20020409 Ver 1_Mitigation Site Visit_20100518

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins
Governor Director
May 18, 2010
Mr. Todd Tugwell
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington District
11405 Falls of Neuse Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Re: NCEEP Closeout Site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
Dee Freeman
Secretary
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit personnel
have participated in site visits of NCEEP sites that are being proposed for closeout (e.g. released
from further monitoring requirements). Tammy Hill of this Office visited sites on Monday, May
10, and Eric Kulz visited sites on Tuesday May 11 and Wednesday, May 12. Our comments on
each site visited are provided below.
May 10, 2010
Haw River Swamp - Phases I and II
Rockingham County
EEP Full-Delivery Site (Restoration Systems)
DWQ #03-1133
The project was designed to become a riverine swamp forest - bottomland hardwood forest
complex. Wetland hydrology indicators were observed throughout the site, including high wrack
lines indicative of substantial flooding from the Haw River. Most of the soils were undeniably
hydric, with those in the wettest areas exhibiting a sulfidic odor. A relatively small area of bright
soils observed on the westernmost edge of the site may or may not have been included in the
credit calculation. Drier areas of the site hosted extremely dense woody vegetation, especially
red maple and green ash volunteers. Other desirable species (including multiple oak and elm
species, river birch, tulip poplar) were observed in sufficient densities to ensure their long-term
presence on the site, such that these areas appeared to be on a trajectory toward the targeted
forested wetland system. Wetter areas which experienced long-term inundation and saturation
hosted primarily herbaceous wetland plants, with sporadic tree presence. These marshy areas
contained a diverse herbaceous assemblage (including milkweed and multiple Polygonum,
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NCEEP Closeout site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
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5/18/10
arrowhead, rush, and sedge species). While the targeted tree density was not being met across
these areas, DWQ believes that the hydrology and vegetation are appropriate for the landscape
position and connectivity with surrounding waterways, and that the areas are working in
combination with the densely forested zones to provide significant water quality benefits. In this
case, we support closeout of the site with full riverine wetland credit.
Open Springs Site
Randolph County
EEP Full-Delivery Site (EBX)
DWQ #04-1511
The restored stream has demonstrated stability through many overbank flooding events. Only
one small structure bypass was noted during the closeout site visit, and the adjacent bank
appeared to be stable. Riffles and pools were present in appropriate locations; however,
herbaceous vegetation was rooted in many of the riffles due to low water levels and low flow
conditions. Overall buffer stem density was acceptable. Many of the planted trees (especially
sycamore, river birch, locust, and some green ash) were tall and vigorous; however, others
(especially elms and some green ash) had been stunted due to herbivory and appeared unlikely to
succeed. The buffer was generally at least 50 feet wide. The easement boundary along the lower
end of restoration reach 1 was unclear; as discussed in the field, EEP will resurvey the area in
order to determine the exact buffer width. Two power line crossings were observed along
restoration reach 1. As these areas will experience perpetual maintenance of vegetation, DWQ
suggests that they receive only 50-75% of stream restoration credit, consistent with the closeout
terms currently under consideration for the Ellerbe Creek site. DWQ supports closeout of the
remainder of the project with full stream enhancement and restoration credit, and understands
that EEP will communicate directly with DWQ regarding potential credit for riparian buffer
restoration.
May 11, 2010
Kentwood Park
Wake County
EEP Design-Bid-Build
DWQ #02-0409
The Kentwood Park site streams appeared to generally be stable and no significant evidence of
degradation was observed. This site has also been visited in 2007 and 2009, and minimal change
to the channels was noted. The riparian zone of the main channel was generally in good
condition, with the exception of the right bank of the upper 150-200 feet, where streamside areas
were very compacted due to heavy foot traffic. The riparian zone along the tributary was
narrow, but appeared to be in good condition, and trees were large and healthy, with the
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NCEEP Closeout site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
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exception of the "playover" area near the confluence of the tributary with the main channel. The
vegetation in this area is maintained to allow a sight line for the disc golf course.
This site was instituted prior to the implementation of the 2003 Stream Mitigation Guidelines;
therefore, no deduction of credit is warranted based on narrower than standard buffers
(tributary). DWQ supports closeout of this site. DWQ concurs with some deduction of credit for
the "playover" area and approx. 100 feet of channel located within a DOT right-of-way at the
upper end of the project.
Ellerbe Creek (Hillandale Golf Course)
Durham County
EEP Dcsign-Bid-Balld
DWQ #03-0368
The site streams appeared to generally be stable and no significant evidence of degradation was
observed. An area of streambank near the downstream end of the main channel had bare spots
and showed some evidence of scour. The riparian zones of the main channel and tributary were
generally in good condition and of variable width. This site was instituted prior to the
implementation of the 2003 Stream Mitigation Guidelines; therefore, no deduction of credit is
warranted based on narrower than standard buffers. Trees were tall and appeared to be healthy.
Several playover areas are present where the trees are pruned to allow a line of site to the greens.
Since these areas will not be allowed to develop into a mature forest, it was agreed that these
areas would only generate 75% of the credit based on stream length. In addition, credit will also
be deducted for the cart path bridges, as the stream does not have natural banks at these locations
(concrete) and the stream bed is shaded.
Riparian areas with a width of 50 feet or greater and not within a playover (maintained zone) are
being proposed for Neuse riparian buffer credit. 16 separate areas were identified. EEP is
revising the boundaries of some of these proposed buffer areas based on discussion at the site. A
revised map showing the buffer credit areas and acreages is to be provided.
DWQ concurs with some deduction of credit for the "playover" areas and areas associated with
the cart path bridges.
DWQ supports the closeout of this site.
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NCEEP Closeout site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
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Third Fork Creek (Forest Hills)
Durham County
EEP Design-Bid-Build
DWQ #03-0299
The site streams appeared to generally be stable and no significant evidence of degradation was
observed, although the lower reach appeared to be trending toward downcutting, based on the
cross sections and longitudinal profile. Observations made during the site visit did not identify
any significant visual indications that the stream is actively downcutting, and it was apparent
based on the presence of sand and drift lines on the floodplain that the stream is experiencing
overbank flooding.
The riparian zone was fairly densely vegetated, ,vith good tree growth and diversity. The width
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of wooded buffer is less than 50 feet and there is an outer herbaceous (grassed zone), per the
restoration plan. This site was instituted prior to the implementation of the 2003 Stream
Mitigation Guidelines; therefore, no deduction of credit is warranted based on narrower than
standard buffers.
Of greatest concern was the amount of invasive exotic species present. Historically, EEP has
contracted for invasives control to address porcelainberry and Chinese hops. However, during
the site visit, privet appears to have become established, and Japanese knotweed was observed in
clumps at several locations on the site. These species, if left unchecked, can significantly alter a
riparian system and result in reduced diversity. EEP indicated that several more treatments were
planned.
Overall, the site appears to be functioning well. DWQ supports closeout of this site after
documentation is provided to the IRT that the treatment has been done.
May 12, 2010 '
Reedy Branch
Alamance County
EEP Design-Bid-Build
DWQ #02-1572
The Reedy Branch site stream restoration was constructed within a mature wooded corridor, and
many large trees were preserved within the riparian zone. This site is performing quite well,
likely in part due to the retention of the existing wooded buffer. The presence of substantial
amounts of bedrock at this site has also probably contributed to the stream stability. While
several structures were observed to have experienced some level of failure (piping), the stream
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Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-2260 One
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Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetands //
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NCEEP Closeout site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
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5/18/10
bed and banks appeared stable. Based on the presence of drift lines throughout the site, the
stream appears to regularly access its floodplain.
While several of the vegetation plots did not meet the success criteria for planted stems (260
stems per acre), the riparian zone consisted of a mixture of large mature trees, smaller planted
stems, and numerous volunteers. It was discussed that the presence of scattered more open areas
represents habitat heterogeneity, and was not necessarily a negative aspect of the project.
Volunteers of 6-7 tree species were observed throughout the site, and the site appeared to be on a
trajectory to develop a well- functioning stream and riparian zone.
The only issue of concern was the damaged condition of the two cattle fords. The fences had
been damaged by debris from high flows, and the fords were minimally functional. EEP is
working with the landowner to develop an alternative design that will allow high flow to pass but
still function. tc cxcilude cattle .vh--n the fords are in use.
Overall, the site appears to be functioning well, and DWQ supports the closeout of this site after
the fords have been repaired, and documentation is provided to the IRT regarding the redesigned
fords.
Benbow Park
Guilford County
EEP Design-Bid-Build
DWQ #02-0888b
The site stream appeared to generally be stable (remarkably so for an urban stream) and no
significant evidence of degradation was observed. All structures appeared to be functioning as
intended.
The riparian zone was variable in condition. It appears that herbicide was applied to the
undergrowth, and some indications of cutting were noted. The riparian zone along the remainder
of the project was more dense and wider. However, EEP indicated that replanting was done to a
small area near the playground this past winter, as it appeared existing planted stems were
removed. In addition, several maintained (grassed) areas were observed associated with utility
easements and to provide a view corridor to the basketball court. This site was instituted prior to
the implementation of the 2003 Stream Mitigation Guidelines; therefore, no deduction of credit
is warranted based on narrower than standard buffers. Credits were deducted based on the
maintained areas.
Some invasives were observed; the City of Greensboro is responsible for invasives treatment,
and more treatments are planned for this site.
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-2260 One
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Customer Service: 1-877-623-6748 NorthCarolina
Internet http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetands
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NCEEP Closeout site Visits - May 10-12, 2010
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5/18/10
While DWQ concurs with the closeout of this site, there are concerns related to the long-term
viability of the buffers at this site (and other urban sites). According to information provided by
EEP, there is some public dissatisfaction with this project. The IRT should make a point to
revisit some of these urban sites 4-5 years after closeout to assess the ability of EEP and/or the
site easement holder to provide long-term protection to these riparian areas. This re-evaluation
can then be used to make future decisions about siting mitigation projects in public parks.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this project. Please feel free to contact Eric Kulz
or Tammy Hill at [phone] if you have any questions regarding this project or our
comments.
7 S' ly,
014"'?
Ian McMillan, Acting Supervisor
401 Oversight and Express Review Program
cc: File Copy (Eric Kulz)
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
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