20150634 Ver 1_Year 2 Monitoring Report_20171109

YEAR 2 ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT
FINAL
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm)
Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Project
Durham County, North Carolina
NC Division of Mitigation Services Project #: 95389
Neuse River Basin
03020201
DWR #: 2015-0634
Mitigation Services
ENVIRONMENTAL OVAL ITY
Prepared for and by:
NC Department of Environmental Quality
Division of Mitigation Services
1652 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1652
October 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Project Summary
2.0 Performance Standards.....................................................................................................................1
3.0 Monitoring Plan................................................................................................................................2
3.1 Reporting..................................................................................................................................2
3.2 Vegetation Monitoring.................................................................................................................2
4.0 Maintenance & Contingency Plan........................................................................................................2
5.0 Year 1 Annual Monitoring..................................................................................................................2
Appendices
Appendix A. Background Tables
Table 1 Project Components
Table 2 Project Activity & Reporting
Table 3 Project Contacts
Table 4 Project Attributes
Appendix B. Visual Assessment Data
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Asset Map
Figure 3 Current Condition Plan View
Site Photos
Table 5 Vegetation Condition Assessment
Appendix C. Vegetation Plot Data
Table 6 Planted Tree Species
Table 7 Planted and Total Stems

1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY
NC Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) implemented the UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Project (Project) to fulfill
riparian buffer mitigation needs in the Neuse 03020201 Catalog Unit and nutrient offset mitigation needs in the Upper Falls
Lake Watershed in accordance with the NC Division of Water Resources (DWR) Temporary Buffer Mitigation Rule (15A NCAC
02B .0295) effective October 24, 2014.
This project site is located off Benny Ross Road in Durham County approximately 7.5 miles east of the City of Durham and is
within the Upper Falls Lake Watershed (Appendix B, Figure 1). The site is within the Lick Creek watershed (HU
3020201050030) which is comprised of sub -watersheds draining to Lick Creek, its tributary Rocky Branch, Laurel Creek, and
unnamed tributaries to Falls Lake. Falls Lake is a drinking water supply watershed with additional nutrient restrictions regulated
by the North Carolina Division of Water Resources. The site is in NC DWR's 03-04-01 sub -basin.
Riparian buffer mitigation activities occurred along the Project from top of bank and extending out to 200 feet, resulting in a
maximum of 9.67 acres (421,385 ftz) of riparian buffer and/or nutrient offset mitigation through planting and preservation of
10.86 acres of forested buffer easement along the main unnamed tributary to Falls Lake and several water conveyances that
flow to UT to Falls Lake. Refer to Appendix A, Table 1 for project mitigation components and Appendix B, Figure 2 for the
project component/asset map. Due to the site's location within the Upper Falls Lake Watershed, nutrient offset mitigation from
this site can only be provided to offset impacts from development within the Falls Lake Watershed. In addition, riparian buffer
mitigation from this site can be used to offset permitted impacts according to the Temporary Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0295)
effective October 24, 2014.
The following goals of this riparian buffer/nutrient offset mitigation project are to address stressors identified in the Project
watershed through the restoration of riparian buffers along the UT and its conveyances.
• Removing nonpoint sources of pollution associated with agricultural activities
• Reducing sedimentation onsite and downstream
The success of these goals are based on the following objectives;
• Removal of horses and goats from riparian areas;
• Reducing the application of agricultural materials into and adjacent to streams;
• Establishing a vegetative buffer adjacent to streams to treat surface runoff, which may contain pollutants such as
sediment and/or agricultural pollutants from the adjacent landscape;
• Reducing bank erosion associated with a lack of vegetative cover; and
Planting a diverse hardwood vegetative buffer adjacent to Site tributaries.
Project restoration activities were completed in March 2016. Refer to Appendix A, Tables 2, 3 and 4 for detailed project activity,
reporting history, project contact information and project baseline information and attributes.
Directions to the Project from Raleigh: Take US 70 West/Glenwood Avenue toward Durham. Turn Right on NC 50
North/Creedmoor Road. Exit onto NC 98 West. Turn Right onto Southview Road and follow to T intersection. Turn Right onto
Baptist Road. Turn right onto Benny Ross Road Site. Travel approximately 0.3 mile to gate on the left. Access is by foot
through the gate and 50 ft. access easement See Appendix D, As -Built Sheets). Coordinates: 35.998142, -78.742794
2.0 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance standards were established for native forest development and diffuse flow through the riparian buffer in
accordance with DWR's Administrative Code 15A NCAC 028.0295 (Mitigation Program Requirements for Protection and
Maintenance of Riparian Buffers) (NCDWR 2014 Temporary Rule). Performance standards are dependent upon the density
and survival of characteristic forest species. After five years of monitoring, an average density of 260 woody stems per acre
must be surviving and diffuse flow maintained.
3.0 MONITORING PLAN
3.1 Reporting
Annual monitoring data will be reported following DMS's Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Buffer Annual Monitoring Report
Template (ver. 1.0) dated Feb. 2, 2014. The monitoring report shall provide a project data chronology and assist in decision
making regarding project close-out. The following table outlines monitoring requirements and parameters for this project.
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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Required
Parameter
Quantity
Frequency
Notes
Any remedial activities performed will be
Vegetation
Quantity and location of vegetation plots
documented in the annual monitoring reports.
Vegetation will be monitored for a period of five years or
Yes
Vegetation
will be determined by Division of
Annual
until success criteria are met. During years 2, 3 and 5
between the mitigation site and adjacent properties. Boundaries may
Mitigation Services
Site Boundary
random plots will be used. Visual monitoring of the site
Any remedial activities performed will be
means as allowed by site conditions and/or conservation easement.
documented in the annual monitoring reports.
will be done all five years
Yes
Project
and/or replaced on an as needed basis.
Locations of fence damage, vegetation damage,
boundaryAnnual
boundary encroachments, etc. will be mapped
3.2 Vegetation Monitoring
To monitor the vegetation at this site, the NC Division of Mitigation Services will use a combination of visual monitoring and
random vegetation plots. Visual monitoring will be conducted during all five years of monitoring to assess vegetative cover,
diffuse flow and easement integrity. DMS will monitor ten (10) rotating, random 1,500 square foot vegetation plots in years 2,
3 and 5 to assess vegetative success representative of the entire mitigation area from top of bank to 200 feet from each
tributary/conveyance. These ten (10) plots will provide coverage of 3% of the site each year used. In each sample plot,
monitoring parameters will include species composition and density. As it was done for the baseline data collection, the
vegetation plots will be randomly selected using a grid and random number generator or similar method for each of the
monitoring years 2, 3 and 5. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species, diffuse flow and
easement integrity will be documented by photograph and site visits.
Monitoring of site restoration efforts will be performed for five years or until performance standards are met. The first annual
monitoring assessment (MY1) was completed in the fall of 2016. The vegetation will be monitored for a total of five years,
with the final monitoring activities concluding in 2020. The close-out for the Project will be conducted in 2021 given that the
performance criteria has been met.
4.0 MAINTENANCE AND CONTINGENCY PLAN
DMS shall monitor the site and conduct a physical inspection of the site a minimum of once per year throughout the post -
construction monitoring period until performance standards are met. These site inspections may identify site components
and features that require routine maintenance. Routine maintenance should be expected most often in the first two years
following site construction and may include the following:
Component/Feature
Maintenance through project close-out
Remedial Measures
Vegetation shall be maintained to ensure survival. Routine vegetation
Any remedial activities performed will be
Vegetation
maintenance and repair activities may include supplemental planting.
documented in the annual monitoring reports.
The site will also be evaluated to ensure diffuse flow is still occurring.
Site boundaries shall be identified in the field to ensure clear distinction
between the mitigation site and adjacent properties. Boundaries may
Site Boundary
be identified by fence, marker, bollard, post, tree -blazing, or other
Any remedial activities performed will be
means as allowed by site conditions and/or conservation easement.
documented in the annual monitoring reports.
Boundary markers disturbed, damaged, or destroyed will be repaired
and/or replaced on an as needed basis.
5.0 YEAR 2 MONITORING
Year 2 annual monitoring (MY2) was conducted in October 2017. As stated in Section 3.0, year 2 monitoring activities
included stem counts using ten (10) rotating, random 1,500 square foot vegetation plots, visual monitoring of the project
verifying the presence or absence of invasive species; checking the integrity of the easement and fencing; and taking
photographs at the established photo points. Visual monitoring and random vegetation transects conducted by DMS staff
revealed areas with low stem density are most likely due to competition from a dense herbaceous layer consisting of dog
fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium) and an additional large area of lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). See Figure 3 in Appendix
B for areas of concern. Due to contractual conflicts with DMS's planting contractor, treatment of invasive species and
supplemental planting based on MY1 stem counts has been temporarily placed on hold. DMS is seeking other contractual
means to supplementary plant the site to address the low stem count and treat invasive vegetation species. The fence
installed along the easement boundary is functioning as intended and all installed signage is still in place.
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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APPENDIX A
BACKGROUND TABLES
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

Table 1: Project Mitigation Components
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
Mitigation
Components*
Stream
Riparian Wetiand
Non -riparian
Wetland
Creditable
Buffer
(linear
feet)
(acres)
Riparian
(square
feet)
Nutrient
Nutrient
Riverine
Non-
Riverine
Phosphorus (lbs/ac/30 yr)
Restoration
Buffer
Offset
Offset
Existing
Restored
Creditable
Enhancement I
Mitigation
Mitigation
Credits
Credits
Enhancement 11
Buffer
Buffer
Buffer
Restortion
Ratio
Credits
Nitrogen
Phosphous
Project Component
SF
SF
SF
Level
(X:1)
(SF)
(lbs)
(lbs)
Notes/Comments
Buffer
Riparian Buffer TOB -50'
Restored riparian buffer for buffer or Nutrient
(Reaches Al, A2 & B)
0
49,393
49,393
R
1
49,393
OR
2,577.48
166.00
Offset credit
Subject Rural
Riparian Buffer 51-100'
Restored riparian buffer for buffer or Nutrient
(Reaches Al, A2 & B)
0
82,083
82,083
R
1
82,083
OR
4,283.35
275.87
Offset credit
Subject Rural
Riparian Buffer 101-200'
Restored riparian buffer for Nutrient Offset
(Reaches Al, A2 & B)
0
149,557
149,557
R
1
7,804.36
502.64
credit only
Subject Rural
Riparian Buffer TOB -200'
Restored riparian buffer for Nutrient Offset
0
72,392
72,392
R
1
3,777.65
243.30
Non -Subject Rural
credit only
Riparian Buffer TOB -100'
Preserved Riparain Buffer for Buffer Credit
(Reaches Al, A2 & B)
64,826
0
64,826
P
10
6,483
only
Subject Rural
Preserved Riparian Buffer for Buffer Credit
only. Area in this zone is less than 10% of
Riparian Buffer 101-200'
3,134
0
3,134
P
20
157
total Buffer Mitigation area. 20:1 ratio = 10:1
(Reach A2) Subject Rural
factoring in 50% reduction for preservation
on a Subject Non -Urban stream.
Totals
421,385
138,115
18,442.85
1,187.82
*All assets and credits generated in accordance withDWR Temporary Buffer Mitigation Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0295) effective October 24, 2014.
Length and Area Summations by Mitigation Category
Restoration Level
Stream
Riparian Wetiand
Non -riparian
Wetland
Creditable
Buffer
(linear
feet)
(acres)
(acres)
(square
feet)
18,442.85
(lbs/ac/30 yr)
Riverine
Non-
Riverine
Phosphorus (lbs/ac/30 yr)
Restoration
353,425
Enhancement
Enhancement I
Enhancement 11
Creation
Presery ation
67,960
High Quality Pres
Overall Assets Summary
Overall
Asset Category
Credits
Buffer'
138,115
Nutrient Offset Nitrogen
18,442.85
(lbs/ac/30 yr)
Nutrient Offset
Phosphorus (lbs/ac/30 yr)
1,187.82
'Pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B .0295(n)(1)
(2014 Temporary Rule), buffer mitigation
credit used for buffer credit will not be
used for nutrient offset credit
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

Table 2. Project Activity and Reporting History
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
Activity or Deliverable
Data Collection Completion or
Complete Delivery
Institution Date
NA
Jun -13
404 permit date
NA
NA
Restoration Plan
Jul 15
Sep -15
Final Design — Construction Plans
Jul -15
Sep -15
Construction
NA
Mar -16
Planting
Mar -16
Mar -16
Mitigation Plan l As -built (Year 0 Monitoring — baseline)
May -16
Jun -16
Year 1 Monitoring
Oct -16
Oct -16
Year 2 Monitoring
Oct -17
Oct -17
Year 3 Monitoring
03-04-01
Project Drainage Area (acres)
Year Monitoring
21.5
Project Drainage Area Percentage of Impervious Area
Year 5 Monitoring
<5%
CGIA Land Use Classification
Table 3. Project Contacts Table
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
Designer
NC Division of Mitigation Services
217 W Jones Street, Raleigh, N C 27603
Jeff Schaffer, DMS
[phone]
Construction Contractor
Wright Contracting, LLC
Durham
PO Box 545, Siler City, NC 27344
Andrew Dimmette
[phone]
Planting Contractor
Bruton Natural Systems, Inc.
35.998142, -78.742794
PO Box 1197, Fremont NC 27830
Charlie Bruton
[phone]
Monitoring Performers
NC Division of Mitigation Services
Physiographic Province
217 W Jones Street, Raleigh, N C 27603
Jeff Schaffer, DMS
[phone]
Table 4: Project Attributes Table
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
Project Information
Project Name
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm)
County
Durham
Project Area (acres)
10.86
Project Coordinates (latitude and longitude)
35.998142, -78.742794
Planted Acreage (Acres of Woody Stems Planted)
10.86
Project Watershed Summary Information
Physiographic Province
River Basin
Neuse
USGS Hydrologic Unita -digit
3020201 USGS Hydrologic Unit 14 -digit 03020201050030
DWR Sub -basin
03-04-01
Project Drainage Area (acres)
21.5
Project Drainage Area Percentage of Impervious Area
<5%
CGIA Land Use Classification
Majority Forested, some pasture
Regulatory Considerations
Parameters
Applicable?
Resolved? Supporting Docs?
Water of the United States - Secton 404
No
Water of the United States - Secton 401
No
Endangered Species Act
No
Historic Preservation Act
No
Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA or CAMA)
No
FEMA Floodplain Compliance
No
Essential Fisheries Habitat
No
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

APPENDIX B
VISUAL ASSESSMENT DATA
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

Farre Vllraqa
Dorf Cpuma
Wave fOF .
F ail$
Lake
Project
Fatly
Lake "Steri
Recreatoa 0
c
a
Werk e F Of est
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Japan.METI, EsriChina (Hong Kongj, Esri j1hailand}, Mapmylndia, 9
OpenStreetMap rmtrihctcm, and the GIS user Community
FIGURE 1
Project Location Map JE
UT TO FALLS LAKE (McDANIEL FARM)
Durham County, NC o 0.5 0.5 0.5 1
Miles
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
7

LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

Reach A 1 P'74
ReachA 2
4e
%
�Az
4
wiTz i ransecis
"M -771U
MY1 Transects
MYO Transects
Pro ble m Area 1 -Both Fennel
Pro ble m Area 2 -Le sped eza Reach B
Bridle Path
Subject Channel
Jr
Emsting Mature Trees
Non -Subject Channel
Easement (10-86 ac)
A
Im a gerylO rthol m a gery_Late st . . . . . .
RG6
W
Red Band—1 pp
Green. Band 2
BIL19 Band 3
u i to i­-aiiS LaKe (mcuaniei i --arm) YearZ Annuai monitoring Kepon: uctooer zu-i

Site Photos
Photo Point 1
Photo Point 213 -NE
Photo Point 3B -NW
Photo Pont 5
Photo Point 2A -NW
Photo Point 3A -SW
Photo Point 4
Photo Point 6
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
10

Photo Point 7A -SE
Photo Point 8A -NW
Photo Point 9
Photo Point 713-E
Photo Point 813 -SE
Photo Point 10
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017

LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
Planted Acreaae 10.86
Vegetation Category
Definitions
Mapping
Threshold
CCPV Depiction
Numberof
Polygons
Combined
Acreage
%of Planted
Acreage
1. Bare Areas
Very limited cover of both woody and herbaceous material.
0.1 acres
Pattern and Color
0
0.00
0.0%
2. Low Stem Density Areas
Woody stem densities clearly below target levels based on MY3, 4, or 5 stem count criteria.
0.1 acres
Pattern and Color
2
1.30
12.0%
Total
2
0.00
0.0%
3. Areas of Poor Growth Rates or Vigor
Areas with woody stems of size class that are obviously small given the monitoring year.
0.25 acres
Pattern and Color
0
0.00
0.0%
Cumulative Total
2
1.30
12.0%
Easement Acreage 10.86
Vegetation Category
Definitions
Mapping
Threshold
CCPV Depiction
Numberof
Polygons
Combined
Acreage
%of Easement
Acreage
4.1 nvasive Areas of Concern
Areas or points (if too small to render as polygons at map scale).
1000 SF
Pattern and Color
1
1.20
11.0%
5. Easement Encroachment Areas
Areas or points (if too small to render as polygons at map scale).
none
Pattern and Color
0
0.00
0.0%
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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APPENDIX C
Vegetation Plot Data
LIT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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Table 6: Planted Tree Species
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
Scientific Name
Common Name
Number
Planted
% of
Total
Acerrubrum
Red Maple
1,000
17.5%
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
1,000
17.5%
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore
1,000
17.5%
Betula nigra
River birch
1,000
17.5%
Ulmus americana
American Elm
1,000
17.5%
Hamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel
700
12.3%
T otal
Table 7: Planted and Total Stems
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) DMS Project #95389
5,700 100%
Type= Tree, Shrub, Livestake
P = Planted
T =Total
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
<286
261-285
235-259
>234
Requirment 260 SPA
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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VT1
VT2
VT3
VT4
Current Year (MY2)
VT5 VT6
VT7
V
V VT10
MY2 (2017)
Annual Means
MY1 (2016)
MYO (2016)
Scientific Name
Common Name Type
P
T
P
T
P
T
P
T
P
T
P
T
P T
P
T
P
T P T
P
T
P T
P
T
Acer rubrum
Red Maple Tree
1
1
1
1
1
1
3 3
3
3
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash Tree
1
1
3
3
3
3
2
2
1 1
3
3
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore Tree
3
3
1
1
3
3
4
4
1 1
2
3
3 3
3
3
Betula nigra
River birch Tree
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
3 3
4
4
Ulmus americana
American Elm Tree
5
5
1
1
3
3
2 2
4
4
Hamamelis virginiana
Witch hazel Shrub
2
2
4 4
3
3
3
3
2 2
3
3
Pinus taeda
Loblolly pine Tree
2
14
1
6
1
15
10
32
10
9
5
Liquidambar styraciflua
Sweet gum Tree
3
3
1
2
5
20
22
20
9
9
8
10
Salix nigra
Black Willow Tree
2
Rhus spp
Sumac Tree
2
2
1
Quercus alba
White Oak Tree
1
1
1
U nknow n Tree
1
3
2
8
1
Stem count
3
8
2
19
8
10
6
14
2
7
6
29
4 46
9
39
0
41 1 1
13
38
14 43
20
35
Plot size (acres)
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034 0.034
0.034
0.034
0.034
Species Count
1
1 3
2
1 4
4
6
2 1
4
2
1 3
!:::F1
7
1 5
3
5
0
2 1 1
6
12
6 13
6
9
Stems per ACRE
87
232
58
552
232
290
174
407
58
203
174
842
16 1,336
261
1,132
0
1 1,190 29 1 29
382
1 1,115
412 1 1,265
581
1 1,016
Type= Tree, Shrub, Livestake
P = Planted
T =Total
Color for Density
Exceeds requirements by 10%
Exceeds requirements, but by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements, by less than 10%
Fails to meet requirements by more than 10%
<286
261-285
235-259
>234
Requirment 260 SPA
UT to Falls Lake (McDaniel Farm) Year 2 Annual Monitoring Report October 2017
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