HomeMy WebLinkAboutDouble_Rock_MY0_Credit_Release_Meeting Minutes 8.21.2023
MEETING MINUTES
MEETING: CATAWBA 01 UMBRELLA MITIGATION BANK – DOUBLE ROCK MITIGATION SITE
MY0 IRT Credit Release Site Walk
Catawba River Basin 03050101; Alexander County, NC
USACE Action ID No. SAW‐2020‐01532
NCDWR # 2020‐1095 v1
Wildlands Project No. W45024
DATE: Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 9:30 am
LOCATION: Stikeleather Road
Hiddenite, NC
Attendees
Kirsten Gimbert, Wildlands
Noyes Harrigan, Wildlands
Brandon Romeo, Wildlands
Erin Davis, USACE
Steven Kichefski, USACE
Maria Polizzi, NCDWR
Dave McHenry, NCWRC
Meeting Minutes
The meeting began at 9:40 am. Brandon presented an overview of the site and the order in which the group
would walk each reach. The IRT then provided general feedback on the project and indicated areas they would
like to see during the site walk. To start, the group walked to the top of Randell Tributary. After getting to the
top of Randell the group walked down stream to the confluence and then walked up to the top of Elk Shoals
Creek. Then the group walked up to the top of Stikeleather Tributary. After getting to the top of Stikeleather the
group walked back down the reach and up Matheson Tributary and ended at Matheson Tributary A by the BMP.
The meeting concluded at 12:00 PM. The following provides an overview of the discussions between Wildlands
and IRT members on the Double Rock Mitigation Site (project).
1. Opening Remarks
Erin commented about the structure material substitution (rock sills to log sills) on Stikeleather B
channel and asked whether Wildlands was concerned or took in consideration the type of materials
used since this is a steeper channel. Noyes asked if the IRT was concerned about the stability of the
logs overtime and Erin replied that they want to make sure the grade is kept and that no piping will
occur in the future, which can be a problem on steep B streams. Steve also commented on this
material substitution.
DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site – IRT Meeting Minutes
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. page 2
WILDLANDS CATAWBA 01 UMB – DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site
MY0 Credit Release IRT Site Walk
Steve commented on the planting timeline and questioned whether this may be a problem in the
future. Brandon replied that the plants looked healthy at the time of the as‐built vegetation install
and assessment and we will continue to monitor.
Erin and Steve both noted that they would like to see the repair area along Randell Tributary at
Station 211+65 and along Elk Shoals Reach 2 Station 126+55.
Maria commented on the fencing adjustment and asked why there was a shift in placement. Kirsten
replied that the original landowner had wanted the fence line further from the easement but had
passed away before the completion of the project and his son wanted to bring the pasture closer to
the easement line, so the fence location was moved. Kirsten added that large barrels were added to
the fence line at the stream crossing to help aid in keeping the cattle out of the easement.
Dave did not have any comments on the project.
2. Discussions Per Reach
Randell Tributary
Erin asked if we thought there may be an issue of scalloping in the future since the easement poles
are already shorter than the tall grass. Noyes replied that the site was walked with the landowner
after the easement signs were placed in the ground and the farmer knows where he can and cannot
mow. Wildlands will continue to monitor the site for easement encroachments.
Dave noticed some weeds growing on the sides and in some sections of the stream and asked if
anyone knew what it was. Wildlands later identified the species as Murdannia keisak or Asian
Spiderwort. Wildlands will continue to monitor these areas to make sure they do not continue to
impact the streamflow and/or stability of the channel.
The group stopped at the repair section, station 211+65, where Noyes described the bank erosion
that was occurring on the right bank just downstream of the log in the angled log riffle. He further
discussed repairs made by Wildlands Construction; laid back the banks to create a mini pool and
armored the bank with a boulder to prevent further erosion.
o Steve asked if the boulder toe was along the entire log riffle. Noyes replied that there was just
one boulder in that area armoring the bank.
o Erin responded that she is glad Wildlands was proactive with this repair and everything looks
stable.
o Dave asked if there have been any log piping issues on site. Noyes replied that there has not
been any piping issues and that the logs that were used were long and tied in well.
o The team noted that the vegetation had already grown back in the area of the repair.
Elk Shoals Creek
The group stopped at Station 126+55 to look at the repair area that eroded after construction. Steve
asked what the repair entailed. Noyes explained design concerns and that, despite the use of a rock
hammer to remove bedrock, the upstream pool depth was limited and that the excess energy led to
erosion below one of the logs in the angled log riffle just downstream of this pool. He added that the
repair involved resetting the log and armoring the section of bank to prevent any additional erosion.
Noyes also explained that this repair approach was determined to have the least impact for a repair.
o Steve asked if the construction was done internally. Noyes responded that construction was
completed by Wildlands Construction.
DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site – IRT Meeting Minutes
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. page 3
WILDLANDS CATAWBA 01 UMB – DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site
MY0 Credit Release IRT Site Walk
o Steve mentioned that the use of a rock hammer goes under the same type of permit as an
percussive activities and in the future, they will need to be notified before this type of work is
done. Wildlands commented we will notified USACE before using a rock hammer on future
projects.
o Steve mentioned that one of the logs in the repair appeared a little high, but with consistent
flow, should be good to avoid dry rot and allow for aquatic passage. Both Steve and Erin asked if
the flow and drop on Elk Shoals is normal for this channel. Noyes and Brandon replied that yes
this is the flow we have been consistently observing along this reach.
o Erin and Maria commented on the small bare area along the floodplain adjacent to the repair.
Kirsten noted that this area was constructed about a month ago and will continue to be
monitored for vegetation growth by our monitoring team.
Erin asked if the internal crossing areas are clearly marked. Kirsten replied that yes, they are and
that the site was walked with the landowner and our land acquisition team to make sure the
landowner knows where all the signs are and what he can and cannot do. Kirsten also noted if
anything comes up in the future of the project regarding adding in a culvert or ford crossing in these
locations that Wildlands will be on site with the landowner to make sure he stays outside of the
easement.
Erin asked if the culvert at the top of Elk Shoals was backwatered to allow for aquatic passage.
Noyes replied that the culverts were backwatered as far as they could and Wildlands tried to back
up water to the upstream invert to allow for complete aquatic passage through the culvert.
Maria asked if Wildlands tried to lower the Division of Transportation culvert to help aid in aquatic
passage. Noyes replied that Wildlands does not touch, change, or modify DOT culverts in any way.
Steve asked what the drainage area for Elk Shoals Creek is. Kirsten replied that the drainage area for
Elk Shoals Creek is 2.15 sq. mi. at the downstream end of project and 0.93 sq. mi. at confluence with
Stikeleather tributary.
The group discussed the use of pollinator seed mises and the benefits of including this in early
successional years. IRT was pleased to see this was implemented on Double Rock.
The group discussed the HENA conservation efforts and the IRT was pleased with the overall project
efforts to work alongside USFWS and did not have any concerns regarding special permit conditions.
Stikeleather Tributary
Steve asked if the stream was raised. Noyes replied that the stream design approach implemented
was approximately a P1.5.
Erin and Steve commented again on their concern with the replacement of rock sills with log sills
due to logs lending themselves to piping and undercutting. Noyes replied that the logs used in the
log sills were large and keyed in well to the bank and matting.
Erin asked if we WL included a vegetation plot in the priority 2 floodplain per the Mitigation plan
comments. Brandon replied that yes, Wildlands included a vegetation plot within the priority 2
floodplain, and it is vegetation plot number 3.
DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site – IRT Meeting Minutes
Wildlands Engineering, Inc. page 4
WILDLANDS CATAWBA 01 UMB – DOUBLE ROCK Mitigation Site
MY0 Credit Release IRT Site Walk
Matheson Tributary, Matheson Tributary A, and Matheson Tributary B
The IRT did not have any comments on the BMP or the streams within this area.
3. Closing Remarks
Erin, Steve, David, and Maria remarked that the site looked good and that they did not have any
additional questions or concerns for Wildlands at this time and will review the meeting minutes
from this site walk.
These meeting minutes were prepared by Brandon Romeo and reviewed by Kirsten Gimbert and Noyes Harrigan on August
21, 2023, and represent the authors’ interpretation of events. Please report any discrepancies or corrections within 5
business days of receipt of these minutes.