HomeMy WebLinkAboutSigned MBI_Pantera BUFFERDocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
ROY COOPER
Governor
ELIZABETH S. BISER
Secretary
RICHARD E. ROGERS, JR.
Director
TO: Richard E. Rogers, Jr
Director
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
February 26, 2024
FROM: Katie Merritt
Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator
THROUGH: Stephanie Goss
Supervisor — 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch
SUBJECT: Division Approval of the Pantera Mitigation Banking Instrument in the Neuse
River Basin for Nutrient Offset and Buffer Mitigation Credits pursuant to the Neuse River
Nutrient Management Strategy for Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC
The attached final Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) between Environmental Banc &
Exchange, LLC and the Division of Water Resources was placed on public notice and made
available for public comments on February 8, 2024. The public comment period ended on
February 22, 2024, and no comments were received on the draft MBI.
DEQ Legal counsel assisted with and agrees with the final template for which all our MBI
documents are drafted. DWR staff (Katie Merritt) has reviewed the attached final MBI and it is
ready for your review. If you approve of the MBI, please sign on page 17 and return the
document to Katie Merritt for final execution.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE PANTERA MITIGATION BANKING
INSTRUMENT IN THE NEUSE RIVER BASIN FOR NUTRIENT OFFSET AND
RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION CREDITS PURSUANT TO THE NEUSE
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......................................................................................
10
VIII.
CREDIT RELEASE SCHEDULE....................................................................................
12
IX.
PROCEDURE FOR DEBITING AND CREDITING MITIGATION CREDITS ...........
13
X.
BANK PARCEL CLOSURE............................................................................................
15
XI.
GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR THE BANK PARCEL .................................................
15
ATTACHMENTS
A - Division of Water Resources Authority Document
B - Ledger Templates
C — Project Credit Table (example)
References
1. Nutrient Offset Credit Trading Rule:
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https://ptW®dichoo#pui t/sugaftL&woytssaahlstafie2roa2a� tvokoto
2. Riparian Buffer Mitigation Rule:
1http9r t�tsG �2ifi�Qi tcCC ��I/Sa%210t$p2/1 f i#�fl1�it1�1° f�'a i11 Ali ii�RCPAU&%-
https://MW l-A#a~iplfigg Lvat/sudaftr aWi3sualn 2oa2a oAoto
3. NC Session Law 2019-86 "Nutrient Offset Credits":
NUN iA tpmteWgQh '6ki3ibint2owrVit2/HousWs4i812v3.pdf
4. Buffer Interaretation/ Clarification # 2008- 019 for diffuse flow:
https://�St��trtah'iFu��i�/�>�er-Mhtt��offat�s���CeAi���eri�le�0� sdl'
5. Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits
(November 2019):
Ifltt�Y�l��@�t�MQt�it/.6iOQi/�t�/Surf�ii$tt�z4�bQ0�fbk���t�ddVIN1�tt�l�Qht�la ty/
htt ps : //jar®tatito6bepOaTiltfamifion-rbtSti/offset.pdf
6. NCDWR — Methodology and Calculations for Nutrient Reduction on the Bank Parcel:
lhttwv/fipnoif lity/
https:// Credit.pdf
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
I. PREAMBLE
This Pantera Mitigation Banking Instrument ("Instrument") regarding the establishment, use,
operation, and maintenance of the Pantera Bank Parcel ("Bank Parcel"), further identified in
Section II, 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 Environmental Banc and Exchange, 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 15A NCAC 02B .0295, which became effective on April 1, 2020 and November 1,
2015 (References 1 and 2) respectively.
The purpose of the Bank Parcel is:
A. To restore, enhance, and preserve riparian vegetation adjacent to mitigated streams with
the intent to improve water quality, reduce nutrient loads, enhance flood attenuation, and
restore wildlife habitat within the Neuse River Basin (8-digit HC 03020201), excluding the
Falls Lake Watershed.
B. To convert agricultural land uses within riparian areas adjacent to mitigated streams and
agricultural ditches into a dense and diverse, hardwood vegetated state with the intent to
significantly reduce nutrient loadings associated with agricultural practices into streams.
C. To provide buffer mitigation and nutrient offsets and sell any resulting Riparian Buffer
Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits to third parties in the Neuse River Basin, for
development (both existing and proposed) or to offset NPDES- permitted wastewater
nutrient sources requiring such mitigation or offset.
IL 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 requiring such mitigation or offset.
B. The GSA for the Bank Parcel under this instrument 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 in the State of North Carolina.
C. Sale or transfer of Riparian Buffer Credits shall be limited to the 8-digit HUC 03020201 in
the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed, unless otherwise authorized
by the DWR or delegated local government in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295.
D. Sale or transfer of Nutrient Offset Credits shall be limited to 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.
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E. Table 1.0 provides site -specific details of the Bank Parcel proposed under this Instrument.
Table 1.0 — Bank Parcel Details
Bank Parcel
8-Digit USGS
Project
Named
Primary Land
Name
DWR ID#
County
Hydrologic
Location
Receiving
Use/s
Unit Code
Stream
35.3229 -
Falling
Agricultural
Pantera
2022-0452-VI
Wayne
03020201
78.1583
Creek
fields, mature
natural 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 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 Management
Strategy.
D. Buffer mitigation and/or nutrient load reduction activities proposed under this Instrument
and the corresponding Buffer Mitigation & Nutrient Offset Plan (Plan) to generate Riparian
Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits shall be consistent with State statutes and rules
for the Neuse Nutrient 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 Riparian Buffer Credits and
Nutrient Offset Credits but is a preliminary review of the Bank Parcel that details and
confirms existing land -use conditions, defines the riparian zone 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
mitigation site proposed under this Instrument:
Table 2.0 — Site Viability Letter Details
Bank Parcel
NC DWR Site Visit
Viability Letter
Viability Letter
Received
Expiration Date
Pantera
August 16', 2022
May 41h, 2023
May 51h, 2024
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B. A valid Site Viability Letter is required prior to submittal of the Plan. The Site Viability
Letter will either expire on the date 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 for any sale or transfer of any associated
credits. The contents of the Plan are provided in Section V.
D. This Bank Parcel is slated to be developed in conjunction with the RES Neuse Umbrella
Mitigation Bank, and the Pantera Mitigation Site, United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) Action ID # SAW-2022-00606, for stream and wetland mitigation. The
mitigation plan associated with this Bank Parcel has been submitted to the Interagency
Review Team (IRT) for review and approval.
E. The Plan submitted under this instrument will be placed on public notice and made
available for public commenting for 15 calendar days.
F. The Riparian Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offsets on this Bank Parcel will be generated
along mitigated stream channels that are proposed for stream mitigation. The Stream
Mitigation Plan will be submitted under the RES Neuse Umbrella Mitigation Bank
referenced in "D" in this section. Additionally, all activities conducted within riparian
buffers and adjacent riparian areas for purposes of generating Riparian Buffer Credits and
Nutrient Offsets will be conducted in concurrence with stream mitigation activities and not
before. Riparian Buffer Credit on this Bank Parcel may be achieved through restoration,
enhancement, and preservation of DWR riparian buffers as they are defined in 15A NCAC
02B .0714, and other riparian areas allowed per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) and (o) where
applicable. Riparian Buffer Credits are only attainable if the width of the riparian areas is
at least 20 feet from top of banks along streams and at least 30 feet from top of banks along
viable ditches when measuring perpendicular and landward from features. 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 credits is provided in the Site Viability Letter for the Bank Parcel
and referenced in Table 2.0 of this instrument.
G. The Bank Parcel is intended to provide Neuse Riparian Buffer Credits as follows:
1. Planting hardwood trees on a Restoration Site and Enhancement Site as defined in
15A NCAC 02B .0295(b) adjacent to mitigated streams and viable ditches, unless
otherwise approved in the project specific Plan.
al
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2. Maintaining a Preservation Site as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295(b) by placing
a conservation easement around riparian areas adjacent to mitigated streams as
allowed per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o).
3. 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.
H. Nutrient Offset Credit may be achieved on this Bank Parcel through restoration of the
riparian areas adjacent to viable streams and viable ditches, where agriculture was
determined by DWR to be the predominant land use. Nutrient Offset Credits are only
attainable if the width of the restored riparian areas are at least fifty (50) feet as measured
perpendicular from tops of banks along viable streams and viable ditches. The width of the
riparian restoration area is measured from the most landward limit of the top of bank or the
rooted herbaceous vegetation of streams and ditches and extends landward a minimum of
50 feet and a maximum of 200 feet on all sides of viable features. A conservation easement
will be secured to include the tops of all stream channels and ditch banks and will extend
out a maximum of 200 feet. The viability of features to generate riparian buffer credits is
provided in the Site Viability Letter for the Bank Parcel and referenced in Table 2.0 of this
instrument.
I. 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 viable
streams and viable ditches in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703 (g)
2. Planting hardwood trees and shrubs on a Restoration Site and Enhancement Site as
defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (b) adjacent to viable streams and viable ditches
where agriculture has been determined by DWR to be the predominant land -use.
3. Diffused flow will be maintained onsite. The Buffer Interpretation/Clarification
Memo #2008-019 may be applied where maintenance of diffuse flow onsite is
unattainable, see reference 4.
J. The Bank Parcel submitted for review under this Instrument is anticipated to begin
construction of stream mitigation activities in Summer/Fall of 2024.
V. PRE -CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION
Buffer Mitigation & Nutrient Offset 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 must 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
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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 mitigation/nutrient offset 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.
C. Any restoration and/or enhancement activities or proposed construction within stream
channels, the riparian buffers and other riparian areas on the Bank Parcel to produce
Riparian Buffer Credit or Nutrient Offset Credit must be approved by DWR in writing
prior to implementation. The failure of the Sponsor to comply with this requirement will
result in a revised or reduced credit release schedule for the Bank Parcel or a denial of the
Bank parcel to generate Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits. All
restoration activities must be performed in concurrence with any stream and wetland
mitigation activities and not before.
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 Wayne 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 and USACE 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 and the USACE.
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
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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. A land trust must be certified under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Financial Assurances for Bank Parcel Development
I. Following approval of the Plan for the Bank Parcel, 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.
J. The amount of each Performance Bond shall be 100% of the estimated cost for
implementation of the riparian restoration, enhancement, preservation, and other related
mitigation activities for the construction of the Bank Parcel as described in the approved
Plan. No bond shall be less than $150,000.00 to cover construction costs.
K. Alternatively, in lieu of posting Performance Bonds, the Sponsor may elect to construct
the Bank Parcel prior to the first credit releases.
L. Once DWR has released all credits for completion of all the items listed below, then the
Sponsor will be released from its performance obligations under the performance bond
required in Item I and J of this section:
1. Instrument and Plan Approved by DWR, Draft Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan
approved by the IRT, Conservation Easement Recorded & assigned according to
Item B (1) of Section X in this Instrument & has been completed and approved by
DWR, and Financial Assurance Posted
2. All Riparian Earthwork & Mitigation Activities, Planting and Installation of
Monitoring Devices completed for the Bank Parcel, easement boundaries
adequately marked, all applicable permits obtained. A site visit performed by DWR
is required for this task
3. Monitoring Financial Assurance Posted and Approval of As -Built Report;
M. 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 Item B (1) and (2) of Section X have been satisfied.
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B. Within 30 calendar days after completing the establishment of the riparian buffer
mitigation areas, nutrient offset areas, and all stream and wetland mitigation activities have
commenced, the Sponsor will submit written notification to DWR documenting that all
buffer mitigation and nutrient offset activities have been completed for the Bank Parcel.
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 Plan;
2. Documentation that all stream and wetland mitigation activities have been
completed;
3. Figures representing all riparian restoration, riparian enhancement and riparian
preservation activities where applicable;
4. Figures representing location of all monitoring plots installed;
5. 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 Plan;
6. Description of how the conservation easement boundaries were marked for the
Bank Parcel; and
7. Any major changes to the conservation easement boundary or to the amount of
Riparian Buffer Credits and/or Nutrient Offset Credits from what was proposed in
the approved Plan.
C. The Sponsor will submit an as -built plan and report for the Bank Parcel after completing
the establishment of the buffer mitigation and nutrient offset areas and when all stream
mitigation and wetland mitigation activities have commenced. The as -built report will
describe any deviation from the approved Plan and will document the following:
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, confirmation of fence installation if applicable,
monitoring device locations, vegetation plot locations, and photo point locations.
2. Provide confirmation that the construction of all stream and wetland mitigation
activities has been completed.
3. 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/or Nutrient Offset Credits in both square feet and acres.
4. As -built map of the mitigation areas showing where riparian restoration, riparian
enhancement and/or riparian preservation was performed and any deviations to the
Bank Parcel from what was approved in the Plan.
5. As -Built map of the stream and wetland mitigation areas.
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6. Aerial map of the buffer mitigation and nutrient offset areas that was included in
the approved Plan.
Financial Assurance for Bank Parcel Monitoring and Maintenance
D. After completion of the riparian restoration, construction 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 applicable for the site. 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 that the surety company is rated no less than an "A-" with 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 Nutrient Offset Credits to the
Sponsor. No bond shall be less than $100,000 initially, to cover monitoring and
maintenance costs.
F. Once DWR has released 100% of all credits for completion of all Bank Parcel milestones
described in Table 3 of Section VIII and in the corresponding Plan, the Sponsor will be
released from its performance obligations under the performance bond required in "D-E"
of 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 each 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.
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 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.
I A "stem" means a woody seedling, sapling, shrub or tree, no less than 10 centimeters in
height and shall apply, on the Bank Parcel, 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.
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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 diffuse
flow, managing invasive species, and pest control will be included in the Plan.
L. Monitoring Reports for Riparian Buffer Credit and 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 on 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 each Bank Parcel, including an
evaluation of the performance standards of the vegetation contained within the approved
Plan. Reports shall contain the following unless otherwise agreed to by DWR in the Plan:
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 figure showing locations of sampling plots, permanent
photo points, location of transects, etc.; and
4. Monitoring data, including specific vegetative counts, heights and vigor 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 ledgers; 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 (if
applicable)
Contingency Plans/Remedial Actions
M. In the event the Bank Parcel fails to achieve the performance criteria described in this
Instrument and the approved Plan, the Sponsor shall develop necessary contingency plans
in coordination with the DWR and implement appropriate remedial actions for the Bank
Parcel and the Bank. Depending on the degree of remedial actions required, the DWR may
modify the monitoring period.
VII. CALCULATION OF CREDITS
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
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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 provided online (see Appendix Q.
B. Riparian buffer restoration or enhancement 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 preservation on the Bank Parcel, as described in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)
and defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (b), can only be used for Riparian Buffer Credit.
D. 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
E. 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 and Enhancement Site following the guidance provided in the Clarified Procedures
for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits issued by the DWR,
including the most recent Project Credit Table Template provided online by DWR, see
reference # 5, reference #6 and Attachment C. All riparian areas proposed for Nutrient
Offset Credits must be a minimum of 50 feet from the top of the banks along viable streams
and viable ditches on land noted in a Site Viability Letter as agriculture.
F. Nutrient Offset Credits cannot be achieved through the preservation activities performed
on this Bank Parcel.
G. 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 shall be
2,273.02 pounds per acre or 19.16394 square feet per pound.
H. The Sponsor and DWR agree the methodology and calculations for determining nitrogen
reductions, associated with restoration of riparian areas on the Bank Parcel 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 each Bank Parcel. 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 #6.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
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/or Nutrient Offset Credits
associated with the Pantera Bank Parcel will become available for sale to a third parry in
accordance with the Credit Release Schedule provided in Table 3.0 below.
Table 3.0 - Credit Release Schedule for Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Credits
% Credit
Available for
Task
Project Milestone
Sale
Instrument and Plan Approved by DWR, Draft Stream and Wetland
Mitigation Plan approved by the IRT, Conservation Easement Recorded &
assigned according to Item B (1) of Section X in this Instrument & has
1
been completed and approved by DWR*, and Financial Assurance Posted
25
All Riparian Earthwork & Mitigation Activities, Planting and Installation
of Monitoring Devices completed for the Bank Parcel, easement boundaries
adequately marked, all applicable permits obtained. A site visit performed
2
by DWR is required for this task
20
3
Monitoring Financial Assurance Posted and Approval of As -Built Report
10
Monitoring Report #1: Approved by the DWR** & Financial Assurance
4
Posted
10
Monitoring Report #2: Approved by the DWR** & Financial Assurance
5
Posted
10
Monitoring Report #3: Approved by the DWR** & Financial Assurance
6
Posted
10
Monitoring Report #4: Approved by the DWR** & Financial Assurance
8
Posted
5
Monitoring Report #5: Approved by the DWR** and final site visit by
9
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 success criteria 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. 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.
C. DWR may consider a Credit Release Schedule for a Bank Parcel based on the extent of
change between current onsite conditions and proposed post construction conditions.
D. The Sponsor must initiate implementation of the approved Plan for the site under this
Instrument in concurrence with all stream and wetland mitigation activities proposed in the
approved Mitigation Plan referenced in Item D of Section IV of this Instrument.
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DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
IX. PROCEDURE FOR DEBITING AND CREDITING
Credit Ledgers
A. The 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 acres,
and Nutrient Offset Credits in pounds and square feet.
B. Each credit ledger shall be submitted on a separate 8 %2 in. x 11 in. spreadsheet with legible
font style and font size. All ledgers shall be submitted using the templates provided in
Attachments 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 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin
according to 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (f) and (g), excluding the Falls Lake Watershed.
D. Riparian Buffer Preservation credits approved under 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o) generated
on the Bank Parcel are neither convertible nor transferrable into nutrient offset credits.
E. Nutrient Offset Credits generated on the Bank Parcel will be used to offset nitrogen nutrient
loadings within the 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin, excluding the Falls Lake
Watershed, in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703.
F. Available Riparian Buffer Credits (credits that have been released by DWR but not sold by
the Sponsor) that are generated from riparian restoration on agriculture 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. Credit conversions for this
Bank Parcel can only be requested after completion of Task 3 per Table 3.0 in this
Instrument. Once a credit has been converted to another credit type, the transaction is
permanent, and the credit cannot be converted again.
G. Available Nutrient Offset Credits (credits that have been released by DWR but not sold by
the Sponsor) that are generated from riparian restoration within 0- 100' from tops of stream
banks and meet criteria for Riparian Buffer Credits as outlined in Section VII of this
Instrument, the Site Viability Letter, 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and the corresponding Plan
can be converted from Nutrient Offset Credits to Riparian Buffer Credits upon written
approval from DWR. Credit conversions for this Bank Parcel can only be requested after
completion of Task 3 per Table 3.0 in this Instrument. Once a credit has been converted
to another credit type, the transaction is permanent, and the credit cannot be converted
again.
13
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
H. 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.
I. The 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 Watershed,
or from DWR through an approved NPDES permit for wastewater nutrient sources prior
to debiting Nutrient Offset Credits from each Bank Parcel.
J. The Sponsor shall obtain verification of buffer mitigation required from the delegated local
government in the 03020201 HUC of the Neuse River Basin outside of the Falls Watershed
or DWR prior to debiting Riparian Buffer Credits from the individual Bank Parcel.
K. All credit and debit transactions for each Bank Parcel under this Instrument shall be
accurately depicted in the credit ledgers. The Sponsor shall provide DWR up-to-date credit
ledgers for each Bank Parcel by the tenth (I01h) of each month. At a minimum and upon
request DWR shall receive a hard copy of updated credit ledgers along with the
corresponding Mitigation Credit Transfer Certificates ("Certificate") 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
L. 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:
Bank Details: (1) Sponsor Name, (2) Bank Parcel name as it appears in Table 1.0,
(3) DWR project number for the Plan as it appears in Table 1.0 of this Instrument.
2. Credit Details: (1) date of receipt, (2) identify if full or partial payment, (3 — when
applicable) amount of Nutrient Offset Credits purchased in pounds and
confirmation from the designated local government of the amount required, and (4
— when applicable) 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 as it appears on DWR or local
government permits and/or certifications, (2) 8-digit HUC (confirming location is
not within the Falls lake watershed, (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 authorization number or
delegated local government requiring Riparian Buffer Credits for this project, and
(6) credit type and amount required for the project
14
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
I. If the DWR determines that the Bank is operating at a deficit (e.g. the Sponsor is closing
on sales and/or transferring credit that is not available), or the Bank is selling 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 of 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.
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR THE BANK PARCEL
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.
B. Amendments: This Banking Instrument may be amended or modified only with written
approval of all signatory parties, including the USACE if it is applicable to the amendment.
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 of the credits have been released according to 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 of the credits have been released according to
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
15
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
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 listed in Section VI of this
Instrument,
6. Credit Ledger review and approval of items listed 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
G. Reports, ledgers, files and other information shall be made available to DWR upon request,
unless otherwise specified in this or any other document.
H. Validity of the Banking Instrument: This Instrument will become valid on the date of the
last parry's signature.
L Specific Language of Banking 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.
J. 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.
K. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties and is entered into knowingly,
intelligently, and voluntarily.
16
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
L. Notices: All notices and other communications 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 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 Sponsor: Environmental Banc and Exchange, LLC
Attention: Jennifer Hatchett
3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
jatchett@res.us
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
M. Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be construed under the laws of the State of North
Carolina.
Environmental Banc and Exchange, LLC
Jennifer Hatchett
(Print)
�/a&Wz&7 (Signature)
General Manager
Title:
Date: 02/07/2024
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY -
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
By ( Richard E. Rogers Jr. (Print)
�
�"f-- r 6" Y, (Signature)
oaz�a
Title: Director, Division of water Resources
Date: 2/26/2024
17
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
Nutrient Offset Program & Buffer Mitigation Program Updated
Authorities for Neuse Strategy MBI August 11, 2020
ATTACHMENT A
Authorities pertaining to the Pantera Mitigation Banking Instrument
All Basins
General Statutes:
G.S. § 143-214.11 Ecosystem Enhancement Program
G.S. § 143-214.26 Nutrient Offset Credits
G.S. § 143-214.20-24 Riparian Buffer Protection Program
G.S. § 143-214.7 Stormwater runoff rules and programs
G.S. § 143-215.8B Basinwide Water Quality Management Plans
Session Laws
S.L. 2019-86 (Amendment to G.S. § 143-214.26)
S.L. 2016-94
S.L.2015-246
S.L.2015-149
S.L. 2014-90
S.L.2014-120
S.L.2013-413
S.L.2013-121
S.L.2013-265
S.L. 2012-200 (Amendment to G.S. §143-214.23 and G.S. §143-215.1)
S.L. 2011-343 (Amendment to G.S. §143-214.11)
S.L. 2009- 337 (Amendment to G.S. §143-214.11)
Administrative Rules.
15A NCAC 02B .0202 Definitions
15A NCAC 02B .0223 Nutrient Sensitive Waters
15A NCAC 02B .0701 Nutrient Strategies Definitions
15A NCAC 02B .0703 Nutrient Offset Credit Trading
15A NCAC 02B .0295 Mitigation Program Requirements for Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers
Neuse River Basin Buffer and Neuse Nutrient Strategy
Session Laws
S.L. 2011-394
S.L. 1998-221 (Part I)
S.L. 1995-572
Administrative Rules.
15A NCAC 02B .0610 Managing Activities within Riparian Buffers: Definitions
15A NCAC 02B .0611 Managing Activities within Riparian Buffers: Authorization Certificates
15A NCAC 02B .0612 Managing Activities within Riparian Buffers: Forest Harvesting Requirements
15A NCAC 02B .0710 Neuse Nutrient Strategy: Purpose and Scope
15A NCAC 02B .0711 Neuse Nutrient Strategy: Stormwater
15A NCAC 02B .0712 Neuse Nutrient Strategy: Agriculture
15A NCAC 02B .0713 Neuse Nutrient Strategy: Wastewater Discharge Requirements
15A NCAC 02B .0714 Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers
15A NCAC 02B .0715 Delegation of Authority for the Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
ATTACHMENT B
*Credits shown below are only for mitigation credits approved by the UMBI, BPDP, and As -Built.
(Sponsor Name & Instrument Name)
(Parcel Name w/ HUC #) Buffer Credit Ledger
Date Last Updated:
DWR Bank Parcel Project #:
Total Credits Released To Date:
Sale/
Release Date
Purchaser or % Credit
Release
Project w/ HUC #
Credits
Released/Available to
Bank
Credits Debited/Sold
From Bank
Buffer Credit Balance
Gov't
Requiring
Square Feet
Acres
Square Feet
Acres
SquareAcres
Feet
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
ATTACHMENT B
*Credits shown below are only for mitigation credits approved by the UMBI, BPDP, and As -Built.
(Sponsor name & Instrument name)
(Parcel Name w/ HUC #) Nitrogen Credit Ledger
Date Last Updated:
DWR Bank Parcel Project #:
Total Credits Released To Date:
Sale/
Release Date
Purchaser or%Credit
Release
Project w/HUC #
Credits Released/Available
to Bank
Credits Debited/Sold From
Bank
Nutrient Credit Balance
Gov't
Requiring
Pounds of
Nitrogen
S Ft
q
Pounds of
Nitrogen
S Ft
q
Pounds of
Nitrogen
S Ft
q
DocuSign Envelope ID: 9AF246C3-EA14-4839-90FA-F4290D8D15B9
Table 1. [INSERT PROJECT NAME], [INSERT PROJECT NUMBER], Project Credits
Neuse 03020201 - Outside Falls Lake
Project Area
N Credit Conversion Ratio (112/pound)
P Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound)
19.16394
N/A
Credit Type
Location
Subject? (enter
NO if
ephemeral or
ditch')
Feature Type
Mitigation Activity
Min -Max Buffer
Width (ft)
Feature Name
Total Area (ft�)
Total (Creditable)
Area of Buffer
i
Mitigation (ft)
Initial Credit
Ratio (x:i)
%Full Credit
Final Credit
Ratio (x:l)
Convertible to
Riparian
Buffer?
Riparian Buffer
Credits
Convertible to
Nutrient Offset?
Delivered
Nutrient Offset:
N (Ibs)
Delivered
Nutrient Offset:
P (Ibs)
Totals (ft2):
Total Buffer (ft2):
Total Nutrient Offset (ft2):
0
0
0.000 0.000 0.000
0
0
0
N/A
Enter Preservation Credits Below
Total Ephemeral Area (ft) for Credit:
Total Eligible Ephemeral Area (ft):
Total Eligible for Preservation (ft):
Credit Type Location Subject? Feature Type Mitigation Activity I
Min -Max BufferWidth (ft) Feature Name
Preservation Area Subtotals (ft):
TOTAL AREA OF BUFFER MITIGATION (TABM)
Mitigation Totals
Square Feet
Credits
Restoration:
0
0.000
Enhancement:
0
0.000
Preservation:
0
0.000
Total Riparian Buffer:
0
0.000
TOTAL NUTRIENT OFFSET MITIGATION
Mitigation Totals
Square Feet
Credits
Nutrient Offset:
Nitrogen:
0
0.000
Phosphorus:
0.0 00
1. The Randleman Lake buffer rules allow some ditches to be classified as subject according to 15A NCAC 02B .0250 (5)(a).
0
0
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Total Area (sf)
Total (Creditable)
Area for Buffer
Mitigation (ft)
0
0
Ephemeral Reaches as %TABM
Preservation as %TABM
Initial Credit %Full Credit Final Credit Riparian
Ratio (x:l) Ratio (x:l) Buffer Credits
last updated 08/03/2020