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20160979 Ver 2_Poplar Creek Bank Parcel_20160979V2) MY3 Report 10122022 Submitted_20221012
ID#* 20160979 Select Reviewer: Katie Merritt Initial Review Completed Date 10/18/2022 Mitigation Project Submittal - 10/12/2022 Version* 2 Is this a Prospectus, Technical Proposal or a New Site?* Type of Mitigation Project:* Stream Wetlands Buffer Nutrient Offset (Select all that apply) Project Contact Information O Yes O No Contact Name:* Email Address-* Jamey McEachran jmceachran@res.us Project Information ID#:* 20160979 Version:* 2 Existing ID# Existing Version Project Type: DMS • Mitigation Bank Project Name: Poplar Creek Buffer Mitigation Site County: Johnston Document Information Mitigation Document Type:* Mitigation Bank Information File Upload: Poplar Creek Bank Parcel 20160979V2) MY3 Report 7.3MB 10122022 Submitted.pdf Please upload only one PDF of the complete file that needs to be submitted... Signature Print Name: * Jamey McEachran Signature: * 3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27612 Corporate Headquarters 6575 West Loop South, Suite 300 Bellaire, TX 77401 Main: 713.520.5400 10/12/2022 CREDIT RELEASE REQUEST FORM To:NCDEQ-DWR Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator From:Jamey McEachran (jmceachran@res.us & 919-62-9889) Through:Environmental Banc and Exchange-Neuse I, LLC (EBX-Neuse I, LLC) We formally request a credit release for the Poplar Creek Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Site (DWR Project #20160979 V2)for completion of Task # 6: Monitoring Report #3 per the approved credit release schedule, which is included in the Attachments with this request. The following documents have been submitted to DWR for Task # 6 and are pending review: 1)Year 3 Monitoring Report, 2)Credit Release Schedule (PDF from UMBI and Excel), and 3) Approved Credit Table (PDF from As-Built and Excel). Credits requested for release are detailed below: Credit Type% Credit Amount Notes/Comments Release(include Units) Buffer Restoration109,376.600 Buffer Preservation10822.050 Buffer Enhancement107,645.450 Generated Nitrogen Nutrient Offset10145.47 Delivered Nitrogen Nutrient Offset (Jordan sites only) Generated Nitrogen Nutrient Offset Delivered Phosphorus Nutrient Offset (Jordan sites only) Signature: Attachments: 1) Approved Project Credit Table,2)Approved Credit Release Schedule WğƓǒğƩǤ ΛağƩĭŷΜ ЋЉЋЌЋЉЋЎ ЋЉЊВ ΛWğƓΉağƩĭŷΜ ЋЉЋЌ ЋЉЋЋ АЊ͵ЏЉАЋ͵АЍ ЊЍЎ͵ЍАЊЍЎ͵ЍАЊЍЎ͵ЍА ЋБЏ͵ЍЉЉЋЉЊВЋБЏ͵ЍЉЉЋЉЋЉ ЊͲЍЌЋ͵ЉЉ БЋЋ͵ЉЎЉБЋЋ͵ЉЎЉЍЊЊ͵ЉЌЉБЋЋ͵ЉЎЉ ЍЉА͵ЍЍЉ ЊͲЏЋВ͵ААЊͲЏЋВ͵АА tƩĻƭĻƩǝğƷźƚƓbźƷƩƚŭĻƓ 1,454.730 АЊЋЍ͵ЊБЉБЎЍ͵ЋВЉЊЎЎ͵АЊЉЋЉЋЉАЏЍЎ͵ЍЎЉБЋЋ͵ЉЎЉЊЍЎ͵ЍАЉЋЉЋЊ АͲЏЍЎ͵ЍЎЉАͲЏЍЎ͵ЍЎЉЌͲББЉ͵ЏЍЉЌͲБЋЋ͵АЌЉАͲЏЍЎ͵ЍЎЉ ЊЎͲЎЋЋ͵ЎБЉЊЎͲЎЋЋ͵ЎБЉ 9ƓŷğƓĭĻƒĻƓƷ.ǒŅŅĻƩ 8,148.87 8,220.50 89240.3377,612.89 wĻƭƷƚƩğƷźƚƓ.ǒŅŅĻƩ 76,454.50 ЎіЍАЊ͵АВЉЎіЍͲЏББ͵ЌЉЉ ЋЉіЊͲББА͵ЊЍЉЋЉіЊͲББА͵ЊЍЉЊЉіЍАͲЌЋЎ͵ЋБЉЊЉіВͲЌАЏ͵ЏЉЊЉіВͲЌАЏ͵ЏЉЉЊЉіВͲЌАЏ͵ЏЉЉЊЉіВͲЌАЏ͵ЏЉЉ /ƩĻķźƷƭ hƩźŭźƓğƌ TOTAL (as-built) Credits: 93,766.00 ϔі.ǒŅŅĻƩ wĻƌĻğƭĻ /ƩĻķźƷ Instrument and BPDP Approved by DWR, Conservation Easement Recorded* and Financial Assurance PostedMitigation Site Earthwork, Planting and Installation of Monitoring Devices CompletedItem B (1) of Section X in this Instrument has been completed and approved by DWR.Monitoring Report #5: Approved by the DWR** and final site visit by DWR has been conducted 123Monitoring Financial Assurance Posted and Approval of As-Built Report4Monitoring Report #1: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed5Monitoring Report #2: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed6Monitoring Report #3: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed78Monitoring Report #4: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed9 Buffer Credit release schedule Table 1. Poplar CreekMitigation Credits Riparian Buffer Credit Credit RiparianCredit Mitigation Existing Used % Full Mitigation Per Acre Ratio ZoneTypeTypeAcreageAcreageCreditAssets 2 (ft) Pond Riparian 2 Restoration1.951.9543,5601:1100%84,875ft FootprintsBuffer Riparian 2 Restoration0.200.2043,5601:1100%8,891ft Buffer Enhancement Riparian 2 (via cattle 3.513.5143,5602:1100%76,454.5ft 0-50' Buffer exclusion) Preservation: Riparian 2 Subject 3.941.8943,56010:1100%8,220.5ft Buffer Streams 2 Total Restoration2.152.1593,766ft(2.15 ac) 2 Total Enhancement 3.513.5176,454.5ft(1.76ac) 2 8,220.5ft(0.19 ac) Total Preservation3.941.89 includes ratios & reductions Nutrient Offset Credit Credit Credit Mitigation Mitigation ZoneAcreageper Acre Ratio TypeTypeAssets (lbs) 0-50'NitrogenRestoration0.642273.02N/A1,454.73 Total0.641,454.73 *According to 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o) (4) and (5), “the area of preservation credit within a buffer mitigation site shall comprise of no more than 25% of the total area of buffer mitigation”. All riparian restoration in the table above is generated on land determined by DWR as being agricultural. Therefore, the 93,766ft² of Neuse riparian buffer restoration credits shown in the table above, can be used for either Neuse riparian buffer credits or Nitrogen nutrient offset credits, but not both. Neither riparian buffer preservation nor enhancement credits can be converted into nutrient offset credits. The Sponsor must submit a written request and receive written approval from DWR prior to any credit conversions and transfers to the buffer and nutrient offset credit ledgers. With each conversion and transfer request submitted to the DWR, the Sponsor will provide all updated credit ledgers showing all transactions that have occurred up to the date of the request. 1.4Riparian MitigationApproach Riparian Restoration Activities Buffer restoration occurredalong YB2-Aand a small area on YB2-B, including the former agricultural pond, in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n)(Figure 2). This pond was removed, and stream restorationwas performed in the pond bottom. Stream Restoration addressedimpairments, which includedtheformerpond, floodplain dislocation, bank erosion, nutrient input, livestock access, and buffer degradation. The stream design approach included breachingthe existing dam and meandering the channel within the natural valley.Riparian restoration areas wereplanted from top of bank back at least 50 feet from the stream with bare root tree seedlings on an 8 by 8-foot spacing to achieve an initial density of 680 trees per acre. Furthermore,livestock exclusion fence was installed, to removeaccess to riparian areas and their associated streams. All fencing wasinstalledto NRCS specifications. Some areas adjacent to the forested areas may require maintenance due to the rapid regenerationof some species, such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Poplar Creek3Baseline Monitoring Report MitigationSiteMarch2020 3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27612 Corporate Headquarters 6575 West Loop South, Suite 300 Bellaire, TX 77401 Main: 713.520.5400 October 10, 2022 Katie Merritt Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator, 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27620 RE: Poplar CreekYear 3 MonitoringReport (2016-0979 V2) Ms. Merritt, Please find attached the Poplar Creek Year 3 Monitoring Report. In Year 3, all 4 vegetation plots met the 320 stems per acre success criteria. The vegetation problem areas from MY2 that included the 0.77-acre low stem density area in and around Vegetation Plot 4 and the 0.65-acre area across YB2-A was replanted on March 7, 2022. Species replanted included:River birch, Sycamore, Swamp chestnut oak, Willow oak, and Overcup Oak. This year there were no low stem density areas found nor any areas of encroachment. All areas that had been fenced off were functioning properly. Additionally,there were little signs of invasive species within the project area. RES is requesting a 10% Riparian Buffer and NitrogenNutrient offset credit releasefor the completion of the Year 3 report. 10%of the Nitrogen nutrient offsetcredits (0.10x 1,454.73 lbs-N =145.47 lbs-N) 2 10%of the Neuse riparianbuffer restoration credits (0.10 x 93,766 ft2 = 9,376.60 ft) 2 10%of the Neuse riparianbuffer enhancement credits (0.10 x 76,454.50 ft2 = 7,645.45 ft) 2 10%of the Neuse riparianbuffer preservation credits (0.10 x 8,220.50 ft2 = 822.05 ft) Additionally, RES would like to request approval from DWR upon approval of the Year 3 Monitoring Report a $20,000 reduction in the performance bond (#K15481055) so that it would be reduced from $80,000 to $60,000. Thank you, Jamey McEachran| Regulatory Manager res.us Bank Parcel Development Plan Year 3 Report Poplar CreekMitigation Site DWR Project # 20160979 V2 Johnston County, North Carolina Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 Prepared By: Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC 3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27612 919-829-9909 Bank Sponsor: EBX-Neuse I, LLC October 2022 Table of Contents 1. Project Summary .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Project Location and Description .............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Project Success Criteria ............................................................................................................. 1 1.3 Project Components .................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach ................................................................................................... 3 Riparian Restoration Activities ........................................................................................................ 3 Riparian Enhancement Activities .................................................................................................... 3 Riparian Preservation Activities ...................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions ...................................................................................... 4 1.6 Year 3 Monitoring Performance ................................................................................................ 4 2. Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 5 3. References ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Appendix A:Site Maps Figure 1 - Site Location Figure 2 - Current Conditions Plan View Appendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data Table 2: Plant Species Summary Table 3: Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Table Table 4: Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species Appendix C: Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos Appendix D: Vegetation Monitoring Plot Data Sheets i 1. Project Summary 1.1 Project Location and Description EBX–Neuse I, LLC, an entity of Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), is pleased to provide this Monitoring Report for the Poplar Creek Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Bank (Parcel). This Parcel is designed to provide riparian buffer credits for unavoidable impacts due to development within the Neuse River Basin, United States Geological Survey (‘USGS’) 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC – 03020201). In addition, it also provides nutrient offset credits in the 03020201 HUC, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed, for existing and proposed development requiring such mitigation. This Parcel is in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295, 15A NCAC 02B.0240 and the RES Poplar Creek Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument for Riparian Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Credits (UMBI), made and entered into by EBX-Neuse I, LLC acting as the Bank Sponsor (Sponsor), and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality-Division of Water Resources (DWR). Supporting figures can be found in Appendix A. The Parcel has also been designed in concurrence with the Poplar Creek Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site in the Neu-Con Stream and Wetland Umbrella Mitigation Bank (SAW# 2016-01985). The mitigation plan for the Poplar Creek Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank has been approved by the Interagency Review Team (IRT). The Parcel is located in Johnston County approximately three miles north of Smithfield, NC (Figure 1). The Parcel is located within Neuse River Basin USGS 14-digit HUC 03020201100050 and North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR) Subbasin Number 03-04-02. To access the Parcel head East on NC 70 from the Town of Wilson Mills and turn right onto Wilson Mills Road and head south for approximately a quarter o- When combining the Poplar Creek Stream & Wetland Mitigation Bank with the Poplar Creek Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Bank, the conservation easement totals 23.59 acres and includes three unnamed tributaries that drain to Poplar Creek. The drainage area of the Parcel is 0.3 mi². The Parcel is located in an area dominated by agricultural fields, cattle pastures and wooded areas. The majority of the Parcel was actively grazed pasture and disturbed riparian forest. Additional land use practices included the maintenance and removal of riparian vegetation, maintained vegetation, grazed pasture, and agricultural ponds. The Parcel also contained one agricultural pond that had been in place for at least 20 years. The Poplar Creek Mitigation Site was built to provide stream restoration, enhancement, and preservation on approximately 4,273 linear feet. Riparian restoration, enhancement, and preservation of the Neuse riparian buffer (as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0233) and other riparian areas onsite result in immediate water quality benefits within the vicinity of the Parcel and include the removal of livestock access to Parcel streams and reduction in nutrient loads from agricultural land-uses. The riparian restoration activities within the Parcel also result in improved water quality within the downstream watershed. 1.2 Project Success Criteria Annual vegetation monitoring will occur each year for a minimum of five (5) years and will be conducted during the fall season with the first year occurring at least 5 months from initial planting. Four vegetation 2 monitoring plots were installed a minimum of 100 m in size and cover at least two percent of the riparian restoration area. Plots were randomly placed throughout the planted Neuse buffer zones and nutrient offset mitigation area and are representative of the crediting areas. The following data will be recorded for all trees in the plots: species, height, planting date (or volunteer), and grid location. Photos are to be taken from all photo points each monitoring year and provided in the annual reports. The measures of vegetative Poplar Creek 1 Year 3 Monitoring Report Mitigation Site October 2022 success for the Parcel will be the survival of at least 4 native hardwood tree species, where no one species is greater than 50 percent of the established stems, established at a density of at least 260 planted trees per acre at the end of Year 5. Native volunteer species may be included to meet the performance standards. Invasive and noxious species will be monitored and treated so that none become dominant or alter the desired community structure of the site. RES must monitor the stream mitigation bank for a minimum of seven years, or until IRT approval. Therefore, plots placed within riparian restoration areas that are outside of the mitigation area for buffer and nutrient offset credits will be monitored in accordance with the monitoring protocol in the Poplar Creek Stream Mitigation Plan. 1.3 Project Components 2 2 This Bank generates approximately 93,766 ftof riparian buffer restoration credits (84,875 ft from 2 backfilling and planting the pond), 76,454.5 ftof riparian buffer enhancement credits via cattle exclusion, 2 8,220.5 ft of riparian buffer preservation credits, and 1,454.73 lbs of nutrient offset credits. These numbers reflect some small changes in total credit amounts due to the use of the actual as-built survey top of bank 2 and tree line. The total restoration credit increased by 4,526 ft, total enhancement credit decreased by 1,158 22 ft, total preservation credit increased by 72 ft, and total nutrient offset credit increased by 32 lbs. The riparian buffer mitigation credits generated, service Neuse buffer impacts within the USGS 8-digit HUC 03020201 of the Neuse River Basin excluding the Falls Lake Watershed. The Nitrogen nutrient offsets generated services nutrient load reduction requirements where payments are authorized in 15A NCAC 02B .0240 within the USGS 8-digit HUC 03020201, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed. The Sponsor maintains 3 credit ledgers. One ledger accounts for buffer restoration credits, one ledger accounts for buffer preservation and enhancement credits, and one accounts for nitrogen nutrient offset credits. All mitigation credit assets shall be shown on these credit ledgers. The total potential riparian buffer and nutrient offset mitigation credits that the Poplar Creek Bank generates are summarized below. Table 1. Poplar Creek Mitigation Credits Riparian Buffer Credit Credit RiparianCredit Mitigation Existing Used % Full Mitigation Per Acre Ratio Zone Type Type Acreage Acreage Credit Assets 2 (ft) Pond Riparian 2 Restoration 1.95 1.95 43,560 1:1 100% 84,875 ft Footprints Buffer Riparian 2 Restoration 0.20 0.20 43,560 1:1 100% 8,891 ft Buffer Enhancement Riparian 2 (via cattle 3.51 3.51 43,560 2:1 100% 76,454.5 ft 0-50' Buffer exclusion) Preservation: Riparian 2 Subject 3.94 1.89 43,560 10:1 100% 8,220.5 ft Buffer Streams 2 Total Restoration2.152.1593,766 ft(2.15 ac) 2 Total Enhancement 3.51 3.51 76,454.5 ft(1.76 ac) 2 8,220.5 ft(0.19 ac) Total Preservation 3.94 1.89 includes ratios & reductions Poplar Creek 2 Year 3 Monitoring Report Mitigation Site October 2022 Nutrient Offset Credit Credit Credit Mitigation Mitigation Zone Acreage per Acre Ratio Type Type Assets (lbs) 0-50'NitrogenRestoration0.642273.02N/A1,454.73 Total 0.64 1,454.73 *According to 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o) (4) and (5), “the area of preservation credit within a buffer mitigation site shall comprise of no more than 25% of the total area of buffer mitigation”. All riparian restoration in the table above is generated on land determined by DWR as being agricultural. Therefore, the 93,766 ft² of Neuse riparian buffer restoration credits shown in the table above, can be used for either Neuse riparian buffer credits or Nitrogen nutrient offset credits, but not both. Neither riparian buffer preservation nor enhancement credits can be converted into nutrient offset credits. The Sponsor must submit a written request and receive written approval from DWR prior to any credit conversions and transfers to the buffer and nutrient offset credit ledgers. With each conversion and transfer request submitted to the DWR, the Sponsor will provide all updated credit ledgers showing all transactions that have occurred up to the date of the request. 1.4 Riparian Mitigation Approach Riparian Restoration Activities Buffer restoration occurred along YB2-A and a small area on YB2-B, including the former agricultural pond, in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) (Figure 2). This pond was removed, and stream restoration was performed in the pond bottom. Stream Restoration addressed impairments, which included the former pond, floodplain dislocation, bank erosion, nutrient input, livestock access, and buffer degradation. The stream design approach included breaching the existing dam and meandering the channel within the natural valley. Riparian restoration areas were planted from top of bank back at least 50 feet from the stream with bare root tree seedlings on an 8 by 8-foot spacing to achieve an initial density of 680 trees per acre. Furthermore, livestock exclusion fence was installed, to remove access to riparian areas and their associated streams. All fencing was installed to NRCS specifications. Some areas adjacent to the forested areas may require maintenance due to the rapid regeneration of some species, such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Furthermore, the lower portion of YB2-A, that was not within the pond footprint, used for nutrient offset credit, and is viable for buffer restoration crediting in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0240. This area included the same activities as described above. Riparian Enhancement Activities Buffer enhancement along YB2-B also occurs in areas of grazing adjacent to the stream in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(6) (Figure 2). Where livestock were present, livestock exclusion fence was installed, to remove access to riparian areas and their associated streams. All fencing was installed to NRCS specifications. Some areas adjacent to the forested areas may require maintenance due to the rapid regeneration of some species, such as red maple and sweetgum. Minimal maintenance is anticipated due to the past land use history. Buffer enhancement can only generate buffer mitigation credit and is not transferrable into nutrient offset credits. Riparian Preservation Activities Buffer preservation occurred along YB1-C and YB3 in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5) (Figure 2). Preservation activities consisted of permanently protecting the buffer from cutting, clearing, filling, grading, and similar activities that would affect the functioning of the buffer. No more than 25 percent of the total area of buffer mitigation was used for preservation credit pursuant to 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(5) and 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(4) and the rest of the area is protected in the Poplar Creek 3 Year 3 Monitoring Report Mitigation Site October 2022 conservation easement and not applied for credit. Furthermore, Buffer preservation can only generate buffer mitigation credit and is not transferrable into nutrient offset credits. 1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions Revegetation of the site included treating invasive species and planting native hardwood bare root trees. Prior to planting, RES prepped the site by spraying and ripping the easement. Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp is the target community type and was used for all areas within the project. The community is defined by Schafale (2012). The planting of bare root trees occurred in May and December 2019. Deviations from the initial planting plan were due to bare root availability. A list of the planted species can be found in Table 2. Stream construction activities were originally completed in May 2019. Based on a site visit conducted by th NCDWR on July 9 , construction was determined to be incomplete until the IRT recommended updates were made. Reaches YB1-C and YB2-B underwent significant stream repairs in the fall of 2019. Trees in these two areas were replanted in December 2019. After all site work was complete, it was determined that the original four vegetation plots, Vegetation Plot 1, 2, 3, and 4, for the Poplar Creek Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset sections of the project were not impacted during site work and therefore were not remeasured in December. RES acquired 404 (SAW-2016-01985), 401 (DWR # 16-0979), and NPDES Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (JC# 19-003-P) Permits. There were no easement changes between BPDP approval and construction. The conservation easement is marked every 150-200 feet with North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation signs attached to either fences or t-posts. Fences were installed in areas where livestock is present, and t-posts are used as physical barriers where livestock is not present. 1.6 Year 3 Monitoring Performance The Poplar Creek Year 3 Monitoring (MY3) activities were completed in September 2022. All MY3 data is present below and in the appendices. The Site is on track to meeting vegetation and stream interim success criteria. Monitoring of the four permanent vegetation plots was completed in September 2022. Vegetation tables are located in Appendix B and associated photos are in Appendix C. Monitoring Year 3 (MY3) monitoring data indicates that all four plots are exceeding the interim success criteria of 320 planted stems per acre. Planted stem densities ranged from 567 to 971 planted stems per acre with a mean of 789 planted stems per acre across all plots. A total of 14 species were documented within the plots. Volunteer species were recorded in all plots. The average tree height observed was 10.5 feet. Visual assessment of vegetation outside of the monitoring plots indicates that the herbaceous vegetation is becoming well established throughout the project. Areas with low stem densities and vegetation plots that failed to meet success in MY2 were replanted in March 2022 with container 3-gallon trees (Figure 2). Species planted included: River birch, Sycamore, Swamp chestnut oak, Willow oak, and Overcup oak. All the fencing was in good condition and there was no evidence of cattle in the easement. There was no encroachment observed or similar activities that would negatively affect the functioning of the buffer. Diffuse flow was also maintained throughout the conservation easement area. Small areas of re-sprouted Chinese privet were treated in May 2022 along reaches YB2-B and YB3 and will continue to be addressed as needed throughout the monitoring period. There were several stream structure repairs performed in 2021, however, the impact to the buffer was minimal and the affected areas were properly replanted. In addition to the DWR permanent vegetation plots, all six stream site vegetation plots met interim success in MY3. This includes the areas where stream structure repairs were performed in 2021. Poplar Creek 4 Year 3 Monitoring Report Mitigation Site October 2022 2. Methods Vegetation success is being monitored at four permanent vegetation plots. Vegetation plot monitoring follows the CVS-EEP Level 2 Protocol for Recording Vegetation, version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008) and includes analysis of species composition and density of planted species. Data is processed using the CVS data entry tool. In the field, the four corners of each plot were permanently marked with PVC at the origin and metal conduit at the other corners. Photos of each plot are to be taken from the origin each monitoring year. In MY1, RES also measured four random vegetation plots in the area of YB2-A per DWR request. The random 2 vegetation plots were measured in 25 by 4 m (100 m) transects. 3. References Environmental Banc & Exchange – Neuse I, LLC (2018). Poplar Creek Buffer Mitigation Site – Bank Parcel Development Plan Lee Michael T., Peet Robert K., Roberts Steven D., and Wentworth Thomas R., 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation Level. Version 4.2 NCDENR. 2009. “Neuse River Basinwide Water Quality Plan.” Division of Water Quality. http:// http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/neuse/2009. (October 2013). NC Environmental Management Commission. 2014. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295 - Mitigation Program Requirements for the Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers. Schafale, M.P. 2012. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDENR, Raleigh, NC. Poplar Creek 5 Year 3 Monitoring Report Mitigation Site October 2022 Appendix A -Site Maps Legend Proposed Easement Date: 6/14/2019 Figure 1 - Site Location Drawn by: MDE Poplar Creek Mitigation Site © Checked by: RTM 01,0002,000 Johnston County, North Carolina 1 inch = 2,000 feet Feet seicepS evisavnI dxm.RWD 3YM - VPCC - 2 erugiF\\RWD\\3YM\\gnirotinoM\\DXM\\keerC_ralpoP_931001\\stcejorP\\sigtne\\sigseR\\:R :htaP tnemucoD Appendix B - Vegetation Assessment Data Appendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data Table 2. Planted Species Summary Common NameScientific Name Total Stems Planted Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 2,000 River Birch Betula nigra 1,500 Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 1,500 Water Tupelo Nyssa aquatica 1,200 Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata 1,200 Swamp Chestnut Oak Quercus michauxii 1,200 Willow Oak Quercus phellos 1,200 Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum 1,200 Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 1,000 Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera 1,000 Water Oak Quercus nigra 1,000 Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis 600 Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum 500 White Dogwood Cornus florida 400 Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica 400 American Hazelnut Corylus americana 200 Total 16,100 Table 3. Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Average Success Planted Volunteers Total Planted Plot #Criteria Stems/AcreStems/AcreStems/AcreStem Met? Height (ft) 1 9714451416Yes8.6 2 809121931Yes12.5 3 80981890Yes13.1 4 567324890Yes7.1 Project Avg7892431032Yes10.5 Appendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data Table 4. Stem Count Total and Planted Species by Plot Appendix C - Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos Poplar Creek MY3 Vegetation Plot Photos Vegatation Plot 1 (9/27/2022) Vegatation Plot 2 (9/27/2022) Vegatation Plot 3 (9/27/2022) Vegatation Plot 4 (9/27/2022) Supplemental Planting (3/7/2022) Supplemental Planting (3/7/2022) Appendix D - Vegetation Monitoring Plot Data Sheets