20230425 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20230510

Homer, Seren M
From: Munzer, Olivia
Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 3:31 PM
To: David Brame
Cc: Homer, Seren M; [e-mail]; Ellis, John
Subject: NCWRC Comments - Trollingwood Townes SAW-2022-00799
Good afternoon,
After review of the above references project, WRC has the following recommendations to reduce impacts to aquatic and
terrestrial resources:
1. The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) is listed as federally proposed endangered and state endangered
species. Although there are no records of this species within 2 miles of the proposed project, this species is
known to occur throughout the Piedmont. Therefore, we recommend avoiding tree clearing activities from May
15-August 15. We recommend contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that any issues related to
this species are addressed.
2. a) The culvert must be designed to allow for aquatic life and fish passage. Generally, the culvert or pipe invert
should be buried at least 1 foot below the natural streambed (measured from the natural thalweg depth);
however, we do not recommend burying culverts if slopes of culverts are greater than 2% due to concerns of
headcutdng. If multiple barrels are required, barrels other than the base flow barrel(s) should be placed on or
near stream bankfull or floodplain bench elevation (similar to Lyonsfield design). These should be reconnected
to floodplain benches as appropriate. This may be accomplished by utilizing sills on the upstream and
downstream ends to restrict or divert flow to the base flow barrel(s). Silled barrels should be filled with
sediment so as not to entrap wildlife or support mosquito breeding conditions. Sufficient water depth should be
provided in the base flow barrel(s) during low flows to accommodate fish movement. If culverts are longer than
40-50 linear feet, alternating or notched baffles should be installed in a manner that mimics existing stream
pattern. This should enhance aquatic life passage: 1) by depositing sediments in the barrel, 2) by maintaining
channel depth and flow regimes, and 3) by providing resting places for fish and other aquatic organisms. In
essence, base flow barrel(s) should provide a continuum of water depth and channel width without substantial
modifications of velocity.
b) If multiple pipes or cells are used, at least one pipe or box should be designed to remain dry during normal
flows to allow for wildlife passage.
c) Culverts or pipes should be situated along the existing channel alignment whenever possible to avoid channel
realignment. Widening the stream channel must be avoided. Stream channel widening at the inlet or outlet
end of structures typically decreases water velocity causing sediment deposition that requires increased
maintenance and disrupts aquatic life passage.
d) Riprap should not be placed in the active thalweg channel or placed in the streambed in a manner that
precludes aquatic life passage. Bioengineering boulders or structures should be professionally designed, sized,
and installed.
3. Non-native plants should not be used for seeding disturbed areas. Specifically, avoid using Bermudagrass,
redtop, tall fescue, and lespedeza, which are invasive and/or non-native. A list of alternatives to non-native
species has been attached. Alternatively, use a grain, such as oats, wheat, or rye for temporary cover and native
seed mixes for permeant seeding. We recommend planting native, wildflower seed mixes that will create
pollinator habitat within the project boundary. Avoid using invasive, non-native plants in seed mixtures or
landscaping plants (http://www.ncwildflower.org/plant galleries/invasives list), such as nandina and privet.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
1

Olivia Munzer
Western Piedmont Habitat Conservation Coordinator
NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Rogers Depot
1718 NC Hwy 56 W
Creedmoor, NC 27522
Office: 919-707-4056 (note new number)
Cell: 336-269-0074
[e-mail]
www.ncwildlife.org
13 n 101
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