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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220450 Ver 1_ePCN Application_20240116DW R DHlsloo of Water Resources Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form For Nationwide Permits and Regional General Permits (along with corresponding Water Quality Certifications) October 2, 2023 Ver 4.3 Initial Review Has this project met the requirements for acceptance in to the review process? Yes No Is this project a public transportation project?* Yes No Change only If needed. Does this project involve maintenance dredging funded by the Shallow Draft Navigation Channel Dredging and Aquatic Weed Fund or involve the distribution or transmission of energy or fuel, including natural gas, diesel, petroleum, or electricity? Yes No BIMS # Assigned Version# * 20220450 1 Is a payment required for this project?* No payment required What amount is owed?* Fee received $240.00 $570.00 Fee needed - send electronic notification $323.00 $767.00 Reviewing Office* Select Project Reviewer* Central Office - (919) 707-9000 Maria Polizzi:Maria. Polizzi Information for Initial Review la. Name of project: Falcon Ridge Mitigation Project la. Who is the Primary Contact?* Ryan Medric 1b. Primary Contact Email: * rmedric@res.us Date Submitted 1 /16/2024 Nearest Body of Water Caraway Creek Basin Yadkin-PeeDee Water Classification C Site Coordinates Latitude: 35.787000 A. Processing Information Is this project connected with ARPA funding? Yes No County (or Counties) where the project is located: Randolph Is this a NCDMS Project Yes No Longitude: -79.865000 1c. Primary Contact Phone:* (703)424-6313 Is this project a public transportation project?* Yes No 1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps: Section 404 Permit (wetlands, streams and waters, Clean Water Act) Section 10 Permit (navigable waters, tidal waters, Rivers and Harbors Act) Has this PCN previously been submitted?* Yes No 1b. What type(s) of permit(s) do you wish to seek authorization? Nationwide Permit (NWP) Regional General Permit (RGP) Standard (IP) 1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? Yes No Nationwide Permit (NWP) Number: 27 - Restoration NWP Numbers (for multiple NWPS): 1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWR: 401 Water Quality Certification - Regular Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit Individual 401 Water Quality Certification le. Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required? For the record only for DWR 401 Certification: For the record only for Corps Permit: 1f. Is this an after -the -fact permit application? * Yes No 1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts? Yes No 1g. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program proposed for mitigation of impacts? Yes No 1h. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties? Yes No 1j. Is the project located in a designated trout watershed? Yes No B. Applicant Information 1d. Who is applying for the permit? Owner Applicant (other than owner) le. Is there an Agent/Consultant for this project? Yes No 2. Owner Information 2a. Name(s) on recorded deed: Phillip O'neil Ridge 2b. Deed book and page no.: Book: 3E, Page: 562 2c. Contact Person: 2d.Address Street Address 2991 Spero Road Address Line 2 City Randleman Postal / Zip Code 27317 401 Water Quality Certification - Express Riparian Buffer Authorization State / Province / Region North Carolina Country United States Yes No Yes No 2e. Telephone Number: (336)442-1526 2g. Email Address: p.ridge@selpro.us 2a. Name(s) on recorded deed: Kenneth Allen York 2b. Deed book and page no.: Book: 1144, Page: 366 2c. Contact Person: 2d. Address Street Address 2857 Sundew Dr Address Line 2 city Sophia Postal / Zip Code 27350 2e. Telephone Number: (336)953-1410 2g. Email Address:* mcovington@res.us 3. Applicant Information (if different from owner) 3a. Name: Ryan Medric 3b. Business Name: 3c.Address Street Address 3600 Glenwood Avenue Address Line 2 Suite 100 city Raleigh Postal / Zip Code 27612 3d. Telephone Number: (703)424-6313 3f. Email Address:* rmedric@res.us C. Proiect Information and Prior Proiect History 1. Project Information 1b. Subdivision name: (if appropriate) 1c. Nearest municipality / town: Sophia, NC 2. Project Identification 2f. Fax Number: State / Province / Region North Carolina Country United States 2f. Fax Number: State / Province / Region North Carolina Country USA 3e. Fax Number: 2a. Property Identification Number: 2b. Property size: 7744420536, 7744406570, & 7744304852 167.16, 1.5, & 8.19 2c. Project Address Street Address 2855 SUNDEW DR Address Line 2 city Sophia Postal / Zip Code 27350 3. Surface Waters 3a. Name of the nearest body of water to proposed project: Caraway Creek 3b. Water Resources Classification of nearest receiving water:" 3c. What river basin(s) is your project located in?" Yadkin-PeeDee 3d. Please provide the 12-digit HUC in which the project is located. 030401030404 4. Project Description and History State / Province / Region North Carolina Country United States 4a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: * The Project is located in Randolph County and was identified as a stream and wetland mitigation opportunity to improve water quality, habitat, and hydrology within the Yadkin River Basin. The aquatic resources associated with the Project have been highly manipulated and degraded over time due to agricultural practices, direct channel manipulation, and the continuing urban development of the watershed as a whole. Historically, the land use throughout the middle portion of the Project and its adjacent land, to the east has been used primarily for agricultural purposes since before 1948. The northern and southern portions of the Project appear to have been mostly forested during this time. A few small, forested areas were cleared for agriculture between 1948 and 1969, and then again before 1980. Between 1980 and 1993 the farmland was greatly expanded, with the majority of the wooded areas cleared to accommodate for cattle pasture. Two relic hand -laid rock dams occur along PR1-D, constructed sometime before 1948. These dams have historically blocked flow and are responsible for the reshaping and degradation of this reach. The reach has down cut through legacy sediment that accumulated when the area was impounded. Though the dams no longer obstruct the channel, remnants still exist along the banks, impacting the stream's accessibility into the floodplain. The agricultural pond at the southwest corner of the Project was impounded sometime between 1980 and 1993. The pond still remains, supported by hydrology from Wetland E and PR7-A to the east. Two culverts are situated along either side of the north end of the pond, feeding into PR7-B downstream. The pond bottom is situated seven feet above the downstream channel, where a significant amount of erosion has taken place as the pond has slowly fed into PR7-B. Between 1993 and the mid-2000s, portions of the pastureland were left fallow throughout the Project, specifically the western side, with the southeast portion still functioning as active cattle pasture. Based on Google Earth Imagery and physical site evaluations, the northern reaches of the Project were also left fallow sometime after 2019. Currently, the Project area remains a combination of active pasture, relic pasture, and disturbed riparian forest, with area cleared for row crops directly adjacent to the east. While there is nothing currently planted, in the past the majority of the row crop production has been either soybeans or corn. An existing hand -laid rock dam was installed along the upstream end of PR6 sometime in the early to mid-2000s to support the livestock operation in this field, serving as a watering structure. This dam still remains, affecting not only the reach itself, but also Wetland F (WF), which supports hydrology for the stream to the east. Due to historic and current farming practices, 12 culverted and forded crossings exist throughout the proposed conservation easement, impeding clear flow and aquatic passage along Project streams. One culvert is situated just outside of the proposed boundaries, feeding PR2's flow into the Project, which will need to be appropriately reset as a ford in order to provide uplift to the downstream Project reaches. The surrounding watershed is mostly rural, comprised mainly of forested areas, agricultural operations and developed land. A few residential homes border the Project parcels to the north, east, and south. West of the Project is densely forested for at least half of a mile. Existing woody vegetation throughout the site includes eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), pecan (Carya illinoinensis), blackberry (Rubus pensilvanicus), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), black willow (Salix nigra), red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Quercus alba), American holly (Ilex opaca), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), tag alder (Alnus serrulata), honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), black walnut (Juglans nigra), black cherry (Prunus serotina), persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), and winged elm (Ulmus slats). The herb stratum throughout many of the wetland areas, fallow pasture, and forest understory includes juncus (Juncus effusus & coriaceus), smartweed (Persicaria punctata), fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), panic grass (Dichanthelium scoparium), clearweed (Piles pumila), spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), tearthumb (Persicaria sagittata), wild onion (Allium canadense), horse nettle (Solanum carolinense), milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), and other various pasture grasses. A large presence of non-native, invasive plant species are present throughout the Project, including Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum). A survey of existing wetlands was performed in October and November of 2022. Wetland boundaries were delineated using current methodology outlined in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). Soils were characterized and classified using the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 7.0 (NRCS, 2010). A total of seven jurisdictional wetlands were observed within the proposed Project boundaries. Wetlands are labeled as WA (Wetland A) through to WG (Wetland HG). A preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) request was sent to the USACE on December 1, 2022. Then, a revised PJD was submitted on October 17th, 2023 after additional delineation and concurrence was performed by a licensed soil scientist. Wetland determinations have not yet been verified by the USACE; the final PJD has not yet been received. Upon submittal of this PCN, aquatic resource features including streams and wetlands were revised based on professional survey, and Aquatic IDs, lengths, and areas have been updated accordingly in the attached "Revised Aquatic Resources" table. A revised WOTUS map is also included. Reach PR1 PR1 is composed of five reaches based on treatment levels (PR1-A, PR1-B, PR1-C, PR1-D, and PR1-E) and is the primary drainage feature of the Project. PR1-A starts as an intermittent reach originating from a headcut in the northeast corner of the Project and flows southwest, within a confined valley, through relic pasture before the transition to PR1-B. Riparian buffers are sparse (10-20 feet wide) to non-existent along the length of the reach. The substrate is a combination of gravel and cobble. Areas of undercutting occur along both banks, in varying amounts of intensity, but with larger occurrences along the right bank. PR1-B splits off from PR2 at a headcut in the channel, below which the channel incises significantly with actively eroding and undercut banks throughout. The left bank opens to relic pasture, about 20-50 feet out from the top of bank, with a shrub barrier of blackberry before meeting the row crop field. The right bank remains sparsely buffered, as the stream flows intermittently through relic pasture, passing through one culvert. Much of the reach has a wide historic floodplain, with Priority 1 stream restoration potential, before the profile drops into the confined PR1-C valley. Although the historic floodplain is wide, the entrenched channel largely flows along the right valley toe, with no floodplain access to that side. The channel substrate is mainly gravel and cobble. Holes and other signs of instability line the floodplain on both banks of PR1-B, due to erosion and soil compaction from historic livestock impact. The channel transitions to perennial PR1-C from PR1-B at the tree line and flows southwest towards its confluence with PR3 where the stream begins to stabilize, and the valley flattens out. Riparian buffers are narrow and sparse at the top of the reach but widen downstream just before a fence line, transitioning into PR1-D. The substrate is mainly gravel and cobble, with a few areas of larger boulder material. PR1-C flows southwest, leaving the relic pasture, giving way to a wider riparian buffer. The channel is rocky and sinuous for much of this reach. Some areas of incision and bank undercutting occur throughout. As the stream leaves enters the wood line, the right bank is about 20-30 feet wide, while the left bank is forested between 70-100 feet wide. There is an existing cattle crossing fence that cuts across the stream at the downstream end of this reach. Downstream from the cattle fencing, PR1-D is a perennial reach that flows south through two relic pond beds, one downstream of PR4 and the other near the confluence of PR1-D and PR5. The dams to the impounded areas, constructed sometime before 1948, have since breached and been removed from the channel; however, fragments of the rock dams still remain along the floodplain of both banks. The reach has down cut through legacy sediment that accumulated when the area was impounded. The reach has little bank cover active bank erosion and incision throughout, and the reach steadily incises as it approaches the relic dam and confluence with PR5 and remains disconnected from the floodplain. Lack of stable pool and point bar formation has contributed to the channel degradation and bank erosion. The channel has a high sinuosity, as it bounces from one valley toe to the other, throughout the entire reach. Woody debris is the main source of natural grade control throughout this reach, primarily from the surrounding black willows that line the banks. Riparian buffers fluctuate between narrow to wide, but are mostly sparse throughout, mainly composed of invasive species. PR1-E starts just below the old dam and flows southwest directly into Caraway Creek just offsite. The reach has greater than 100-foot buffers through its full length and the channel is in stable condition. The majority of the wooded area throughout PR1 (and most of the forested areas throughout the Project) is dominated by Chinese privet. Reach PR2 PR2 is split into two reaches (PR2-A and PR2-B) based on treatment type. PR2-A originates from a corrugated metal culvert on the eastern boundary of the Project and flows west through relic pasture. Areas of floodplain erosion exist throughout the reach, specifically surrounding the origin of the stream into the Project at the culvert. One jurisdictional wetland was noted on the downstream portion of reach PR2-B (Wetland A). PR2-A is in a very confined valley, with much of its pattern and profile influenced by bedrock. As the PR2-B valley widens the channel flows, with little sinuosity, along the steep left valley toe, with no floodplain access on that side. The channel is incised in places, with areas of active bank erosion. Farther downstream the bed material increases to larger cobble with underlying bed rock sparsely scattered throughout. Riparian buffers are sparse and narrow throughout and a row crop field exists just 100 feet from the left bank. Reach PR3 PR3 is an intermittent stream that originates just north of the Project boundary and flows south through relic pasture to a confluence with PR1-C. Upstream, the channel runs through a steeply sloped valley, which becomes flatter downstream, passing through two culverts. The bed material of mostly larger cobble and bedrock work as natural grade control throughout the reach. PR3 picks up additional hydrology from seep -fed reaches PR9 and PR10, which flow in from the east. Wetlands B and C to the east also support the hydrology of this reach. Riparian buffers are sparse throughout and are dominated by invasive plants, mainly Chinese privet, and non -riparian tree species typically found in upland communities. Reach PR4 PR4, located in the northwest corner of the Project, is an intermittent channel that originates just west of the Project boundary and is split into two reaches based on treatment type (PR4-A and PR4-B). PR4-A flows southeast from a degraded ford crossing outside the proposed easement through relic pasture passing through Wetland D near the upstream end of the reach, and a culvert towards the middle of the reach. Riparian buffers are narrow to non-existent for most of the upstream portion but begin to increase moving downstream. Near the confluence with PR4-B, the left buffer extends out 30 to 50 feet, while the right buffer extends more than 100 feet. The left bank remains steep throughout much of the upper end of the reach, while the right bank is only gently sloped. Chinese privet dominates throughout the buffers along this reach. A headcut creates the transition into PR4-B near the confluence with PR1-D, and the channel becomes narrow as it flows parallel to PR1-D for its final 100 feet. PR4-B flows within the PR1-D floodplain and lacks riffle -pool morphology. The substrate is mostly sand, silt, and very small pebble material. The left buffer is a sparse peninsula between reaches PR4-B and PR1-D. The right buffer extends out at least 75 feet; however, it is composed on mainly invasive Chinese privet and tree of heaven. Reach PR5 PR5 originates north of the Project easement, intermittently flowing south into the easement, through a corrugated metal culvert, before coming to a confluence with PR6, just beyond a fence line dividing the cattle pasture from the wooded area. The upstream portion of PR5 has a wooded buffer that ranges from 30 to 50 feet and is surrounded by row crop fields on either side. The reach continues west as the riparian buffer increases greater than 50 feet off each bank but is dominated by invasive species, mainly Chinese privet. The reach flows northwest to its confluence with PR1 over medium to large sized cobble. The upstream half of the project reach flows within a confined valley, bouncing between valley toes with bedrock defining much of the channel profile and drops. As the floodplain widens downstream, the channel flows along the steep left valley toe before it's confluence with PR7-C, largely disconnected from the historic Priority 1 floodplain. The channel is rectangular in shape and entrenched, lacking formation of deep pools and point bars. Bare banks contribute to active bank erosion, and the channel is incised through this reach. Reach PR6 PR6 is an intermittent stream originating as a wetland seep (Wetland F) and flows west through active pasture until meeting PR5 beyond a fence line separating the open field from wooded area. The reach loses definition before its confluence with PR5. PR6 exhibits little sinuosity as it flows within a confined valley, disconnected from the floodplain. The channel lacks stable pool formation and grade controlling substrate. A hand -laid rock dam is located near the upstream portion of the stream, while a concrete culvert is located downstream before the pasture meets the wood line, both constricting flow along this reach. Riparian buffers along both banks are made of sparse herbaceous vegetation, composed mostly of pasture grasses, while a woody buffer is non-existent for the majority of the reach. The substrate along the channel is mostly pebble and small cobble material, intermixed with sand and silt. Reach PR7 PR7 is split into three reaches based on treatment types (PR7-A, PR7-B, and PR7-C), originating on the eastern side of the Project and flows northwest through a farm pond/wetland complex and through a wooded area before the confluence with PR5. PR7-A is an intermittent stream originating at a headcut in the field and flowing west through active pasture past the confluence with PR8. Just upstream of PR7-A, a drainage ditch is fed by two ditches receiving runoff from east of Plainfield Road. The two ditches come to a confluence at a corrugated metal culvert and continue flowing approximately 260 linear feet before meeting the origin of PR7-A at a headcut. The reach loses some definition before the confluence with PRS because of a parallel ditch and berm that collect runoff from the northern side of the reach. The ditch joins the reach midway down through a breach in the berm and channel definition is regained thereafter. The channel is largely entrenched within the narrow valley bottom and presents little sinuosity and floodplain connection. There is little controlling substrate to maintain stable profile formation and a lack of vegetation protecting the exposed banks. A few small swales and drainages cut through the floodplain, into the channel, along this reach, which, in combination with livestock impact, have led to slumping banks and erosion throughout. Riparian buffers are narrow for most of the reach and only exist consistently along the right bank; however, Chinese privet dominates most of the vegetation. PR7-A flows through jurisdictional Wetland E immediately before meeting a fence line and flowing through an approximately 0.92-acre constructed farm pond. Cattle are fenced out of the pond, but the areas upslope are in active pasture outside the fencing. PR7-A then transitions to PR7-B, just downstream of the pond outfall—a corrugated plastic culvert, emptying from a 15 to 20-foot sheer drop —and flows northwest, through a wooded area, with riparian buffers greater than 50 feet on either bank. The channel is mucky in areas, losing bank definition as it nears its confluence with PR7-C. Reach PR7-C flows north from PR7-B to the confluence with PR5. The reach has more than 50-foot buffers through the majority of its length. Black willows grow throughout the floodplain and along the banks. The substrate along this reach is mostly pebble to medium cobble. A metal culvert divides the reach right before meeting PR5 and flowing into PR1-E. The upstream half of the reach is entrenched within its narrow valley and has little sinuosity before it enters the PR5 floodplain where it remains entrenched and disconnected from the adjacent floodplain. Bare banks have accelerated channel degradation throughout this reach. Reach PR8 PR8 is an intermittent stream originating from a pond outfall located just offsite to the south. The reach flows, within a confined valley, north through an active pasture to its confluence with PR7-A. The reach loses some definition as it enters the property due to heavy cattle traffic but regains it thereafter. A metal culvert provides a crossing about halfway down the channel. The reach loses some definition once again as it flows into Wetland E and the confluence with PR7-A. The bed material is mostly mucky, very fine silt. Riparian buffers are non-existent for the entire reach, with the floodplain mostly comprised of pasture grasses. Reach PR9 a Yy P, „..,,,.,«.„uy ­.. y .,, . — ­.. ...,­ —, ,y," . ­--y _.,Ja— ­­­ — ., ,,..­ -- P,..., .0 hydrology for the reach. The substrate of the channel begins as large cobble and bedrock upstream but decreases in size moving downstream, transitioning to mostly silt and wetland muck with a few larger cobbles. Though the reach is mostly buffered, the dominate species is mainly Chinese privet. Reach PR10 Similar to PR9, PR10 originates as a rocky seep, flowing west, coming to a confluence with PR3, further upstream from PR9. During baseline site evaluations, this channel had a stream determination score of 17.75, due to a lack of geomorphological indicators. However, both dragonfly and damselfly larvae were found within the reach, which are both indicator species of perennial flow and should be considered when classifying PR10. Hydrology from the seep and linear Wetland C feed this channel. The upstream portion of this reach has a sparse buffer, impacted by relic pasture, while the downstream portion has a denser buffer of mostly invasive species. The bed material is mostly silt with a few cobbles. This reach flows with little to no bank definition before filtering into PR3. Reach PR11 PR11 originates in a crenulation found near the edge of an agricultural field and receives hydrology and sediment from surface runoff. The reach quickly enters a forested area and meets the larger floodplain of stream reach PR1-D. PR11 historically terminated at the edge of the impoundment of PR1-D while forming a delta. This accumulation of sediment from PR11 at the edge of the historic impoundment remained even after the impoundment was breached. PR11 dissipates once flowing into this delta and forms Wetland G. WA Wetland A is adjacent to stream reach PR2-B and considered NCWAM type Headwater Forest. It occurs within a concave landform where the valley slope flattens and floodplain widens. Hydrology is supported by groundwater with little to no flooding contribution from the adjacent stream. The wetland has been historically impacted by agriculture with forest cleared for pasture and cattle access that has left the wetland devoid of woody vegetation. WB and WC Wetland B and Wetland C are very small wetlands associated with very small stream reaches PR9 and PR10, respectively. They are NCWAM type Seeps and contribute constant discharge to support hydrology of their respective streams. They've been historically impacted by agriculture with forest cleared for pasture and cattle access that has left the wetland devoid of woody vegetation except for some sweetgums. WD Wetland D exists near the head of stream reach PR4-A in a depressional feature contiguous with the narrow floodplain and is considered NCWAM type Headwater Forest. Hydrology appears to be driven by seasonal groundwater discharge rather than perennial discharge. The wetland has been historically impacted by agriculture with forest cleared for pasture and cattle access that has left the wetland devoid of woody vegetation except for some small early successional trees. WE Wetland E occurs along and below the confluence of stream reaches PR7-A and PR8 and extends down until it is impounded by an open water pond. It is a NCWAM type Headwater Forest whose hydrology is driven by strong groundwater discharge along different points along the valley. However, hydrology is negatively impacted at the upper end where stream incision effectively lowers groundwater, whereas the lower end becomes impounded from the pond. The wetland is degraded by agriculture with forest cleared for pasture and active cattle access that has removed and prevents establishment of woody vegetation. WF Wetland F occurs above stream reach PR6 within a concave, narrow valley and serves as a headwater wetland transitioning to PR6. It is a NCWAM type Headwater Forest with strong groundwater discharge occurring at the toes of slopes and receives additional input from adjacent overland flow. The wetland is highly disturbed by cattle resulting in loss of soil structure, compaction, lack of wetland or woody vegetation, fecal input, and overall habitat loss. WG Wetland G occurs in the middle of the Project where the crenulation associated with stream reach PR11 meets the larger floodplain of stream reach PR1-D. PR11 historically terminated at the edge of the impoundment of PR1-D while forming a delta. This accumulation of sediment from PR11 at the edge of the historic impoundment remained even after the impoundment was breached. PR11 dissipates once flowing into this delta and forms Wetland G. It is a NCWAM type non -tidal freshwater marsh. 4b. Have Corps permits or DWR certifications been obtained for this project (including all prior phases) in the past? Yes No Unknown 4f. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property: 1.141 4g. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams on the property: 10,821 4h. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:* The purpose of the proposed Bank is to restore, enhance, and preserve aquatic resources (streams, wetlands, and riparian areas) in order to generate compensatory mitigation credits within the Yadkin River Basin. Through the comprehensive analysis of the Project's maximum functional uplift using the Stream Functions Pyramid Framework, specific, attainable goals and objectives will be realized by the Project. The Project presents 11,014 LF of proposed stream mitigation via stream restoration, enhancement, and preservation. The Project also presents 3.600 acres of wetland mitigation via wetland rehabilitation, enhancement, and creation. The Project goals address stressors identified in the watershed, and include the following: • Restore, enhance, and protect hydrology and water quality functions to stream -wetland complexes that have been manipulated by agricultural practices; • Improve water transport from watershed to channels in a non -erosive manner and improve and maintain a stable water table in riparian floodplain wetlands; Reduce inputs of sediment into streams from eroding stream banks; • Reduce nutrient inputs to streams and wetland complexes; Create diverse bedforms and stable channels that achieve healthy dynamic equilibrium and provide suitable habitat for aquatic life; • Improve floodplain connectivity; • Restore, enhance, and create wetland hydrology, soils, and plant communities; Restore, enhance, and protect appropriate riparian and wetland plant communities; • Preserve high quality stream resources; Improve ecological processes by reducing water temperature, improving terrestrial and aquatic habitat, and restoring a native plant community. 41. Describe the overall project in detail, including indirect impacts and the type of equipment to be used: * The Project goals will be addressed through the following objectives: Design and construct stable stream channels with appropriate pattern, dimension, and profile based on on -site and off -site reference reach conditions; • Reduce bank height ratios to less than 1.2 and increase entrenchment ratio to greater than 2.2 in accordance to the Wilmington District Stream and Wetland Compensatory Mitigation Update Guidance; Add in -stream structures and bank stabilization measures to protect restored and enhanced streams; • Install habitat features such as brush toes, woody materials, riffles, and pools of varying depths to restored and enhanced streams; Install Engineered Sediment Packs (ESP) and swales along valley crenulations, where necessary, to promote surface water flow, trap sediment, and mitigate future floodplain erosion; • Remove active and relic dams from applicable stream reaches; Remove up to 12 existing culverts (replace with fords outside of easement where necessary); • Exclude livestock permanently from streams and their associated buffers as well as surrounding wetlands; . Innree— fnre .T rin in h„ffere In eT Ieeel fifh.. feel nn hnhh cirl of The'Kennel elnnn the Drni—+ r—K—..rihh ennrnnriehe rinerien ureTlenrl enrl „nlenrl nlenT nnmm„niTiee . _. _ .., .... __..._ _ ... _ .,. _._ _ ... _.. ,....._.., .., I.....-. ...,._ ..I ...... I _.._ _r._, ,._... • Restore and create riparian wetlands by raising stream bed elevations and planting native wetland plant species in order to maintain appropriate soil series saturation/hydroperiod thresholds during the growing season; • Treat invasive species from riparian buffer and wetland areas to support the colonization and survival of native riparian buffer species; Establish a continuous permanent conservation easement on the Project that will perpetually protect streams, wetlands, and their associated buffers. The restoration plan and design approach were developed based on existing conditions, reference reach conditions, and the Project goals. This Project will utilize Priority 1 and 2 restoration, bioengineered bank stabilization, and natural channel design techniques. Stream restoration designs will produce a single thread meandering channel consisting of a typical riffle pool or plane -bed relationship. Reference reach data, NC regional curve data, and historical data will be utilized in the design of each restored stream reach. Analytical design approaches will also be used to determine watershed discharge contributing to each stream reach as well as enhance the overall design. The restoration plan and design approach for each stream reach is detailed below Reach PR1-A An enhancement I approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. Enhancement activities will include: • Grading and installing an Engineered Sediment Pack (ESP) at the beginning of the reach to trap sediment and promote surface water flow, Installing riffle and/or grade control structures to lift the channel bed and add bed diversity, • Stabilizing banks via grading and live staking, • Invasive species treatment, and • Riparian planting. Reach PR1-13 An offline, Priority 1 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities will include: • Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, • Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, • Installing brush and stone toe protection on meander bends, Installing two ESPs and a swale along valley crenulations to promote surface water flow, trap sediment, and mitigate future floodplain erosion, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, Filling and plugging the existing channel, • Removing culvert along left bank (spoiled off to the side of channel) near STA 9+100 • Invasive species treatment, and Riparian planting. Reach PR1-C An enhancement III approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation. Enhancement activities include: Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, • Invasive species treatment, • Riparian and upland planting, where necessary, and Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. Reach PR1-D A natural channel design restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation and impoundment. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities will include: • Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, • Removing dams and legacy sediment from accumulation behind dam footprints, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Installing brush and stone toe protection on meander bends, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Filling and plugging the existing channel, • Invasive species treatment, and • Riparian and upland planting. Reach PR1-E A preservation approach is proposed for this reach to protect in perpetuity. Preservation activities will include • Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement, and Invasive species treatment, where necessary. Reach PR2-A An enhancement I approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. Enhancement activities will include • Installing riffle and/or grade control structures to lift the channel bed and add bed diversity, Replacing culvert crossing with ford crossing around STA 0+80, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), and Riparian planting. Reach PR2-B An offline, Priority 1 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities include: • Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, • Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, • Installing brush toe protection on meander bends, Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Filling and plugging the existing channel, • Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), and • Riparian and wetland planting. Reach PR3 An enhancement II approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation, impacted mainly by the presence of Chinese privet. Enhancement activities will include: Installing ford crossing near STA 1+50, • Removing culvert crossing and stabilizing surrounding banks near STA 2+50, • Removing culverts along right bank (spoiled off to the side of channel) near STA 6+60, Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), • Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, Riparian planting where necessary, and Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement Reach PR4-A An enhancement II approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation, impacted mainly by the presence of Chinese privet. Enhancement activities will include • Repairing ford crossing near STA 1+75, Removing culvert crossing and stabilizing surrounding banks near STA 6+75, • Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, • Riparian and wetland planting where necessary, and • Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. Reach PR4-B An offline, Priority 1 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities include: Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Installing brush toe protection on meander bends, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, Filling and plugging the existing channel, • Invasive species treatment, and • Riparian and upland planting. Reach PR5 A Priority 1 and Priority 2 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation and impoundment impacts. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities include: Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain; starting as Priority 1 and transitioning to Priority 2 as the channel approaches the confluence with PR-1, • Removing existing culvert crossing near STA 0+60, • Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Installing brush or stone toe protection on meander bends and one rock toe protection at confluence, Stabilizing banks via live staking, Filling and plugging the existing channel, Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), Riparian and upland planting, and Removing and re -installing livestock exclusion fencing outside the easement. Reach PR6 An offline, Priority 1 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities include: Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, • Removing existing embankment and debris near STA 1+40, • Removing existing culvert crossing near STA 4+50, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Installing brush toe protection on meander bends, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Filling and plugging the existing channel, Invasive species treatment (including spraying fescue along bed, banks, and buffers), • Riparian and wetland planting, and Removing existing fencing and re -installing livestock exclusion fencing outside of easement. Reach PR7-A A Priority 1 and Priority 2 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation and impoundment. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities include: • Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain and newly filled pond footprint; starting as Priority 1 and transitioning to Priority 2 through the pond footprint, • Removing existing culvert crossing (along drainage ditch upstream) near STA 2+00, Installing an ESP (along drainage ditch upstream) near STA 2+10 to help trap sediment collecting and flowing into the Project from Plainfield Road, • Removing legacy sediment from accumulation behind dam footprint, Removing existing culvert and dam embankment near STA 19+00, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Installing brush or stone toe protection on meander bends, • Grading and installing an ESP and swale along valley crenulations to promote surface water flow, trap sediment, and mitigate future floodplain erosion, Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Filling and plugging the existing channel, Invasive species treatment (including Chinese privet along banks and fescue in bed, bank, and buffer), and • Riparian, wetland, and upland planting. Removing existing fencing and re -installing livestock exclusion fencing outside of easement. Reach PR7-B An enhancement III approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation. Enhancement activities include: • Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, Invasive species treatment, • Riparian and upland planting, where necessary, and • Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. Reach PR7-C A Priority 1 and Priority 2 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation and impoundment. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities will include: • Grading a new single thread channel in line with the existing channel, Removing legacy sediment from accumulation behind dam footprints, • Removing existing culvert crossing near STA 24+75, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, • Stabilizing banks via live staking, Filling and plugging the existing channel, • Invasive species treatment, and • Riparian and upland planting. Reach PR8 A mix of inline and offline, Priority 1 restoration approach is proposed for this reach to address historic channel degradation. The proposed channel will be relocated back to its natural valley. Restoration activities will include: • Grading a new single thread channel in the existing floodplain, Installing rock and log structures to provide grade control and habitat, • Establishing a riffle -pool sequence throughout the new channel, Removing existing culvert crossing near STA 2+50, • Installing brush toe protection on meander bends, Stabilizing banks via live staking, • Filling and plugging the existing channel, Invasive species treatment, • Riparian and wetland planting, and • Removing and re -installing livestock exclusion fencing outside the easement Reach PR9 An enhancement III approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation. Enhancement activities include Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, • Riparian and wetland planting, Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), and • Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. Reach PR10 An enhancement III approach is proposed for this reach to address riparian buffer degradation. Enhancement activities include Spraying and treating unwanted relic pasture species such as fescue and similar grasses, • Riparian and wetland planting, Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), and • Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. Reach PR11 PR11 will be preserved. Some activities will still be performed such as: • Riparian and wetland planting where necessary, • Heavy invasive species treatment (mainly Chinese privet), and Protecting the channel in a permanent conservation easement. The Falcon Ridge Project offers a total ecosystem restoration opportunity that will revitalize jurisdictional wetlands throughout a highly disturbed floodplain complex. As such, the proposed wetland treatments are closely tied to the stream restoration and enhancement. The Project will provide wetland rehabilitation, enhancement, and creation of Headwater Forest and Bottomland Hardwood -type wetland communities. Because of the site's observed soil characteristics, landscape position, and level of disturbance, a combination of wetland rehabilitation, enhancement, and creation is proposed. Wetland rehabilitation aims to improve hydrology, habitat, and water quality to jurisdictional wetlands by excluding livestock, improving soil conditions, improving vegetation, and improving hydrology through adjacent stream restoration activities. Wetland enhancement aims to improve habitat and water quality to jurisdictional wetlands by excluding livestock, improving soil and vegetation condition. The success of wetland creation relies upon the expectation that raising the stream bed elevation and plugging surrounding drainage features will raise the local groundwater table across the floodplains. In turn, this will connect and expand these areas of discharge while providing frequent flood events to the surrounding floodplain. Once hydrology is established, these areas are anticipated to develop wetland functions and display wetland characteristics. These measures will foster wetland vegetation communities and will improve connectivity throughout the stream and wetland complex. In areas that are planned to be mostly cleared of trees, decompaction techniques to increase porosity, specifically ripping these areas eight to 12 inches, will be performed. Where larger trees are expected to remain, equipment will be limited, and no ripping will occur. Prior to ripping, shallow depressions will be constructed and woody structures will be installed within low areas of the floodplain to improve flood storage. The decompaction of disturbed soils will improve planting survival and allow greater infiltration and storage. Along with infiltration and storage, these depressions will help to establish appropriate wetland vegetation communities and will create diverse habitat throughout the wetland areas. Wetland Rehabilitation Wetland enhancement is proposed within the jurisdictional wetlands Wetland A (WA), Wetland E (WE), Wetland F (WF), and Wetland G (WG). These areas have enough hydrology to support jurisdictional status, but are surrounded by active or relic pasture, with sparse patches of disturbed riparian forest. In addition, WA, WE, and WG are associated with significantly incised streams which adversely impacts potential wetland hydrology. All wetlands on site have either historically had or currently have active pasture, where cows have had full access to the jurisdictional areas. This agricultural impact has eliminated the natural wetland functions (reducing the vegetation), while heavy traffic has also altered soils and hydrology. These wetlands will likely also benefit from improved hydrology as a byproduct of stream restoration activities. Activities proposed to rehabilitate these wetlands include: Livestock exclusion fencing along WE and WF (approximately 465 feet of fencing); • Planting an herbaceous seed mix and native tree species commonly found in headwater forests and bottomland hardwood forests; The stream restoration of PR2-B, PR6, and PR7-A—grading restoration areas to match historical contours and promote detention and infiltration; • Treatment of invasive species, mainly fescue and Chinese privet; • The establishment of a permanent conservation easement. Wetland Enhancement Wetland enhancement is proposed within the jurisdictional Wetland B (WB), Wetland C (WC), and Wetland D (WD). These small groundwater seepage wetlands are surrounded by active or relic pasture, with sparse patches of disturbed riparian forest. All wetlands on site have either historically had or currently have active pasture, where cows have had full access to the jurisdictional areas. This agricultural impact has eliminated the natural wetland functions (reducing the vegetation), while heavy traffic has also altered soils and hydrology. Activities proposed to enhance these wetlands include: Planting an herbaceous seed mix and native tree species commonly found in headwater forests and bottomland hardwood forests throughout all Project wetlands; • The stream enhancement of PR3, PR4-A, PR9, PR10 that will improve the wetland -stream interaction; Treatment of invasive species, mainly fescue and Chinese privet; • The establishment of a permanent conservation easement. Wetland Creation Wetland creation is proposed within the designated creation areas C1-A, Cl-B, C2, and C3. The creation areas contain soils similar in texture to those in the existing wetlands, but lacking in existing hydric indicators, most likely due to the drainage modifications on -site. The wetland creation areas are contiguous with stream reaches that will be restored, so by raising the stream beds, groundwater discharge from the surrounding valley slopes should quickly raise the local water table to near the surface for extended periods. Lifting the channel bed will also increase over -bank events, and floodplain storage and infiltration will be further improved by roughening floodplain surfaces and enhancing and creating shallow floodplain depressions. Activities proposea to create mese wevanos mauae: • The stream restoration of PR1-C, PR1-D, and PR4-B (associated with Cl-A); Stream restoration of PR5 (associated with C1-B); • Stream restoration of PR1-B, PR2-B (associated with C2); Removal of farm pond and stream restoration of PR7-A (associated with C3); however, the C3 creation area is restricted to the upper portion of the existing pond footprint due to Priority 2 grading extent downstream and higher floodplain slopes; Floodplain surface roughening; • Constructing shallow floodplain depressions; • Grading a distinct toe -of -slope at the edges of creation area boundaries; Permanently excluding livestock; • Planting an herbaceous seed mix and native tree species commonly found in headwater forests and bottomland hardwood forests; Treatment of invasive species, mainly fescue and Chinese privet; The establishment of a permanent conservation easement. These approached and activities will encourage the connectivity and long-term hydrology of stream and wetland features throughout these areas. The resulting natural communities will provide ecological function surpassing the current state and approaching the pre -disturbance condition. Natural channel design techniques have been utilized to develop the restoration and enhancement designs of this project. A combination of measured/observed and analysis -based methods were used in the design for this Project. These methods were deemed appropriate due to the Project's rural location, the relatively small size of each watershed, the known causes of disturbance and plan to abate them, and the minimal infrastructure constraints. Reference reaches were observed and measured to produce the original design parameters for each of the proposed reaches. An iterative analysis -based approach was then used to refine the original design parameters. Numerical methods such as the modeling of fluvial processes, and the development of bankfull discharge simulations were used for the iterative analysis and refinement of the design. The restoration and enhancement designs proposed in this project aim to provide natural Piedmont gravel -bed channel features that will promote stream bed diversity and improve aquatic communities. The proposed design promotes flow along the floodplain for storm events that exceed the bankfull stage. A large portion of the existing streams will be filled using material excavated from the restoration channels. A combination of native woody material, biodegradable stabilization materials, and stone will be installed throughout each restored reach. These materials will reduce bank stress, provide grade control, and increase habitat diversity. The Project proposes to remove the existing pond downstream of WE, by dewatering and removing the dam and associated culverts. The material excavated from the dam will be used to fill the existing pond footprint. The proposed stream will then be constructed through the newly filled pond footprint and excavated dam area. Proposed stream restoration could result in the formation of wetland areas throughout this pond bottom which could provide additional water quality improvements, pollutant removal, and wildlife habitat. This filled pond bottom area will be planted with a diverse mix of tree and shrub species commonly found in wetland areas. Forested riparian buffers of at least 50 feet on both sides of the channel will be established and enhanced along each of the Project reaches impacted during construction. Existing forested riparian areas along the preservation reach will be protected in perpetuity. A combination of piedmont headwater stream forest, piedmont bottomland/swamp forest, and upland understory communities will be established and include a diverse combination of tree and shrub species. A multitude of sediment control measures will be utilized on site. These sediment control measures include riparian buffer planting and seeding, bank stabilization, stream restoration, stream enhancement, wetland enhancement, ESP installation, and livestock exclusions. These measures will provide functional uplift of the site by limiting the nutrient input and sediment from activities outside of the proposed conservation easement. Upon completion of all construction activities and prior to planting, the subsoil will be harrowed, and any compaction will be disturbed. Applicable areas within the easement will be prepared using a subsoiler to a minimum depth of 12 inches. Soil testing will be completed prior to construction to determine what amendments should be applied to the soil. Completing this process will ensure favorable soil conditions to promote rapid plant growth. Rapid establishment of vegetation will provide natural stabilization for the Project. The primary heavy equipment to be used to construct the project will include excavators, backhoes, and dump trucks. 5. Jurisdictional Determinations 5a. Have the wetlands or streams been delineated on the property or proposed impact areas?* Yes No Comments: A survey of existing wetlands was performed in October and November of 2022. Wetland boundaries were delineated using current methodology outlined in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987). Soils were characterized and classified using the Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 7.0 (NRCS, 2010). A total of seven jurisdictional wetlands were observed within the proposed Project boundaries. Wetlands are labeled as WA (Wetland A) through to WG (Wetland HG). A preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) request was sent to the USACE on December 1, 2022. Then, a revised PJD was submitted on October 17th, 2023 after additional delineation and concurrence was performed by a licensed soil scientist. Wetland determinations have not yet been verified by the USACE; the final PJD has not yet been received. Upon submittal of this PCN, aquatic resource features including streams and wetlands were revised based on professional survey, and Aquatic IDs, lengths, and areas have been updated accordingly in the attached "Revised Aquatic Resources" table. A revised WOTUS map is also included. 5b. If the Corps made a jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made?* Preliminary Approved Not Verified Unknown N/A Corps AID Number: SAW-2022-00424 5c. If 5a is yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas? Name (if known): Jeremy Schmid and Katie Obenauf Agency/Consultant Company: Resource Environmental Solutions Other: 6. Future Project Plans O Unknown 6a. Is this a phased project?* Yes No Are any other NWP(s), regional general permit(s), or individual permits(s) used, or intended to be used, to authorize any part of the proposed project or related activity? D. Proposed Impacts Inventory 1. Impacts Summary 1a. Where are the impacts associated with your project? (check all that apply): Wetlands Streams -tributaries Buffers Open Waters Pond Construction 2. Wetland Impacts �O V 2a1 Reason (?) 2b. Impact type* (?) 2c. Type of W. * 2d. W. name 2e. Forested" 2f. Type of Jurisdicition * 2g• Impact ?) area W1 Stream Restoration P Headwater Forest WA No Corps 0.007 (acres) W2 Stream Restoration - T Headwater Forest WA No Corps 0.043 Limits of Disturbance (acres) W3 Stream Restoration P Headwater Forest WF No Corps 0.015 (acres) W4 Stream Restoration - T Headwater Forest WF No Corps 0.116 Limits of Disturbance (acres) W5 Stream Restoration P Headwater Forest WE No Corps 0.043 (acres) W6 Stream Restoration - T Headwater Forest WE No Corps 0.351 Limits of Disturbance (acres) W7 Stream Restoration 1p Non-Tidal Freshwater Marsh WG No Corps 0.009 (acres) W8 Stream Restoration - Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh WG 7 Corps J�:::] Limits of Disturbance jL t 2g. Total Temporary Wetland Impact 0.590 2g. Total Wetland Impact 0.664 2g. Total Permanent Wetland Impact 0.074 2i. Comments: The total wetland impacts amount to 0.664 acres, but the intent is increase both wetland area and function by rehabilitating and enhancing jurisdictional wetlands and also creating new wetlands for a total of 3.6 acres of wetlands that will ultimately provide water quality benefits and ecosystem uplift for the 284-acre project drainage area. Stream restoration will involve the construction and re -alignment of reaches PR1-B, PR1-D, PR2-B, PR5, PR6, PR7-A, PR7-C, and PR8. This will involve channel realignment, floodplain grading, removal of culverts, installation of fords, installation of stone and wooden structures to provide both grade control and lateral stream stability, use of in -stream structure including brush toe protection, log steps, and reinforced riffles. Stream construction will involve the selective clearing of current vegetation, which will be planted with bare root and livestake trees appropriate for the desirable forested natural community type. Where larger trees are expected to remain, equipment will be limited, and no ripping will occur. In areas that are planned to be mostly cleared of trees, decompaction techniques to increase porosity, will be performed. The decompaction of disturbed soils will improve planting survival and allow greater infiltration and storage. 3. Stream Impacts 3a. Reason for impact (?) 3b.lmpact type" 3c. Type of impact* 3d. S. name* 3e. Stream Type* 3f. Type of 3g. S. width 3h. Impact (?) Jurisdiction* length* S1 Stream Enhancement Temporary Stabilization PRVNT Intermittent Corps 10 240 Averege (feet) (linear feet) S2 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR1-INT Intermittent Corps 12 1,290 Average (feet) (linear feet) S3 Stream Restoration -Limits of Temporary Other PR1-INT Intermittent Corps 10 86 Disturbance Averege (feet) (linear feet) S4 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR1-PER Perennial Corps 11 1,739 Average (feet) (linear feet) S5 Limits of Disturbance Temporary Other PR1-PER Perennial Corps 11 85 Averege (feeq (linear feet) S6 Stream Enhancement Temporary Stabilization PR2 Intermittent Corps 122 Average (feet) (linear feet) S7 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR2 Intermittent Corps 13 488 Averege (feet) (linear feet) gg Stream Restoration -Limits of Temporary Other PR4 Intermittent Corps 13 48 Disturbance Averege (feet) (linear feet) S9 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR4 Intermittent Corps 164 Averege (feet) (linear feet) S10 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR5 Intermittent Corps 1,001 Averege (feet) (linear feet) S11 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR6 Intermittent Corps 12 477 Average (feet) (linear feet) S12 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR7 Intermittent Corps 15 1,407 Averege (feet) (linear feet) �3�Stream Restoration -Grading Temporary Other PR7 Intermittent Corps 42 Limits Average (feet) (linear feet) S14 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PR7 Intermittent Corps 10 332 Averege (feet) (linear feet) S15 Stream Restoration Permanent Relocation PRS Intermittent Corps 16 403 Average (teet) (linear feet) St6 Ford Installation Temporary Other PR3 Intermittent Corps 8 20 Averege(feeq (linear feet) S17 Ford Installation Temporary Other PR4 Intermittent Corps 5 10 Averege (feet) (linear feet) S18 Culvert Removal/Ford Temporary Other PR2 Intermittent Corps 10 Installation Average (feet) (linear feet) S19 Culvert Removal Temporary Bank Stabilization J PR3 Intermittent Corps 10 Averege (feet) (linear feet) FO Culvert Removal Temporary Bank Stabilization PR4 Intermittent Corps 10 Average (feet) (linear feet) 3i. Total jurisdictional ditch impact in square feet: 3i. Total permanent stream impacts: 7,301 3i. Total stream and ditch impacts: 2551 3j. Comments: 3i. Total temporary stream impacts: 683 Stream restoration will involve the construction and re -alignment of reaches PR1-13, PR1-D, PR2-B, PR5, PR6, PR7-A, PR7-C, and PR8. This will involve channel re -alignment, floodplain grading, removal of culverts, installation of fords, installation of stone and wooden structures to provide both grade control and lateral stream stability, use of in -stream structure including brush toe protection, log steps, and reinforced riffles. Stream construction will involve the selective clearing of current vegetation, which will be planted with bare root and livestake trees appropriate for the desirable forested natural community type. Restoration and enhancement back to the natural valley and proper stream dimensions and profile will provide a net gain in ecological function to the stream and wetland complexes on site. 4. Open Water Impacts 4a. Site # 4a1. Impact Reason 4b. Impact type 4c. Name of waterbody 4d. Activity type :114e. Waterbody type 4f. Impact area watering and Filling pond for purpose of DeE:1 stream restoration P Pond 1 Fill Pond 0.84 4g. Total temporary open water Impacts: 0.00 4g. Total open water impacts: 0.84 4h. Comments: 4g. Total permanent open water impacts: 0.84 The Project proposes to remove the existing pond downstream of WE, by dewatering and removing the dam and associated culverts. The material excavated from the dam will be used to fill the existing pond footprint. The proposed stream will then be constructed through the newly filled pond footprint and excavated dam area. This filled pond bottom area will be planted with a diverse mix of tree and shrub species commonly found in wetland areas. E. Impact Justification and Mitigation O 1. Avoidance and Minimization 1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing the project: Due to the nature of the project and the stream restoration that will take place, complete avoidance of stream, wetland, and open water impacts is not possible. Although unavoidable, impacts related to the proposed stream treatment will be limited where possible, and will result in an overall gain in aquatic resources and provide functional uplift of the stream, wetland, and buffer complexes throughout the project. 1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques: Impacts will be minimized using a staged construction approach. Where possible, the channel will be constructed prior to turning stream flow into a segment. This approach minimizes the impact of each stage during project construction. Efforts will be made to preserve individual high -value trees located within the stream restoration area. A multitude of sediment control measures will be utilized on site. These sediment control measures include riparian buffer planting and seeding, bank stabilization, stream restoration, stream enhancement, wetland enhancement, ESP installation, and livestock exclusions. These measures will minimize adverse impacts by limiting the nutrient input and sediment from activities. 2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State 2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State? Yes No 2b. If this project DOES NOT require Compensatory Mitigation, explain why: This is a stream and wetland mitigation project that will ultimately uplift the ecological quality of streams and wetlands on site, within the Yadkin River Basin, and therefore does not need compensatory mitigation. F. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWR) 1. Diffuse Flow Plan la. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules? Yes No If no, explain why: The Project is not within a watershed that is protected by the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules. 2. Stormwater Management Plan 2a. Is this a NCDOT project subject to compliance with NCDOT's Individual NPDES permit NCS000250? Yes No 2b. Does this project meet the requirements for low density projects as defined in 15A NCAC 02H .1003(2)? Yes No Comments: There will be no increase in impervious surface due to this project. G. Supplementary Information 1. Environmental Documentation la. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes No 2. Violations (DWR Requirement) 2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Water Quality Certification Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), or DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)? * Yes No 3. Cumulative Impacts (DWR Requirement) 3a. Will this project result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? * Yes No 3b. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description. This Project will not result in any additional development. Ultimately there will be an increase in water quality within the project and downstream due to the restoration, enhancement, and preservation of the project streams, and rehabilitation, enhancement, and creation of wetlands, the planting of a riparian buffer, and the establishment of a conservation easement to be protected in perpetuity. 4. Sewage Disposal (DWR Requirement) 4a. Is sewage disposal required by DWR for this project? Yes No N/A L 5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement) 5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or habitat?* Yes No 5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act impacts?* Yes No 5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted. Raleigh 5d. Is another Federal agency involved?* Yes No 5e. Is this a DOT project located within Division's 1-8? Yes No 5f. Will you cut any trees in order to conduct the work in waters of the U.S.? Yes No 5g. Does this project involve bridge maintenance or removal? Yes No 5h. Does this project involve the construction/installation of a wind turbine(s)?* Yes No Unknown 5i. Does this project involve (1) blasting, and/or (2) other percussive activities that will be conducted by machines, such as jackhammers, mechanized pile drivers, etc.? Yes No 5j. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat? USFWS- Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC) and NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) Database. 6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement) 6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as an Essential Fish Habitat?* Yes No 6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact an Essential Fish Habitat? NOAA Essential Fish Habitat Mapper 7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement) 7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation status? Yes No 7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources? North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (NC SHPO) 8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement) 8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain? * Yes No 8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination?* FEMA Floodplain Maps (FIRM panel 3710774400J, effective date 1/2/2008) Miscellaneous Please use the space below to attach all required documentation or any additional information you feel is helpful for application review. Documents should be combined into one file when possible, with a Cover Letter, Table of Contents, and a Cover Sheet for each Section preferred. Click the upload button or drag and drop files here to attach document FalconRidge_PCN_Package_Combined.pdf 44.2MB File must be PDF or KMZ Comments Upon submittal of this PCN, aquatic resource features including streams and wetlands were revised based on professional survey, and Aquatic IDs, lengths, and areas have been updated accordingly in the attached "Revised Aquatic Resources" table. A revised WOTUS map is also included. Signature By checking the box and signing below, I certify that: • The project proponent hereby certifies that all information contained herein is true, accurate, and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief'; and • The project proponent hereby requests that the certifying authority review and take action on this CWA 401 certification request within the applicable reasonable period of time. • I have given true, accurate, and complete information on this form; • I agree that submission of this PCN form is a "transaction' subject to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act"); • I agree to conduct this transaction by electronic means pursuant to Chapter 66, Article 40 of the NC General Statutes (the "Uniform Electronic Transactions Act"); • I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal effect and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature; AND • I intend to electronically sign and submit the PCN form. Full Name: Matthew DeAngelo Signature s�lrlllA6x �ie�.C9F�4 Date 1/16/2024