20140196 Ver 1_Mitigation Information_20140318

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTIV�NT OF TRANSPORTATION
PAT MCCRORY
GOVERNOR
February 11, 2014
Beth Harmon
NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program
1652 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
SUBJECT: Pender County Bridge 144 Replacement Project
Mitigation Request
WBS # 17BP.3.R.26
Dear Ms. Harmon:
ANTHONY 7. TATA
SECRETARY
NCDOT is requesting an acceptance letter to authorize mitigation payment for impacts for the Pender
County Bridge 144 Replacement Project.
The site is located on SR 1102 Morgan Road in Pender County over Colly Creek in the Cape Fear River
Basin near the Pender and Bladen County line. The Cataloging Unit number is 03030006. The DWR ID
number is 18-68-17 and the Water Quality classification is C Sw. The project proposes to replace Pender
County Bridge 144 with a bridge. There would be permanent stream and wetlands loss as a result of this
project. Sufficient onsite mitigation is proposed to address the perxnanent stream impacts. However, the
USACE is requiring mitigation for the 0.20 acre loss of wetlands at a 2:1 ratio (0.40 acres total needed).
NCDWR is not requiring mitigation. The wetlands proposed to be impacted appear to be Riverine Swamp
Forest. Please see the attachments for your review in this regard.
Thank you for considering this proposal. If you have any questions or need addirional information please
contact me at [phone].
Attachments
Sincerely,
Stonewall Mathis
Division 3 Environmental Officer
SSOI BARBADOS BLVD. CASTLE HAYNE, NC 28429
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone]

Mr. Stonewall Mathis
NCDOT Division 3 Environmental Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
5501 Barbados Boulevard
Castle Hayne, North Carolina 28429
Dear Mr. Mathis:
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PROGRAM
February 11, 2014
Subject: EEP Mitigation Acceptance Letter:
Division 3 Project, Replace Bridge 144 over Colly Creek on SR ll 02 (Margan Road),
Pender County; WBS Element 17BP.3.R.26
The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) will provide the
compensatory riparian wetland mitigation for the subject project. Based on the information received on February
11, 2014, the impacts are located in CU 03030006 of the Cape Fear River basin in the Southern Outer Coastal Plain
(SOCP) Eco-Region, and are as follows:
Cape Fear Stream Wetlands Buffer (Sq. Ft.)
03030006 Non- Coastal
SOCP Cold Cool Warm Riparian Zone 1 Zone 2
Riparian Marsh
Impacts 0 0 0 0.20 0 0 0 0
(feedacres)
This impact and associated mitigarion need were under projected by the NCDOT in the 2014 impact data.
EEP will commit to inlplement sufficient coinpensatory riparian wetland mitigation credits to offset the impacts
associated with this project as determined by the regulatory agencies using the delivery timeline listed in Section
F3.c.iii of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Ecosystem Enhancement Program In-Lieu
Fee Instrument dated July 28, 2010. If the above referenced impact amounts are revised, then this mitigation
acceptance letter will no longer be valid and a new mitigarion acceptance letter will be required from EEP.
8420.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ms. Beth Harmon at 919-707-
�cerely, ,-�
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Jaia�e B. Stanfill '
EEP Asset Management Supervisor
cc: Mr. Brad Shaver, USACE — Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
Ms. Amy Chapman, Division of Water Quality, Wetlands/401 Unit
Mr. Steve Sollod, Division of Coastal Management
Ms. Linda Fitzpatrick, NCDOT — PDEA
File: SR ll 02 — Bridge 144 — Division 3
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NCDENR
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program, 1652 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1652 / 919-707-8976 / http://portal.ncdenr.orgweb/eep

Mitigation Plan
Pender Bridge 144 Replacement Project
Currie, Pender County, NC
WBS No. 17BP.3.R.26
February 25, 2014
1.0 Baseline Information
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes mitigation for the unavoidable impacts to
jurisdictional features associated with the Pender Bridge 144 replacement project on SR 1102 Morgan
Road approximately 0.1 miles north of NC 210 in the Currie area of Pender County. NCDOT proposes to
perform on-site mitigation for unavoidable permanent stream impacts. Also, NCDOT proposes off-site
mitigation through the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) for unavoidable wetland impacts. The
onsite mitigation would provide for 202 linear feet of stream relocation at a 1:1(mitigated:impacted)
ratio as further described herein. The offsite mitigation would provide for a 2:1(mitigated:impacted)
ratio for the 0.20 acres of permanent wetland impact losses associated with the project. The
acceptance letter from the EEP for the offsite wetland mitigation is included with the permit application
documentation. Please note that most of the discussion of this mitigation plan document is devoted to
the proposed onsite stream mitigation although there is more discussion in regard to the offsite
mitigation as it pertains to the associated impacts. Please note that references herein to the mitigation
site are in reference to the onsite mitigation should it not otherwise be reiterated as onsite mitigation
throughout this document.
This project is located on Colly Creek, an unnamed tributary to Colly Creek, and abutting riparian
wetlands within USGS Hydrologic Cataloging Unit 03030006, and NC Division of Water Resources sub-
basin 03-06-20 of the Cape Fear River Basin. The site is located on SR 1102 Morgan Road approximately
0.1 miles north of NC 210 in the Currie area of Pender County. The onsite mitigation area is entirely
within the NCDOT right of way. The adjacent land uses to the mitigation site are the roadway of SR 1102
to the east and upland and riparian forest systems otherwise. There is evidence of some past clearing
activities to the west of the upper reaches of the mitigation site judging from the lack of mature canopy
in that area, however, it is not thought that this would be detrimental to the success of the onsite
mitigation proposal.
Three jurisdictional features are associated with the roadway project area those being Colly Creek, an
unnamed tributary to Colly Creek, and the abutting Cypress-Gum Swamp community located within the
floodplain and abutting areas of Colly Creek. Colly Creek has been assigned Stream Index Number 18-
68-17 with classification of C Sw. Colly Creek scored a perennial score of 41.5 on the NCDWQ Stream
Identification Form. The unnamed tributary to Colly Creek scored 28 on the NCDWQ Stream
Identification Form, however, the unnamed tributary was ultimately rated as perennial based on the
best professional judgment of the reviewer; see the NCDWQ Stream Identification Form for more
information in this regard. The wetlands associated with this project are classified as riverine swamp
forest according to the NC Wetland Assessment Method.
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2.0 Site Selection
The mitigation site is immediately adjacent to the west side of SR 1102 Morgan Road and runs from
approximate Station 10+65 LT to 12+67 LT (12+67 LT being the point of discharge to Colly Creek). The
mitigation site currently consists of wooded areas part upland and part wetland. The new stream
channel would be constructed as shown on the attached plans including a smooth tie in of the
constructed channel portion to the down gradient wetlands to ensure a successful transition between
the constructed channel and naturally cut channel as further described. Approximately 135 feet of the
proposed stream relocation of 202 feet would be constructed while the remaining 67 feet would occur
by the forces of nature cutting the new channel through the down gradient wetland area upon turning
water into the newly constructed channel portion. The stream relocation would be stabilized by means
of appropriate vegetation as described herein.
3.0 Site Protection Instrument
The mitigation site would be managed to prohibit all use inconsistent with its use as mitigation property,
including any activity that would materially alter the biological integrity or functional and educational
value of the site, consistent with the mitigation plan as described herein. Please note that the road fill
side of the mitigation effort would be routinely mowed to near water's edge much as the existing
situation and as conceptually depicted on Permit Drawing SRF-1. The side of the stream opposite the
road fill, however, would be planted as further described herein and allowed to grow to maturity. Also,
the site would be signed appropriately near the road side edge of water of the UT to indicate the
mitigation site to help deter inadvertent impacts.
The site is designated on the plan sheets as a mitigation area and will be placed on the Natural
Environment Section's Mitigation GeoDatabase. This database is provided to all NCDOT personnel as a
record of mitigation sites and their attributes, including prohibited activities. NCDOT is held by virtue of
the permits associated with this mitigation site and the associated roadway impacts to protect the site
in perpetuity.
4.0 Obiectives
The goal of the proposed mitigation is to offset permanent impacts due to construction of the Pender
Bridge 144 replacement project.
The Pender Bridge 144 replacement project proposes to permanently impact 0.21 acres of wetlands by
filling of 0.14 acres, mechanized clearing of 0.06 acres, and excavation of 0.01 acres. It should be noted
that the 0.01 acres of excavation is for making a smooth transition of the constructed portion of the
stream relocation to the down gradient wetlands to facilitate the natural stream channel cutting
through said wetlands. Thereby, the referenced 0.01 acres of excavation, while a permanent impact,
should not be considered a loss of wetlands but rather an enhancement to the successful mitigation
effort as described. So, the remaining 0.20 acres (0.14 acres of fill and 0.06 acres of inechanized
clearing) have been accepted by EEP to be mitigated offsite at a 2:1 ratio.
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The Pender Bridge 144 replacement project proposes to permanently impact 213 linear feet of the
unnamed tributary to Colly Creek. This impact is due to the necessity of creating a safer standard road
fill section. Options were investigated to avoid said stream impacts. Piping the UT under the road was
investigated but was determined to not be practical due to resultant impacts and economics as such
considered pipe would likely have to be bored and jacked. Also, the use of 1.5:1 roadway fill slopes was
investigated but the toe of the fill would still intercept the middle of the existing stream resulting in
permanent impacts to the stream. So, it was determined to relocate the stream and provide a natural
design to hopefully achieve the safer standard roadway section and attain a stream that will ultimately
be as good as that being impacted. Please note that the first 10 feet of the proposed 213 feet of
permanent stream impacts should not be considered a loss of waters but rather are for dewatering
measures as well as tie in of the new stream channel portion to the existing channel portion at around
station 10+55 to 10+65. The referenced 10 feet is shown as permanent impact on the plan sheets and
impact table (the 10 feet is included as part of the 213 feet) due to the potential nature of this area to
be permanently changed with the tie in, but again this section should not be considered permanent loss
of stream as that same channel bottom section would more or less be retained. So we have 203 feet
(213 feet permanently impacted minus the 10 feet not a permanent loss) of permanent stream loss
resultant. The mitigation effort proposes to relocate the stream and provide 202 feet of stream in
return. As previously discussed,135 feet of the relocated stream would be constructed while the
remaining 67 feet would be cut out by the forces of nature upon turning the water into the newly
constructed channel portion. Please note that the first 30 feet (approximate station 10+65 to 10+95) of
the relocated stream portion would have rip rap toe protection/bank stabilization to protect that bend
area and likely sensitive area considering the historic flow in that location. So, the mitigation effort
proposes to relocate 202 feet of stream to offset the 203 feet of permanent stream loss. NCDOT
proposes that this onsite mitigation serve as full and complete mitigation for the unavoidable
permanent stream impacts associated with the Pender 144 Bridge replacement project.
5.0 Miti�ation Work Plan
The mitigation site would be constructed in conjunction with the construction of the Pender Bridge 144
replacement project. The stream relocation would be accomplished by excavating the existing uplands
as well as the wetland tie in area both as previously described and also depicted on the attached permit
drawings. Target channel bottom elevations, channel bottom widths, and floodplain widths for the
constructed stream relocation portion have been established based on field observations and survey
information. There is a document entitled Stream Relocation Information Sheet included in the permit
application package which provides information in regard to the referenced targets. Also, this target
information can be seen on the permit drawings; please see detail B on Permit Drawings 2, 3, and EC-4A
as well as the cross section permit drawings for more info. These targets would be achieved as part of
the construction process of the Pender 144 Bridge replacement project. The 135 foot long constructed
stream section as previously described would be matted with coir fiber matting and seeded with a
native riparian seed mixture to provide short term as well as long term stabilization of the constructed
stream section. Also the disturbed wetland area in the near vicinity of the down gradient tie in point
would also be seeded with this native riparian seed mixture. Seed of a temporary nature such as rye
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grain or millet may be incorporated into the seed mixture to help ensure quick stabilization of the area.
Please note that the road fill area even in the vicinity of this relocated stream section would be seeded
with a typical road shoulder mixture to near the water's edge on the road side of the unnamed
tributary. Upon achievement of stabilization via the coir fiber matting and successful vegetative cover,
and with agency approval, the stream would be turned into the newly constructed channel portion. The
anticipation is that the water would naturally cut through the wetlands area from approximately station
12+00 LT to Station 12+67 LT to the discharge point with Colly Creek thereby creating the final 67 feet of
the relocated stream. At the appropriate planting season, the stream bank opposite the road fill as well
as the floodplain bench area would be stabilized by use of live staking depicted as TYPE 1 on the Permit
Drawing SRF-1; this would consist of live stakes of black willow (Salix nigra) and silky dogwood (Cornus
amomum). The remaining slope from the floodplain bench up to the slope stake line and far top of bank
area would be planted with the TYPE 2 planting as shown on Permit Drawing SRF-1; this planting would
consist of a near equal mix of laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), and
tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Please note that the Permit Drawing SRF-1 does not show a
floodplain bench area, however, the floodplain bench area would be treated with the TYPE 1 planting
while the slope from flood plain bench to slope stake line and beyond would be treated with TYPE 2
planting as described above.
The NCDOT Division 3 Environmental Office shall be contacted to provide construction assistance to
ensure that the mitigation areas are constructed appropriately. An as-built report will be submitted
within 60 days of completion of the project.
6.0 Performance Standards
The NCDOT Division 3 Environmental Office shall be contacted prior to and during construction to
provide oversight and ensure that the site is graded to match the target channel bottom elevations,
channel bottom widths, and floodplain widths. Be that as it may, considerable design effort supported
by field observations and surveyed data has already been invested in said targets as shown on the
permit drawings. Achievement of these targets shall suffice for success for the structure of the stream
channel and floodplain areas. Also, the NCDOT Division 3 Environmental Office shall ensure that the site
is planted as per the plan discussed herein.
Success for vegetation monitoring within the stream relocation area is based on the survival of planted
woody vegetation and coverage of seeded herbaceous vegetation.
Upon successful completion of construction, the following monitoring strategies are proposed for the
mitigation site. NCDOT will document monitoring activities on the site in an annual report distributed to
the regulatory agencies.
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7.0 Monitorin� Requirements
The target elevations, channel widths, and floodplain widths will be verified as part of the construction
process. The vegetation shall be planted as proposed.
NCDOT shall monitor the relocation area by visual observation and photo points for vegetation survival.
NCDOT shall monitor the site for a minimum of three years or until the site is deemed successful.
Monitoring will be initiated upon completion of the site planting.
8.0 Other Information
None
9.0 Determination of Credits
Based on discussions with the agencies and per the NCDOT plans and per the NCDCM and 401/404
permit applications for the Pender Bridge 144 replacement project, NCDOT proposes to relocate on site
202 linear feet of the unnamed tributary to Colly Creek. This represents an onsite ratio of 1:1
(mitigated:impacted) for the perennial UT. NCDOT proposes that this onsite mitigation serve as full and
complete mitigation for the unavoidable permanent stream impacts of 213 linear feet (of which 203 feet
are permanent stream loss as previously described).
An as-built report would be submitted within 60 days of completion of the mitigation site to verify
actual mitigation areas constructed and planted. The success of the mitigation areas and determination
of final credits would be based upon successful completion and closeout of the monitoring period.
9.1 Credit Release Schedule
NCDOT proposes immediate, full release of the proposed mitigation as on-site mitigation for
unavoidable permanent stream impacts associated with the Pender Bridge 144 replacement project.
10.0 Geographic Service Area
The proposed Geographic Service Area (GSA) for the mitigation area is composed of the 8-digit
Hydrologic Cataloging Unit (HUC) 03030006.
11.0 Maintenance Plan
The site as described herein will be held by NCDOT and placed on the NES mitigation geodatabase.
Once monitoring is completed and the site is closed out, it would be placed in the NCDOT Stewardship
Program for long term maintenance and protection.
If an appropriate third party recipient is identified in the future, then the transfer of the property will
include a conservation easement or other measure to protect the natural features and mitigation value
of the site in perpetuity.
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12.0 Lon�Term Adaptive Mana�ement Plan
The site will be managed by the NCDOT according to the mitigation plan. Encroachments into the area
will be investigated and appropriate measures taken to minimize any negative effects. In the event that
unforeseen issues arise that affect the management of the site, any remediation will be addressed by
NCDOT in coordination with the appropriate regulatory agencies.
13.0 Financial Assurances
NCDOT is held by permit conditions associated with the Pender 144 Bridge Replacement Project to
preserve the mitigation site. NCDOT has established funds for each project and within each Division to
monitor the mitigation site and to protect it in perpetuity.
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