20051576 Ver 1_Year 1 Monitoring Report Review_20081120

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Michael F. Easley, Governor
William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Coleen Sullins, Director
Division of Water Quality
November 20, 2008
Mr. Richard Mogensen
Mid-Atlantic Mitigation, LLC
1960 Derita Road
Concord, NC 28027
Re: Tarlton Stream and Wetland Restoration Site
Site Visit and review of Year 1 Monitoring Report
Cumberland County
DWQ #05-1576
Dear. Mr. Mogensen:
The Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit conducted a
site visit of the above-referenced project site on November 13, 2008. Attending the site visit were Eric
Kulz and Tammy Hill with DWQ, and Tracy Morris and Tim Baumgartner with NCEEP. In addition,
the Year 1 monitoring report was reviewed.
Our comments are as follows:
Streams
• The streams observed at the site appeared to be stable, and no indications of erosion or
downcutting were observed. The system is a relatively low-gradient system, and stability will
likely not be a concern, especially as the streambank vegetation becomes more established.
• Riparian zone vegetation appeared vigorous. The use of containerized planting stock is to be
commended, as its use appears to have reduced the amount of competition with the herbaceous
vegetation.
With respect to stem densities, monitoring is warranted as the average stem density reported in
the monitoring report is 317 stems per acre, which is less than the required 320 stems per acre by
year 3. Supplemental planting may be necessary in the future if natural recruitment of desirable
species does not increase stem densities.
According to the monitoring report, no crest gauge had been installed at this site. One of the
requirements for demonstration of a successful stream restoration is the demonstration of two
bankfull events within five years. If the crest gauge has not been installed, efforts should be
made to install this gauge as soon as possible.
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
N e hCarolina
Noaturatty
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper
Mr. Mogensen
Tarlton Stream and Wetland Restoration Site
Page 2 of 2
Wetlands
At the site visit, observations indicated that the project was on track to achieve the objective of a
"dynamically stable stream/riparian floodplain and bottomland hardwood riverine wetland
community". Desirable herbaceous vegetation appeared to be dense, interspersed with small
pockets of ponded water. Although Year 1 monitoring results indicated tree densities slightly
below long-term targets, cursory field observations showed the trees on the site to be established
and healthy. We appreciate the commitment indicated in the monitoring report to continue
adaptive management while the system develops and settles during the early post-construction
years. Future monitoring reports will be evaluated to assess site hydrology and vegetation trends
over time.
We appreciated the opportunity to visit this site. So far the site looks encouraging, and we look forward
to the development of a quality stream and wetland system. Please feel free to contact Eric Kulz or
Tammy Hill at [phone] if you have any questions regarding this project or our comments.
Sincerely,
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Cyndi B. Karoly, Program Manager
401 Oversight and Express Review Program
cc: File Copy (Eric Kulz)
Tracy Morris - NCEEP
Matt Matthews - DWQ Wetlands and Stormwater Branch
Ken Averitte - DWQ FRO
Ronnie Smith - USACE Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
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: httr)://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands
No thCarolina
Naturally
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper