20141149 Ver 9_Benton Branch MR Review_20220304

From:Merritt, Katie
To:Raymond Holz
Cc:Baker, Caroline D
Subject:Benton Branch MR Review
Date:Friday, March 4, 2022 4:14:01 PM
Hey Raymond,
DWR has reviewed the Year 4 Monitoring Report for the Benton Branch Buffer/Nutrient Offset
site (DWR ID# 2014-1149v9). Comments on the report are provided as follows:
1) 4 of 20 plots failed to meet performance standards for planted stems but 3 of the 4
plots had acceptable volunteers that when included, meet the performance standard of
260/acre. However, Plot data for Plots 11, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 24 all reveal very
short heights on planted stems in comparison to what is common by Year 4. Most
stems are barely reaching 3 feet. Is there a factor/s to consider here that may need to
be addressed by RS prior to the next growing season? What additional efforts can RS
take to assist in tree development and success?
2) During supplementing planting efforts in 2021 required by the IRT, did RS include areas
within buffer and nutrient offset credit generating areas as well? If not, explain why.
3) For the second year in a row, plot 13 reveals zero planted stems. Year 3 monitoring
report indicated poor soil conditions, but RS did not indicate that this was addressed in
2021. This area needs to be replanted unless a supplemental planting effort is
determined to sufficient. Soil amendments need to be considered as an option and any
additional measures that RS intends to take within this area needs to be noted as well.

Based on Comments 1 and 3 above, RS needs to develop an Adaptive Management Plan
(AMP). Once DWR receives a response to comments and a proposed AMP, DWR will consider
issuance of a partial credit release with the remaining credits to be released upon
implementation of the AMP.

Thank you for your cooperation,
Katie

Katie Merritt
Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator
401 & Buffer Permitting Unit
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Office: 919-707-3637
Work Cell: 919-500-0683
Website: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-quality-permitting/401-buffer-
permitting-branch
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27620
1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
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