20160981 Ver 2_Uzzle MY5 DWR Report_20231027

Bank Parcel Development Plan Year 5 Monitoring Report

Uzzle Buffer Mitigation Site

DWR Project # 2016-0981v2

Johnston County, North Carolina
Neuse River Basin
HUC 03020201

Prepared By:

Bank Sponsor: EBX-Neuse I, LLC,
An entity of Resource Environmental Solutions
3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27612
919-829-9909

October 2023
i
Table of Contents
1.0 Project Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Project Location and Description ............................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Success Criteria ................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Project Components ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Riparian Enhancement Approach .............................................................................................. 3
1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions ....................................................................................... 4
1.6 Year 5 Monitoring Performance .................................................................................................. 4
2.0 Methods ................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.0 Monitoring Complete .......................................................................................................................... 5
4.0 Reference .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Appendix A: Site Maps
Figure 1: Site Location Map
Figure 2: Current Conditions Plan View

Appendix B: Vegetation Assessment Data
Table 2: Plant Species Summary
Table 3: Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary Table
Table 4: Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species

Appendix C: Visual Assessment Data

Appendix D: Vegetation Monitoring Plot Data Sheets
Uzzle Buffer 1 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
1.0 Project Summary

1.1 Project Location and Description EBX–Neuse I, LLC, an entity of Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), is pleased to provide this Bank Parcel Development Monitoring Report for the Uzzle Riparian Buffer Mitigation Bank (Parcel). This Parcel was built to provide riparian buffer mitigation credits for unavoidable impacts due to development within the Neuse River Basin, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC – 03020201) (Figure 1). This Parcel is in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and the RES Poplar Creek Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument (UMBI), made and entered into by EBX-Neuse I, LLC acting as the Bank Sponsor (Sponsor), and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality-Division of Water Resources (DWR). The BPDP has also been constructed in concurrence with Uzzle Stream Mitigation Site in the Neu-Con Stream and Wetland Umbrella Mitigation Bank (SAW# 2016-01973). The mitigation plan for the Uzzle Stream Mitigation Bank was approved by Interagency Review Team (IRT) in February 2019.

The Uzzle Parcel is located in Johnston County approximately six miles southeast of Clayton, North
Carolina. The Parcel is located within Neuse River Basin USGS 14-digit HUC 03020201100040, a
Targeted Local Watershed, and DWR Subbasin Number 03-04-02. To access the Parcel head West
on NC 70 from the Town of Wilson Mills and turn left onto Meta Drive. The Parcel is accessible
from the end of Meta Drive. The coordinates of the site are 35.585186 N, -78.393553 W.

The easement is separated by an agricultural crossing, dividing the site into an upper and lower
portion. The upper portion of the project includes reaches LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4, and LP5. The lower
portion of the project includes reaches LP5, LP6, and LP7. The overall drainage area of the Parcel
is approximately 2.05 miles squared. Little Poplar Creek (LP1, LP2, LP4, LP5, and LP7) is a perennial
stream channel and the two unnamed tributaries (LP3 and LP6) have been classified as intermittent and confirmed by DWR staff Furthermore, it was confirmed, by DWR staff, that all riparian areas adjacent to streams associated with this proposed bank have active cattle grazing. Stream identifications and buffer viability assessments were performed by the DWR at the January 13, 2017 site visit. For purposes of the Uzzle Riparian Buffer Bank, the Parcel involved enhancing riparian buffers and other riparian areas adjacent to mitigated streams onsite. Of the 27.27 acres protected in the conservation easement, 13.45 acres are enhanced by the removal of cattle from the streams and riparian areas for Neuse riparian buffer credit only. The BPDP generates credit within the 20-30 foot range, 0-50 foot and 151-200 foot buffer from the proposed top of bank. Majority of the project streams have a riparian buffer of at least 50 feet, excluding crossings and a portion of LP5 and LP6 due to the parallel gas-line easement. Credit within the 51-150 foot buffer zone was claimed for additional stream credit in the Uzzle Stream Mitigation Bank. There is no overlap in the buffer bank credit areas and the buffer for stream credit areas. The stream credit area is solely
used for the generation of stream mitigation credits and is not used for the generation of any
Uzzle Buffer 2 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
other credit. Also, riparian buffer enhancement credits generated on this Bank Parcel are allowed pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(6) but are not used to generate nutrient offset credits.
1.2 Project Success Criteria Annual vegetation monitoring is to occur each year for a minimum of five (5) years and is to be conducted during the fall season with the first year occurring at least 5 months from initial planting. As part of the stream mitigation plan 3.6 acres were planted and four monitoring plots were installed a minimum of 100 m2 in size. These plots cover at least two percent of the planted mitigation area for the Stream Mitigation Bank. All four plots are within the riparian buffer that
are measuring success of both the stream mitigation and the buffer riparian area. Data for the
plots is to be provided in the Monitoring reports, as a courtesy to the DWR. The following data is
to be recorded for all trees in the plots: species, height, planting date (or volunteer), and grid
location. All stems in plots are to be flagged with flagging tape. Photos are to be taken from all
photo points each monitoring year and provided in the annual reports. Visual inspections and
photos are to be taken to ensure that enhancement areas are being maintained and compliant.
The measures of vegetative success for the parcel are based on the Uzzle Stream Mitigation Plan
(Action ID #SAW-2016-01973). Invasive and noxious species are to be monitored and controlled
so that none become dominant or alter the desired community structure of the site.
A visual assessment of the cattle exclusion areas within the conservation easement is to be
performed each year with all observations provided in the annual monitoring reports, to confirm:
• Fencing is in good condition throughout the site;
• no cattle access within the conservation easement area;
• no encroachment has occurred;
• diffuse flow is being maintained in the conservation easement area;
and
• there has not been any cutting, clearing, filling, grading, or similar activities that
would negatively affect the functioning of the buffer.

RES is to monitor the stream mitigation bank for a minimum of seven years, or until IRT approval. Therefore, all plots will be monitored in accordance with the monitoring protocol in the Uzzle Stream Mitigation Plan.
1.3 Project Components This Bank generates approximately 6.17 acres (268,834.036 ft2) of buffer enhancement credits. The approximately 0.21 acre decrease in creditable area following the as-built was due to the removal of buffer areas less than 20 feet from the top of bank. The riparian buffer mitigation credits generated service Neuse buffer impacts within the USGS 8-digit HUC 03020201 of the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Fall Lake Watershed. The Sponsor is to maintain one credit ledger. The one ledger shall account for buffer enhancement credits. All mitigation credit assets shall be shown
Uzzle Buffer 3 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
on this credit ledger. The total potential mitigation credits that the Uzzle Bank generates are summarized below. Table 1. Riparian Buffer Credit
Riparian Buffer Credit
Riparian
Zone
Credit
Type
Mitigation
Type
Existing
Acreage
Used
Acreage
Credit Per Acre
(ft2)
Ratio % Full
Credit
Mitigation
Assets
20-29’ Riparian
Buffer Enhancement .09 .09 43,560 2:1 75% 1,407.750 ft²
(0.03 ac)
0-50' Riparian Buffer Enhancement 12.08 12.08 43,560 2:1 100% 255,773.500 ft² (5.87 ac)
151-200' Riparian
Buffer Enhancement 1.58 1.58 43,560 2:1 33% 11,652.795 ft²
(0.27 ac)
Total Enhancements 13.45 268,834.036 ft² (6.172 ac)
includes ratios & reductions

1.4 Riparian Enhancement Approach Preparation of the Parcel involved spraying exotic invasive species, contoured ripping, seeding, and planting. Livestock were completely removed from Parcel, in perpetuity by way of conservation easement and installation of fencing. After construction activities, the subsoil was scarified, and any compaction was deep tilled before the topsoil was placed back over the site. Any topsoil that was removed during construction was stockpiled and placed over the site during final soil preparation. This process provides favorable soil conditions for plant growth. Bare root plantings and live stakes were planted according to the planting plan. Enhancement occurred in areas of grazing adjacent to the stream in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(6). Where livestock was present, RES installed cattle exclusion fencing to prohibit access to riparian areas and their associated streams.
All fencing was installed to NRCS specifications.

Riparian enhancement adjacent to streams was approved by the DWR in their Buffer Viability letter
dated January 13, 2017. All enhancement activities began from the tops of the stream banks and
extended outward a maximum of 200 feet perpendicular to the stream channel where possible
pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (effective November 1, 2015). It is important to note that areas
along all reaches, between the 50-150-foot buffer width zone, within the project was used to
generate additional stream credit for the Uzzle Stream Mitigation Bank. This area is solely being
used for the generation of stream mitigation credits and is not be used for the generation of any
other credit. Buffer crediting is generated from the 0-50 foot and 151-200-foot buffer width zones,
with a small area of credit being generated within the 20-30-foot buffer zone due to project
Uzzle Buffer 4 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
limitation with a gas line easement. Buffer enhancement can only generate buffer mitigation credit and is not transferrable into nutrient offset credits.
All riparian enhancement activities commenced in concurrence with the stream mitigation activities and not before. Stream restoration activities based on the design approach included meandering the proposed channel within the natural valley, backfilling the existing stream channel, and reconnecting a new channel to its floodplain. Diffuse flow is to be maintained throughout the mitigated riparian areas.

1.5 Construction and As-Built Conditions
Revegetation of the site included treating invasive species and planting native hardwood bare
root trees in areas where stream restoration occurred. Prior to planting, RES prepped the site by
spraying and ripping that section of the easement. Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp is the target
community type and was used for all areas within the project. The community is defined by
Schafale (2012). The planting of bare root trees occurred in May 2019. Deviations from the initial
planting plan were due to bare root availability. A list of the planted species can be found in Table
2.
Stream construction activities were completed in May 2019. RES submitted a Stream As-Built
Report in July 2019 to USACE and conducted a site visit in July 2019 with no comments. The site
was constructed in accordance with the Approved Mitigation Plan and associated permits. RES
acquired 404 (SAW-2016-01973), 401 (DWR # 2016-0981), and NPDES Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (JC# 19-012-P) Permits. The conservation easement is marked every 150-200 feet with North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation signs attached to either fences or t-posts. A fence was installed around the entire easement as livestock were present throughout.
1.6 Year 5 Monitoring Performance The Uzzle Year 5 Monitoring (MY5) activities were completed in September 2023. All MY5 data is present below and in the appendices. Although the Uzzle Site was buffer enhancement credit for the exclusion of cattle via fencing, RES monitored the riparian buffer that was planted due to stream restoration and reported to DWR over the past five years. At the close of this project, the planted area has met the vegetation success criteria for DWR of the survival of at least four native hardwood tree species, where no one species is greater than 50 percent of the stems, at a density of at least 260 planted trees per acre at the end of Year 5. Additionally, the measured performance criteria that all cattle exclusion is still in place has also been met. Monitoring of the four permanent vegetation plots was completed during September 2023. Vegetation tables and data are in Appendix B and associated photos are in Appendix C. MY5
monitoring data indicates that all plots are exceeding the interim success criteria of 260 planted
stems per acre. Planted stem densities ranged from 364 to 647 planted stems per acre with a
mean of 536 planted stems per acre across all plots. A total of 11 species were documented within
Uzzle Buffer 5 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
the plots. Volunteer species were noted in three plots, with an average of 61 stems per acre. The average tree height observed was 9.2 feet. Visual assessment of vegetation outside of the monitoring plots indicates that the herbaceous vegetation is becoming well established throughout the project. A boundary site walk was performed in June 2023 and ensured that the fencing was in good condition and there was no evidence of cattle in the easement. There was no encroachment observed or similar activities that
would negatively affect the functioning of the buffer. Diffuse flow was also maintained throughout
the conservation easement area. Highway 70 expansion is currently occurring along the easement
boundaries. RES is monitoring the easement on a regular basis to ensure that no encroachment
or issues are impacting our easement as construction is occurring. A few small areas of re-
sprouted Chinese privet observed in 2023 and were treated in September 2023.

2.0 Methods
Vegetation success is being monitored at four permanent monitoring plots. Vegetation plot
monitoring follows the CVS-EEP Level 2 Protocol for Recording Vegetation, version 4.2 (Lee et al.
2008) and includes analysis of species composition and density of planted species. Data is
processed using the CVS data entry tool. In the field, the four corners of each plot were
permanently marked with PVC at the origin and metal conduit at the other corners. Photos of
each plot are to be taken from the origin each monitoring year.

3.0 Monitoring Complete
The site monitoring is complete, meeting the vegetative success criteria described in Section 1.2. Overall, the Bank is performing as planned, with vegetation well established throughout the Parcel in Year 5 including planted woody stems, volunteer native stems, live stakes, and herbaceous ground cover. All fencing is intact, and the cattle exclusion performance criteria has been met. No other problems were identified during the final Year 5 monitoring.

4.0 Reference
Uzzle Buffer 6 Year 5 Monitoring Report
Mitigation Site October 2023
Environmental Banc & Exchange – Neuse I, LLC (2018). Uzzle Buffer/Nutrient Offset Site – Bank Parcel Development Plan Lee Michael T., Peet Robert K., Roberts Steven D., and Wentworth Thomas R., 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation Level. Version 4.2 NCDENR. 2009. “Neuse River Basinwide Water Quality Plan.” Division of Water Quality. http:// http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/neuse/2009. (October 2013). NC Environmental Management Commission. 2014. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295 - Mitigation Program Requirements for the Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers.

Schafale, M.P. 2012. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and
Recreation, NCDENR, Raleigh, NC.
Appendix A
Site Maps
0 1,000500
Feet
Figure 1 - Site Location Map
Uzzle Buffer/Nutrient Site
Johnston County, North Carolina
Legend
Conservation Easement
©Date: 10/12/2020
Drawn by: RTM
Checked by: BPB
Document Path: R:\resgis\dropboxgis\projects\NC\Uzzle\MXD\Monitoring\MY1\DWR Figures\Figure 1 Uzzle Location Map.mxd
1 inch = 1,000 feet
21
3
4
NC Center for Geographic Information & Analysis
©0 250125
Feet
Figure 2
Current ConditionsPlan View
MY5 2023Uzzle Buffer/Nutrient Site
Johnston County, NC
LEGEND
Conservation Easement
Vegetation Plot >260 stems/acre
Buffer Crediting
Enhancement (20-29')
Enhancement (30-50')
Enhancement (151-200')
Stream Alignment
Invasive Treatment Area MY5
Date: 10/26/2023 Drawn by: HKH
Document Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\100141_Uzzle\MXD\Monitoring\MY5\DWR\Figure 2 Uzzle MY5 DWR CCPV.mxd
Lat: 35.590264 Long: -78.394629
Vegetation Condition Assessment
AbsentPresentMarginal
Absent
Present
Target Community
Invasive Species
No Fill
LP1
LP2
LP4
LP3 LP5
LP7
LP6
Invasives TreatedSeptember 2023
Appendix B
Vegetation Assessment Data

Table 2. Planted Species Summary

Common Name Scie ntific Name Total Stems Plante d
Water Oak Quercus nigra 1,800
Swamp Chestnut Oak Quercus michauxii 1,100
Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 900
Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum 800
Willow Oak Quercus phellos 700
Blackgum Nyssa sylvatica 700
Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica 600
Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum 600
River Birch Betula nigra 500
Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata 400
Tuliptree Liriodendron tulipifera 400
Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida 400
Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis 300
Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 300
American Hazelnut Corylus americana 300
Total 9,800

Table 3. Vegetation Plot Mitigation Success Summary

Plot #Planted
Stems/Acre
Volunteer
Stems/Acre
Total
Stems/Acre
Success
Criteria
Met?
Average Height
of Planted
Stems (ft)
1 364 0 364 Yes 6.5
2 607 40 647 Yes 12.0
3 526 162 688 Yes 8.0
4 647 40 688 Yes 9.2
Project Avg 536 61 597 Yes 9.2

Table 4. Stem Count Total and Planted by Plot Species

PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T PnoLS P-all T
Acer rubrum red maple Tree 1 1
Alnus serrulata hazel alder Shrub 1 1
Betula nigra river birch Tree 1 1 1 4 4 4 1 5 5 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 10 10 10
Cephalanthus occidentalis common buttonbush Shrub 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1
Cornus amomum silky dogwood Shrub 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 5 5 5 8 8 8 5 5 5
Cornus florida flowering dogwood Tree 1 1 1
Diospyros virginiana common persimmon Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2
Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Tree 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 7 7 7 8 8 10 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6
Liquidambar styraciflua sweetgum Tree 1 1 2
Liriodendron tulipifera tuliptree Tree 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 8 4 4 8 8 8 8
Nyssa sylvatica blackgum Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 13 13 13
Pinus taeda loblolly pine Tree 11
Platanus occidentalis American sycamore Tree 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 4 4 4 4 10 10 11 10 10 12 10 10 10 9 9 9 12 12 12 18 18 18
Quercus oak Tree 3 3 3 35 35 35
Quercus lyrata overcup oak Tree 2 2 2 1 1 1
Quercus michauxii swamp chestnut oak Tree 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 1 1 1
Quercus nigra water oak Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2
Quercus phellos willow oak Tree 4 4 4 8 8 8
Salix nigra black willow Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
Taxodium distichum bald cypress Tree 3 3 3 6 6 6 3 3 3 3 3 3 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 16 14 14 14 16 16 16 16 16 16
9 9 9 15 15 16 13 13 17 16 16 17 53 53 59 51 51 68 52 52 56 56 56 62 78 78 85 127 127 127
6 6 6 5 5 6 6 6 9 6 6 6 11 11 14 10 10 11 10 10 11 11 11 11 14 14 15 15 15 15
364 364 364 607 607 647 526 526 688 647 647 688 536 536 597 516 516 688 526 526 567 567 567 627 789 789 860 1285 1285 1285
Scientific Name Common Name Species Type
05302019-01-0001 05302019-01-0002
Current Plot Data (MY5 2023)
05302019-01-0003 05302019-01-0004
1
0.02
1
0.02
Annual Means
MY5 (2023)MY4 (2022)MY3 (2021)MY2 (2020)MY1 (2019)MY0 (2019)
size (ares)
size (ACRES)
Species count
Stems per ACRE
1
0.02
4
0.10
Uzzle
4
0.10
4
0.10
4
0.10
1
0.02
4
0.10
4
0.10
Stem count
Appendix C
Visual Assessment Data
Uzzle MY5 Vegetation Monitoring Plot Photos 09/15/2023

Vegetation Plot 1

Vegetation Plot 2
Vegetation Plot 3 Vegetation Plot 4

Appendix D
Vegetation Monitoring Plot Data Sheets