19960792 Ver 1_Mitigation Project Review_20090921

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NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
9/21/2009
DWQ # 19960792
New Hanover County
Mr. Sam Cooper
CZR Incorporated
4709 College Acres Drive, Suite 2
Wilmington, NC 28403-1725
Subject Property: Taylor Farm (wetland mitigation for Landfall)
Re: Site visit for EPA Program Development Grant - Review of mitigation projects by DWQ
Dear Mr. Cooper:
As part of a Wetland Program Development Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit is conducting a
statewide evaluation of compensatory stream and wetland mitigation success. Tammy Hill from this Unit
visited the above-referenced mitigation project with you on September 17, 2009. Our comments are as
follows:
The project appears to have been constructed according to the approved mitigation plan and to be
performing the expected ecological functions. Most of the site supports a very dense hardwood forest
consisting of bald cypress, green ash, and several species of oaks. The central part of Tract 1 contains
open areas, possibly in relation to filled agricultural ditches, with herbaceous wetland vegetation and
smaller trees. A small area adjacent to the canal near the southeast corner of Tract 1 is supporting a tree
density slightly below the target density. Overall, the site appears to be on a trajectory toward ecological
success, and the restored wetland acreage present on the site exceeds the 83.5 acres required by the 401
Certification.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation with our evaluation and your continued stewardship of the
mitigation project at Taylor Farm. Please contact Tammy Hill or Eric Kulz at [phone] if you have
any questions regarding our comments or the mitigation review project.
Sincerely, 0, '/f '
Cyndi B. Karoly, Program Manager
401 Oversight and Express Review Program
cc: File Copy (Tammy Hill)
Chad Coburn, Division of Water Quality, Wilmington Regional Office
401 Civersight/Express Review Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/
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