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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20191403 Ver 1_Year 1 Monitoring Report_2020_20210114ID#* 20191403 Version* 1 Select Reviewer:* Katie Merritt Initial Review Completed Date 01/14/2021 Mitigation Project Submittal - 1/14/2021 Is this a Prospectus, Technical Proposal or a New Site?* r Yes r No Type of Mitigation Project:* r Stream r Wetlands W Buffer r- Nutrient Offset (Select all that apply) Project Contact Information Contact Name:* Jeremiah Dow Project Information .................................................................................................................................................................... ID#:* 20191403 Existing IDY Project Type: r DMS r Mitigation Bank Project Name: Bohemian Mitigation Project County: Randolph Document Information Email Address:* jeremiah.dow@ncdenr.gov Version: *1 Existing Version Mitigation Document Type:* Mitigation Monitoring Report File Upload: Bohemian_ 100108_MY1_2020.pdf 10.74MB Rease upload only one RDFcf the conplete file that needs to be subnitted... Signature Print Name:* Jeremiah Dow Signature:* Year 1 Monitoring Report Bohemian Mitigation Project DMS Project #: 100108 | Contract #: 7863 | DWR # 2019-1403 | RFP: 16-007703 Randolph & Guilford Counties, North Carolina Cape Fear River Basin Randleman Lake Watershed HUC 03030003 Prepared By: Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC For Environmental Banc and Exchange, LLC Prepared For: NC Department of Environmental Quality Division of Mitigation Services January 2021        3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27612 Corporate Headquarters 6575 West Loop South, Suite 300 Bellaire, TX 77401 Main: 713.520.5400   res.us   January 7, 2021 Jeremiah Dow NC DEQ Division of Mitigation Services 217 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27604 RE: Bohemian Mitigation Project: Year 1 Monitoring Report (NCDMS ID 100108) Listed below are comments provided by DMS on January 7, 2021 regarding the Bohemian Mitigation Project Draft Year 1 Monitoring Report and RES’ responses. 1. Section 1.3 – The first sentence states: “This Project generates approximately 484,526.585 ft2 (10.79 acres) of riparian buffer restoration credits on existing non-forested pasture, 72,168.500 ft2 (1.66 acres) of buffer enhancement credits through livestock exclusion, and 21,958.800 ft2 (0.50 acres) of buffer preservation credits.” Please remove the word “approximately”, and all area units (ft2 and acres) when referencing credits. Done. 2. Section 1.6 – Does RES have a theory as to why vegetation in and around veg plot 7 had such high mortality (herbaceous competition, poor soil, late planting date, etc.)? If so, please briefly discuss this and what actions may be considered to ensure the supplemental planting’s success. RES believes the high mortality can be attributed to the growing season (May) planting. RES experienced similar mortality across all four Randleman Group B sites. RES will ensure that supplemental planting is completed during this dormant season. 3. Were the corner markers installed at the two (2) corners identified during the as-built site visit as missing easement boundary signage (a corner near VP 6 and one in the crossing near VP 3)? Yes, corner markers were installed in November 2020. 4. Please submit monitoring photos as JPEGs. Done. i Table of Contents 1 Project Summary .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Location and Description .............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Monitoring Protocol and Project Success Criteria .................................................................... 2 1.3 Project Components .................................................................................................................. 3 1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach ................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions ...................................................................................... 4 1.6 Year 1 Monitoring Performance ................................................................................................ 4 2 Reference ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Appendix A: Background Tables and Site Maps Table 1: Buffer Project Areas and Assets Table 2: Project Activity and Reporting History Table 3: Project Contacts Table Table 4: Project Background Information Figure 1: Site Location Map Figure 2: Current Conditions Plan View Appendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data Table 5: Plant Species Summary Table 6: Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Table Table 7: Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species Appendix C: Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos Bohemian Mitigation Project 1 Year 1 Monitoring Report Project #100108 January 2021 1 Project Summary 1.1 Project Location and Description The Bohemian Project is within the Randleman Lake Watershed of the Cape Fear River Basin within the 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03030003, 14-digit HUC 03030003010050 and DWR Sub Basin Number 03-06-08. The Project is located in both Guilford and Randolph County, approximately 5 miles east of Archdale, North Carolina (Figure 1). To access the western portion of the Project, head east from I-74 on NC Highway 62 W, turn right onto Groonetown Rd, after approximately 1.5 miles the site will be on the left. To access the eastern portion of the Project, head east from I-74 on NC Highway 62 W, turn right onto Frazier Farm Rd, after approximately a half mile, the site will be on the left. The coordinates for the western portion of the project are 35.914 °N and -79.884 °W. The coordinates for the eastern portion of the project are 35.912 °N and -79.873 °W. Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (EBX), a wholly owned subsidiary of Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), is pleased to provide this Monitoring Report for the Bohemian Riparian Buffer Mitigation Project (Project) as a full-delivery buffer mitigation project for the Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) (DMS #100108). This Project provides riparian buffer mitigation credits for unavoidable impacts due to development within the Randleman Lake Watershed of the Cape Fear River Basin, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC – 03030003) (Figure 1). The Project is in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and the Randleman Lake Water Supply Watershed Buffer Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0250. The conservation easement of the Bohemian Project totals approximately 22.78 acres and is divided into two distinct sections (east and west) and includes seven unnamed tributaries that ultimately drain into Randleman Lake approximately 3,000 feet downstream of the Project. Land use within the western portion of the Project was primarily cropland and disturbed riparian forest with the presence of invasive species. Land use within the eastern portion of the Project was primarily actively grazed non-forested pasture and disturbed riparian forest with the presence of invasive species. Furthermore, livestock have historically had access to all stream reaches within the eastern portion of the Project. The lack of riparian trees and the long- term presence of livestock in those areas contributed to bank instability and erosional rills within some riparian zones. The goal of the Project is to restore, enhance and preserve ecological function to the existing stream and riparian buffer by establishing appropriate plant communities while minimizing temporal and land disturbing impacts. Restoration of a native hardwood forest to the riparian buffer and surrounding areas and the removal of livestock aid in filtering runoff from agricultural fields, thereby reducing nutrient and sediment loads to Project channels and the overall watershed. Restoration, enhancement and preservation of the Randleman Lake riparian buffer (as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0250) results in a reduction of the water quality stressors that affected the Project: livestock access and a lack of a vegetated and/or protected riparian buffer. Immediate water quality benefits and pollutant removal within the vicinity of the Project include the exclusion of livestock access to streams and reduction in nutrient loads from agricultural land- uses. This Project is consistent with the management strategy for maintaining and protecting riparian areas in the Randleman Lake watershed. Project attributes are summarized in Table 1. Bohemian Mitigation Project 2 Year 1 Monitoring Report Project #100108 January 2021 1.2 Monitoring Protocol and Project Success Criteria Annual vegetation monitoring and visual assessments will be conducted. Riparian vegetation monitoring is based on the “Carolina Vegetation Survey-Ecosystem Enhancement Program Protocol for Recording Vegetation: Level 2 Plot Sampling Only Version 4.2”. Monitoring plots were installed a minimum of 100 meters squared in size and cover at least two percent of the planted mitigation area. These plots were randomly placed throughout the planted riparian buffer mitigation area (11.81 acres) and are representative of the riparian restoration and enhancement areas where applicable (i.e. when enhancement credit is being generated from supplemental planting under 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n)). The following data is recorded for all trees in the plots: species, height, planting date (or volunteer), and grid location. All stems in plots are flagged with flagging tape. Data is processed using the CVS data entry tool. In the field, the four corners of each plot were permanently marked with PVC at the origin and metal conduit at the other corners. Photos of each plot are to be taken from the origin each monitoring year. There are 10 fixed vegetation monitoring plots (Figure 2). Photos are to be taken at all vegetation plot origins each monitoring year and be provided in the annual reports. Visual inspections and photos will be taken to ensure that enhancement areas are being maintained and compliant. The measures of vegetative success for the Project are the survival of at least four native hardwood tree species, where no one species is greater than 50 percent of stems, at a density of at least 260 stems per acre at the end of Year 5. Native volunteer species may be included to meet the performance standards as determined by NC Division of Water Resources (DWR). A visual assessment of the conservation easement is also performed each year to confirm: • Fencing is in good condition throughout the site (if applicable); • No livestock access within the conservation easement area; • No encroachment has occurred; • No invasive species in areas were invasive species were treated, • Diffuse flow is being maintained in the conservation easement areas; and • There has not been any cutting, clearing, filling, grading, or similar activities that would negatively affect the functioning of the buffer. Component/ Feature Monitoring Maintenance through project close-out Vegetation Annual vegetation monitoring Vegetation shall be maintained to ensure the health and vigor of the targeted plant community. Routine vegetation maintenance and repair activities may include supplemental planting, pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. Exotic invasive plant species shall be treated by mechanical and/or chemical methods. Any vegetation requiring herbicide application will be performed in accordance with NC Department of Agriculture (NCDA) rules and regulations. Vegetation maintenance activities will be documented and reported in annual monitoring reports. Vegetation maintenance will continue through the monitoring period. Invasive and Nuisance Vegetation Visual Assessment Invasive and noxious species will be monitored and treated so that none become dominant or alter the desired community structure of the Project. Locations of invasive and nuisance vegetation will be mapped. Project Boundary Visual Assessment Project boundaries shall be identified in the field to ensure clear distinction between the mitigation project and adjacent properties. Boundaries are marked with signs identifying the property as a mitigation project and will include the name of the long-term steward and a contact number. Boundaries may be identified by fence, marker, bollard, post, tree-blazing, or other means as allowed by Project conditions and/or conservation easement. Boundary markers disturbed, damaged, or destroyed will be repaired and/or replaced on an as-needed basis. Easement monitoring and staking/ signage maintenance will continue in perpetuity as a stewardship activity. Bohemian Mitigation Project 3 Year 1 Monitoring Report Project #100108 January 2021 Component/ Feature Monitoring Maintenance through project close-out Road Crossing Visual Assessment Road crossings within the Project may be maintained only as allowed by conservation easement or existing easement, deed restrictions, rights of way, or corridor agreements. Crossings in easement breaks are the responsibility of the landowner to maintain. Livestock Fencing (if applicable) Visual Assessment Livestock fencing is to be placed outside the easement limits. Maintenance of fencing is the responsibility of the landowner. 1.3 Project Components This Project generates 484,526.585 riparian buffer restoration credits on existing non-forested pasture, 72,168.500 buffer enhancement credits through livestock exclusion, and 21,958.800 buffer preservation credits. The restoration and preservation adjacent to the ephemeral Reaches Sa and Ma4 comprises 39,071 ft2 (0.9 acres) of the Project, which is in compliance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(7) in that it is only 4.3 percent of the total area of buffer mitigation, which is less than 25 percent of the total area of buffer mitigation (22.10 total acres). In accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(4) and (5), “the area of preservation credit within a buffer mitigation site shall comprise of no more than 25% of the total area of buffer mitigation”, only 5.04 acres out of the 6.97 total acres available for preservation credit are allowable to be used to generate mitigation credits. The total mitigation credits that the Bohemian Mitigation Project generate are summarized below and a more detailed table is in Appendix A. Mitigation Totals Used Area Square Feet Credits Restoration 514,428 484,526.585 Enhancement 144,337 72,168.500 Preservation 219,588 21,958.800 Total Riparian Buffer 878,353 578,653.885 1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach Restoration activities included planting a composition of native bareroot tree species based on reference reach data and excluding livestock from the stream and surrounding riparian area. The restoration of plant communities within the Project not only provide stabilization and improve water quality within the easement limits but also provide ecological benefits to the entire watershed. Enhancement occurred in forested areas within the Project, found in small patches along SQ1, SQ2, and a small portion of Sa, where grazing occurs adjacent to the stream in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(6). All livestock was removed from the easement and the fence was installed to exclude access to riparian areas and their associated streams. Preservation was used along Reach MA1, MA3, MA4, and MA5 in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5). Mature hardwood forest is present on the right bank of MA1, on the left and right bank of MA3, on the left and right bank of the most downstream portion of MA4, and on the left and right bank of the most downstream portion of MA5. Bohemian Mitigation Project 4 Year 1 Monitoring Report Project #100108 January 2021 1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions Revegetation of the Site included treating invasive species and planting native hardwood bareroot trees. Prior to planting, RES prepped the site by spraying and ripping the easement. Piedmont Alluvial Forest is the target community type for the riparian restoration areas. The community is defined by Schafale (2012). The planting of bareroot trees occurred in May 2020. Deviations from the initial planting plan were due to bareroot availability. A list of the planted species can be found in Table 5. Additionally, a temporary and permanent seed mixture was applied in areas where row crops were present. Among a variety of seed, the mixture also included black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta) which is a perennial, pollinator species. 1.6 Year 1 Monitoring Performance Monitoring of the 10 fixed vegetation plots was completed on November 10, 2020. Vegetation tables are in Appendix B and associated photos are in Appendix C. Year 1 monitoring data indicates that all plots but one (Vegetation Plot 7) are exceeding the success criteria of 260 planted stems per acre. Planted stem densities ranged from 162 to 1,052 planted stems per acre with a mean of 749 planted stems per acre across all plots. A total of 17 native species were documented within the plots. Volunteer species were found in only one plot. The average tree height observed was 1.8 feet. The area in and around Vegetation Plot 7 (1.33 acres) will be supplemental planted with bareroot species this dormant season. Visual assessment of vegetation outside of the monitoring plots indicates that the herbaceous vegetation is becoming well established throughout the project and no invasive species were observed. The fence has been installed, is in good condition, and is maintaining cattle exclusion. Additionally, there were no signs of encroachment or concentrated flow in the easement area. 2 Reference Lee Michael T., Peet Robert K., Roberts Steven D., and Wentworth Thomas R., 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation Level. Version 4.2 NC Environmental Management Commission. 2014. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295 - Mitigation Program Requirements for the Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers. NC Environmental Management Commission. 2010. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0250 – Randleman Lake Water Supply Watershed: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers. Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC (2020). Bohemian Mitigation Project – Final Mitigation Plan. Schafale, M.P. 2012. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDENR, Raleigh, NC. Appendix A Project Background Tables and Site Maps Table 1. Buffer Project Areas and AssetsCredit TypeLocation Subject? Feature TypeMitigation ActivityMin-Max Buffer Width (ft) Total Area (sf) Creditable Area (sf) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Riparian Buffer Credits Buffer Rural Yes I / P Restoration 0-100 433,768 433,768 1 100% 1 433,768.000Buffer Rural Yes I / PEnhancement via Livestock Exclusion0-100 144,337 144,337 2 100% 2 72,168.500Buffer Rural Yes I / P Restoration 101-200 43,951 43,951 1 33% 3.0303 14,503.845Buffer Rural No Ephemeral Restoration0-100 36,031 36,031 1 100% 1 36,031.000Buffer Rural No Ephemeral Restoration101-200 678 678 1 33% 3.0303 223.740Credit TypeLocation Subject? Feature TypeMitigation ActivityMin-Max Buffer Width (ft) Total Area (sf) Creditable Area (sf) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Riparian Buffer Credits Rural Yes I / P 0-100 291,884 219,588 10 100% 10 21,958.800Rural Yes I / P 101-200 9,494 0 10 33% 30.30303 —Buffer No Ephemeral0-100 2,363 0 100% —219,58825.00%4.20%Preservation Area Subtotal (sf)Preservation as % Total Area of Buffer MitigationEphemeral Reaches as % Total Area of Buffer MitigationFeature NameBuffer PreservationMA1, MA3, MA4, MA5 MA1, MA3, MA4, MA5, MA4Sa, MA4Totals 658,765 658,765 556,695.085Eligible for Preservation (sf) 219,588Feature NameMA1, MA3, MA4, MA5, SQ1, SQ2 SQ1, SQ2, SbMA1, MA3, MA4, MA5, SQ1, SQ2, SbSa, MA4 Elapsed Time Since planting complete: 7 months Number of reporting Years1:1 Data Collection Completion or Activity or Deliverable Complete Delivery Restoration Plan NA Jan-20 Final Design – Construction Plans NA NA Stream Construction NA NA Site Planting NA May-20 As-built (Year 0 Monitoring – baseline) May-20 Jun-20 Year 1 Monitoring Nov-20 Dec-20 Year 2 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 4 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring 1 = The number of reports or data points produced excluding the baseline Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History Bohemian Site Planting Contractor H&J Forestry Planting contractor POC Matt Hitch Nursery Stock Suppliers Arborgen Monitoring Performers RES / 3300 Glenwood Ave, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612 Monitoring POC Ryan Medric (919) 741-6268 Table 3. Project Contacts Table Bohemian Site USGS Hydrologic Unit 8-digit 03030003 River Basin Cape Fear USGS Hydrologic Unit 14-digit 03030003010050 DWR Sub-basin 03-06-08 Physiographic Province Southern Outer Piedmont Table 4. Project Background Information Project Name Bohemian County Randolph & Guildford Project Area (acres) 22.78 Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude)Latitude: 35.914 N Longitude: -79.884 W Planted Acreage (Acres of Woody Stems Planted)11.81 Project Watershed Summary Information 0 2,0001,000 Feet Figure 1 - Site Location Map Bohemian Mitigation Project Guilford and Randolph Counties,North Carolina Legend Conservation Easement Randleman Lake Service Area ©Date: 5/19/2020 Drawn by: RTM Checked by: JRM Document Path: R:\resgis\dropboxgis\projects\NC\Bohemian\MXD\7_Monitoring\MY0\Figure 1 - Site Location - Bohemian.mxd1 inch = 2,000 feet 35.914, -79.884 M A 1Sb M A4 S a M A5 MA3 SQ2SQ1MA11 2 3 4 6 5 7 10 9 8 © 0 400200 Feet Date: 12/1/2020 Drawn by: GDS Checked by: RTM Document Path: R:\Resgis\entgis\Projects\_OldProjects\DB_Projects\NC\Bohemian\MXD\7_Monitoring\MY1\Bohemian CCPV MY1.mxdFigure 2 Current Conditions Plan View MY1 2020 BohemianMitigation Project Guilford and RandolphCounties, North Carolina 1 in = 400 feet Legend Conservation Easement Stream Top of Bank Restoration, 0-100' Restoration, 0-100'(Ephemeral) Restoration, 101-200' Restoration, 101-200'(Ephemeral) Enhancement, 0-100' Preservation, 0-100' Preservation, 0-100'(Ephemeral) Preservation, 101-200' Vegetation Plot >260 stems/acre <260 stems/acre Vegeta tion Conditio n As ses smen t AbsentPresentMarginal Absent Present Target Community Invasive SpeciesNo Fill Appendix B Vegetation Assessment Data   Appendix B. Vegetation Assessment Data   Table 5. Bohemian Planted Species Summary Table 6. Bohemian Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Common Name Scientific Name Total Stems Planted Willow Oak Quercus phellos 2,200 Chestnut Oak Quercus montana 1,900 Swamp White Oak Quercus bicolor 1,500 Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica 1,500 Swamp Chestnut Oak Quercus michauxii 1,000 Southern Red Oak Quercus falcata 1,000 Black Walnut Juglans nigra 600 Red Mulberry Morus rubra 500 Black Cherry Prunus serotina 450 White Oak Quercus alba 400 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 350 11,400Total Plot # Planted  Stems/Acre Volunteer  Stems/Acre Total  Stems/Acre Success  Criteria  Met? Average  Planted  Stem  Height (ft) 1 8090809Yes1.5 2 8090809Yes1.5 3 769 526 1295 Yes 1.6 4 6070607Yes2.5 5 4050405Yes2.3 6 1012 0 1012 Yes 2.1 7 162 0 162 No 1.4 8 1012 0 1012 Yes 1.6 9 1052 0 1052 Yes 1.8 10 8500850Yes1.7 Project Avg 749 53 801 Yes 1.8   Appendix B. Vegetation Assessment Data  Table 7. Bohemian Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLS P‐all T PnoLSP‐all TCercis canadensis eastern redbudTree 222 222222 111222 999232323Cornus amomum silky dogwood Shrub9 9 9131313 1 1 1 8 8 8313131313131Diospyros virginianacommon persimmonTree 111111 111 333Juglans nigra black walnut Tree111444 555666Morus rubra red mulberry Tree 333 444 222 999292929Nyssa sylvatica blackgum Tree 222111 111 444313131Platanus occidentalis American sycamore Tree 1 1 14 7 7 78821Prunus serotina black cherry Tree7 7 7 3 3 3101010111111Quercus oak Tree111 111Quercus alba white oak Tree 222333111 111111 222111222131313181818Quercus bicolor swamp white oakTree 111111111 111 111 555101010Quercus falcata southern red oakTree 2224443333 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1141414313131Quercus lyrata overcup oak Tree 2 2 2222 444Quercus michauxii swamp chestnut oakTree 444 333 444555111171717101010Quercus montana chestnut oak Tree 2222221 1 1 1 1 1 6 6 6101010Quercus phellos willow oak Tree 333333333444 777555222272727545454Quercus rubra northern red oakTree 888333 333 22233319191920 20 20 20 20 20 19 19 32 15 15 15 10 10 10 25 25 25 4 4 4 25 25 25 26 26 26 21 21 21 185 185198 264 264 264777777101010555222666444999999888171717121212809 809 809 809 809 809 769 769 1295 607 607 607 405 405 405 1012 1012 1012 162 162 162 1012 1012 1012 1052 1052 1052 850 850 850 749 749 801 1068 1068 1068Scientific Name Common Name Species Type100108‐01‐0001 100108‐01‐0002100108‐01‐0010Annual MeansMY1 (2020) MY0 (2020)Current Plot Data (MY1 2020)100108‐01‐0003 100108‐01‐0004 100108‐01‐0005 100108‐01‐000610.02100108‐01‐0007 100108‐01‐0008 100108‐01‐0009Stem countsize (ares)size (ACRES)Species countStems per ACRE0.0210.0210.0210.02100.25100.25Bohemian10.0210.0210.0210.0210.021 Appendix C Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos Bohemian Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos Vegetation Plot 1 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 2 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 3 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 4 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 5 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 6 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 7 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 8 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 9 (11/10/2020) Vegetation Plot 10 (11/10/2020)