20141149 Ver 8_Rocky Top MR Review_20220408 (3)

From:
Merritt, Katie
To:
Ray Holz
Cc:
Baker. Caroline D; Matthew Harrell
Subject:
RE: [External] RE: Rocky Top MR Review
Date:
Friday, April 8, 2022 10:42:16 AM
Hey Raymond,
Thank you for providing a response to comments and concerns provided by DWR on March 4, 2022.
By copy of this correspondence DWR approves the Year 4 Monitoring Report for the Rocky Top Site
(DWR ID# 2014-1149v8). Please provide confirmation of bond renewal through next year's
monitoring period. Once I receive your bond renewal, I can proceed issuing the credit release this
Task.
DWR authorizes a 20% reduction off the current bond amount of $60,000 for bond #
22BSBHY3327.
Thank you for your patience,
Katie
From: Ray Holz <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, April 4, 2022 8:12 AM
To: Merritt, Katie <[e-mail]>
Cc: Baker, Caroline D <[e-mail]>; Matthew Harrell
<mharrell@ restorationsystems.com>
Subject: [External] RE: Rocky Top MR Review
CAUTION: External email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as an
attachment to Report Spam.
Katie —
I have attached a comment response letter for Rocky Top. As part of the response, IRS reviewed the
USDA Forestland Productivity data, which provides a Site Index, or average height in feet, of
different tree species for the given soil type —the report is included in our response. The Site's
mapped soil units (Herndon silt loam, "HnD" and Cullen clay loam, "CnD2") are known to be
relatively low productivity soils given their rocky and eroded composition. The Site Index for these
soils and hardwood species is lower than the typical mitigation site, demonstrating that the Site's
lower than usual tree height is expected.
If you would like to set up a call to discuss the Site Index Report, we are happy to set up a Teams
meeting.
Sincerely,
Raymond H.

Raymond J. Holz I Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211 1 Raleigh, NC 27604
tel:[phone] cell:919.604.9314 1 fax:[phone]
email: [e-mail]
From: Merritt, Katie <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, March 04, 2022 3:56 PM
To: Ray Holz <rholzPrestorationsystems.com>
Cc: Baker, Caroline D <caroline.bakerPncdenr.gov>
Subject: Rocky Top MR Review
Hey Raymond,
DWR has reviewed the Year 4 Monitoring Report for the Rocky Top Buffer/Nutrient Offset site.
Comments on the report are provided as follows:
1. Plot data in all 4 plots reveals very short heights on planted stems in comparison to what
is common by Year 4. Of most concern is Plot 3, where all planted stems are smaller than
3 feet. Is there a factor other than rocky soil conditions to consider here that may need to
be addressed by IRS prior to the next growing season? What additional efforts can IRS
take to assist in tree development?
2. During supplementing efforts in 2020, did IRS include areas within buffer and nutrient
offset credit generating areas as part of that supplemental plant? If not, explain why.
Please provide a response to the comments above, and include all required documentation
requested. Once DWR receives a response to comments, DWR can proceed issuing a credit
release for this task.
Thank you for your patience,
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
North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.