20141149 Ver 8_BPDP Comments_20170726

Bank Parcel Develoument Plan
Rocky Top Bank Parcel
USACE Action ID SAW -2015-01710
Pursuant to:
Restoration Systems' Jordan Lake Riparian Buffer & Nutrient Umbrella Mitigation Banking Instrument
for
Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Credits
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
PREPARED BY:
RESTORATION SYSTEMS, LLC
1101 HAYNES STREET, SUITE 211
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27604
AND
AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
218 SNOW AVENUE
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27603
April 2017

Rocky Top Parcel Development Plan
Restoration Systems' Jordan Lake Riparian Buffer &
Nutrient Umbrella Mitigation Bank
Restoration Systems (Sponsor) is pleased to provide this Bank Parcel Development Plan (BPDP) for the
Rocky Top Bank Parcel (Parcel), proposed as part of the Restoration Systems' Cape Fear 02 Phase One
Umbrella Banking Instrument kBanking Instrument) signed , 201 between _ , Commented [MK1]: Your title says its pursuant to Restoration
Restoration Systems, and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR). Per the Jordan Lake systems•✓ordtmLake PiparzaBuffer & Nutrient Umbrella
Water supply Nutrient Strategy, Consolidated Mitigation Rule, and Nutrient Offset Payments (15A NCAC Mitigation Banking Instrument
02B .0267, 15A NCAC 02B .0268, 15A NCAC 02B .0295, & 15A NCAC 02B .0240), this Parcel is
designed to provide riparian buffer and nutrient offset mitigation credits for unavoidable impacts due to
development within the Haw River Sub -watershed of Jordan Lake in the; Cape Fear River Basin—,I3ni4ed
States Geological Survey ('US S') e digit Hydrologic Unit Code ('HUC') 03030002Supporting figures
are included in Appendix A.
The Parcel was evaluated on December 10, 2014 by Virginia Baker of the DWR. Ms. Baker's evaluation
was part of an inter -agency review, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, to determine if stream
features located within the site are applicable to provide compensatory stream mitigation under Restoration
Systems' Cape Fear 02 Phase One Umbrella Banking Instrument, (Rocky Top USACE Action ID SAW -
2015 -01710). Riparian areas adjacent to features within the parcel providing compensatory mitigation for
stream impacts, will be restored and provide riparian buffer mitigation and nutrient off -set credit. This
BPDP provides the Parcel details, restoration activities, monitoring, proposed for credit generation and
long-term management. Upon approval of the BPDP, a Conservation Easement will be provided to DWR.
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Executive Summary

Appendices
Appendix A. Supporting Materials
Figure 1. Parcel Location & Service Area
Figure 2. NRCS Overview
Figure 3. USGS 1:24000 Topographic Map
Figure 4. Historic Conditions Plan View
Figure 5. Restoration Plan
Figure 6. Credit Determination , - Commented [MK2]: Modify to reflect viability.
Figure 7. Credit Determination 0-29'?? width
NCDWR Stream Identification Forms
Parcel Photographs
DWR Site Viabilitv Letter & Buffer Determination
Appendix B. Delivered Credit Yield Table for Jordan Sub Watersheds
Appendix C. State Historic Preservation Office Map
Appendix D. Environmental Data Resources Inc. — Environmental Records Report
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.1 Parcel Location-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2 Parcel Overview----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-1
2.0
Project Area — Existing Conditions----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
2.1 Physiography----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2.2 Soils----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32
2.3 Vegetation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32
2.4 Threatened and Endangered Species----------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
2.5 Environmental & Cultural Constraints-------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
2.6 FEMA Floodplain/Floodway mapping------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
3.0
Restoration Plan---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
3.1 Riparian Area Restoration Activities---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54
3.2 Riparian Buffer Preservation Activities-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
54
3.3 Marsh Treatment Area------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76
3.4 Easement Boundaries and Fencing------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76
3.5 Credit Release Schedule----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------76
4.0
Monitoring and Maintenance Plan ................................................................................................
76
4.1 Monitoring Protocol----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76
4.2 Parcel Maintenance-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------87
4.3 Long Tenn Management Plan-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87
5.0
Financial Assurance---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------87
6.0
Mitigation Potential---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
97
7.0
References---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
119
Appendices
Appendix A. Supporting Materials
Figure 1. Parcel Location & Service Area
Figure 2. NRCS Overview
Figure 3. USGS 1:24000 Topographic Map
Figure 4. Historic Conditions Plan View
Figure 5. Restoration Plan
Figure 6. Credit Determination , - Commented [MK2]: Modify to reflect viability.
Figure 7. Credit Determination 0-29'?? width
NCDWR Stream Identification Forms
Parcel Photographs
DWR Site Viabilitv Letter & Buffer Determination
Appendix B. Delivered Credit Yield Table for Jordan Sub Watersheds
Appendix C. State Historic Preservation Office Map
Appendix D. Environmental Data Resources Inc. — Environmental Records Report
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction — — Commented [MK3]: Nothing in here about RS' intent to request
Restoration Systems (Sponsor) is pleased to provide this Bank Parcel Development Plan (BPDP) for the buffer credit on wetland sites that don't meet the performance
standard to get wetland credit If that's the intent for this site, we
Rocky Top Bank Parcel (Parcel), proposed as part of the Restoration Systems' Cape T'^^- 02 D' ^"^ On need to look at Falling Creek and adapt that language in this BPDP
Umbrella Banking Instrt ent (Banking Instrument) signed—201 between throughout and with supporting figures.
Restoration Systems, and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (DWR). This Parcel is designed
to provide riparian buffer and nutrient offset mitigation credits for unavoidable impacts due to development
within the Haw River Sub -watershed of Jordan Lake in the,Cape Fear River Basin, United- St^tes
Geological Survey ('USGS') 8 digit Hydrologic Unit Codes ('14UC') 03030002per the Jordan Lake Water
supply Nutrient Strategy (15A NCAC 02B .0267 & 15A NCAC 02B .0268). Supporting figures can be
found in Appendix A. The Parcel shall be planned and designed according to the UMBI with DWR, 15A
NCAC 02B .0240 and the Consolidated Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 0213.0295 which became effective on
November 1, 2015. The BPDP has also been designed in concurrence with the Benton Branch Stream
Mitigation Bank (SAW# ). The mitigation plan for the Benton Branch Stream Mitigation Bank has been
submitted and approved by the Interagency Review Team?????.
Stormwater runoff from the Parcel drains directly to unnamed tributaries to Reedy Branch. According to
the Final Cape Fear River Basin Restoration Priorities (NCEEP 2009), this watershed should be targeted
for restoration to protect the nutrient sensitive watershed that ultimately drains into the nutrient sensitive
water supply at Jordan Lake. According to the Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality Plan (NCDWQ
2005), all land uses and discharges of wastewater and stormwater in subbasin 03-06-02 potentially
contribute nutrients to B. Everett Jordan Lake. B. Everett Jordan Lake provides low -flow augmentation,
flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat, and water supply. The lake is impaired for aquatic life
due to excessive levels of chlorophyll a in violation of current standards in all segments of the reservoir.
In addition, the Site has a supplemental water quality classification of Nutrient Sensitive Waters, which
includes areas with water quality problems associated with excessive plant growth resulting from nutrient
enrichment. The proposed Mitigation Activities will reduce sediment and nutrient levels, and improve
water quality within the Site and their downstream watersheds.
For purposes of the Rocky top Nutrient Offset & Buffer Bank, the Parcel involves restoring riparian buffers
and other riparian areas adjacent to mitigated streams onsite in order to help reduce non -point source
contaminant discharges to downstream waters in the Haw River WS of Jordan Lake. All the riparian areas
were assessed by DWR during an onsite visit to determine viability for buffer mitigation and nutrient
offset. During the site visit, all riparian areas were confirmed to have been in pasture for cattle grazing.
Approximately XX acres will be protected with a permanent conservation easement. Of those xx acres, XX
acres will be restored for Jordan riparian buffer credit, XX acres will be restored for nutrient offset credit, - - Formatted: Highlight
and XX acres will be enhanced by the removal of cattle from the streams and riparian areas for Jordan
riparian buffer credit. In general, riparian restoration/enhancement area widths on streams will extend
out to a maximum of XXX' feet from the top of bank with a minimum width of XX from top of banks.
Riparian buffer enhancement credits generated on this Bank Parcel are allowed pursuant to 15A NCAC
02B .0295 (o)(6) but cannot be used to generate nutrient offset credits. Additionally, no riparian
restoration areas that are less than 50' wide from Top of Banks can be used to generate nutrient offset
credit. Therefore, the maximum acreage of riparian restoration on this site that is able to be converted
into nutrient offset credits if needed by RS, is XX acres. Figure X shows the Credit Determination Map
and Section 6.0 provides details of the mitigation determination on the Bank Parcel
1.1 Parcel Location
Located in the South Atlantic/Gulf Region approximately 6 miles southwest of Saxapahaw and 2 miles east
of Snow Camp in Alamance County (Figure 1, Appendix A), the Parcel is hydrologically situated within
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 1

the USGS 14 -digit HUC 03030002050050 of the Cape Fear River Basin and Jordan Lake's Haw Sub -
Watershed (DWR Subbasin Number 03-06-02).
Directions to Parcel (from Snow Camp):
• Take E. Greensboro Chapel Hill Rd. east— 1.5 miles
• Tum right on Holman Mill Rd. — 1.4 miles
• Site is on the left.
• Access Site at gate located 0.5 mile down Major Hill Rd.
• Landowner permission required to access Site.
Site Coordinates: 35.886642, -79.388262
1.2 Parcel Overview
The Parcel encompasses 5.16 acres of land containing unnamed tributaries to Reedy Branch. According to
the Final Cape Fear River Basin Restoration Priorities (NCEEP 2009), this watershed should be targeted
for restoration to protect the nutrient sensitive waters that ultimately drain into the nutrient sensitive water
supply of Jordan Lake. Overall, the purposes of the Rocky Top Buffer and Nutrient Offset Bank is to
restore, enhance and preserve riparian buffers and other riparian areas adjacent to mitigated streams
onsite. The riparian restoration and enhancement will result in improved water quality within the Parcel
and the downstream watershed. The Parcel is located in a region of the state dominated by agriculture and
livestock; restoration of the riparian buffer is expected to result in immediate water quality benefits within
the vicinity of the Parcel through the removal of livestock access to Parcel streams.
UTI is present onsite and was deemed subject to the Jordan Lake Water supP;y4itF eetctr,.tegyBuffer
Protection Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0267 & 15A NCAC 02B .0268) by DWR in correspondence dated July
21, 2017. UT2 is not depicted on
USGS topographic mapping or USDA soils mapping; however, it was deemed mat least to be
intermittent by DWR during a-sitethe site visit_ by DWR staff and therefore will provide . riparian l.,,fF
affia putiiept oMot eredit. The drainage area of these streams is 0.07 mil at the Parcel outfall. Additional
land use practices including the maintenance and removal of riparian vegetation, cattle impacts and the
relocation, dredging and straightening of onsite streams resulted in degraded water quality and unstable
channel characteristics (stream entrenchment, erosion, bank collapse, and stream aggradation).
2.0 Project Area — Existing Conditions
2.1 Physiography
Situated within the Carolina Slate Belt portion of the Piedmont Ecoregion of North Carolina, the Parcel's
regional physiography is characterized by dissected, irregular plains with moderate to steep slopes and low
to moderate gradient streams over boulder and cobble -dominated substrate (Griffith et al. 2002). Onsite
elevations range from a high of 660 -feet NGVD at the upper reach of UT 1 to a low of approximately 610 -
feet NGVD at the outfall (USGS Snow Camp, North Carolina 7.5 -minute topographic quadrangle).
Surrounding land use consists primarily of pasture, pine plantation, and hardwood forest used by the
National Guard for maneuvers (Figure 3, Appendix A).
Site land uses are primarilyis characterized by a...t.._woa fOFOSt hay ao'a-marecent livestock pasture.
Riparian zones and- ivy fl nd areas are primarily ..,......,wd of dig4nyhodf rest F,.�Areas are -have been
accessible to livestock and have a thin understory in most areas with compacted soils. Multiple, active
springs are located along the margins of the stream. These areas have primarily been cleared of forest
vegetation and are characterized by herbaceous vegetation that is sparse and disturbed due to livestock
grazing, bush hogging, and regular land management activities (Figure 4, Appendix A).
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 2

2.2 Soils
Based on web soil survey mapping (BRCS 2014), the Site contains one soil series: Goldston channery silt
loam (Typic Dystrudepts). Parcel soils are depicted on Figure 2 (Appendix A) and described in Table 1.
Table 1. Parcel Soils
MapUnit
Map Unit
Hydric
Description
Symbol
Name
Status
Goldston
This series consists of well -drained soils on 10-15 percent hill
Get)
channery silt
Non -hydric
slopes on ridges. This series formed from residuum weathered
loam
from metavolcanics and/or argillite.
*NRCS 2012
2.3 Vegetation
The Parcel is comprised primarily of agricultural land including pasture and, hay fields, and disturbed
disturber ' �a
forest. Fields are dominated by fescue (Festuca sp.) with sparse natural recruits including knotweed
(Polygonum spp.), dog fennel (Eupatonm capillifolium), curly dock (Rumex crispus), cranesbill
(Geranium carolinianum), clover (Trifolium repens), and nightshade (Solanum sp.), as well as other
opportunistic herbaceous species. Scattered trees located adjacent to tributaries include Chinese privet
(Ligustrum sinense), winged ehn (Ulmus alata), red maple (Acer rubrum), eastern red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and poison ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans).
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 3

2.4 Threatened and Endangered Species
Species with the classification of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or officially Proposed (P) for such listing
are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended (16 U.S. C. 1531 et seq.). No
species are federally listed for Alamance County by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
(USFWS 2015).
2.5 Environmental, -& Cultural and Site LconstraintsL
The presence of conditions or characteristics with the potential to hinder restoration activities on the Parcel ',
was evaluated. The evaluation focused primarily on the presence of hazardous materials, utilities and
restrictive easements, rare/threatened/endangered species or critical habitats, cultural resources, and the
potential for hydrologic trespass. Existing information regarding constraints was acquired and reviewed. In
addition, any parcel conditions with the potential to restrict design and implementation were documented
during the field investigations.
No evidence of natural and/or man-made conditions were identified which have the potential to impede
proposed restoration activities. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) mapping was reviewed and no
sites have been documented near the Parcel (Appendix Q. Parcel mitigation will have no impacts to any
other known cultural resources.
2.6 FEMA Floodplain/Floodway mapping
FEMA mapping was reviewed to determine if the Site is located in a FEMA study area (DFIRM panel
number 8787). Based on existing floodplain mapping, the Site is not located in a Special Flood Hazard
Area and the project should not alter FEMA flood zones. Therefore, a "Conditional Letter of Map
Revision" (CLOMR) is not expected for this project.
Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas were analyzed to predict the feasibility of manipulating
existing surface drainage patterns without adverse effects to the Site or adjacent properties. The following
presents a summary of hydrologic and hydraulic analyses. The purpose of the analysis is to predict flood
extents for storms under existing and proposed conditions after stream and wetland restoration activities
have been implemented.
Watersheds and land use estimations were measured from existing DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data
and aerial photography. Field surveyed cross-sections and water surfaces were obtained along Site features.
Valley cross-sections were obtained from both onsite cross-sections and detailed topographic mapping of
1 -foot contour intervals using the available DEM. Observations of existing hydraulic characteristics were
compared to proposed hydraulic conditions and used to determine proposed channel grades and upper
reaches and downstream outfalls. Using these data, channel slopes were calculated to avoid backwater
conditions on adjacent landowners.
3.0 Riparian Restoration & Enhancement Plan
Restoration of riparian areas will be accomplished through the goals and methods outlined by the Cape
Fear 02 Umbrella Mitigation Bank, Rocky Top Bank Site Mitigation Plan. All applicable federal, state,
and local documentation, permits, and/or authorizations will be acquired as part of implementing the above-
mentioned mitigation plan and will be provided to the Division. Primary goals focus on 1) improving water
quality, 2) enhancing flood attenuation and hydrology, 3) improving aquatic resources, and 4) restoring
riparian habitat. Proposed mitigation activities will provide floodplain connectivity, floodplain resistance,
stream stability, sediment transport, surface and subsurface storage and retention, in -stream habitat, riparian
habitat and structure, thermal regulation, floodplain biogeochemical processing, and pollutant filtration as
well as remove sources of pollutants. The riparian area will be restored through the revegetation of native
plant communities. Detailed analysis of plant communities and the planting plan follow.
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 4
Commented [MK4]: "Site Constraints". This includes any
existing trees in the Jordan buffer that will be negatively impacted
by the Stream Mitigation Restoration Plan and any other issues that
should be noted within the riparian buffer (0-50').
Note, that where trees are removed for restoration of existing
streams or for construction of new streams, no buffer or nutrient
offset credit can be generated. Show all areas removed from credit
that fall in this category in your "Credit Determination" figure 6 if
you haven't done so already.
Commented [ MKS]: I remember hardpans being quite the
concern by RS during out onsite visit. I would recommend speaking
to the hardpans and how RS intends on manipulating anything to
ensure vegetation survival.

All riparian restoration activities will commence in concurrence with the stream mitigation activities and
not before. Therefore, the mitigation area where riparian restoration is being performed may be altered
slightly depending on the approval of the Stream Mitigation Plan for the Stream Mitigation Bank. The
riparian restoration areas will be surveyed and information provided in the As -Built report.
3.1 Riparian Area Restoration Activities
At this time, RS has already installed fencing to remove cattle from stream -side riparian areas and streams.
Stream -side trees include species with a high value for sediment stabilization, rapid growth rate, and the
ability to withstand hydraulic forces associated with bankfull flow and overbank flood events. Stream -side
trees and shrubs will be planted along reconstructed stream banks and concentrated along outer bends.
Planted vegetation along cleared stream banks will reestablish native/historic community patterns within
the stream corridor, associated side slopes, and transition areas. Revegetating Parcel floodplains and stream
banks will provide stream bank stability, give shade, reduce surface water temperatures, filter pollutants
from adjacent runoff, and provide habitat for area wildlife. In general, riparian restoration will occur within
a minimum of XX' from top of bank and extend out a maximum of XXX' perpendicular to the top of banks
where able. Where buffer widths to plant vegetation are not a minimum of 50' from top of bank, RS will
be planting only for buffer mitigation credits and widths will not be less than 29' from top of bank.
Variations in vegetative planting will occur based on topographic locations and hydraulic conditions of the
soil. Vegetative species composition will mimic reference forest data, onsite observations, and community
descriptions from Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley
1990). Community associations to be utilized include 1) Piedmont Alluvial Forest, 2) Dry-Mesic Oak -
Hickory Forest, and 3) stream -side assemblage. Deep-rooted, riparian vegetation will be planted over 5.1
acres of the Parcel.
Species selected for planting were dependent upon availability of local seedling sources. Seedlings from a
local source (within 200 miles) will be obtained from a licensed nursery and planted at the Parcel. Advance
notification to nurseries (1 year) will help to facilitate availability of various noncommercial elements.
Bare -root seedlings of tree species will be planted within the Dry-Mesic Oak -Hickory Forest and Piedmont _
Alluvial Forest at a density of approximately 680 stems per acre on 8 -foot center,. ISpecie, in the stream -
side assemblage community will be planted at a density of�,720�tems per acre on 3 -foot centers. Planting
will be performed between November 15 and March 15 to allow plants to stabilize during the dormant
period and set root during the spring season. A detailed planting list is depicted below in Table 2, and the
planting area is graphically on Figure 5 of Appendix A.
3.2 Riparian Buffer EnhancementP-rese-ruatien Activities
Riparian buffer preservation will include permanently protecting existing riparian buffer from cutting,
clearing, filling, grading, and any similar activities that would affect the functionality of the riparian buffer.
Areas specified for Preservation, as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295, are show in Figure 5 and will only
generate buffer mitigation. These areas are primarily described as disturbed mixed hardwoods, with the
Commented [ MK6]: Based on the soil/hardpans present onsite,
RS may want to consider planting a mix of trees and shrubs and
using shrubs to count towards success criteria.
Commented [MK7]: Nothing in this section indicates whether
the stems are "trees" or "shrubs", but the planting plan clearly has
both listed. What is RS proposing?
Commented [MK8]: And marsh treatment areas?
Commented [MK9]: This density is too high. Please explain the
reason behind such a high density of stems. If high density is
desired, RS should include shrubs in this density. Is this density
necessary for stream restoration??
number of high value species above 200 per acre. Buffer credits sought in the preservation area will only
be used toward buffer mitigation and cannot be transferred into nutrient offset credits. The Preservation
area is not anticipated to be beyond 100 feet. _ - Commented [MKlo]: Riparian Enhancement via cattle
Exclusion" should be here since the viability letter doesn't indicate
Preservation Sites on this parcel. Need to describe the acreages and
any activities RS plans to perform to comply with getting this type
of credit for enhancement
No Nutrient Offset can be generated in these areas...
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 5

Table 2. Planting Plan
Vegetation Association
Tree /
Shrub
Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Dry-Mesic Oak -Hickory
Forest* Forest*
Marsh Treatment
Wetland** Strea Formatted Table
Area (acres)
0.4 3.7
0.1 0.9
5.1
Species
# planted* % of total # planted*
% of total
# planted**
% of total # planted** % oftotal
# planted
i ag alder i n b,.......,.,.rHia 4
__27
_" _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _"_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10 1
_ _ _ _ _ _
Commented [MKll]: Remove from planting plan --- due to this
being a riparian restoration in a NSW watershed, DWR does not
recommend this species in the planting plan. This species cannot be
counted towards the success criteria if RS chooses to plant it
anyway.
River birch (Betula nigra)
27 10
12
Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana)
502
20
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
--
--
55
20
Red bud (Cercis canadensis)
378
15
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
-- -- --
--
41
15
--
41
Silky dogwood (Comus amomum)
27 10 --
--
41
15 490
20
558
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
252
10
--
-- --
252
White ash (Fraxinus americana)
-- -- 126
5
--
--
126
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
54 20 --
--
--
-- 490
20
544
Blueberry (Vaccinum corymbosum)
-- --
27
10 --
--
27
Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
27 10
--
-- --
--
27
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
54 20 --
--
490
20
544
Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
-- -- 378
15
--
--
378
Water oak (Quercus nigra)
41 15 502
20
245
10
788
Willow oak (Quercus phellos)
41 15 378
15
245
10
664
Black willow (Salix nigra)
-- -- --
--
--
-- 245
10
245
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
55
20 --
55
Possumhaw (Vibumum nudum)
-- -- --
--
27
10 --
--
27
TOTAL
271 100 2516
100
273
100 2449
100
5,509
* Will be-Pplanted at a density of 680 stems/acre.
* * Will be gplanted at a density of 2720 stems/acre.
t- - - j Formatted: Right
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 6

3.3 Marsh Treatment Area
Two marsh treatment areas will be constructed to intercept surface waters draining through agricultural
areas prior to discharging into UTI (Figures 5-6, Appendix A). The marsh treatment areas are excluded
from credit calculations.
3.4 Easement Boundaries and Fencing
Parcel boundaries will be identified in the field to ensure a clear distinction between the Parcel and adjacent
properties. Boundaries will be delineated by fencing where necessary to insure protection from livestock
and clearly marked. Fencing and boundary markers disturbed, damaged, or destroyed will be repaired
and/or replaced on an as -needed basis and documented as part of annual monitoring reports submitted to
the DWR.
3.5 Credit Release Schedule) , - Commented [MK12]: Unlike Benton Branch, I do not think this
schedule should be changed for this Bank Site.
Table 3. Credit Release Schedule
Task
Project Milestone
Credit
Available for
Sale
1
UMBI and BPDP Approved by DWR, Conservation Easement Recorded*, and
Financial Assurance Posted
20
2
Mitigation Site Earthwork, Planting and Installation of Monitoring Devices
Completed
20
3
Monitoring Financial Assurance Posted and Approval of As -Built Report
10
4
Monitoring Report # 1: Approved by the DWR* *
10
5
Monitoring Report #2: Approved by the DWR* *
10
6
Monitoring Report #3: Approved by the DWR**
10
7
Item B 1 of Section X in UMBI has been completed and app roved b DWR
5
No remaining credits will be released until Task 7 has been sans ed.
8
Monitoring Report #4: Approved by the DWR
5
9
Monitoring Report #5: Approved by the DWR and final site visit by DWR has been
conducted
10
Total
100
* For specification, please see Section V in the LIMBI
** DWR Approval provided upon determination that the site is meeting performance standards contained within the approved
BPDP
4.0 Monitoring and Maintenance Plan
4.1 Monitoring Protocol
Restoration monitoring procedures for riparian vegetation will include periodic visual inspection and annual
plant survival and species diversity survey reports. Quantitative sampling of vegetation will be performed
as outlined in the CVS Level1-2Protocol forRecording Vegetation, Version 4.2 (Lee et al. 2008). Photos
will be taken from all photo points each monitorine vear and provided in the annual reports. All planted
stems in the plots will be marked with flagging tape and recorded. Detailed qualitative and quantitative
monitoring is proposed for vegetated riparian areas; marsh treatment areas will be visually inspected
periodically and reported qualitatively within the annual monitor report, which will include photographic
record of the Parcel's assets.
Monitoring of the restoration efforts will be performed for five years or until success criteria are fulfilled.
Restoration Systems shall submit an annual monitoring report to DWR, no later than December 31st of
each year. Quantitative monitoring will include measurements of 5-10x10 meter vegetation plots. They
will be randomly placed throughout the planted riparian areas and will be representative of the entire top of
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 7

bank back two -hundred feet, more or less. -Sampling of vegetation will be performed in October of each
year, with the 1st monitoring data to be collected in the fall of 2017 but not within 6 months from initial
planting.
During the first year, vegetation will receive a cursory, visual evaluation on a periodic basis to ascertain the
degree of overtopping of planted elements by nuisance species. Success criteria within the riparian buffer
and nutrient offset restoration areas will be based on the survival of planted species at a density of 260
stems per acre after five years of monitoring. This shall include a minimum of four native hardwood tree
species or four native hardwood tree and shrub species,) where no one species shall be greater than 50% of__ _ - Commented [MK13]: Peek your performance standard ... Do you
the stems. In addition, appropriate volunteer stems of native hardwood and shrub species may be included want to count just trees only? or, do you want to count Trees and
to meet the final performance standard of 260 stems per acre upon DWR approval. shrubs? Does planting plan even have sbrubs?
Commented [MK14]: Were sbrubs in planting plan?
4.2 Parcel Maintenance
A remedial action plan will be developed and implemented with the approval of DWR in the event that the
Parcel or a specific component of the Parcel fails to achieve success criteria as outlined above. Other
vegetation maintenance and repair activities may include pruning, mulching, and fertilizing. In the event
that exotic invasive plant species require treatment, such species will be controlled by mechanical (physical
removal with the use of a chainsaw) and/or chemical methods (aquatic approved herbicide) in accordance
with North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA) rules and regulations.
If mowing is deemed necessary by the Sponsor for vegetation survival of planted stems during the
monitoring period, the Sponsor must receive approval by the DWR prior to any mowing activities within
Zone land Zone 2 of the Jordan buffers to ensure that no buffer violations have been performed. Failure
to receive approval prior to mowing activities within the Jordan buffer as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0267
by the DWR, could result in Jordan buffer violations and violations of the conservation easement. If
necessary, the Sponsor will develop a species-specific control plan
.- - - Formatted: Normal, Indent: Left: 0"
4.3 Long Tenn Management Plan
The Conservation Easement will preserve all areas and prohibit all use of the property inconsistent with its
use as mitigation property including any activity that would materially alter the biological integrity of the
Parcel. The North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation (NCWHF) has agreed to beholder of the easement.
The Sponsor will provide an endowment to the NCWHF to hold and enforce the Conservation Easement
and its interests in perpetuity.) -The Conservation Easement will be reviewed by DWR_ and the USACE prior- _ - Commented [MK15]: 1 thought RS said there was already an
----------------
to final recordation of the easement. easement? is that true?
4.4 Easement Boundaries and
Easement boundaries will be identified in the field to ensure clear distinction between the Parcel and
adjacent properties. Boundaries may be identified by cattle fence, marker, bollard, post, tree -blazing, or
other means as allowed by site conditions and/or conservation easement. Boundary markers disturbed,
damaged, or destroyed will be repaired and/or replaced on an as needed basis.
5.0 Financial Assurance
IAfier completion of the restoration/construction, a separate Performance/Maintenance Bond will be secured
for 100% of the estimated cost to implement the monitoring and maintenance plan as described in the
approved BPDP. The Bond must be from a surety company that is rated no less than an "A-" as rated by
A.M. Best, and it is the Sponsor's responsibility to confirm the surety company is still rated no less than
"A-" with each annual bond renewal. A Performance/Maintenance Bond shall be secured each year for a
minimum of five years, and until DWR has released all mitigation credits to the Bank Sponsor. Upon DWR
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 8

approval, the Bond may be lowered each year based on the adjusted cost to complete the monitoring. No
bond shall be less than $100,000 to cover monitoring and maintenance costs. _ - - Commented [MK16]: what about a construction bond?? Is RS
deciding they won't need one? If so, the credit release schedule
Once DWR has released all credits for completion of Tasks 1-9 according to the credit release schedule in should look different. Call to discuss.
Section 3.5, the Bank Sponsor can be released from its performance obligations under the performance
bond.
Performance bonds for monitoring shall be renewed to cover the next yeofs monitoring period, with
confirmation of fenewal provided to DWR with each annual monitoring report when applicable. DWR
reserves the fight to alter the credit feleose schedule if monitoring reports are submitted without proof of
bond renewals when applicable.
6.0 Mitigation Potential
The Rocky Top Bank will provide Jordan buffer mitigation and nutrient offset credits for development
impacts within the nape Loam 02 HUC 03030002 in the Haw River Sub -watershed of Jordan Lake.
River Sub watershed The width of the credit generation area will begin at the most landward limit of the
top of bank or the rooted herbaceous vegetation and extend landward a maximum distance of 200 feet where
able. A maximum of XX acres of riparian restoration on this site is able to Mitig tion credit^ gene..,.toa - - Formatted: Highlight
from riparian buffer restoration credit, as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .095 (b) and described in 15A NCAC
02B.095 - (ice `an be converted and transferred from Riparian Buffer Credits to Nutrient Offset Credits and
from Nutrient Offset Credit back to Riparian Buffer Credits upon approvalupen. The Sponsor must submit
a written request and receive written approval from DWR prior to any credit conversions and transfers to
the buffer and nutrient credit ledgers. written antiroval from . All delivery factors shall be applied to
nutrient offset credits prior to requesting a conversion.
According to the nutrient reduction goals for the Haw River arm of Jordan Lake, the generated nitrogen
credits per acre in the Haw Sub -watershed for riparian restoration on agriculture land is I' c�97--0-52,2 99.36 - - Commented [MK17]: where did you get this number? It's is
pounds and the generated phosphorus credit per acre is143.81 Mounds. The delivery factors applied supposed to be 2,279.36 lbs/acre
to this parcel are 71 percent for nitrogen and 67 percent from phosphorus (Appendix B). Delivered credits - Commented [MK18]: where did you see this? It's ac uavy
are calculated by aDDlvina the delivery factors and the acreage of riparian restoration to the venerated credits 143.81 lbs.
per acre stated above. Proposed areas fore€ Jordan riparian buffer and nutrient offset (Nitrogen and
Phosphorus) credits for the Rocky Top Bank Parcel are summarized in the tables below- and corresponding
Figures 6 & 7.
Table 4. Jordan Lake: Haw River Sub -Watershed Credit Determination Table
14 Digit Watershed ID: 03030002050050
Riparian Buffer Mitigation 8eitsCredits
Buffer
Total Area
Mitigation
Percentage Mitigation
Width
Credit Type
Total Area
Receiving
Ratio
of Full UnitsCredits
4e111 TOP
Credit*
Credit
TOB -29
152.80 ftZ
152.80 ft
114.60 ftZ
Restoration
(0.003 ac)
(0.003 ac)
1:1
75% (0.004 ac)
OB -95,381.71
ftZ
95,381.71 ftZ
95,381.71 ftZ ,
----
100 ft
- -- Restoration - --
---------
2.19 ac
--------
2.19ac
-- i 3-----100%--
------- -
2.19 ac
a
-1065-02 ft2 -
- 1Ab5-02
2-00 fF -\
30-100 ft
(0.02 ac)
(0.02 ac)
5:1
I60/
(0.004 ac)
Drew .. n
36,076.08 ftZ
32,132.37 ft
3 213.24 ftZ
30-100 ft
a:9ae-arns1
(0.83 ac)
(0.74 ac)
10:1
100%
(0.07 ac)
100-200 ft
n....'..".e-
113.94 ftZ
0
10:1
33% 0
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 9
Commented [MK19]: I assume that this is the area where you
only have 20-29' max to work with. I cannot get a good picture of
this area by looking at Figure 6, therefore, I need to confirm this is
acceptable by seeing a Figure that provides a "Zoomed In" version
of this particular area with a scale or label showing it is at least 29'
in width. If it is less than 29', indicate that width and Reference the
additional figure in 6.0.
Commented [MK20]: In order to receive nutrient offset credit in
any of these areas, you will need to confirm your widths using 50' as
your minimum where you can. 30' is not an appropriate minimum
for nutrient offset at 2273, therefore, if this is truly correct in the
table and there isnt' a minimum of 50' throughout, then only buffer
credits generated beyond 50' can be transferrable to nutrient. It's
RS's decision how to write this up ... just wanted to point this out.
Commented [MK21]: From looking at this table, I would gather
than 2.19 acres of riparian restoration would meet the criteria to be
converted into nutrient offset if ever requested.
Commented [MK22]: These should all be "Enhancement"

(0.002 ac)
Total Riparian Buffer Mitigation UuitsCredits 98,922.55 ft2
(2.27 ac
4 T..t..1 £...o�o.....t:.... :s 17125. 04 W3 however, ....1.. 11 1 (1'] 1(1 R3 ... 15". ofthe total area ...ay re..o:..o -mer rtiaatio.. credit from
Commented [MK23]: Modify table to reflect mitigation types
approved in the viability letter.
Nutrient Offset Credits -- - - j Formatted Table
*Buffer
Width Credit Type
from -TOB
Mitigation Type
Total Acreage
Generated Credits per
Acre
Generated
Credits Delivery Factor
Delivered Credits
1001-200 ft Nitrogen
Restoration 1.24
4597-.052 249.361bs/ac
278921 71%
1406.041980.19
1010-200 ft Phosphorus
Restoration 1.24
96.35143.81 lbs/ac
178.32 67%
119.47805
*Buffer mitigation credits are sought from top of bank to 100'. Beyond buffer credit generating areas, RS
is proposing nutrient offset credits out to a maximum of 200' for a contiguous riparian restoration from top
of bank to 200' where possible.
The Sponsor will maintain four- 4 credit ledgers,— f applicable, for the Parcel under the. Bfthis UMBI
and BPDP: (I)om for buffer restoration mitigation credits in both square feet and acres,-and-one—(I)-for
buffer preservatietrenhancement mitigation credits, both -in square feet and acres, (lone accounting for
nitrogen offset credits in pounds and acres, and one-(Ilaccounting for phosphorus offset credits in pounds
and acres.
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 10

7.0 References
Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, J.A. Comstock, M.P. Schafale, W.H. McNab, D.R. Lenat, T.F. MacPherson,
J.B. Glover, and V.B. Shelbourne. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina. U.S.
Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
Jordan Lake Water Supply Watershed Buffer Rules 15A NCAC 02B .0267, 15A NCAC 02B .0268, and
15A NCAC 02B .0295
Lee, M.T., R -K. Peet, S.D. Roberts, and T.R. Wentworth. 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording
Vegetation, Level 1-2 Plot Version 4.2. Ecosystem Enhancement Program, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS). 2014. Web Soil Survey (online). Available:
http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/app/ [January 9, 2014]. United States Department of
Agriculture.
North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ). 2005. Cape Fear River Basinwide Water Quality
Plan_ Available: http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_ library/get file?uuid=2eddbd59-b382-4b58-
97ed-c4049bf4e8e4&groupId=38364. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP 2009). Cape Fear River Basin Restoration
Priorities 2009 (online). Available:
http://portal.ncdenr.org/c/document_ library/get file?uuid=864e82e8-725c-415e-8ed9-
c72dfcb5 5012&groupId=60329
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina:
Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation,
N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Raleigh, North Carolina.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. Threatened and Endangered Species in North
Carolina (online). Available: http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/countyfr.html. [April 17, 2015].
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh, North Carolina.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1960. Soil Survey of Alamance County, North Carolina.
Soils Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan page 11

Appendix A: Supporting Materials
Figure 1
— Site Location & Service Area
Figure 2
— NRCS Overview
Figure 3
— USGS 1:24000 Topographic Map
Figure 4
— Historic Conditions Plan View
Figure 5
— Restoration Plan
Figure 6
— Credit Determination
NCDWR
Stream Identification Forms
Site Photographs
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

Rocky Top BPDP — Image 1: Looking southwest from the upper reach of UT -1
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

26
Rocky Top BPDP — Image 2: Looking west from the middle reach of UT -1
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

Rocky Top BPDP — Image 3: Looking southeast from the middle reach of UT -I
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

Appendix B: DWR Buffer Determination Letter
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

Appendix C: State Historic Preservation Office Map
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices

Appendix D. Environmental Data Resources Inc. — Environmental Records Report
Rocky Top Bank Parcel Development Plan Appendices