20021232 Ver al_Information Letter_20071026

J~~SED STgl~S
~~, A ~Z UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
~, ~~ ; - REGION 4
? ~ c ATLANTA FEDERAL CENTER
~~~qC PRO~G~O= 61 FORSYTH STREET
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30303-8960
October 26, 2007
Colonel John E. Pulliam, Jr.
District Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Attention: Mr. Scott McLendon
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
Subject: North Carolina Department of Transportation: On-site Mitigation, Additional
2007 Monitoring Reports
Dear Colonel Pulliam:
This is in reference to the North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT)
request for comments on 22 additional mitigation monitoring reports for on-site stream and
wetland mitigation sites. The monitoring reports are provided on-line by NCDOT. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4, Wetlands Regulatory Section, previously
reviewed 41 of the 2007 monitoring reports (on-line as of September 20, 2007). On October 15,
2007, NCDOT posted an additiona122 monitoring reports, which we have also reviewed. We
have the following comments for your consideration. In general, the majority of the 22 reports
showed success for hydrologic and vegetative criteria and/or stream stability. We have a few
minor comments pertaining to the sites which did not exhibit success, or for which NCDOT
recommended remedial actions. In addition, NCDOT requested discontinuation of monitoring
for two sites.
Division 2
West Fork Goose Creek (~-2539B): NCDOT requests permission to discontinue monitoring on
this site. However, EPA does not agree that NCDOT should discontinue monitoring. This site
was restored in April 2007 and was monitored in May and July, 2007. The permit requirements
state that NCDOT should complete one year of monitoring on this site. While we recognize that
vegetation monitoring was completed and. indicated success at various points during the first
growing season, we recommend that NCDOT monitor the site once next spring, completing the
full year of monitoring for this site. If the site still appears to be successful at that time, then
EPA will agree to discontinue monitoring.
~3~_'.
Internet Address (URL) • http /Iwww epa.gov
Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 30% Postconsumer)

Division 9
Setman Branch (R-2911 E): The buffer on one side of the stream has been mowed due to
maintenance of the powerline right-of--way. The loss of the woody buffer is a compliance issue,
since the permit for this project requires a 30-foot 14woody buffer with an adjacent 20-foot
vegetated buffer at this stream relocation site. NCDOT should discuss any potential remediation
with the Corps and the North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ), as soon as possible.
Division 12
UT Miller Branch (U-2307 AD): NCDOT requests permission to discontinue monitoring an this
site. EPA agrees that NCDOT may discontinue monitoring.
Division 14
Cashiers Stream / UT to Thorpe Reservoir (R-2224A): According to the Winter monitoring
report, this site was mowed. NCDOT repaired the stream, replaced a driveway culvert near the
project and replanted. The site appears to be stable at this time.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these reports. If you have any questions or
comments, please contact Kathy Matthews at [phone], or matthews.kathy cr epa.gov.
Sincerely,
Ronald J. Mikulak
Chief
Wetlands Regulatory Section
cc: USFWS, Asheville
USFWS, Raleigh
NMFS, Beaufort
NCDWQ, Raleigh
NCWRC, Creedmoor
NCWRC, Charlotte
NCDCM, Raleigh
NCDOT/PDEA
FHWA