20071673 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20071031

~ North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ~
MEMORANDUM
TO: Cyndi Karoly, 401 Certification Unit
NC Division of Water Quality
FROM: Ron Linville, Regional Coordinator f~
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: October 29, 2007
SUBJECT: Ballantyne Holdings, LLC, Providence Road ~
20071673, Clems Branch, Mecklenburg County
~,
t' ~ 2007
., ~ ~ ~
t7~Wk - WATFk QUALITY
YVET~Nda~ A~'1D gTC~'d!4~"!9 r'SR BRMCW
pest Project at Johnson Road, DWQ No.
The applicant proposes develop a high density commercial site. Biologists with the North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission are familiar with habitat values in the area. These comments are
provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d) and the North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (G.S. 113A-1 through
113A-10; NCAC 25).
The project is to develop a fitness center, office building and bank to serve the surrounding community.
Impacts are proposed to 0.195 acres of wetland A, 0.123 acres of wetland B, and 290 linear feet of
intermittent stream. Approximately 0.0408 wetlands and 901inear feet of stream are to be preserved. The
development will be 80 percent impervious area. Although not known for this tributary, the Carolina
heelsplitter, Lasmigona decorata (NCE, FE) is newly known for waters to the south of the county.
Aquatic habitats in the area have been influenced by urbanization. Subsequently, aquatic species
diversity and aquatic habitats have been much diminished.
Based on our review of the submittal, we will not object to the project providing that pre and post natural
hydrographs are essentially equal and the stormwater structure on site is vegetated (see attached
recommendations) to minimize thermal influences to stormwater leaving the site. All remaining
jurisdictional waters and wetlands should be permanently buffered with undisturbed forests. To the
extent practicable, buffers should be permanently preserved as contiguous habitats. Maximum available
buffer widths should be provided.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on this project during the early planning stages. If
you have any questions regarding these comments, please contact me at 336-769-9453.
Attachment: Piedmont Stormwater Pond Planting Recommendations
E-copy: Allan Johnson, DWQ-MRO
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: {919) 707-0220 Faa: {919) 707-0028

.. Providence Road West 2 October 29, 2007
Piedmont Stormwater Pond Planting Recommendations
Instead of using the typical fescue grasses, the upper interior and exterior of the structure should be planted with the
following mix to reduce thermal impacts and to restore some diminished wildlife habitats:
Spring/Summer Mixture, May 1-Sept. 15 Fall/Winter Mixture, Sept. 15 - Apri130
Browntop millet 20 lbs/a Winter Wheat 1201bs/a
Kobe lespedeza 201bs/a Kobe lespedeza 201bs/a
Shrub lespedeza 1 lb/a Shrub lespedeza 1 Ib/a
Switchgrass* 51b/a Switchgrass* S lb/ac
Add to fall or spring plantings: `Tioga' Deertongue (Panicum clandestinum) at a rate of 7 lbs. Pure Live Seeds
(PLS) per acre.
* When possible on slopes less than 3:1 use Switchgrass instead of lespedezas and on slopes greater than 3:1 use
Orchard Grass or Creeping Red Fescue. Other native species may be appropriate depending on soil, slope, and
region. Korean lespedeza may be appropriate in colder geophysical areas. We do not recommend Sericea
lespedeza. Native plants and warm season grasses are preferred over exotic plants.
Add one of the following to the above mixture:
Creeping Red Fescue S lbs/acre
Ladino Clover** 5 lbs/acre
Atlantic Coastal Panic Grass 5 lbs/acre (PLS)
Alfalfa** S lbs/acre (requires fertilizer containing Boron)
** Lime & fertilize disturbed areas according to NRCS soil test results and follow planting guidelines as appropriate
and necessary. Depending on elevation and region, other native species may be appropriate. Note that mowing
should be limited to late winter or early spring. Mowing should only occur as needed to prevent unwanted tree
growth on a 2-3 year schedule.
The provision of shade around impounded waters can significantly reduce thermal impacts. Trees and shrubs (1
year bare root seedlings) should be planted randomly at a minimal rate of 100 trees per acre on the top and upper
portions of the structure and at a minimal rate of 150 per acre around the normal water elevation and littoral shelf
area. The following list of tree species may assist in providing habitat benefits:
Loblolly Pine* Red Cedar Black Gum American Holly Dogwood
Hickory Sumac White Oak Willow Oak Red Maple** Oak
Viburnum Green Ash Ironwood Black Cherry Persimmon
Water Oak Spice Bush Willow (sp) Serviceberry
Swamp Chestnut Silky Dogwood
Other species may be utilized depending on site requirements and native plant availability.
Pines* should not exceed 15% of the reforestation. No more than 20% of the tree species will be
of a single species. An 80% success rate is acceptable over five years. Large or fast growing
trees like Sycamore and Maple** may not be appropriate near detention facility dams.
Additional planting suggestions and plant supply sources may be obtained from Stewardship biologist, Elizabeth
Hughes at 828-651-8380.