20210750 Ver 2_Mitigation Plan Review_20220716

From: Merritt, Katie
To: Baker. Caroline D
Subject: FW: Wicomico Mitigation Plan - DWR Review
Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2022 2:09:28 PM
Attachments: Wicomico BufferPlan DWRedits.pdf
Please file the email below along with the attached Document.
From: Merritt, Katie
Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2022 3:29 PM
To: Xu, Lin <[e-mail]>
Cc: Wojoski, Paul A <[e-mail]>; Dow, Jeremiah J <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wicomico Mitigation Plan - DWR Review
Hey Lin,
Pursuant to Titles 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703 (e), a provider shall submit a
project plan proposal to the Division for review and approval that includes specific elements of the
project. On February 9, 2022, the Division of Mitigation Services (DIMS) submitted a Mitigation Plan
(Plan) for the Wicomico Site, to the Division, for review and approval. According to the initial review
by DWR staff of the subject Plan, some elements were either not provided, not explained
thoroughly, not accurate or lacking in sufficient information.
Therefore, until DWR receives an updated Plan addressing all comments and edits provided in the
attached 1) comment summary and 2) PDF version of the document itself, DWR cannot finalize the
review of the Plan or issue an approval of the Plan. In an effort to be as efficient as possible at
providing comments to DIMS during this busy time, I have provided my comments in a different
format. Attached are the comments & edits provided within the actual PDF of a condensed Buffer
Plan (without Appendices) as well as a comment summary.
When DIMS is ready to submit their final project Plan, please include a summary of all DIMS'
responses to the DWR comments acknowledging how DIMS addressed the comments. Please upload
the final Plan using our Mitigation Project Information Upload Form through this link:
https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/Mitigation_ Information_ Upload . Please note the DWR ID#2021-
0750 (version 2) on all electronic submissions for this project.
Thank you for your patience during this time and if you have any difficulty reading though the
comments or edits please let me know.
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.

MITIGATION PLAN
LNICOMICO BUFFER MITIGATION SITE
EDGECOMBE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DMS PROJECT No.100188
N C D EQ CO NTRACT No. 200209-01
❑WR PROJECT No. 2021-0750
Tar Pamlico River Basin
Cataloging Unit 03020103
RFP#:16-20200209
Prepared for:
rk M�
NC ❑epartment of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
1652 Mail service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
February 2022

MITIGATION PLAN
Wicomico Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site
Edgecombe County, NC
DMS Project No. 100188
DMS Contract No. 200209-01
DWR Project No. 2021-0750
Tar Pamlico Watershed
HUC 03020103
Prepared for:
nif
Division of Mitigation Services
1652 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
Prepared by:
r7 NICH0LS
Freese and Nichols, Inc.
531 N Liberty St
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
This mitigation plan has been written in conformance with the requirements of the following:
■ 15A NCAC 02B .0295 Mitigation Program Requirements for Protection and Maintenance of
Riparian Buffers.
■ 15A NCAC 02B .0240, Nutrient Offset Payments Rule, amended effective September 1, 2010
■ NCDEQ Division of Mitigation Services In -Lieu Fee Instrument signed and dated July 28, 2010.
These documents govern NCDMS operations and procedures for the delivery of compensatory
mitigation.
Contributing Staff:
Bryan Dick, PhD, PE, PH
Ian Jewell, JD
Emily Brown, PE, CFM
Lydia Ward, PE
Jason Steele, PhD, PWS

Contents
Page
Listof
Figures...............................................................................................................................................
iv
Listof
Tables................................................................................................................................................
iv
1.0
MITIGATION P ROJ ECT SU M MARY ..........................................................................................1
1.1 PROJECT NARRATIVE..................................................................................................1
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION... ...........................................................
2
1.2.1 Watershed Characterization.....................................................•..............................
3
1.2.2 Physiography, Geology. and Soils.............................................................................3
1.2.3 Streams and Existing Conditions..............................................................................
4
2.0
REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................................5
2.1 ❑ETERMINATION ❑F CREDITS....................................................................................5
2.1.1 FEMA Floodplain.......................................................................................................
8
2.1.2 Threatened and Endangered Species .......................................................................
8
2.1.3 Cultural Resources...............................................................................••.................
10
2.1.4 401/404..................................................................................................................10
3.0
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN......................................................................................................10
3.1 SITE PREPARATION...................................................................................................
10
3.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS.....................................................................................11
4.0
MONITORING PLAN..............................................................................................................13
4.1 VEGETATION MONITORING .....................................................................................
13
4.2 PHOTOGRAPH REFERENCE STATIONS......................................................................
13
4.3 VISUAL ASSESSMENT................................................................................................
13
5.0
P ROJ ECT S U CCESS CRITERIA..................................................................................................14
6.0
STEWARDSHIP......................................................................................................................14
6.1 OWNERSHIP.............................................................................................................14
6.2 LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP PLAN............................................................................15
7.0
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................16
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Craft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
CMS Project No. 100188 iii February 2022

Appendices:
Appendix A Figures
Appendix B NC DWR Correspondence
Appendix C Categorical Exclusion Documentation
Appendix ❑ Site Photographs
Appendix E Conservation Easement Deed
Figures
Figure 1
Vicinity Map
Figure 2
USGS Map
Figure 3
Watershed Map
Figure 4
Soils Map
Figure 5
Historical Aerial Map
Figure 6
FEMA Map
Figure 7
Site Preparation Areas
Figure 8
MitiFatinn Plan with Mnnitnrinu Pints
Figure 9
Nutrient Offset Conceptual Map
Tables
Page
Table 1. Ecological and Water Quality Goals — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site ....................................
Table 2. Summary of Mapped Soil Series.................................................................................................
Table 3. Buffer Project Attributes and Timeline — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site ...............................
Table 4. Buffer Project Areas and Assets: Riparian Buffer Credits — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation
Site.........................................................................................................................................
Table 5. Regulatory Considerations..........................................................................................................
Table 6. Federally Protected Species in Edgecombe County, NC.............................................................
Table 7. Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Planting Plan......................,....................................................
Table 8. Monitoring components — Wicomico Riparian Buffer Site .........................................................
Table 9. Site Protection Instrument— Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site ..................................................
1
4
6
.7
.8
.9
12
14
15
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
CMS Project No. 100188 iv February 2022

1.❑ MITIGATION PROJECT SUMMARY
1.1 PROJECT NARRATIVE
The Wicomico Riparian Buffer Restoration Project (the "site") will provide high quality compensatory
mitigation for authorized riparian buffer impacts credited through the NC DMS in -lieu fee program and
❑ccurring within the Tar Pamlico River Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03020103 and to address the
watershed goals identified win the Tar -Pamlico River Basin Restoration Plan (RBRP).
The Site is located within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic unit code (HUC)
03020103010010 and the Lower Tar North Carolina Department of Water Resources jNCDWRj River Sub -
basin. The UT Tar River flows adjacent to the site and eventually flows into the Tar River approximately
4.1 river miles downstream. The Tar River is classified as a Class C stream and a Nutrient Sensitive Water
(C, NSW(. While not discussed in any NCDMS Local Watershed Plans (LWPs), this reach of the Tar River is
designated as a Targeted Local Watershed (TLW) and is discussed in the Tar -Pamlico River Basin RBRP.
Fifty-eight percent of the watershed is agricultural. The RBRP notes that this watershed has the highest
buffer impairment in the Tar -Pamlico River Basin and therefore has the highest priority need for buffer
enhancement as well as addressing impacts from ditching and agriculture. Additionally, the project area
is encompassed by catchments associated with targeted resource areas (TRAs). The catchments (IDS
3348463, 3348487, 3348547, 3348593, 3348597, 3348595, and 3348605) are associated with water
quality, habitat, and hydrology TRAs.
This riparian restoration project will improve water quality by creating a functioning native vegetation
buffer that intercepts and filters agricultural runoff. The area surrounding the stream proposed for buffer
mitigation is currently in use as row crop agriculture. By reducing and filtering the runoff from the site,
and restoring a forested riparian area, the project will reduce nutrient and sediment inputs to UTTar River
and ultimately the Tar River. The restored floodplain area will filter sediment during rainfall events, create
shading to minimize thermal pollution, and provide a wildlife corridor to connect nearby forested areas.
Invasive vegetation will be treated within the project area as needed and the proposed native vegetation
wiI I provide cover and food for wildlife. The major goals of the proposed riparian restoration are to provide
ecological and water quality enhancements to the Tar River watershed of the Tar Pamlico Basin by creating
a functional riparian corridor and restoring the riparian areas. Specific enhancements to water quality and
ecological processes are outlined in Table 1.
Table 1. Ecological and Water Quality Goals — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 1 October 2021

■ ■Objectives■
Goals to Address/Remove
Stressor
■ ■ r
Water quality impairments
q Y � p airments
. Decrease nutrient inputs
■ Remove row crop
(Nutrients)
from on and off -site by
vegetation and plant
filtering runoff from
native woody and
agricultural fields
herbaceous vegetation
through restored native
to reduce bare soil
buffer zones
surface, remove
application of liquid
fertilizers and
herbicides
Sediment Inputs
. Sediment from on and
' Reduce sediment inputs
off -site sources will be
to waters in Tar River
deposited on restored
basin
floodplain areas where
native vegetation will
slow overland flow
velocities
Non -diffuse flow
■ Remove areas of flow
■ Reduce sediment inputs
concentration and allow
to waters in Tar River
overland flow velocities
basin
to further slow by enter
native vegetation buffer.
Terrestrial Habitat
. Restore native woody
■ improve wildlife habitat
Fragmentation —
and herbaceous
■ Restore degraded
vegetation and remove
riparian buffers
invasive vegetation
1.2 PROJECT LOCATION AND SITE DESCRIPTION
The Wicomico Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site is located 4.5 miles south of Speed and 5 miles east of
Tarboro, North Carolina. The site is accessed from NC-111 and the Site centroid coordinates are 35.90712,-
77.44034 (Figure 1). The site is comprised of approximately 3.7 acres along an unnamed tributary of the
Tar River (UT Tar River). The Site is characterized by active row crop agriculture. The project will restore
or enhance riparian areas within the project area, which will provide 160,000 buffer credits, or 3.67 acres
worth of buffer mitigation.
Driving Directions to the project (from Raleigh): Get on 1-440E from Capital Blvd. Continue onto US-64E to
Exit 488, South Shiloh Farm Road. Head North on South Shiloh Farm Road for approximately 1 miles and
then take a right onto NC-111 north. Continue onto NC-111 north, proceed approximately 5.4 miles to a
dirt farm road entrance on the left. Follow the dirt road for approximately 1/3 of a mile and turn right
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 2 February 2022

onto an unimproved farm road that parallels a large ditch/stream. The conservation easement begins
approximately 800 feet up this road.
1.2.1 Watershed Characterization
The Wicomico Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site is located 4.5 miles south of Speed and 5 miles east of
Tarboro, North Carolina. The Site is located within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 14-digit
hydrologic unit code (HUC) 03020103010010 and the Lower Tar North Carolina Department of Water
Resources (NCDWR) River Sub -basin. Site topography, as shown on the Speed, NC 7.5 minute topographic
quadrangle, has very little topographic relief with a gentle slope from the terrace located east of the
project area (Figure 2).
1.2.2 Physiography, Geology, and Soils
The Wicomico Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site is located in the North Carolina Coastal Plain physiographic
province and is underlain by the Yorktown and Duplin Formations. The Yorktown Formation consists of
fossiliferous clay and bluish gray fine-grained sand; the Duplin Formation is composed of medium- to
coarse- grained sand, sandy marl, and limestone. Site soils are largely poorly drained, which facilitates the
formation of wetlands in small depressions on floodplains across the western Coastal Plain.
The project site is in the geomorphic flood plain of an unnamed tributary to the Tar River and is situated
approximately 4.1 river miles away from the Tar River and is adjacent to the Wicomico Terrace.
Throughout the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, the Tar River drainage basin experienced changes in
hydrology, sediment load, baseflow, isostatic adjustment, and climate (Moore and Daniel, Jr., 2011).
These changes produced a complex geomorphologic sequence that includes numerous terraces, a modern
floodplain, and an incised river channel that has cut down into underlying Cretaceous and Tertiary
geologic units. The terraces consist of a thin layer of Quaternary sediments underlain by fluvial, estuarine,
and marine sequences that include various Cretaceous and Tertiary formations (such as the Yorktown
Formation). The overlying layer of Quaternary sands has been influenced by changes in fluvial and aeoIian
processes, climate (i.e., drought), and vegetation. The Tar River has been migrating south-southwest
through time, preserving Pleistocene and Holocene sediments northeast of the river and creating an
asymmetric river valley.
Soil mapping units are based on the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation
Service (NRCS) soil survey for Edgecombe County. Site soils are mapped as the BaIIahack series, which are
a fine sandy loam typically found in flats and depressions in the Coastal Plain. These soils are show in
Figure 4, and mapped soil series occurring on the site and their associated properties are summarized in
Table 2.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 3 February 2022

Table 2. Summary of Mapped Soil Series
1.2.3 Streams and Existing Conditions
The property is currently managed for agricultural production (corn and soybeans) and lacks existing
forested buffer along the streams and drainage ways bisecting and surrounding the site. Site drainage and
hydrology have been historically altered with channeIited streams and cleared agricultural lands prevalent
on historic aerial photographs dating back to the 1905s. Historic aerial photography from 1951 are
included as Figure 5 and show the site in agricultural production. In general, the site has maintained an
agricultural production character over the past 70 years within very little changes in land cover. This
consistency within the project watershed indicates that watershed processes affecting hydrology,
sediment supply, and nutrient and other pollutant delivery have not varied widely over this period. The
lack of development pressure makes it likely that watershed processes and stressors from outside of the
project limits will remain consistent throughout the implementation, monitoring, and closeout of this
project. The drainage area of UT Tar River (Stream A) at the site boundary encompasses 3.56 square miles
and flows through multiple row crop agriculture areas before reaching the project area. Historical aerial
photographs show the Stream A was ditched prior to 1951, and the riparian area has been in agricultural
use for the same timeframe. The riparian area is dominated by row crop agriculture with a single row of
trees along Stream A. Overall, ecological degradation of the site is directly attributed to row crop
agriculture.
On April 21, 2021, Mr_ Shelton Sullivan and Mt Rethany Harvey of the NC Division of Water Resources
(DWR) conducted an on -site determination of site channels for the applicability of the Tar Pamlico
Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0259). It was determined that the reach of Stream A bordering the
site is subject to Tar Pamlico Buffer Rules. A copy of the DWR Stream Determination letter (dated April
28, 2021) is provide in Appendix B. Note that for the purpose of this Mitigation Plan, the nomenclature of
site reaches will be consistent with those referenced in the "Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation and
Nutrient Offset Letter" prepared by Ms Katie Merritt of NC DWR on June 10, 2021.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 4 February 2022

The dominant vegetation community within the project area is primarily composed of row crop
agriculture dominated by soybeans (Glycine max). An area of managed pine forest of loblolly pine (Pines
toedo) is located 375 feet east of the proposed buffer area. The site has been maintained by mechanical
and chemical controls up to the edge of Stream A and lacks canopy, understory, and shrub vegetation
layers. A single layer of mixed hardwood forest is located approximately 5 feet from the edge of the
ditched stream. Typical vegetation within this area includes common persimmon (Diospyros virginiona),
sweetgum (Liquidombor styrocifluo), red maple (Ater rubrum), water oak (Quercus nigro), willow oak (Q.
phellos), winged elm (Ulmus alato) and loblolly pine (Pines toeda). Typical herbaceous species along the
fringe of the managed row crop area include tall goldenrod (Solidago oltissimo), perennial sowthistle
(Sonchus arvensis), blackberry (Rubus orgutus), and various grasses (Festuca and Poo spp.). Interspersed
vine species, including cat greenbrier (Smilax glauca), trumpet creeper (Compsis radicans), poison ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans), and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) were observed within the thinly
wooded buffer area.
Drainage area for the riparian areas were determined by delineating watersheds using the USG5
StreamStats program. Figure 3 shows the watershed boundary for the area, which is approximately 3.52
square miles in size. The watershed is predominantly comprised of row crop agriculture, with dispersed
areas of woodlands. Photographs of existing site conditions are included in Appendix D.
2.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 DETERMINATION OF CREDITS
Approximately 1,950 linear feet of Stream A have been targeted for riparian area restoration.
Approximately 3.67 acres of existing agricultural fields are targeted for restoration to provide 160,000
riparian buffer mitigation units.
On June 10, 2021 Mc Katie Merritt of NC DWR performed an evaluation of surface water features and
adjacent riparian areas within the proposed Site for the determination of riparian buffer mitigation
pursuant to 15NCAC 02B .0295. Based upon this evaluation, DWR determined that areas within 200 feet
of UT Tar River are eligible for buffer credit. There are no known site constraints that would impede or
adversely affect the restoration of the riparian buffer within the recorded easement area. Diffuse flow of
runoff will be maintained in the riparian buffer. Any direct conveyances (such as drainage swaIes) will be
eliminated, and the flow converted to diffuse flow. The Site Viability Letter is included in Appendix B.
The proposed mitigation attributes, quantities and credits are outlined in Table 3 and Table 4 below.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 5 February 2022

Table 3. Buffer Project Attributes and Timeline — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site.
Project Name
Wicomico Buffer
River Basin
USGS Hydrologic
Unit 8-digit
f
USGS Hydrologic
Unit 14-digit
03020103010010
NCDWR River
Sub -basin
•
Geographic
Location (Lat/ Long DD)35.90712,-77.44034
Site Protection
Instrument (DB, PG)
To be recorded
Total Credits
(BMU)
of off
Type of Credits
Riparian
Mitigation Plan
Date
February
Initial Planting
Date
Novernber 2022
Baseline Report
Date
December 2f
MY1 Report
Date
November 2023
MY2 Report
Date
November 2024
MY 3 Report
Date
November 2025
MY 4 Report
Date
November 2026
MY 5 Report
Date
November
Wicomica Buffer Mitigation Site
CMS Project No. 100188
Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
February 2022

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To ensure that a project meets "Categorical Exclusion" criteria, the Federal Highways Administration
(FHWA) and NCDMS have developed a Categorical Exclusion (CE) checklist that is included as part of the
environmental screening process. A Government Environmental Records Report was ordered for the site
through Envirosite Corporation on March 23, 2021. Neither the target property, nor adjacent properties,
were listed in any of the Federal, State, or Tribal environmental databases searched by Envirosite. The
assessment revealed no evidence of any recognized environmental conditions jRECsj connected to or
within 1 mile of the Site. The CE documentation and CE approval Form for the Site are included in
Appendix C and was approved by FHWA and DMS on July 6, 2021.
A summary of regulatory considerations for the Site is presented in Table 5. These considerations are
expanded upon in Sections 2.1.1 to 2.1.4. A copy of the signed Categorical Exclusion Form for the project
can be found in Appendix C.
Table 5. Regulatory Considerations
Applicable
Resolved
SupportingParameters ..
Water of the United States - Section 404
No
N/A
N/A
Water of the United States - Section 401
No
N/A
N/A
Endangered Species Act
Yes
Yes
Categorical Exclusion
(Appendix C)
Categorical Exclusion
Historic Preservation Act
Yes
Yes
(Appendix C)
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA or
No
N/A
N/A
CAMA)
FEMA Floodplain Compliance
No
N/A
N/A
Essential Fisheries Habitat
No
N/A
N/A
2.1.1 FEMA Floodplain
According to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Information System, the Site does not lie within a
100-year floodplain (one percent annual chance of flooding) and is not within a regulatory floodway
(Figure 6). The project is within FEMA FIRM Panel 3720476800J, effective November 3, 2004. The stream
adjacent to the project area is outside of a 5pecial Flood Hazard Area. No hydrologic trespass will result
from the riparian buffer restoration project.
2.1.2 Threatened and Endangered Species
Plants and animals with a federal classification of endangered or threatened are protected under
provisions of Sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of March 29, 2021,
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists five federally protected species for Edgecombe
County, which include the bald eagle (Holioeetus leucocepholus), red -cockaded woodpecker (Picoides
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 8 October 2021

borealis), dwarf wedgemussel (Alosmidonta heterodon), Tar River spinymussel (Parvospino steinstonsono)
and yellow lance (Elliptio lanceoloto) (Table 6). A pedestrian survey conducted in March 2021 did not
identify any potential habitat for listed species within the project area.
Table 6. Federally Protected Species in Edgecombe County, NC
Scientific Name
Common
Federal
Habitat
0
Name
Status
Bald and
Mature forest in proximity to large
Golden Eagle
bodies of open water for foraging. Large
Haliaeetus leucocepholus
Bald eagle
Protection
dominant trees are utilized far nesting
Act
sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open
water.
Open, mature stands of southern pines,
particularly longleaf pine (Pines
Prcoides borealis
Red -cockaded
Endangered
polustris) aged 60 years or older, which
woodpecker
are contiguous with pine stands at least
30 years of age to provide foraging
ha b itat.
Creek and river areas with a slow to
moderate current and sand, gravel, or
Alasmidonta heterodon
dwarf
Endangered
firm silt bottoms. Waters must be well
wedgemussel
oxygenated. Stream banks in these
areas are generally stable with extensive
root systems holding soils in place.
Fast flowing streams with well
oxygenated, circumneutral pH water.
The bottom should be composed of
Parvaspina steinstansona
Tar River
Endangered
unconsolidated gravel and coarse sand.
spinymussel
Water needs to be silt free, and stream
banks should be stable, typically with
many roots from adjacent trees and
shrubs.
Sand loving species found in clean,
Elliptio lanceolate
Yellow lance
Threatened
coarse to medium sand, with moderate
flowing water with high dissolved
oxygen.
A review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records on March 29, 2021 indicated
no known threatened or endangered species occurrence within a ❑ne-mile radius of the Site. A letter was
sent to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRQ on April 14, 2021 requesting review
and comment of possible issues with respect to fish and wildlife resources on the site. No response was
received by June 15, 2021. All correspondence with NCWRC is included in Appendix C.
Based upon agency responses and the results of the pedestrian survey, the project would have a "no
effect" on any of the five federally listed species.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 9 February 2022

2.1.3 Cultural Resources
A review of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office GIS Web Service database on March 30,
2020 revealed no National Register listings within a one -mile radius of the Site. A letter was submitted to
the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on April 14, 2021. SHPO responded on May
11, 2021 and stated that they were aware "of no historic resources which would be affected by the
project". Cultural resources met the Categorical Exclusion criteria for FHWA and NCaMS projects, and
documentation is included in Appendix C.
2.1.4 401/404
There will not be permanent impacts to Waters of the United States at the Site. All riparian restoration
will take place in uplands and will not occur within the jurisdictional boundary of UT Tar River that flows
east of the Site.
3.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
3.1 SITE PREPARATION
Based upon pre -project assessment of compaction within the proposed planting areas, the buffer area
will be chisel plowed to reduce the negative impact of the compacted plow pan on tree root growth. The
drainage swales present on the eastern boundary of the Site will be graded to promote diffuse flow at the
riparian buffer boundary. A temporary stabilization seed mix will be used to stabilize plowed soils and
reduce sediment loss during rain events in disturbed areas. This will be followed by a permanent seed
mixture. No other physical drainages (i.e., drainage tiles, ditches) were observed within the project area.
However, such features will be removed during project implementation in the event any are observed
prior to, or during, construction and planting.
The proposed mitigation site will provide for the establishment of natural plant assemblages occurring
within riparian habitats of the Coastal Plain. Target species to be planted have been carefully selected
based upon site -specific information (including soil profiles and evaluation of landscape position). The
proposed planting regime will result in a mature community characteristic of riparian areas in the region.
The project will include the restoration and enhancement of riparian areas adjacent to streams on the
property as outlined in Figure 8. Nutrient offsets provided by the project are shown in Figure 9. This will
be achieved via the planting of characteristic hardwood species and ensuring diffuse flow through the
riparian area. Low levels of existing exotic or invasive species cover have been observed within the
proposed buffer area. Dense areas of invasive species will be treated during construction.
Prior to planting, the conservation easement boundary will be marked using 6-inch diameter treated post
buried 2 feet, standing 6 feet above the ground surface, within the agricultural fields. T-posts will be
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 10 February 2022

installed to provide supplemental marking within areas between the treated post,.wA-him th-e
enhancement area and within the Preservation area as needed. The easement boundary will also be
marked with standard yellow Conservation Area signs, per the January 2014 NCDMS Boundary Marking
Standards.
3.2 MATERIALS AND METHODS
The revegetation plan for the riparian restoration area will include permanent seeding, planting bare root
trees and live stakes. These revegetation efforts will be coupled with treating invasive species. The
planting plan consists of the planting of native species on a density of approximately 538 stems per acre.
Species selection and distribution were matched closely to micro -site hydrologic and edaphic conditions
and include species characteristic of riparian buffer assemblages in the watershed. Site index provides a
species specific indirect measure of site productivity expressed as the average height of the tree species
at a specific age. The site was evaluated using the Baker and Broadfoot site index model (Baker and
Broadfoot,1979), which evaluates soil and site factors as indicators of soil aeration, moisture, compaction,
and nutrients to determine the productivity of the site for select hardwood tree species. Site index at age
50 for cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda), willow oak (Q. phellos), and American sycamore (Platanas
occidentolis) were 76 feet, 72 feet, and 71 feet respectively, which indicates that these species are suitable
far the observed site conditions. The water oak (Q. nigra) site index of 75 to 84 feet was calculated based
upon Broadfoot (1963), indicating that the species is also very well suited for the observed site conditions.
This was further supported by the observed water oak saplings adjacent to the site. Mature American
persimmon (Diospyros virginiona) was also observed within the single layer of trees present within the
site and downstream of the site, indicating that the species is also well suited for the site conditions.
Additional species, including silky dogwood, spicebush, American beautyberry, and Allegheny chinkapin
will provide a native understory vegetative layer that will enhance nutrient uptake and provide additional
wildlife value. Table 7 summarizes the planting plan for the site.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 11 February 2022

Table 7. Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Planting Plan
Buffer Area (160000.0 square feet, 3.67 acres)
Scientific Name
Common Name
Quantity
% Composition
Platonus
occidentalis
American
sycamore
325
16%
Callicarpo
americans
American
beautyberry
152
7%
Bare root
Corpus amomum
Silky Dogwood
110
5%
seedlings
Lindera benzoin
Spicebush
175
9%
planted
Quercus pogoda
Cherrybark Oak
194
9%
on 9-ft
BARE ROOT
centers,
with
Quercus michauxii
Swamp
chestnut oak
330
16%
Quercus nigra
Water oak
220
11%
species
randomly
distribute
Sombucus
CQnpdenSiS
Elderberry
109
5%
d
Castones pumila
Chinkapin Allegheny
110
°
6/°
Diospyros
American
330
16%
virginiona
persimmon
HERBACEOUS
PLANTING
All Disturbed Area (160000.0
square feet,
3.67 acres)
Warm Season (May 15 - Aug 15) - German Millet
Apply at40
TEMPORARY
Ibs/acre
SEEDING
to all
Cool Season (Aug 15 - May 15)
- Virginia Rye
disturbed
areas
Scientific Name
Common Name
% by
Weight
Andropogon gerardii
Big bluestem
12%
Carex vulpinoidea
Fox sedge
10%
Coreposis lanceloato
Lance leaf tickseed
5%
Apply at
Elymus virginicus
Virginia rye
15%
PERMANENT
SEEDING
25 lb/acre
to
disturbed
Festuca ovina
Hard fescue
5%
Ponicum virgatum
Switchgrass
10%
Rudbeckio hirta
Blackeyed susan
1%
areas
Schirachyrium scoporium
Little bluestem
S%
Sorghostrum nutans
Indian grass
9%
Tridens flavus
Purple top
12%
Tripsocum doctyloides
Eastern
13%
gam magrass
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 12
February
2022

The planting and re-establishment of characteristic riparian vegetation will be coupled with controlling
invasive species population. Herbicide applications and vegetative management may be needed during
tree establishment in the restoration areas to prevent recruitment and establishment of invasive species
that could compete with the planted native species. The restoration area will be closely monitored, and
invasive vegetation management will be implemented as needed, and in consultation with DM staff.
4.0 MONITORING PLAN
The site monitoring plan has been developed to ensure that the required performance standards are met,
and project goals and objectives are achieved. Project monitoring components are listed in more detail in
Figure 8. Table 8 includes a summary of the project monitoring components.
4.1 VEGETATION MONITORING
Vegetation monitoring quadrants will be installed across the site to measure the survival of the planted
trees (Figure 8). Planted stems in the monitoring plot will all be marked. The first annual monitoring
activities will commence at the end of the first growing season, at least 180 days after planting has been
completed, and will be re -assessed annually no earlier than .August of each year. Species composition,
density, and survival rates will be evaluated on an annual basis for each plot and for the entire site. The
number of monitoring quadrants required, and frequency of monitoring, will follow the CVS-EEP Protocol
Level 2 (version 4.2) or other approved DMS protocol. Reference photographs of the vegetation plots and
site will be taken during the annual vegetation assessment. Planted vegetation must average 7 feet in
height at the end of monitoring year (MY) 5. Survival rate will be 150 stems/acre at My3 a d 260
stems/acre at MY5.
4.2 PHOTOGRAPH REFERENCE STATIONS
Photographs will be taken within the project area once a year to visually document stability for five years
following construction. Permanent markers will be established and located with GPS equipment so the
same location and view directions on the site are photographed each year.
4.3 VISUAL ASSESSMENT
A visual assessment of the conservation easement will also be performed each year to confirm the
following:
■ Fencing/signage are in good condition throughout the site
■ No livestock access within the conservation easement area
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 13 February 2022

■ No encroachment has occurred
■ No invasive species in areas where invasive species have been treated
■ Diffuse flow has been maintained in the conservation easement area
■ No cutting, clearing, grubbing, or similar activities have occurred that would negatively affection
the functioning of the buffer
Table 8. Monitoring components — Wicomico Riparian Buffer Site
Vegetation
Monitoring Feature
CVS Level 2 Quadrant
QuantityParameter
5
Annual
Visual Assessment
Yes
Annual
Exotic and Nuisance Vegetation
Annual
Project Boundary
Annual
5.0 PROJECT SUCCESS CRITERIA
The site will be evaluated based upon performance criteria related to vegetative density. Specifically,
the performance criteria for this project will be:
1. Demonstrated density of planted species to meet or exceed 260 trees per acre (including native
hardwood and native shrub volunteer species) during the fifth year post -planting; and
2. Species assemblage must include a minimum of four native hardwood species or four native
hardwood tree and native shrub species, where no one species is greater than 50% of stems.
6.0 STEWARDSHIP
6.1 OWNERSHIP
The land required for riparian area planting, management, and stewardship of the mitigation project
includes a portion of the parcel listed in Table 9. An option agreement for the project area has been signed
by the property owner and a Memorandum of Option has been recorded at the Edgecombe County
Register of Deeds. The proposed conservation easement on this property has not yet been recorded.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 14 February 2022

Table 9. Site Protection Instrument — Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
All site protection instruments require 60-day advance notification to the State prior to any action to
void, amend, or modify the document. No such action shall take place unless approved by the State.
6.2 LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP PLAN
The site will be transferred to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
Stewardship Program. This party shall serve as conservation easement holder and long-term steward for
the property and will conduct periodic inspection of the site to ensure that restrictions required in the
conservation easement are upheld. Funding will be supplied by the responsible party on a yearly basis
until such time an endowment is established. The NCDEQ Stewardship Program is developing an
endowment system within the non -reverting, interest -bearing Conservation Lands Conservation Fund
Account. The use of funds from the Endowment Account will be governed by North Carolina General
Statue GS 113A-232(d)j3j. interest gained by the endowment fund may be used for the purpose of
stewardship, monitoring, stewardship administration, and land transaction costs, if applicable. The
Stewardship Program will periodically install signage as needed to identify boundary markings as needed.
The landowner shall contact the long-term steward if clarification is needed regarding the restrictions
associated with the recorded conservation easement. The landowner shall also report damaged or missing
signs to the long-term steward, as well as contact the long-term steward if a boundary needs to be
marked, or clarification is needed regarding a boundary location. If land use changes in future and fencing
is required to protect the easement, the landowner is responsible for installing appropriate approved
fencing.
Long-term stewardship activities may include (but are not limited to):
■ Signage installation and maintenance along the Site boundary to denote the area protected by
the recorded conservation easement;
■ Evaluation and repa i r/re med iati o n of diffuse flow; and
■ Evaluation and remediation of nuisance vegetation.
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
DMS Project No. 100188 15 February 2022

7.0 REFERENCES
Broadfoot, W.M., 1963. Guide for evaluating water oak sites (Vol. 1). Southern Forest Experiment
Station, Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture.
Baker, J.B. and Broadfoot, W.M., 1979. Site evaluation for commercially important southern hardwoods.
US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station, General Technical
Report SO-26. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lockhart, B.R., 2013. Site index determination techniques for southern bottomland hardwoods.
Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, 37(1), pp.5-12.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Web Soil Survey of Edgecombe County.
http://websoiIsurvey.nrcs.usda..gov/app/HomePage.htm
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), 2011. Surface Water Classifications.
http:j/deg.nc.govjaboutjdivisions/water-resources/planning/classification-standards/classifications
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP), 2021. Natural Heritage Element Occurrence Database,
Edgecombe County, NC.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2021. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal
Species of Concern and Candidate Species, Pitt County, NC.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/edgecombe.html
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
DMS Project No. 100188
Draft Riparian Buffer Mitigation Plan
16 February 2022

Appendix A
Figures

Tarboro-E
Airport
fr
4' TARBORO
PRIG
111111f ily,lli
1 1. "
At
U5
i I. 42J _ _ _
5 Mile Radius
33
c COHETOE Q Project Location
Airports
a
{'S rsva:W © commercial Service
2 4 y.G4A.
Mlles General Aviation
OLD
N
VICINITY MAP
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
FIGURE 1
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem NC 27101
Edgeco he County, NC
m
w�
¢ NICHOL,S 336-790-6744

1 4$' 01
(44)
F 58 12; �' '_• 1 t..
l 43 97 44
i I 64T4�.
f° 61 64
r 43 13 ' 64
58 :q2. 64
II I I _ 11 1 33 903 17
30
JL
• l711� a
a
1 a �b. I �►s � �`�� � e .I
,1 • �l as ,•1 • I i
1 Y
C
- '� r .` ♦ � � '1 "� i ` 1. � "
0 2,000 4,000 0 Conservation Easement
Feet Parcel Boundary
i • � 1 .} .I� fr/ � � _.r6 .� I� 4
TOPOGRAPHIC
�I MAP
FIGURE
Wlcomico Buffer Mitigation Site
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
F Winston-Salem NC 27101
'I Edgecomhe County, NC
NICHOLS 336-790-6744

SPEED
030201020605
PINEY GROVE
f ■
r
v\ 030201
0 4,000 8,000
Feet
t
■
x
1
*1
r © Conservation Easement
030201030305 0 Project Watershed
0 HUC 12 Boundary
m Tar Pamlico 03 Service Area
N
WATERSHED MAP
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
FIGURE 3
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem NC 27101
Edgecomhe County, NC
w�
¢ NICHOL,S 336-790-6744

Conservation Easement p
9s s .
C +R - A aA
C • t.
Pu
Pv 14
A aARa
_ ^� L
A
C�
_ AU& -IRO
� Y
AOA _
.ry cif 0 s# A+
R T A&
a y
ft ail
1i D
r
PWADO t
bf f. ■ °
Ba: Ballahack
1119= Feet Source: 1979 Edgecombe County NRCS Soil Survey
• r
14
11 1979 Soils Map
FIGURE 4
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
Edgecombe County, NC
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
IrMNINAKHOLS
336-790-6744

11
•S
o 1,000 2,0
00
Feet -
�m
® Conservation Easement
1
1951 HISTORIC
AERIAL
FIGURE 5
Wicomico Buffer Mitigation Site
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
IrMNINAKHOLS
Edgecombe County, NC
336-790-6744

PANEL
3720475900K
eff. 602015
PANEL
3720475800J
eff. 11 /312004
Cherry Hill ChLU:' n
0 2,000 4,000
Feet
eff. 11/3/2004
PANEL
3720476000J
eff. 11 /312004
` Coakl
Conservation Easemen:
Q FIRM Panels
Flood Hazard Boundaries
Limit Lines
5FHA/ Flood Zone Boundary
Flood Hazard Zones
1%An nuaI Chance Flood Hazard
54 ft Regulatory Floodway
Special Floodway
Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard
0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Future Conditions 1%Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Area with Reduced Risk Due to Levee
PANEL Area with Risk Due to Levee
3720476600K Gages
rr�, erseff;�'t,113l2004 eR. 11IJIZUU4
FEMA MAPPING
Wicamica Buffer Mitigation Site
FIGURE 6
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Edgecomhe County, NC
w�
1 AICHOLS 336-790-6744

r
§'{ ' V
h
-t
x
I
0 Conservation Easement
Type of Site Preparation
0 300 600 F-1 Mow (0.89 ac)
Feet Rip and Disk (3.22 ac)
N
SITE PREPARATION
Wicamica Buffer Mitigation Site
FIGURE 7
FREESE 531 N. Liberty 5t.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Irm,110MICHOLS
Edgecombe County, INC
336-790-6744

100
6
,try"
. .r. Laic TtR ♦�a .sy�:.. _
V`�. 4_ e
i.;l��r^_"'} 1•'�' _ 'ice • y r y�•�y1��+]�Y:.
i,
'��V
7 t, Monitoring Plots
0 300 600 o Edge of Stream
Feet ® Buffer Restoration TOB - 100 ft (3.67 ac = 160,000.0 BMU)
0 Conservation Easement
RAITIr-ATION PLAN
WITH PLOT LOCATIONS
FIGURE 8
Wicamica Buffer Mitigation Site
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
IrMIMAKHOLSWinston-Salem, NC 27101
Edgecombe County, NC
336-790-6744

Conservation Easement Boundary
Perennial Stream
® Riparian Restoration for Nutrient offset (0-100')
ye4
0 300 600
Feet
L,
This figure only represents areas that
are viable to be converted from Riparian.4 y
Buffer Credits to Nutrient Offset Credits
14 NUTRIENT OFFSET
1 CONCEPTUAL
1llilcomico Buffer Mitigation Site
FIGURE 9
FREESE 531 N. Liberty St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
FN Edgecombe County, NC
NICHOLS 336-790-6744