20171157 Ver 1_Draft Mit Plan Comment Memo_SAW-2017-01570_20190314

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
WILMINGTON DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS
69 DARLINGTON AVENUE
WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28403-1343
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
CESAW-RG/Browning
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
March 14, 2019
SUBJECT: Shake Rag Mitigation Site - NCIRT Comments during 30 -day Mitigation Plan Review
PURPOSE: The comments listed below were posted to the NCDMS Mitigation Plan Review Portal during the
30 -day comment period in accordance with Section 332.8(g) of the 2008 Mitigation Rule.
NCDMS Project Name: Shake Rage Mitigation site, Madison County, NC
USACE AID#: SAW -2017-01570
NCDMS #: 100018
30 -Day Comment Deadline: March 1, 2019
Mac Haupt, NCD WR:
1. DWR would like to be notified when construction begins, specifically, would like to be present when
construction is about half way through reach 3 for Shake Rag Branch (and UT3, UT4).
2. DWR noted there was some pre -construction monitoring of macrobenthos, however; there does not
appear to be any macrobenthic monitoring post stream construction. Given the fact that a number of
these stream were buried, it may be interesting to see the macrobenthos recovery trajectory for these
reaches.
3. Table 9 shows a permanent impact to 0.22 acres of wetlands, please address how you intend to maintain
the functional level of wetlands on site.
4. Table 23- given the amount of planting that is planned for reaches UTI, UT2, UT5 and UT6, DWR
requests several vegetation plots (either fixed or random) be planned for these reaches throughout the
monitoring period.
5. Design sheet 2.1.8- is there an existing pipe or just subterranean flow above UT8? Interesting to start the
stream reach at a headwall in the middle of a pasture in no apparent crenulation.
6. Given the slope and design of the structures, there will be a lot of rock needed for this site. Does WEI
plan to mine the rock on-site or go off site to obtain the rock?
7. Design sheet 2.1.13- Does WEI/DMS have any concerns about maintenance of flow for this reach (UT3
reach 2) given that it appears to be moved upslope away from the crenulation and the wetland?
Kim Browning, USACE:
1. It's recommended to place a veg plot on the south side of UT3 in the vicinity of wetland F.
2. There appears to be two crossings planned in close proximity to each other on reach 5 of Shake Rag
Branch. Is it possible to combine these into one crossing?

3. Even though there are no wetland credits being sought, and existing wetlands are fairly small, there will
be permanent impacts to these wetlands during construction. It is anticipated that overall wetland function
will improve from increased hydrology from stream restoration activities; however, it is recommended
that wetland gauges be installed and monitored in order to demonstrate no functional loss and/or acreage
loss of wetlands with this project.
4. A step -pool stormwater BMP is planned on UT4. Please provide a brief narrative of any maintenance
required for the BMP, if any.
5. Please make sure to include a statement regarding the existing outhouse located within the easement.
6. Section 8 — Performance Standards: The RFP date is 09/16/16, but regardless of the date, it's
recommended to use the Wilmington District Mitigation Guidance from Oct 2016, rather than the 2003
guidance (this is referenced in several sections of Section 8). Associated with that, there should be 4
bankful events in the performance standards and credit release schedule, and monitoring should occur for
7 years.
a. Section 8.2: monitoring should occur for seven years, and the vigor standards should be 7' high at
year 5 and 10'high at year 7.
b. It would be helpful to see the location of the photo reference stations on the monitoring map, figure
9.
7. If cattle are going to be present on site and have use of the crossings, maintenance of these crossings
should be addressed. Perhaps adding this to the Monitoring section and the long-term management
section would be beneficial. In addition, will the water lines that cross UT5 and UT6 require
maintenance or replacement at some point?
8. Please notify the Corps when construction begins for this project.
BROWNING.KIMB
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Date: 2019.03.1415:39:55 -04'00'
Kim Browning
Mitigation Project Manager
Regulatory Division