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Home My WebLink About20071995 Ver 1_Year 2 Monitoring Report_20150102Engineering Services Department B. Keith Pugh, P.E. DIRECTOR D-1- iqCV5 NORTH CAROLINA'S INTERNATIONAL CITYT RECEIVED N.C. Dept. of ENR JAN 0 2 2015 December 31, 2014 WINSTON -SALEM REGIONAL OFFICE Sue Homewood NC DENR Winston -Salem Regional Office Division of Water Resources — Water Quality Programs 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd, Suite 300 Winston Salem NC 27105 RE: Hartley Drive Widening and Extension Second Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report High Point, North Carolina Dear Sue: The City of High Point has completed the second annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (enclosed) for the Hartley Drive Widening and Extension project. Please let me know if you need additional copies. We will continue to monitor the wetland site as required by the Minimum Monitoring Requirements for Compensatory Mitigation Projects for permit authorization under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Please contact me if you need any additional information or if you have any questions. Sincerely, Terry A.f Kuneff, P.E., M Engineering Services Department HARTLEY ROAD WIDENING AND EXTENSION SECOND ANNUAL MITIGATION MONITORING REPORT HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA December 2014 Prepared By: CITY OF HIGH POINT Mr. Keith Pugh, P.E. — Director of Engineering Services City of High Point 211 S. Hamilton Street High Point, NC 27261 (336) 883 -3194 & w 411kri NoeLTMCAROLINA %iNTEwwT,oNALcn r- Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina TABLE OF CONTENTS December 2014 F ji RECEIVED C Dept of ENR N 0 2 2015 NSTON- c -,r+L, AAA . REGRage iNolu 1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................... ..............................1 1.1 BRIEF OVERVIEW ........................................................ ............................... 1 1.2 SIMPLE DESCRIPTION ............................................... ............................... 2 2.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................................ ............................... 2 3.0 SITE PREPARATION .............................................................. ............................... 4 3.1 CLEARING ..................................................................... ............................... 4 3.2 REGRADING ................................................................... ..............................4 3.3 REESTABLISHMENT OF HYDROLOGY ................ ............................... 5 3.4 PREPARE SUBSTRATE ............................................... ............................... 6 4.0 VEGETATION PLANTING PLAN ......................................... ............................... 6 5.0 HYDROLOGY ESTABLISHMENT ....................................... ............................... 8 6.0 MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING ................................. ............................... 8 6.1 PROJECT GOALS ......................................................... ............................... 9 6.2 METHODS ...................................................................... .............................10 6.3 CONTINGENCY ............................................................ .............................11 7.0 MONITORING LEVEL 1 ........................................................ .............................13 7.1 PLANT SURVIVAL ANALYSIS .................................. .............................14 7.2 CHANNEL STABILITY ANALYSIS ......................... ............................... 14 7.3 BIOLOGICAL DATA .................................................. ............................... 14 8.0 FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..... ............................... 15 APPENDIX A - FIGURES APPENDIX B - PHOTOGRAPHS 11 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension December 2014 High Point, North Carolina 1.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 1.1 Brief Overview The City of High Point, NC, has performed the widening and extension of Hartley Drive across unnamed tributaries to Rich Fork Creek and freshwater wetlands in High Point, NC. Hartley Drive was extended from the existing western terminus of Hartley Drive in Guilford County to Westover Drive (SR 1738) in Davidson County, NC (Appendix A — Figures 1 and 2). Hartley Drive was widened to a four lane highway from the existing intersection with Main Street (US 311) to Westover Drive (SR 1738). The City of High Point, North Carolina had retained the firm of STV /Ralph Whitehead Associates (STV /RWA), of Charlotte, North Carolina, to conduct the Section 404 wetlands permitting services for the proposed widening and extension of Hartley Drive which was issued on June 17, 2009 (Action ID No. SAW - 2007 - 03968). As an integral part of the Section 404 permitting, an on -site mitigation area was proposed, consisting of a relocated stream and a created forested/emergent wetland system. This second Mitigation Monitoring Report details the stream and wetland mitigation progress including reference photos, plant survival analysis, channel stability analysis and biological data as outlined in the Stream Mitigation Guidelines (April 2003) prepared by representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District (USACE), North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV (USEPA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). STV /RWA's environmental scientists developed the mitigation plan, including the site preparation, vegetation plantings, establishment of hydrology, and the proposed maintenance and monitoring of the area. Approximately 140 linear feet of stream and 10,036 square feet of wetland have been created for the mitigation required. The final determination for the created wetland size will be made at the end of the five year maintenance and monitoring period. The responsible party for the mitigation is as follows: Mr. Keith Pugh, P.E. — Director of Engineering Services City of High Point 211 S. Hamilton Street High Point, NC 27261 (336) 883 -3194 The responsible party is responsible for the monitoring and remedial activities at the mitigation site. 1 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 1.2 Simple Description The proposed project involved extending Hartley Drive approximately 5800 feet through a currently undeveloped wooded area thereby connecting US 311 (Main Street) to Westover Drive (SR 1738). The project corridor is situated between US 311 and the intersection of Westover Drive and Shadow Valley Road and crosses Ingleside Drive at its approximate center point. The project further involved the widening of Hartley Drive to four lanes which required the expansion of the roadway near the Hartley Drive /Westover Drive intersection, the Hartley Drive /Ingleside Drive intersection, and the section of Hartley Drive west of US 311 to the existing western terminus of Hartley Drive. The project also involved the modification of the existing traffic signal located at the intersection of Hartley Drive and US 311 in order to handle the additional two lanes that will be added to Hartley Drive west of US 311. The eastern portion of the site is situated in Guilford County whereas the western portion of the site is situated in Davidson County. The proposed roadway alignment impacted the project area streams and wetlands. The jurisdictional boundaries of the project corridor streams and wetlands had been confirmed by the USACE and the NCDWQ during two field inspections /confirmations A jurisdictional determination request was submitted to the USACE on April 24, 2006 The first field confirmation was conducted on May 8th, 2006 by Mr. Todd Tugwell of the USACE and Mr. Daryl Lamb of the NCDWQ. The boundaries of the delineated streams and wetlands were confirmed, and the subsequent survey of these jurisdictional areas was submitted in September 2006. A second field confirmation of the project corridors jurisdictional areas was requested by the USACE and the NCDWQ due to the departures of the two agency personnel who conducted the initial field inspection/confirmation. The second field confirmation was conducted on January 29th, 2008 by Mr. Andy Williams of the USACE and Ms. Sue Homewood of the NCDWQ. The boundaries of the project corridor wetlands were again confirmed, and the proposed on -site mitigation plan was discussed. 2.0 BACKGROUND According to aerial photography viewed on the City of High Point Geographical Information System (GIS), the proposed project corridor was a mix of woodland with four streams in the central portion and the western portion of the site. Surrounding land use is primarily residential with a few commercial properties. Residential development abuts the project site to the north, west, and southeast. Commercial properties abut the project corridor on the eastern portion of the site. The mitigation project area is within a successional wooded area that has experienced recent impacts due to the presence of a sanitary sewer line which crosses the project corridor. 2k Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina Jurisdictional Streams December 2014 Two stream channels were located within the proposed mitigation area. Both of the streams were classified as perennial, according to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality - Stream Identification Form. Both channels are unnamed tributaries to Rich Fork Creek in the Yadkin -Pee Dee drainage basin. Stream 1 is a perennial stream located in the western portion of the project corridor between Ingleside Drive and Westover Drive This stream begins at the Westgate Road residential development located to the north, and flows to the southwest into the project corridor. This first order stream received a score of 52 on the USACE Stream Quality Assessment Worksheet. Stream 2 is a perennial stream also located in the western portion of the project corridor between Ingleside Drive and Westover Drive. This stream begins at the Embers Road and Westgate Road residential development located to the north, and flows to the southwest where it is joined by an intermittent tributary north of the project corridor, and then flows south into the project corridor where is joined by Stream 1. This second order stream received a score of 57 on the USACE Stream Quality Assessment Worksheet. The overstory vegetation in the area surrounding Stream 1 and Stream 2 was previously dominated by sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), red maple (Acer rubrum), and American sycamore (Platanus occidentahs) The area has since been cleared for the construction of the roadway, the installation of the sanitary sewer which crosses through the project corridor, and the creation of the mitigation area. Site Topography and Geology In general, both surface and groundwater flow directions are controlled by the topography in the Piedmont with the flow generally occurring perpendicular to the contours from high to low elevations. Based on our review of the 1993 USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle Topographic Map for High Point West, NC, the ground surface of the project area is between 820 feet to 880 feet above mean sea level (Appendix A - Figure 2). The elevation at the proposed mitigation area is approximately 820 to 822 feet above mean sea level. The majority of surface water flows by sheet drainage downslope to the east or west into one of the streams; these streams flow southwest as tributaries to Rich Fork Creek. Soils According to the USDA Soil Survey of Davidson County (1994) on -site soils consist of Poindexter and Zion sandy loams 2 to 8 percent slopes (PnB), Poindexter and Zion sandy loams 8 to 15 percent slopes (PnD), and Poindexter and Zion sandy loams 15 to 25 percent slopes (PnE) (Appendix A — Figure 3). According to the USDA Soil Survey of Guilford County (1977) project corridor soils consist of Chewacla sandy loam (Ch), 3 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 Wilkes sandy loam 6 to 10 percent slopes (WkC), and Wilkes sandy loam 15 to 45 percent slopes (WkE) (Appendix A - Figure 4). Chewacla sandy loam is listed as a hydric soil on the North Carolina Hydric Soils List. Poindexter and Zion sandy loam 15 to 25 percent slopes (PnE) are mapped within the corridor of Stream 1 and 2 in the proposed mitigation area. 3.0 SITE PREPARATION The preparation of the mitigation area involved several steps that were necessary to change the topography and hydrological regime within the stream relocation and wetland creation area. The initial preparation involved the clearing and grubbing of the existing vegetation This clearing was followed by the regrading of the topography to match the design plans. The preparation of the mitigation area coincided with the relocation of the sanitary sewer that crosses the project corridor in this area. The hydrology for the mitigation area is provided by the rerouting of the project corridor's Stream 2 into Stream 1 slightly upstream of the existing confluence. The existing stream flow was maintained while the mitigation area substrate was prepared and the wetlands plantings were established. 3.1 Clearing Mechanical clearing of the area vegetation was the initial step in the preparation of the mitigation area. The clearing of the area vegetation was necessary for the relocation of the sanitary sewer that crosses the project corridor in this portion of the project, as well as the relocation of a portion of Stream 2. Clearing extended from the area where the sanitary sewer was relocated through the stream relocation/mitigation area, to the proposed roadway As mentioned in Section 2, the vegetation of the area included sweetgum, red maple, and American sycamore Grubbing of the cleared vegetation roots followed the vegetation clearing to remove the roots of these saplings. Soil erosion and sediment control fencing was installed at the outer and down slope limits of the proposed wetland mitigation area, and around the areas of exposed soils. 3.2 Regrading The area topography was graded after the clearing of the area vegetation. Earthworking equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, front -end loaders, and track hoes were used to initially prepare the site, and remove the top soil of the area. All large boulders, rocks and stones were separated from the soils and stockpiled for later use. No soils, boulders, rocks, stones, or any other materials were stockpiled within jurisdictional areas. After the boulders, rocks and stones were screened out of the regraded project area, site soils were temporarily stockpiled outside of the project area for use within the mitigation area. El Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 The proposed mitigation area was regraded to achieve a level topography. This level grading for the mitigation area tied into the proposed regrading of the sanitary sewer relocation area in order to achieve a uniform slope from the sanitary sewer relocation area to the wetland mitigation area. Bankfull elevations and thalweg elevations were set by surveyors to establish depths for the relocated stream. The flood prone area surrounding the relocated stream was also established to handle a 50 -year storm event. Flooding of the stream channel during extreme precipitation events provides additional hydrological input for the wetland mitigation area 3.3 Reestablishment of Hydrology Upon the completion of the site regrading, the new stream channel was prepared. The existing Stream 1 and the proposed stream were created with a similar entrenchment ratio, width/depth ratio and sinuosity. The recreated stream meanders are essentially a reverse of the existing stream sinuosity. Additionally, since the length of the relocated portion of the stream is less than the impacted portion of the stream, the meanders have a shorter run length between them. This is required to direct the stream into the culvert that was built underneath the roadway. This reduction in natural stream length prohibited a duplication of the existing stream wavelength. The portion of the stream reach that was impacted provided the representative reference stream morphology for the relocated stream. The stream morphology in the non - impacted upstream portion did not provide the entrenchment and sinuosity representation of the portion of the stream reach to be impacted. Approximately 140 linear feet of new stream channel was created. This new stream channel also conveys the necessary hydrology to the proposed wetlands mitigation area which is located between the relocated stream and the new section of the Hartley Drive roadway The relocated stream channel is drained by the culvert under the new section of Hartley Drive, which is connected to the portion of Stream 1 that is located south of the proposed project corridor. The relocated portion of the stream consists of a thalweg which is the deepest portion of the proposed stream channel and conveys the area stormwater' runoff in low flow conditions, and a larger bankfull area to handle larger flows of stormwater from the upstream areas. From the bankfull area, the relocated streams associated flood prone width provides additional volume for the design storm and includes the wetland mitigation area on the south side of the stream. Coconut fiber matting was used to line the stream banks to assist in the stabilization of the soils. The thalweg of the relocated stream channel is unlined. Boulders and stones were placed on top of the matting in designated areas to stabilize the stream banks and further limit the erosion and scouring of the stream flow. A rock cross vane was placed 5 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 across the stream as shown on the mitigation plan (Appendix A - Sheet 17) to provide grade control, maintain the thalweg in the center of the channel, and to provide a pool which will help to reduce flow velocities, reduce stream bank scour and provide additional aquatic habitat. The culvert that has been placed under the roadway takes the stream flow from the mitigation site and directs it under the proposed roadway to the downstream portion of Stream 1. The invert elevation at the point where the culvert intercepts both Stream 1 and the relocated Stream 2 is at approximately 816.5 feet. 3.4 Prepare Substrate As previously mentioned, earthworking equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, front - end loaders, and track hoes were used to initially prepare the site. Similar equipment was used to transfer the stockpiled soils and boulders from the stockpile areas to the proposed mitigation area. No heavy earthworking equipment was permitted to enter existing jurisdictional areas, and was largely limited to the proposed construction and mitigation areas. The placement of the stockpiled boulders at the designated areas along the stream banks was done to armor the stream banks against erosion during high flow periods. A coconut fiber mat was placed over the stream banks at these areas prior to boulder placement. The coconut fiber matting helped to stabilize the stream bank soils, and will be permitted to decompose naturally after the boulders have been placed The boulder revetment will help to maintain the stream bank and still provide a natural stream bank substrate. The boulder revetments along the stream bank were constructed by first lining the smaller boulders along the toe of the stream bank, under the proposed water table elevation. Progressive layers of larger boulders were then placed over the smaller boulders, until the top of bank was reached. The substrate soils of the wetland mitigation area were prepared by first grading the area subsoil (as described in Section 3.2) to elevations approximately one foot below the final proposed grade, and then spreading the stockpiled soils over the prepared subsoil. The stockpiled soils were then spread over the mitigation area by hand to ensure that the compaction of the soils was minimized. The topsoil was loosely placed over the subsoil, and was spread in a slightly uneven manner creating mounds and kettles for a variable microtopography in the mitigation area. 4.0 VEGETATION PLANTING PLAN After the soils substrate was prepared, landscaping contractors began the installation of the vegetative plantings for the area surrounding the relocated stream and for the wetland mitigation area. Tree species that were planted in the wetland mitigation area match the types of species found naturally within the existing forest of the area. 3 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 The nurseries that are found within the vicinity of the project were used to provide the mitigation area vegetation. All planting was done by hand. Materials were brought to the site in good condition and then placed in a central drop location. The materials were then hand - carried to their planting locations and in turn, planted by hand Rounded, shallow planting shovels were to be used in this effort. Container -grown plant material delivered to the job site was watered to assure moist soil /root masses. Any dry and light weight plants were not accepted. When not planted immediately, the container was stored out of the sun and wind and kept moist. The trees planted were not in leaf and the buds were firm and free of damage, discoloration, insects and fungus. Containers were a minimum of quart size for shrubs and gallon size for trees. The trees and shrubs were planted in the fall (September 15 to October 30). A hole was dug twice as deep as the root ball. The only shovels allowed were rounded, shallow spades. The hole was then backfilled with a thin layer (two to four inches) of rich, organic topsoil. The plant was placed inside the hole, the hole was backfilled to the top, and then gently tamped down. A wetland seed mix was chosen based on commercial availability and the seed species' ability to survive In moist areas adjacent to the road with some sun. Seeds were broadcast by knapsack seeder using the proper seeding rate, carefully proportioning seed for the entire area. The seed was covered with a light layer of straw mulch following seeding. The overstory species planted are considered to be facultative and facultative wetland species. These include American sycamore (FACW), red maple (FAC), sweetgum (FAC), and pussy willow (Salix discolor, FACW). Each of these tree species were planted on a raised mound of soil to create a varied microtopography within the wetland area, and to ensure that the tree could receive adequate air during periods of prolonged inundation and flooding within the wetland area Shrubs planted in this wetland mitigation area included highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum, FACW) and winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata, FACW). Herbaceous wetland species planted as plugs included upright sedge (Carex stricta, OBL), soft rush (Juncus effusus, FACW), woolgrass (Scirpus cyperinus, OBL), and Virginia blue flag iris (Iris virginica, OBL). A wetland seed mixture was also sown into the wetland mitigation area. A species of Burford holly (Ilex cornuta, NL) was planted at the toe of the slope of the proposed roadway in place of the proposed American holly (I opaca, FAC). The existing seed bank in the area soils that was used in the final grading also have germinated and have begun to colonize the wetland mitigation area. These volunteer species now in the wetland mitigation area include cow vetch (Vicia cracca), hawkweed (Hieracium sp.), beggars ticks (Bidens sp.), yellow sweet clover (Mehlotus off cinalrs), red clover (Tr folium pretense), and Carolina cranesbill (Geranium carohnianum). 7 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension December 2014 High Point, North Carolina 5.0 HYDROLOGY ESTABLISHMENT The relocation of the sanitary sewer, installation of the proposed 60" culvert pipe, and the preparation of the relocated stream channel was completed before establishing the hydrology to the proposed wetland mitigation area. When the procedures outlined in Section 3 (Site Preparation) and Section 4 (Vegetation Planting Plan) were completed, the stream was directed from the existing location to the prepared, relocated stream channel. The existing stream flow now continues within the stream relocation and the mitigation area The combined streams drain into the culvert that was placed under the roadway. The portion of the existing stream channel that has been abandoned and not impacted by the roadway has become incorporated into the proposed wetland mitigation area. The remaining portion of the stream channel has been blocked off by an embankment protected by a matting of coconut fiber covered by a row of boulders, or has been filled by the roadway embankment. The thalweg is partially blocked (temporarily) at the rock vane within the newly created stream channel. The thalweg has been blocked using removable sandbags until the wetland mitigation area is fully established. The temporary blocking of this main drainage way for the stream has backed the water up into the wetland mitigation area, creating a pool in this portion of the relocated stream channel. The inundation of the wetland mitigation area by stormwater eliminated the need to water this area as it was being established. It is also permitting the fine sediments carried in the water column to fall out into this stream pool area. Fine sediments and clay particles on the substrate surface will help to decrease the soil permeability, and increase the surface inundation within the mitigation area. 6.0 MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING The Hartley Dive "Opening Ceremony" was held on September 12, 2013. Monitoring and maintenance efforts for the mitigation )plantings will take place over a five year period following construction as required by the Minimum Monitoring Requirements for Compensatory Mitigation Projects for permit authorizations under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This will include frequent visits for the first growing season, and then twice a year for the next two years, with additional inspections as required depending on the site conditions. The scientist in charge will conduct a survey of the site and site conditions will be noted and adjusted as necessary. An annual report will be provided to the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR), the City of High Point and the Army Corps of Engineers every year for each of the five years. This is the second of the required mitigation monitoring reports, and has been prepared by Terry Kuneff of the City of High Point Engineering Services during 2014. This report includes the following information: n Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 1. All plant species, along with their estimated relative frequency and percent cover, are identified. 2. Photographs showing all areas of the mitigation site have been taken. Plantings are to meet or exceed an 85 percent survival rate by the end of the second growing season. If this goal is not met, the site will be re- evaluated, and re- grading and /or replanting will be completed as necessary. Invasive species will not constitute more than 10 percent of the vegetative community. If this goal is exceeded, measures will be taken to eradicate the invasive species. 6.1 Project Goals Project Goal 1: The created wetland community should be a jurisdictional wetland as defined by current federal standards. Objective: The created wetland should develop the three characteristics (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology) that define a wetland to compensate for a portion of the wetlands impacted by the extension of Hartley Drive The remaining compensation at a 2:1 ratio was fulfilled using the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program in -lieu fee mitigation program. Performance Criteria: a. Predominance of hydroph3jic ve etg ation: More than 50% of the dominant plant species must be hydrophytic. The majority of the hydrophytic vegetation is surviving. Although two (2) of the Red Maples have died, several volunteer species such as Sycamore, Sweetgum, and Tulip Poplar are colonizing around the dead maples. RESULT: Although the hydrophytic vegetation that has been planted in the mitigation area is thriving, the dominant volunteer herbaceous species that currently covers the wetland mitigation area consists of sedges which have resulted due to the seed planted in the surrounding areas. b. Occurrence of hydric soils: Hydric soil characteristics should be present, or conditions favorable for hydric soil formation should persist at the site. RESULT: The prolonged saturation of the soils in the wetland mitigation area continue to deplete the iron content of the soils, lowering the chromas of the subsoils. The prolonged saturation of the soils in the wetland mitigation area continues to develop redoximorphic features through the spring and summer growing seasons. c. Presence of wetland hydrology: The area must be either permanently or periodically inundated or have soils that are saturated to the surface for at least two weeks during the growing season. RESULT: Several areas of inundation were observed within the wetland mitigation area during the winter of 2013 to 2014, during the spring of 2014, and have extended into October of 2014. The presence of the observed amphibian breeding areas within the wetland mitigation area indicates that vernal pool habitat conditions exist within the mitigation areas. This is a very good indicator of the presence of wetland hydrology. E Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 Project Goal 2: The created wetland plant community should meet standards for planted species survival and floristic composition. Objective: The planting of trees will create a forested wetland. Other woody and herbaceous vegetation that is planted as plugs, seeded, or develops from the natural seed bank will be allowed to colonize the site naturally, which the exception of noxious invasive weed species that will be removed. Performance criteria: a. Planted species survivorship: At least 85% of the planted trees and shrubs should be established and living by the end of the five year monitoring period. RESULT: The trees and shrubs that were planted within the wetland mitigation area are currently thriving and have an 85.7% survivorship as of October 2014. Although it will be several years before the trees mature, the goal of developing a forested wetland is clearly attainable in the future. As previously noted, there are several species of native volunteer growth throughout the wetland mitigation area. b. Native species composition At least 50% of the plants present should be non - weedy, native, perennial species. RESULT: The only invasive species identified as volunteers within the wetland mitigation area are Cattails. Therefore, the native species composition is well over the required 50 %. c. Dominance of ve etg ation: None of the three most dominant plant species may be non - native or weedy species, such as cattail, or reed canary grass. RESULT: No non - native, invasive species have been identified as volunteers within the wetland mitigation area Cattail is limited to the few areas that have experienced prolonged inundation Therefore, none of the three most dominant plant species are non- native or weedy species. 6.2 Methods a Predominance of hydroj2h3lic vegetation The method for determining dominant vegetation at a wetland site is described in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0; April 2012). It is based on aerial coverage estimates for individual plant species. Each of the dominant plant species is then assigned its wetland indicator status rating. Any plant rated facultative or wetter, i.e , FAC, FACW, and OBL, is considered a hydrophyte. A predominance of wetland vegetation in the plant community exists if more than 50% of the dominant species present are hydrophytic. b. Occurrence of hydric soils The soil will be sampled in order to monitor hydric soil development. Soil profile morphology including horizon color, texture, and structure will be described at various points throughout the mitigation site. Additionally, the presence, type, size, and abundance of redoximorphic features will be noted. Hydric soils may develop slowly, 10 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 and characteristics may not be apparent during the first several years after project construction. c Presence of wetland hydrology Wetland hydrology will be assumed if at least one of the primary indicators of hydrology is present (i.e., surface water, saturation, water marks, or water - strained leaves), or if at least two secondary indicators are present (i.e., drainage patterns, geomorphic position, microtopographic relief, and FAC- neutral test). 6.3 Contingency In the event that the area has not developed wetland characteristics as determined by the project goal methodology, an evaluation of the potential causes for this failure will be performed and corrective action will be taken. The absence of wetland soils, hydrology and /or the absence of the prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation over some or all of the desired mitigation area will be the trigger to perform this corrective action. Corrective actions may include minor grading, soils reworking /amending and replanting as described below: Additional vegetation plantings This is the most common contingency plan utilized for wetland mitigation projects. Replanting is most often used to remedy failures to meet cover or plant survival standards. If plantings have failed, it is likely that some underlying problem (e.g., too much or too little water) is at fault. Replanting without addressing the root cause is likely to result in another failure RESULT: No additional plantings are required at this time. Invasive species control This is a necessary contingency when the standard of success limits the cover of invasive species on the site. Also, when plant survival or diversity standards are not being met, weed control may be needed. The control method(s) which may be used will include clearing undesirable species by hand, and spot pesticide/herbicide application. RESULT: The invasive species cattail have become volunteers within the wetland mitigation area Removal of these volunteers by the City of High Point is recommended. Soil amendment If vegetation populations are not responding as expected, it may be necessary to add organic matter, structural components, or specific nutrients to the soil. RESULT: The wetland mitigation area has achieved 100% vegetative cover and all of the planted species are thriving. No soil amendment will be necessary. Supplement hydrology If the site does not have sufficient water supply, surface water may need to be diverted from a nearby stream or stormwater system. If such supplemental sources are not available, then additional remedial measures such as those listed below may be required. 11 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 RESULT: An irrigation system has been installed within and around the wetland mitigation area to provide a supplemental hydrology if required. The precipitation amounts through 2014 have been higher than normal years so supplemental hydrology is not necessary at this time. Decrease soil permeability Fine sediments may be added or subsoil could be compacted to decrease soil permeability and increase water retention time. This is best used very early after site construction in order to avoid the need to replant. RESULT: The homogenized surface and subsurface soils from the excavations of the area that are now within the wetland mitigation area have a low permeability allowing the inundation of the wetland by holding areas of standing water. These ponded areas within the wetland are similar to vernal pool habitats and are active amphibian breeding grounds indicating no change to soil permeability is required. Grading revisions Grading may be required to slow surface water sheet flow across the site or adjust stream dynamics of channelized systems. RESULT: The presence of surface waters within the stream and wetland indicate that no grading revisions are required to the stream or wetland area. Erosion control If surface water drainage channels develop, additional planting might be adequate to control this. Or, erosion - control matting (e g., biodegradable fiber mats) or physical controls (rock, hay bales) may be installed as an interim measure. The ultimate goal should be to have erosion controlled by an appropriate combination of reduced slope and increased vegetation density. RESULT: A small area of erosion had occurred from the drainage leaving the wetland to the streambank prior to the First Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (2013) which created a small channel. This area has been re- evaluated and determined to be corrected. Access control Fencing, blocking vehicle access points, and other measures can be employed to prevent vandalism, dumping of trash, and other impacts caused by humans or domestic animals. The planting of a boundary of dense thorny holly shrubs may help to provide both access control as well as providing wildlife habitat. RESULT. A guardrail is located between the sidewalk and the mitigation area to discourage pedestrian access. A boundary of holly shrubs has been planted at the toe of the roadway embankment to further discourage access to the mitigation area so no further access control is proposed. Pest control If revegetation is failing due to herbivory, the wildlife responsible need to be identified and appropriate damage control methods employed. Possible methods include deer 12 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 fencing, rabbit fencing, goose fencing, use of repellents, and temporary barriers. This pest control will be the responsibility of the responsible party to erect and maintain throughout the five year monitoring period. RESULT: A local population of white - tailed deer have been utilizing the mitigation area, and are suspected of eating the Winterberry Holly that were planted within the wetland mitigation area. The Winterberry Holly plants are still alive but have been reduced in size Protection from herbivory does not appear to be necessary due to the 100% cover of hydrophytic species. 7.0 MONITORING LEVEL 1 The first field review for the first annual monitoring report was conducted in May 2013 and the stream and wetland mitigation areas appeared to be acquiring the necessary characteristics of a natural stream and wetland ahead of schedule. The stream channel was conveying flow, had volunteer vegetation stabilizing the stream banks, and had no mayor bank failures. The wetland mitigation area was becoming vegetated and the plantings were 100% successful. The soils within the wetland mitigation area had been altered by the saturated soil conditions and matrix soil chromas had turned gray. Several soil borings within the mitigation area were evaluated and indicated that the soils are experiencing prolonged saturated conditions. The second field review for the first annual monitoring report was conducted in August 2013 and the stream and wetland mitigation areas were continuing to develop successfully. The stream channel continued to convey flow, had wetland seed and volunteer vegetation stabilizing the stream banks, and had no major bank failures. The wetland seed placed in the wetland mitigation area was thriving due to the continued saturation and inundation of the area. Sediment transport and deposition by the stream flow was covering the crushed rock with material such as leaf litter and sediments. This helped the relocated stream channel to mimic the conditions of the stream channel that was abandoned, and provided a benthic substrate suitable for macro invertebrates Various amphibians were colonizing the area of the relocated stream channel. No fish populations exist in this portion of the stream. The field review for the second annual monitoring report was conducted in October of 2014 and the stream and wetland mitigation areas were continuing to develop successfully The stream channel continued to convey flow, had wetland seed and volunteer vegetation stabilizing the stream banks, and had no major bank failures. The wetland seed placed in the wetland mitigation area was thriving due to the continued saturation and inundation of the area. Sediment transport and deposition by the stream flow was covering the crushed rock with material such as leaf litter and sediments. This helped the relocated stream channel to mimic the conditions of the stream channel that was abandoned, and provided a benthic substrate suitable for macro invertebrates. Various amphibians were colonizing the area of the relocated stream channel. No fish populations exist in this portion of the stream. 13 f Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 7.1 Plant Survival Analysis The plantings within the wetland mitigation areas (with the exception of the two Red Maples) are currently thriving as indicated in the attached photographs No additional tree or shrub plantings, or replacement plantings are required based on the current conditions. The herbaceous plugs that were planted in various areas of the wetland have largely succumbed to the herbivory of the local white - tailed deer population. Additional wetland seed was added to supplement the loss of the planted plugs in 2013, and volunteer growth have insured 100 %. The overall herbaceous cover of the wetland mitigation area had been estimated to be approximately 50% in May 2013 and consisted largely of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) that was used to stabilize the soils post construction. Some areas of inundation existed that supported smartweeds (Persicaria sp.) and rushes (Juncus sp.). The overall herbaceous cover of the wetland mitigation area was estimated to be 100% in October 2014 and consisted largely of sedges (Carex spp.) and bulrushes (Scirpus spp.) that were placed in the mitigation area as the wetland seed mixture. Some areas of inundation exist that continue to support smartweeds, rushes, and bur - marigold (Bidens sp.). 7.2 Channel Stability Analysis The stream bed and banks are in very good condition. The stream banks that are not stabilized by boulder revetments have been stabilized by vegetation throughout the majority of the stream length. There are no remaining unvegetated portions of the stream banks. No additional stream bed or bank repair will be required at this time. 7.3 Biological Data As per Monitoring Level 1 requirements, a 1 -year re- colonization/population adjustment time of biological monitoring following construction is usually warranted. No such adjustment time is necessary for the Hartley Drive mitigation area. The stream and wetland mitigation areas already posses an abundance of invertebrate and amphibian life. A wide variety of species was observed in the mitigation areas and within upstream areas. Numerous frogs, hundreds of tadpoles and several egg masses were observed within the stream and within the inundated areas within the wetland. Benthic invertebrate species were limited although a wider variety of benthic invertebrates can be expected in following years. The following were observed within the relocated portion of the stream and/or the wetland: Southern leopard frog (Rana utricularia) — adults, tadpoles, and egg masses. Upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata feriarum) — tadpoles and egg masses. 14 Mitigation Monitoring Report Hartley Drive Widening and Extension High Point, North Carolina December 2014 Water striders (family Gerridae) — dozens of adults on water surface Dragonfly nymphs (order Odonata) — several large nymphs within stream length. Bloodworm midges (family Chironomidae) — numerous throughout the stream length. Water boatman (family Corixidae) — numerous throughout the stream length. 8.0 FUTURE ACTIVITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS The completed mitigation area will require additional monitoring, as well as the preparation of at least three more annual Mitigation Monitoring Reports as required by the Minimum Monitoring Requirements for Compensatory Mitigation Projects for permit authorizations under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Invasive species control is a necessary contingency when the native plant survival or diversity standards are not being met. Since it has been observed that the invasive species cattail have become volunteers within the wetland mitigation area, weed control by the City of High Point has been implemented by clearing the undesirable species by hand. The use of spot pesticide/herbicide application will be reevaluated after the next growing season if the physical removal of the invasive species is not sufficient. 15 APPENDIX A FIGURES N l,¢ ac s 44 Jld plank Rd LadFordLn 3�,ceON4 014 ", C Or m� O` ~ Pp�o F �t D' c� St Ann tl ey A N ? °' Project Vicinity`5t�idge Dr > _ Pine Ridge 0� Davidson Rd <? �%�a�caann Ct � 2CD6 P.fap:Ouest, inr. 0 '-:�400Tt � ry Rankin Pf is Goile - 1�1'1- L` Q 44 North Carolina Vicinity Map a I C,arolyhdOr) Or STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc. T rr4gccack W Paris A, Park Home15V Scale as shown 0 S CL P\ O a a N 02006 NAVTEQI Hartley Drive Widening and Extension Site Location Map Davidson and Guilford Counties, NC FIGURE 1 _ ! STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc. T rr4gccack W Paris A, Park Home15V Scale as shown 0 S CL P\ O a a N 02006 NAVTEQI Hartley Drive Widening and Extension Site Location Map Davidson and Guilford Counties, NC FIGURE 1 North Carolina Vicinity Map N Not to Scale STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc. Hartley Drive Widening and Extension U.S.G.S. Location Map Davidson and Guilford Counties, NC FIGURE 2 o� a Q A M ar 6� Z v� U z a+ G 7 O u C O 'C Q 4. O a. 7 .Q �Q Mapped Soil Units in Project Area N Not to Scale Poindexter and Zion sandy loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes (PnB) Poindexter and Zion sandy loams, 8 to 15 perccnt slopes (PnD) Poindexter and Zion sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes (PnE) STV /Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc. Hartley Drive Widening and Extension Soil Survey Davidson County, NC Davidson and Guilford Counties, NC FIGURE 3 a Q G r, .r v a� U z a 0 U w .7 a, v c., �O x Mapped Soil Units in Project Area N Wilkes sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes (WkQ Wilkes sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes (WkE) Chewacla sandy loam (Ch) STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc. Not to Scale E Hartley Drive Widening and Extension Soil Survey Guilford County, NC Davidson and Guilford Counties, NC FIGURE 4 /:199040111We.;_ PHOTOGRAPHS Hartley Drive Widening and Extension, High Point, NC Second Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (2014) View from Hartley Drive of wetland mitigation area (October 2014) Closer view of wetland mitigation area (October 2014) Hartley Drive Widening and Extension, High Point, NC Second Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (2014) Close -up view of the wetland mitigation area (October 2014) View of the relocated stream channel (October 2014) Hartley Drive Widening and Extension, High Point, NC Second Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (2014) Picture of a small frog in the relocated stream (October 2014) Picture of volunteer Tulip Poplar tree near one of the dead Red Maple trees (October 2014) Hartley Drive Widening and Extension, High Point, NC Second Annual Mitigation Monitoring Report (2014) Picture of the soils within the wetland mitigation area (October (2014) Picture of the soil profile within the wetland mitigation area (October 2014)