Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20160096 Ver 2_Riparian Buffer Authorization Application_20160317 Strickland, Bev From:Joey Lawler <JLawler@smeinc.com> Sent:Thursday, March 17, 2016 9:57 AM To:Montalvo, Sheri A Cc:Strickland, Bev Subject:RE: PNG Line 254 Attachments:CCE03152016_0001.pdf; Riparian Buffer Authroization Request - PNG Line 254.pdf Here you go. I also included another piece of information (buffer mitigation acceptance letter) that we received since I sent the originals - j Joey Lawler, P.W.S. Project Manager ENGINEERING INTEGRITY S&ME, Inc. 9751 Southern Pine Boulevard Charlotte NC 28273 Map Ph: 704.523.4726 Fax: 704.525.3953 Mobile: 704.604.6474 jlawler@smeinc.com www.smeinc.com ____________________________________________ S&ME, Inc. moves up twelve spots in 2015 ENR Top 500 to 89. This electronic message is subject to the terms of use set forth at www.smeinc.com/email. If you received this message in error please advise the sender by reply and delete this electronic message and any attachments. Please consider the environment before printing this email. From: Montalvo, Sheri A \[mailto:sheri.montalvo@ncdenr.gov\] Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2016 9:40 AM To: Joey Lawler <JLawler@smeinc.com> Cc: Strickland, Bev <bev.strickland@ncdenr.gov> Subject: PNG Line 254 Joey, Could you please send an electronic version for the above project so that we can get them into our system easier? Thanks Sheri Montalvo 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit - Administrative Assistant Department of Water Resources 1 Division of Environmental Quality 919-807-6303 (office) sheri.montalvo@ncdenr.gov 512 N. Salisbury St., Ste 942-G1, Raleigh, NC 27604 1617 Mail Serive 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. 2 j�• �� ! 1 V-7 : March 11, 2016 N.C. Division of Water Quality 401 Wetlands Unit 512 North Salisbury Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Attention: Ms. Karen Higgins Reference: PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project Pre -Construction Notification for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts Greene and Wilson Counties, North Carolina S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 Dear Ms. Higgins: On behalf of Piedmont Natural Gas (PNG), S&ME, Inc. (S&ME) hereby submits this notification for riparian buffer impacts in connection with the above -referenced project, which entails removal of aboveground vegetation within portions of PNG's existing 50 -foot wide natural gas pipeline right-of-way (ROW). The project is located in Greene and Wilson Counties, North Carolina, and lies within the Neuse River Basin. In support of this application, please find enclosed the following: ♦ Figures: Site Vicinity Map (A), USDA SCS Soil Survey Maps (1-12) and USGS Topographic Maps (13-24) ♦ Appendix I: Completed Riparian Buffer Authorization Form and Authorization to Act as Agent ♦ Appendix II: Buffer Impact Maps (Sheets 1— 20, Provided by Piedmont Natural Gas) ♦ Appendix III: Riparian Buffer Impact Table ♦ Appendix IV: Mitigation Bank Information This Pre -construction Notification (PCN) is being provided to the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) pursuant to the aforementioned riparian buffer impacts. The project will not entail permanent or temporary impacts to streams or wetlands, and as such, does not require a 401 Water Quality Certification or authorization from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) The completed application form is included in Appendix I. ❖ General Project Information and Background The subject ROW originates at an existing station site located on the south side of and adjacent to U.S. Highway 264 in Wilson, Wilson County (35.696463° N, -77.848424° W). The line then runs generally south-southeast for approximately 15 miles, terminating at an existing station on the north side of Griffin Road, north of Snow Hill in Greene County (35.497192° N, -77.757612°). Records research indicates that Line 254 was installed for North Carolina Natural Gas Corporation in 1991, and at that time, did not likely require pre -construction authorization. Accordingly, it is unlikely that construction of Line 254 is associated with an existing Action ID number. Near Stantonsburg, Line 254 parallels a second gasline S&ME, Inc. 19751 Southern Pine Boulevard I Charlotte, NC 28273 1 p 704.523.4726 1 f 704.525.3953 1 www.smeinc.com PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 PCN for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts March 11, 2016 (Line 6), a portion of which is proposed for replacement, and was subject to permit authorization under NWP No. 12 (USACE Action ID No. SAW -2015-02511). The portion of ROW within the Line 6 Class Location Replacement Project will not require ROW maintenance. General land use in the vicinity of the project corridor consists of a mix of wooded, undeveloped land, low density residential areas, rotational agriculture, pasture, and clear-cut areas. Portions of the project corridor are located close to areas composed of commercial and light industrial development. Over the years, portions of the ROW that PNG has regularly -maintained through mowing and above- ground vegetation removal have steadily decreased in width. In some areas, canopy vegetation has obscured aerial observation of the ROW, while at others the maintained corridor has migrated such that the gas lines are no longer appropriately centered within the ROW. To adequately perform their routine maintenance and pipeline inspection operations, PNG is planning to reestablish and maintain the correct ROW boundaries. The work will entail mowing and above -ground removal of woody vegetation within the correct limits of the existing ROW. Some areas only require side -trimming or bush -hogging, while others will require clearing where vegetation may have grown up at the periphery of the ROW. PNG has specified that all vegetative debris, wood chips or other material generated as a result of the clearing operation will be removed from the ROW and transported to a licensed disposal facility. The buffer rules state that existing and ongoing uses, such as utility line ROWS, are exempt. However, only portions of the riparian buffer occupied by the footprint of the existing use (maintained portions of the ROW) are exempt, and activities necessary to maintain the use are only allowed provided that the site remains similarly vegetated. Based on NCDWR Buffer Interpretation/Clarification Memo 2011-001, dated February 3, 2011, streams within portions of the existing ROW where there has been no maintenance within the last 10 years are subject to the buffer rules. ❖ Description of Proposed Work The width of the existing ROW will be surveyed by a Regional Land Surveyors (RLS), PNG's land surveyor, in order to reestablish its correct boundaries and demarcate of the limits of the maintenance activities. Additional features such as streams, wetlands, riparian buffers, fences, outbuildings, etc. will also be also identified and mapped to assist the contractors in performing the work. The maintenance activities generally entail removal of aboveground woody vegetation within portions of the 50 -foot ROW that have grown up over the years. Outside of wetland areas, mowing equipment will be used to remove the vegetation. Removal of the aboveground vegetation within wetland areas and along stream banks will be conducted by hand. In areas subject to rutting, encroachment of mechanized equipment to remove the felled material will be kept to a minimum, conducted on timber mats or other measures taken to limit disturbance of the ground surface. No grubbing, stumping or similar land disturbance will occur within wetland areas. Efforts will be made to fell trees away from the stream banks and prevent introduction of vegetative debris into the adjacent stream. The existing ROW will serve as the primary means of access. To work around inundated areas, PNG will rely on its existing network of access roads routinely used by its mowing machines. We do not anticipate that construction of new access roads or placement of fill material will be required. In such an event, the USACE and NCDEQ-DWR will be notified in advance to determine whether the work can proceed in accordance with a NWP and WQC or if Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) is required. Page 2 PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 PCN for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts March 11, 2016 •'• Project Purpose and Need PNG considers establishment and regular maintenance of the existing ROW system an important part of their responsibility to provide safe and reliable energy to the communities they serve. To that end, maintaining at least 50 feet of easement is required to support: Leakage surveys from ground mobile units or aerial technology. Aerial patrolling for possible encroachment activity near the pipeline. o Aid in identification of possible repairs and maintenance. Promotion of damage prevention in that the easement can be more easily identified by the public. 0 Minimization of potential canopy encroachment, which creates visibility concerns. ® Minimum turn -around requirements for mechanized mowing and side -trimming equipment. •'• Existing Environment The project area consists of PNG's existing gasline easement and abutting areas that consist of a mixture of woodland, agricultural field and a residential area. A majority of the gasline easement is regularly - maintained through mowing, and is vegetated with a mixture of invasive volunteer herbaceous cover and small shrubs/saplings. Overstory vegetation within forested portions of the project area site includes various water oak (Quercus nigra), white oak (Q. alba), loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), red maple (Acer rubrum), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifero), and sourwood (Oxydendrum arboretum). Mid -story species included horse sugar (Simplocos tinctoria) and American holly (Ilex opaca). Portions of the easement pass through fields cultivated with cotton and soybeans. Typical vegetation observed within the existing ROW was varied, but generally included species such as broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), goldenrod (Solidago sp.), sericea lespedeza (Lespedezo cuneato), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), blackberry (Rubus sp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), little buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus), Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and various grasses (Festuca spp.). Woody saplings observed within less -frequently maintained portions of the ROW included sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), water oak (Q. nigra), winged sumac (Rhus copallina), black willow (Salix nigra), red maple, tulip tree, loblolly pine and black cherry (Prunus serotina). A number of other land use areas were observed along the project corridor, but occupy an insignificant portion relative to that identified above. Such portions of the project corridor include landscaped or maintained lawns, roadway ROWS or other developed areas. •'• Riparian Buffer Impacts To determine which streams within the ROW are subject to the buffer rules, S&ME conducted field reviews of the project corridor over a period ranging from December 2015 through January 2016. Those features that appeared on the most recent version of the appropriate Natural Resources Conservation Page 3 PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 PCN for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts March 11, 2016 Service Soil Survey and the appropriate 1:24,000 scale (7.5 minute) quadrangle topographic maps were identified with global positioning system (GPS) equipment. Drainage features that did not appear on one or more of the aforementioned maps were also assessed utilizing the standardized methodology developed by NCDWR. This assessment involved use of the NCDWR Stream Assessment Form (Version is 4.11, effective September 1, 2010). Results of the field assessment were provided to Regional Land Surveyors (RLS) for surveying and for generation of impact drawings. For purposes of calculating buffer impacts, portions of PNG's ROW that had not been mowed or otherwise maintained for a period of longer than 10 years, as approximated by observing existing vegetation growth, were no longer exempted as an "existing use." In portions of the buffer where single trees were present but the area was otherwise void of woody vegetation, impacts were calculated by approximating the area occupied by the crown of the tree during its full canopy period. Based on our field assessment and the subsequent mapping efforts, the project will permanently impact 21,341 square feet of Zone 1 riparian buffer and 12,331 square feet of Zone 2. These impacts are broken out by crossing on the Riparian Buffer Impact Table (Appendix III), and are depicted on the attached drawings (Appendix II). • Avoidance and Minimization Through agency coordination, the project has implemented avoidance and minimization procedures. Impacts will be minimized by reducing the width of the permanent maintenance corridor to 30 feet through buffered areas. The project will also incorporate the following best management practices (BMPs): Woody vegetation within the buffers shall be cleared by hand. No land grubbing or grading will be allowed. • Vegetative root systems within the buffer shall be left intact to maintain the integrity of the soil. Stumps shall remain. • No fertilizer shall be used other than a one-time application to re-establish vegetation. • Construction activities shall minimize the removal of woody vegetation, the extent of the disturbed area, and the time in which areas remain in a disturbed state. • Active measures shall be taken following the reclamation and during routine maintenance to promote diffuse flow of stormwater through the buffer. PNG's contractors have been provided with maps identifying the streams subject to the protected riparian buffers and written Environmental Guidelines detailing methods by which vegetation removal activities should be conducted in order to avoid disturbance within protected riparian buffers. As described previously, S&ME has delineated and demarcated all wetland areas within which the reclamation work will occur. The delineation will serve to: • Establish boundaries within which all vegetation must be removed by hand above ground level — no grubbing, stumping or other land disturbance is allowed without prior authorization from the USACE and NCDWR. Page 4 PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 PCN for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts March 11, 2016 Demarcate areas within which timber mats or similar measures must be employed to accommodate heavy equipment and prevent extensive rutting and soil disturbance. s Establish boundaries within which application of rye grain or a native wetland seed mix is required. PNG understands that application of fescue within wetland areas is prohibited. Demarcate areas where streams should be bridged or crossed in such a manner that prevents bank impacts. ••• Mitigation In instances where mitigation is required, the amount is determined by subtracting the wetland area from Zone 1, then multiplying the remaining area (square feet) by 3. Mitigation for Zone 2 impacts is not required, as Zone 2 is to remain grassed ROW with no aboveground development or impervious surface. The project is proposed to result in permanent impacts to 21,341 square feet of Zone 1 riparian buffer. Of these permanent impacts, mitigation is required for 6,854 square feet (see Riparian Buffer Impact Table, Appendix III). Accordingly, PNG is required to purchase 20,562 riparian buffer mitigation credits (6,854 sf x 3). PNG proposes to purchase the necessary credit from a private mitigation bank in the area (Greene Environmental Services, LLC) in the watershed. A copy of the credit availability statement will be provided electronically once it is received. A copy of the bank information is included in Appendix IV. ❖ Closing Thank you for your review of this PCN and associated support materials. If you have questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at 704.523.4726. Sincerely, 5&ME Joey Lawler, P.W.S. Project Manager Senior Review by Tom Raymond, P.E., P.M.P. _ f* V Ashley Steele Staff Scientist Page 5 PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project S&ME Project No. 7335-15-043 PCN for Neuse River Basin Riparian Buffer Impacts March 11, 2016 Attachments: ♦ Figures: Site Vicinity Map (A), USDA SCS Soil Survey Maps (1-12) and USGS Topographic Maps (13-24) ♦ Appendix I: Completed Riparian Buffer Authorization Form and Authorization to Act as Agent ♦ Appendix II: Buffer Impact Maps (Sheets 1 — 20, Provided by Piedmont Natural Gas) ♦ Appendix III: Riparian Buffer Impact Table ♦ Appendix IV: Mitigation Bank Information cc. Jeff Smith, PLS — Regional Land Surveyors Anthony Scarborough — NCDWR Washington Regional Office Jim Kalish — PNG Page 6 Figures LLJ y�r O J W `. CV W > J .,. •ice, _ ° - _ _ p m w o W -,j- z PCDz Lo M CD z M W w W w � z �� Q� Z a w ue� - 1IF LLI - � U rLU � N Feature L Feature N Feature O . .- - � _ �• Pei •.: �t� a Feature M ri C 1 • W Z NNDO - J Z U Q O I -- U) N O o I N z m9 Q g e ■ _ - N v "■"fir' -. , c� 1 U O _ - - - FIGURE NO a Line 254 Alignment F 0 500a 1,000 � ° -a - FPPt CountyBoundary 4 '�, • V) w j` c O 01 C� W �� —j J LU O � o A44 C) p 0 Q S O w w ■f i L c) c9 ■ _ II Lb � lip LLU O U' a UJ r g� o 1p v • I 4i'' cn ' 1p 1 Feature P Feature Q Feature R r ®' Feature S ° CL L mw� MNMU� WaL IF °'��_ _ . y - _ ter.: • , ■- R� i ° .. Ja - - � . - .. � A ®• i'iT L .� �: ". -:� . � 'u-y{yyy■■■■��� is i.� �. �. z °-' NDO O� •c J ZUQ — tIIz i E ° z U) 0>O iP Sp� �.P 66 -.1 - z JIMg .. 0 d NM M ° M r o FIGURE NO. Zr a 0 ,5500 x 9M I Line 254 Alignment a Feet CountyBoundary 5 , . kr 1d a W O J LU N W y J C `4 >. Lu m CID Q Z 0 0 WC'4 a 3 C ol v w U M O - 9 z C) w IF J .� _ o m Z LijA�1lf 6 i ¢%-- V d W 1 r c W = o . - z cd F�; r °fie•®r W R R. A Feature T Tf F n Feature U s °�" / v '■ 06 Q Uj Z Z J •P. Feature W, 1 N- J z0Q Feature W O J z = o cn . c� ^ - - _ - E ., , " N o o v Z i U a m � cnK O • y46 Ar v o i • -_° FIGURE NO. a 500 ���Q� �` Line 254 Alignment ` et CountyBoundary 6 z % - 4... %L It' I Feature X - w o /1500 1,000 Feet W O J LU N W > J N67 W C:! m o0 z � w U Q U ` of w s O Q = U �M O z w O O z O lf) w O II L6 O M z O - z E LL w w z J O U Q X z N a w LLI 0 �zz cED (41 11� (L w � }z Lr)z� N NCO J ZOUQ O J Z = OO d O r >� y U z V) D 1 (p A. V/ M O M n SNu1 0 I, C) U w O FIGURE NO. a 254 Alignment 1 7 intyBoundarV -- w J m0 3 w wU Q K U s U �o - w CD qN J Lo o M _ Z Z w LL w 0 CD a U Feature Y e � Feature Z . V Feature AA Z LU _ _ a F W L Q N O Q —U y J Z W Q J U WW2 VW of E O r� R; d� o 7L., . M O l 1n r a M , r U w O IGURE NO. a Line 254 Alignment 0, 500 1 F ' ", 00Feet CountyBoundary 8 A Feature LL 1w 1 4 1,000 - beef L0 e. w O J ui N w > J � m UJ m C' l z 1 4 1,000 - beef L0 w O J ui N w > J � m UJ m C' z w w N 3 O O Q = U M O 't z w N O O z LLI LO U CO II L6 J _ - o z M co `- z O w LL W C) w z Cl) a w M V V Z v- -4, f �� a > a Z J LO 7 0 N 0 J z w U Q(i W = o Lu (1)d 0 V Z o V) o . m Q � V/ M n 0 O U w O FIGURE NO. a Line 254 Alignment CountyBoundary 1 1 2 Feature E FA r 0 LL IP J. , ~ ~ -_ 5 Feature G Y I mN 1�' r rr I t A 671111 Feet — Line 254 Alignment Countynoundary W O J Lu N W > J N m UJ m 0 O z oU ~ Q U w O _ U co O -,j- z O O w O z o M `— z co z O w LL U w O U' x z CL w Uo 9z U z FIGURE NO w �Q �z N S O zUUQ U ::jZ = 00 >J o z Z E a Appendix I: Completed Riparian Buffer Authorization Form and Authorization to Act as Agent r"Aln L*WVV 1% State of North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water Resources Division of Water Resources 15A NCAC 02B .0233 (8)(b), .0243 (8)(b), .0250 (11)(b), .0259 (8)(b), .0267 (11)(c), .0607 (e)(2) - Buffer Authorization FORM: BA 10-2013 Riparian Buffer Authorization Form A. Applicant Information 1. Project Information 1a. Name of project: PNG Line 254 Right -of -Way Maintenance Project 1b. County: Greene and Wilson 1c. Nearest municipality: Wilson, Stantonsburg, Snow Hill 1d. Subdivision name: 1e. Is the project located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1f below. ❑ Yes ® No 1f. Is the project located within a NC Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? ❑ Yes ® No 2. Owner Information 2a. Name on Recorded Deed: Piedmont Natural Gas (easement only) 2b. Deed Book and Page No. 2c. Map Book and Page No. 2d. Responsible Party (for Corporations): 2e. Street address: 4720 Piedmont Row Drive 2f. City, state, zip: Charlotte, NC 28210 2g. Telephone no.: (704) 731-4598 2h. Fax no.: 2i. Email address: 3. Applicant Information (if different from owner) 3a. Applicant is: ❑ Agent ® Other, specify: 3b. Name: Jim Kalish 3c. Business name (if applicable): Piedmont Natural Gas 3d. Street address: 4720 Piedmont Row Drive 3e. City, state, zip: Charlotte, NC 28210 3f. Telephone no.: (704) 731-4598 3g. Fax no.: (704) 731-4098 3h. Email address: Jim.kalish@piedmontng.com 4. Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable) 4a. Name: Mr. Joey Lawler 4b. Business name (if applicable): S&ME, Inc. 4c. Street address: 9751 Southern Pine Blvd 4d. City, state, zip: Charlotte, NC 28273 4e. Telephone no.: (704) 523-4726 4f. Fax no.: (704) 525-3853 4g. Email address: jlawler@smeinc.com FORM: BA 10-2013 Page 1 of 6 B. Project Information and Prior Project History 1. Property Identification 1a. Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID): Project is a linear utility line 1b. Site coordinates (in decimal degrees): Latitude: Longitude: Origin: - Origin:35.696463; 77.848424; Terminus: 35.497192 Terminus: -77.575612 1c. Property size: Approximately 15 miles long, 50' wide 2. Surface Waters 2a. Name of nearest body of water to proposed project: Nahunta Swamp, Contentnea Creek, Watery Branch, Toisnot Swamp and unnamed tributaries (multiple crossings) 2b. Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving C;Sw;NSW water: 2c. River basin: Neuse (03020203) 3. Project Description 3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: The existing ROW is primarily maintained herbaceous vegetation, although the width of the maintained easement has decreased over time in some areas and in other areas the width has migrated to an extent where the gas lines are no longer centered within the ROW. General land use in the vicinity of the project corridor consists of a mix of wooded, undeveloped land, low density residential areas, rotational agriculture, pasture, and clear-cut areas. Portions of the project corridor are located close to areas composed of commercial and light industrial development 3b. Attach an 8'/2 x 11 excerpt from the most recent version of the USGS topographic map indicating the location of the site 3c. Attach an 8'/2 x 11 excerpt from the most recent version of the published County NRCS Soil Survey Map depicting the project site 3d. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property: Unknown 3e. Explain the purpose of the proposed project: The purpose of the project is to restore PNG's existing ROW to a maintained state. Research suggests that the existing ROW was acquired by PNG in 1991 and is 50 feet wide. Over the years, the width of the ROW that PNG has regularly -maintained through mowing and above -ground vegetation removal has steadily decreased, such that not all of the 50 -foot ROW is discernible in places. In other areas, the maintained corridor has migrated such that the gas lines are no longer appropriately centered within the ROW. To adequately perform their routine maintenance and inspection of the pipeline, PNG determined that the entire width of the ROW should be maintained. 3f. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: The reclamation work entails above -ground removal of woody vegetation within portions of the 50 -foot ROW that have grown up over the years. Some areas only require side -trimming or mowing brush. Industry standard mowing, clearing and side -trimming equipment will be used. FORM: BA 10-2013 Page 2 of 6 B. Project Information and Prior Project History 4. Jurisdictional Determinations 4a. Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the ® Yes ❑ No ® Unknown Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property/ Comments: A request for Riparian Buffer project (including all prior phases) in the past? Applicability was provided to the NCDWR. The project does not require impacts to wetland areas. 4b. If yes, who delineated the jurisdictional areas? Agency/ Consultant Company: S&ME, Inc. Name (if known): Other: 4c. If yes, list the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determinations or State determinations and attach documentation. 5. Project History 5a. Have permits or certifications been requested or obtained for ❑ Yes ❑ No ® Unknown this project (including all prior phases) in the past? 5b. If yes, explain and detail according to "help file" instructions. 6. Future Project Plans 6a. Is this a phased project? ❑ Yes ® No 6b. If yes, explain. FORM: SSGP3080 8-13 Page 3 of 6 C. Proposed Impacts Inventory 1. Buffer Impacts 1 a. Project is in which protected basin? ® Neuse ❑ Randleman ❑ Tar -Pamlico ❑ Catawba ❑ Jordan ❑ Goose Creek 1 b. Individually list all buffer impacts below. If any impacts require this form. mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of Buffer impact Reason for Type of impact number — impact (exempt, allowable, Permanent (P) allowable w/ or Temporary mitigation) T Stream name Buffer Zone 1 Zone 2 mitigation impact impact required? (sq ft) (sq ft) B1 ❑P ❑T El Yes E] No B2 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No B3 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No B4 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No B4 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No B5 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No B6 ❑ P ❑ T ❑ Yes ❑ No Total buffer impacts 1c. Comments: See Attached Riparian Buffer Impact Table. FORM: BA 10-2013 Page 4 of 6 C. Impact Justification and Mitigation, continued D. Impact Justification and Mitigation 1. Avoidance and Minimization 1 a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project. PNG contractors will be provided with maps identifying the streams subject to the protected riparian buffers. At such locations, "no work" boundaries extending 50 feet from the top -of -bank of each subject stream are clearly demarcated in the field. As a result, vegetation removal will not occur in these areas until the appropriate buffer authorization has been received. The contractors have also been provided with written Environmental Guidelines detailing methods by which vegetation removal activities should be conducted in order to avoid disturbance within protected riparian buffers. As described previously, S&ME has delineated and demarcated all wetland areas within which the reclamation work will occur. The delineation will serve to: 1) Establish boundaries within which all vegetation must be removed by hand above ground level — no grubbing, stumping or other land disturbance is allowed without prior authorization from the USACE and NCDWQ. 2) Demarcate areas within which timber mats or similar measures must be employed to accommodate heavy equipment and prevent extensive rutting and soil disturbance. 3) Establish boundaries within which application of rye grain or a native wetland seed mix is required. PNG understands that application of fescue within wetland areas is prohibited. 4) Demarcate areas where streams should be bridged or crossed in such a manner that prevents bank impacts. 1 b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques. The project will incorporate the following best management practices: 1) Woody vegetation within the buffers shall be cleared by hand and no land grubbing or grading will be allowed. 2) Vegetative root systems within the buffer shall be left intact to maintain the integrity of the soil. Stumps shall remain. 3) No fertilizer shall be used other than a one-time application to re-establish vegetation. 4) Construction activities shall minimize the removal of woody vegetation, the extent of disturbed area, and the time in which areas remain in a disturbed state. 5) Active measures shall be taken following the reclamation and during routine maintenance to promote diffuse flow of stormwater through the buffer. 2. Buffer Mitigation 2a. Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer that requires buffer ® Yes ❑ No mitigation? 2b. If yes, then identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires mitigation and calculate the amount of mitigation required in the table below. Zone Reason for impact Total impact Multiplier Required mitigation (square feet square feet Zone 1 3 (2 for Catawba) Zone 2 1.5 Total buffer mitigation required: 2c. If buffer mitigation is required, is payment to a ® Yes ❑ No mitigation bank or NC EEP proposed? 2d. If yes, attach the acceptance letter from the mitigation bank or NC EEP. 2e. If no, then discuss what type of mitigation is proposed. See Attached Riparian Buffer Impact Table. 2f. Comments: The riparian buffer mitigation credit will be purchased from a private bank. See attached information in Appendix IV. FORM: SSGP3080 8-13 Page 5 of 6 E. Diffuse Flow Plan All buffer impacts and high ground impacts require diffuse flow or other form of ® Diffuse flow stormwater treatment. Include a plan that fully documents how diffuse flow will be ❑ Other BMP maintained. If a Level Spreader is proposed, attach a Level Spreader Supplement Form. 1 a. If due to site constraints, a BMP other than a level spreader is proposed, please provide a ❑ Yes ® No plan for stormwater treatment as outlined in Chapter 8 of the NC Stormwater BMP of public (federal/state) land? Manual and attach a BMP Supplement Form. 1b. Project is a linear utility located belowground. The ROW will remain grassed with ❑ Yes ❑ No no impervious surfaces. environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State (North F. Supplementary Information 1. Environmental Documentation 1 a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use ❑ Yes ® No of public (federal/state) land? 1b. If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an ❑ Yes ❑ No environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State (North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? 1c. If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document been finalized by the State ❑ Yes ❑ No Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.) Comments: 2. Violations 2a. Is the site in violation of DWR Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 02H .0500), Isolated Wetland ❑ Yes ® No Rules (15A NCAC 02H .1300), DWR Surface Water or Wetland Standards, or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 02B .0200)? 2b. Is this an after -the -fact permit application? ❑ Yes ® No 2c. If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s): 03.11.16 Joey Lawler, P.W.S.— Applicant/Agent's .W.S._Applicant/Agent's Printed Name Applicant/Agent's Signature Date (Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Send 3 complete sets of this form and accompanying documents to the following: For government transportation projects sent by For government transportation projects sent by First Class Mail via the US Postal Service: delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc.): NC DWR, Transportation Permitting Unit OR NC DWR, Transportation Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27699 - 1617 Raleigh, NC 27604 For all other projects sent by First Class Mail via For all other projects sent by delivery service the US Postal Service (UPS, FedEx, etc.): Karen Higgins OR Karen Higgins NCDWR — 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit NCDWR — 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27699 - 1617 Raleigh, NC 27604 FORM: BA 10-2013 Page 6 of 6 Appendix II: Buffer Impact Maps Appendix III: Riparian Buffer Impact Table RIPARIAN BUFFER IMPACT TABLE Line 254 Reclamation Project Stream ID* Sheet No. of 20 Notes Permanent Conversion (sf) Wetland Area Located in Zone 1 (sf) Required Mitigation Credits** Zone 1 Zone 2 A 2 Perennial UT 308 462 0 924 D 3 Perennial UT 2,168 688 1,338 2,490 H 4 Perennial UT 1,227 290 985 726 K 5 Perennial UT 963 643 963 0 L 6 Perennial UT 2,568 1,747 1,524 3,132 M 6 Perennial UT 1,976 1,171 1,976 0 P 7 Perennial UT 1,235 498 631 1,812 Q 8 Perennial UT 888 262 0 2,664 V 9 Perennial UT 971 620 971 0 W 10 Perennial UT 1,753 1,105 1,753 0 XX 11 Contentnea Creek 673 456 374 897 Y 12 Watery Branch 847 566 847 0 AA 13 Perennial UT 561 374 561 0 BB 14 Perennial UT 856 613 291 1,695 CC 15 Perennial UT 338 576 338 0 Line 254 Reclamation Project Stream ID* Sheet No. of 20 Notes Permanent Conversion (sf) Wetland Area Located in Zone 1 (sf) Required Mitigation Credits** Zone 1 Zone 2 DD 16 Perennial UT 839 370 242 1,791 EE 17 Perennial UT 370 264 370 0 GG 18 Perennial UT 1,967 476 490 4,431 KK 19 Perennial UT 578 672 578 0 LL 20 Nahunta Swamp 255 478 255 0 Totals: 21,341 12,331 14,487 j 20,562 * Buffer impacts have been avoided at those streams within the project area that are not identifieded in this table. **Required mitigation = (total area of Zone 1 permanent conversion - wetland area) x 3. Impacts to Zone 2 do not require mitigation, as the area will consist of a grassed right-of-way with no aboveground structures or imperveous surface. Appendix IV: Mitigation Bank Information Barak Information Contact f nfvruraaxallon CU.- 03020203 Greene Environmental Services, LLC Name: Contentnea- Little Contentnea Creek Jeffrey Becker County: Greene 90 Ham Produce Road Notes: Credit types: riparian buffer, nutrient offset Snow H ll, NC 28580 ofc: (252) 747-8204 cell: (915) 215-3899 j rbecker@ bellsouth_n et Mitigation bank offering riparian buffer credit- contacted by S&ME on 03.11.16 to inquire about sufficient credits. If credits are unavailable from the private bank, they will be purchased through the NC Division of Mitigation Services.