20130436 Ver 1_GES Correspondence_20130213

February 13, 2013
Katie -
During your site visit in October 2012 to the Evans /Ballahack Creek Tract in Edgecombe County that has
proposed for riparian buffer/ nutrient offset mitigation by Greene Environmental Services, a question
arose regarding site preparation for tree planting and consistency with Tar Pamlico Buffer Rules. A
portion of the soils at the proposed site tended to form a hard pan that resulted in surface ponding, poor
plant growth and would likely be an impediment to successful seedling establishment and root
development for seedlings planted as part of the mitigation project.
As per your request, I contacted NCDENR staff for clarification regarding erosion control planning for
the site. Initially (February 8, 2013) 1 contacted Danny Smith with Division of Water Quality, Surface
Water Protection and he referred me to Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources personnel. On
February 13, 2013, I spoke by phone with Thad Valentine of DEMLR; he informed me that if site
preparation impacts were less than one acre then no erosion control plan or further documentation would
be required and that it was the responsibility of Greene Environmental Services to ensure that the one acre
limit is not exceeded.
I proposed that site preparation would entail establishing planting 2 -foot wide beds approximately 10 feet
apart and only on portions of the project area where soils are problematic; these are chiefly areas with
poorly drained soils (Roanoke loam, Cape Fear loam and inclusions within other soil types). Site
preparation following these guidelines would not exceed the one acre regulatory limit.
Given the problematic soil conditions at the proposed site, site preparation should enhance seedling
establishment and root development as well as re- establishing microtopography and reducing surface
runoff thus better ensuring overall project success.
Sincerely,
David Knowles
Environmental Consultant, Greenville, NC
252.757 -1978
juncus 1 @yahoo.com