by hand or knapsack seeder using the proper seeding rate, and carefully proportioned to cover the entire area; the seed will be covered with a light layer of straw mulch following seeding • Annual rye grass will be utilized to stabilize the area surrounding the tree and shrub plantings. Woody Plant Materials: • After the planting substrate has been prepared, the relocated stream corridor will be planted with woody species; tree selection will utilize species currently occurring in the existing stream corridor/watershed and listed on the City's pre -approved planting list • Planting densities for canopy trees will meet City criteria for buffer zone planting; trees will be native and non-invasive and/or subject to disease; 12 trees will be planted per 100 If of stream corridor • Anticipated canopy trees will include sweetgum, American beech, river birch, redbud, and Eastern red cedar; tree planting sizes are as indicated on the Planting Plan • Tree plantings will be supplemented with streamside shrub species, including silky dogwood, ninebark, and witch hazel • Trees and shrubs would preferably be planted in early to late spring (between April 1 and June 15), or in the fall (September 15 to October 30). Post -Construction Monitoring Plan Monitoring and maintenance efforts for the stream relocation plan will take place over a three year period commencing following completion of construction, activation of hydrologic inputs, and planting/seeding. • Site visits will occur twice a year (minimum) • Two monitoring stations will be established • NCSAM forms will be completed during each site visit • Vegetative plots will be established and monitored; plant species, along with their estimated relative frequency and percent cover will be documented • Photo -documentation will be completed; at least one visit each year will occur during the growing season • A memorandum of findings will be prepared after each site visit • An annual report will be prepared to include findings and observations made during the annual site visits and specifying any needed remedial action • The annual monitoring report will be provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NCDWR every year for each of the three years. Determination of Success Criteria The following success criteria have been established for the stream relocation plan: • Planted species survivorship: At least 85% of the planted trees and shrubs along the relocated stream corridor should be established and living by the end of the three year monitoring period; plantings will meet or exceed an 85 percent survival rate by the end of the second growing season - if this goal is not met, the site will be re-evaluated and replanted as necessary (Note: if revegetation is failing due to herbivory, the wildlife responsible need to be identified and appropriate damage control methods employed. Possible methods include deer fencing, rabbit fencing, and use of repellents -this pest control will need to be maintained as necessary throughout the three year monitoring period • Native species composition: At least 50% of the plants present should be non -weedy, native, perennial species; invasive species will not constitute more than 10 percent of the vegetative/streamside community; if this goal is exceeded, measures will be taken to eradicate/hand-remove the invasive species • Stream function: based on NCSAM, the relocated stream will score medium quality or higher (Note: the lack of a wooded stream corridor may hinder the results of NCSAM initially, however, its anticipated that the interaction of the stream with the streamside area will work to offset that evaluation criteria) • Stream stability: based on observations, the streambanks will be stable with little to no erosion. Long -Term Maintenance It is envisioned that the stream relocation plan will afford an opportunity for an outdoor classroom for the Unity Classical Academy high school students. It's further anticipated that the students will `adopt' the stream corridor and provide long-term maintenance activities, including invasive species removal.