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Home My WebLink About20090734 Ver 1_Year 4 Monitoring Report_20131219(�, Stantec December 10, 2013 File: 171300318 Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 801 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27606 -3394 Tel: (919) 851 -6866 Fax: (919) 851 -7024 Attention: Eric Kulz North Carolina Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699 Dear Mr. Kulz, Reference: Monitoring Report (YR4) of Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal and Stream Restoration As per direction from Monte Matthews ( USACE) and Eric Kulz ( NCDWQ) on March 10, 2009, "the project is to be visually monitored for g years to prove stability. Monitoring consists of visual inspections of channel and structure stability, photo points and a qualitative assessment of the survival of planted vegetation. All monitoring activities will be completed for Buckhorn Creek and the two redesigned tributaries. A brief report will be prepared and submitted to USACE and NCDWQ annually for 5 years following completion of the project." Please find enclosed with this letter the following item: 1. Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal and Stream Restoration Monitoring (YR4) Report Should you have any questions about the report, please call Alex Baldwin. Regards, STANTEC CONSULTING SERVICES INC. Alex Baldwin Scientist Phone: (919) 865-7583 Fax: (919) 851 -7024 Alex. Baldwin(a)stantec.com Attachment: Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal and Stream Restoration Monitoring (YR4) Report c. Monte Matthews, USACE Jeremy Thigpen, Duke /Progress Energy Design with community in mind Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal and Stream Restoration Monitoring (YR4) wy �, Chatham County, North Carolina December 2013 FINAL Submitted By: Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 8oi Jones Franklin Rd, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 276o6 _,__ LSIl � � �A 0 NR - 1 HF TER UALITY 4- Stantec - Ut r Chatham County, North Carolina December 2013 FINAL Submitted By: Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 8oi Jones Franklin Rd, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 276o6 _,__ LSIl � � �A 0 NR - 1 HF TER UALITY 4- Stantec Table of Contents 1 Introduction and Background......... .. .. ...... ..... 1 2 Visual Assessment. ... ............ . ...... 1 21 Stream .................. ... .. ........... . . ................. .1 2.2 Vegetation. ... ................. 2 3 References .. .. ..... ............ 3 Appendix A Photos ............. .. -5 Appendix B. Figures .... ......... 17 Figure 1. Vicinity . . . . ............... . ...... 25 Figure 2 Monitoring Plan View & Current Condition. .27 Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Page i This page intentionally left blank Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 Chatham County, NC December 2013 Page ii i INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Progress Energy Carolinas (PEC) hired Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. (Stantec) to provide engineering work related to the demolition of the Buckhorn Generating Facility and subsequent stream restoration of Buckhorn Creek As per direction from Monte Matthews ( USACE) and Eric Kulz ( NCDWQ) on March 10, 2009, the project is to be visually monitored for 5 years to prove stability. Monitoring consists of visual inspections of channel and structure stability, photo points and a qualitative assessment of the survival of planted vegetation All monitoring activities will be completed for Buckhorn Creek and the two redesigned tributaries. A brief report will be prepared and submitted to USACE and NCDWQ annually for 5 years following completion of the project 2 VISUAL ASSESSMENT Stantec staff visited the site on October 21, 2013 to perform a visual assessment of post - construction conditions at the end of the fourth growing season 2.1 Stream Approximately 1575 linear feet (LF) along Buckhorn Creek (Reach 1) and two unnamed tributaries (Reach 2 and Reach 3) were restored in conjunction with the of the removal of the Buckhorn Power Generating Facility Restoration techniques included channel relocation, placement of in- stream structures, and floodplain grading The approximately goo LF of restoration along Buckhorn Creek is stable with only acute minor changes in banks resulting from _natural adjustments (Appendix A2 Photo 14) Riffles are maintaining constructed dimensions and continue to exhibit desired substrate characteristics The inner berm features continue to adjust to the proper dimension, but show no significant signs of degradation Pools have maintained their dimension and depth The three brush layerings utilized in the outside meander bends are maintaining protection to the banks as intended The additional rock vane constructed in the Spring of 2011 has continued to stabilize a section (Sta. 4 +54 to Sta 5 +20) of the right bank where excessive erosion was observed in 2010 (Appendix A2 Photos 1 and 2) Four beaver dams were observed during the site assessment, one along Reach 1 and three along Reach 2 The first dam (BD 1) was located near Sta. 6 +8o dust downstream of the confluence with Reach 2, and was dismantled during the visual assessment (Appendix A2 Photo 6). The second dam (BD 2) was located near Sta. 1 +70 dust downstream of Photo Point 2, and the third dam (BD3) was located near Sta 1 +40 dust upstream of Photo Point 3 (Appendix A2 Photos 7 through 9). These two beaver dams were comprised of mud and planted livestakes from Reach 2, leaving a large section of Reach 2 streambanks with no vegetation. Beaver dams 2 and 3 were unable to be removed at the time of the visual assessment. Beaver dam 4 (BD4) was located at the upstream end of Reach 2 near Sta 0+05 where livestakes were still intact at the time of the visual assessment (Appendix A2 Photo 1o) Stantec staff was unable to remove BD4 at the time of the visual assessment. No beaver activity was observed on Reach 3, however a beaver was observed swimming in the pocket wetland adjacent to Reach 3. These beaver dams can severely compromise the stability of the stream, and lead to mayor problem areas Often the problems are a result of the backwater behind the dam, which flood the riffles and eliminate fish and macroinvertebrate habitat while creating conditions that allow fine Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Page i sediments to deposit in the riffles which also compromises habitat. Beaver activity will also result in streambank vegetation foraging Stantec personnel dismantled one of the four beaver dams during the visual assessment. Stantec recommends monitoring beaver activity on site and taking action to remove the beavers, as the activity has increased from 2012 to 2013. The approximately Zoo LF of restoration along Reach 2 is stable The banks exhibit no signs of erosion and the bed shows no downcutting All drop structures are holding grade as intended. However, if the livestakes do not resprout in the spring a significant portion of the left and right banks will be bare and susceptible to erosion. The approximately 475 LF of restoration along Reach 3 is stable The banks exhibit no signs of erosion and the bed shows no downcutting All drop structures are holding grade as intended 2.2 Vegetation After final grading was complete in December 2009, the riparian zone was planted with native woody species along the entire project. Bareroot trees were planted on the floodplain and adjacent slopes while livestake shrubs were planted along the streambanks Overall, the planted vegetation onsrte is doing well with the exception of the beaver foraging along the streambank of Reach 2. Desirable volunteers including sycamore and eastern cottonwood are prevalent throughout the site (Appendix A2 Photo 3). A significant area between BD3 and BD4 is bare ( -Sta. 0 +29 - ~Sta. 1 +40), the planted livestakes were used by beavers to create dams along Reach 2 (Appendix A2 Photos 8 through 9). If the beavers and beaver dams are removed from the project area, it is likely the livestakes will resprout in the spring. Minor issues include one bare area located along the right bank of Reach 2 This area can be seen at Photo Station 2 in Appendix Al is due to a bedrock outcrop This bedrock area is natural and will not be planted. The riparian buffer is greater than loo feet in this area and this bare area will not affect water quality. A few invasive plant species are also present onsrte. The most prevalent includes Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium uimineum) The stiltgrass was present onsrte before restoration, is currently present in the forest outside the disturbed areas and is also present in the watershed upstream (Appendix A2 Photos 4 and 5) Currently it is located on the northwestern half of the site. Japanese stiltgrass is difficult to eradicate since the seeds are transported by water and it is already prolific in the surrounding area. Due to the low- growing herbaceous nature of the plant it is not negatively affect the woody plant community. The invasive Asiatic dayflower (Murdannza keisak) is present along the banks of Reach 2, and the downstream end of Reach 3. The native, yet invasive, cattail (Typha latifoha) is also present in the lower half Reach 3 These plants can form dense stands-within the stream potentially affecting function These species will not affect the woody plant community but will be monitored to ensure that stream stability and function are not compromised Currently these species are not affecting the stability of the streams. Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Page 2 3 REFERENCES USACE 2003 US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District; NC Division of Water Quality; US Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Stream Mitigation Guidelines Raleigh, NC April 2003 Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Page 3 This page intentionally left blank. Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC page 4 APPENDIX A. PHOTOS Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix This page intentionally left blank Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 Chatham County, NC December 2013 Appendix Al. PHOTO STATIONS Photo Point 1- Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix Photo Point 2 - Upstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YRq December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix Photo Point 3 - Upstream Photo Point 3 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix Fnoto Foint 4 - Upstream Photo Point 4 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix 4 • ak � � j►��i( }ice y�Y .i � -, �� V -, Lv 4 � Photo Point 5 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility- Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix Photo Point 6 - Upstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YRq Chatham County, NC December 2013 Appendix Photo Point 7 - Upstream Photo Point 7 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix rnoto Point 8 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2oi3 Chatham County, NC Appendix Photo Point 9 - Upstream Photo Point 9 - Downstream Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix A2. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Generating Chatham County, NC Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chath Appendix Photo 3 - Eastern Cottonwood volunteers along Left Bank at lower end of Reach 1 Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix w WA Irlllj) = 96 W. FT U4 Photo 5 -,Japanese Stilt Grass extending into forest Photo 6f Beaver Darn 1 (-Sta. 6+80) along-Reach I and impoundment dam Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 Chatham County, NC December 2013 Appendix Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix Photo 9 —] l on Keaen 2 Photo io - Beaver Dam 4 ( -Sta. 0 +05) looking pstrea, m o Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YR4 Chatham County, NC ipstream December 2013 Appendix Photo it -Bank Scour on Left Bank ( -Sta. 4 +10) from 2012, improved after removal of beaver dam Photo 12 -Wrack line upper ,T: 1 Left Bank near Sta. 2 +00 Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix O"n Photo 14 —Minor Reach 1 near Sta. 2 +25 Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration - Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix APPENDIX B. FIGURES Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YRq December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix This page intentionally left blank. Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR Chatham County, NC December 2013 Appendix B. Everett Jordan Lake A Moncure Figure 1. Vicinity Map Buckhom Generating Facility Removal - - Railroad ® County boundaries N US Highways /V NC Highways Roads Streams Lake /pond City Limits j .y Shearon Harris Reservoir ►v4 co Nry rGo reed Ajo J CO a Project Area 0 1 2 Holly Springs 4 Miles This page intentionally left blank Buckhorn Generating Facility Removal & Stream Restoration — Monitoring YR4 December 2013 Chatham County, NC Appendix SITE LOCATION Stantec PEA RIDGE SR 1972 I CORINTH RD. SR 1916 801 JONES FRANKLIN RD. SUITE 300 RALEIGH, NC 27606 NC 42 (P) 919- 851 -6866 (F) 919- 851 -7024 PROJECT &41 Progress Energy Progress Energy Carolinas, Inc. Raleigh, NC BUCKHORN STREAM RESTORATION AND POWER HOUSE REMOVAL MONITORING YEAR 4 CURRENT CONDITION MAP CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DEC 2013 Project Number: 171300318 POINT #7 \ \\ e \ \��'4'F _ ._ \ 1 60 BANK EROSION STA 4 +54 TO STA 5 +20 (2010) IhI% 1A OIV ACQ JAPANESE STILT GRASS (MICROSTEGIUM VIMENEUM) COVERS THE AREA BETWEEN REACH 1 AND REACH 3, AND EXTENDS INTO THE FOREST NORTH OF THE POCKET WETLAND. ASIATIC DAYFLOWER (MURDANNIA KEISAK) IS PRESENT ALONG THE BANKS OF REACH 2 AND THE LOWER END OF REACH 3. CATTAIL (TYPHA LATIFOLIA) IS PRESENT IN POOLS ALONG REACH 3 FROM APPROXIMATELY STATION 3 +00 TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH REACH 1. \7. \ 0■ 20' 40' I/2 ■ . =40 I . ■ _--1 BEDROCK OUTCROP (NO VEGETATION) END OF 150�/j \\ REACH 3 START OF �*o REACH 2 ^o, O \ \ \� T'#3 .\ LWE8-TAKE2'�B fill I I / I li III' DAMAG� N /ii Ip III (s H,21 r rI ryrr \\ \ lI'I \{ \ 46 PHOTO Ar `,\ \\ \\ \ PKOTO 155 BEAVER DAM 1 hr� //1 % / 7 ±00 DAM 8 lft \`�`SO `\ �- / 6)x \ _035 \ { \ \ c01 IIII I \ \\ I 1 III \ \ II ! END OF REACH 1 Stantec Stantec 801 Janes Franklin Rd Suite 1300 Raleigh, NC 27601 TN. 919.851.6866 1',- 919.851.7024 n.sta Mntec.can - -rrihe Convector shall verily anal b reapon ble for all di—rnu n.. DO NOT .cab line dnaing - .r anon ar ombaione stall te —doel to Slat. without delay. TM copyright. to all deign, and al—ings an the properly of Stontac. Rproaluation or uw far any purye.e other than that ....rued by stardec i. foNidden. Progress Energy Progress Energy Cardincs, Inc. Raleigh, NC LOG STEP JNW ROCK CROSS VANE WOODY TOE BEAVER DAM QD VEGETATION PROBLEM AREAS Revision By Appel. ri.MM.Do MONRORING y 4I—N BET AEB TT 12.04.13 Issued 9y Appd. WAKDD Fib Nam: MWtaNrq 4 yaor —g AEB TT 12.04.13 own. Chhd. Cap, YY.MM.DO PROGRESS ENERGY BUCKHORN STREAM MONITORING YEAR 4 BUCKHORN STREAM RESTORATION AND POWER HOUSE REMOVAL CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Title CURRENT CONDITION MAP Project No. Scale 171300318 1/2" = 40' Dravhy No. Sheet Revision 2 of 2 0 PHOTO START OF POINT #6 REACH 3 -_ y \/X\\ \ \ TOP OF BANK POCKET WETLAND 76 PHOTO �� /r `_ \\ POINT #9 --- —_ `140 0 +00 -._ \ \`\ 3�- 40 _ _ \�PHO F /'IS- \ - -- 1ao- START OF ----------- O \ *0, -P\QIeNT #R-- o , BUCKHORN CREEK - _-- -- - - -__- - _- _- - - - - -- (REACH 1) -- 1 +00 PHOTO TOP OF POINT #5 x0 POINT #7 \ \\ e \ \��'4'F _ ._ \ 1 60 BANK EROSION STA 4 +54 TO STA 5 +20 (2010) IhI% 1A OIV ACQ JAPANESE STILT GRASS (MICROSTEGIUM VIMENEUM) COVERS THE AREA BETWEEN REACH 1 AND REACH 3, AND EXTENDS INTO THE FOREST NORTH OF THE POCKET WETLAND. ASIATIC DAYFLOWER (MURDANNIA KEISAK) IS PRESENT ALONG THE BANKS OF REACH 2 AND THE LOWER END OF REACH 3. CATTAIL (TYPHA LATIFOLIA) IS PRESENT IN POOLS ALONG REACH 3 FROM APPROXIMATELY STATION 3 +00 TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH REACH 1. \7. \ 0■ 20' 40' I/2 ■ . =40 I . ■ _--1 BEDROCK OUTCROP (NO VEGETATION) END OF 150�/j \\ REACH 3 START OF �*o REACH 2 ^o, O \ \ \� T'#3 .\ LWE8-TAKE2'�B fill I I / I li III' DAMAG� N /ii Ip III (s H,21 r rI ryrr \\ \ lI'I \{ \ 46 PHOTO Ar `,\ \\ \\ \ PKOTO 155 BEAVER DAM 1 hr� //1 % / 7 ±00 DAM 8 lft \`�`SO `\ �- / 6)x \ _035 \ { \ \ c01 IIII I \ \\ I 1 III \ \ II ! END OF REACH 1 Stantec Stantec 801 Janes Franklin Rd Suite 1300 Raleigh, NC 27601 TN. 919.851.6866 1',- 919.851.7024 n.sta Mntec.can - -rrihe Convector shall verily anal b reapon ble for all di—rnu n.. DO NOT .cab line dnaing - .r anon ar ombaione stall te —doel to Slat. without delay. TM copyright. to all deign, and al—ings an the properly of Stontac. Rproaluation or uw far any purye.e other than that ....rued by stardec i. foNidden. Progress Energy Progress Energy Cardincs, Inc. Raleigh, NC LOG STEP JNW ROCK CROSS VANE WOODY TOE BEAVER DAM QD VEGETATION PROBLEM AREAS Revision By Appel. ri.MM.Do MONRORING y 4I—N BET AEB TT 12.04.13 Issued 9y Appd. WAKDD Fib Nam: MWtaNrq 4 yaor —g AEB TT 12.04.13 own. Chhd. Cap, YY.MM.DO PROGRESS ENERGY BUCKHORN STREAM MONITORING YEAR 4 BUCKHORN STREAM RESTORATION AND POWER HOUSE REMOVAL CHATHAM COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Title CURRENT CONDITION MAP Project No. Scale 171300318 1/2" = 40' Dravhy No. Sheet Revision 2 of 2 0