20060098 Ver 1_More Info Received_20070128

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Environmental Consultants, PA
:Road Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.SandEC.com
February 19, 2007
S&EC Project No. 9840.D2
Ms. Amy Chapman
Riparian Buffer Coordinator
Division of Water Quality
North Carolina Department of Environment & Natural Resources
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
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Reference: Buffer Enhancement Notification
Pace Street Subdivision
Wake County, NC
Dear Ms. Chapman,
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The purpose of this letter is to notify you of the proposed buffer enhancement to take
place at 506 and 508 Pace Street in Raleigh, NC. This effort is proposed to supplement
the enhancement portions of the previously approved minor variance request dated
January 16, 2006 submitted by Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA (S&EC). The
minor variance was requested to complete the proposed housing demolition and new
construction, as well as the installation of three bioretention areas to treat associated
stormwater runoff from the new residential development.
As described in the variance request, original plans called for the removal of existing
non-native/exotic species as well as the enhancement (through replanting) of select
portions of the riparian buffer. To date, the majority of the non-native (exotic) species
have been removed. However, in this process, we have found that with the removal of
exotics, little or no suitable native vegetation now remains within a significant portion of
the buffer. In light of this, we are proposing the following supplemental
enhancement/restoration measures:
Page 1 of 4

Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Pace Street Subdivision
February 19, 2007
S&EC Project No. 9840.D2
1. Comprehensive removal of nuisance vegetation including non-native and
exotic species such as bamboo, English ivy, and kudzu prior to the installation
of native plantings.
2. The removal of select failing or damaged native trees. These individuals are,
in our opinion, of limited value with regard to buffer protection and function.
And, if left in place, have strong potential to, upon collapse or further failure,
create unstable conditions along the existing stream channel and its banks.
Additionally, the potential for property damage does exist if these individuals
are left in place.
3. Select minor grading throughout the subject buffer area. This will include
surface raking (mechanized and by hand) to remove remaining root matter of
undesired vegetation species. Additionally, select depressional areas, points
of localized erosion, and areas surface subsidence (in the vicinity of the
existing streamside retaining wall) have been identified and will be repaired in
this process using mechanized and hand means.
NOTE: These proposed grading activities were not described in the
approved minor variance request as they were not anticipated at the time
of its submittal. However, based on site conditions observed during
construction and the partial removal ofnon-native/exotic species, it is our
opinion that these activities are necessary. These efforts will serve to
stabilize areas of active erosion and surface subsidence, and in doing so
improve the overall potential for success of the proposed buffer
enhancement/restoration.
4. The re-establishment of a riparian buffer community through the planting of
native trees and shrubs to include canopy, understory, and shrub species as
well as a suitable herbaceous groundcover.
We have performed an evaluation of the site and the surrounding area to identify buffer
tree and shrub species. Our observation included such species as River Birch, Ironwood,
Dogwood, Fringetree, and Sycamore. These species were later supplemented with
additional tree and shrub species to provide a suitable and diverse species listing to
provide canopy, understory, and shrub vegetation for the planting of buffer areas.
We propose that a buffer planting zone be established along the stream channel from the
top of the existing channel bank (or existing retaining wall) outward toward the new
home construction. The restored buffer will be planted with vegetation in the form of
bare-root seedlings, tubelings, or small containers and will provide channel shading,
corridor restoration, and the treatment of surface waters traveling laterally through the
buffer. The width of this planting zone will vary along the stream length, however, it is
our intent to overplant as much of the buffer as possible (both Zone 1 and Zone 2) in the
process.
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Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA February 19, 2007
Pace Street Subdivision S&EC Project No. 9840.D2
The table below displays the possible tree and shrub species that will be incorporated into
this planting zone.
Cano Trees
Botanical Name Common Name
Betula nigra River Birch
Platanus occidentalis Sycamore
Lirodendron Tulipifera Tulip Poplar
Understo Trees
Botanical Name Common Name
Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood
Cornus florida Dogwood
Chionanthus virginicus Fringetree
Shrubs - Buffer
Botanical Name Common Name
Aesculus sylvatica Painted Bucke e
Euon mus americanus Hearts-a-bustin'
Callicarpa americans Beaut berr
Live Stakes
Botanical Name Common Name
Cornus amomum Silk Do wood
Sambucus canadensis Elderberr
We propose that tree and shrub species be planted at appropriate densities to attempt to
replicate natural forest structure. Canopy tree species will comprise approximately 25%
of the total number of trees planted and the remaining 75% will be made up of small trees
and shrubs from the understory and shrub species list. It is our intention to plant live
stake species where possible based on the presence of the existing retaining wall. Tree
and shrub species individuals will be randomly intermixed and planted on a 10 ft. by 10
ft. spacing in order to ensure a desired planting density of approximately 320 stems per
acre placed throughout the restored riparian buffer. Live stakes maybe installed along
areas of exposed channel bank which require vegetative stabilization.
Tree and shrub species will be in the form of bareroot seedlings and small containerized
plants. We understand that the owner may opt to increase the size of plant material, and
may augment the planting plan described above with larger specimen of the listed species
including 3-gallon and 5-gallon potted plants and ball and burlap (B&B). Further
adjustment of species lists maybe required depending upon availability, however, any
changes will be approved by the designer prior to installation. Vegetation will be
supplied by locally identified plant sources or purchased from local, reputable nurseries.
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Soil & Environmental Consultants, PA
Pace Street Subdivision
February 19, 2007
S&EC Project No. 9840.D2
Other sources outside of the local area may be used depending on the availability of plant
material, but will be approved in advance by the designer.
Overall stabilization of the buffer area will include the temporary seeding and mulching
of the exposed area using the most appropriate seed species for the season such as Rye
Grain or German Millet. Permanent seeding will include Switchgrass and Virginia Wild
Rye.
Current plans for these buffer enhancement and restoration efforts to commence on or
about February 26, 2006. We anticipate planting and stabilization efforts to be completed
within 2 to 3 weeks. Please contact me at [phone] if you have any comments or
questions regarding the proposed buffer enhancement.
Sincerely,
SOIL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, PA

Nicole Macaluso, EIT
Water Resource Specialist
nmacaluso~sandec.com
Patric K. Smith, E
Design Program Manager
psmith(i~sandec.com
Cc: Mr. Matt Blankinship, Legacy Construction Group, Inc.
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