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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBrittHales_AsBuilt_Draft1_DWRReview_reduced As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 (excluding the Falls Watershed) Wayne County, North Carolina NCDWR Project #: 2022-0293 V2 SPONSORED BY: PREPARED BY: PREPARED FOR: 117 Centrewest Court Cary, NC 27513 621 Hillsborough St, Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27603 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 OCTOBER 2023 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site ii Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 TABLE OF CONTENTS AS-BUILT & BASELINE MONITORING REPORT ......................................................................................................... I BRITT & HALES NUTRIENT OFFSET & RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITE .............................................................. I 1.0 MITIGATION PROJECT SUMMARY ................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 PROJECT GOALS .............................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3 EXISTING CONDITIONS AND PARCEL VIABILITY ...................................................................................................... 5 2.0 RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................................. 6 2.1 PARCEL PREPARATION ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 RESTORATION ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................. 7 3.0 PROJECT CREDIT POTENTIAL ......................................................................................................................... 8 4.0 ANNUAL MONITORING AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ................................................................................ 8 4.1 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .............................................................................................................................. 8 4.2 VEGETATION .................................................................................................................................................. 9 4.3 PHOTO REFERENCE STATIONS............................................................................................................................ 9 4.4 VISUAL ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 10 4.5 ANNUAL REPORTING PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ................................................................................................... 10 4.6 PARCEL MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................. 10 4.7 PARCEL BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................. 10 5.0 FINANCIAL ASSURANCES ............................................................................................................................ 11 6.0 COMPLIANCE ACTION PLAN ........................................................................................................................ 11 6.1 MODIFIED CREDIT RELEASE SCHEDULE .............................................................................................................. 12 7.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................... 13 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site iii Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 Tables Table 1: Water Quality and Ecological Goals and Objectives Table 2: Project Attributes Table 3: Planted Tree Species Table 4: Timeline of Project Activities, Notifications and Approvals Table 5: Project Credit Table Table 6: Planted and Total Stem Counts Table 7: Vegetation Performance Standards Summary Appendices Appendix A. Figures and Project Credit Table Figure 1 - Vicinity Map Figure 2 - Credit Service Area Map Figure 3 - Credit Generation & Vegetation Plot Map Figure 4 – Monitoring Map Table 5: Project Credit Table Appendix B. NCDWR Correspondence NCDWR Applicability to the Neuse River Basin Buffer Rules Letter – April 19, 2022 NCDWR Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Letter – June 15, 2022, 2022 Notification and Request for Site Visit Letter – April 24, 2023 NCDWR Notification of Non-Compliance – May 4, 2023 Appendix C. As-Built Survey Appendix D. Vegetation Plot Data Table 6: Planted and Total Stem Counts Table 7: Vegetation Performance Standards Summary Vegetation Plot Photographs Appendix E. Site Photographs Appendix F. Recorded Conservation Easement Appendix G. Financial Assurances Performance/Maintenance Bond Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 4 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 1.0 Mitigation Project Summary 1.1 Introduction The Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site (Parcel) is located near Mount Olive, NC, in the Upper Falling Creek watershed of the Neuse River Basin. The project site is approximately 6.5 miles northwest of the Town of Mount Olive and 1.7 miles south of US Highway 13 on McArthur Pond Road in Wayne County, NC (Figure 1). The Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP) was approved under the Britt and Hales Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) between the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) and Eco Terra, LLC, the Bank Sponsor (Eco Terra or Sponsor). The Parcel is approximately 24.7 acres (ac) or 1,076,524 square feet (sf) of a 180-ac tract that encompasses a series of forked, interconnected ditches and unnamed tributaries to Falling Creek. The project is located within the Neuse River Basin hydrological unit code (HUC) 03020201, excluding the Falls Watershed. The BPDP was approved for riparian buffer and nutrient offset credit in the service area designated by Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201, excluding the Falls Watershed (Figure 2). The Parcel is in the headwaters of three unnamed tributaries and three agricultural ditches that converge and flow into an unnamed tributary to Falling Creek, approximately 1.8 miles downstream of the project area, and subsequently into the Neuse River. According to the as-built survey and most recent, at time of BPDP review and approval, DWR Buffer Mitigation Calculation Tool V.5 (updated November 2022), the Parcel is expected to generate 333,957.870 riparian buffer credits (RBC) and 33,148.872 pounds (lbs) of nitrogen nutrient offset credits (NOC). The Parcel addresses agricultural runoff by reducing sediment and nutrient loading into the unnamed tributaries and Falling Creek. Falling Creek is classified as Water Supply (WS-IV) and Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) by NCDWR with an impairment for dissolved oxygen. The project area and surrounding areas are open agricultural land, primarily farmed for row crops. The project improves terrestrial habitats along the streams and ditches by establishing and preserving the riparian buffers and adjacent riparian areas and allowing the land to undergo a natural succession to a forested community. The project restores forested riparian buffers and adjacent riparian areas a minimum width of 50 feet from tops of banks and extend out to a maximum of approximately 200 feet from the project features (streams and ditches) and will remove rotating crops and fertilizer inputs. The restored riparian buffer and adjacent riparian areas filters agricultural runoff from the surrounding farm fields and provide shading to reduce stream temperatures and improve aquatic habitat. Invasive vegetation will be managed as needed within the project area to promote native vegetation. 1.2 Project Goals The major goal of the proposed buffer and adjacent riparian area restoration is to improve water quality through ecological enhancements within the Neuse River Basin. This is being accomplished with specific goals to address agricultural runoff, including nutrients and sediment, Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 5 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 restore terrestrial habitat and protect the project parcel in perpetuity. Specific goals and objectives are outlined in Table 1. Table 1: Water Quality and Ecological Goals and Objectives Goal Objective Reduce nutrient loading Establish and restore riparian buffers and adjacent riparian areas to filter runoff and subsurface flows from adjacent agricultural fields. Remove fertilizer input through conversion of agricultural field to forested riparian buffer. Reduce sediment loading Establish and restore riparian buffers and adjacent riparian areas to filter runoff from adjacent agricultural fields. Provide vegetative bank stabilization to decrease sediment input. Decrease water temperature and increase dissolved oxygen Establish a wide riparian corridor with canopy closure to filter nutrients and provide stream shading, reducing water temperature and increasing concentration of dissolved oxygen. Restore terrestrial habitat Plant riparian corridor with native vegetation and manage invasives. Protect project in perpetuity Implement and record a conservation easement on the Parcel. 1.3 Existing Conditions and Parcel Viability The restored Parcel has converted approximately 22.2 acres of agricultural row crop fields to forested buffers and riparian areas along three unnamed tributaries (UT1, UT2 and UT3) and three agricultural ditches (Ditch A1, B1 and B2). Additionally, this project will preserve approximately 0.2 acres of existing forested riparian area along UT1. All credit areas have been protected in perpetuity by a recorded conservation easement of approximately 24.7 acres in total area. Refer to Figure 3 and Appendix A for the Credit Generation & Vegetation Plot Map. Ditch A1 emerges from a farm road to the south of the Parcel, flows north along the eastern border of the Parcel before turning west through the project area transitioning into UT1. UT1, an intermittent stream, continues to flow west, turns to the north before it merges with UT2 which continues northward as UT3 to the Parcel terminus. Ditches B1 and B2 flow east and west, respectively, until the transition/confluence with UT2, an intermittent stream. UT2 flows west to the confluence with Ditch B2, turns north and then northeast through the site until its confluence with UT1. It should be noted the centerline of Ditch A1 forms the eastern boundary of the conservation easement. The Parcel is composed of and surrounded entirely by agricultural fields with the exception of two small wetland areas with existing trees and vegetation that have been preserved along UT1 and Ditch A1. Project attributes associated with the Parcel are outlined in Table 2. Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 6 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 Table 2: Project Attributes Project Name Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201 River Basin Neuse Service Area Neuse 03020201, excluding the Falls Watershed Geographic Location (Lat, Long) 35.254653, -78.164589 Site Protection Instrument MB P, PG 82-I Type of Credits Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Total Credits 333,957.870 RBC1 33,148.872 lbs N NOC2 BPDP Date April 2023 Initial Planting Date March 2023 Baseline Report Date October 2023 MY1 Report Date December 2023 MY2 Report Date December 2024 MY3 Report Date December 2025 MY4 Report Date December 2026 MY5 Report Date December 2027 1 Riparian Buffer Credit (RBC) 2 Nutrient Offset Credit (NOC) NCDWR staff visited the project Parcel on March 4, 2022 to review features and determine applicability to the Neuse River Basin Riparian Area Protection Rules, Title 15A NCAC 02B .0714. NCDWR issued the official Stream Call Determination letter on April 19, 2022. On May 19, 2022, NCDWR staff re-visited the site to determine the potential for riparian buffer mitigation and nutrient offset within the proposed easement boundary per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703, respectively. NCDWR issued the official Site Viability letter on June 15, 2022. A copy of both the “Applicability to the Neuse River Basin Buffer Rules” and “Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset” letters issued by NCDWR are provided in Appendix B. NCDWR staff visited the project Parcel on May 8, 2023 to verify as-built conditions. 2.0 Restoration Activities 2.1 Parcel Preparation The existing erosion and sink hole noted as areas of concern in the Site Viability for Buffer Mitigation & Nutrient Offset letter dated June 15, 2022 were stabilized with minor bank grading, and temporary and permanent seeding. Bank stabilization was applied to isolated areas along the banks of Ditch B1, UT2 and where the 30-inch RCP culvert was removed and relocated out of the easement. Additionally, the concrete debris and trash that existed along the forested area that was converted to a riparian preservation area was removed and stabilized with hand-planted trees and temporary and permanent seeding. Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 7 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 Prior to the riparian restoration, the land was in agricultural row crop production, therefore the site preparation required minimal soil disturbance. Soil ripping occurred in mechanically planted rows to break up plow pans and compacted soils and where farm paths were planted. A limited number of invasive plants were present and treated with an aquatic-safe herbicide that was applied by a licensed NC pesticide applicator. 2.2 Restoration Activities The Parcel was planted between March 30 and April 1, 2023, in accordance with the draft BPDP and MBI, which were ultimately approved April 21, 2023. The entire area proposed for restoration and development of nutrient offset and riparian buffer credits was planted with native tree species and permanent seeding to convert the active farming area to a vegetated riparian corridor. Because the land within the Parcel had been historically used for agricultural row crop production, it required minimal soil disturbance to install the plants. Planting activities utilized both mechanical and manual methods depending on site conditions. Bare root trees were well mixed in the bags prior to being planted to ensure adequate distribution across the Parcel and installed at an approximate spacing of 6 feet by 10 feet. It is expected that the initial planted density will be sufficient in meeting the performance standards outlined in the Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and in the approved MBI of 260 trees per acre at the end of five years. Table 3 provides a summary of the tree species and permanent seeding planted along with their density and composition which matches the proposed planting plan in the approved BPDP. Table 3: Planted Tree Species Scientific Name Common Name Planting Zone* Number + Density Planted % of Total Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbeam MMF/SSS 1000 (43 stems/acre) 6% Diospyros virginiana Persimmon MMF/SSS 1500 (65 stems/acre) 9% Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash SSS 500 (22 stems/acre) 3% Nyssa biflora Swamp Tupelo SSS 500 (22 stems/acre) 3% Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum MMF 1000 (43 stems/acre) 6% Platanus occidentalis Sycamore MMF/SSS 2000 (86 stems/acre) 12% Quercus lyrata Overcup Oak SSS 1000 (43 stems/acre) 6% Quercus michauxii Swamp Chestnut Oak MMF/SSS 2500 (108 stems/acre) 15% Quercus nigra Water Oak MMF/SSS 1500 (65 stems/acre) 9% Quercus pagoda Cherrybark Oak MMF 1500 (65 stems/acre) 9% Quercus phellos Willow Oak MMF/SSS 2700 (116 stems/acre) 16% Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak MMF 1000 (43 stems/acre) 6% Andropogon gerardi Big bluestem Permanent Seed Mix Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 8 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 Panicum virgatum Switchgrass Permanent Seed Mix Sorghastrum nutans Indiangrass Permanent Seed Mix *SSS-small stream swamp; MMF-mesic hardwood forest 3.0 Project Credit Potential The potential project credits are based on the top of bank of the three unnamed tributaries (UT1, UT2 and UT3) and three agricultural ditches (Ditch A1, B1 and B2). All areas within 200-linear feet landward of the top of bank were planted (with the exception of the preservation area adjacent to UT1) and accounted as either riparian buffer credit or nutrient offset credit with the exception of the area where diffuse flow cannot be attained from Ditch A1. The entire conservation easement boundary was planted; however, a credit deduction has been calculated for the 60- degree angle where Ditch A1 enters the easement boundary. Refer to Figure 3 for a depiction of the Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Credit areas for the Parcel. Riparian restoration adjacent to the streams is primarily intended to be used to generate RBC out to 100 feet and to generate NOCs beyond 100 feet in width. RBC’s generated from preservation areas are capped at 25% of the total area. The Parcel’s preservation area represents 1.9% of total area. Riparian restoration adjacent to the ditches will be used to generate NOC because they are not viable to generate RBC. Potential mitigation credits are based upon the most recent, at time of BPDP review and approval, NCDWR Buffer Mitigation Calculation Tool v5 (updated November 2022) and the as-built survey (Appendix C). There were no major deviations from the approved BPDP. Credit calculations based on the as-built survey resulted in a slight reduction in credit area from what was previously calculated via GIS in the approved BPDP. This equated to a reduction of 0.835 lbs N NOC and 411.914 RBC’s. The project’s credit potential is depicted in the Project Credit Table (Table 5, Appendix A). 4.0 Annual Monitoring and Performance Criteria The maintenance and monitoring plan has been developed to demonstrate required performance standards and success criteria are met and project goals and objectives are achieved. 4.1 Performance Standards The performance standards for the project follow approved criteria presented in the Buffer Mitigation Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0295). Annual monitoring and semi-annual site visits will be conducted to assess the condition of the finished project. Performance standards will be evaluated throughout the five-year post-construction monitoring period and summarized annually in the monitoring report. The annual report will provide project data and chronicle issues that arise during the five-year monitoring period. The first growing period will be documented in the first annual report to be completed in the fall 2023. Eco Terra will submit annual monitoring reports to NCDWR by December 31st of each year for at least 5 consecutive years until project Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 9 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 close-out and will follow the terms and conditions of the approved Britt & Hales MBI. Although the approved credit release schedule has been modified due to cited non-compliance with the Parcel (see Section 6.0 for more details), the vegetation data for Monitoring Year 1 will be submitted to NCDWR by December 31, 2023 despite no credit release for Year 1. Performance criteria includes standardized vegetation plot establishment and annual monitoring for planted stems including individual plot photo documentation, overall site photo documentation, biannual visual assessments for project status and easement integrity including herbaceous and/or invasive species competition, stem mortality, stand health, incidental damage from agricultural equipment, and stem loss or damage from natural causes such as fire, disease, or animal impacts. Figure 3 (Appendix A) illustrates the location of the project easement, permanent vegetation plots/photo points, as well as overall site photo points. 4.2 Vegetation Eighteen (18) 10-meter by 10-meter permanent vegetation plots were established according to the most recent Carolina Vegetation Survey (CVS) – NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) Protocol for Recording Vegetation, V4.2 (2008). Representative vegetation plots were established within the restored riparian buffer and adjacent riparian areas at a minimum density of 2% of the planted area. In order to meet performance standards and determine stem health, species, height, planting date and vigor have been documented for each monitoring plot. Vegetation assessments were completed in April 2023 following the CVS-EEP Level I protocol. Baseline data collection resulted in a planted stem density ranging from 526 - 809 stems per acre which surpasses the performance standard requiring survival of 260 stems per acre at the end of the five-year monitoring period. Baseline or monitoring year zero (MY0) vegetation stem data is included in Table 6 (Appendix D). Additional vegetative success criteria to ensure that plots are diverse is the survival of at least four native hardwood tree species where no one species represents more than 50% of the planted stems. The Parcel’s baseline plot data shows 12 native hardwood species with a minimum of 4 distinct species per plot and an individual species maximum equal to 47% percent composition of the planted stems. Upon NCDWR approval, desirable native volunteer species may be included in the overall tree density for the Parcel to meet performance standards and success criteria. 4.3 Photo Reference Stations The vegetation plots were photographed from the southwest corner (origin) of each plot. Nine additional Parcel reference photos were taken at designated points along the conservation easement boundary providing an overall view of the Parcel and documenting project success. Refer to Appendix D and E for vegetation plot and Parcel reference photo documentation, respectively. All photo points locations were georeferenced for map production to provide a consistent means for photo replication annually and in the event a plot or photo location must be reestablished during the monitoring period. Photo orientation (direction and/or bearing) were recorded as well as approximate vertical position for consistency in photo logging. Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 10 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 4.4 Visual Assessments Additional observations were made of site conditions and vegetation conditions for the restored areas outside of the monitoring plots. This biannual effort will be made to appropriately monitor changing site conditions and address any issues ensuring Bank success and performance criteria are met after the monitoring period. Any site problems will be noted and discussed in the annual reports and monitored biannually to ensure performance criteria are met following any remedial action. 4.5 Annual Reporting Performance Criteria All monitoring reports, including this baseline report, will be compiled and submitted to NCDWR annually in accordance with the approved MBI. Annual monitoring will occur for a minimum of five years or until performance criteria are met. 4.6 Parcel Maintenance Any site observations identified through the vegetation plot monitoring or visual assessments, whereby performance criteria is not being met, will be documented in the annual reports with recommended adaptive measures. NCDWR will be notified, and if necessary, Eco Terra will collaborate with NCDWR to develop the adaptive measures or remedial actions for implementation to correct the performance criteria deficiency. Any adaptive measures implemented will be designed to achieve the performance success criteria and monitoring measures will be adjusted accordingly, if necessary. Any Parcel maintenance activities will be included in annual monitoring reports. As noted in the approved BPDP, effective herbicide application is critical to success of restoration areas, primarily historical agricultural land. Herbicides approved for aquatic environments will be applied as necessary and in accordance with the NCDA rules and regulations by a qualified NC licensed pesticide/herbicide applicator. Prior approval from NCDWR is required if mowing within Zones 1 and 2 of the Neuse River basin buffers is deemed necessary. 4.7 Parcel Boundary Maintenance Conservation easement boundaries were marked in the field with 6-foot U-channel posts to ensure clear distinction between the Parcel and adjacent properties. Long-term stewardship signs were attached to the posts and placed at approximate 200-foot intervals along the outer perimeter of the Parcel to identify the conservation easement. All easement boundaries will be visually assessed twice per year as part of the monitoring protocol. Boundary markers incidentally destroyed, damaged or disturbed will be repaired and/or replaced as needed during the monitoring period and in the future under the long-term trustee management. Any easement encroachment or performed maintenance will be documented in the annual monitoring reports. Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 11 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 5.0 Financial Assurances After BPDP approval and prior to the first credit release, Eco Terra, LLC secured a Performance/Maintenance bond in the penal amount of 100 percent of the estimated cost, but not less than $150,000. The Financial Assurance was fully approved by NCDWR and signed by Mr. Richard Rogers Jr., NCDWR Director, on May 16, 2023. Upon NCDWR approval, the penal sum may be lowered each year based on the adjusted cost to complete monitoring activities. Performance bonds for monitoring shall be secured annually for a minimum of five (5) years to cover the next year’s monitoring period, with confirmation of renewal provided to NCDWR with each annual monitoring report (when applicable). The Performance/Maintenance bond will be in place until NCDWR has released all RBC and NOC to the Bank Sponsor. A copy of the secured Performance/Maintenance bond is provided in Appendix G. 6.0 Compliance Action Plan The Parcel was initially planted from March 30 to April 1, 2023. Parcel preparation activities (vegetation plot installations, easement boundary demarcation and signage) occurred on March 29, 2023. Eco Terra acknowledges that these actions took place prior to written NCDWR approval of the Britt & Hales MBI and BPDP on April 21, 2023. On May 4, 2023 NCDWR issued a Notification of Non-Compliance to Eco Terra, LLC for commencing mitigation activities prior to receiving NCDWR approval of the Britt & Hales MBI and BPDP. The NCDWR Non-Compliance correspondence is included in Appendix B. A timeline of all the activities, notifications, and approvals associated with the project is presented in Table 4. Table 4: Timeline of Project Activities, Notifications and Approvals NCDWR Stream Determination Site Visit March 4, 2022 NCDWR Stream Determination Letter April 19, 2022 NCDWR Site Viability Evaluation May 19, 2022 NCDWR Site Viability Letter June 15, 2022 Initial Planting Activities March 30 – April 1, 2023 Parcel Preparation Activities March 29, 2023 MBI Final Draft Submittal March 9, 2023 BPDP Final Draft Submittal March 28, 2023 MBI and BPDP Public Notice March 31 - April 14, 2023 MBI and BPDP Approval April 21, 2023 Notification of Mitigation Activities and Site Walk Request April 24, 2023 NCDWR Notification of Non-Compliance May 4, 2023 NCDWR As-Built Site Walk May 8, 2023 Additional Parcel Planting and Restoration Activities May 31, 2023 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 12 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 Due to the Site’s cited non-compliance, NCDWR will not proceed with the issuance of credit releases for the proposed buffer mitigation credits and proposed nutrient offset credits for Year 1 monitoring. However, Eco Terra, LLC will still submit Year 1 monitoring data by December 31, 2023. The Site’s credit release schedule has been modified to reflect these changes. 6.1 Modified Credit Release Schedule Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site 13 Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 7.0 References 15A NCAC 02B .0295 Mitigation Program Requirements for Protection and Maintenance of Riparian Buffers. 2015. 15A NCAC 02B .0703 Nutrient Offset Credit Trading. 2020. 15A NCAC 02B .0714 Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers. 2020 Eco Terra, LLC. (2023). Britt and Hales Mitigation Bank Parcel Development Package. NCDWR. Raleigh, NC. Eco Terra, LLC. (2023). Britt and Hales Mitigation Banking Instrument in the Neuse River Basin for Nutrient Offset and Riparian Buffer Mitigation Credits pursuant to the Neuse River Basin Nutrient Management Strategy. NCDWR. Raleigh, NC Lee, M.T., Peet, R.K., Roberts, S.D., & Wentworth, T.R. 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation Version 4.2. Available at: http://cvs.bio.unc.edu/protocol/cvs-eep-protocol-v4.2-lev1- 2.pdf Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX A Figures and Project Credit Table BRITT & HALES NUTRIENT OFFSET &RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITEVICINITY MAP FIGURE1Prepared For:Drawn By: KABDate: 3/2/2023Project No.: ECT22001Scale: Wayne County, NC Legend Conservation Easement UT 1 UT2 ± Project Site Wayne County 0 0.2 0.40.1 Miles Neuse 03020201, excluding Falls Watershed 1 in = 0.2 miles £¤70 £¤117 §¨¦40 §¨¦95 BRITT & HALES NUTRIENT OFFSET &RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITE CREDIT SERVICE AREA MAP FIGURE2 Prepared For:Drawn By: KABDate: 3/2/2023Project No.: ECT22001Scale: Wayne County, NC Legend 8-Digit HUC 03020201RBC & NOC Service Area - Neuse 03020201, excluding Falls WatershedConservation Easement UT 1 UT2 ± 0 10 205 Miles Neuse 03020201, excluding Falls Watershed 1 in = 10 miles Project Site BRITT & HALES NUTRIENT OFFSET &RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITECREDIT GENERATION & VEGETATION PLOT MAP FIGURE3 Prepared For:Drawn By: KABDate: 5/5/2023Project No.: ECT22001Scale: Wayne County, NC ± 0 300 600150 Feet Neuse 03020201, excluding Falls Watershed 1 inch = 300 feet Legend Conservation EasementStreamsDitchesUT1, UT2, UT3 Riparian Restoration for RBC (0-100 ft)UT1, UT2, UT3 Riparian Restoration for NOC (101-200 ft)Ditch A1, B1 & B2 Riparian Restoration for NOC (0-100 ft)Ditch A1, B1 & B2 Riparian Restoration for NOC (101-200 ft)Non-Subject UT1 Riparian Preservation for RBC (0-100 ft)Non-Subject UT1 Riparian Preservation for RBC (101-200 ft)Non-credit AreaAs-Built Vegetation Plot Locations (18) MC A R T H U R P O N D R O A D OBERRY ROAD B1 Ditch B2 Ditch A1 Ditch A 1 D i t c h UT2 UT 1 UT 3 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 100' 10 0 ' 10 0 ' 10 0 ' 100' 100' UT2 Stream Origin UT1 Stream Origin UT3 Stream Origin 60-degree Angle to DeductCredit for Non-Diffuse Flow(2,197 sf) 50' 50' 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 9 11 12 1314 15 1617 18 Non-credit Area _ _ _ _ ___ _ _ BRITT & HALES NUTRIENT OFFSET &RIPARIAN BUFFER MITIGATION SITEMONITORING MAP FIGURE4 Prepared For:Drawn By: KABDate: 5/5/2023Project No.: ECT22001Scale: Wayne County, NC ± 0 300 600150 Feet Neuse 03020201, excluding Falls Watershed 1 inch = 300 feet Legend Conservation EasementStreamsDitchesUT1, UT2, UT3 Riparian Restoration for RBC (0-100 ft)UT1, UT2, UT3 Riparian Restoration for NOC (101-200 ft)Ditch A1, B1 & B2 Riparian Restoration for NOC (0-100 ft)Ditch A1, B1 & B2 Riparian Restoration for NOC (101-200 ft)Non-Subject UT1 Riparian Preservation for RBC (0-100 ft)Non-Subject UT1 Riparian Preservation for RBC (101-200 ft)Non-credit AreaAs-built Vegetation Plot Locations (18) MC A R T H U R P O N D R O A D OBERRY ROAD B1 Ditch B2 Ditch A1 Ditch A 1 D i t c h UT2 UT 1 UT 3 UT2 Stream Origin UT1 Stream Origin UT3 Stream Origin 60-degree Angle to DeductCredit for Non-Diffuse Flow(2,197 sf) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 9 11 12 1314 15 1617 18 Non-credit Area _Additional Photo Station Locations (9) «1 «2 «3 «4 «5«6«7 «8 «9 Table 5. Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Bank, NCDWR Project # 2022-0293 V2 , Project Credits Project Area N Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound) P Credit Conversion Ratio (ft2/pound) Credit Type Location Subject? (enter NO if ephemeral or ditch 1) Feature Type Mitigation Activity Min-Max Buffer Width (ft)Feature Name Total Area (ft2) Total (Creditable) Area of Buffer Mitigation (ft2) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Convertible to Riparian Buffer? Riparian Buffer Credits Convertible to Nutrient Offset? Delivered Nutrient Offset: N (lbs) Delivered Nutrient Offset: P (lbs) Buffer Rural No I / P Restoration 0-100 UT1 85,294 85,294 1 100% 1.00000 Yes 85,294.000 Yes 4,450.755 — Buffer Rural Yes I / P Restoration 0-100 UT2, UT3 247,193 247,193 1 100% 1.00000 Yes 247,193.000 Yes 12,898.861 — ——— Nutrient Offset Rural No I / P Restoration 101-200 UT1 41,505 41,505 1 33% 3.03030 No —Yes 2,165.786 — Nutrient Offset Rural Yes I / P Restoration 101-200 UT2, UT3 170,050 170,050 1 33% 3.03030 No —Yes 8,873.436 — ——— Nutrient Offset Rural No Ditch Restoration 0-100 Ditch A1, B1, B2 262,410 262,410 1 100% 1.00000 No —Yes 13,692.904 — Nutrient Offset Rural No Ditch Restoration 101-200 Ditch A1, B1, B2 161,298 161,298 1 33% 3.03030 No —Yes 8,416.745 — Buffer Rural No Ditch Restoration 0-100 Diffused Flow Deduction (Ditch A1) 2,197 0 1 100%No —No —— ——— Totals (ft2):969,947 967,750 332,487.000 50,498.488 0.000 Total Buffer (ft2):334,684 332,487 Total Nutrient Offset (ft2):635,263 N/A Total Ephemeral Area (ft2) for Credit:0 0 Total Eligible Ephemeral Area (ft2):85,743 0.0%Ephemeral Reaches as % TABM Enter Preservation Credits Below Total Eligible for Preservation (ft2):111,561 1.9%Preservation as % TABM Credit Type Location Subject?Feature Type Mitigation Activity Min-Max Buffer Width (ft)Feature Name Total Area (sf) Total (Creditable) Area for Buffer Mitigation (ft2) Initial Credit Ratio (x:1)% Full Credit Final Credit Ratio (x:1) Riparian Buffer Credits Buffer Rural No I / P 0-100 UT1 6,894 6,894 5 100% 5.00000 1,378.800 Buffer Rural No I / P 101-200 UT1 1,395 1,395 5 33% 15.15152 92.070 Preservation Area Subtotals (ft2):8,289 8,289 Square Feet Credits 332,487 332,487.000 0 0.000 8,289 1,470.870 340,776 333,957.870 Square Feet Credits Nitrogen:33,148.872 Phosphorus:0.000 Neuse 03020201 - Outside Falls Lake 19.16394 N/A Restoration: Enhancement: Mitigation Totals 635,263 TOTAL AREA OF BUFFER MITIGATION (TABM) TOTAL NUTRIENT OFFSET MITIGATION Mitigation Totals Nutrient Offset: Preservation: Total Riparian Buffer: 1. The Randleman Lake buffer rules allow some ditches to be classified as subject according to 15A NCAC 02B .0250 (5)(a). last updated 08/03/2020 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX B NCDWR Correspondence JocuSign Envelope ID : 4B686B04-263C-4945-94DC-1ACDA9CCC817 DWR Site Map, Britt & Hales Buffer Site, Shelton Sullivan, 3/4/2022 UUl,;Ui'.>IYII CIIVt::IUJJ~ IU. 'tDOOOOU"t-LO.>V-'t~"tV-::1'4UV-ll'\VUl"'\.:1\..,L,L,Q If Photographs, Britt & Hales Buffer Site, Shelton Sullivan, 3/4/2022 Feature A, Start location Feature A, looking downstream, just below start Feature B Start, looking downstream, east Feature C, looking upstream, south uu1,;u~1yr I c:., IVt::IUJJ~ 1u. LD"+L.:::J..J..JI'\-1 voc:.-troc.-orvu-v\.,r uvruu, vou Feature Classification 1Subject Riparian Land uses onsite !Q adjacent to Feature Buffer (0-200') Rule Al Ditch >3' No Non-forested agricultural fields . A Stream No Non-forested agricultural (atDWR fields with forested areas flag) along left bank (see map); Cement, debris and trash present within forested areas C Stream Yes Non-forested agricultural (atDWR fields with forested areas flag) downstream at easement boundary Bl Ditch >3' No Non-forested agricultural fields . B Stream Yes Non-forested agricultural (atDWR fields . flag) Erosion and a sink hole were observed along the right bank B2 Ditch >3' No Non-forested agricultural fields . Buffer 3Nutrient Credit Offset Viable Viable No Yes 2Yes Yes (non- forested fields only) 2Yes Yes (non- forested fields only) No Yes Yes Yes No Yes tsm & Hales ~tte EcoTerra June 15, 2022 ~.S Miti2ation T:me Determination w/in riparian areas Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(3) Forested areas -Preservation Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(4); need to remove all trash and debris. Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) Forested areas -Preservation Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5); Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) minor bank/riparian stabilization and grading needed where erosional rills, sink holes and gullies are observed Non-forested fields -Restoration Site per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n) 1Subjectivity calls for the features were determined by DWR in correspondence dated April 19, 2022 (DWR# 2022-0293) usmg the I :24,000 scale quadrangle topographic map prepared by USGS and the most recent printed version of the soil survey map prepared by the NRCS . 2The area of preservation credit within a buffer mitigation site shall comprise ofno more than 25 percent (25%) of the total area of buffer mitigation per 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(5) and 15A NCAC 0295 (o)(4). Site cannot be a Preservation Only site to comply with this rule. 3NC Division of Water Resources -Methodology and Calculations for determining Nutrient Reductions associated with Riparian Buffer Establishment 4 Determinations made for this Site are determined based on the proposal provided in maps and figures submitted with the request. 5 All features proposed for buffer mitigation or nutrient offset, must have a planted conservation easement established that includes the tops of channel banks when being measured perpendicular and landward from the banks, even if no credit is viable within that riparian area . 6The area of the mitigation site on ephemeral channels shall comprise no more than 25 percent (25%) of the total area of buffer mitigation per 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(7). 7The area described as an Enhancement Site was assessed and determined to comply with all of 15A NCAC 02B .0295( o )( 6). Cattle exclusion fencing is required to be installed around the mitigation area to get buffer credit under this part of the rule . Determinations provided in the table above were made using a proposed easement boundary showing proposed mitigation areas and features shown in Figure 2 and Figure 1 respectively . The map representing the proposal for the site is attached to this letter and initialed by Ms. Merritt on June 15, 2022. Substantial changes to the proposed easement boundary as well as any site constraints identified in this letter, could affect the Site's potential to generate buffer mitigation and nutrient offset credits. Page 2 of 3 UUl,;U..>1y1 I Cl IVt:IUJJt: IU, £D'"+L~.J.JI"\-I voc-troc-crvU-L,\.,, I uvruu f .JOU tlnt & 11a1es ::,tte EcoTerra June 15, 2022 This letter does not constitute an approval of this Site to generate buffer and nutrient offset credits. Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295, a mitigation proposal and a mitigation plan shall be submitted to DWR for written approval prior to conducting any mitigation activities in riparian areas and/or surface waters for buffer mitigation credit. Pursuant to ISA NCAC 02B .0703, a proposal regarding a proposed nutrient load-reducing measure for nutrient offset credit shall be submitted to DWR for approval prior to any mitigation activities in riparian areas and/or surface waters. All vegetative plantings, performance criteria and other mitigation requirements for riparian restoration, enhancement and preservation must follow the requirements in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 to be eligible for buffer and/or nutrient offset mitigation credits. For any areas depicted as not being viable for nutrient offset credit above, one could propose a different measure, along with supporting calculations and sufficient detail to support estimates of load reduction, for review by the DWR to determine viability for nutrient offset in accordance with ISA NCAC 02B .0703. This viability assessment will expire on June 15, 2024 or upon approval of a mitigation plan by the DWR, whichever comes first. This letter should be provided in any nutrient offset, buffer, stream or wetland mitigation plan for this Site. Please contact Katie Merritt at (919) 707-3637 if you have any questions regarding this correspondence. Sincerely, 'P-t w. -~ ~ DocuSlgned by: 949 □s, BA53°!:.eo ... Paul Wojoski, Supervisor 401 and Buffer Permitting Branch PW/kym Attachments: Figure 1, Figure 2 cc: File Copy (Katie Merritt) Page 3 of 3 JocuSign Envelope 10: 2B42955A-1C6E-4F6E-BFCO-CC70CF0O736O FIGURE 1 April 24, 2023 To: Katie Merritt, Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator NC Division of Water Resources 401 & Buffer Permitting Branch 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 From: Michael Beinenson, President Eco Terra, LLC 117 Centrewest Court Cary, NC 27513 Re: Notification & Request for Site Visit MBI Task 2 Site Visit Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201 (excluding the Falls Watershed) Wayne County, NC NCDWR Project#: 2022-0293 v2 Eco Terra is providing written notification that all nutrient offset and riparian buffer activities have been completed at the Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site per the requirements of the approved Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI). Eco Terra is requesting a site visit by DWR to complete the requirements of MBI Task 2 for credit release. The Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site (Parcel) is located near Mount Olive, NC, in the Upper Falling Creek watershed of the Neuse River Basin. The project site is approximately 6.5 miles northwest of the Town of Mount Olive and 1.7 miles south of US Highway 13 on McArthur Pond Road in Wayne County, NC (Figure 1). The Parcel is approximately 24.7 acres (1,076,524 sf) of a 180-acre tract that encompasses a series of forked, interconnected ditches and unnamed tributaries to Falling Creek. The Parcel was restored to provide ecological and water quality enhancements to the Neuse River Basin HUC 03020201, excluding the Falls Watershed (Figure 2) by restoring and preserving riparian buffers and adjacent riparian areas along three unnamed tributaries (UT1, UT2 and UT3) and three ditches (Ditch A1, B1 and B2). The Parcel provides riparian buffer mitigation credits by protecting the riparian area from top of bank to a minimum 30-foot width and maximum 100-foot width along the 117 Centrewest Court, Cary, NC 27513 I Eco Terra.com 10/31/23, 2:40 PM Eco Terra Mail - Notification of Non-Compliance - Britt & Hales MBI/BPDP https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/?ik=9d4a624ac4&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1764993914078600978&simpl=msg-f:1764993914078600978 1/2 Michael Beinenson <michael@ecoterra.com> Notification of Non-Compliance - Britt & Hales MBI/BPDP Merritt, Katie <katie.merritt@ncdenr.gov>Thu, May 4, 2023 at 3:42 PM To: "michael@ecoterra.com" <michael@ecoterra.com> Cc: Jordan Burbage <jordan@ecoterra.com>, "Hartshorn, Blake" <blake.hartshorn@ncdenr.gov>, "Goss, Stephanie" <stephanie.goss@ncdenr.gov>, Norton Webster <norton@ecoterra.com> Good Afternoon Michael, DWR received the attached documentation from McAdams notifying DWR that the Britt & Hales site was fully planted and ready for DWR to assess site conditions for the Task 2 milestone according to the MBI. According to the attached notification letter, Eco Terra planted this site March 30, 2023 & April 1, 2023. The Bank Parcel Development Package (BPDP) was approved on April 21, 2023 and the Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) was signed by Eco Terra on March 31, 2023 and DWR on April 21, 2023. Eco Terra did not have an approved Banking Instrument (required under 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703), nor did they have an approved BPDP for the site (required under 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and 15A NCAC 02B .0703) prior to conducting activities for buffer mitigation and nutrient offset credits. Both rules referenced above clearly state that an approved plan by DWR is required prior to conducting activities for buffer mitigation or nutrient offset credits. Secondly, Eco Terra submitted an MBI and BPDP to DWR that contained inaccurate and falsified information. Eco Terra is in non-compliance with 15A NCAC 02B .0295 Eco Terra is in non-compliance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703 Eco Terra is in non-compliance with the Approved Britt & Hales BPDP - submitted to DWR by Eco Terra on March 29, 2023, public noticed on March 31 and approved by DWR on April 21 Eco Tera is in non-compliance with the Approved Britt & Hales MBI – submitted to DWR by Eco Terra on March 31, 2023, public noticed on March 31 and approved on April 21. At this time, DWR will not be able to proceed with the issuance of credit releases for the proposed buffer mitigation credits and proposed nutrient offset credits until these matters have been discussed. DWR will discuss the non-compliance issues with Eco Terra and DWR management in the near future prior to determining further actions needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter, Katie Katie Merritt Nutrient Offset & Buffer Banking Coordinator 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Office: 919-707-3637 Work Cell: 919-500-0683 10/31/23, 2:40 PM Eco Terra Mail - Notification of Non-Compliance - Britt & Hales MBI/BPDP https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/?ik=9d4a624ac4&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1764993914078600978&simpl=msg-f:1764993914078600978 2/2 Website: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-quality-permitting/401-buffer-permitting-branch 512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27620 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties. 20220293 Ver 2_2023.04.24 Britt + Hales Notification Letter_20230425.pdf 17477K Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX C As-Built Survey Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX D Vegetation Plot Data Table 6: Vegetation Plot Data Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site DWR Project No. 2022-0293v2 Monitoring Year 0 – 2023 Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Tree 1 1 2 2 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree 1 1 1 1 3 3 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Tree 1 1 5 5 3 3 Nyssa biflora Swamp tupelo Tree 1 1 Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Tree 2 2 1 1 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 1 1 3 3 1 1 Quercus lyrata Overcup oak Tree 2 2 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Tree 5 5 1 1 2 2 2 2 Quercus nigra Water oak Tree 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Tree 5 5 1 1 1 1 Quercus phellos Willow oak Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Tree 2 2 1 1 3 3 1 1 13 13 20 20 16 16 15 15 13 20 16 15 526 809 647 607 11 10 9 9 38%25%19%20% 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.7 39 41 36 51 Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Tree 2 2 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree 1 1 2 2 1 1 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Tree 1 1 Nyssa biflora Swamp tupelo Tree Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Tree 1 1 1 1 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 1 1 2 2 1 1 Quercus lyrata Overcup oak Tree 4 4 2 2 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Tree 1 1 2 2 7 7 5 5 Quercus nigra Water oak Tree 2 2 3 3 2 2 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Tree 2 2 3 3 Quercus phellos Willow oak Tree 2 2 7 7 4 4 Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Tree 4 4 1 1 2 2 15 15 18 18 15 15 18 18 15 18 15 18 607 728 607 728 9 6 5 7 27%39%47%28% 1.2 1.3 1.6 1.7 36 41 48 51Average Plot Height (cm) Common Name Tree / Shrub Veg Plot 5 Veg Plot 6 Performance Standard Current Year Stem Count Stems/Acre Species Count Dominant Species Composition (%) Veg Plot 7 Veg Plot 8 Current Year Stem Count Stems/Acre Species Count Dominant Species Composition (%) Average Plot Height (cm) Veg Plot 3 Veg Plot 4Scientific Name Common Name Tree / Shrub Veg Plot 1 Average Plot Height (ft) Average Plot Height (ft) Performance Standard Scientific Name Veg Plot 2 Page 1 of 3 Table 6: Vegetation Plot Data Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site DWR Project No. 2022-0293v2 Monitoring Year 0 – 2023 Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Tree 1 1 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree 2 2 4 4 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Tree 3 3 3 3 Nyssa biflora Swamp tupelo Tree Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Tree 1 1 1 1 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 1 1 1 1 Quercus lyrata Overcup oak Tree 2 2 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Tree Quercus nigra Water oak Tree 3 3 1 1 5 5 2 2 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Tree 3 3 Quercus phellos Willow oak Tree 2 2 2 2 6 6 4 4 Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Tree 6 6 2 2 3 3 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 15 14 14 15 15 566 566 607 607 4 7 5 6 43%21%40%27% 1.3 1.3 1.2 1.7 39 41 36 51 Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Planted Total Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Tree 2 2 1 1 1 1 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree 1 1 5 5 2 2 2 2 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Tree 2 2 Nyssa biflora Swamp tupelo Tree Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Tree 1 1 1 1 Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 1 1 2 2 Quercus lyrata Overcup oak Tree 1 1 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Tree 3 3 2 2 3 3 4 4 Quercus nigra Water oak Tree 2 2 2 2 2 2 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Tree 3 3 1 1 Quercus phellos Willow oak Tree 3 3 3 3 2 2 Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Tree 4 4 2 2 4 4 16 16 15 15 16 16 15 15 16 15 16 15 647 607 647 607 7 6 8 7 25%33%19%27% 1.2 1.3 1.2 1.7 36 41 36 51 Dominant Species Composition (%) Scientific Name Common Name Tree / Shrub Veg Plot 9 Veg Plot 12 Performance Standard Current Year Stem Count Stems/Acre Species Count Veg Plot 10 Veg Plot 11 Veg Plot 16 Performance Standard Current Year Stem Count Stems/Acre Species Count Veg Plot 14Scientific Name Common Name Tree / Shrub Veg Plot 13 Average Plot Height (ft) Average Plot Height (ft) Dominant Species Composition (%) Average Plot Height (cm) Veg Plot 15 Average Plot Height (cm) Page 2 of 3 Table 6: Vegetation Plot Data Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site DWR Project No. 2022-0293v2 Monitoring Year 0 – 2023 Planted Total Planted Total Carpinus caroliniana American hornbeam Tree Diospyros virginiana Persimmon Tree 2 2 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green ash Tree 1 1 2 2 Nyssa biflora Swamp tupelo Tree Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Tree Platanus occidentalis Sycamore Tree 1 1 Quercus lyrata Overcup oak Tree 1 1 Quercus michauxii Swamp chestnut oak Tree 4 4 6 6 Quercus nigra Water oak Tree 1 1 2 2 Quercus pagoda Cherrybark oak Tree 2 2 Quercus phellos Willow oak Tree 2 2 5 5 Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Tree 2 2 14 14 17 17 14 17 566 688 7 6 29%35% 1.3 1.3 39 41 Scientific Name Common Name Tree / Shrub Veg Plot 17 Veg Plot 18 Average Plot Height (cm) Performance Standard Current Year Stem Count Stems/Acre Species Count Dominant Species Composition (%) Average Plot Height (ft) Page 3 of 3 Table 7: Vegetation Performance Standards Summary Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site DWR Project No. 2022-0293v2 Monitoring Year 0 – 2023 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 526 11 1.3 0 809 10 1.3 0 647 9 1.2 0 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 607 9 1.7 0 607 9 1.2 0 728 6 1.3 0 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 607 5 1.6 0 728 7 1.7 0 566 4 1.3 0 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 566 7 1.3 0 607 5 1.2 0 607 6 1.7 0 Veg Plot 7 Veg Plot 8 Veg Plot 9 Veg Plot 10 Veg Plot 11 Veg Plot 12 Veg Plot 1 Veg Plot 2 Veg Plot 3 Veg Plot 4 Veg Plot 5 Veg Plot 6 Page 1 of 2 Table 7: Vegetation Performance Standards Summary Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site DWR Project No. 2022-0293v2 Monitoring Year 0 – 2023 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 647 7 1.2 0 607 6 1.3 0 647 8 1.2 0 Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Stems/Acre # Species Avg Ht (ft)% Invasive Monitoring Year 7 Monitoring Year 5 Monitoring Year 3 Monitoring Year 2 Monitoring Year 1 Monitoring Year 0 607 7 1.7 0 566 7 1.3 0 688 6 1.3 0 Veg Plot 13 Veg Plot 14 Veg Plot 15 Veg Plot 16 Veg Plot 17 Veg Plot 18 Page 2 of 2 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Veg Plot 1 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 2 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 3 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 4 – 4/3/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Veg Plot 5 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 6 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 7 – 4/3/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Veg Plot 8 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 9 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 11 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 10 – 4/3/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Veg Plot 13 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 14 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 15 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 12 – 4/3/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Veg Plot 16 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 17 – 4/3/23 Veg Plot 18 – 4/3/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX E Site Photographs Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Site Photo Point 1 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 2 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 3 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 4 – 4/4/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Site Photo Point 5 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 6 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 7 – 4/4/23 Site Photo Point 8 – 4/4/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed Site Photo Point 9 – 4/4/23 Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX F Recorded Conservation Easement Page 1 of 6 Type: CRP Recorded: 8/22/2022 3:41 :05 PM Fee Amt: $26.00 Page 1 of 6 WAYNE COUNTY, NC CONSTANCE B. CORAM REGISTER OF DEEDS BK 3761 PG 352 -357 File/Return to: Michael Beinenson Eco Terra, LLC 1328 Dekalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAYNE Cross Reference: DB 1070 /P 0139 Register of Deeds Wayne County, NC THIS MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (this "Memorandum") is hereby made this 29th day of July, 2022, by and between ECO TERRA, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, whose mailing address is 1328 Dekalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307 (herein "Buyer") and Eddis Earl Britt & Linda Britt Hales ( collectively, "Seller") whose mailing address is 3176 O'Berry Rd Mount Olive, NC 28365 (herein "Seller"). 1. For good and valuable consideration, Seller and Buyer have entered into that certain Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Conservation Easement of even date herewith (the "Agreement"). 2. Pursuant to the Agreement, Seller has agreed to sell and Buyer has agreed to purchase a permanent conservation easement containing approximately 24.72 acres, more or less, over a portion of the Seller's real property located in Wayne County, State of North Carolina. The Seller's property (the "Property") is described on Exhibit A. The portion of the Seller's Property which consists of the easement property is also set forth on Exhibit A (the "Easement Property"); the Easement Property is more particularly depicted on Exhibit A-1. The final legal description for the property encumbered by the proposed conservation easement shall be determined by a survey and, upon consummation of the Agreement, incorporated into a Deed of Conservation Easement to be conveyed by Seller and recorded in the Register of Deeds. 4. Seller and Buyer have agreed to execute and record this Memorandum in accordance with the terms of the Agreement to give public notice of the Agreement and this Memorandum shall not supersede or in any way modify the terms and conditions of the Agreement. The Agreement shall run with the land and shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs, legal representatives, administrators, successors, and assigns. 5. This Memorandum shall expire, and the Agreement shall no longer run with the land, or be considered a cloud upon title, upon the earlier to occur of (i) a termination of the Agreement by Buyer (subject, however, without limiting any rights Buyer may retain which survive a termination of the Agreement); (ii) the conveyance and subsequent recording of the Deed of Conservation Agreement from Seller as contemplated by the Agreement; or (iii) the date that is two (2) years from the day and year first above written . . submitted electronically by "Eco Terra, LLC" {O,in compliance with North Carolina statutes governing recordable documents and the terms of the submitter agreement with the Wayne county Register of Deeds. Page 5 of 6 Exhibit A Attached to and made a part of that certain Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Conservation Easement dated July 29, 2022 by and between ECO TERRA, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company ("Buyer"); and Eddis Earl Britt & Linda Britt Hales (collectively, "Seller"). Legal Description of the Property That property identified with PIN 2544982733 and conveyed pursuant to that certain Deed/ Grant of Will recorded at Deed Book 1070, Page 0139 in the Register of Deeds, Wayne County, North Carolina. Legal Description of the Easement Property A portion of the Property, comprising in total a parcel ofreal property consisting of 189.90 acres, more or less and depicted on Exhibit A-1 attached hereto; and as more particularly described pursuant to the legal description set forth on the Easement Survey obtained by Buyer, which legal description, upon receipt, shall be deemed to be fully incorporated herein. {03758810;v2} Eco Terra, LLC | Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset & Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site Britt & Hales As-Built & Baseline Monitoring Report HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Watershed October 2023 APPENDIX G Financial Assurances ~ GREA14AfERICAN. INSURANCE GROUP Construction/Implementation and Monitoring Bond PRINCIPAL: Eco Terra, LLC 1328 Dekalb Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307 TYPE OF ORGANIZATION (Mark one "X") -Individual _Partnership Joint Venture _Corporation X Limited Liability Corporation STATE OF INCORPORATION: Georgia DATE EXECUTED (the "Effective Date"): BOND NUMBER: 04/21/2023 3803011 PENAL SUM OF BONO: $150,000 SURETY: Attn: Bond Division Claims Great American Insurance Company 301 E. 4t h Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 OBLIGEE: North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 NAME OF PROJECT: Britt & Hales Nutrient Offset and Riparian Buffer Mitigation Site MITIGATION BANKING INSTRUMENT: MBIDATE: Britt & Hales Mitigation Banking Instrument 04/21 /2023 We, Eco Terra , LLC (hereinafter "Principal") and Great American Insurance Company (hereinafter "Surety"), are held and firmly bound unto the above named Obligee in the penal sum of the amount stated above for the payment of which sum well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, and successors, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that whereas Principal entered into the Britt & Hales Mitigation Banking Instrument (hereinafter "MBI"), and the Britt & Hales Bank Parcel Development Package contained thereunder (hereinafter "BPDP"), in the Neuse River Basin, for Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Credits for the above-named Project, dated as shown above and hereto attached: NOW THEREFORE, if the Principal shall well and truly perform and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of said MBI and BPDP and shall also well and truly perform and fulfill all the undertakings, covenants, terms, conditions, and agreements of any and all duly authorized modifications of said MBI and BPDP that may hereafter be made, notice of which modifications to the Surety being hereby waived, then this obligation to be void; otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Notwithstanding the provisions of the MBI and BPDP, this bond shall apply to Implementation and Monitoring Years 1, 2 3, 4 and 5. The term of this bond shall begin on the Effective Date listed above and end with written approval of Year 5 Monitoring Report by Obligee. No reduction in the penal sum will occur unless the Obligee, in its sole discretion, determines that the performance of those undertakings, covenants, terms , conditions, and agreements as set forth in the MBI and BPDP have been achieved or satisfied and certifies its determination in writing. The penal sums scheduled below for each period will remain in effect until the later of the: a. Applicable Period End Date, or b. Date on which Obligee approves the applicable As-Built or Monitoring Report Period Period Start Date* Period End Date* Reduction Penal Sum Construction & Implementation 04/21/2023 04/21/2024 N/A $150,000 Monitoring Year 1 04/21/2024 04/21/2025 $50,000 $100,000 Monitoring Year 2 04/21/2025 04/21/2026 $20,000 $80,000 Monitoring Year 3 04/21/2026 04/21/2027 $20 ,000 $60,000 Monitoring Year 4 04/21/2027 04/21/2028 $20,000 $40,000 Monitoring Year 5 04/21/2028 04/21/2029 $20 ,000 $20,000 CMB NC DEQ DWR Ed. (04/23) Page 1 of 2