20110720 Ver 1_Bank Parcel Development_20110824

EcoEngineering
A division of The John R. McAdams Company, Inc.
FORREST CREEK UT-2
PROPOSED NUTRIENT OFFSET
RESTORATION AREA
ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
BANK PARCEL DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE
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Research Triangle Park, NC
Post Office Box 14005
Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina 27709
2905 Meridian Parkway
Durham, North Carolina 27713
800.733.5646
919-287.4262
919361.2269 Fax
EBX-11020
August 2011

AUG 1 4 2011
WE71ANDSMO STORMWATER BRANCH
www.ecoengr.com I Design Services Focused On Client Success
Table of Contents
1.0 Project Location and Description ............................................................................................2
2.0 Project Area - Existing Conditions ..........................................................................................2
2.1 Geologic & Soil Characteristics .........................................................................................2
2.2 Vegetative Communities ............................................................................................... 3
2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species ............................................................................. 3
2.4 Cultural Resources ......................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Environmental Issues ..................................................................................................... 4
2.6 FEMA Floodplain / Floodway Mapping ....................................................................... 4
3.0 Proposed Nutrient Offset Restoration Plan ............................................................................... 4
4.0 Monitoring and Maintenance Plan ........................................................................................... 5
5.0 Financial Assurance ................................................................................................................. 6
6.0 Nutrient Offset Mitigation Potential ........................................................................................ 6
7.0 References ................................................................................................................................ 6
In-Text Tables
Table 1. Mapped Soils within the Forrest Creek UT2 Bank Parcel ......................
Table 2. Plant List ..................................................................................................
Appendix A: Site Mans
Figure 1: Site Location Map
Figure 2A-2D: Proposed Conservation Easement Area
Figure 3: Proposed Nutrient Offset Restoration Area
Figure 4: USGS Quad - Caldwell
Figure 5: Orange County Soil Survey
Figure 6: FEMA Floodplain / Floodway Exhibit
Appendix B: Site Photographs
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1.0 Proiect Location and Description
Located off of Edmund Latta Road, just northwest of its intersection with Phelps Road in Orange
County, North Carolina (Figure 1), is the proposed nutrient mitigation bank currently known as
the Forrest Creek UT-2 Bank Parcel (Bank Parcel).
The proposed Bank Parcel is located within the Neuse River Basin, inside of the Upper Falls
Lake Watershed (8-digit USGS HUC 03020201). Stormwater runoff from this site drains into an
unnamed tributary of Forrest Creek (Stream Index #27-2-21-2-2). According to the N.C.
Division of Water Quality Basinwide Information Management System (BIMS), Forrest Creek is
classified as WS-1I (Water Supply II); HQW (High Quality Waters), NSW (Nutrient Sensitive
Waters) in this location. A conservation easement, totaling 5.71 acres (Figures 2A - 2D), will be
recorded on the tract of land containing the Bank Parcel (Orange County Parcel Identification
Numbers 9877207721, 9877520417, and 9876493633). The proposed nutrient offset restoration
area within the Bank Parcel will consist of 1.31 acres (Figure 3). The purpose of this Bank
Parcel is to improve water quality within the Neuse River and Falls Lake watersheds by
providing off-site mitigation for development (both existing and proposed) requiring nutrient
offsets.
This Bank Parcel shall be established under the terms and conditions of the Upper Neuse Riparian
Buffer and Nutrient Reduction Umbrella Mitigation Bank (Bank) made and entered into by EBX-EM,
LLC (EBX-EM), acting as the Bank Sponsor, and the North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources - Division of Water Quality (DWQ).
2.0 Project Area - Existing Conditions
2.1 Geologic & Soil Characteristics
Based upon review of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Caldwell, North Carolina
Quadrangle, the proposed Bank Parcel is located in the headwaters of Forrest Creek with
elevations ranging from f 610-feet to f 650-feet. Topographic relief and surface drainage is
generally northeast (Figure 4).
The Bank Parcel is located within the Piedmont Physiographic Province of North Carolina,
specifically within the Carolina Slate Belt ecoregion. A review of the Ecoregions of North
Carolina and South Carolina (Griffith et al., 2002) shows the geology in the area of the
property is comprised of "mineral-rich metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks with slately
cleavage," which is finer grained and less metamorphosed than other eco-regions within the
Piedmont. It is also common for streams to dry up, along with low yielding wells.
The Soil Survey of Orange County, North Carolina (Soil Conservation Service, 1977) lists
the soils within the property as from the Georgeville-Herndon Association. As stated in the
soil survey, these soils can be generally classified as "gently sloping and sloping, well-
drained soils that have a surface layer of silt loam and a subsoil of clay loam, silty clay, silty
clay loam, and clay; on uplands." As described by the online USDA NRCS Official Soil
Series Descriptions (OSD), the specific soils within the project area (Figure 5) are shown
below in Table 1:
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Table 1: Mapped Soils within the Forrest Creek UT2 Bank Parcel
Soil Type Hydrologic Soil General Description
Group
The Georgeville series consists of very deep,
well drained, moderately permeable soils that
Georgeville HSG B formed in material mostly weathered from
(GeB) fine-grained metavolcanic rocks of the
Carolina Slate Belt. Slopes are 2 to 50
percent.
The Herndon series consists o very deep,
well drained, moderately permeable soils that
Herndon HSG B formed in material mostly weathered from
(HrB) fine-grained metavolcanic rock of the
Carolina Slate Belt. Slopes are 2 to 25

Soils of the Lignum series are deep and
moderately well and somewhat poorly
Lignum HSG C drained. They formed in the residuum
(Lg) weathered from Carolina slate or other fine
grained metavolcanic rocks. Slopes range
from 0 to 15 percent.
2.2 Vegetative Communities
The upper reach of UT2 lacks riparian buffer along most of its length. Vegetative
communities within the riparian areas located on north side of the stream are primarily active
silviculture, while much of the southern riparian areas within the Bank Parcel are primarily
active pasture land. Pasture land areas are subject to periodic mowing, crop production (i.e.
hay production), and cattle grazing. Pasture vegetation is a mixture of grasses and
herbaceous species. The dominant grasses tend to be Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense),
bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and various fescue species (Festuca spp.).
There are some locations along the unnamed tributary in which there is a forest fringe. Due
to historic agricultural activities surrounding the unnamed tributary, these fringe forested
areas have been impacted by cattle grazing, and as a result, are fairly immature. Based on the
remaining vegetative assemblages, the forest fringe areas are generally characterized as
Piedmont Alluvial Forest, according to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
classification system (Schafale and Weakley, 1990). Where areas of canopy and understory
exist, native woody vegetation such as hackberry (Celtis laevigata), tulip poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifera), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), eastern red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) can be found in the Bank Parcel area.
Most notable is a significant population of non-native, invasive species including privet
(Ligustrum sinense), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica) within the Parcel area, which are indicative of a disturbed forest community.
2.3 Threatened and Endangered Species
According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), there are four endangered species
(red-cockaded woodpecker, dwarf wedge mussel, Michaux's sumac, and smooth coneflower)
and thirteen federal species of concern (Carolina darter, Carolina redhorse, Atlantic pigtoe,
brook floater, Carolina well diacyclops, Green floater, savanna lilliput, yellow lampmussel,
butternut, creamy tick-trefoil, sweet pinesap, Torrey's mountain-mint, and a liverwort)
potentially occurring in Orange County. In addition, The NC Natural Heritage Program
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(NCNHP) identifies another 10 species listed as endangered, threatened, or of special
concern species also potentially occurring in the county. A review of the NCNHP database of
documented occurrences did not reveal the presence of any of the aforementioned species
within a one-mile radius of the site. Also, preliminary field investigations did not identify
suitable habitat for any of the species listed as federally endangered or federal species of
concern.
Z.4 Cultural Resources
A review of properties to be determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was conducted for the study area and
surrounding areas. According to the files, there are no National Register properties within a
one-mile radius of the study area. In addition, the SHPO Archaeological Section was
contacted in order to determine if documented archaeological sites occur at or near the study
area. No sites were identified within a one-mile radius of the study area. The Sponsor will
seek a clearance letter from the SHPO prior to implementing the restoration plan.
Z.S Environmental Issues
Preliminary data was obtained from Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) regarding
the potential for on-site or nearby sources of contamination. EDR maintains an updated
database of current and historical sources of contamination. All storage tanks, whether
above-ground or underground are identified, as well as superfund sites, landfills, hazardous
waste sites, and other potential hazards. No sites were noted on their database within a one-
mile radius of the Bank site.
Z.6 FEMA Floodplain /Floodway Mapping
Forrest Creek and its immediate floodplain are located within the Federal Emergency
Management Association's (FEMA's) designated floodway and approximate 100-year flood
boundary (Figure 6). These areas are inundated by the 100-year flood. The section of UT2
that occurs within the floodplain and floodway is proposed to be preservation so no
floodplain impacts are anticipated.
3.0 Proposed Nutrient Offset Restoration Plan
Pasture lands located outside forested areas within the Bank Parcel area will be ripped and
scarified prior to vegetation planting activities. The established microtopography on leveled
surfaces will promote diffuse flow and surface water storage. In addition, subsurface hardpans
will be eliminated to promote vegetation growth/survival and to increase groundwater recharge
rates. Grasses may be treated with herbicide to reduce competition with planted species. Where
necessary, invasive species will also be treated with herbicide to ensure they do not become
dominant within the Bank Parcel, or hinder the establishment, growth and survival of planted
vegetation. Cattle grazing will not be permitted within the Bank Parcel; and therefore, fencing
will be erected as necessary to prevent cattle access.
The proposed riparian planting plan will be developed by integrating native plant species
observed within the Bank Parcel area, in addition to selected species known to inhabit the
Piedmont Alluvial Forest community type as described in Classification of the Natural
Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley, 1990) and procedures outlined in
Guidelines for Riparian Buffer Restoration (NCEEP 2004) to institute species diversity. The
restored riparian zone will be planted with bare root seedlings or containerized material. Bare
root seedlings, or containerized material, will be planted during the fall or early spring seasons.
During the following fall, supplemental shrub and tree species will be planted if survival rates of
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previously planted seedlings are below target densities as determined in late summer (August-
September).
The planting plan will consist of individual hardwood tree and shrub species as listed in the table
below. The goal is to plant 436 to 681 trees and shrubs per acre, with an approximate 8-foot to
10-foot spacing. Plant composition will consist of at a minimum of at least six (6) of the tree
species and three (3) of the shrub species list.
Table 2. Plant List
Scientific Name Common Name
__-_._.-__.
?? Trees
acutissima
Temporary and permanent native herbaceous seed will be applied simultaneously to existing
pasture land areas located outside forested areas within the Bank Parcel area. Temporary seed
will provide cover until the permanent seed applied becomes established. Temporary cover will
consist of millet (Echinochloa crusgalli), annual rye grain (Secale cereale), and crimson clover
(Trifolium incarnatum). Permanent ground cover will consist of switchgrass (Panicum
virgatum), deertongue (Panicum clandestinman), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), and
riverbank wildrye (Elymus riparius).
4.0 Monitoring and Maintenance Plan
The Bank Parcel site will be monitored for five (5) consecutive years or until the required
success criteria has been met as determined by DWQ. Monitoring activities will begin
immediately following the completion of planting in order to alleviate any potential problems as
they occur. Supplemental planting and additional site modifications will be implemented if
necessary. Planting will occur in the Spring of 2011; therefore, the riparian restoration will be
monitored the following growing season, projected to be the Summer/Fall of 2011, Monitoring
activities will follow the terms and conditions of the Upper Neuse Riparian Buffer and Nutrient
Reduction Umbrella Mitigation Bank (Bank) made and entered into by EBX-EM, LLC (EBX-EM),
acting as the Bank Sponsor, and DWQ.
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_.......... _......... _........_._..---._.------
-._..____....__.
Liriodendron tulipifera_._...... __.._..........._.-.._......._...__.__......_...__.._._.._...___..._....__...._...Tulip Poplar __.._.._...-..._........_..__....._._.....__ . .. _....
.......
Small Trees and Shrubs
Vegetation will be monitored annually for five (5) consecutive years after the first full growing
season. A monitoring report will be submitted annually to DWQ no later than December 31 of
each monitoring year describing the conditions of the Bank Parcel and relating those conditions
to the success criteria.
The Bank Parcel site will contain approximately four (4) vegetative monitoring plots, with the
total area not exceeding two (2) percent of the proposed nutrient offset restoration area. The plots
will be monitored in accordance with the CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation (CVS-
EEP, v4.2). Ten (10) by ten (10) meter square plots will be permanently established following
completion of the planting phase and at least two opposing corners will be permanently installed
and surveyed for future use. The plant species, density, survival rates, and the cause of mortality,
if identifiable, will be recorded within each plot. Vegetation plots will be sampled and reported
annually. The primary focus of the vegetative monitoring will be solely on the tree and shrub
stratum, although herbaceous species encountered may also be recorded.
The target density for the nutrient offset restoration area is a minimum of 320 trees and shrubs
per acre at the end of the five (5) year monitoring period. Vegetation monitoring will occur
between August and October. A determination will be made regarding the success of the project
following the collection and evaluation of ecological and physical monitoring data, photographs,
and site observations.
5.0 Financial Assurance
EBX-EM, LLC agrees that prior to approval of the subject BPDP, all plantings have been
completed for this Bank Parcel; therefore, no performance bond is necessary for the initial
preconstruction of the restoration. EBX-EM, LLC will submit colored photographs to DWQ
confirming the plantings have already been accomplished prior to receiving their first credit
release for this Bank Parcel. Upon approval of the subject BPDP and corresponding Bank, EBX-
EM, LLC will provide financial assurance in the form of a monitoring bond or performance bond
in the amount of at least $100,000 to ensure that adequate funds are available for completion of
the maintenance and monitoring outlined in the BPDP under Section 4.0.
6.0 Nutrient Offset Miti¢ation Potential
The Forrest Creek UT-2 Bank Parcel will provide nutrient mitigation credits for development
impacts within the Neuse River Basin, but will be targeted to needs within the Upper Falls Lake
Watershed Upper. A buffer restoration area of 1.31 acres within the 5.71 acre conservation
easement will be used to generate nutrient offset credits for nitrogen and phosphorus. The exact
amount of nutrient offset mitigation potential (currently based on 2,273 lbs of nitrogen/ac and
146.4 lbs of phosphorus/ac of riparian buffer restoration) will be included in the Bank Ledger.
Please note this Bank Parcel will not function for buffer mitigation impacts. It will only be used
for nutrient offsets.
7.0 References
Griffith, G.E., Omemik, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafle, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R.,
MacPherson, T.F., Glover, J.B., and Shelburne, V.B., 2002, Ecoregions of North Carolina
and south Carolina, (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and
photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,00).
Lee Michael T., Peet Robert K., Roberts Steven D., and Wentworth Thomas R., 2008. CVS-EEP
Protocol for Recording Vegetation Level 1-2 Plot Sampling Only. Version 4.2
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North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) 2004. Guidelines for Riparian
Buffer Restoration. Available at internet site:
http://www.nceep.net/news/reports/buffers.pdf. Accessed September, 2010.
Schafale MP and AS Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North
Carolina: Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of
Parks and Recreation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Raleigh,
North Carolina.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Official Soil Series
Description (OSD) with Series Extent Mapping Capabilities. Available at internet site:
http://soils.usda.p-ov/technical/classificadon/osd/index.htmi. Accessed April 2011.
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. Soil Survey _of Oran e? County.
North Carolina, 1977.
United States Geological Survey, 7.5 Minute, Topographic Map of the Caldwell, North Carolina
Quadrangle, 1981.
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