Big Buffalo_Post-contract IRT Site Visit Notes_2022-12-29_

Restoration Systems, LLC
1101 Haynes St. Suite 211
Raleigh, North Carolina
Ph: [phone]
December 29, 2022 Fx: [phone]
Jeremiah Dow
Eastern Project Manager, Division of Mitigation Services
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
[e-mail]
Subject: Big Buffalo Post Contract Site Visit Notes
SAW-2022-02124 / DWR # 20221573
DMS Contract #: 452048014-03; DMS Project ID: 100639; RFP # 16-452048014
On December 19, 2022, Restoration Systems (RS) held an on -site meeting with regulatory agencies to discuss the Big
Buffalo Mitigation Site (Site) as proposed to DMS in response to RFP 16-452048014. Below is a list of attendees and
site visit notes which will be incorporated into the development of the Site's Mitigation Plan.
Attendees:
USACE: Restoration Systems:
- Todd Tugwell - Raymond Holz
- Worth Creech
NC DWR:
- Erin Davis Axiom Environmental:
Grant Lewis
Division of Mitigation Services: Kenan Jernigan
- Jeremiah Dow
General/Site-Wide Notes:
1) The IRT requested a section be added to the detailed restoration plan that addresses wetland loss due to
pond removal. Possible items to discuss include.
a. The formation of in -channel wetlands within restoration reaches.
b. The mitigation of on -site wetlands and functional uplift.
c. Wetland areas that may remain after pond removal.
d. Wetland areas may develop in the normal pool once the pond is removed.
2) Stream flow gauges and cameras will be installed in all headwater reaches, including UT 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,
10, 12, and 14.
3) Questions about buffer tool use in the technical proposal were raised, including the version, number of
terminal ends, and inclusion of preservation reaches. Buffer tool use will be coordinated with the USACE
during the development of the detailed restoration plan, and terminal end locations will be depicted in
the accompanying figure.
4) The IRT expressed concern about landowner encroachment into the easement. The current condition of
the property and a lack of fence maintenance caused the concern. RS understands the concern and
expects to work closely with the landowner in the future management of the property and easement.
5) All pond removals — it was discussed that permitting agencies will likely require the drainage of all
agricultural ponds by use of pumps and silt bags to limit downstream impacts.
UT-1:
1) The upper reaches of UT 1 (above the culvert) are to be changed to Enhancement (Level II) at a 5:1 ratio.
UT-2:
1) Add a Marsh Treatment in the upper reaches of UT 2. The right bank has a draw with significant sediment
input.
1101 Haynes St., Suite 211 • Raleigh, NC 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Ph 919.755.9490 • Fx 919.755.9492

Big Buffalo Post Contract Site Visit Notes Page 2
SAW-2022-02124 / DWR # 20221573
DMS Contract #: 452048014-03; DMS Project ID: 100639; RFP # 16-452048014
UT-3:
1) UT 3 in its lower reaches, the IRT suggested Restoration Systems investigate keeping the channel in its
current location within wetlands at the upper end of the pond.
UT-4:
1) Upon receipt and review of bathymetry data and/or draining of the existing agricultural pond on UT4, the
IRT discussed/mentioned IRS may need to reassess where restoration credit generation should begin.
2) At the upper extent of UT4, where it enters the Site, if the channel is determined jurisdictional at the
existing headcut, stream credit will start at the JD Point, with a marsh treatment above.
UT-6:
1) The lower end of UT 6 ties into UT 1/4 under a powerline crossing. The IRT suggested we pay attention to
this confluence and try to keep the confluence out of the powerline. Vegetation maintenance within the
powerline easement is not desirable at the confluence of two streams.
UT-16:
1) UT 16 has been proposed for stream restoration. The IRT suggested documenting the existing condition of
UT 16 to justify the reach for restoration. Specifically, the justification can revolve around the following.
a. a comparison of the reach to the upstream preservation condition,
b. the necessity to tie into lower restoration reaches, and
C. reconnecting the channel into adjacent wetlands.
North Prong Rocky River:
1) The IRT requested an analysis of the North Prong Rocky River. This analysis should include the following.
a. Identify areas of planting outside the forested area.
b. Identify areas of invasive species treatment and supplemental planting.
c. Identify areas of mass wasting that can be treated with stabilization measures. These areas may
be subject to a better ratio than 10:1.
Restoration Systems suggested using a 360-degree camera to document the current condition of
the N. Prong Rocky River before mitigation work.
Attachments:
- Big Buffalo, Figures 7 — 7c - Proposed Conditions from RS's Technical Proposal Response, 2022-07-12

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