20052093 Ver 1_Monitoring Report Review_20080806

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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Coleen H Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
August 6, 2008
Mr. Mac Haupt
N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program.
1619 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1619
Re: County Line Creek (High Vista) Stream Restoration Site
Year 4 Annual Monitoring Report
Buncombe and Henderson Counties County
DWQ #01-1743/05-2093
Dear. Mr. Haupt:
The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit has reviewed
the Year 4 Monitoring Report for the above-referenced site. We have a number of concerns about the
progress of this project.
Our comments based on our observations at the site are as follows:
• It appears that substantial repairs were conducted on the lowest 2,100 feet of the 3,500-foot
project. Since geomorphological data for this portion of the stream cannot be compared to
previous data, it may be necessary to extend the monitoring period for several years to ensure
that both the remaining restored channel and the repaired channel are stable.
DWQ is also concerned about the vegetation in the riparian buffer at this site. While the success
criteria, in terms of number of stems per acre, appears to have been met, the descriptions and
photographs of the riparian zone do not show the desired results for a year 4 project. The figures
show numerous areas with bare banks, and the tree data appear to indicate that the trees at the
site consist mainly of cottonwood, tulip poplar, and sycamore, and live stakes (black willow and
silky dogwood), which would be concentrated along the stream banks. The abundance of these
species results in meeting the stem density success criteria. Few of the planted "characteristic
tree species" (e.g. hickories, basswood, birch, etc.) listed in the planting plan (sheet 7 of 18 in the
construction drawings) survived.
In addition, there appeared to be areas of encroachment (mowing) within the conservation
easement.
DWQ recommends supplemental planting of more desirable species to increase the diversity in
the riparian zones, as well as to fill in bare spots and areas of encroachment. NCEEP should
consider some type of barrier along the conservation easement (e.g. low fence or posts and
ropes) to clearly demarcate the easement and prevent future encroachments. Nehcarolina
Noaturally
401 Oversight/Express Review Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone [phone] / Fax [phone]
Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
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Mr. Haupt
N.C. Ecosystem Enhancement Program
County Line Creek (High Vista) Stream Restoration Site - Year 4 Mon. Report.
Page 2 of 2
The success of this stream restoration project, and viability of the associated mitigation credits, is not at
all certain, due to poor planted vegetation survival, as well as repairs needed for over half the stream
length at this site. It is not clear that the cause of the failure of the lower reach of the stream has been
identified, and according to the February 2008 monitoring report, two headcuts have developed in the
upper (unrepaired) portion of the stream. Repairs may be warranted in these areas.
It appears likely that at a minimum, the monitoring period for this project should be extended. This will
of course be a decision of the PACG-TC. However, it is strongly recommended that mitigative efforts,
including possible channel repairs, supplemental planting and re-establishment and protection of the
conservation easement, be undertaken this winter.
A written response addressing the concerns listed above is requested. Please submit a written plan
detailing how the problems at this site are going to be addressed, as well as a schedule for the repairs
and a targeted completion date. After the repairs are completed, please provide a written description of
the repairs made and any additional measures taken to ensure that future encroachment into the
conservation easement will be avoided.
Please feel free to contact Eric Kulz at [phone] if you have any questions regarding this project
or our comments.
Sincerely,
Cyndi B. Karoly, Program Manager
401 Oversight and Express Review Program
cc: File Copy (Eric Kulz)
Central Files
Matt Matthews - DWQ Wetlands and Stormwater Branch
Kathy Matthews - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Tom Walker - USACE, Asheville Regulatory Field Office
Ne
o Carolina
Nturally
401 Oversight/Express Review Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone [phone] / Fax [phone]
Internet: http:/lh2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer- 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper