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April 13 Site Visits
Subject: April 13 Site Visits
From: Eric Kulz <eric.kulz @ ncmail. net>
Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:40:54 -0400
To: [e-mail]
Kathy:
My notes/comments on the sites we looked at Friday_
Smith & Austin Creeks - Wake County Stability problems were noted in a number of locations on both:
creeks. Erosion around root wads was observed at several locations on Austin Creek. An area on the
north/west side of Austin Creek had fescue lawn to the stream bank and appeared to be maintained,
t possibly by a homeowner. A possible buffer violation was observed on the south/east side of the creek,
where fill material for a residential lot was within Zone 1 of the riparian buffer, and the deck of the
house was within Zone 2 of the buffer. On Smith Creek, areas of scour and bank erosion were
observed, and mid-channel bars were noted.
In the lower portion of the stream, in the golf course., a cross vain appears to have failed, as fabric was
dislodged and one or more rocks appeared to be missing.
Overall, I am concerned about the stability of the streams, particularly upstream from the road (Smith
and Austin Creeks, on either side of the soccer fields).
UT to Billy's Creek - Franklin County. The biggest issue here was the considerable amouts of sediment:
in the stream, presumably from the upstream farm field. I am concerned that this will be an annual
event. As a result of the sediment, the channel dimension is obscured. From what I could tell, the
banks appear fairly stable, although a portion of the channel circumvented a vain in the middle portion
of the project, and the stream has become somewhat overwidened with mid-channel bars. The lower
reach of the stream did not have a good riffle-pool pattern, and consisted mostly of pools.
There are some vegetation issues, even though this is only year one. Bare areas are present from when
cattle got into the conservation easement area. Juncus is abundant, and in places, is growing within the
channel, sometimes filling the entire channel. The sediment in the channel is also exacerbating this
situation. I am concerned that during a dry summer, the channel may be completely filled with Juncus
in places, which could result in the channel relocating following periods of heavy rain.
Despite the sediment in the channel and the fact that this is only year 1, three species of caddisflies
were found in the riffles in the upper and middle portions of the stream.
Hopefully, the sediment will flush out and the channel will stabilize. I don't think any remedial actions
are warranted at this time, but some additional planting may be warranted int he sparse areas in the
future, a the Juncus may need to be controlled at some point.
UT to Tar River - Franklin County The stream channel appeared to generally be stable, except for
some erosion/scour in the lower portion of the stream, and a large problem area at the road culvert at
the upstream end of the project. In this area, considerable erosion has occurred, and a large vertical
bank has been carved, which is continually releasing sediment to the stream (mass wasting). In
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April 13 Site Visits
addition, one failed rock structure was observed approx. 100 feet downstream of the
tributary/stormwater pipe.
Vegetation diversity appeared pretty good, although the tree density was lower in a section of stream
upstream from the tributary/stormwater pipe.
Despite the fact that this is only year 1, two species of caddisflies were found in the riffles in the upper
portion of the stream.
Being that this is year 1, my only recommendation would be to try rto do something with the area
below the road culvert, as there is a high level of erosion occurring here.
UT to Bear Swamp Creek - Franklin County. According to the report 10 rock structures are not
performing as intended. However, no instability problems were observed because of this. The stream
appeared stable, with good riffle-pool pattern. Some sediment was observed, apparently from
upstream.
Vegetation was very dense, and although pines were abundant, the riparian zone was densely vegetated,
and I don't think it it worth trying to control the pines.
1 species of caddisfly (several individuals) was found in two riffles on the stream.
I would not recommend any work on this stream at this time, and this project. looks like it would go in
the "Successful" category.
Hope the comments are helpful.
Eric
Eric W. Kulz
Environmental Specialist
401 Oversight and Express Permitting Unit
2321 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 250
Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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