BooneBranch_MeetingMinutes_2022_12_06

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Meeting Minutes
Project: Boone Branch Stream and Wetland Mitigation Site — DM Cape Fear 03 Umbrella
Bank (SAW-2022-02279)
Subj- IRT Prospectus Level On -site Meeting and 401 Pre -Filing Meeting
Date Tuesday, December 06, 2022
Location: 6920 McClellan Rd, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 (35.929485,-79.744946)
Attendees: Todd Tugwell (USACE)
Casey Haywood (USACE)
Erin Davis (DWR)
Olivia Munzer (WRC)
Ben Furr (DRG)
Ryan Smith (DRG)
Brad Breslow (DM)
1. Ben began with site overview.
2. IRT suggested installing gauges in wetland rehabilitation areas as soon as possible to
collect baseline groundwater data for at least one full growing season. DRG agreed to send
a map to IRT of proposed gauge locations prior to installation.
3. IRT commented that they have seen problems with culvert crossings recently. DM noted
that they may propose a bridge for the main crossing on UT 1.
4. IRT suggested including a detailed hydric soils analysis (narrative and boundary mapping)
in the mitigation plan if DM decides to propose wetland re-establishment.
5. Casey mentioned that wetlands proposed as enhancement in the prospectus (such as W2
adjacent to UT 2) may warrant rehabilitation given the significant impact from cattle and
past farming practices. Casey and Todd suggested installing gauges in all areas that may
be proposed as wetland rehabilitation or re-establishment.
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6. UT 2: Todd noted his concern about the channel maintaining stream features through the
course of monitoring given the small drainage area (i.e. concerned the stream would lose
discernable bed and bank and convert to functioning as a wetland; this same comment
also applies to UT 3, UT 4 and UT 5). DRG responded that they would address that concern
in the Adaptive Management Plan within the Mitigation Plan but felt confident that the
slope of the channel would aid in maintaining stream function through the course of
monitoring. IRT noted that an E1 approach would help to lower the risk of UT 2 converting
to wetland compared to a full restoration approach. DRG walked upstream of the Site to
check stream condition through the wooded area. DRG noted that channel features were
present through the wooded area upstream of the project. Todd indicated that showing
evidence of a stream upstream of the project would improve IRT confidence that the
project reach would be able to maintain a single thread channel post construction.
7. UT 3: IRT noted that the relic pond feature at the upstream extent of UT 3 should be
labeled as an existing emergent headwater wetland that would be suitable for wetland
enhancement. DRG indicated that the remainder of the pond dam will be removed during
construction. DRG will update the Prospectus to include wetland enhancement in this
location and a small amount of stream restoration necessary to connect the wetland to
existing UT 3 in the correct valley position. IRT agreed with the E1 approach on UT 3.
8. UT 1: IRT agreed with the restoration approach on this stream. IRT requested that DRG call
out the utility corridor on graphics. DRG will update graphics in Prospectus to make utility
corridor visible. IRT requested that the crossing in the middle of UT 1 be included inside
the easement if possible. DM explained that the landowner requested the easement break
at that location but agreed to discuss with the landowner again.
9. W1: IRT noted that some areas of W1 currently labeled as Rehabilitation maybe effectively
drained by UT 1, particularly immediately downstream of the easement break/crossing.
IRT suggested installing a transect of groundwater gauges in this location since the left side
of the floodplain was much wetter than the floodplain on the right side of UT 1.
10. UT 5: IRT agreed with the combination of E2 and restoration on UT 5. IRT noted that DM
will need to stabilize the stream at the culvert outlet at the upstream extents of UT 5.
11. UT 4: IRT requested that DM be specific about the construction sequence related to pond
dam removal in the Mitigation Plan. IRT suggested that silt bags could be incorporated into
the dewatering plan to aid in sediment retention. IRT also requested that a vegetation plot
be located within the pond bed throughout the monitoring period. IRT noted that the
proposed conservation easement may need to be widened in areas where proposed
wetlands abut the easement to provide a buffer between the easement boundary and
wetlands.
12. UT 4: IRT agreed with restoration approach on UT 4 with the exception of the upstream
extents (i.e. —350 feet of UT 4 from its origin to its confluence with a wetland seep), which
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3101 Poplarwood Court, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27604

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was located in a more confined valley and seemed better suited for E1 or E2. DRG agreed
and will update the Prospectus to show an E1 approach for the upstream extents of UT 4.
IRT noted that if the stream origin on UT 4 ends up moving further downstream than
where it is currently depicted, it may present a good opportunity to add a stormwater BMP
at the upstream extents of UT 4.
13. Erin reminded DRG about the pre -file meeting request for the 401 permit. DRG has added
"401 Pre -Filing Meeting" to the subject line of this document and will also include in email
correspondence regarding this meeting.
14. IRT also requested that the planting plan include a diverse mix of species appropriate for
the area. DRG noted that the planting plan would likely mimic that of Dutch Farms
Mitigation site (similar site expected to be constructed in 2023, located approximately 3
miles east of Boone Branch Site). WRC requested that a diverse mix of flowering species
be incorporated into seed mix to improve habitat for pollinators.
15. IRT noted that DM would need to address how fescue will be controlled in the Mitigation
Plan. IRT noted that occurrence of privet and multiflora rose was sparse on -site but would
also need to be addressed in invasive species management plan.
16. IRT requested that DM update Performance Standards to require 4 bankfull events over
the 7-year monitoring period instead of just 2 events. IRT also requested that DM remove
the statement about potentially terminating the monitoring period after 5 years. DRG
agreed to make the requested changes in the Prospectus.
17. IRT noted that woody material removed during construction could be scattered
throughout wetland areas to improve habitat.
18. Casey requested that DRG submit adjacent landowner labels along with the Final
Prospectus.
19. WRC noted in email correspondence following the meeting that a state endangered
Carolina creekshell (Villosa vaughaniana) has been recorded downstream of the property.
WRC will inform DRG if surveys need to be conducted.
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Daveyresourcegroup.com/Carolinas • Phone: [phone]
3101 Poplarwood Court, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27604