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Home My WebLink About20230827 Ver 2_Champion Creek MBI_202312221 AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE CHAMPION CREEK MITIGATION BANKING INSTRUMENT IN THE NEUSE RIVER BASIN FOR NUTRIENT OFFSET AND RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION CREDITS PURSUANT TO THE NEUSE RIVER BASIN NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS I. PREAMBLE .......................................................................................................................... 2 II. LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA ......................................................... 2 III. AUTHORITIES ..................................................................................................................... 3 IV. ESTABLISHMENT OF BANK PARCEL ............................................................................ 3 V. PRE-CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION .................................................................... 5 VI. POST CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION .................................................................. 7 VII. CALCULATION OF CREDITS ........................................................................................... 9 VIII. CREDIT RELEASE SCHEDULE ....................................................................................... 12 IX. PROCEDURE FOR DEBITING AND CREDITING ......................................................... 13 X. BANK PARCEL CLOSURE ............................................................................................... 14 XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................................................................. 15 ATTACHMENTS A ‐ Division of Water Resources Authority Document B ‐ Ledger Templates C ‐ Project Credit Table (example) 1. Nutrient Offset Payment Rule: http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20‐%20environmental%20quality/chapter%2002%20‐ %20environmental%20management/subchapter%20b/15a%20ncac%2002b%20.0703.pdf 2. Riparian Buffer Mitigation Rule: http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2015a%20‐%20environmental%20quality/chapter%2002%20‐ %20environmental%20management/subchapter%20b/15a%20ncac%2002b%20.0295.pdf 3. NC Session Law 2019‐ 86 " Nutrient Offset Credits": https://ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/2019‐2020/SL2019‐86.html 4. Buffer Interpretation/ Clarification # 2008‐ 019 for diffuse flow: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Surface%20Water%20Protection/401/Buffer%20Clarification%2 0Memos/Diffuse‐Flow‐for‐Buffer‐Mitigation‐Sites‐Buffer‐Clarification‐Memo‐20080819.pdf 5. Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits (November 2019): https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Surface%20Water%20Protection/401/Mitigation/Issues‐‐‐ Resolutions‐Ver‐1.0‐buffer‐mitigation‐nutrient‐offset.pdf 6. NCDWR – Methodology and Calculations for Nutrient Reductions on the Bank Parcel: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/NPU/Nutrient%20Offset%20Rule/Ag‐Buffer‐Credit.pdf 2 I. PREAMBLE This Mitigation Banking Instrument (“Instrument”) regarding the establishment, use, operation, and maintenance of the Champion Creek Bank (“Bank Parcel”) to provide Neuse Riparian Buffer mitigation credits (“Riparian Buffer Credits”) and Neuse Nutrient Strategy nutrient load reduction credit (“Nutrient Offset Credits”) is made and entered into by and among Wildlands Holdings X, LLC acting as the Bank Sponsor (“Sponsor”) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality – Division of Water Resources (“DWR”). This Instrument is in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703 and the Consolidated Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295, which became effective on April 1, 2020 and November 1, 2015 respectively (Reference Numbers 1 and 2). The purpose of the Bank is: A. To restore and preserve riparian vegetation adjacent to streams and agricultural ditches with the intent to improve water quality, reduce nutrient loads, enhance flood attenuation and restore wildlife habitat along unnamed tributaries and ditches within the Neuse River Basin. B. To convert agricultural land uses within riparian areas adjacent to streams and/or agricultural ditches into a dense and diverse, hardwood vegetated state with the intent to significantly reduce nutrient loadings associated with agricultural practices into streams and ditches. C. To provide buffer mitigation and nutrient offsets and sell any resulting Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits to third parties in specific areas within the Neuse River Basin for development (both existing and proposed) or to offset NPDES‐permitted wastewater nutrient sources requiring such mitigation or offset. II. LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA A. The Geographic Service Area (“GSA”) is the designated area wherein a Bank can reasonably be expected to sell Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits for impacts due to development activities. B. The GSA for this Bank Parcel is limited to the United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) 8‐digit Hydrologic Unit Code (“HUC”) 03020201 of the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed. C. Sale or transfer of Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits shall be limited to the 8‐ digit HUC 03020201 in the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703, unless otherwise authorized by the DWR in accordance with Session Law (S.L.) 2019‐86 D. The Champion Creek Bank Parcel is comprised of forest and land currently used for crop production. Table 1.0 provides site‐specific details of the Bank Parcel Proposed under this Instrument. 3 Table 1.0 – Bank Parcel Details Bank Parcel Name/DWR Project # County 8‐Digit USGS Hydrologic Unit Code Project Location Named Receiving Stream Primary Land Use/s Champion Creek/ 2023‐0827v1 Johnston 03020201 78.196744° W, 35.364033° N Neuse River Agriculture/ Forest III. AUTHORITIES A. The Bank will be used to provide Riparian Buffer Credit and/or Nutrient Offset Credit in accordance with the requirements in the DWR Authority document referenced herein as “Attachment A” and attached to this Instrument. B. Projects eligible for utilization of the credits are those requiring authorization under the requirements of Attachment A and any new approved North Carolina (“State”) statutes and rules for the Neuse Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy. C. The selling of credits generated from the Bank Parcel approved under this Instrument shall be consistent with approved State statutes and rules for the Neuse Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy. D. Nutrient reduction activities and buffer mitigation activities proposed under this Instrument and corresponding Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Plan (“Plan”) to generate Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits shall be consistent with State statutes and rules for the Neuse Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy that are in place at the time a complete Plan is submitted to DWR. IV. ESTABLISHMENT OF BANK PARCEL A. In accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703, DWR has provided a “Site Viability Letter” for the Bank Parcel proposed under this Instrument. The Site Viability Letter is not an approval of the site to generate Nutrient Offset Credits, but is a preliminary review of the Bank Parcel that details and confirms existing land use conditions, defines the riparian sites (Enhancement, Preservation, or Restoration), and identifies features (streams, ditches, ponds, etc.) that meet general criteria to be suitable to generate Riparian Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits. Table 2.0 below outlines when a Site Viability Letter was issued by DWR for the Bank Parcels proposed under this Instrument: Table 2.0 – Site Viability Letter Details Bank Parcel NC DWR Site Evaluation Viability Letter Received Viability Letter Expiration Date Champion Creek August 7, 2023 December 11, 2023 December 11, 2025 4 B. A valid Site Viability Letter is required prior to submittal of each Plan. Site Viability Letters will either expire on the dates listed in the table above or upon submittal of an individual As‐Built Report to the DWR, whichever comes first. If a Site Viability Letter expires prior to submittal of a complete Plan as described in Section V to DWR, then the Sponsor must submit a formal request to DWR for a new Site Viability Letter for that Bank Parcel. C. The Bank Parcel proposed for inclusion under this Instrument shall require a Plan be submitted to, and approved, by the DWR prior to use of the individual Bank Parcel for buffer mitigation and nutrient offset purposes or the sale or transfer of any associated credits. The contents of the Plan are provided in Section V. D. The Plan submitted under this instrument will be placed on public notice and made available for public commenting for 15 calendar days. E. In general, Riparian Buffer Credit may be achieved on these Bank Parcels through restoration of DWR riparian buffers as they are defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0714, and other riparian areas as allowed per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) and (o) where applicable. Riparian buffer credits are only attainable if the width of the riparian areas are at least 20 feet from tops of banks along streams and at least 30 feet from tops of banks along viable ditches when measuring perpendicular and landward from tops of banks. Riparian buffer credits are attainable to a maximum of 200 feet from tops of banks of streams and a maximum of 50 feet from tops of banks of viable ditches. The viability of features to generate Riparian Buffer Credit is provided in the Site Viability Letter for the Bank Parcel and referenced in Table 2.0 of this Instrument. F. The Bank Parcels are intended to provide Neuse Riparian Buffer Credit as follows: 1. Planting hardwood trees on a Restoration Site as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (b) adjacent to viable ditches. 2. Performing minor bank stabilization and grading where bank stability is compromised and where erosional rills, sink holes and gullies are observed. 3. Maintaining a Preservation Site, as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295(b) by placing a conservation easement around riparian areas along streams as allowed per 15 NCAC 02B .0295(o). 4. Diffused flow will be maintained onsite to the maximum extent practicable. The Buffer Interpretation/Clarification Memo #2008‐019 may be applied where maintenance of diffuse flow onsite is unattainable. G. Nutrient Offset Credit may be achieved on the Bank Parcel through restoration of the riparian areas adjacent to streams and ditches where agriculture was determined by DWR to be the predominant land use. On the Bank Parcel, the width of the riparian restoration area will begin at the top of bank or the rooted herbaceous vegetation and extends landward a minimum of 50 feet and a maximum of 200 feet on all sides of the surface waters. A conservation easement will be secured to include the tops of all channel and ditch banks and will extend out a maximum of 200 feet from streams and viable ditches. The viability of features to generate nutrient offset 5 credit is provided in the Site Viability Letters for the Bank Parcels and referenced in Table 2.0 of this Instrument. H. The Bank Parcel is expected to provide Nutrient Offset Credits in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703 as follows: 1. Converting agricultural land uses within riparian areas to non‐agricultural land uses by placing a perpetual conservation easement around riparian areas along streams, ephemeral channels, and viable ditches in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703 (g). 2. Planting hardwood trees on a Restoration Site as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (b) adjacent to streams, ephemeral channels, and viable ditches where agriculture has been determined by DWR to be the predominant land use. 3. Maintaining a Preservation Site, as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295(b) by placing a conservation easement around riparian areas along streams as allowed per 15 NCAC 02B .0295(o). 4. Diffused flow will be maintained onsite to the maximum extent practicable. The Buffer Interpretation/Clarification Memo #2008‐019 may be applied where maintenance of diffuse flow onsite is unattainable. I. The total area of riparian restoration activities on the Champion Creek Bank Parcel is expected to be approximately 37.9 acres. V. PRE‐CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Plan A. The Plan submitted under this Instrument shall be submitted to DWR for review and must be approved by DWR prior to any construction on the Bank Parcel. The Plan will describe any changes that have occurred to the site between the date of the Site Viability Letter and the date the Plan is submitted to DWR. The Plan shall include detailed information consistent with the sections below concerning; 1) site location (8‐digit HUC is required); 2) existing conditions with current photos; 3) proposed buffer mitigation and nutrient offset activities including a detailed vegetation plan; 4) monitoring and maintenance plans; 5) financial assurances; 6) A Project Credit Table (see Attachment C) showing associated buffer /nutrient credit calculations, which shall include credit generation, service area, and accounting as appropriate for each regulatory authority; 7) stream buffer determination letter from DWR; 8) Site Viability Letter from DWR; 9) service area figure for each mitigation type proposed under this Instrument, and 10) all pertinent information including but not limited to permitting, bank stabilization, culvert removal, installation of any utilities indirectly or directly affecting the Bank Parcel, endangered or threatened species, presence of historical sites and an Environmental Data Resources (EDR) report to evaluate environmental risk associated with the land proposed for the Bank. B. The Sponsor will obtain all applicable federal, state and local documentation, permits, or authorizations needed to construct and maintain the Bank Parcel. This Instrument does not qualify as, or substitute for, such documentation, permit, or authorization. 6 C. Any restoration activities or proposed construction within the stream channels, riparian buffers and other riparian areas on the Bank Parcel to produce Riparian Buffer Credit and/or Nutrient Offset Credit must be approved by DWR in writing prior to implementation. The failure of the Sponsor to comply with this requirement may result in a revised or reduced credit release schedule. D. Requests for deviation from the approved Plan must be submitted to DWR in writing. Written approval from the DWR must be received prior to implementing any deviation from the approved Plan. Property Disposition & Long‐Term Management E. Prior to the release of any credits, the Sponsor shall record permanent conservation easements at the Johnston County Register of Deed's office that is sufficient to ensure protection, operation, and maintenance of restored riparian buffers and other riparian areas for the duration specified in the approved Plan. F. The form of the conservation easement shall be consistent with the standards employed by the State of North Carolina in the protection of restored riparian buffers and riparian areas and shall be approved by the DWR prior to the release of any credits. G. The Sponsor shall not grant additional easements, right of ways, or any other property interest in or to the project areas, without prior approval from the DWR. H. The Sponsor agrees to assign the conservation easement and its interests in perpetuity to a qualified holder under NC General Statute (“GS“) 121‐34 et seq. and 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code prior to the submittal of the Year 4 Monitoring Report. The holder shall be a land trust or stewardship program that will hold and enforce the conservation easement and the interests in perpetuity. The Sponsor shall choose a land trust or stewardship program that is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and/or has been approved by DWR prior to the end of the fourth year monitoring period. A land trust must be certified under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. I. In the event the Sponsor is also the owner of the underlying fee interest in the property the conveyance of the conservation easement to a land trust or stewardship fund must be arranged at the outset of the approved Plan. Financial Assurances for Bank Parcel Development J. Following approval of the Plan, the Sponsor shall provide Performance/Maintenance Bonds from a surety company that is rated no less than an “A‐“ as rated by A.M. Best, to construct the sites according to the approved Plan. It is the Sponsor’s responsibility to confirm that the surety company is rated no less than an “A‐” with each annual bond renewal. K. The amount of the Performance Bond shall be 100% of the estimated cost for implementation of the riparian restoration and other related activities for the construction of the Bank Parcel as 7 described in the approved Plan. No bond shall be less than $150,000.00 to cover construction costs. L. Alternatively, in lieu of posting a Performance Bond, the Sponsor may elect to construct the Bank Parcel prior to the first credit release. M. Once DWR has released all credits for completion of all items listed below, then the Bank Sponsor will be released from its performance obligations under the performance bond required in Item J and K of this section: 1. Instrument and Plan Approved by DWR, Conservation Easement Recorded, Financial Assurance Posted; 2. All riparian earthwork & mitigation activities, planting and installation of monitoring devices completed, easement boundaries adequately marked, all applicable permits obtained, site visit performed by DWR; 3. Monitoring financial assurance posted and approval of As‐Built report; N. To comply with this section, DWR must be the Obligee on all performance bonds. VI. POST CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION As‐Built Report A. The Sponsor agrees to perform all necessary work, in accordance with the provisions of this Instrument and corresponding Plan, to establish, maintain, and monitor Neuse Riparian Buffers or other riparian areas until Items B (1) and (2) of Section X have been satisfied. B. Within 30 calendar days after completing the establishment of the nutrient offset areas, the Sponsor will submit written notification to DWR documenting that all nutrient offset activities have been completed. Failure to submit written notification within 30 days may result in a modified credit release schedule or a delay in the issuance of credit releases. Notification shall include all the following: 1. Short summary of activities completed as required per the approved Nutrient Offset Plan; 2. Figures representing all riparian restoration, riparian enhancement and riparian preservation activities where applicable; 3. Figures representing location of all monitoring plots installed; 4. Detailed planting plan‐ including type of species planted, density of species planted, and any modifications to the planting plan from what was approved in the Nutrient Offset Plan; 5. Description of how the conservation easement boundaries were marked; and 6. Any major changes to the conservation easement boundary or to the amount of Nutrient Offset Credits from what was proposed in the approved Plan. C. The Sponsor will submit an as‐built plan and report to the DWR for the Bank Parcel after completing the establishment of the nutrient offset areas. The As‐Built report will describe any deviation from the approved Plan and will document all the following: 8 1. Riparian restoration and enhancement planting details and other construction activities that were required in the Plan, confirmation that all boundary markers are installed, invasive species control, monitoring device locations, vegetation plot locations, and photo point locations. 2. Boundary Survey of the conservation easement area, signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, including an inventory of the final mitigation areas for Riparian Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits in both square feet and acres. 3. As‐built map of the buffer mitigation and nutrient offset areas showing where riparian activities were performed and any deviations to the Bank Parcel from what was approved in the Plan. 4. Aerial map of the buffer mitigation and nutrient offset areas that was included in the approved Plan. Financial Assurance for Monitoring and Maintenance D. After completion of the riparian restoration and mitigation activities on the Bank Parcel, a separate Performance/ Maintenance Bond will be secured for 100% of the estimated cost to implement the monitoring and maintenance plan as described in the approved Plan and As‐Built Report. The Bond must be from a surety company that is rated no less than an “A‐' as rated by A.M. Best, and it is the Sponsor's responsibility to confirm the surety company is still rated no less than an “A‐“ with each annual bond renewals. E. A Performance/Maintenance Bond shall be secured each year for a minimum of five years, and until DWR has released all Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits to the Bank Sponsor. Upon DWR approval, the bond may be lowered each year based on the adjusted cost to complete the monitoring. No bond shall be less than $100,000 to cover monitoring and maintenance costs initially. F. Once DWR has released 100% of all credits for completion of all Bank Parcel milestones described in Table 3 of Section VIII, the Bank Sponsor will be released from its performance obligations under the performance bond required in D and E in this section. G. To comply with this section, DWR must be the Obligee on all performance bonds. Monitoring and Maintenance Reports H. The Sponsor shall monitor the Bank Parcel as described in the Plan until such time as DWR determines that the performance standards described below have been met. The monitoring period shall be a minimum of five consecutive years for each Bank Parcel. I. Performance Standards for Vegetation: Native hardwood trees or native hardwood tree and shrub species should be planted at a density sufficient to provide 260 stems per acre after five years. A minimum of four (4) native hardwood trees or four (4) native hardwood tree and shrub species must be planted. No one species shall be greater than 50% of the planted stems. A list of species 9 for planting will be detailed in the Plan for approval. Native hardwood tree volunteer species may be included to meet performance standards as determined by the DWR. J. A "stem" means a woody seedling, sapling, shrub or tree, no less than 10 centimeters in height and shall apply, on the Bank Parcels, to the minimum height that a planted tree or shrub shall be at initial planting. Volunteer stems that are less than 10 centimeters shall not be quantified and included in the annual vegetation data included with the monitoring reports. K. If the performance standards of the vegetation are not met, supplemental plantings may be required. Supplemental plantings will be utilized until the required densities have been achieved and maintained for five years. Bank Parcel maintenance, such as ensuring diffused flow, managing invasive species, and pest control will be included in the Plan. L. Monitoring Reports for Nutrient Offset Credit: Reporting criteria of the vegetation shall be based on the Carolina Vegetation Survey (CVS) ‐ EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation Level 2 Plot Sampling only version 4.0 or any updated versions of this protocol in place at the date of acceptance of the Plan. The Sponsor shall submit to the DWR an annual monitoring report no later than December 31 of each year for a minimum of five consecutive years after the first full growing season for each Bank Parcel under this instrument. Vegetation data shall not be collected prior to late August of each year. This report will describe the conditions of the Bank Parcel, including an evaluation of the performance standards of the vegetation contained within the approved Plan. Reports shall contain the following: 1. A U.S. Geological Survey map showing location of the Bank Parcel; 2. A detailed narrative with supporting photos summarizing the condition of the Bank Parcel along with any maintenance or remediation performed that year; and 3. A map, survey, or other figures showing locations of sampling plots, permanent photo points, and location of transects, Etc.; and 4. Monitoring data, including specific vegetation counts, vigor and heights showing that the trees or tree and shrub species planted are meeting performance standards and updated photographs; and 5. A copy of the most recent Bank credit/debit lodgers; and 6. Corresponding verification letters from designated local governments upon request; and 7. Corresponding Mitigation Transfer Certificates upon request; and 8. Proof of performance bond renewal to cover the next monitoring year (when applicable). Contingency Plans/Remedial Actions M. In the event a Bank Parcel fails to achieve the performance criteria described in this Instrument and in the approved Plan, the Bank Sponsor shall develop necessary contingency plans in coordination with the DWR and implement appropriate remedial actions for the Bank Parcels and the Bank. Depending on the degree of remedial actions required, the DWR may modify the monitoring period. VII. CALCULATION OF CREDITS 10 Riparian Buffer Credits A. All Riparian Buffer Credits shall be determined based on the ratios and percentages provided in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (m) and (n) following the guidance provided in the Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits letter issued by the DWR, see reference #5, including the most recent Project Credit Table Template (see Appendix C) provided online. B. Riparian buffer restoration on the Bank Parcel, as described in 15A NCAC 02B .0295(n) and defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (b) that is performed on agriculture lands within the Bank Parcel, may be used for either Riparian Buffer Credit or Nutrient Offset Credit, but not both. C. Riparian Buffer Credit is defined as one (1) buffer credit per one square foot or 43,560 buffer credits per one acre. Nutrient Offset Credits D. The square footage of Nutrient Offset Credits on the Bank Parcel will be determined by applying the applicable ratio as provided in 15A NCAC 02B .0295(m) for a Restoration Site following the guidance provided in the Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits issued by the DWR see reference #5, including the most recent Project Credit Table Template provided online. All riparian areas proposed for Nutrient Offset Credits must be a minimum of 50 feet from the top of the stream or ditch banks on land noted in a Site Viability Letter as agriculture. E. Nutrient Offset Credits cannot be achieved through the preservation activities performed on this Bank Parcel. F. Nutrient Abatement of Restored Riparian Area/Buffers on agricultural land: The Sponsor and DWR agree to the following: 1. The pounds of nitrogen offset per acre of restored riparian areas/buffers on agricultural land shall be 2,273.02 pounds per acre or 19.16394 square feet per pound. G. The Sponsor and DWR agree that the methodology and calculations for determining nitrogen reductions, associated with restoration of riparian areas on these Bank Parcels as described in Section IV of this Instrument, shall be fixed as part of the approval of this Instrument, with the fixed amount not changing during the Bank Parcel Development or credit release schedule for the Bank Parcel unless the viability letter for that Bank Parcel has expired. For further details on the approved method and calculations for determining nutrient reductions associated with the riparian restoration on this Bank Parcel refer to the NCDWR ‐ Methodology & Calculations for Nutrient Reductions document found in reference number 6. 11 This space left blank intentionally, do not add text to this space. 12 VIII. CREDIT RELEASE SCHEDULE A. Upon submittal of all appropriate documentation by the Sponsor, and subsequent approval by DWR, it is agreed that the Riparian Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits associated with the Champion Creek Bank Parcel will become available for sale to a third party in accordance with the Credit Release Schedule in Table 3.0 below: Table 3.0 ‐ Credit Release Schedule for Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Credits Task Project Milestone % Credit Available for Sale 1 Instrument and Plan Approved by DWR, Conservation Easement Recorded*, and Financial Assurance Posted 20 2 All Riparian Earthwork & Mitigation Activities, Planting and Installation of Monitoring Devices completed, easement boundaries adequately marked, all applicable permits obtained, site visit performed by DWR 20 3 Monitoring Financial Assurance Posted and Approval of As‐Built Report 10 4 Monitoring Report #1: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed 10 5 Monitoring Report #2: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed 10 6 Monitoring Report #3: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed 10 7 Item B (I) of Section X in this Instrument has been completed and approved by DWR 5 No remaining credits will be released until Task 7 has been satisfied, assigning the conversation easement to an approved land trust or long‐term steward. 8 Monitoring Report #4: Approved by the DWR** & financial assurance renewed 5 9 Monitoring Report #5: Approved by the DWR** and final site visit by DWR has been conducted 10 Total 100% * For specification, please see Section V in this Instrument ** DWR Approval provided upon a determination that the site is meeting performance standards contained within the approved Plan B. DWR may modify Credit Release Schedules based on the information submitted or the order in which required information is received. DWR will notify the Sponsor of any modification to the credit release schedule. C. Any major deviations to the Bank Parcel that were not authorized in writing by DWR prior to implementation may affect the amount of riparian buffer credits and nutrient offset credits that will be generated by the Bank Parcel. 13 IX. PROCEDURE FOR DEBITING AND CREDITING Credit Ledgers A. The Bank Sponsor shall maintain one credit ledger for each mitigation type for the Bank Parcel under this Instrument unless otherwise instructed by DWR in the approved Plan: Credit ledgers shall provide the accounting for Riparian Buffer Credits in square feet and Nutrient Offset Credits in pounds and square feet. B. Each credit ledger shall be submitted on a separate 8 ½ in. x 11in. spreadsheet with legible font style and font size. All ledgers shall be submitted using the templates provided in Attachment B of this Instrument or any updated versions to these templates as provided by DWR. Credit Processing C. Riparian Buffer Credits generated on this Bank Parcel will be used to provide mitigation for authorized buffer impacts within the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed, in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295(g). D. Nutrient Offset Credits generated on these Bank Parcels will be used to offset nitrogen nutrient loads within the 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed, in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703. E. Available Riparian Buffer Credits (credits that have been released by DWR but not sold by the Sponsor) that are generated from riparian restoration on agricultural land and meet criteria for nutrient offset credits as outlined in Section VII of this Instrument, the Site Viability Letter and the corresponding Plan can be converted from Riparian Buffer Credits into Nutrient Offset Credits upon written approval from DWR. Once a credit has been converted to another credit type, the transaction is permanent, and the credit cannot be converted again. F. Any Credit conversions must be calculated using the guidance provided in the Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits letter issued by the DWR, see reference #5. G. The Bank Sponsor shall obtain written verification of nutrient offset need from a designated local government in the 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin outside of the Falls Lake Watershed, or from DWR through an approved NPDES permit for wastewater nutrient sources prior to debiting Riparian Buffer Credits or Nutrient Offset Credits from the Bank Parcel. The Bank Sponsor shall obtain written verification of nutrient offset need from a designated local government in the 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin outside of the Falls Lake Watershed, or from DWR through an approved NPDES permit for wastewater nutrient sources prior to debiting Nutrient Offset Credits from the Bank Parcel. H. All credit and debit transactions for each Bank Parcel under this Instrument shall be accurately depicted in the credit ledgers. The Sponsor shall submit accurate and up‐to‐date credit ledgers for each Bank Parcel by the 10th of each month. At a minimum and only upon request, DWR shall receive a hard copy of updated credit ledgers along with corresponding Mitigation Credit Transfer 14 Certificates and all corresponding letters from the designated local governments or DWR where applicable once a year. Notification of all credit sales shall be provided to DWR until all credits that have been released have been sold. Mitigation Credit Transfer Certificates I. All credit sales will include a Mitigation Credit Transfer Certificate (“Certificate") that is required to be provided to the buyer of Riparian Buffer and/or Nutrient Offset Credits, that will include, at a minimum, the following information; 1. Bank Details: (1) Sponsor Name, (2) Bank Parcel name as it appears in this Instrument and, (3) DWR project number for the Plan as it appears in Table 1.0. 2. Credit Details: (1) date of receipt, (2) identify if full or partial payment, and (3‐ when applicable) amount of nitrogen Nutrient Offset Credits purchased in pounds and confirmation from the designated local government or DWR of the amount required, and (4‐when applicable) the amount of Riparian Buffer Credits purchased in square feet and the confirmation from DWR or the local government of the amount required. 3. Permitted Project Details: (1) project name and project number as it appears on DWR or local government permits and/or certifications, (2) 8‐digit HUC, (3) river basin, (4) nutrient strategy applicable to the project with impacts, (5 – when applicable) designated local government requiring Nutrient Offset Credits, and/or (6) DWR or delegated local government requiring Riparian Butter Credits for this project and (7) credit type and amount required for project. J. If the DWR determines the Bank is operating at a deficit (e.g. the Sponsor is selling and/or transferring credit that is not available), or the Bank is selling or transferring credits out of compliance with statutes, rules or this Agreement, the sale/transfer of credits will immediately cease, and the DWR, in consultation with the Sponsor, will determine what remedial actions are necessary. X. BANK PARCEL CLOSURE A. Bank Parcel Closure for each Bank Parcel under this Instrument shall be identified as the event when the Sponsor is relieved of all its responsibilities to the Bank Parcel and there are no Riparian Buffer Credits or Nutrient Offset Credits left to sell. B. Bank Parcel Closure shall commence only after all following events have occurred; 1. Transfer or assign the conservation easement and all its interests, in perpetuity, to a land trust or stewardship program as described in Section V of this instrument. 2. All five years of monitoring completed, and all monitoring reports submitted and approved by DWR. 3. All credits have been released and debited and updated ledgers showing zero credit balances have been submitted and approved by DWR. 15 XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. Upon the presentation of proper credentials, and during normal business hours, the Sponsor and the landowner shall grant permission to the Director of DWR, or an authorized representative of the Director of DWR to enter the property containing the Bank Parcel(s). B. Amendments: This Banking Instrument may be amended or modified only with written approval of all signatory parties. C. Any transfer of the Sponsor’s rights or obligations outlined in this Instrument or any other agreement referenced in this Instrument to a third party must be approved by DWR prior to the transfer. D. Force Majeure: After 100% of all the credits have been released in accordance with the credit release schedule in Section VIII and confirmation has been received by the DWR that the Conservation Easement has been successfully assigned in compliance with Item H of Section V, the Sponsor will not be responsible for Bank failure that is attributed to natural catastrophes including but not limited to flood, drought, disease, regional pest infestation, etc. that are beyond the control of the Sponsor. E. However, if an event occurs before 100% of all the credits have been released in accordance with the credit release schedule in Section VIII, the Sponsor shall take remedial action to restore the property to its condition prior to the event, in a manner sufficient to provide adequate mitigation to cover credits that were sold prior to the occurrence of the event. Such remedial action shall be taken by the Sponsor only to the extent necessary and appropriate, as determined by DWR and the Sponsor. DWR must concur in writing that a force majeure event has occurred for this provision to apply. F. Oversight: Actions taken by DWR may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Site visits, 2. Issuance of Site Viability Letters, 3. Plan review and approval of items listed in Section V of this Instrument, 4. As‐Built report review and approval of items listed in Section VI of this Instrument, 5. Monitoring Report review and approval of items listen in Section VI of this Instrument, 6. Credit Ledger review and approval of items listen in Section IX of this Instrument, 7. Certificate review of items listed in Section IX of this Instrument and cross analysis to credit ledgers and, 8. Information requests, file reviews and audits. Reports, ledgers, files and other information shall be made available to DWR upon request, unless otherwise specified in this or any other document. G. Validity of this Instrument: This Instrument will become valid on the date of the last party’s signature. 16 H. Specific Language of this Instrument Shall Be Controlling: To the extent that specific language in this document changes, modifies, or deletes terms and conditions contained in those documents that are incorporated into the Instrument by reference, and that are not legally binding, the specific language within the Instrument shall be controlling. I. Any disputes over decisions regarding this Instrument, shall be referred to the Director of DWR for a decision. The Director’s decision is subject to review as provided in Articles 3 and 4 of G.S. 150B. J. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily. K. Notices: All Notices and other communication which may be or are required to be given or made by any party to the other shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been properly given and received on the date delivered in person, received via email with a delivery receipt requested, or deposited in the United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt requested, to the addresses set out below or at such other addresses as specified by written notice delivered in accordance herewith. If to Bank Sponsor: 1430 South Mint Street, Suite 104 Charlotte, NC 28203 Attn: John Hutton jhutton@wildlandseng.com If to DWR: NC Division of Water Resources – 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch Attn: Nutrient Offset and Buffer Banking Coordinator 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699‐1617 17 Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be construed under the laws of the State of North Carolina. Wildlands Holdings X, LLC By: John Hutton (Print) (Signature) Title: Vice President of Wildlands Engineering, Member of Wildlands Holdings X, LLC Date: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY‐DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES By: (Print) (Signature) Title: Date: Sale/ Release Date Purchaser or % Credit Release Project Name Gov't Requiring Pounds of Nitrogen Acres Pounds of Nitrogen Acres Pounds of Nitrogen Acres Totals - - - - - - Champion Creek Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI): Champion Creek Mitigation Bank Parcel Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 (outside of the Falls Basin) Nitrogen Credit Ledger Date Last Updated: 12-21-2023 DWR Project #: 2023-0827 v1 Credits Released/Available to Bank Credits Debited/Sold From Bank Nutrient Credit Balance Sale/ Release Date Purchaser or % Credit Release Project Name Gov't Requiring Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Totals - - - - - - Champion Creek Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI): Champion Creek Mitigation Bank Parcel Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 (outside of the Falls Basin) Buffer Restoration Credit Ledger Date Last Updated: 12-21-2023 DWR Project #: 2023-0827 v1 Credits Released/Available to Bank Credits Debited/Sold From Bank Buffer Credit Balance Sale/ Release Date Purchaser or % Credit Release Project Name Gov't Requiring Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Sq.ft. of Buffer Acres Totals - - - - - - Champion Creek Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI): Champion Creek Mitigation Bank Parcel Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 (outside of the Falls Basin) Buffer Preservation Credit Ledger Date Last Updated: 12-21-2023 DWR Project #: 2023-0827 v1 Credits Released/Available to Bank Credits Debited/Sold From Bank Buffer Credit Balance Table 1. [INSERT PROJECT NAME], [INSERT PROJECT NUMBER], Project Credits Project Area N Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound) P Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound) Credit Type Location Subject? (enter NO if ephemeral or ditch 1) Feature Type Mitigation Activity Min‐Max Buffer Width (ft)Feature Name Total Area (ft2) Total (Creditable) Area of Buffer Mitigation (ft2) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Convertible to Riparian Buffer? Riparian Buffer Credits Convertible to Nutrient Offset? Delivered Nutrient Offset: N (lbs) Delivered Nutrient Offset: P (lbs) ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— ——— Totals (ft2):0 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 Total Buffer (ft2):00 Total Nutrient Offset (ft2):0 N/A Total Ephemeral Area (ft2) for Credit:00 Total Eligible Ephemeral Area (ft2):0 0.0%Ephemeral Reaches as % TABM Enter Preservation Credits Below Total Eligible for Preservation (ft2):0 0.0%Preservation as % TABM Credit Type Location Subject? Feature Type Mitigation Activity Min‐Max Buffer Width (ft)Feature Name Total Area (sf) Total (Creditable) Area for Buffer Mitigation (ft2) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Riparian Buffer Credits Buffer — — — — — Preservation Area Subtotals (ft2):00 Square Feet Credits 0 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 Square Feet Credits Nitrogen:0.000 Phosphorus:0.0000 TOTAL AREA OF BUFFER MITIGATION (TABM) TOTAL NUTRIENT OFFSET MITIGATION Mitigation Totals Nutrient Offset: Preservation: Total Riparian Buffer: Neuse 03020201 ‐ Outside Falls Lake 19.16394 N/A Restoration: Enhancement: Mitigation Totals 1. The Randleman Lake buffer rules allow some ditches to be classified as subject according to 15A NCAC 02B .0250 (5)(a). last updated 08/03/2020