20200941 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20210224

Strickland, Bev
From: Munzer, Olivia
Sent: Monday, February 22, 2021 2:44 PM
To: Jim Mason
Cc: Hamstead, Byron A; Johnson, Alan; Roden Reynolds, Bryan K CIV (USA); Etchison,
Katherine; Ferris, Michael
Subject: NCWRC Comments - Albemarle Corporate Center PCN - Stanly County
Attachments: NCWRC Comments -SAW-2018-00566 - Albemarle Corporate Center.pdf
Mr. Mason,
Please see the attached comments on the Albemarle Corporate Center PCN. Thank you.
Olivia
Olivia Munzer
Western Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Rogers Depot
1718 NC Hwy 56 W
Creedmoor, NC 27522
Office: 919-707-0364
Cell: 336-269-0074
[e-mail]>;
www.ncwildlife.org
13 91 n Lm%J
Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
1

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director
22 February 2021
Mr. James Mason
Three Oaks Engineering
324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1200
Durham, North Carolina 27701
SUBJECT: Pre -Construction Notification for the Albemarle Corporate Center in Albemarle, Stanly
County, North Carolina. USACE Action ID: SAW-2018-00566; DEQ No. 20200941.
Dear Mr. Mason,
Biologists with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) have reviewed the subject
document. Comments are provided in accordance with provisions of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (as
amended) and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended;
16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
On behalf of the City of Albemarle and Chambers Engineering, Three Oaks Engineering has submitted a
Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) application for the Albemarle Corporate Center located west of
Groves Street, south of the terminus of Leonard Avenue, and east-northeast of Highway 52 Business in
the City of Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina. The 283-acre site consists of agricultural fields
and wooded bottomlands.
Poplin Branch and its unnamed tributaries flow through the site. Poplin Branch in the Yadkin Pee -Dee
River basin is classified as a Class C stream by the NC Division of Water Resources. The applicant
requests to permanently impact 263 linear feet (If) of streams, 0.084 acre (ac) of wetlands, and 1.13 ac of
ponds. The project would temporarily impact 471 if of streams and 0.043 ac of wetlands. The ponds will
be drained to restore Poplin Branch.
We have records of the federally endangered Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii); federal
candidate and state threatened Georgia aster (Symphyotrichum georgianum); and state significantly rare
tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) near the site. Records of state -listed plants include the endangered
western rough goldenrod (Solidago radula); threatened thick -pod white wild indigo (Baptisia alba), glade
milkvine (Matelea decipiens), ravine sedge (Carex impressinervia), ringed witch grass (Dichanthelium
annulum), prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum), and Seneca snakeroot (Polygala senega). The lack of
records from the site does not imply or confirm the absence of federal or state -listed species. An on -site
survey is the only means to determine if the proposed project may impact federal or state rare, threatened, or
endangered species.
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

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USACE Action ID: SAW-2018-00566
Consider the following changes to the design of the development to minimize or avoid impacts to surface
waters.
1. We recommend impacts to wetlands and streams be further minimized. It also appears to be a
culvert or ford located along Stream SE; consider routing Leonard Avenue at this culvert location
since it is already partially impacted. Consider moving the sewer line slightly to avoid or further
minimize temporary impacts (i.e., see Environmental Impacts dated 9.28.20 Sheets 4, 6, 12, and
13).
2. Impacts could be lessened by having the sewer line cross Stream SE at the location of the road
(see Environmental Impacts dated 9.28.20 Sheet 7). In general, all utility crossings should be
kept to a minimum, which includes careful routing design and the combination of utility crossings
into the same right-of-way (provided there is not a safety issue).
3. The directional bore stream crossing method should be used for utility crossings wherever
practicable, and the open cut stream crossing method should only be used when water level is low
and stream flow is minimal. Manholes or similar access structures should not be allowed within
buffer areas. Stream crossings should be near perpendicular (75' to 1050) to stream flow.
4. We recommend using a bridge for road crossings or using stream simulation design to install a
bottomless culvert where footers are positioned outside the bankfull and storm surge.
Should the permit be issued, we offer the following recommendations to minimize impacts to aquatic and
terrestrial wildlife resources:
5. During the draining of the pond, we are pleased to see that a screen will prevent fish and wildlife
from entering the receiving waters. We recommend a slow drawdown of the pond, preferably
outside the brumation period for turtles (i.e., summer). Since fish should not be released from the
pond and fish cannot be relocated to another pond, we recommend a pond/lake management
company be contacted to remove the fish appropriately. Ensure no invasive or nuisance aquatic
species, including plants, are released downstream.
6. In the restoration of Poplin Branch, we recommend using state-of-the-art natural channel design
and restoration techniques. We prefer natural materials such as coir fiber rolls, biodegradable
erosion -control blankets, and vegetation instead of rip rap. NCWRC would like to review the
final planting plan; however, we recommend minimal amounts of red maple, tulip poplar, and
sweetgum since they are pioneer species and less than 5% green ash. We recommend looking at
reference sites and community types for a more diverse planting list, but we suggest including
oaks and hickories.
7. Sewer lines should be kept out of riparian buffer areas. We recommend a minimum 100-foot
setback for perennial streams and a 50-foot setback for intermittent streams and wetlands.
8. Incorporate the following elements into erosion and sediment control plans: minimize clearing
and grading, protect waterways, phase construction for larger construction sites (>25 acres),
stabilize soils as rapidly as possible (<2 weeks), protect steep slopes, establish appropriate
perimeter controls, employ advanced settling devices, implement a certified contractors program,
and regularly inspect erosion control measures. Ensure all silt fencing is removed once
vegetation has reestablished and soils have stabilized.
9. If any underground mines, shafts, or mine -like features occur onsite, please contact me or
Katherine Etchison at [phone] to ensure bats are excluded prior to any disturbance.
10. Disturbed stream banks and wetlands should be restored to original contours and re -vegetated
with native plant materials. Riprap may be used to stabilize the bank in the area of the ordinary
high-water stage and vegetation (bioengineering) should be used above this stage. Riprap should
not be placed on the streambed.

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USACE Action ID: SAW-2018-00566
11. Although the development will be low density, we recommend stormwater control devices
particularly with the increase in frequency and intensity of rainfall events. Limit impervious
surface to less than 10% or use stormwater control measures to mimic the hydrograph consistent
with an impervious coverage of less than 10%. Where feasible, trees and shrubs should be
planted around stormwater ponds. This would provide habitat benefits that offset those functions
lost by development, partially restore aquatic habitats, reduce exposure of the water surface to
sunlight to minimize thermal pollution, and provide essential summer and winter habitats.
12. Use Low Impact Development (LID) technology and native plants in landscaping. Using LID
technology in landscaping will not only help maintain the predevelopment hydrologic regime, but
also enhance the aesthetic and habitat value of the site. LID techniques include permeable
pavement and bioretention areas that can collect stormwater from driveways and parking areas.
Additional alternatives include narrower roads, swales versus curbs/gutters and permeable
surfaces such as turf stone, brick, and cobblestone. Compared to conventional developments,
implementing appropriate LID techniques can be more cost-effective, increase property values,
provide space -saving advantages, reduce runoff, and protect water quality (Roseen et al. 2011).
Also, additional information on LID can be found at the NC State University LID guide:
http://www.onsiteconsortium.org/npsdeal/NC LID Guidebook.pdf.
13. Disturbed areas should be re -seeded with seed mixtures that are beneficial to wildlife. Avoid
fescue -based mixtures (i.e, tall fescue) and lespedeza as these species are non-native and/or
invasive. Native, annual small grains appropriate for the season are preferred and recommended.
For landscaping, we recommend native shrubs, grasses, and wildflower mixes. Avoid using
invasive and/or non-native plants in seed mixtures or landscaping plants, such nandina and privet
(http://www.ncwildflower.org//plant ,galleries/invasives_list).
14. Sediment and erosion control measures should be installed prior to any land -disturbing activity.
The use of biodegradable and wildlife -friendly sediment and erosion control devices is strongly
recommended. Silt fencing, fiber rolls and/or other products should have loose -weave netting
that is made of natural fiber materials with movable joints between the vertical and horizontal
twines. Silt fencing that has been reinforced with plastic or metal mesh should be avoided as it
impedes the movement of terrestrial wildlife species. Excessive silt and sediment loads can have
detrimental effects on aquatic resources including destruction of spawning habitat, suffocation of
eggs, and clogging of gills.
We encourage each of the local governments to consider integrating additional measures to address the
secondary and cumulative impacts of development on water quality and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife
habitat before degradation of area streams occurs. Adopting ordinances that protect wide forested
riparian corridors and the 100-year floodplain and that adequately treat stormwater in development areas
in and outside of water supply areas are essential to protect water quality and aquatic habitat in
developing landscapes. Measures to address the issues of development can be found in NCWRC's
Guidance Memorandum to Address and Mitigate Secondary and Cumulative Impacts to Aquatic and
Terrestrial Wildlife Resources and Water Quality (August 2002;
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/O/Conserving/documents/2002 GuidanceMemorandumforSecondaryan
dCumulativeImpacts.pdf).
We recommend the City of Albemarle consider green planning, which allows for growth while
conserving wildlife and natural resources. The NCWRC Green Growth Toolbox program provides
technical guidance, habitat conservation recommendations, and datasets to assist communities in green
planning(http://www.ncwildlife.org/Conservin /g Pro,grams/GreenGrowthToolbox.aspx).
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input for this project. If I can provide further assistance, please
call [phone] or email olivia.munzerkncwildlife.org.

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Albemarle Corporate Center
USACE Action ID: SAW-2018-00566
Sincerely,
C22
Olivia Munzer
Western Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator
Habitat Conservation Program
Literature Cited
Roseen, R. M., T. V. Janeski, J. J. Houle, M. H. Simpson, and J. Gunderson. 2011. Forging the Link:
Linking the Economic Benefits of Low Impact Development and Community Decisions. Available at:
https://owl.cyT.org/mdocs::posts/roseen-et-al-201 1-forging-the-link/.
ec: Bryan Roden -Reynolds, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Alan Johnson, N.C. Division of Water Resources
Byron Hamstead, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Michael Ferris, City of Albemarle
Katherine Etchison, NCWRC