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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20031133 Ver 1_Complete File_200405034CI ISSUED °1ources 'Onseivation May 3, 2004 Ms. Cyndi Karoly N.C. Division of Water Quality 401 Wetlands Certification Unit 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 WETLANDS/ 401 GROUP MAY 0 3 2004 WATER QUALITY SECTION Dear Ms. Karoly: Please find enclosed a copy of the revised Detailed Mitigation Plan for the Haw River Wetland Mitigation Site in Guilford and Rockingham counties, DWQ project # 031133. The plan has been modified by EcoScience by means of an Addendum explaining the changes, most notable of which is the phasing of the projects into two parts. The Addendum also addresses the comments from your letter of September 15, 2003. The Nationwide Permit # 27 was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for this project on April 16, 2004 and is attached with this package. If you have any questions please call Restoration Systems at 919-755-9490. Thank you. Sincerely, John Preyer Cc Dave Schiller/RS George Howard/RS Pilot Mill - 1101 Haynes St., Suite 107 - Raleigh, NC 27604 - www.restorationsystems.com - Phone: 919-755-9490 - Fax: 919-755-9492 `-1, . 4 p?' U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Wilmington District Action ID: 200321283 County: Guilford/Rockingham GENERAL PERMIT (REGIONAL AND NATIONWIDE) VERIFICATION Property Owner_ Mr. George Howard Restoration Systems, LLC Address_ 1101 Haines Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, NC 27604 Telephone Number 919-755-9490 Authorized Agent Mr. Jerry McCrain EcoScience Corporation Address 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604 Telephone Number 919-828-3433 Size and Location of Property (waterbody, Highway name/number, town, etc.): The project (Phase 1 of the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site) is approximately 20.9 acres in size, and is located east of Church Street Extension/Sandy Cross Road, at the Guilford-Rockingham County Line, north of Greensboro, North Carolina. The site is located adjacent, and north of, the Haw River, in the Cape Fear River Basin. Description of Activity: This permit authorizes mechanized landclearing, excavation, the installation of water control structures (e.g., ditch plugs, levees, weirs) and the placement of fill required for the construction of Phase 1 of the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site. Impacts to waters of the U.S. authorized by this permit total 0.44 acre of waters of the U.S. (backfill placed into canal, approximately 1,900 feet.in length by 10 feet width). See attached Special Conditions. Applicable Law: X Section 404 (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344) only. WETLANDS/ 401 GROUP Section 10 (River and Harbor Act of 1899) only. Authorization: Regional General Permit Number MAY 0 3 2004 27 Nationwide Permit Number WATER QUALITY SECTION Any violation of the conditions of the Regional General or Nationwide Permit referenced above may subject the permittee to a stop work order, a restoration order, and/or appropriate legal action. This Department of the Army Regional General Permit or Nationwide Permit verification does not relieve the permittee of the responsibility to obtain any other required Federal, State, or local approvals/permits. The permittee may need to contact appropriate State and local agencies before beginning work. If you have any questions regarding the Corps of Engineers regulatory program, please contact Todd Tugwell at telephone number (919) 876 - 8441 extension 26 Regulatory Project Manager Signature Authorization Date April 16, 2004 Expiration Date April 16, 2006 SURVEY PLATS, FIELD SKETCH, WETLAND DELINEATION FORM, ETC., MUST BE ATTACHED TO THE YELLOW (FILE) COPY OF THIS FORM, IF REQUIRED OR AVAILABLE. CF: Daryl Lamb, NCDWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office, 585 Waughtown Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107 - ;m Action ID: 200321283 County: Guilford/Rockingham Special Conditions 1. This permit authorization letter applies only to Phase 1 of the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site as proposed in the Detailed Wetland Restoration Plan and Addendum, dated March 2004. Additional DA permit authorization, either by nationwide or individual permit, is required prior to initiation of Phase 2 of the proposed project. Additional information regarding proposed on site activities may be required by the District Engineer prior to approval of Phase 2. 2. This nationwide permit verification provides authorization for work within waters of the U.S. associated with Phase 1 of the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site. A portion of the mitigation credit generated by this project is being provided to the North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP) as a Full Delivery project. This permit authorization does not authorize the use or transfer of any unused portion of mitigation credit generated by this project as compensatory mitigation for any other project. The utilization of additional mitigation credits, either for an individual site or by a mitigation bank, will be determined by the District Engineer on a case-by-case basis, and may be subject to additional requirements, including, but not limited to, review by a Mitigation Bank Review Team. 3. In accordance with the letter of March 4, 2004, from the State Historic Preservation Office with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Phase 1 of the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site does not require initiation of a archaeological survey and assessment prior to initiation of ground disturbing activities. However, if any previously unknown historic or archeological remains are discovered while accomplishing the authorized work, the permittee shall immediately cease all onsite activities that may disturb the site and notify the Regulatory Project Manager (available at telephone 919- 876-8441 ext. 26) who will initiate the required State/Federal coordination. 4. All water control structures (e.g., weirs, levees, dams, risers, control outlet structures, etc.) shall be designed and installed in manner that eliminates the requirement for future maintenance (i.e., no metal or wood structures), and prohibits future manipulation or adjustment of the controlled water level following installation. Permit Number: 200321283 - Nationwide Permit Number 27 Name of Permittee: Restoration Systems, LLC (Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site) Project Manager: Todd Tugwell Issuance: April 16, 2004 Upon completion of the activity authorized by this permit and any mitigation required by the permit, sign this certification page and return it to the following address (retain the original copy of the General Permit Verification for your records): US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS RALEIGH REGULATORY FIELD OFFICE 6508 FALLS OF NEUSE ROAD, SUITE 120 RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27615 Please note that your permitted activity is subject to a compliance inspection by an U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representative. If you fail to comply with this permit you are subject to permit suspension, modification, or revocation. I hereby certify that the work authorized by the above referenced permit has been completed in accordance with the terms and condition of the said permit, and required mitigation was completed in accordance with the permit conditions. Signature of Permittee DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN AND ADDENDUM HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES Prepared for: Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Prepared by: EcoScience EcoScience Corporation 1100 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 MARCH 2004 1? 1 ?I 7 1 I Haw River Wetland Restoration Site Addendum Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina Introduction Restoration Systems, a private environmental restoration company, has proposed the restoration of wetlands for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the "Site") to assist the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) (formerly the North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program) in fulfilling restoration goals in the region. The Site is located approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham counties and encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain. This Site offers opportunities for riverine wetland restoration and enhancement, with benefits to water quality and wildlife in a rapidly developing watershed. A detailed wetland restoration plan was completed for the Site in August 2003. The detailed restoration plan outlined methods designed to restore approximately 34.9 acres of prior- converted riverine wetlands and approximately 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. The plan outlined restoration procedures including the diversion and reintroduction of two historically channelized and diverted stream channels back to historic positions, as well as the creation of a backwater slough in lieu of the canal that currently shunts both groundwater and flow from an unnamed tributary through the Site. A pre-construction notification (PCN) was submitted on September 5, 2003 requesting approval for use of Nationwide Permit 27. The PCN submittal was followed by a site visit on September 25, 2003 attended by Todd Tugwell, representative of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Restoration Systems, and EcoScience Corporation (ESC). The meeting was held to familiarize Mr. Tugwell with the Site and answer technical questions concerning project implementation. Following the site visit Mr. Tugwell requested that hydric soils delineations be performed to verify the extent of restoration limits. A hydric soils delineation was performed by ESC in October 2003. Upon completion of a detailed soils delineation, a second soils delineation was performed by Soil and Environmental Consultants to confirm the findings of ESC. The Site has been subdivided into two phases (Phase I and Phase II) as part of the agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and is described further below. Approximately 29.2 acres of hydric soils occur on the Site (20.9 acres north of the Haw River and 8.3 acres south of the Haw River). The revised hydric soils boundary is shown in Figure 8B. ' A second agency site visit was held on November 21, 2003 to confirm the soil delineation work. The USACE and North Carolina Division of Water Quality (DWQ) have requested that prominent issues from meeting be addressed and submitted as an Addendum to the PCN. The ' issues discussed at the November 21, 2003 site visit are addressed in this addendum and include the following. 1of10 A 7 11 CI 1) SHPO Concurrence: The USACE requested a concurrence letter from SHPO to confirm that an agreement had been reached concerning the issue of potential historic properties within the Site. 2) Midway Creek: Plan revisions to relocate and divert Midway Creek from adjacent wetland areas. 3) Northern Unnamed Tributary and Canal: Identify the jurisdictional status of the northern unnamed tributary and the canal and the implications for restoration. 4) Southern Tributary: Determine the potential off-site impacts of relocating the southern unnamed tributary. Graphics generated for this addendum mimic the figure numbers provided in the original report so as to allow integration of information from both documents. Following are the results of investigations that were implemented as a result of the November 21 meeting. SHPO Concurrence A meeting between the staff of Restoration System, ESC, and SHPO was held on February 20, 2004 to address archaeological issues at the Site. SHPO's review of the project determined that the 12-acre portion of the Site under contract to EEP, and all areas north of the Haw River, can be implemented without an archeological survey, but the portion south of the Haw River can not be implemented until after a survey is completed. In lieu of this request, the restoration plan will be implemented using a two-phased approach, where all areas north of the Haw River will be part of Phase I and all areas south of the Haw River will be part of Phase II. The two phases of the project are shown on Figure A. All applicable figures and acreages within the addendum will reflect the new, phased approach. ' Concurrence with this two-phased implementation schedule was granted by the issuance of a letter from SHPO to the USACE (Exhibit A). This will allow the USACE to issue the required Nationwide 27 Permit for the project (application dated September 5, 2003), including the ' portion of the Site to be constructed for EEP under the first RFP. Phase 1 will therefore be implemented without an archaeology survey. Midway Creek Midway Creek enters the Site from the north and represents a second-order stream supporting a watershed of approximately 0.9 square mile. The on-site reach of Midway Creek includes approximately 650 linear feet of a deeply incised dredged channel. The channel is ' approximately 8 to 10 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet deep. Under historic conditions the channel above the alluvial fan (i.e. prior to braided conditions) is projected to have supported a bankfull cross-sectional area of approximately 10 to 14 square feet. Based on the same projections, the ' stream would have been approximately 10 feet wide and one foot deep. Restoration plans, as proposed in the original submittal, include the diversion of Midway Creek ' from adjacent downstream properties to re-hydrate the soils of the historic alluvial fan. From the November 21, 20CR site visit, several issues were raised concerning the diversion including the unknown adverse impacts to adjacent wetland communities situated east of the Site. The ' USACE and DWQ will not authorize the relocation of the stream to historic conditions at the expense of wetlands as they exist today. The modified plan provided in this addendum n 2of10 proposes to leave the stream channel in its current location and excavate a floodplain on portions of the on-site reach in order to reestablish over bank flooding. Elevation of the floodplain will be based on reference data and regional bankfull hydraulic geometry relationships (i.e. average bankfull depth). Reference data in the region suggests that over- bank flooding will occur several times a year. Over bank flooding will provide upper portions of the alluvial fan additional surface and groundwater hydrology, sediments, and nutrient loads more in line with historic conditions. At the same time, the offsite wetlands will continue to receive regular flow throughout the year. ' Midway Creek represents an aquatic wildlife reservoir for expansion into restoration areas of the Site. Therefore, floodplain excavation, and all other construction operations in the vicinity of Midway Creek will be designed to minimize direct impacts within this 600-foot dredged reach ' extending from the farm road crossing (to be removed) to the exit point along the eastern boundary (see revised Figure 13B attached). Northern Unnamed Tributary and Canal The USACE and DWQ have agreed that the unnamed tributary entering the northwest corner of the Site (Northern UT; Figure 13B and B) is, at minimum, an intermittent stream. The stream ' drains from a pond north of the Site and connects to the man-made canal which extends in an east-west direction across the Site, parallel to and north of the Haw River (Figure 1313). Since the canal connects flow from the northern UT to the Haw River, the canal is considered jurisdictional by the USACE. ' The USACE and DWQ also agreed that the anastomosed stream environment which occurs in the hardwood forest northeast of the Site will serve as an appropriate reference system for this project. In addition, the USACE and DWQ have acknowledged that anastomosed stream conditions are inherently unstable. Therefore, anastomosed conditions within targeted stream segments will not require stream monitoring success criteria, particularly since no stream ' restoration is being pursued for any stream work undertaken to support this project. As depicted in the attached Figure 1313, the main-made canal includes an approximately 2000- foot length of channel beginning immediately below (east of) Sandy Cross Road. The canal was constructed to divert and shunt groundwater and intermittent stream flows through prior- converted farmland which constitutes the primary land use on the Site. Modified restoration ' plans include ditch plugging and ditch backfilling procedures along the entire length of the canal. The canal will remain open for approximately 150 feet below the bridge at Sandy Cross Road allowing for capture of upstream runoff and dissipation of storm water velocities. Ditch plugs will be placed in strategic locations along the canal, and remaining canal segments will be backfilled with spoil from other areas of the property creating a series of shallow, intermittent swales (Figure 1313). Waters entering the property will subsequently be encouraged to migrate slowly down valley within formed depressions and relict channel segments. Eventually, anastomosed ' stream conditions are expected to prevail, allowing for uniform re-hydration of large areas of the floodplain. Southern Tributary The USACE and DWQ expressed concern that the redirection and diversion of flow into the Site and away from the current dredged southern unnamed channel (Southern UT, Figure 13B) may result in adverse impacts to adjacent wetland communities situated southeast of the Site. The following discussion addresses in greater detail the current and future expected conditions 3of10 concerning both this tributary and the off-site wetlands. A site visit was conducted on December 9, 2003 by ESC to revisit these systems and develop appropriate restoration strategies. Stream Diversion The Southern UT entering the Site from the south represents a second-order stream supporting a watershed of approximately 1.4 square miles. Historically, the channel became anastomosed as it enters the Haw River floodplain. During the 1940's this tributary was relocated into a dredged channel to bypass the floodplain and permit the use of agriculture production in the area. This process has been confirmed by extensive aerial photography dating back to 1938. Channel modifications increased slope, shortened the channel and caused the upstream reach to entrench. As a result, overbank flows have been limited to very large events and significant bank erosion has occurred. Based on gauge data, the base flow channel supports an average discharge of 3 to 4 cubic feet per second (CFS) with the 1.2-year (bankfull) flow exceeding 80 CFS. The on-site reach includes approximately 600 linear feet of open channel (Figure B), becoming anastomosed as slopes approach zero in the Haw River floodplain (see Figure 1313; Photos 1-5)). Currently, approximately 50 percent of incoming water remains on Site (Photos 3- 4) with remaining flow being discharged into a large wetland complex east of the Site (Figure B; Photo 5). Restoration plans for the Southern UT call for relocation and diversion of the channel onto the Haw River floodplain. In order to avoid hydrologic trespass to upstream landowners, floodplain modifications to support the new channel will be required. The current rise near the southern boundary at the point the stream enters the Site will require excavation. An area encompassing approximately 1.0 acre will require grading to the 700 foot NGVD (Figure 13B). A single channel will initially be constructed. However, the system will be allowed to naturally redevelop or degrade to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions in an effort to restore historic conditions (as evidenced through discussions with local landowners and review of historic aerial photography). The relocated reach will extend approximately 600 feet north of the access easement (Figure 13B). The old channel will be backfilled with approximately 2,000 cubic yards of material derived from on-site grading and the construction depression to be situated in the southwestern corner of the Site (Figure 13B). To address concerns that the water budget of the adjacent wetlands will be adversely impacted by stream modifications, the current restoration plans include the installation of modest levees (< 2 feet high) along the Haw River. The placement of controlled water outlet structures (e.g. geocells) within the levees will allow large flows to move back and forth across each levee and reduce the chance of near-term headcuts and channel formation within the floodplain. The invert elevation of the outlet structures will also insure that base level lateral surface flows within the floodplain exit the Site toward and into the adjacent wetlands east of the property. Adjacent Wetland Investigation Responding to agency requests, a qualitative assessment was conducted to ascertain the potential impacts to the wetland complex southeast of the Site. An aerial map showing the adjacent wetland area is provided on Figure B. The investigation revealed that a single beaver dam located in the northeast corner was primarily responsible for the inundation occurring in the floodplain (Figure B, Photo 6). The beaver dam in concert with the levee located adjacent to the Haw River helps keep the surface water confined within the floodplain. The beaver impoundment has flooded approximately 50 acres of bottomland hardwood community and converted the area into open water habitat (Photo 7). Currently, most of the trees and shrubs 4 of 10 I have died from prolonged inundation (Photo 8). Current vegetation within the impoundment area includes emergent aquatics and obligate wetland herbaceous species. Surface water inputs to the impoundment from the immediate watershed surrounding it are minimal. A small intermittent channel and a groundwater seep enter the Site along the southern rim (Figure B). As previously described, the impoundment also receives approximately 50 percent of the water being discharged from the Southern UT. However, the primary and overwhelming source of water is currently coming from the Haw River. A beaver dam located immediately downstream of the canal and Haw River confluence has elevated water elevations, such that water is being diverted into the beaver impoundment area at low break points in the levee (Figure B, Photo 9). The beaver dam in the Haw River has elevated base flow water elevations to the top of bank and caused massive sediment deposition to accumulate. Channel depths above the beaver dam are less than a foot, whereas channel depths immediately below the dam approach 4 feet to 5 feet. Summary In summary, the SHPO has confirmed in writing that an agreement has been reached concerning the issue of historic properties within the Site. Using a two phase approach for restoration work no survey will be required for work north of the Haw River, however a survey will be required for areas south of the Haw River prior to any soil excavation within that area. Revisions to the Site restoration plan include three primary areas. 1) Midway Creek will not be diverted. The new plan will leave the stream channel in its current location, and a floodplain will be excavated along portions of the southern bank in order to reestablish over-bank flooding. 2) A defined slough channel in place of the canal is no longer in the plan. The canal will be ' plugged and filled at various locations along its length. The northern UT will enter the Haw River floodplain and be encouraged to migrate slowly down valley within depression and relict channel segments. No channel monitoring will be required. H 11 3) The Southern UT will be diverted as previously proposed and allowed to form an anastomosed condition. However, measures will be taken to ensure that approximately 50 percent of the stream flow will continue to be diverted toward the off-site wetland complex. These measures will include grading, levee improvements, and passive outlet control structures. No channel monitoring of the constructed channel will be required. Based on plan revisions the Site in includes approximately 26.7 acres of wetland restoration in prior-converted cropland and 2.5 acres of wetland enhancement. Approximately 8.3 acres of potential wetland restoration is located in Phase Il. Figure 17B depicts the modified areas of riverine restoration and enhancement. The remaining on-site acreage includes levees, streams (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas (approximately 14.7 acres in Phase I and 3.7 acres in Phase II). 5 of 9 Photo 1. Southern Tributary. End of open channel looking south. Photo 2. Southern Tributary. End of open channel looking north. 6 of 9 III r Photo 3. Southern Tributary. On-site anastomosed channel taken from the river levee lookinq south. Photo 4. Southern Tributary. Start of anastomosed channel (looking south). Photo 5. Southern Tributary. Anastomosed channel flowing off-site. 7 of 9 Photo 6. Beaverdam in northeast corner of the impoundment. Photo 7. Open water and emergent aquatics within the impoundment. K of 9 ' Photo 9. Beaver dam immediately downstream of the confluence of the Haw River and Canal. 9 of9 Photo 8. The 50 acre beaver impoundment taken from a bluff facing north. Exhibit A SHPO Concurrence Letter I I Michael F. Easley, Governor Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary ' Jeffrey J. Crow, Deputy Secretary Office of Archives and History North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources State Historic Preservation Office Division of Historical Resources David L. S. Brook, Director March 4, 2004 George -V Howard ' Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, NC 27604 ' Re: Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site, Guilford and Rockingham Counties, I :804- J652 ' Dear Mr. Howard: This letter outlines the results of your meeting with the staff of the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) and the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) on February 20, 2004. ' As the result of a file search by your staff at OSA and subsequent conversations with OSA staff regarding the proposed wetland restoration project, you are aware that archaeological site 31 GF29 is located within a portion of the proposed project area. This Native American site ' dates to the Archaic and Woodland periods, but no systematic investigation has been conducted at the site. Specific boundaries of the site have yet to be determined and its eligibility- for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. ' Prior to any ground disturbing activities south of the Haw River, an archaeological survey and assessment of 31GF29 is recommended. This investigation should be conducted by an ' experienced archaeologist and should be of sufficient intensity- to determine the boundaries of the site as well as its National Register eligibility. As we have no information to indicate that site 31 GF29 extends to the north side of the Haw River, we do not recommend any archaeological investigations in that area in connection with this project. Two copies of the resulting archaeological survey report, as well as one copy of the ' appropriate site forms, should be forwarded to us for review and comment as soon as they are submitted by the consulting archaeologist and well in advance of any construction activities. A list of archaeological consultants who have conducted or expressed an interest in contract work in North Carolina is available at www.arch.dcr.state.nc.us/consults. The archaeologists listed, or any other experienced archaeologist, may be contracted to conduct the recommended survey. www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us Location Mailing Address Telephone/Fax ' ADMINISTRATION 507 N. Blount St, Raleigh, NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 276994617 (919) 7334763 •733-8653 RESTORATION 515 N. Blount St, Raleigh. NC 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 276994617 (919) 733-6547 •715-4801 SURVEYS PL-XNNING 515 N_ Blount St, Raleigh. NC 4617 Mail Service Center. Raleigh. NC 27699-4617 (919) 733-4763 .715-4801 March 4, 2004 Page 2 The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above- referenced tracking number. Sincerely, David Brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:lk cc: Todd Tugwell, US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Raleigh, NC Richard H. 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D r) ? c Zzo pAp C o z Z m fn Z A I t [1 11 1 t [1 t u TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 2.0 METHODS ......................................................................................................................4 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ................................................................................................7 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use ......................................................... .. 7 3.2 Soils .................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands ...................................................................................... 13 3.4 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 16 3.5 Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 19 3.5.1 Surface Water (Streams) ....................................................................... 19 3.5.2 Groundwater .......................................................................................... 20 3.6 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 21 3.7 Wildlife .............................................................................................................. 25 3.8 Regional Corridors and Adjacent Natural Areas ................................................ 26 3.9 Protected Species ............................................................................................. 26 4.0 WETLAND RESTORATION STUDIES .........................................................................28 4.1 Surface Water Analysis ..................................................................................... 28 4.2 Reference Plant Communities ........................................................................... 28 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography ........................................... 29 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN ................................................................................ 33 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration ........................................................... 33 5.1 .1 Ditch Plugs ............................................................................................ 33 5.1 .2 Ditch Backfilling ..................................................................................... 33 5.1 .3 Backwater Slough Construction ............................................................. 33 5.1 .4 Ephemeral Pool Construction ................................................................ 35 5.1 .5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure ......................................................... 35 5.1 .6 River Levee Removal ............................................................................ 35 5.1 .7 Midway Creek Diversion .......................................................... ..... 35 5.1 .8 Southern Tributary Diversion ................................................................. 36 5.1 .9 Wetland Surface Scarification ................................................................ 36 5.1 .10 Woody Debris Deposition ...................................................................... 36 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration .............................................................. 37 6.0 MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................................... 43 6.1 Hydrology ..........................................................................................................43 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria ............................................................................... 43 6.3 Vegetation .........................................................................................................45 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria .............................................................................. 46 1 6.5 Contingency ...................................................................................................... 46 ' 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal .............................................................................. 47 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS .................................................................................. 48 8.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 50 9.0 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................. 52 1 1 1 1 1 ?I LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1 Site Location ....................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2 2003 Aerial Photograph ....................................................................................... 5 Figure 3 USGS Sub-Basin 8-Digit Hydro Unit .................................................................... 8 Figure 4 Watershed Boundaries and Regional Corridors .................................................. 9 Figure 5 Watershed Land-Use ........................................................................................ 10 Figure 6 Physiography, Topography, Land-use ............................................................... 11 Figure 7 Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Mapping ...................................... 14 Figure 8 Hydric / Non-Hydric Soil Boundary Determination ............................................. 15 Figure 9 Approximated Jurisdictional Boundaries and PC Cropland ................................ 17 Figure 10 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 18 Figure 11 Representative Groundwater Contour Maps (A-B) ........................................22,23 Figure 12 Reference Site: Plan View and Cross-Section ................................................... 31 Figure 13 Wetland Restoration Plan .................................................................................. 34 Figure 14 Target Landscape Ecosystem ........................................................................... 38 Figure 15 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 39 Figure 16 Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................. 44 Figure 17 Restoration Design Units ................................................................................... 49 LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1 Representative Groundwater Elevations ........................................................... 24 Table 2 Reference Forest Plot Summary (Bottomland Hardwood Forest) ...................... 30 Table 3 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 41 iv DRAFT DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES 1 I 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) is currently developing wetland restoration strategies for the Piedmont physiographic region of the Cape Fear River Basin. As part of this effort, WRP has requested proposals (RFP) for full delivery wetland restoration within USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002 of the river basin. This 8-digit hydrologic unit supports a Category 1 classification by WRP, denoting watersheds that are high priority for wetland restoration work. ' Restoration Systems, a private sector mitigation company is proposing wetland restoration plans for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the Site) designed specifically to assist WRP in fulfilling its restoration goals. The Site encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain located approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham Counties (Figure 1). The Site is positioned primarily within the floodplain of the Haw River and alluvial fans associated. with tributaries of the Haw. The floodplain has been ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. On-site streams have been dredged, re-routed, and straightened to further impede surface water impacts to alternate land uses. The Site offers opportunities for riverine (stream side) wetland and buffer restoration and enhancement, with benefits to water quality and wildlife in a rapidly developing watershed. 1 The objectives of this wetland restoration plan include the following: 1. Removal of agricultural activities from the floodplain and banks of the Haw River. 2. Removal of the Site from potential land uses associated with encroaching urbanization. 3. Increase flood storage potential within the Cape Fear Basin. 4. Provide floodplain surfaces to the Haw River for natural redevelopment of geomophological processes. 5. Re-establish anastomosed stream channels and Piedmont Swamp and Bottomland forest communities within the floodplain ecosystem. 6. Intercept and assimilate nutrient and sediment laden run-off from adjacent and upstream watersheds. 7. Assist in establishing a continuous wetland bio-reserve (corridor) between Cone and Benaja Swamps and the adjacent bottomland ecosytems. After implementation, the Site is expected to support approximately 34.9 acres of restored riverine wetlands and approximately 2.1 acres of enhanced riverine wetlands. Enhancement activities will also be undertaken along the Haw River through levee and riparian 1 r 1 Guilford County t} T .1/F i I nr-?? ) tt P. 11? ,LMidWaY N 1• ,. ? 'S NC Hightayjby: rf/ i N ?/ .: L ?•`- i`-- (1a6r• ,'\i T'f .. ,?1.- t ?;"\?. ?.?t+?:,•?\. r 'ter. j•` l`?.,?`` •?t/?rl "41? ,?\' r' f\f r l,,\) 1--?? -` Sa{{_?nCF<iad ilk" / ? ' ? ? / ?'t ? f~ ?: •?•` t ?. '_.. ; if?I `,- . i ? \+ ?... ,. ?c-?1 • r / i I S. / ( 'tl ?? '^-? ? ?`.. ? 1 ? ? ... ? I .? . 1 I- ? ?( C'! it j 4'' > -? ? ?? ! f f..l?,/I /d•??)t \il? r!?.I,i ) l I?r- 'J t???ttl ?''` l t 1' f t ? ? I r•??..? _ ,- ??...??i\4v ,:/?( ` . _ I •,,,,? f °i? i !?? ?-.i?-' ?L N \_- i , f rlt. ?,I,Y ? - /% t? •.4 `.t .. ?c??? ?? ??? ??? III,.. ?1•il ^\ .-/? l_?, mn. _ • `fi`r ??? _l?. 1 f ,t ^`f~? ..,, ."?'p1Q? `.?; ,`. , ..`f , % ` Vi •, . ? ? 1 '1\-, - - ?S`._-_ }\? -:fir' -??,? 1 e Lodi t? Y'Ail Site Location Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina EcoScience r :'r DATE: ESC # June 2003 03-148 SCALE: DWN BY: HJS As Shown CKD BY: WGL FIGURE 1 Rockingham County] forest buffer panting. Upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland management areas. Currently, 12 acres of riverine wetland restoration are proposed for use by WRP as identified in the RFP response #16-AW3001. The 12 acres of restoration is defined in the easement boundary included in Appendix A. The additional wetland restoration acreage is available for use as future compensatory mitigation. This document represents a detailed plan designed to facilitate implementation and success of riverine wetland restoration. The plan includes: 1) descriptions of existing conditions, 2) wetland restoration studies (including groundwater and surface water analyses), 3) reference wetland ecosystem investigations, 4) a restoration design plan, and 5) a proposed monitoring plan. Upon approval of this plan, construction activities will be implemented as outlined in the following text. L 1 1 CI 1 f t 2.0 METHODS Natural resource information was obtained from available sources including USGS topographic mapping (Lake Brandt and Bethany), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS [formerly the Soil Conservation Service]) soils mapping for Guilford and Rockingham Counties (USDA 1977 and USDA 1992), and corrected aerial infrared orthophotos and topographic maps including topographic point and contour data (1-foot intervals) (Figure 2). Topographic mapping served as base mapping for field efforts and subsequent restoration activities. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) data base was consulted for the presence of protected species and designated natural areas near the Site. A listing of Federally-protected species whose ranges extend into Guilford and Rockingham counties were also obtained from the FWS (January 31, 2003). State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) records were reviewed for the presence of significant cultural resources in the Site vicinity. Characteristic and historic natural community patterns were sampled and classified according to Schafale's and Weakley's "Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina" (1990). EcoScience Corporation (ESC) began preliminary site work in February 2001, at the direction of ' Restoration Systems. Detailed field investigations were performed by ESC personnel from early May to mid-June 2003 and included hydrological measurements (surface and sub-surface), soil surveys, and mapping of on-site resources. Project scientists evaluated hydrology, vegetation, and soil parameters to determine the wetland potential of the Site. Existing plant communities were delineated, mapped, and described by structure and composition. 1 NRCS soil mapping was used to identify hydric soil boundaries and to predict (target) biological diversity prior to human disturbances. NRCS soil map units were ground truthed by a licensed soil scientist to verify existing soil mapping units and to map inclusions and taxadjunct areas. A taxadjunct area contains soils which cannot be classified in a series recognized in the classification system. Such soils are named for a series they resemble and are designated as taxadjuncts to that series. Hydrologic conditions were characterized by the following activities: 1) excavation of a series of soil borings; 2) installation of 12 piezometers; 3) collection of periodic water level measurements; 4) analysis of surface water profiles along drainageways; 5) development of a groundwater contour map; 5) analysis of groundwater elevations through the use of on-site groundwater monitoring piezometers; and 7) on-going flood frequency analyses (HEC-RAS) along the Haw River, incoming tributaries, and on-site ditches. Floodplain analyses were performed for the Haw River and parallel ditch to predict flood extents both on- and off-site for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-year storm events. The analyses utilized existing and proposed stream geometries along with a HEC-RAS model. The extent of flooding was performed primarily to determine the potential for riverine wetland restoration on- site and to verify that there would not be any negative impacts off-site. The model was also used to verify that the road (Church Street) would not have any additional flooding due to the proposed design. 4 N O O N SAW O ..rr N ? ° r .+ 't I^ ! A A4 { : '. W4 ak, '? ?i1i ?,? +?--`? rte' '•.: ?ar 7KI -40- r Ap FF. C? k : G N n { v C n n ? m T o M N o z r n o D o D s n 0 G) R?1 G) 0 c o o O o v cn o -1 ,'p r D .-1 r; m W Dw 0ED -0 mDD?< ?` = 1) QJ A N ?r ( ?z -vm ? co cn z '? v v N r 0 0 2 Z r, o cn .. • . LLB { O -? ', ' C m v X '< Yr Pt ' v ' .40, At Y 400' AF V ?v co D (1) f`J I Field survey information was platted an d compiled on 1 -foot contour mapping and analyzed to evaluate the Site under existing conditions. Based on field investigations and data analyses, a wetland restoration and enhancement plan has been developed for WRP and agency review and approval prior to implementation. 't '! ICI 6 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use The Site is located within the Northern Inner Piedmont ecoregion of North Carolina (Griffith and Omernick 2000). This ecoregion consists of dissected irregular plains, low to high hills, ridges, isolated monadnocks and low to moderate gradient streams with mostly cobble, gravel, and sandy substrates (Griffith et al. 2002). The Site watershed is located in the upper reaches of the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002) (Figure 3). This region of the watershed extends from points immediately west of Greensboro east to Morrisville. The Site is located along the border of Rockingham and Guilford Counties approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits and two miles south of N.C. Highway 158 and the Midway Crossroads. The Site comprises approximately 49.5 acres of a broad Piedmont floodplain and groundwater side slopes, immediately below the confluence of the Haw River and Mears Creek. Approximately 2000 linear feet of the Haw River flow through and adjacent to the Site in a west to east direction. Topography within most of the Site is nearly level with an elevation range between 696 feet and 700 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). Upland slopes in the northern portion of the property extend to approximately 745 feet NGVD. At the Site outfall, the Haw River supports a primary watershed of approximately 52.7 square miles. The Site is dissected by two perennial and one intermittent tributaries flowing into the Haw River (Figure 4). These secondary watersheds support drainage areas of approximately 1.4, 0.9 and 0.1 square miles. The on-site canal was constructed along the toe of slope to intercept stormwater and groundwater flow from a 0.12 square mile area west (upstream) of the Site and from groundwater slopes immediately adjacent to the Site along the northern boundary (<0.1 square miles). Land-use in the upstream watershed is currently comprised of primarily forest and agricultural land (Figure 5). Based on Geographical Information System (GIS) data (EASC 1997), forests and agriculture occupy approximately 65 percent and 32 percent of the land area respectively. Based on field reconnaissance, low-density residential development is expanding into the area. Increased commercial and residential development pressures from suburban sprawl associated with the growth of Greensboro and the region are anticipated in the next decade. Therefore, associated watersheds, including areas surrounding the Site, are expected to undergo significant land-use changes to more urban, residential, infrastructural, and commercial conditions. Site land-use is pasture and agricultural corn production, with the last and final harvest being in the previous year. Site photos taken during a high-flow event in early Spring 2003 and photos taken during field work (June 2003) are shown in Appendix B. The Site has been subdivided into four primary physiographic units for restoration planning purposes: 1) river levee, 2) primary floodplain, 3) secondary floodplain, and 4) groundwater slopes (Figure 6). The primary variables used to segregate the physographic landscape units include land slope, groundwater flow characteristics, soil features, and the primary hydrologic influence on historic wetland function. 7 r ?.. r err r r r r ?r r r r r ?r w i ar r s c A s i L. ti N n 0 1 0 'FD o cn * D 00 c -n 03 c > 0 27 S. o _ d r c (j) 0 O 03 nT- o = ?r> Irl ? ODO °' cn m D m D L C-1tn? °-`?° m -IZ co m z z z O No Z , w i? G} C „ter ors ?, r m oc W o0 ooc c m c Cc Z CA) D z pD p po CD O ;q z zu z ? I fY ?/ ? r. V I 1t seam r ? s ¦s an m r m m as r m m M?? m U N C U C V w \? 0 3 ,C ? p f C l\\ d O o- O .? O G1 m 0 'L. 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Al A A r A' G ---- ?----- I-[- ---- - - - -- -•- ----- --- ?? 000116 .N - V\? ?A.. ? k E, m All" rn t - ?• ?? ?v j n I 1 ? 1 I , : I 1 I co ------------------------- -------- -?. 009116 N River Levee River levees are represented by an approximately 3.5-acre, linear band along the banks of the Haw River (Figure 6). The physiographic area extends intermittently along an approximately 1000-foot reach of the Haw River, varying in width from approximately 75 feet to less than 20 feet. Under historic conditions, the river levee represented slightly elevated, upland habitat influenced by the frequent deposition of coarse, sandy alluvium during river floods. Groundwater flow in the area is characterized by relatively rapid, lateral to radial interflow towards the river channel, inducing well-drained conditions throughout a large majority of the year. Based on reference stream reaches, natural river levees are elevated approximately 1 to 3 feet above the adjacent floodplain, with intermittent openings residing at lower elevations. Prior to 1959, the Haw River was dredged, straightened, and much of the existing levee graded with the surrounding floodplain. Under historic conditions, the river levee is expected to have supported Coastal Plain levee forest communities (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Primary Floodplain The primary river floodplain encompasses approximately 29.9 acres located in central portions of the Site (Figure 6). The floodplain historically supported frequent overbank flooding (estimated at an approximate, 1.5-year return interval) and was periodically re-worked by alluvial processes and periodic, short term inundation/saturation. Groundwater flow is dominated by vertical to semi-radial recharge with episodic lateral discharge and surficial expression of groundwater occurring within seepage areas and ponding in depressional, backwater sloughs located at the outer edge of the floodplain. Intermittent stream flows in the vicinity of seeps have been observed disappearing and reappearing in localized portions of forested reference sites along upper reaches of the Haw River. Under historic conditions, natural communities are expected to include Piedmont bottomland forest and oval to linear pockets of Piedmont swamp forest in the vicinity of seepages and sloughs (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The Haw River was dredged and a drainage canal with associated drainage network installed to facilitate agriculture production within the floodplain. Many of the primary floodplain and associated riverine wetland functions (energy dissipation, flood storage, habitat, etc.) have been modified in this physiographic area through river and floodplain alterations. Secondary Floodplain The secondary floodplain (9.4 acres) represents relatively flat to gently sloping, alluvial fans associated with two tributaries of the Haw River (Figure 6). This area represents depositional alluvial debris cones as a consequence of long-term bedload transport into the larger Haw River valley. Groundwater flow is expected to exhibit primarily unidirectional accelerated flow towards the primary floodplain. Discharge from adjacent groundwater slopes into the secondary floodplain may provide sustained surface water expression throughout the year, potentially supporting various intermittent and perennial channels and ponded areas. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by bottomland hardwood or mesic mixed hardwood forests (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The secondary floodplain is dissected by Midway Creek to the north and an unnamed tributary to the south. Both Midway Creek and the unnamed tributary historically supported auxiliary overbank flows from 0.9 and 1.4 square mile secondary watersheds, respectively. However, 12 these tributaries have been diverted into approximately 2000 linear feet of ditches circumventing the Site (Figure 6). The ditches were installed to facilitate agricultural production and to quickly convey water from the secondary watershed through the Site. The constructed drainage network provides direct connectivity of surface waters to the Haw River effectively bypassing land surfaces and potential floodplain functions on the Site. I Groundwater (Upland) Slopes Upland slopes, occupying approximately 5.8 acres of the Site, are situated primarily along the northern valley wall and include the base of moderately sloped escarpments that rise above the floodplain floor (Figure 6). Under historic conditions, these slopes are expected to exhibit uni- directional overland flow and accelerated radial to lateral groundwater flow towards the floodplain. This physiographic area is currently dominated by early successional plant communities. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by various upland plant communities including mesic mixed hardwood and dry-oak hickory forest (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). 3.2 Soils Determination of soil types within the Site are based on NRCS soil survey mapping for Guilford and Rockingham counties (USDA 1977, 1992) and soils mapping of existing conditions determined by ESC at the Site. Based on NRCS soil survey mapping, soil types within the Site include Chewacla loam, Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam (Figure 7). On-site verification and ground-truthing of NRCS map units within the floodplain identified three soil types including Congaree, Chewacla, and Wehadkee. Based on NRCS documents (NRCS unpublished), Wehadkee soils are considered hydric within both Guilford and Rockingham counties. Chewacla and Congaree are non-hydric map units but have hydric inclusions of the Wehadkee soil type. Hydric and non-hydric soil boundaries were determined in the field and are shown in Figure 8. Approximately 36.6 acres of hydric soil have been identified on-site. Chewacla, Congaree, and Wehadkee soils are part of a general map unit of soils typically found in large floodplains. These soils are nearly level, deep, well drained to poorly drained soils depending on their respective relationship with the landscape and the seasonal high water table. Most of the Site occurs within the floodplain of the Haw River and the hydric Wehadkee soils are the dominant soil type throughout the Site. All three soils are frequently flooded during the winter and spring (USDA 1977, 1992). Upland soils on groundwater slopes include Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam. These series comprise approximately 5 acres of the Site and exhibit well drained conditions. Ecotones between upland and floodplain (hydric) soils are among the most diverse and productive environments for wildlife (Brinson et al. 1981). 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands Jurisdictional wetlands are defined using the criteria set forth in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (DOA 1987). The wetland determination in non prior-converted cropland areas was supplemented by groundwater data near ditches and the canal. Based on 13 1 u Midway P ' _ e d PcD2. SeB RnD m D A •. m i p i1 : c P /fy aD CdH7 O dt?, j O VaD "'IH:' P? DZ p2 , o ? c CrIB2 WkF pc GdB? C02 PcE7, a PcD2 WkF Wk ? ? - ? PcD2 Ck / PcU2 \ PcE2 kF WkC - '....ft.' ?x.PcE2 aD PcD2 D2 PCE2 '. UH? HWB WkC VD ?. r;db,' ... \ Pc02 Cri I W a \? PcDZ Bound ry Pc02 UR, Ck Hw8 ' PcD2 - - PcD2 l, \ ? \ 0? PcD? MbE2 L // ? We\ Mb02 i? HwB uxt ? Ck We / PcD2 MA Ck li?.,y Ck PCDZ MbE2 Wh. Ch MbD? MLD2 / o McC2 1 a tiy: _ ? c 3 CCU ? 3? ? Mac j ff MaD / WE2 : Jui CeB2 / r v Ch " D C .• ? c r.rc y ? v r WkE LEGEND Cr67 1 CCC C, / ff \ \ CcD Cecil sandy loam 10-15% slopes \ - ?H Ch Chewacla sandy loam CCB MaD Ck Chewacla loam ) Mt:Ez Pc? \ ?. ,• C 2000 ti, HwB Hiwassee loam 120 000 . 2-8°C slopes -.' Sourc•1977 oSDA-SCS soli st r ? Gul t d C', NC 1992 ..SGAsC? sill Sui ,. Rock r -^ G,_ NC? __ ..? MJFi 1aE\, ... ., '? tf ? CoC'?:lf.,,.-??. f. 1- J Corporation NRCS SOIL MAPPING aw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Dwr. by M Ckd by: JG ale JUN 2148 FIGURE 7 ? Rale.gY.. ^iorth =are I;na Guilford / Rockingham Counties, North Carolina Project: 03-148 I w F v cn n rn0z CrJ 0 K ;u 03 Z 71000 C) --I rn Z o 00 Cf) c o c v.cQ o rD? n n ZZ0 o??Q rnDD?< - o wm. N Doman ?.? - -z m lilt CD Z ?D v pc o'er 0 No° Zen Z o I? ground-truthing and groundwater data, approximately 2.0 acres of jurisdictional wetlands were !I identified within the Site. Figure 9 depicts the approximate location of existing jurisdictional wetlands. NRCS records indicate that farmed portions of the Site are designated as prior-converted (PC) cropland. A PC cropland is a wetland which was both manipulated and cropped prior to December 23, 1985 to the extent that it no longer exhibits important wetland functions (Section 512.15 of the National Food Security Act Manual, August 1988). PC cropland is not subject to regulation under the jurisdiction of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Approximately 36.3 acres of PC cropland occur within the Site boundary (Figure 9). 3.4 Plant Communities Distribution and composition of plant communities reflect landscape-level variations in topography, soils, hydrology, and past or present land-use practices. Five distinct plant communities were identified within the Site including fallow cropland, hay pasture, streambank/ r ditchside, early successional, and freshwater marsh (Figure 10). The Site is dominated by land in agricultural production (23.8 acres) that was most recently used for corn production. Stalks of the last crop remain standing in portions of the Site. The fields have been left to succession for two growing seasons, and bottomland hardwood species such as sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and red maple (Acer rubrum) have begun to emerge. Emergent wetland species, including sedges (Carex spp.) and soft rush (Juncus effuses), currently dominate this community. Hay pasture (12.7 acres) occurs along the northwest boundary and within a large area in the northeast portion of the Site. The hay pasture community is dominated by fescue (Festuca sp.) and various other grasses and forbs, such as goldenrod (Solidago sp.), violet (Viola sp.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), chickweed (Stellaria media), and wild onion (Allium canadense). A streambank/ditch-side community (7.4 acres) occurs within buffer areas adjacent to the Haw River, the canal, and perimeter ditches within the Site. The overstory is dominated by sweetgum, red maple, green ash, and sycamore. Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes canopy species as well as greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), blackberry (Rubus sp.), grape (Vitis sp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). II?? II An early successional community (4.0 acres) of young trees, shrubs and briers occurs on the upland side slope along northern Site boundary. Trees found in this community include black cherry (Prunus serotina), red maple and various oaks (Quercus spp.). Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes greenbrier Japanese honeysuckle, blackberry, grape, and poison ivy. A freshwater marsh community (1.6 acres) occurs along the north-central portion of the Site, in an area not designated as PC cropland. The community is dominated by numerous emergent 16 r-n 009606 N O v cr) O O O O 1 I I l r r r .? .? r r r .. .. r e 1 n 6ACCESS EASEMENT 1 G ur) ` 1 x ?_ m V) O Ln o -{ --I - z o 1 mA r? m- j 1 { m Z Z coo o 0 p czZo C) o ? z ? OOOL6 N y zn < 0 m 1 ? O A y y m p 0 D?] C p b O m z '' f- ,. m ? p 0 o m o? z C o I nn f ? n Co A m Z , , Grp ' -. r CD S ' { 1 j m , 9 1 00 ? u r.? o i` r?- I ? 00 % f It ?,a I ? I I SQ?6 N loo ? y . ow_ •( IiI •?b 1? -?J'?r ye a + it 7 . _ l`. 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The community is distinguished b continually flooded by conditions and small areas of open water habitat. 3.5 Hydrology The hydrophysiographic region consists of relatively flat, Piedmont floodplain environments characterized by moderate rainfall (USDA 1992). This region is characterized by moderately high rainfall with precipitation averaging approximately 42 inches per year (USDA 1977, 1992), with peak annual precipitation events typically occurring in the summer months. 3.5.1 Surface Water (Streams) Historically, the Site sustained surface water hydrology from five primary sources: the Haw River, Midway Creek, two unnamed tributaries of the Haw River, and surface expression of groundwater from adjacent slopes (Figure 4 and Figure 6). Haw River The Site abuts an approximately 2000-foot reach of the Haw River (Figure 6). The Haw River supports a primary watershed of approximately 52.7 square miles at the Site outfall. The associated floodplain averages approximately 1300 feet in width and supports a valley slope of 1 approximately 0.0014 rise/run or 0.14 percent. The watershed supports agricultural land (32 percent), forested land (65 percent), and less than one percent residential development (based on 1993 GIS mapping). However, commercial, industrial, and residential development is ' expected to expand in the watershed over the next several decades due to urban sprawl associated with the City of Greensboro. i Primarily in the first half of the twentieth century, large sections of streams in the Haw River watershed, including the Haw River, were channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve agricultural drainage. Currently, the on-site channel supports a bankfull width of approximately 35 feet, an average depth of 3.5 feet, and a cross-sectional area of approximately 130 square feet (maximum depth of 5.0 feet) (Appendix C). Appendix D provides model results that predict the Haw River discharge and flood elevations for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year storm (Section 4.1). Midway Creek Midway Creek enters the Site from the north and represents a second-order stream supporting an approximately 0.9 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land use is similar to conditions found in the Haw River watershed including an approximately 50 percent land conversion rate for agriculture. A majority of Midway Creek has been channelized and moved to the edge of the valley to facilitate livestock and agricultural production. The on-site reach of Midway Creek includes approximately 650 linear feet of channel entering the northernmost portion of the Site, crossing the valley perpendicular to the slope, and exiting the Site along the eastern boundary (Figure 6). Historically, the Midway Creek channel was located in central portions of its valley. Upon encountering the alluvial fan at the confluence with the Haw River valley, the stream became a braided, anasmotosed channel. The current 19 I dredged channel is approximately 8 to 10 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep. Under historic conditions, the channel above the alluvial fan is projected to have supported a bankfull cross- sectional area of approximately 10 to 14 square feet. Restoration efforts will divert flows from adjacent downstream properties to re-hydrate the soils of the historic alluvial fan and allow the I restoration of a riverine wetland plant community. Southern Unnamed Tributarv The unnamed tributary (UT) entering the Site from the south represents a second-order stream supporting an approximately 1.4 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land-use within the watershed is predominantly forested, with increasing impacts from residential development. The stream is entrenched along much of its length and is experiencing slight to severe bank erosion. The on-site reach of the southern tributary includes approximately 1050 linear feet of channel that runs along the southeastern property boundary before the confluence with the Haw River. Excessive sediment deposition in the lower reaches of the stream has caused severe aggradation within the channel, forcing much of the current flow to exit off-site prior to entering the Haw River (Figure 6). Under historic conditions, the channel extended through the center of the southern portion of the Site before entering the Haw River. The current dredged channel is approximately 15 to 20 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet deep. Historically, the channel is projected to have supported a bankfull cross-sectional area of approximately 13 to 17 square feet. Restoration efforts will divert flows from adjacent downstream properties to re-hydrate the soils of the historic alluvial fan and allow the restoration of a riverine wetland plant community. Northern Unnamed Tributarv The UT entering the Site from the north represents a first-order stream supporting an approximately 0.1 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land use within the watershed is ' primarily in pasture and agriculture. The stream is entrenched along much of its length and is experiencing slight to moderate bank erosion. The stream enters the Site for less than 100 feet before entering the canal directly below the bridge on Church Street/Sandy Cross Road. This tributary represents intermittent or marginally perennial flow that is attenuated by a small farm pond located approximately 700 linear feet upstream of the Site boundary. 1 3.5.2 Groundwater Periodic river and stream floods, fluvial sediment deposition, and hydraulic energy dissipation represent important attributes of floodplains and bottomiand hardwood forest in the region. However, these channels represent base flow, groundwater withdrawal features throughout most of the year. Therefore, groundwater inputs represent the primary hydrologic factor in the 1 development and maintenance of riverine wetlands at this Site. Wetland hydroperiods are greatest along the toe of the outer floodplain, immediately adjacent to upland buffers (groundwater discharge areas). Hydroperiods decrease across the floodplain as the groundwater table approaches stream channels and drainage features (i.e. groundwater discharge features). Dredging of the Haw River, construction of a drainage network, and the rerouting of the tributaries has lowered the groundwater table and steepened the groundwater ' discharge gradient throughout the Site. 20 1 7 Groundwater migration has been further accelerated in croplands by leveling of the soil surface , removal of large organic debris and root channels found in mature forests. The induced groundwater migration is intercepted by a network of interior canals and inter-field ditches which effectively drains the area (Figure 6). Approximately 3500 linear feet of field ditches and canals have been constructed and range from approximately 3 feet deep in inter-field ditches to depths greater than 5 feet in the canal. 1 Groundwater data from piezometer were taken at regular intervals for the period between mid- June and mid-August, 2002. Representative groundwater flow maps depicting high-water and low water conditions at the Site for June 17 and July 21, 2003, respectively, are presented in Figure 11(A and B). Data representative of very deep groundwater conditions were not available due to continued wet conditions during the study period. The groundwater elevation data is presented in Table 1. Standing water was observed throughout most of the Site for extended periods through the monitoring period. The highest water elevations were encountered in locations surrounding Wells 5, 7 and 8. These wells represent area within the primary floodplain where prolonged flooding can be expected. Groundwater within these areas never dropped below one foot below the ground surface. During the monitoring period, groundwater at its deepest (driest) was encountered within 1.5 feet of the surface. Wells 1, 4, and 11 represent areas of the secondary floodplain where ' surface elevations are slightly higher and where groundwater gradients are slightly greater. In general, water table elevations decrease gradually along drainage gradients extending from the secondary floodplain (edge of floodplain) to the primary floodplain adjacent to the Haw River. A more rapid decrease in water table elevations occurs in the steeper surface gradients found in alluvial fans and portions of the Site. 3.6 Cultural Resources The term "cultural resources" refers to prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, structures, or artifact deposits over 50 years old. "Significant" cultural resources are those that are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluations of site significance are made with reference to the eligibility criteria of the National Register (36 CFR 60) and in consultation with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). A file search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) in order to determine whether any cultural resource investigations have been conducted within the Site ' vicinity and to determine whether any significant cultural resources have been documented within the area. It appears that a significant portion of the Site and surrounding area is considered to have potential for archaeological resources. Preliminary investigations have found artifacts from the Lithic (13,000 to 3,000 B.C.), Middle Archaic (6000 to 3000 B.C.), Early Woodland (900 to 300 B.C.), Middle Woodland (300 B.C. to 900 A.D.), and Ceramic (1,000 to 1,515 A.D.) time periods. Particular lithic tool types include primary debitage and pecked stone which suggest that the surrounding area was prehistorically used for long-term and short-term habitation. The Site is currently "Unassessed" and is not yet listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, a survey will be required 21 m = m m w w A = w w w w w w w m w w w I I ? I j m r r I` m N 0 K: rn -i O C7 x (n i z O m ? x Ln -' z C) g 7 O n F- n z oi _ x LO Z O m m m r z 0 m n O o A D n 0 o 0 -i m m O z D z + m O Z - o m D 0 z c) C) m 00 0 J Q) 01 CO 01 Ul z O p t?D 0 0?0 ? 0 m O N O o o nD ? m oz rn m z m O C) z m r m m v C v D m m r m m v O096N 0 0 J f % `60' ACCESS EASEMENT' - T - - - - 2 <9 c 6 , , - - - r - m - ?I(h o• ?l ( m O c / ?? r z 1 t ,` " s(r 'ol m I r V N r ..V - ,A- J i 000111E N ' ?• rye, f ????? 4??`. `N: .Jl ? S' 11. - I, Wm _ Im " 005116 N _ "' _ ? I 0'669 /. . I i f l0 co V 0) Ln ? 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LD e- , co IM, ?A 00,1116 N r _ r? o (D Co v 0) (J, A L4 N O v rn rn a) rn a) rn rn rn 0) v O r O cD 0 cD cD cD 0 0 0 cD O 0 ?7 V V V ou v O N co O m L,i U, (D J --' V V A t0 U, a) O N G Z O A N N t0 (_4 V A C v 0) Or) C)) Q) Q) a) rn v v m O (D to o (D (D (.D O ?o 0 0 Co cD 00 CO to (D 0 tD 0 m N cD A cD OJ O O Oo O] cD 'A G ;-- ; v C!, V cD V A co o 0 N C ?m mzill O _9 z m m m 000016 N M N Z Ov, O?M -Z-ICm/A? cn 0 ooc) m = AZT ''^^cn*cn> __ m tn? m o Cr I? O Z m m V/ O ` ° ?o V^/ m O J J z ? D i Z0 o0 z cn? rn- m D z z -v m ? 7? vi O U) c > W O L N (U (o t .C2 a) ~ 0 0) E M C ? L N N ? 1 °° c mc? N m M o 00 o N I) 0) co O N r` O O ti T.- co M N 2 , O O O O O + r O O + O O r D (Q O N N 00 ? a) 0 0 N M "': O 00 M O M 0 O 7 N N ti 7 M co d' 0 ' Rf a) co co co co O 1` ti N co co ° W O O O O O co O Co O O O CO O (0 O O O co O O rn (0 O °° -0 () c z m = R3 (1) M d' O - N CA O LO N 00 to 00 1- CD N 00 N N 00 O ?- 00 Q 2? r O O O O O1 r co r CV L c O co 1~ m co CO rn O co O N O (0 Lo M u O co It 0 1q' -0 cu = 0) co M 1` rn r.-: O 00 O r-? O 1- O m m m a) o O o O Op rn ° LlJ CO O O O 0 O O co M O (0 t V ° "a N? -? Ln N O O O N O M co O O O O O O `- 4 ( 0 o O + O + O + O + O O + 6 + O O O (3 n O 00 r L O a N ? 0 N ? 0) V M N LO It :3 N ` 00 0) m a) m 0) 0) 0 m 0 ° W 1` (o (0 m 0 O w o (0 0 C) W F- L a) ° : N O 0 LO 0) LO m r r r m LO M o 3m Ear ? O 0) 0 o O N (7 W N N N CO 7 0 C.0 co O O O O O CO a L c O ? 0 cq O O 0 0 rn N 0 0 0 0 N N a) O O rn O m M rn m 0 rn O W I- CO I-- O 0 0 0 O O N a. L CU L N E f N co It LO Co r- co 0 N Z n. a ? c c a a o A rn rn o n as -0 L a> ?N O O c c a? o a 'a c c o? i-n a) co o aa) CL c 1 to determine this Site's eligibility for the Historic Register. Impacts associated with restoration activities or due to the project's design in its current form will not be known until after the assessment is made. A detailed assessment of the Site has been contracted with Legacy Research Associates (Legacy). Legacy is comprised of archaeologists and historians who ' specialize in assessing the effects of construction on historic and prehistoric sites. A letter of concurrence from SHPO will be obtained prior to any construction activity. 3.7 Wildlife Forested tracts in the region have been extensively removed for agricultural and silvercultural purposes, and are increasingly under pressure from urban development. Forests and other natural areas provide habitat for wildlife and are vital for clean water in our streams and lakes. Bottomland and swamp forest within the expansive floodplains of the Haw River, in particular, provide plentiful food, water, and cover for wildlife. The ephemeral drainageways (backwater sloughs) and ponding within isolated wetland areas provide interaction among riparian and non- riparian wildlife guilds in the region. Wetland/upland ecotones provide additional habitat diversity near the Site. These ecotones are among the most diverse and productive r environments for wildlife (Brinson et al. 1981). In spite of area-wide changes to forested habitat (agriculture, timber harvesting, etc.), the Haw River floodplain, including the Site, continues to support large mammals such as bobcat (Felis rufus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Surrounding lands support many smaller mammals, including character species such as gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Numerous small burrows were noted as, indications of small rodent populations such as eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), least shrew (Crypotis parva), and mice (primarily Reithrodontomys humulus). ' Bird species associated with open lands and old fields include American kestrel (Falco sparverius), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), eastern bluebird (Salia sialis), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), and yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata). Characteristic bird species that can be expected to utilize wetlands in the region include great blue heron (Ardea herodias), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), wood duck (Aix sponsa), and barred owl (Strix varia). In addition, a high number of passerine ' birds, both permanent and summer resident species, nest in bottomland hardwood forest. Among these are several neotropical migrants such as northern parula (Parula americana), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons), and other forest interior species such as the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) that require large tracts of contiguous forest for survival (Keller et al. 1993). Isolated areas of standing water, ditches, and canals in the area provide excellent habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Characteristic species include red-bellied water snake (Nerodia ' erythrogaster), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine), yellow-bellied turtle (Trachemys scripta), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), southern dusky salamander (Desmognathus auriculatus), two-lined ' salamander (Eurycea bislineata), green frog (Rana clamitans), and southern leopard frog (Rana 25 utricularia . Wetland areas and forested riparian corridors are expected to develop, and improve habitat diversity over time, after the proposed restoration plan is implemented. 3.8 Regional Corridors and Adjacent Natural Areas The Site is located within a watershed where over 32 percent of the land area has been ' converted for agricultural use, where extensive logging is ongoing, and where future residential and commercial development has been planned and implemented. As depicted in Figures 4 and 5, local forest corridors are evident along the major streams and floodplains. The Site represents a potentially significant regional wildlife corridor providing connectivity along the Haw River, including Cone Swamp to the west and Benaja Swamp to the east (Figure 4). Auxiliary wetland preservation and management projects may be considered to conserve this important regional wildlife corridor within a rapidly developing watershed. 3.9 Protected Species Federally listed species with Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) status receive protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) has recorded several observations of Endangered (E) and state species of Special Concern (SC), as well as rare community types, within the Haw River watershed. These species include the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), federally listed as Threatened, mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum), and Carolina darter (Etheostoma collis). The mole salamander and is considered a state species of Special Concern by the NHP, and the Carolina darter is considered a Federal Species of Concern (FSC) in Guilford County 1 and a state species of Special Concern by the NHP. Rare communities include low elevation seeps, piedmont/low mountain alluvial forest, and piedmont/mountain swamp forest. Other federally listed species for Rockingham County are green floater (Lasmigona subviridis) (FSC), ' James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) (E), Heller's trefoil (Lotus hellen) (FSC), and smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) (E). The figure in Appendix E shows NHP element occurrences that are within the portion of the Haw River watershed that drain into the Site. ' All occurrences are upstream (>0.5 miles) of the Site, and construction activities associated with the mitigation project are not expected to negatively affect any of the species or habitats ' mentioned above. Habitat for all the species listed above may occur on or adjacent to the Site. Bald eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near open water and forage over large bodies of water. The Carolina darter is known to occur within warm pools and slow runs in streams, over sand and gravel within the Cape Fear River Basin. The mole salamander breeds in semi-permanent woodland ponds and forages in adjacent woodlands. ' Both the green floater and James spinymussel are considered species of quiet waters that prefer the quieter parts of streams, specifically the pools and eddies with gravelly and sandy bottoms. Little is known about the ecology of Heller's trefoil, but it is considered to be highly threatened by land-use conversion and habitat fragmentation. Smooth coneflower primarily occurs in openings in woods, such as cedar barrens and clear cuts, along roadsides and utility ' line right-of-ways, and on dry limestone bluffs. 26 1 It is expected that improvements to the existing riparian system and the restoration of new wetlands, and preservation of existing wetlands will improve existing habitat as well as create more habitat for these species. I t t 1 D t 27 4.0 WETLAND RESTORATION STUDIES ' 4.1 Surface Water Analysis Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas were analyzed to predict the feasibility of ' manipulating existing surface drainage patterns into the primary and secondary floodplains without adverse effects to the Site or adjacent properties. The following presents a summary of hydrologic and hydraulic analyses along with provisions designed to maximize groundwater recharge and wetland restoration while reducing potential for impacts to adjacent properties. The purpose of the analysis is to predict flood extents for the 1- 2- 5- 10-, 50- 100-year storms ' under existing and proposed conditions after wetland restoration has been implemented. The comparative flood elevations were evaluated by simulating peak flood flows for the Haw River using the WMS (Watershed Modeling System, BOSS International) program and regional regression equations. Once the flows were determined, the river geometry and cross-sections were digitized from a DTM (Digital Terrain Model) surface (prepared by a professional surveyor) using the HEC-GeoRAS component of ArcView. The cross-sections were adjusted as needed based on field-collected data. Once the corrections to the geometry were performed, the data was imported into HEC-RAS. Watersheds and land use estimations were measured from existing DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data and an aerial photograph. Field surveyed cross-sections and water surfaces were ' obtained along the Haw River and canal. Valley cross-sections were obtained from both on-site cross-sections and detailed topographic mapping to 1-foot contour intervals using the available DTM. Observations of existing hydraulic characteristics were incorporated into the model and the computed water surface elevations were calibrated by utilizing engineering judgment. Appendix D provides a figure depicting cross-section locations and a table with results for flood elevations under existing and proposed conditions for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year storms. In summary, the model suggests that, under both current and proposed conditions, water surface elevations for the 100-year storm event will be approximately 706.5 feet NGVD and 703.4 feet NGVD for the upper- and lower-most portions of the Site, respectively. The model indicates that no significant change in surface water elevations is expected as a result of wetland restoration activities. Therefore, hydrologic trespass of upstream and adjacent landowners is not a concern. ' 4.2 Reference Plant Communities In order to establish a forested wetland system for restoration purposes, a reference community needs to be established. According to Mitigation Site Classification (MIST) guidelines t (EPA 1990), the area of proposed restoration should attempt to emulate a Reference Forest Ecosystem (RFE) in terms of soils, hydrology, and vegetation. In this case, the target RFEs were composed of relatively undisturbed woodlands in adjacent areas which support soil, landform, and hydrological characteristics that restoration will attempt to emulate. The RFE sites have been impacted by selective cutting or high-grading, therefore the species ' composition of these plots should be considered as a guide only. RFE data used in restoration 28 ' was modified to emulate stead state climax community structure as described in the Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Circular plot sampling was utilized to establish base-line, vegetation composition and structure in RFEs. Species were recorded along with individual tree diameters, canopy class, and dominance. From collected field data, importance values (Brower et aL 1990) of dominant canopy and mid-story trees were calculated. Hydrology, surface topography, and habitat features were also evaluated. Mature forest communities were identified in floodplain areas east of the Site that continue to characterize steady-state forest conditions. The vegetative community sampled was identified as a Piedmont bottomland hardwood forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Four plots located in the adjacent forested floodplain were sampled. The overstory is dominated by red maple and green ash. Other highly desirable, late successional canopy species included overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), red oak (Quercus rubra), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), and American elm (Ulmus americana) (Table 2). The RFEs exhibit evidence of past silvicultural practices such as selective cutting, high-grading, and ditch construction that have resulted in a less diverse, intra- specific tree assemblage. Therefore, community restoration procedures have been modified to facilitate a reduction in dominance by disturbance adapted species such as red maple and 1 sweetgum. 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography Surface features were mapped within reference Piedmont swamp/bottomland hardwood forest in order to establish base-line topographic conditions for restoration planning use. This ' community lies within a seasonally to semi-permanently inundated area that has supported sediment accretion in the past with inundation from stream flows occurring on a frequent basis. The channel is actively migrating across alluvial fans developed within the aggrading floodplain. Topographic maps of the accretion area were prepared to 0.5-foot contour intervals by laser level and tape measure. Abandoned stream channels were mapped along with approximate jurisdictional wetland extent relative to the water surface within stream channels. A plan view, cross-sections, and profiles were generated for the channel and adjacent alluvial surface. The channel dimension, rate of channel migration, and slope of the floodplain floor represent the ' primary features extrapolated for use in restoration planning. One of the objectives of restoration is to put Midway Creek and the southern tributary back onto the historic alluvial fans and induce sediment deposition, channel migration, braiding, ponding, and/or anastomosed stream, resulting in hydration of adjacent wetland areas Figure 12 depicts a plan view and cross-sections of the alluvial fan, including locations of abandoned channels that have developed over the last several years. The channel exhibits active migration across the valley floor as aggradation processes elevate isolated portions of the floodplain. The active channel is classified as an E5 (highly sinuous) stream type in upper reaches of the reference Site (Rosgen 1994). Subsequently, the channel transitions into an anastomosed (DA5/6) channel and subsequent braided (D6) channel immediately prior to the confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of the primary floodplain. 29 U N O AU O IZ it, U) CU A E CL 0 C C E U CL N d N O N +• O LL ,Q U- i H O -0 N LL O c 7E cu N co 2 N I E O O m m c m t 3 O CL E N m >R R Q d Q V t6 ? r+ m A m 7 C' d U. T O I`_ 0 d' ? M M M N N N N O O O O O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ". O O M m o to 0- tc) I.- M M N T ?' O O O N T O O N ~ O M T I,- N T I? M T 6 M M N O T O O O 1-- N e r w w w 0 w 0 q CO cj ?- r- t6 L6 to uj uj L. T N ?- T V c G1 o to O O O to 0 to to to a' v ti to to N N N N N N N U. yr M M M M T T M T T T T .9 M M O O cM M (6 M M on c'i C I.i. 4- o y L ? ja -0 . O T O N N T T N T T T T T ? E 3 Z C co d U tz Q co U Q n C To LL o :3 (, r ?• U O 3 U C( c?a cq U Q 10 N U 'co >) _« N f0 T- ? m y J 1 T O to T- 1 'w I O Co T O O O T N M J H O Q U t0 O 0 0 E cn ? ? ? ? ? ? ? m ? 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W O ------------- p N -r--r--r--r -f f I_ _1- 0 O 0 O N O ° Fj ?r ?1_ Ln )F _ v Q) '^^ O ° VI _ N ? v C) V r O ° N M m tA A-4 O o ° 0 o z p o v7 V) c) n N N map 00 o 0 0 ° m° 0 0 0 ° 0 N O N cc) O N ul m w O m o n ° X n w m _ ?' .? l TI z c) .. c) .. p r A G7 r= "'{ D c_ c_ (A "M flaw, '? egg ?? ?? ?o??p N o o N m°< mm ° m37o mD z W ?' O z m O Fn z rOOD -I Z? ?-? (A IVA, w N .7 m o N m Dz° O0 yp 0 n _ r r I . I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 I r - , r I I I I 1 1 EC' 1 -- 2'69 -' ? -- -?-- I - - - C) O O r- -i -L- -r f -?" -r- ?- r r- -r I -i r o - _f_ -r- r -r- r -r- -r r- - '- _ _ (D 1 - ? f - - f - r r - - r - - f - - r - r -4- r 4 ?i- -?- -z Q _ r? -r r- --r- - -r I r I 1 I 1 This braided reach and near-permanently inundated area represent projected conditions within the secondary floodplain area of the Site. The floodplain, throughout this reference reach, continues to support forest vegetation, including shrub-scrub dominated communities within the potentially inundated areas. 1 fi L 1 1 32 1 t 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include: 1) ditch plugs, 2) ditch and canal backfilling, 3) backwater slough construction, 4) river levee removal, 5) tributary realignments, 6) wetland surface scarification, 7) seasonal pool construction, and 8) woody debris deposition (Figure 13). 5.1.1 Ditch Plugs Ditch plugs will be installed along ditches and the canal at locations identified in Figure 13. In addition, all ditch outlets off-site will be effectively plugged to prevent migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal. The plugs will be constructed of low density material designed to withstand erosive forces associated with river floods. If earthen material is used, each plug will backfilled in 2-foot lifts of vegetation free material and compacted into the bottom of the ditch. The earthen material may be obtained from upland borrow pits or through excavation of shallow pools along the existing channel or within the primary floodplain. 5.1.2 Ditch Backfilling 1 Ditches will be partially back-filled using on-site, earthen material from excavated depressions and ephemeral pond construction as depicted in Figure 13. Additional fill will be obtained from elevated areas within the floodplain, as needed. The ditches and canal backfill locations will be filled, compacted, and graded to the approximate elevation of the adjacent wetland surface. Certain, non-critical ditch sections shall remain open to provide habitat, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Open ditch sections will be isolated between effectively backfilled reaches to reduce potential for long-term, preferential groundwater migration. 5.1.3 Backwater Slough Construction Backwater sloughs will be designed to mimic reference wetland conditions found within the Haw River floodplain. Conditions to be mimicked include: 1) a convoluted interception of groundwater and flood flows, 2) average slope of upland-wetland interface and the slough surface, 3) micro-topographic variation along the slough surface, and 4) soil modification and debris deposition. 1 t ii 1 Backwater slough construction will occur adjacent to the existing canal in the northeastern portion of the Site (Figure 13). Construction of the slough will begin approximately 100 feet below the bridge along Sandy Cross Road and extend approximately 1100 feet downstream from where the slough will daylight (slope to the existing ground elevation) and migrate naturally within the existing topography. The backwater slough will be excavated approximately to 75 to 100 feet in width and average depth of approximately 1 foot. Once the design is complete, the on-site storm flow will be re-modeled to verify that the slough sizing is sufficient. Sections of the existing canal will be connected to the backwater slough. These sections will remain open and left as deep water habitat. The remaining sections of canal will be plugged and backfilled as depicted on the restoration plan. Existing trees along the canal will be preserved to the extent possible. 33 r? m m a m m m m? A m m m= m! m! v D<Omc mM:E m D<C vvJVVV O "Mo m Klnp O !mA A-v m m(nm U) .Zlm °o z?r z °o z? 1 I N" L 2 ?- 7 1 0 70 -O C O -u X X O L< Z D ?00 SOD'.. m M V) r S OD C? 0 vli p p m - i - -- -+ m O N n C7 r C7 n n O , p C l T` w -r- O Z m C) ?M 0 Cl) ;a < -i z v X DC m O O py D OD???, o z° n r? g o m 0 7jD ,>. a J i 000016 N t , C? g Z z A I; ??o?CD o m Z , Z7m n m m mO Ar tntn? D ? mo < m ??0 G7 1 i n > m O" (n o <M z -M mz x `- R:• U) _0 mO D r 0 X 0 0 =Z C) < C -o x i J° I ?? ?" 'mod - mO nO A N r (n M ;u C r,' g 1 O O o? )' m -u m c m po o _ 51116 N A O n ?: y \ 09000116 N If 00.9116 N r- -no >? i m c) cn (n . AO22m ,. _ Ella C:1 - - (n ;0 0 0z(')DV) C?O-i0 M Z Z / P2 m r r r- z } imm Ox 0 (n 0 „ 0 Z ZOL 000?16 N / , a ? i C1 v+ o m n n m o ? m ? 0 rv' _ L C) L C) o 0 A m m c m O Z p p O co 4 0 O C cn C M 2 ?Q Z C CA N D cn cn 1 Oq Oo-i p ?0 mD?D? cnp m z-Iz O n o dz D t •,. ?• 50 z ZZO 00 m n z cn? z 1 1 5.1.4 Ephemeral Pool Construction Ephemeral pools will be constructed in the primary floodplain along portions of ditches and the canal and used for additional fill material as needed for the above-described tasks. The pools will be constructed by excavating shallow, irregularly shaped (oblong) depressions placed ' perpendicular to land slope. The depressions will range to a maximum of 1-foot below the existing surface elevation in the center of the depression. Depressional areas will extend over a radius of 50 to 75 feet (long axis). The location and attributes of oval depressions will be constructed to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands. Ditches located within depressional areas will be backfilled to the maximum 1-foot depth below the ground elevation. 5.1.5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure Controlled water outfall structures are proposed at designated outlets through the river levee or within low points in the floodplain (Figure 13). As surface water exits the Site, the Haw River side may experience increased erosive flows from hydraulic head, causing instability to the bank and the risk for headcuts. The controlled water outfall structures represent a cellular confinement structure that will reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoils or stone infill, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic and gravitational forces. 5.1.6 River Levee Removal The Haw River levee will be lowered between 699 and 700 feet NGVD along a reach immediately below Church Street Extension (Figure 13). The lowered levee will extend for approximately 125 feet. Based on flood studies, lowering of the levee to 700 feet above MSL will allow bankfull and greater flows access to the floodplain at the top of the Site. 5.1.7 Midway Creek Restoration Midway Creek will be diverted upon entering the Site to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain. The floodplain in the immediate area shall be graded to accommodate the restored stream alignment and accept bankfull flows. Flow from the realigned Midway Creek will be directed into a depressional freshwater marsh complex (marsh). The marsh will be constructed ' within pasture in the northern portion of the Site (Figure 13) and serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. Braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions will occur, similar to reference streams in the region. Reference streams often exhibit braided (alluvial fan), backwater, or anastomosed features at the confluence with large river floodplains. The marsh will be constructed by excavating and grading earthen material from a 50- to 75-foot wide hummock. The marsh shall extend across the floodplain and tie into the existing or graded side slopes as depicted in the plan. The area will be excavated to an average depth of 1 to 2 feet below the proposed floodplain surface. A series of stabilized outlets will be constructed through the floodplain to direct water towards the floodplain, with the outlet elevation (and resultant water surface) fixed at approximately 700 feet above NGVD. 35 I 1 J 1 The planned outlets may be temporarily stabilized with woody debris, cellular confinement structures, or coarse rock material placed immediately above and below the structure. However, the marsh and associated outlets do not represent permanent structures. After successional vegetation colonizes the Site and reforestation is underway, sediment deposition patterns, debris accumulation, alternative flow pathways, and natural adjustments will be allowed to develop within the bottomland ecosystem, effectively replacing the pond with a natural low slope, level spreader. The distributor pond will be constructed to persist until forest cover and braided stream and surface topography is established. The objective in early years is to reduce stream flow velocities, encouraging depositions, and consequently allowing micro- and macro-topography to develop over time within the abandoned farm fields. 5.1.8 Southern Tributary Restoration At the Site boundary, the southern tributary will be diverted and redirected onto the Haw River floodplain. Subsequently, tributary flows will be discharged into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. As with the northern tributary, the southern tributary will be allowed to re- develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions. The floodplain elevation will be graded to accommodate the slope and anticipated flood flows of the new channel (Figure 13). The new floodplain and channel will cross the roadway easement. Construction of a causeway for a future proposed road would require fill and the co-requisite installation of a properly sized stream, floodplain, and drainage culverts. 5.1.9 Wetland Surface Scarification ' Before wetland plant community restoration is implemented, agricultural fields and graded back- fill material on the primary floodplain will be scarified. The scarification will be performed as linear bands directed perpendicular to land slope (surface water flows). After scarification, the soil surface should exhibit complex microtopography ranging to 1 foot in vertical asymmetry across local reaches of the landscape. Restored micro-topographic relief is considered critical to short term hydrology restoration efforts. Therefore, multiple passes along each band is ' recommended to ensure adequate surface roughing and surface water storage potential across the Site. Subsequently, community restoration will be initiated on scarified wetland surfaces. 1 5.1.10 Woody Debris Deposition Woody debris cleared during restoration activities or located in adjacent areas should be placed on restored wetland surfaces to the maximum extent practicable. The absence of large woody debris represents a limiting factor in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, and energy dissipation on abandoned farmland (Brinson et al. 1995). Woody debris jams may also be used as temporary stabilization structures located at controlled water outfall locations. r 36 1 ' 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration Restoration of wetland forest communities provides habitat for area wildlife and allows for development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Ecotonal changes between community types contribute to diversity and provide secondary benefits such as enhanced feeding and nesting opportunities for mammals, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classification have been used to develop species associations promoted during community restoration activities. ' Target plan community associations include: 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. Figure 14 provides a conceptual depiction of potential forest communities to be restored. across the landscape. Figure 15 identifies the location of each target community. Emphasis has been focused on developing a diverse plant assemblage. This is particularly vital due to the limited distribution of mast-producing hardwood tree species presently existing in the vicinity, as evidenced during the reference search. Planting a variety of mast-producing species will provide a food source for wildlife and will facilitate habitat diversity in a region dominated by I agricultural fields. The restoration of upland forest communities has also been proposed. Upland forest restoration L plans are designed to enhance wetland functions and to restore a wetland/upland forest ecotone that is considered rare in the region. The target forest community is composed primarily of upland oaks and hickories, among intermittent stems of black gum, American beech, and tulip poplar. Planting Plan The planting plan is designed to reestablish wetland community patterns across the landscape. The plan consists of: 1) acquisition of available wetland species, 2) implementation of proposed surface topography improvements, and 3) planting of selected species on-site. The COE bottomland hardwood forest mitigation guidelines (DOA 1993) were utilized in developing this plan. Species selected for planting will be dependent upon availability of local seedling sources. Advanced notification to nurseries (1 year) may facilitate availability of various non-commercial species. Planted species names by community are listed below. Levee Forest 1. Black Willow (Salix nigra) 2. River Birch (Betula nigra) 3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 4. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 5. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Possum-haw (Ilex deciduous) 7. American Elm (Ulmus americana) 8. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 9. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 37 m m m m ? m m m m m m m m m m m m m m a m m m? a r Mae a? m M?? m! a Mm m m (n m to x V7 z G) U) m _x cn z 0 z O DD -o 0 - y < O-i Z x N z 0 i m r Z C z n z O D 0 0 n o z O a7 m co 0 c z O _ Z m 2 ? 07 "D ? r' m 0 m Fq i u On O m Or ?Z z m OX O m m-1 0 mo ° ;:a o m cn N m 0 n D ? J l lD 1+ m r . fTl C) z m r m m z v z n K C z N V) O D CA 71 1,11 0 rs ? - - - -- ?F I ? CICE?a FA,Sctrt'fYT . I1 r ? \ i •w i 1 \ \ 000116 N II '\ i ?M N 0 m a) rm mz <n > = 000016 N O> Z m N ;rs \a i I l I I I r? ? / v C) v, o n o m o ? m ° L c? ° C o a m C- C O Z L,1 N N p O O O y 1 W 0 ooC) m D * y? cyq -1 x O l z - ?z ? n ° ?O?D tt-- ° m?D?m ? ?O ?o m N 0 `F^ T 1 H. z z n z r C ZO Ou D ?O w (7 m D m z z w (D /. r; . 7 1 ' Bottomland Hardwood Forest 1. 2. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 3. Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) 4. 3. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) 7. Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) 8. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 9. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 10 American Elm (Ulmus americana) Piedmont Swamp Forest 1. American Elm (Ulmus americana) 2. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 3. Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) 4. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 5. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxu) 6. Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) 7. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 8. Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) 9. Ironwood (Carpinus carofiniana) Tree establishment within swamp forest communities may be complicated by shallow inundation in low-lying areas. The stems of planted seedlings must elevate the leaf area above the level of inundation, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 feet above the soil surface. Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 3 White Oak (Quercus alba) 3. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) 4. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) ' 5. 6. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) 7. Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) 8. 9. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 10. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) r Table 3 depicts the total number of stems and species distribution for each plant community association. Bare-root seedlings of tree species will be planted within specified areas at a density of 680 stems per acre (8-foot centers). In summary approximately 31,000 trees will be planted within the approximately 45.6 acre restoration site. 40 1 Table 3. Planting Plan, Haw River Swamp Restoration Site 1 u 1 1 Vegetation Association (Planting area Levee Forest Piedmont Swamp Forest Bottomland Hardwood Forest Mesic Hardwood Forest TOTAL STEMS PLANTED Stem Target Area acres ac 680/ac 1.9 ac 680/ac 22.1 ac 680/ac 17.7 ac 680/ac 3.9 ac 45.6 ac F SPECIES # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) Black Willow 65(5) 65 River Birch 65(5) 65 American Sycamore 195(15) 195 Possum-haw 130(10) 130 Willow Oak 195(15) 2,250 (15) 2,445 American Elm 195(15) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 2,295 Green Ash 130(10) 750(5) 600(5) 1,480 Ironwood 130(10) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 135(5) 2,365 Tulip Poplar 195(15) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 2,130 Swamp Chestnut Oak 3,000 (20) 1,800 (15) 4,800 Cherrybark Oak 1,500 (10) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 3,435 Sugarberry 1,200 (10) 1,200 Loblolly Pine 1,200 (10) 1,200 Bitternut Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Shagbark Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Swamp Cottonwood 750(5) 750 Winged Elm 750(5) 750 Overcup Oak 3,000 (20) 3,000 Sugar Maple 270(10) 270 White Oak 405(15) 405 Southern Red Oak 405(15) 405 American Beech 270(10) 270 Northern Red Oak 270(10) 270 Mockernut Hickory 270(10) 270 Pignut Hickory 270(10) 270 Black gum 135(5) 135 TOTAL 1,300 15,000 12,000 2,700 31,000 1: Some non-commercial elements may not be locally available at the time of planting. The stem count for unavailable species should be distributed among other target elements based on the percent (%) distribution. One year of advance notice to forest nurseries will promote availability of some non- commercial elements. However, reproductive failure in the nursery may occur. 2: Scientific names for each species, required for nursery inventory, are listed in Section 5.2 of the mitigation plan. L 41 Planting will be performed between December 1 and March 15 to allow plants to stabilize during the dormant period and set root during the spring season. Opportunistic species, which typically dominate early- to mid-successional forests, have been excluded from initial plantings on interior floodplains. Opportunistic species such as sweetgum, red maple, loblolly pine, and black willow may become established. However, to the degree that long-term species diversity is not jeopardized, these species should be considered important components of steady-state forest communities. Planted stems of black willow, ironwood, and possum haw will be placed on ditch outlet plugs for stabilization purposes. The planting plan is the blueprint for community restoration. The anticipated results stated in the regulatory success criteria (Section 6.0) may reflect vegetative conditions achieved after steady-state forests are established over many years. However, the natural progression through early successional stages of floodplain forest development will prevail regardless of human interventions over a 5-year monitoring period. t 11 e t 1 42 11 t 6.0 MONITORING PLAN The Monitoring Plan consists of a comparison between reference and restoration areas along with evaluation of jurisdictional wetland criteria (DOA 1987). Monitoring will entail analysis of two primary parameters: hydrology and vegetation. Monitoring of restoration efforts will be performed for 5 years or until success criteria are fulfilled. 6.1 Hydrology After hydrological modifications have been completed at the Site, continuously recording, surficial monitoring wells will be installed in accordance with specifications in U.S. Corps of Engineers', Installing Monitoring Wells/Piezometers in Wetlands (WRP Technical Note HY-IA- 3.1, August 1993). Monitoring wells will be set to a depth of approximately 24 inches below the soil surface. Screened portions of each well will be surrounded by filter fabric, buried in a screened well sand, and sealed with a bentonite cap to prevent siltation and surface flow infiltration during floods. Recording devices will be placed above the projected flood elevation. Wells may be stabilized from flood shear by attaching a reinforcing steel bar (re-bar). Eight monitoring wells will be installed in wetland restoration areas to provide representative coverage within each physiographic landscape area depicted in Figure 16. Two wells will also be placed in reference areas in similar landscape positions to use as comparison with on-site conditions. In addition, one monitoring well will be placed within the Haw River to provide stream flow depths and record bankfull events and one well will be placed within the Site to monitor ponding and inundation of surface water. Hydrological sampling will be performed in restoration and reference areas during the growing season (26 March to 6 November) at intervals necessary to satisfy the hydrology success criteria within each physiographic landscape area (Figure 15). 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria Target hydrological characteristics have been evaluated using regulatory wetland hydrology criteria and reference wetland sites. Regulatory Wetland Hydrology Criteria The regulatory wetland hydrology criterion requires saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for 5 percent of the growing season under normal climatic conditions. In some instances, the regulatory wetland hydroperiod may extend for between 5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season. Reference Wetland Sites Two groundwater monitoring wells will be placed in the reference wetland areas. These wells will provide reference hydroperiods for the primary and secondary floodplain (bottomland hardwood and swamp forest) physiographic area. 1 43 009606 N ? V ACCESS EASEMENT' _ o O ' m %.. Z _ z OOOOL6 N K C) -i < r1 m cn m K K: U r 0O C) C N O N Z C_ m r m Q O n1 1 - J - Z m-, A W A O m Z Z O G7 n C) C) D C) C7 f _ T7 Kira' m - r C7 C7 o m o O ? i m - j ?• - D r i 0 r rn -? ?7 f'1 :j m C QO s l ?l w t?' '? " S0 6 N 40, v t5. - 9 L ?m 1 v, h C: I ` ?J r'T h / Y r 1 Omi6 N L ?' ?i ?• ?; OOOZL6 N w n n o A v ? T m m Z O \ O m z C (n C D Cn (? C. u (? S ` G7 o C) C) Z S O cn o D (n 0 m C z A m o ? n ?p " SO '? rD ??oo D 7o m o Z v, w Z m z 0c0 g -•? Z v?m -t G7 p D n z o o m z Z Success Criteria ' Target hydrologic characteristics include a minimum regulatory criteria or a comparison to reference data in drought years (years in which reference is within 2 percent of or below the regulatory wetland criteria). Under normal climatic conditions, the hydrologic success criterion requires saturation (free water) within one foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 5 percent of the growing season for ' the secondary floodplain and bottomiand hardwood areas depicted in Figure 15. The primary floodplain and Piedmont swamp forest quadrants must support saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 12.5 percent of the growing season. This hydroperiod translates to saturation for a minimum, 12-day (5 percent) to 28-day (12.5 percent) consecutive period during the growing season, which extends from March 26 to November 6 (USDA 1977). ' In atypical dry years, the hydroperiod must exceed 75 percent of the hydroperiod exhibited by the reference wells located within the same physiographic landscape area. Reference well data will be used to compare wetland hydroperiods between the restoration areas and relatively ' undisturbed reference wetlands. This data will supplement regulatory evaluation of success criteria and also provide information that shall allow interpretation of mitigation success in years not supporting "normal rainfall conditions." 6.3 Vegetation ' Restoration monitoring procedures for vegetation are designed in accordance with EPA guidelines presented in Mitigation Site Type (MIST) documentation (EPA 1990) and COE Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines (DOA 1993). The following presents a general ' discussion of the monitoring program. Vegetation will receive a visual evaluations during the periodic reading of monitoring wells to ' ascertain the general conditions and degree of overtopping of planted elements by weeds. Subsequently, quantitative sampling of vegetation will be performed once annually during the fall (October / November) for 5 years or until vegetation success criteria are achieved. Sampling dates may be modified to accommodate river flood events and plot inundation, as needed. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately 15 sample transects will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. Each transect will be 300 feet in length and 8 feet in width (0.055 acre). Best professional judgment may be necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. t 45 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria ' Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component supports community elements necessary for floodplain forest development. Success criteria are dependent upon the density and growth of characteristic forest species. Additional success criteria are dependent upon density and growth of "Character Tree Species," which include planted species, those listed by Schafale and Weakley (1990), and species identified in the RFEs. All canopy tree species planted and identified in the reference forest will be utilized to define "Character Tree Species" as termed in the success criteria. An average density of 320 stems per acre of Character Tree Species must be surviving in the first three monitoring years. Subsequently, 290 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 4, and 260 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 5. Planted species must represent a minimum of 30 percent of the required stem per acre total (96 stems/acre). Each naturally recruited character species may represent up to 10 percent of the required stem per acre total. In essence, seven naturally recruited character species may represent a maximum of 70 percent of the required stem/acre total. Additional stems of naturally recruited species above the 70 percent threshold are discarded from the statistical analysis. The remaining 30 percent are not necessarily removed from the Site, but will be left as a reserve and future seed source for species maintenance during mid-succession phases of forest ' development. During the first sample event, a visual survey will be performed in the reference wetlands to ' identify all canopy tree species represented within target communities. These reference tree species will be utilized to define "character tree species" as termed in the success criteria. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately five sample plots will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. However, best professional judgment may be ' necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. In each plot, presence/absence of shrub and herbaceous species will be recorded. A wetland data form (DOA 1987) will be completed to document the classification and description of vegetation, soil, and hydrology. 6.5 Contingency In the event that vegetation or hydrology success criteria are not fulfilled, a mechanism for contingency will be implemented. If vegetation success criteria are not achieved based on average density calculations from combined sample plot data, supplemental planting will be ' performed with tree species approved by regulatory agencies. Supplemental planting will be performed as needed until achievement of vegetation success criteria. No quantitative sampling requirements are proposed for herb assemblages as part of the vegetation success criteria. Development of floodplain forests over several decades will dictate the success in migration and 46 establishment of desired understory and groundcover populations. Visual estimates of the percent cover of herbaceous species and photographic evidence will be reported for information purposes. For vegetation contingency, replanting and extended monitoring periods will be implemented if community restoration does not fulfill minimum species density and distribution requirements. Hydrological contingency will require consultation with hydrologists, WRP, and regulatory agencies if wetland hydrology restoration is not achieved. Wetland surface modification, including construction of ephemeral pools, represents a likely mechanism to increase the floodplain area that supports jurisdictional wetlands. Recommendations for contingency to establish wetland hydrology will be implemented and monitored until the Hydrology Success Criteria are achieved. 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal An Annual Wetland Monitoring Report (AWMR) will be, prepared at the end of each monitoring year (growing season). The AWMR will depict the sample plot and quadrant locations and include photographs which illustrate Site conditions. Data compilations and analyses will be ' presented as described in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 including graphic and tabular format, where practicable. Raw data in paper or computer (EXCEL) file format will be prepared and submitted as an appendix or attachment to the AWMR. 47 1 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS The riverine floodplain physiographic areas encompass approximately 42.8 acres (Figure 6). Based on restoration analyses (Section 4.0), the area includes approximately 34.9 acres of wetland restoration in prior converted cropland and 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. Figure 17 and depicts the area of riverine wetland restoration and enhancement (i.e. bottomland hardwood restoration). The remaining on-site acreage (10.6 acres) includes levees, streams (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas. Restoration plans will re-introduce surface water flood hydrodynamics from a 52.7 square mile watershed. The plan includes establishment of an array of riverine communities, including levee forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and riverine swamp forests. Therefore, riverine hydrodynamic and biogeochemical functions will be restored, including pollutant removal, organic carbon export, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Physical wetland functions typically associated with water quality will be replaced within the Cape Fear River basin. Biological functions associated with the riverine system will also be restored or enhanced including in-stream aquatic habitat, structural floodplain habitat, and interspersion and connectivity between the restored stream, floodplain, and adjacent uplands. t 1 48 ? ? r? rr ?s r¦ r? ? ?r r? r rr r? r ?r r¦ rr rr err r? ? t t O 0 ? w V ? O1 c0 I+ I+ I + Q' rn N Z ?Al A A m ;;a zl c m m V) m K V7 m z m O X X -0 X Z D O O m Vl m yy m V, ryy N V) 0 Eli OA Z? pZ A m D m m m > ° In G) rP - c) C) 0 D Z Z m: ?C N X -a OZ 00 c ° Om Z Z? 0 D -i --A r m m ° M co g A o A c-< o ° m z Z ? Z m s ?Z M M m \\\\?? \1?\\\ \ I -------------------- IT A 1 \ ry ?j? l \ lei ? ?\?\\ \ ?? tv - 1. ? \ I \C _° ------------- > .,. OOOll6 N 77 ------------ ------ ---------------- - ---------------------- I ? I \ t 1 , r x } - ,?.?, .ii. OOOZl6 N ? m m ? C7 U) x Z c Cn D to o4 O C_ C_ -1 -4 0 F M ?a o c) c) Cm0 2: :E '' N0-1?? CAS n CCf - c ° 0 :q Z5 m Z M NZ -_I 00 ?Z-9v< p ZZ° pv m cn? Z_ 0 °0 Z Dm Z JL_ ---?. r ' 8.0 REFERENCES ' Brinson M., B. Swift, R. Plantico, and J. Barclay. 1981. Riparian Ecosystems: Their ecology and status. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS 81/17. r Brinson M.M., F.R. Hauer, L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter, R.D. Smith, and D. Whigham. 1995. Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic Assessments to Riverine Wetlands. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. Brower, J.E., J.H. Zar, and C.N. von Ende. 1990. Field and Laboratory Methods for General Ecology. William C. Brown Publishers, Debuque, IA. Department of the Army (DOA). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Department of the Army (DOA). 1993 (unpubplished). Corps of Engineers Wilmington District. Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines 912/8/93). East Satellite Corporation (EASC). 1997. Comprehensive land cover mapping for the State of North Carolina. Final Report. Rockville, MD. ' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). , 1990. Mitigation Site Clasification (MIST). A Methodology to Classify Pre-Project Mitigation Sites and Develop Performance Standards for Construction and Restoration of Forested Wetlands. USEPA Workshop, August 13-15, 1989. USEPA Region IV and Hardwood Research Cooperative, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Griffith, G.E. and J.M. Omernik, 2000. Draft Level III and IV of North Carolina. U.S. Geological Survey Map and Description, Reston, VA. Scale 1:250,000. Griffith, G.E., Omernick, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafale, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R. , MacPherson, T.F., Glover, J.B., and Shelburne, U.B. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,000). Keller, M.E., C.S. Chandler, and J.S. Hatfield. 1993. Avian Communities in Riparian Forests of Different Widths in Maryland and Delaware. Wetlands 13(2):137-144, Special Issue, ' June 1993. The Society of Wetland Scientists. Rosgen, D.L., 1994. A Classification of Natural Rivers. Catena, 22, 169-199. ' Schafale, M. P., A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Third Approximation, NC Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NC DEM, Raleigh NC. 50 I? 1 C 1 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1977. Soil Survey of Guilford County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1992. Soil Survey of Rockingham County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. 51 1 9.0 APPENDICES 1 1 1 52 1 1 1 1 APPENDIX A RFP response #16-AW3001 easement boundary 1 ti ,60C a .1 3'M.IS 7IMM(S) 006 009 00f 0 091 005 3Na15 tlN1108VJ HLaION ALN(lOJ VNNONINJON dMSNM01 31lIANOSdNIS ONUWX3 U01)611a5U05 $ UDLIClO 3b ?! M1 -1d 'OLD 'B-0 _ (3119 a3Na 1AM) SO3JO059a IBiOlei( j tl3?NtloJ 6N033tlN1f105 t s S HRISA 3rlrl ? i ? 7 T Sr7 \ o o Z 1 L 1WV Q LL LR Q =1 -Od O I 'OLD '9'O &0 4 q 91 - WNaOJ GH033U ? ? 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RMS w4 60M X3 - 93 d, J ara?37 a aandMOO AS S3aM Zt t00L'O11Y / 1JVaLNOJ WA BUMPY NOILVa019a da9 71,101 a3111,1KOJ AS S3MV R - (1N3113SV3 5537JV AS M3N 3NL OMOMOM) 1NBR3SV3 NILVA339NOJ lYa3N39 a30Na aNV1 9.N3LSAS NONYSOMM 10 30V3wv WIM 3A1 S6N 1V 03J39anS JWV 3x1, ow A7NO a31V/L w 3aV 'aw a3N6w (a :UMM AW AIMOH JON 3N1' (ONNIVNO Will NO a3a w SO SBwz a311NA NNaYad/a ,05 (C) ,Wu (L :1WN07 AIMMU M W 031577 XY1 W ALhMiVHdN9OM33ML3o73N3NW17 A110.7 AYh%JVWiXP31SIa30NVNaMVN 4/AVOW 3N1 i*U N7WJ 3N1 (9 (11,01 SL--YL An-) A31an5 aucY M)OH0 3N1 Maw MOO u 3a3M SvAv Mitt SV 31VAWLaddV But, 6NC1 mm aN1, 7W3a16 711, (9 waw SOU MONS JON 00 Sd AM OI71O Wdai WAINMAF3N 3'1091, 1 6%%3NWV 37x7 a3391o "Mm" ,OS OAMM SV AMC SOU SMONS 19 Sid,YC '8d (r SM Na0N3A 000".., 7XIdva 0d0I 32MM 13dYd *661 31117 uw ONTO Laai JN 3oNVa0 3MVt S05n a00N31 zJ-vZo95 0 a30W 4" OOOYL+t MW10MOdO1 WW" a3dVd xz maw Own 1861 31W ? am Wdw JN aNNO3o Sdpa CMU ONN107M1 3NL AOa3 NWvl NOaYAPX1YM NVWVadW (C J1 OWZ MUM 70WNW7 7VJMZNWl ON (Z S" 1J31dV AM 1 09l0.17a JO S?a(.iMo a3 0 15GL3 AVry 3717N1 '(SixOail3a 335) Aba3N a310N 3x1' a3 umm amain a x17 S1H3A'nwai 77V WOA31an5 3w at a3NWNan1 3&M NJW3S 3W1 JO S17nvar a0N WSIUNIIAW 37M WX 3711 L' WSGV ON 31ON (1 Sam Aat903x AWNW7 AVN1'1YA7GW 3N1 xO /9 Jd W W d M OWMOa3a XS UWWW JOVW d0 NOOaad V MW AVNOMNJOa 3N1 d0 9112 " 2911 7110 A7 a3aa0038 A103dOW W U JO 77V OMd3 NWWM A1NN07 AwKsmio JOa 3W 30 *PPC W T66 H•0 NI Maym3a xis a 8mm J7VW d0 AMMOd V MM ANTS URY ALNfW MMAM" 3N! i0 (OLIZ *ad 2911 Iola NI a36n1JS30 V1a, 0NN WUG) 8091 Ztl Vs,, W,7 W UWM 7N ALbGdi%W 3N1 Ja 77V 0M3B 7sA7Ni61711 ®7 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 APPENDIX B Site Photographs Groundwater slope north of canal facing east (early Spring 2003). The Haw River, moving east through the Site during high flow (early Spring 2003). Field south of the Haw River, facing northeast (early Spring 2003). Field located between the Haw River and the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). Photograph taken from bridge over the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). Photograph taken near Benchmark 7 (BM7) facing southwest (early Spring 2003). tw Y : .?Y.1 2 r \? r-r Sl 1?J ?r •? \ a ' .• r, - ?r _ yam. t ? x ? '?e? ay .<?`? .r11`i?i "x?+t? •3„?y'+1 _, ? '.,:t t ?? c 4? a? y i_ ''', _ 3 ? .. Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM10) looking north. ' ?sl ??,_}?-.]rte w ?-?r?'1?_1f.??Yy1?-'r "w4WWr?`tr??E+1?YCTMAh?'I. M?t''?'? ??y." S l a , rt* .s, t r.1 ?lr '4 r rt r tAC'y j w !r 3 ?: , -his-. `? i r •' %, ? ? h??+S ?t ~ a ??? ? ? rr. _,L• N '' ?+v ?...,, '?//+?' ??f)? .? ' aa. d \ f ? y>rr. L. . sr,. :' t ` ilR f L •4j \°¢?rr 4 r`1 -`;?? ifs 1. ?.: `? c J Z _ ?''k 1ta w- l• Y r ` ;' 4 >` Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM10) looking west. Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. t.? y . ? 3•t •k? 4• i X 'v ? y Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking northeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking west. w? ?. t c Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking northeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking west. Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking southwest. !, •. ?. ?.. ? -. ? jam' `4/ - + J1 , • L .11 ' ? t s ?`'•.'".P '?` - - ? ?2 t ?'?"'?? 71- := Ni rj`!?t.2'i`ait"y r 4 e to ? 'i'1 Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking northeast. t ? yr t ?Rn,f )?r.? >..t t. _ ..n'1 1 ._..t ..? ,. "?. ?_ ?. ?:??«r'1•.1?A? a ._? ; :?. t.*? Photograph taker from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking south. 1 t I Photograph taker: from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking east. t f III ,:c ???Yr`n,r?y:??s,..-?s? ?r?sx?x! ....?...r..-.»:.- ?.-s,..... .--; ? ._::.4 -'?, .... " •`rvr-SKr ?[ ' :q.'ty?r?•' • . ?t',z ' - r ? ` 1 l iw, ",? ,lf.e ?? .s: -: /.• ..?.? k??=r`.: _ ° _ '?"_-1 -? 7. :?? tvt/ ???,3' .p. t?.^-'frt•. Photograph taken from Benchmark 8 (BM8) looking south. 1 7-1 <!? ar , f f t y Z rf ?§ ???.?..F?i ?•x eY.'?? ' t Y rFa ? ? eJt f f f',? j I? ? ?'? ?. I Photograph taken from Benchmark 9 (BM9) looking south-southwest. t it f t P_j t 1 t 1 w 1 t APPENDIX C HAW RIVER CROSS-SECTIONS t r 1 1 1 1 1 f 1 1 1 f t 1 1 1 t 1 f L !t? R$ m U O c .O 4-1 U Cl) O L U O r r O O O O .O O O 00 O O ~ cu O O M i 5 O ' LO c6 I U? CD O CY) O I i O r 0 0 0 d' N O O O C) C 0 0 oo (6 4 0) 0) m (D CO (D C) O O N O 00 cfl co CO I t t 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 O M T- O N r O s o O O ?- o a*) m C) O oo i t? = O c N ! rte. O .? (0 co N p =i 3 LO 1 it T O C) d. 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R - .?.. s ?>;.v xrs s e 's, s.1 q fy?•:s?? ..' :_;>.f,.a::f,tsa.4;;.f .tXS a?:a ..ru :.:::.:: ....::..:..?f:?. ;J.2.[,¢'k?.,? .'?'?.?.? ?. k.•^2a': _ ?............I ty. 0 20 40 .60 80 100 120 Width from River Left to Right (ft) Riffle Haw River G K? 0 35 K 5.42 5.27 704.58 610, 699.16 699.31 99.38 56 4.38 700.2 65 3.47 701.11 On 69 8.99 695.59 130.91 74 9.99 694.59 35.1 81 9.50 695.08 4.8 d 89 9.43 695.15 0.0 b 94 9.55 695.03 0.0 V 97 7.70 696.88 99 7.10 697.48 kd9jJ << 103 3.84 700.74 3.8 106 3.57 701.01 499.3 d 110 4.44 700.14 0.30 S 130 , 4.64 699.94 0.39 S 163 4.92 699.66 1.244 u 0.12 9.7 #i 16.1 tl 140 160 180 38.4 Sts 3.4 9.4 ?GIs ne area 0.0 X111 t i r s r i 706 704 702 c 700 0 m 698 w 696 694 692 0 Riffle Haw River Riffle Haw River 699.16 699.57 699.45 700.04 699.49 696.81 134.5 694.48 37.9 694.51 5.0 695.19 0.0 695.89 0.0 699.32 699.28 !!.,..,..,. , 700.01 3.7 699.18 494.5 699.23 0.28 0.38 1.140 0.12 9.6 15.4 *ac 3 5 . $"` E3 "? 41 7 F ?' f s Y .... .._<%:.:< . y x:. 3 2 . 10. 0.0 #t# ra#ifl 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Width from River Left to Right (ft) a i 1 L i 1 i I 1 1 704 703 702 701 c 0 700 699 W 698 697 696 695 0 Riffle Haw River Riffle Haw River uuu.L'i 699.41 69139 699.74 699.86 699.48 96.3 695.47 27.8 695.8 3.9 696.02 0.0 696.04 0.0 699.93 699.11 hyd€1 i « 698.25 0.0 0.0 n nn 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Width from River Left to Right (ft) 11 t a 1 APPENDIX D I HEC-RAS REPORT FOR EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONS r e r i r t Li t s U) y:r D > w L. 40- y .y to C C 0 0 t 4) N M N O co Co M CD r- CC) LO N O r C qf Ln CC) cq ti 00 O O cC) r N M M LC) M M Ch Ch M M M M M Ln CO CC) CD CC) O O o O O Cl O O O O O O O Q ` te a C7 ? = M co M m ti LO 00 co 00 LO N O r CA d V) CC) 1- 00 m m O ? r N M M Ln N co vi M M M M M 4 m Lo O CC) CC) co x O O O O O O O O O O O O O O C) CA LO O> N CA r N CC) LO d r N M C r- co m m r r N M r O co O CA r Q N N N N M M M M M 6 Ln 6 6 Cp O O O - O O O O - O O O O O O Z O a r- 1? I - ? I, I` I . N ti r- ti t` I - P- ?, = Ln O co m M N co m co Ln '' r M ? C? CA r N M M N O O C3) O r N N N N co N M M M M LO LO LO LO Co p O O O O O O O O O O O O O O d N M ? O ? r O '[h Ict N r ti O cc) LO 0 r N M M LO co (D O I- co M LO LO co CV CV CV N CV N N N N tai et .4 .4 d' L. e O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 4) a 4 1 N = M 00 d' N It LO CA Co M st N CO N CA r N M LO CO N N CA 00 LO M Lf) 00 (AA CN CV N N N N N N tV Ch 4 v 4 4 X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W ti I- ti r- I~ ? r- N n N Il- ti P- r- CU N CA M ice- eC 'd' r CA N CA O LO N N d• N v d LO ti 00 CO N r M Ln CO CL r r r r r r r N N N M M Ch M m O O O O O O O O O O O O O O L r !? ti ti = rn Ln r M O M I- d' O CC) LO M M N r+ N It LO 1,- C) O O M M t`- M Ln CO O LA r r r r r N N N N N M M M v x O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W ti I? N ti ti ti CU N U.) O LO (C) d O O Itt ti r co m ti LO co Cfl 00 00 Cr CC) 00 CA 'At et co r- 0) r C L of 0; CA C)) O O O r r r r r N N CA 0) CA CA O O O O O O O O O O 0) IZ N tm Ln N O M Il- co r LO 00 r LO CA 00 d CO 00 0) M to 00 to It d co r- 0) r LO ffn M m CD O O O O r ?- r r ?- N CV .x O CA CA O O O O O O O O O O O Il! (O CO to ti ti ti ti ti ti I- I- I,- V CU N t N CA O LO Co O Ln CO CA 00 r LO CA 0 M LO in LO O r O O O 00 ao O N M 00 a0 00 Cn O O O O O O O r r r- Cn CA CA CA O O C) O O O O O O O co co co m ti ? m ? ? ti r ? r` ? ? a r ct m CA Lo c) r M M Lo ? r-- O CA O M LO LO to O N O CA M CA M O N Ln y 00 00 06 6 O O O O O O O r r r X CA rn o rn O O O O O O O O Co O W co co co co n ti t ` r ti C Q7 Q) Lt) M ) Q ?- r CA M to ? OD CV) Lo a; v; M a) to C* 4m CD -r- to N c* 00 "m m r CMO I Q~) r r ? N N N N N N N N M 0 0 Q O U v Q) U U W r s r s t APPENDIX E NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ELEMENTS F r i ? 40 or ?0 v 1E - ? fS f Pr in ',..:p 'Sir, ZZ, p -- ..Ab q qo Q" ° 4 10000 0 10000 20000 Feet Watershed Boundary NHP Observations • AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole salamander) ETHEOSTOMA COLLIS POP 2 (Carolina darter) N HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Bald eagle) • LOW ELEVATION SEEP PIEDMONT/LOW MOUNTAIN ALLUVIAL FOREST • PIEDMONT/MOUNTAIN SWAMP FOREST Hydrology Land Use for 2002 (%) Cultivated j? Developed Forest S 0 Open Water Shrubland Unconsolidated Sediment NHP OBSERVATIONS EcoScience Corporation 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604 7nC ? t;r ?o(S ! 5,r??n??Si i4?p 0 A- '.) ! ?-?- - --------- ---- ------------- - - --- - - tea. q M LTF Q i' ? r 00 Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested George Howard Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 203 Raleigh, NC 27604 Subject: Dear Mr. Howard: Michael F. Easley Governor William G. Ross, Jr., Secretary Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P.E., Director Division of Water Quality September 15, 2003 Haw River Swamp Restoration Site DWQ Project No. 031133 Guilford and Rockingham Counties The Division of Water Quality has reviewed your submittal for a wetland mitigation site at the subject location. Your application was not complete since the following information was not provided. Specifically: A) Please clarify if all of the 36.6 acres of hydric soils are Wehadkee soils. If not, please provide a breakdown. B) If the saturation of the proposed site exceeds 12.5 % will that not be considered to have met the success criteria? Please explain. C) Please provide a copy of the proposed easement or similar mechanism that will be used to permanently protect the mitigation site. D) In almost all circumstances the Division of Water Quality does not allow streams to be converted to wetlands for wetland mitigation purposes. The proposed stream impacts appear to require the filling of 980 feet of perennial modified, natural stream channel. These impacts require mitigation unless the streams are reestablished in which case stream mitigation credit may be achieved. As such, in order to avoid the need to mitigate for the stream impacts you must provide the following information. Also, note that establishing a DA channel may be acceptable as long as it is designed based on referenced conditions relative tot he drainage areas. However, it is recommended that a C or E type channel be established that may evolve into a DA type stream. Basic Information for Stream Design Plan Approval 1. Morphological measurements (see Appendix B) - not all of the measurements are applicable in every instance. 2. Typical stream cross sections - Typically, a riffle cross section and a pool cross section that includes the entire flood prone area. The bankfull and flood prove area elevations should be indicated. Similarly, a riffle cross section of the reference stream(s) should be provided. 3. Plan view - Scaled plans that show the location of the proposed (preferably with stationing) and the existing stream. In most instances, the bankfull contours and flood prone area contours, in stream structures, bank revetments/stabilization, channel plugs, planting plan, vegetation conditions, stormwater outlets, grade controls, bridges, culverts, sewer lines, roads, fencing, and easement lines should also be provided. 4. Longitudinal Stream Profile - A scaled profile that indicates the thalweg , bankfull, and top of bank elevations should be provided for the design and reference streams. In many cases it may also be necessary to show the existing land elevations for the design stream. 5. Planting Plan - A planting and/or vegetation management plan should also be required. The plan should indicate the extent, density, and species of plants to be provided. 6. In stream structure, bank revetment/stabilization, and stormwater outlet typicals - Detailed, typical plans should be provided for all in stream structures, bank revetments or stabilization, and stormwater outlets. The typicals should include materials and specifications as well as relative lengths, positions, and angles. 7. Sediment transport analysis - A sediment transport analysis should be provided based on the current, relevant, accepted practices. The sediment transport analysis should be relevant to the stream bed load type and should predict bed load transport equilibrium. This information is needed by the Division in order for us to decide whether this project is app rovable. North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) 919-733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetiands/ Page 2 of 2 Please call Todd St. John at 919-733-9584 if you have any questions. Until this information is received, I will place this project on hold due to incomplete information (15A NCAC 2H .0507(a)). Sincerely, 14 Lr--14 John R. Dorney Water Quality Certification Program cc: Raleigh DWQ Regional Office Raleigh Regional USACE Office Todd St. John File Central Files I ?? ?:3 SY _ 110" :ra}nes Street Suite 10", i.z!leig: , NC 27604 'Pbiep.io„e: 919.828.3433 F%}:: 919.82'8.3518 Ec,o_cience 0811,9 September 5, 2003 Mr. Eric Alsmeyer JI) T Raleigh Regulatory Field Office - 5 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sFP 2003 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 t"IATE QU LITYSECTION Raleigh, NC 27615 RE: Request for Use of Nationwide Permit Number 27 for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site in Guilford and Rockingham Counties Dear Eric: Please find attached to this letter the following items: 1) a completed Pre-construction Notification (PCN) form; 2) agent authorization letter; 3) Exhibit 1: project vicinity map; 4) Exhibit 2: conservation survey easement plat; 5) Exhibit 3: wetland restoration plan; 6) Exhibit 4: restoration design units; 7) Threatened and Endangered species survey report; and 8) Detailed Wetland Restoration Plan. Project Purpose and Description The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information concerning the Haw River Swamp Wetland Mitigation Site. The owner/applicant, Restoration Systems, LLC, is proposing wetland restoration at the Site to assist the NC Wetland Restoration Program in fulfilling its restoration goals. A copy of the Detailed Wetland Restoration Plan for this Site is included in this permit application package. The Site is located east of SR 1001 at the Haw River crossing in Guilford and Rockingham Counties in the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002). The Site occurs primarily within the Haw River floodplain, which was previously ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. The Site is currently characterized as "prior converted" cropland. Land use within the upstream watershed is currently comprised of forested and agricultural land with low-density residential development expanding into the vicinity of the Site as the result of increased commercial and residential development pressures from urban sprawl associated with Greensboro and surrounding areas. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 2 Site activities are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of prior converted cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands (see Exhibits 3 and 4). Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include: 1) installing ditch plugs to prevent the migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal; 2) backfilling ditches to prevent groundwater migration to the former ditch or canal; 3) constructing a backwater slough designed to mimic reference wetland conditions within the Haw River floodplain; 4) constructing ephemeral pools to provide fill material and to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands; 5) installing controlled water outfall structures at designed outlets within low points of the floodplain to reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoil or stone infill, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic, gravitational forces, and erosive flows which may cause bank instability and the risk of headcuts; 6) diverting Midway Creek to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain; 7) diverting the southern tributary and discharging flows into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain; 8) scarifying wetland soil surfaces to restore complex microtopography with subsequent community restoration; and 9) depositing woody debris cleared during restoration activities to aid in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, energy dissipation on abandoned farmland, and temporary stabilization at controlled water outfall locations. In addition to the above restoration activities, restoration of wetland forest communities will occur to provide habitat for wildlife and to allow for the development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classifications have been used to develop species associations including 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. In addition, upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland management areas. Proiect Impacts to Jurisdictional Areas Two degraded and channelized stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. Impacts will occur on 620 linear feet and 360 linear feet of the stream reaches, respectively (see Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 3 Exhibit 3). The Site is currently cleared and classified as "prior converted" cropland; therefore, no impacts to wetlands or buffers will occur due to restoration activities. Justifications for Project Impacts to Jurisdictional Areas Two stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches were previously moved and channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve drainage of the adjacent property for agricultural use and currently remain in these conditions. Prior to channelization, the historic stream reaches encountered an alluvial fan at the confluence of the Haw River floodplain and transitioned to anastomosed, braided channels which discharged into the Haw River. Reference stream reaches show that similar channels transition from an E-type (highly sinuous) stream to an anastomosed (DA-type) and subsequently to a braided (D-type) stream immediately prior to a confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of a primary floodplain. This condition is common within this region and similar to historic Site conditions. Site restoration efforts are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of "prior converted" cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands. Other activities include the restoration of plant communities, riparian buffers, wildlife and aquatic habitat, in addition to redirecting the flow of Midway Creek and the southern tributary into newly constructed (restored) stream reaches within the floodplain (totaling approximately 700 linear feet). Flow from Midway Creek will be directed into a distribution freshwater marsh, which will serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The distribution marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. The southern tributary will be discharged onto its historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. Both the stream reaches will then be allowed to develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions similar to historic conditions of the Site and reference streams in the region. The additional stream length that will be allowed to develop through this process will total approximately 1170 linear feet. Surface Water Analysis Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas were analyzed to predict the feasibility of manipulating existing surface drainage patterns into the primary and secondary floodplains without adverse effects to the Site or adjacent properties. The Site was designed to maximize groundwater recharge and wetland restoration while reducing potential for impacts to adjacent properties. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 4 Hydraulic and hydrologic analyses we utilized to predict flood extents for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year storms under existing and proposed conditions after wetland restoration has been implemented. The comparative flood elevations were evaluated by simulating peak flood flows for the Haw River using the WMS (Watershed Modeling System, BOSS International) program and regional regression equations. Once the flows were determined, the river geometry and cross-sections were digitized from a DTM (Digital Terrain Model) surface (prepared by a professional surveyor) using the HEC-GeoRAS component of ArcView. The cross-sections were adjusted as needed based on field-collected data. Once the corrections to the geometry were performed, the data was imported into HEC-RAS. 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 the Haw River and canal. Valley cross-sections were obtained from both on-site cross-sections and detailed topographic mapping to 1-foot contour intervals using the available DTM. Observations of existing hydraulic characteristics were incorporated into the model and the computed water surface elevations were calibrated by utilizing engineering judgment. In summary, the model suggests that, under both current and proposed conditions, water surface elevations for the 100-year storm event will be approximately 706.5 feet NGVD and 703.4 feet NGVD for the upper- and lower-most portions of the Site, respectively. The model indicates that no significant change in surface water elevations is expected as a result of wetland restoration activities. Therefore, hydrologic trespass of upstream and adjacent landowners is not a concern. Protected Species Plants and animals with a Federal classification of Endangered or Threatened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of February 18, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists one species for Guilford County, North Carolina, and as of February 25, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists two species for Rockingham County, North Carolina (see the following table). Scientific Name Common Name Status Count Haliaeetus leucoce halus bald eagle Threatened* Guilford Pleurobema collina James s in mussel Endangered Rockingham Echinacea laevi ata smooth coneflower Endangered Rockingham cnuanyerea -- a species mat is in aanger or extinction tnrougnout an or a signiticant portion or its range. Threatened -- a species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. * -- a species proposed for delisting. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 5 Surveys of suitable habitat were completed within the Site by EcoScience biologists in August 2003. Biological conclusions of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" were concluded for bald eagle and smooth coneflower, and "No Effect" was concluded for James spinymussel within the Site. Additional information for each species, including a species description and justification of the biological conclusion, can be found in the Protected Species Survey report included in this permit application package. Restoration Design Units Based on restoration analyses, the area includes approximately 34.9 acres of wetland restoration in prior converted cropland and approximately 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. Exhibit 4 depicts the area of riverine wetland restoration and enhancement. The remaining on- site acreage (10.6 acres) includes levees, streams (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas. Restoration plans will re-introduce surface water flood hydrodynamics from a 52.7 square mile watershed. The plan includes establishment of an array of riverine communities, including levee forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and riverine swamp forests. Therefore, riverine hydrodynamic and biogeochemical functions will be restored, including pollutant removal, organic carbon export, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Physical wetland functions typically associated with water quality will be replaced within the Cape Fear River basin. Biological functions associated with the riverine system will also be restored or enhanced including in-stream aquatic habitat, structural floodplain habitat, and interspersion and connectivity between the restored stream, floodplain, and adjacent uplands. The applicant should be listed as follows: Mr. George A. Howard Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, NC 27604 Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 6 Again, our objective is to obtain authorization for the described Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site under Nationwide Permit Number 27. In addition, a 401 Water Quality Certification is being requested from the NC Division of Water Quality. Please call me if you have any questions or need further information. Thank you for your continued assistance with this project. Yours truly, EC SCIENCE CORPORATION Jerry Crain, Ph.D., CEP President CC: Mr. George Howard, Restoration Systems, LLC Mr. John Dorney, NC Division of Water Quality Attachments Natural Resources Restoration &Coliservafion August 27, 2003 Agent Authorization, Letter To Whore It May Concern Dear SiAMadam: By -authority of this agent authorization letter, Restoration Systems, LLC. gives EcoScience Corporation the authority to conduct all necessary work on the Haw River Wetland Restoration Site in Guilford and. Rockingham Counties, North Carolina. Kindest regards. Sincerely,/ forge/A Ho ar . Restoration Systems, L.L.C. Cc: Dr. Jerry McCrain, Ecoscience Corporation 1101 Haynes St., Suite 203 • Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Fax: 919-755-9492 • Phone: 919=755-9490 Office Use Only: Form Vqe ' n May 2002 4V USACE Action ID No. DWQ No. (If anv narticular item is not annlicable to this nroiect. please enter "Not AUVlicable".or "N/A" .,4 ? . 1. II. Processing 1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit ? ? Section 10 Permit ? ® 401 Water Quality Certification 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide Permit No. 27 3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ? 4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts (verify availability with NCWRP prior to submittal of PCN), complete section VIII and check here: ? 5. If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page 4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: ? Applicant Information Owner/Applicant Information Name: George A. Howard Mailing Address: Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street. Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Telephone Number: 919-755-9490 Fax Number: 919-755-9492 E-mail Address: ?geoLge@restorationsystems.com 2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: Jerry McCrain Company Affiliation: EcoScience Corporation Mailing Address: 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Telephone Number: (919) 828-3433 Fax Number: (919) 828-3518 E-mail Address: mccrain@ecoscienenc.com rU?9 15 Riparian or Watershed Buffe Isolated Wetland Permit from D Page 1 of 9 III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): Not Applicable 3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): See attached Exhibit 2, conservation easement survey plat. 4. Location Counties: Guilford and Rockingham Nearest Town: Greensboro Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): Not Applicable Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): (From Raleigh) Take I-40 west to exit 127 Route 29 (heading north). Take Route 29 north for approximately 9 miles to Route 150 (heading west). Follow Route 150 west or approximately 7 miles and take a right onto SR 1001 (Church Street Extension, heading north). Follow SR 1001 for approximately 2.3 miles to the crossing of the Haw River. The Site is located east of SR 1001 (see Exhibit 1). 5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): Longitude 1769318.4882 Latitude 910205.1393 (at the crossing of SR 1001 with the Haw River) (Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) 6. Property size (acres): 49.5 acres 7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Haw River 8. River Basin: Cape Fear River Basin (Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/mgps/.) Page 2 of 9 9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: Site occurs primarily within the Haw River flood plain, which was previously ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. The Site is currently characterized as "prior converted" cropland. Land use within the upstream watershed is currently comprised of forested and agricultural land with low-density residential development expanding into the vicinity of the Site as the result of increased commercial and residential development pressures from urban sprawl associated with Greensboro and surrounding areas. 10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: Site activities are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of prior converted cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands (see Exhibit 3). Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include 1) installing ditch plugs to prevent the migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal, 2) backfzlling ditches to prevent groundwater migration to the former ditch or canal, 3) constructing a backwater slough designed to mimic reference wetland conditions within the Haw River floodplain; 4) constructing ephemeral pools to provide fll material and to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands; S) installing controlled water outfall structures at designed outlets within low points of the floodplain to reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoil or stone in 11 thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic, gravitational forces, and erosive flows which may cause bank instability and the risk of headcuts; 6) diverting Midway Creek to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain; 7) diverting the southern tributary and plain; 8) scarifying wetland discharging flows into the historic alluvial fan and primary flood soil surfaces to restore complex microtopography with subsequent community restoration; and 9) depositing woody debris cleared during restoration activities to aid in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, energy dissipation on abandoned farmland, and temporary stabilization at controlled water outer locations. In addition to the above restoration activities, restoration of wetland forest communities will occur to provide habitat for wildlife and to allow for the development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classifications have been used to develop species associations including 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. In addition, upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland management areas. Equipment that will be utilized to accomplish the above restoration plan may include track hoe, front end loader, dump trucks, and bulldozers. 11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: Restoration Systems, LLC is proposing wetland restoration at the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site to assist the NC Wetland Restoration Program in fulfilling its restoration goals. Page 3 of 9 IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with construction schedules. No previous permits have been requested or obtained for this project. V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application. A sediment and erosion control permit will be obtained from the Division of Land Ouality prior to construction. No additional permit requests are anticipated for this Site in the future, however, additional restoration opportunities may be pursued in areas adjacent to the Site, which will require additional similar permit requests. VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: Two degraded and channelized stream reaches Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches will be diverted and flow will be redirected into newly constructed (restored) channels onto the historic floodplain. Flow from Midway Creek will be directed into a distribution freshwater marsh which will serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The distribution marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. Braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions will occur, similar to reference streams in the region. The southern tributary will be discharged onto its historic alluvial fan plain. As with Midway Creek, the southern tributary will develop and primary flood Page 4 of 9 primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions similar to reference streams in the region. The Site is currently cleared and classi aed as "prior converted" cropland, therefore, no impacts to wetlands or buffers will occur due to restoration activities. The mitigation plan will result in the restoration and enhancement of additional wetlands and buffers on the Site. 2. Individually list wetland impacts below: Wetland Impact Site Number (indicate on ma) Type of Impact* Area of Impact (acres) Located within 100-year Floodplain** (es/no) Distance to Nearest Stream (linear feet) Type of Wetland*** * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding. ** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or online at http://www.fema..gov. *** List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond, Carolina Bay, bog, etc.) Indicate if wetland is isolated (determination of isolation to be made by USACE only). List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: 2.0 acres Total area of wetland impact proposed: No wetland impacts are proposed. 3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below: Stream Impact Length of Average Width Perennial or Site Number Type of Impact* Impact Stream Name** of Stream Intermittent? (indicate on ma) (linear feet) Before Impact specify) 1 fill 360 Tributary to Haw River 15 to 20 feet perennial 2 fill 620 Midway Creek 8 to 10 feet perennial * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap, dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain), stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included. ** Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at www.usgs.gov. Several intemet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.tWozone.com, www.mQguest.com, etc.). Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 980 linear feet 4. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other water of the U.S.) below: Open Water Impact Area of Name of Waterbody Type of Waterbody Site Number Type of Impact* Impact (if applicable) (lake, pond, estuary, sound, (indicate on ma) (acres) bay, ocean, etc.) * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: fill, excavation, dredging, flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc. Page 5 of 9 5. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream ? wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): Not Applicable Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): Not Applicable Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area: VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. Two stream reaches Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches were previously moved and channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve drainage of the adjacent property for agricultural use and currently remain in these conditions. Prior to channeli .ation the historic stream reaches encountered an alluvial fan at the confluence of the Haw River floodplain and transitioned to anastomosed, braided channels which discharged into the Haw River. Reference stream reaches show that this channel transition from an E-type (highly sinuous) stream to an anastomosed (DA-type) and subsequently to a braided (D-type) stream immediately prior to a confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of a primarx floodplain is common within this region and similar to historic Site conditions. Site restoration efforts are effected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of "prior converted" cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands. Other activities include the restoration of plant communities, riparian buffers, wildlife and aquatic habitat in addition to redirecting the flow of Midway Creek and the southern tributary into stream reaches constructed within the floodplain (totaling approximately 700 linear feet) and subsequently onto historic alluvial fans and the primary floodplain. The stream reaches will then be allowed to develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding ponding and anastomosed conditions similar to historic conditions of the Site and reference streams in the region. The additional stream length that will be allowed to develop through this process will total approximately 1170 linear feet. VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to Page 6 of 9 freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/strmgide.html. 1. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. Not Applicable 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCWRP at (919) 733-5208 to determine availability and to request written approval of mitigation prior to submittal of a PCN. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wM/index.htm. If use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide the following information: Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): Not Applicable Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): Not Applicable Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Page 7 of 9 IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ) Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes ? No If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes ? No If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ? No X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ) It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )? Yes ? No ® If you answered "yes", provide the following information: Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. Zone* Impact (square feet) Multiplier Required Mitigation 1 3 2 1.5 Total * Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Gone 2 extends an additional 20 feet from the edge of zone 1. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or .0260. Not Applicable Page 8 of 9 XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ) Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. No impervious surface currently exists on the Site and no impervious surface is proposed with th_e_ restoration activities. A sediment and erosion control permit will be obtained from the Division of Land Quality prior to construction. XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ) Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. Not Applicable XIII. Violations (required by DWQ) Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules? Yes ? No Is this an after-the-fact permit application? Yes ? No XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional): It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control). •5?0. Applicant/Agent's Signature Date (Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Page 9 of 9 1 mile to Midway, NC \l\ f awl \ ( ??see IoapS, 3e? $ nt slppe? 00 I / J ` f' ?acole Sa?dvclay loam ,,.8 1:645 eOt slopes:, - --- - --z? INC HA.1T? ?? JA i \J r ?I \ 1 1 \ i 11+1' I +I `J (c??l ?;/%/ J,1lJJr \; I --} r // / 1 I its- IN, k, 4 1, I? Ji? J? , r `/ ,?V O { j: / ,. ` 1 ' /`---J •r / - Sp,?' 1 \ `y\ 'Ili \1 I fi .Q '7' \k (`•CC f.\ ` 11 ,\ /\'}?'+ +i \' ' ra\ `` , l? Y!i i% /'\?0,/ yt d ?. ! Ti _ ' -m t .:,\? + `?? i I i / ?? ,,, J '-rte I l ! l ?\? \1 ? ` = ? i' ,r!(?+•-? ? j, 1 , ?1 `l` L•4/ fi _L•?,?5 -- _ 7/ 6°?. T, ) +( X; A\ vga°8? asriCL • F t{ ' / li ?/ '1 1 - ! -a\t? / + It .•.J `,`. l - ?? ?Tr >•. `'7?? i ??? _ - 11 I''/?i? 1 - - t;• L? , POp` c'\\? I?ti,?.l l1 \ i / - nj/? ?? - ?i I I 1 -0.2 2 0.4 Mir es! ssJ __-? \ ,- r - r 7 ,miles Greensboro, NC- Drawn by CLF Haw River Swamp Wetland Checked by: GL EcoScience Exhibit Restoration Site Date: Corporation Guilford/Rockingham County, August 2003 Raleigh North Carohra Project: North Carolina 03-148 EXHIBIT 2 DUD RIF9RNCEEE2 BEND ALL OF THE PROPERIi RECORDED N OB. 115; PG 1406 (EXCLUDNC TRACT A DESCRIBED IN D.B. 1162 P0. 2120) OF THE ROCI NGNN COUNTY REGISTRY BEING A PORTION OF TRACT NUMBER SO RECORDED IN OR 993, RG. 2454 OF TEEE ROC-Ni COUNTY REGSTRY. BEING ALL OF THE PROPERTY RECORDED N D.B. 1162. PC. 21 ] 6 OF THE ROCION AM COUNTY REGISTRY. MAP R39EMME31: BEING A PORnON OF TRACT NUMBEP SIX RECORDED IN P.B JA, PG Si OF THE ROCNIAGHAM COUNTY FEfG5TR1: GENERALNOTQ I) A'2TE N2 ABSTRACT TIRE NOR TITLE COMMITMENT, NOR AESULT_ OF PT[£ SEARCH WERE FUR-ED TO THE E URA:. ALL DOGIMENTS O< RECORD REVIEWED ARE A OWED HERON (SEE REFERENCES). THERE NAY EXIST <TH£R JOCUNENTS OF RECORD DAT MAY AFTEC7 THIS 'URVEYED RARCEI. 2) NO HORIZONTAL CONTROL WITHIN 2000 a 3) gWRARAN INFORMATION TAUTEN FROM THE FULLOWTNG ,y,, NL TOPO QUAD O.G. DATE' 1991 GLAD SERIES; 75' PAPER SOURCE: TOPOGRAPHIC 1:24,000 OUAO ORDER ID: 36079-C7 VENDOR USES IAYE BRAND, NC TORG OWD ORIO. LATE 1994 OUAD SERIES 75' PAPER SOURCE: TOPOGRAPHIC 1:24,000 GLAD ORDER 10: 18079-97 VENDOR USGS 4. P.S. J4. PG. 64 SHOWS THIS DOCH AS HANG 50' RWPAR7AN BUTFER Z-F. HOWEVER, THE ABOVE MEN77ONNED TONG OWO MAPS DO NOT SHOW THIS DITCH. E) ALL STREAA AND CRCN LOCARONl ARE A ,IG.GMATE AS THESE AREAS WERE ROODED DURING THE GROUND FK D SURVEY (AMRGI 24-26. 2ODLF). 5) THE HAW RIVER IS THE COUNTY LINE BETWEEN GUILFORD AND ROCAONOIUM CO-DES IRIS PROPERTY LS TAX LISTED IN ROGYNGHAM COUNTY. 7) THE (2) 50' RIPRARLAN BUFFER ZONES (AS LABELED ON TIPS ".NG) ARE NOT SIEOWN FOR CLARITY: 8) DAJIED LINES ARE GLCUUTED ONLY AND ARE NOT SURVEYED AT THIS TIME. ACREAGE DATA: TOTAL ACREAGE OF RESTORATION SYSTEM'S LANG UNDER GENERAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT (INCLUONG THE NEW 50' ACCE55 EASEMENT) - 22 ACRES BY COMPUTER TOTAL WRP RESTORATION ACREAGE TOR CONTRACT 1 AWO3G01 = 12 ACRES 9Y COMPUTER 1-1 AREA REPR- 11 IN A HAZARD -- cC -1 -1 O To Icon MAlEO AP N MBER(5) "'o 0200 B ZONE(5):A. DATED: MAY IS ANO 3]0111 0015 B ZONE(S): A6. DATED LINE 4, r Z: LEIFIS D.B. 1003. PG. 216 NC PIN 7971.03-M-5109 ? c LEGQID.. E6 - C,;w;,g v n -, c R 4 Tt? \p GI - F',.9 Iron P;pv NAIL - -'w numen(e.C Ci-6, ECM - EAhHng Loncrcle Mrnu „ent R/W - R'gnf-Ol-WOy B/C - BzA-Of-Curb SOU22'17'E NMC D 137 UP - Util;Ey Pole MB - Minimum Bo;fd?n9 L;nc dq. O/ P. vnf POP - E NMC Ed F ECRN - Eiisting Cmcre7r R/W M.:..nmen; CN - CneN j P \ rv EPK - fris NoR PIGS , Y S. t ITS - Iron PIPV 5ef (I' O.O) \ P ELM - EAlstin9 Concrete Monument ERRS - Eiipfinq Roilmod Spike \ NMC Co OR ol Comer . - TAwd Baok a. - Page NCDOi - Norm Cerolma Department oI Tmn.portol%on CMS = Cgnc c Masonry Unit NfSR A Carvlinn Secondnry Rnaa ;oA HWY - H R R()Di.e. BRG - Bverin9 UP U10, Pol. F F r FEMA - F ep I Cmergency A anagemenf Agency ¢ center ? \ NMC • Non MnnumenfM Comer ?w3 EOS - Edge of 5a1 NAPE. EXISTING 3D' ACCESS EASEMENT NMC ? Awf BATES Nt1SS 7 OF 7eOt.05-13-zAas - NMC Ness"'` 76917' N8555'S/E 538.5; WAIJCER EP 15' 50D'26'0 0'E 590 EIP 64166 . N.B. SSE 89E 2" \ 60.77' .;' RC NN 7961.0d-83-4834 a S, ii, N 7fl],? t1 'w n 4t423'? EP \ = pau.N R 6317 586'2935 GG o e. noe ' -- 586'Z9 35 NMC EXISTING \ :o o N ]c]1.oa 11-xot ; ` AXLE RESTORATION m "- -- - 586'29'35^N SYSTEMS, LLC ?\ \ c "Env 79 00 P . 1806 pmu1 a . - \ \ 11-2D]A ]q7 - UPN N NEW 50' ACCESS EASEMENT 'i \W - POO4kB® r ` 1»1 w HC wN A]1 aY12 xNSS N/F AAI L'ER A, . . NC PW 7961.00-92-2521 EXISTING $\V STREAM WITH 50'RI PRMIAN N e00@LLEW ]9t a 979 0 I ;o ? m R m m; 8 FF EP .0 NO o , x-zass b RECORD CORNER NORTHEASTERN MOSL FACT 6 m \ ': m NMC\' \`? y P.B. 3A, PG. 64 S342355E \ O 52' ^ IXIP ANC t MC N N FENCE POST NMC 318.64 ` NNC NMC "--589'30'S8'E RESTORATION SYSTEMS LAND UNDER GENERAL 8 CONSERVATION EASEMENT 7 99 ACRES h? `r . ' ti SUGGS fl P.B. 34. PG. 61 : 6, PG. Sf,:l 0.9. G5 ANDREWS IP5 E1S EP S8A'.6 s1•L N 9]1.^3 ..2]79 O.B. 993. PG. 20..4 NC PIN 7961.00-91-p27A SAN 1 ]4 8 REST TON MENS DRMEYORS L311ICAMMM LAND UNDER GENERAL _ GOKSCRJATON WEMEM Mnreye%p deeb:mer No attempt b made b 1 ` orste eny e..neterles, .eaondA, hozpreoMa ? .Ot ACRES BPS rwEedO sAee, underground WGl%ee e any oXfu leaturea abp.G or Ode. 9rouM other 1M \ S 4 n tide fha.n. P5 - 4setr 'Ndt tK ++N<y w d anatner cet.gely (Cad -n - Edam M). pMa1 d the . Ps •een?b;ncbon d d -g Panda a eo - d-d s4ANeY, a dNe- etteption to the 4' xr Rian d a t ? 4 OP Ir>s ? <o°J .. ?'3 NO YL r ?- 1 ./71P A RUDOI_PM . lKt vss -y al y o .ds eraw? una ?iry n Ho+? (en attic _ _ 117.61 f+ney ee vMer? rtpervnmi (xeo vuc.•Ip'+o? ree> Boot SEC. Pege$? ?" ??? ?-? J .e) :erne.), of d p•ecio^ wle.Aa:M q Er.R:.en and drtM.d n 9R101E =mot t^ 10 YXIa tI lne AiMMnda Z I?.... x= Aen :ew pb? v pM' romt,t;Pn a In BaoSEE. us ; ge X u.pe P•?area .donee +" J ,dd ' HAW RIVER ' .V, D.S. 47-30 d amended. Wtnesa my original .yrwtMre, reglstrattaP umber, pm seal b. I'm 6th day pf -.1 AD IQA7 A ?9 \2 . . \ ? RESTORATION SYSTEMS. LLC \U SEAL OR STAMP c?`? e?> HAW. GUILFORD COUNTY REFERENCE: MER R 7 P I O.B. 5 . G. 2261 ROCXIXGNPM CGIIXTY89 REFERENCE: r tit I S-y- L-4!94 r .•o?tN CARO?? r e D.B. tt PG. 2175 TI N % EIP ° , ',fr ? .`? ?.•:C F-SS((?I'••' ,e' , IP RECORD gl BRIDGE CORNER z SEAL n D.B. 970. I _ L-1194 ED Pc. 1252 ? ? 4u44 A. RU t•A`' RECORD CORNER 50UTHF7 N 5 2 2 D.6- 970G. . PG PG. . 1252 ?I DRAWN 6Y: FGR R E b ¦' , -0 5758 J5. 1hy. 70 Ed t SIDNE \SEE GEN. ?\ \ o NOTE 14 (NO \\\\ \ a RIPRARIAN BUFFER,\ \? \ \\\\????? NMC w / \ `. \ \ WRP RESTORATION ACREAGE \ 55? Ia FOR CONTRACT IT AW03001 \?\? \ \ A5? „Im t2 ACRES 56018581V?-wM? ?gN 9N 19577 ?\??? _53215 _ TAAYTON RICHARDSON 51_? - - SW4'OS'39'NA n NMG GUILFORD COUNTY REFERENCE- PG g NMC O.R. 5900. . 1609 RANG- COUNTY REFERENCE: 563'O6'04'W Y,AW RNER WITH D-B. 1162, PG. 2120 NAG 196 .07 50' RIPRARUN BUFFER ' 559'5140`W RICHARDSON 185.77' D.R. 2945 PG. 262 RESTORATION SYSTEMS, LLC GUILFORD COUNTY REFERENCE: O,P 59IY1 - , ROCIONCMAM COUNTY RQERENL:L: D.R. 1162, PG. 2116 SURVEY Fra RESTORATION SYSTEMS, LLC (HAW RIVER SITE) SIMPSONVILLE TOWNSH.P ROCKINGHAM COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA .TOO 150 0 JOG 600 9? GRAPHIC SCALE 7' = 300' a - rr, r m m t. 0) r rl m or. -1 C) qLJ v D<Omc mrmf C 005'606 N rn D<C - 4 o per - m rrn CA rn 1r Z u°, Z) ? rn Z1 o o Z o V/F ? ? 701 I \ ? On r, T K "o n m 0 m cn C O Z D ?l x X X Z y y ? , \ -1100 mz OO ?O f O Z Z Z O ? J C r- Om nm 0 G7 ? G7 n0 n _ 1 ?9 aim ZD 00 N m --I Z O Z X0 0 > m O? ? 0 v 1 . i.. n O , g s 000016 N ;0 z ;0 D Mm z m;u m r o ?rrn.mo ?.••. 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Sif r1 X- '?Y .- \ ?' 00011,6'- N u, a OOSll6 N 1 a ------------- I ' I ' I ,; - OOOZl6 N rt n m m m cn T o? m i Mzc cn D CAI m m (n N O l J n x v C m0 z F= __ 0- y0 n0 < z C/1 F, 44h W o 0 ° m?Z3?? 3 N oT f y, 19 o z N z_ oo v?m zz ? cn CD O o p ? o C z D z z " CL cc 0 W PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY 01 11 13 13 Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina Prepared for: SF P -- ,ry j11!?, Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Prepared by: EcoScience ECOSCIENCE CORPORATION 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604 Tel (919) 828-3433 Fax (919) 828-3518 August 2003 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) is currently developing wetland restoration strategies for the Piedmont physiographic region of the Cape Fear River Basin. As part of this effort, WRP has requested proposals (RFP) for full delivery wetland restoration sites within USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002 of the river basin. This 8-digit hydrologic unit supports a Category 1 classification by WRP, denoting watersheds that are high priority for wetland restoration work. Restoration Systems, a private sector mitigation company, is proposing wetland restoration plans for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the Site) designed specifically to assist WRP in fulfilling its restoration goals. The Site encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain located approximately 8 miles north of the Greensboro City limits, on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham Counties. EcoScience Corporation (ESC) has been contracted to design and implement a detailed wetland restoration plan. A draft detailed wetland restoration plan was submitted to Restoration Systems in August 2003, in which ESC stated that habitat for species listed as "Endangered" or "Threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) may occur within the Site. This report provides information regarding the federally protected species that are listed as "Threatened" or "Endangered" by the FWS in Guilford and Rockingham counties. "Endangered" status refers to "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range," and "Threatened" status is defined as "any species which is likely to become an Endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range" (16 U.S.C. 1532). Federally listed species with Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) status receive protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is listed as "Threatened" by the FWS in Guilford County. In Rockingham County, smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) and the James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) are listed as "Endangered" by the FWS. During field investigations, ESC identified two small areas of suitable habitat for smooth coneflower located on the Site in the form of upland fallow fields. ESC conducted a systematic plant by plant survey for smooth coneflower in August 2003 during which no smooth coneflower was found. METHODS Field surveys were conducted for smooth coneflower in August 2003. The systematic plant by plant survey was conducted by walking and visually searching for the plant within the two areas 1 identified on the Site as suitable for the smooth coneflower. Areas that did not meet the habitat criteria were discounted and not surveyed. The surveys were conducted by biologists Cord Faquin and Heather Saunders. Ms. Faquin is an ESC Project Scientist with 3 years of experience in the environmental field. Ms. Saunders is an ESC Project Scientist with 1 year of experience in the environmental field. FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Threatened Family: Accipitridae Date Listed: March 11, 1967 The bald eagle is a large raptor with a wingspan greater than 6 feet. Adult bald eagles are dark brown with a white head and tail. Immature eagles are brown with whitish mottling on the tail, belly, and wing linings. Bald eagles typically feed on fish but may also take birds and small mammals. In the Carolinas, nesting season extends from December through May (Potter et al. 1980). Bald eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near open water. Eagles forage over large bodies of water and utilize adjacent trees for perching (Hamel 1992). Disturbance activities within a primary zone extending 750 to 1500 feet from a nest tree are considered to result in unacceptable conditions for eagles (FWS 1987). The FWS recommends avoiding disturbance activities, including construction and tree-cutting within this primary zone. Within a secondary zone, extending from the primary zone boundary out to a distance of 1 mile from a nest tree, construction and land-clearing activities should be restricted to the non-nesting period. The FWS also recommends avoiding alteration of natural shorelines where bald eagles forage, and avoiding significant land-clearing activities within 1500 feet of known roosting sites. This Site is characterized by fallow agricultural fields, with limited riparian fringe. In addition, the nearest open water foraging habitat occurs more than 3.6 miles to the south of the Site, in Lake Townsend. Although the site has mature forest adjacent to its boundaries and may be subject to fly-overs during migration, no sightings of nests or individuals were noted during field investigations. In addition, the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records indicate that the nearest documented bald eagles are 7 miles southwest of the Site on Meads Fork. Therefore, work associated with this project may affect bald eagles; however, work is not likely to adversely affect bald eagles. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Endangered Family: Unionidae Date Listed: July 22, 1988 The James spinymussel is a small, subrhomboidal mussel, with an obliquely subtruncated posterior, that grows to approximately 1.5 inches in length. The external shell of the juveniles usually bears one to three short spines on each valve. The adult shells usually lack spines. 2 The shell is smooth, straw-colored to brownish-black, with widely spaced concentric striations. Preferred habitat of the spiny mussel includes relatively fast-flowing, well-oxygenated, circumneutral water over a silt-free, noncompacted, gravel/coarse sand substrate. Based on the FWS species recovery plan (FWS 1990), this spinymussel is only known from 10 streams within the James River basin in Virginia and West Virginia. In October 2000, an unidentified spinymussel was found in the Dan River (Roanoke River Basin) in Stokes County, during a survey conducted by personnel of the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT), the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMS). Spinymussels had not previously been identified within the Roanoke River basin. The mussels found in the Dan River have characteristics similar to the James spinymussel and the Tar spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansanna). Specimens of the recently found spinymussel are currently (as of April 2001) undergoing genetic analysis. The finding of this unidentified spinymussel has resulted in the FWS listing James spinymussel in North Carolina counties that include tributaries of the Roanoke River basin (as of the February 26, 2001 list). The Haw River, at the Site, is characterized by low velocity flows over sandy/silty substrate. Disturbance associated with upstream timber activities and a lack of deep rooted, stabilizing vegetation has resulted in a high silt content in the Haw River, and possibly elevated water temperatures, which may hinder the establishment of the James spinymussel. Habitat limitations, in combination with the limited range of the spinymussel (it is only known to occur in the James and Roanoke River Basins) indicate that the project will not likely adversely affect this species. NHP records indicate that no known occurrences of this species have been documented within 17 miles of the Site. Consequently, the proposed restoration will have no effect on the James spinymussel. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Smooth coneflower (Echinacea Laevigata) Endangered Family: Asteraceae Date Listed: October 8, 1992 Smooth conef lower is a stiffly erect, rarely branched perennial that grows up to 5 feet tall. Basal and stem leaves are large, glabrous, lanceolate to narrowly ovate blades reaching 3 inches in length. This coneflower blooms from late May to July, producing solitary, heads of small purplish disk flowers with long drooping pink to purplish ray flowers (Kral 1983). Smooth coneflower grows in dry, calcareous, basic, or circumneutral soils on road sides, clear cuts, and power line right-of-ways where there is abundant light and little herbaceous competition. Fire-maintained woodlands also appear to provide potential habitat for the coneflower. Shading of road sides by adjacent forest trees and routine mowing reduce the suitability of road sides within the study corridor for this species 3 The Site is characterized by fallow agricultural fields, with limited riparian fringe. Suitable habitat for smooth coneflower does exist on the Site in the form of upland fallow fields. However, these areas have abundant weedy and competitive species and are periodically flooded. Systematic plant-by-plant surveys were conducted in August 2003 within on-site areas that support smooth coneflower habitat and no smooth coneflower was found. In addition, the NHP documents the nearest smooth coneflower population to be located 20 miles north of the Site, in Virginia. Consequently, the proposed restoration activities may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect smooth conef lower. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT 4 REFERENCES Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 1987. Habitat Management Guidelines for the Bald Eagle in the Southeast Region. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 8 pp. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 1990. James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Recovery Plan. U.S. Department of the Interior, Annapolis Field Office (Region 5). Annapolis, MD. 35 pp. Gaddy, L.L. 1991. The status of Echinacea /aevigata N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR): Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Hamel, P.B. 1992. Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp. Kral, R. 1983. A Report on Some Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Forest-related Vascular Plants of the South. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Technical Publication R8J-TP 2. 1305 pp. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp. 5 3 I AT Q? Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Alan W. Klimek, P. E. Director Division of Water Quality Coleen H. Sullins, Deputy Director Division of Water Quality July 3, 2004 DWQ Project # 03-1133 Guilford and Rockingham Counties Page 1 of 3 Mr. John Preyer Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street Suite 107 Raleigh, NC 27604 Subject Property: Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Approval of 401 Water Quality Certification with Additional Conditions Dear Mr. Prey( : You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to place fill within or otherwise impact 980 feet of streams for the purpose of restoring wetlands at the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration site at the subject property, as described within your application dated September 5, 2003 and revised on May 3, 2004 and received by the N.C. Division of Water Quality (DWQ) on May 3, 2004. After reviewing your application, we have decided that the impacts are covered by General Water Quality Certification Number 3399. The Certification(s) allows you to use Nationwide Permit 27 when issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). In addition, you should obtain or otherwise comply with any other required federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Erosion and Sediment Control and Non-discharge regulations. Also, this approval to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in your application shall expire upon expiration of the 404 or LAMA Permit. .......... .... This approval is for the purpose and design that you'described in your application. If You dhange your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new application. If the property is sold, the new owner must.be given a copy of this Certification and approval letter and is thereby responsible for complying with all conditions. If total fills for this project (now or in the future) exceed one acre of wetland or 150 linear feet of stream, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H.0506 (h). This approval requires you to follow the conditions listed in the attached certification and any additional conditions listed below. N. C. Division of Water Quality, 401 Wetlands Certification Unit, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1650 (Mailing Address) 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604-2260 (Location) (919) 733-1786 (phone), 919-733-6893 (fax), (htto://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands) MEN Mr. John Preyer:? Page 2 of 3 July 3, 2004: The Additional Conditions of the Certification are: 1. Impacts Approved The following impacts are hereby approved as long as all of the other specific and general conditions of this Certification (or Isolated Wetland Permit) are met. No other impacts are approved including incidental impacts: Amount Approved (Units) Plan Location or Reference Stream 980 (feet) Restoration site 2. Erosion & Sediment Control Practices Erosion and sediment control practices must be in full compliance with all specifications governing the proper design, installation and operation and maintenance of such Best Management Practices in order to protect surface waters standards: a. The erosion and sediment control measures for the project must be designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Planning and Design Manual. b. The design, installation; operation, and maintenance of the sediment and erosion control measures must be such that they equal, or exceed, the requirements specified in the most recent version of the North Carolina Sediment and Erosion Control Manual. The devices shall be maintained on all construction sites, borrow sites, and waste pile (spoil) projects, including contractor-owned or leased borrow pits associated with the project. c. For borrow pit sites, the erosion and sediment control measures must be designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the most recent version of the North Carolina Surface Mining Manual. d. The reclamation measures and implementation must comply with the reclamation in accordance with the requirements of the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act. 3. No Waste, Spoil, Solids, or Fill of Any Kind No waste; spoih -solids, or fill of any kind shall occur in wetlands, waters, or -riparian areas beyond the footprint of the impacts depicted in the Pre-Construction Notification. All construction activities, including the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of sediment and erosion control Best Management Practices, shall be performed so that no violations of state water quality standards, statutes, or rules occur. 4. No Sediment & Erosion Control Measures w/n Wetlands or Waters Sediment and erosion control measures shall not be placed in wetlands or waters to the maximum extent practicable. If placement of sediment and erosion control devices in wetlands and waters is unavoidable, they shall be removed and the natural grade restored Mr. John Preyer: Page 3 of 3 July 3, 2004: within six months of the date that the Division of Land Resources has released the project. 5. Certificate of Completion Upon completion of all work approved within the 401 Water Quality Certification or applicable Buffer Rules, and any subsequent modifications, the applicant is required to return the attached certificate of completion to the 401/Wetlands Unit, North Carolina Division of Water Quality, 1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1650. Violations of any condition herein set forth may result in revocation of this Certification and may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. The authorization to proceed with your proposed impacts or to conduct impacts to waters as depicted in your application and as authorized by this Certification, shall expire upon expiration of the 404 or CAMA Permit. If you do not accept any of the conditions of this Certification (associated with the approved wetland or stream impacts), you may ask for an adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing, send a written petition, which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General. Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, 6714 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 2769916714. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing. This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone Cyndi Karoly in the Central Office in Raleigh at 919-733-9721 or Daryl Lamb in the DWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office at 336- 771-4600. Sincerely, W mek, P.E. AWKljrd Enclosures: GC 3399 Certificate of Completion cc: Todd Tugwell, USACE Raleigh Regulatory Field Office Daryl Lamb, DWQ Winston-Salem Regional Office DLR Winston-Salem Regional Office File Copy Central Files Jerry McCrain; EcoScience Corp., 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27604 Filename: 031133HawRiverMitigation(Guilford)401 Haw River 401 Certification Status, DWQ Project # 031133 Subject: Haw River 401 Certification Status, DWQ Project # 031133 From: "Dave Schiller" <dave@restorationsystems.com> Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 14:19:02 -0400 40"1 To: <cyndi.karoly@ncmail.net> Cyndi, am sending this note to request the status of the Certification for the subject project. On May 3, we transmitted a Revised Detailed Mitigation Plan to you that addressed the comments/questions you provided to Restoration Systems in your letter of September 15, 2003 to George Howard. That letter was apparently written by Todd St. John prior to his leaving DWQ. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 755-9490. Dave Schiller PS: A nice presentation you and the others did in Salisbury last week. A very thorough overview of the whole spectrum of DWQ permitting issues. ;xv__c ? S-S 1 of 1 6/21/04 2:30 PM 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 6'j? I , a te DRAFT DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES Prepared for: SEP ° 5 2003 N T O c SECTIO Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 203 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Prepared by: EcoScience EcoScience Corporation 1100 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 AUGUST 2003 1 i 1 1 1 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 2.0 METHODS ......................................................................................................................4 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ................................................................................................ 7 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use ........................................................... 7 3.2 Soils .................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands ...................................................................................... 13 3.4 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 16 3.5 Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 19 3.5.1 Surface Water (Streams) ....................................................................... 19 3.5.2 Groundwater .......................................................................................... 20 3.6 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 21 3.7 Wildlife .............................................................................................................. 25 3.8 Regional Corridors and Adjacent Natural Areas ................................................ 26 3.9 Protected Species ............................................................................................. 26 4.0 WETLAND RESTORATION STUDIES ......................................................................... 28 4.1 Surface Water Analysis ..................................................................................... 28 4.2 Reference Plant Communities ........................................................................... 28 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography ........................................... 29 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN ............................................................................... 33 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration ........................................................... 33 5.1 .1 Ditch Plugs ............................................................................................ 33 5.1 .2 Ditch Backfilling ..................................................................................... 33 5.1 .3 Backwater Slough Construction ............................................................. 33 5.1 .4 Ephemeral Pool Construction ................................................................ 35 5.1 .5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure ......................................................... 35 5.1 .6 River Levee Removal ............................................................................ 35 5.1 .7 Midway Creek Diversion ........................................................................ 35 5.1 .8 Southern Tributary Diversion ................................................................. 36 5.1 .9 Wetland Surface Scarification ................................................................ 36 5.1 .10 Woody Debris Deposition ...................................................................... 36 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration .............................................................. 37 6.0 MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................................... 43 6.1 Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 43 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria ............................................................................... 43 6.3 Vegetation ......................................................................................................... 45 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria .............................................................................. 46 fl u ................................................................................... 1 6.5 Contingency ................... 46 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal .............................................................................. 47 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS .................................................................................. 48 8.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 50 9.0 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................. 52 1 1 1 f I 1 1 1 1 1 t LIST OF FIGURES Paqe Figure 1 Site Location ....................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2 2003 Aerial Photograph ....................................................................................... 5 Figure 3 USGS Sub-Basin 8-Digit Hydro Unit .................................................................... 8 Figure 4 Watershed Boundaries and Regional Corridors .................................................. 9 Figure 5 Watershed Land-Use ........................................................................................ 10 Figure 6 Physiography, Topography, Land-use ............................................................... 11 Figure 7 Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Mapping ...................................... 14 Figure 8 Hydric / Non-Hydric Soil Boundary Determination ............................................. 15 Figure 9 Approximated Jurisdictional Boundaries and PC Cropland ................................ 17 Figure 10 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 18 Figure 11 Representative Groundwater Contour Maps (A-B) ........................................22,23 Figure 12 Reference Site: Plan View and Cross-Section ................................................... 31 Figure 13 Wetland Restoration Plan .................................................................................. 34 Figure 14 Target Landscape Ecosystem ........................................................................... 38 Figure 15 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 39 Figure 16 Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................. 44 Figure 17 Restoration Design Units ................................................................................... 49 LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1 Representative Groundwater Elevations ........................................................... 24 Table 2 Reference Forest Plot Summary (Bottomland Hardwood Forest) ...................... 30 Table 3 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 41 iv 1 t DRAFT DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES 1.0 INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) is currently developing wetland restoration strategies for the Piedmont physiographic region of the Cape Fear River Basin. As part of this effort, WRP has requested proposals (RFP) for full delivery wetland restoration within USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002 of the river basin. This 8-digit hydrologic unit supports a Category 1 classification by WRP, denoting watersheds that are high priority for wetland restoration work. Restoration Systems, a private sector mitigation company is proposing wetland restoration plans for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the Site) designed specifically to assist WRP in fulfilling its restoration goals. The Site encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain located approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham Counties (Figure 1). 1 The Site is positioned primarily within the floodplain of the Haw River and alluvial fans associated. with tributaries of the Haw. The floodplain has been ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. On-site streams have been dredged, re-routed, and straightened to further impede surface water impacts to alternate land uses. The Site offers opportunities for riverine (stream side) wetland and buffer restoration and enhancement, with benefits to water quality and wildlife in a rapidly developing watershed. The objectives of this wetland restoration plan include the following: 1. Removal of agricultural activities from the floodplain and banks of the Haw River. ' 2. Removal of the Site from potential land uses associated with encroaching urbanization. 3. Increase flood storage potential within the Cape Fear Basin. 4. Provide floodplain surfaces to the Haw River for natural redevelopment of geomophological processes. 5. Re-establish anastomosed stream channels and Piedmont Swamp and Bottomland forest communities within the floodplain ecosystem. 6. Intercept and assimilate nutrient and sediment laden run-off from adjacent and upstream watersheds. ' 7. Assist in establishing a continuous wetland bio-reserve (corridor) between Cone and Benaja Swamps and the adjacent bottomland ecosytems. After implementation, the Site is expected to support approximately 34.9 acres of restored riverine wetlands and approximately 2.1 acres of enhanced riverine wetlands. Enhancement activities will also be undertaken along the Haw River through levee and riparian 1 I 1 l I 1 Reidsville `. tJ Rockingham County' NC Highway 158 C Midway,,. Site Locatio r;' .. Tullford County Rockingham County G u lfordd Eount 1 11'?, ,',`., '., 1 ?•r i Micwrfay '` ,. -?,: •;;j , -1tiJ•? ,?? NC Hight r$ M7dl?dy ..`. ?- f ,• -`?\ ,: ,',, J i %i'.` f' ?1 ?../? Y V Jiff ? ' It Sanoy-Ci'cS d f ?r ? ?.,,'; i1LW, f ?`? l ? : V I\ '`-- J fx\+?• k?" '.. 1,(1?'j ( '?I ?` ` •v ?`j1 Si ?` ...?->J 1 00'i -Ir M i , i /.%? l 1 f 1 •'' !jY'?, t\.. .\ . `? J ?; !? ?L r? r j 1 I V /y -?? j `?'% r , *g gas. r', / `?°°? I _ • ?? / )(? % Ji /r 1 - _ J r SJ? t r + /r? ?1 1 ) ?`\.\? :, JiJ !? tl `, i f J C ) t _, J lo I j?e J, J 1 7 C d Site Location Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina EcoScience DATE: ESC # June 2003 03-148 SCALE: DWN BY: As Shown CKD BY:, FIGURE 1 ' forest buffer planting. Upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland ' management areas. Currently, 12 acres of riverine wetland restoration are proposed for use by WRP as identified in the RFP response #16-AW3001. The 12 acres of restoration is defined in the easement boundary included in Appendix A. The additional wetland restoration acreage is available for use as future compensatory mitigation. This document represents a detailed plan designed to facilitate implementation and success of riverine wetland restoration. The plan includes: 1) descriptions of existing conditions, 2) wetland restoration studies (including groundwater and surface water analyses), 3) reference wetland ecosystem investigations, 4) a restoration design plan, and 5) a proposed monitoring plan. Upon approval of this plan, construction activities will be implemented as outlined in the following text. 1 1 1 t 1 t 2.0 METHODS Natural resource information was obtained from available sources including USGS topographic mapping (Lake Brandt and Bethany), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS [formerly the Soil Conservation Service]) soils mapping for Guilford and Rockingham Counties (USDA 1977 and USDA 1992), and corrected aerial infrared orthophotos and topographic maps including topographic point and contour data (1-foot intervals) (Figure 2). Topographic mapping served as base mapping for field efforts and subsequent restoration activities. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) data base was consulted for the presence of protected species and designated natural areas near the Site. A listing of Federally-protected species whose ranges extend into Guilford and Rockingham counties were also obtained from the FWS (January 31, 2003). State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) records were reviewed for the presence of significant cultural resources in the Site vicinity. Characteristic and historic natural community patterns were sampled and classified according to Schafale's and Weakley's "Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina" (1990). EcoScience Corporation (ESC) began preliminary site work in February 2001, at the direction of Restoration Systems. Detailed field investigations were performed by ESC personnel from early May to mid-June 2003 and included hydrological measurements (surface and sub-surface), soil surveys, and mapping of on-site resources. Project scientists evaluated hydrology, vegetation, and soil parameters to determine the wetland potential of the Site. Existing plant communities were delineated, mapped, and described by structure and composition. t F1 1 NRCS soil mapping was used to identify hydric soil boundaries and to predict (target) biological diversity prior to human disturbances. NRCS soil map units were ground truthed by a licensed soil scientist to verify existing soil mapping units and to map inclusions and taxadjunct areas. A taxadjunct area contains soils which cannot be classified in a series recognized in the classification system. Such soils are named for a series they resemble and are designated as taxadjuncts to that series. Hydrologic conditions were characterized by the following activities: 1) excavation of a series of soil borings; 2) installation of 12 piezometers; 3) collection of periodic water level measurements; 4) analysis of surface water profiles along drainageways; 5) development of a groundwater contour map; 5) analysis of groundwater elevations through the use of on-site groundwater monitoring piezometers; and 7) on-going flood frequency analyses (HEC-RAS) along the Haw River, incoming tributaries, and on-site ditches. Floodplain analyses were performed for the Haw River and parallel ditch to predict flood extents both on- and off-site for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-year storm events. The analyses utilized existing and proposed stream geometries along with a HEC-RAS model. The extent of flooding was performed primarily to determine the potential for riverine wetland restoration on- site and to verify that there would not be any negative impacts off-site. The model was also used to verify that the road (Church Street) would not have any additional flooding due to the proposed design. 4 rr rr r r r r r r r rr ?r r rr rr r r s rr rs N' O O 0 o r;. o o - N „s y tY a Y 76%L. rt?- ia!F 4? Field survey information was platted and compiled on 1-foot contour mapping and analyzed to evaluate the Site under existing conditions. Based on field investigations and data analyses, a wetland restoration and enhancement plan has been developed for WRP and agency review and approval prior to implementation. 1 t i ? 6 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use The Site is located within the Northern Inner Piedmont ecoregion of North Carolina (Griffith and Omernick 2000). This ecoregion consists of dissected irregular plains, low to high hills, ridges, isolated monadnocks and low to moderate gradient streams with mostly cobble, gravel, and sandy substrates (Griffith et al. 2002). The Site watershed is located in the upper reaches of the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002) (Figure 3). This region of the watershed extends from points immediately west of Greensboro east to Morrisville. The Site is located along the border of Rockingham and Guilford Counties approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits and two miles south of N.C. Highway 158 and the Midway Crossroads. The Site comprises approximately 49.5 acres of a broad Piedmont floodplain and groundwater side slopes, immediately below the confluence of the Haw River and Mears Creek. Approximately 2000 linear feet of the Haw River flow through and adjacent to the Site in a west to east direction. Topography within most of the Site is nearly level with an elevation range between 696 feet and 700 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). Upland slopes in the northern portion of the property extend to approximately 745 feet NGVD. At the Site outfall, the Haw River supports a primary watershed of approximately 52.7 square miles. The Site is dissected by two perennial and one intermittent tributaries flowing into the Haw River (Figure 4). These secondary watersheds support drainage areas of approximately 1.4, 0.9 and 0.1 square miles. The on-site canal was constructed along the toe of slope to intercept stormwater and groundwater flow from a 0.12 square mile area west (upstream) of the Site and from groundwater slopes immediately adjacent to the Site along the northern boundary (<0.1 square miles). Land-use in the upstream watershed is currently comprised of primarily forest and agricultural land (Figure 5). Based on Geographical Information System (GIS) data (EASC 1997), forests and agriculture occupy approximately 65 percent and 32 percent of the land area respectively. Based on field reconnaissance, low-density residential development is expanding into the area. Increased commercial and residential development pressures from suburban sprawl associated with the growth of Greensboro and the region are anticipated in the next decade. Therefore, associated watersheds, including areas surrounding the Site, are expected to undergo significant land-use changes to more urban, residential, infrastructural, and commercial conditions. Site land-use is pasture and agricultural corn production, with the last and final harvest being in the previous year. Site photos taken during a high-flow event in early Spring 2003 and photos taken during field work (June 2003) are shown in Appendix B. The Site has been subdivided into four primary physiographic units for restoration planning purposes: 1) river levee, 2) primary floodplain, 3) secondary floodplain, and 4) groundwater slopes (Figure 6). The primary variables used to segregate the physographic landscape units include land slope, groundwater flow characteristics, soil features, and the primary hydrologic influence on historic wetlard function. 7 ? sr r s so s sm sly r r sr m m m m r r r r N I i 0 r' I it 1 t X C a L fi: ?t? 11 14A v 1 i r i I I 1 i r , R?- S? .S p I 1 r m w cn 03 c> w o cn oW 00 w Z Z c oD pD p ? p p U) AZ :U :Q r _ l- { i i i n d O p cn z m = p co Z C C7 G7 (n z Gi > ?OQIC 0, c Cn-OI-mi?? 0 ?r>;u ? r W CD U o O ?G?j C) m?D? - - v -tet `I co C/) z Z Z O D r. 0 0 z r t J rl O `F ti i t ?r i a? t ?I Irv + CD 1 Z_ 0 r' \;\ I T''j ?.TZ i \ M m i Mr m r rs ??! r m r r m? m@am ? N O i N L7 O 13 c ° c p !. o f7 m 0 1 y _ CD CL a ? 1 u, O' = .•r 1 - I a 1 1 7 ? 1 -------------------- ----J------------------------. J cu CD CL I < CL K:] t Q :c m y N A ,-- -T- -M ;o Z\ I ? 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Z n Z C? n CO O v; ? m m O n O z n n A cn ? ;a O < D - X Z -A z D r X D m O O O O O C C n n z r y D Z Z 1 m O Z m 1 ;? ? 1 W Oy ? zyc ? yC , x i?.cn ;:o m O rn m z <O 0 A { m D m C m m Z O m zJ m r O 0 r O O 0 r m r m r Z r) k z m N I I ) m z Dn = 000216 N OD Z?= zn O z D e. , x C, C_ C_ i F cr) m zC) C) no m?DDm m z °°Z -iz -v< ?-+ C 19 N o ;z° O° V)O s 0 cn . z z w a ° (A 1 m A • / I C/) V r / O V ? ? Ir n t. C - >1y W ?I W.. N f I „, t ? f( ' ---fir ' cn \\ i.l • 37??<<? i A,, - m .I- ?. . rn el r 1 ?G G --- -- -- ----------- -- -- : .I=..-------± T' 000116 .N ,1' i j i ------------------------- p 4 i l? ! 00.9116 N f w ?' . - 3E River Levee River levees are represented by an approximately 3.5-acre, linear band along the banks of the Haw River (Figure 6). The physiographic area extends intermittently along an approximately 1000-foot reach of the Haw River, varying in width from approximately 75 feet to less than 20 feet. Under historic conditions, the river levee represented slightly elevated, upland habitat influenced by the frequent deposition of coarse, sandy alluvium during river floods. Groundwater flow in the area is characterized by relatively rapid, lateral to radial interflow towards the river channel, inducing well-drained conditions throughout a large majority of the year. Based on reference stream reaches, natural river levees are elevated approximately 1 to 3 feet above the adjacent floodplain, with intermittent openings residing at lower elevations. Prior to 1959, the Haw River was dredged, straightened, and much of the existing levee graded with the surrounding floodplain. Under historic conditions, the river levee is expected to have supported Coastal Plain levee forest communities (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Primary Floodplain The primary river floodplain encompasses approximately 29.9 acres located in central portions of the Site (Figure 6). The floodplain historically supported frequent overbank flooding (estimated at an approximate, 1.5-year return interval) and was periodically re-worked by alluvial processes and periodic, short term inundation/saturation. Groundwater flow is dominated by vertical to semi-radial recharge with episodic lateral discharge and surficial expression of groundwater occurring within seepage areas and ponding in depressional, backwater sloughs located at the outer edge of the floodplain. Intermittent stream flows in the vicinity of seeps have been observed disappearing and reappearing in localized portions of forested reference sites along upper reaches of the Haw River. Under historic conditions, natural communities are expected to include Piedmont bottomland forest and oval to linear pockets of Piedmont swamp forest in the vicinity of seepages and sloughs (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The Haw River was dredged and a drainage canal with associated drainage network installed to facilitate agriculture production within the floodplain. Many of the primary floodplain and associated riverine wetland functions (energy dissipation, flood storage, habitat, etc.) have been modified in this physiographic area through river and floodplain alterations. Secondary Floodplain The secondary floodplain (9.4 acres) represents relatively flat to gently sloping, alluvial fans associated with two tributaries of the Haw River (Figure 6). This area represents depositional alluvial debris cones as a consequence of long-term bedload transport into the larger Haw River valley. Groundwater flow is expected to exhibit primarily unidirectional accelerated flow towards the primary floodplain. Discharge from adjacent groundwater slopes into the secondary floodplain may provide sustained surface water expression throughout the year, potentially supporting various intermittent and perennial channels and ponded areas. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by bottomland hardwood or mesic mixed hardwood forests (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The secondary floodplain is dissected by Midway Creek to the north and an unnamed tributary to the south. Both Midway Creek and the unnamed tributary historically supported auxiliary overbank flows from 0.9 and 1.4 square mile secondary watersheds, respectively. However, 12 these tributaries have been diverted into approximately 2000 linear feet of ditches circumventing the Site (Figure 6). The ditches were installed to facilitate agricultural production and to quickly convey water from the secondary watershed through the Site. The constructed drainage network provides direct connectivity of surface waters to the Haw River effectively bypassing land surfaces and potential floodplain functions on the Site. Groundwater (Upland) Slopes Upland slopes, occupying approximately 5.8 acres of the Site, are situated primarily along the northern valley wall and include the base of moderately sloped escarpments that rise above the floodplain floor (Figure 6). Under historic conditions, these slopes are expected to exhibit uni- directional overland flow and accelerated radial to lateral groundwater flow towards the floodplain. This physiographic area is currently dominated by early successional plant communities. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by various upland plant communities including mesic mixed hardwood and dry-oak hickory forest (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). 3.2 Soils Determination of soil types within the Site are based on NRCS soil survey mapping for Guilford and Rockingham counties (USDA 1977, 1992) and soils mapping of existing conditions determined by ESC at the Site. Based on NRCS soil survey mapping, soil types within the Site include Chewacla loam, Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam (Figure 7). On-site verification and ground-truthing of NRCS map units within the floodplain identified three soil types including Congaree, Chewacla, and Wehadkee. Based on NRCS documents (NRCS unpublished), Wehadkee soils are considered hydric within both Guilford and Rockingham counties. Chewacla and Congaree are non-hydric map units but have hydric inclusions of the Wehadkee soil type. Hydric and non-hydric soil boundaries were determined in the field and are shown in Figure 8. Approximately 36.6 acres of hydric soil have been identified on-site. Chewacla, Congaree, and Wehadkee soils are part of a general map unit of soils typically found in large floodplains. These soils are nearly level, deep, well drained to poorly drained soils depending on their respective relationship with the landscape and the seasonal high water table. Most of the Site occurs within the floodplain of the Haw River and the hydric Wehadkee soils are the dominant soil type throughout the Site. All three soils are frequently flooded during the winter and spring (USDA 1977, 1992). Upland soils on groundwater slopes include Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam. These series comprise approximately 5 acres of the Site and exhibit well drained conditions. Ecotones between upland and floodplain (hydric) soils are among the most diverse and productive environments for wildlife (Brinson of al. 1981). 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands Jurisdictional wetlands are defined using the criteria set forth in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (DOA 1987). The wetland determination in non prior-converted cropland areas was supplemented by groundwater data near ditches and the canal. Based on 13 '.137 ? ..- ? I 1 ??J(? Val pc0 1 Ol n ?? C 1B., "f kF - I \ air W / Vn -??-PcE7t: ,? CdP' CdB2 WkF v\ ,..1137 Wk: Ck ® PcD2 L / PcE2 . \ 1 Ike aD rAPc02 ?PCE2 f: it >. . Hw8 ' WkC O? Ca92 Site \ Pcn2 c,:R„ / P.02 \ j Boundary Pc D2 {{{ ( .; k PcD: ? 1 \ FcD"I. \ Hw8 -? r n2 I I ?? Ml 1t PW2 - ? F4'vB Ck ,ev WP??G• ?? /,? }1wf3 MDD2 ''cD2 rr CkfCk PcDl We taE / t3 Ck o?? \ k - o j MW Wh. 'Ch MD07 MhD2 [lll• o e •~' '?•( - - j' /I rdav f ?• - ` ?f1 Mac I'd .. ? ' 1• '' .• y'„/ / / _ ? , ?r?' F- oTlfT / w fl CeB2 A rel V ? - t 411+1 , ! ? I j •r ?/' v ' / WkE LEGEND 87 ?... _ ,. J / CcD Cecil sandy loam c`c ?. 10-15% slopes - .I •H Ch Chewacla sandy loam Map 141:f1 Ck Chewacla loam ) w,FZ 0 2coo i;. HwB Hiwassee loam 1:zo.ooo 1 2-8% slopes ,? /•"' Source: 1977 USDA-SCS Sol' Survey. Guilford CNC } 1992 USDA-SCS Sol. Survey, Rockinghem Co_ NC Own. by: MAF FIGURE .. , , NRCS SOIL MAPPING Ckd by JG Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site \'C+1 .-, Carol,ra GU lford Rockin ham Cc' -+;e S Date: JUN 2003 Raleigh. North Carolina g _ . ?ro ect 03-148 r ?r r? ?r ar rs a. rs ?r rr rri ?r r¦? ?r r rr rr ?r r mmli ' NI S• t ? - n ° v cn 1 o n m p 0 o r: c? D ;oWZ.? ?00,c cn?mN? y?'-? 'mac c? n ?QZp nc Q?? Vc o o C n? Z3.(D o r D - v r, W ZZO 0FsQ m?D?< o ? N D n °' O '? J rr °o Z Z round-truthin9 and groundwater data, approximately 2.0 acres of jurisdictional wetlands were g identified within the Site. Figure 9 depicts the approximate location of existing jurisdictional wetlands. I' NRCS records indicate that farmed portions of the Site are designated as prior-converted (PC) cropland. A PC cropland is a wetland which was both manipulated and cropped prior to December 23, 1985 to the extent that it no longer exhibits important wetland functions (Section 512.15 of the National Food Security Act Manual, August 1988). PC cropland is not subject to regulation under the jurisdiction of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Approximately 36.3 acres of PC cropland occur within the Site boundary (Figure 9). 3.4 Plant Communities Distribution and composition of plant communities reflect landscape-level variations in topography, soils, hydrology, and past or present land-use practices. Five distinct plant communities were identified within the Site including fallow cropland, hay pasture, streambank/ _ ditchside, early successional, and freshwater marsh (Figure 10). The Site is dominated by land in agricultural production (23.8 acres) that was most recently used for corn production. Stalks of the last crop remain standing in portions of the Site. The 1 fields have been left to succession for two growing seasons, and bottomland hardwood species such as sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), sweetgum (Liquidambar styracif/ua), and red maple (Acer rubrum) have begun to emerge. Emergent wetland species, including sedges (Carex spp.) and soft rush (Juncus effuses), currently dominate this community. ' Hay pasture (12.7 acres) occurs along the northwest boundary and within a large area in the northeast portion of the Site. The hay pasture community is dominated by fescue (Festuca sp.) and various other grasses and forbs, such as goldenrod (Solidago sp.), violet (Viola sp.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), chickweed (Stellaria media), and wild onion (Allium canadense). A streambank/ditch-side community (7.4 acres) occurs within buffer areas adjacent to the Haw River, the canal, and perimeter ditches within the Site. The overstory is dominated by sweetgum, red maple, green ash, and sycamore. Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes canopy species as well as greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), blackberry (Rubus sp.), grape (Vitis sp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). ' An early successional community (4.0 acres) of young trees, shrubs and briers occurs on the upland side slope along northern Site boundary. Trees found in this community include black cherry (Prunus serotina), red maple and various oaks (Quercus spp.). Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes greenbrier Japanese honeysuckle, blackberry, grape, and poison ivy. A freshwater marsh community (1.6 acres) occurs along the north-central portion of the Site, in an area not designated as PC cropland. The community is dominated by numerous emergent 16 I ? F I 1 CD 1 lI ? i ? ^ o ° g m m (/l - m to 0 m x x o x z D Wp ?O N O p b m 0 ? 0 z 0 p z 0 M 0 o o m o 0 z ?m m00 A o ? m O O 0 z m b c m O ? 0 z r c X o y Z A Z n ?N m ? o 0 n r g 0 z o W (?+ N O W O ? I+ I+ --------- - - - T 1 I 60' ACCESS EASEMENT_ it e 5 1'? , . .. { m z ?? t { X m ?; ;' ? 000OL6 N i m i -' i m? f d i 00 SQL6`.N 00 A N oo? I A lo. U? s-. _I?i ? J ?, • ?OOSll6 N \\ r ! `r L? e t ? ` + vI f OOOZL6 N J r` m Vl (7 0 N n o n r, F i m O c- c- o c o 0 A ; m ?- a c m U z W p O cc o 0 L ? ? m v n OC? Zcnm Z° ?o = °zc ?? D 10 ?m am nrrl n vvo 0DnX m o -O-rID (nO s D m ? a Z 0 OD z> -- -?z?< 00 zzo p?7 m cn0 z vo> o DN z 70 z w `? ¦r w w? w w r r r ?r r w? w w w¦? w r w - I M m (n m V7 L< (n -i ? N A M x V7 -? 0 g T O p m D O Z x L n A m m r z 0 1 0 A n o A n o ? o C A i m O C z 0 m IE Il; I m -0 m -q cn A D yD D 1 m v 70 r V) i c n m m n D n Z m O L L r LD N Z n = o N 0 0 m _ v a v C) (r Q? V O Qp ? A It I+ + I+ I+ I+ 1n ?i , r ?, c --_ - - I -C) ?? V) R1 >> ," ? I a, - -- ! --- - -- - - - r---' j -- Z 00001E I t ?\ `h ?jj C -lr---- ---- -------L-----------------? - z r i; 5011 1 \ I 000,116 N ? \? _ ?? ?\\?\\ k {fie I r, I ,?(/ l L ? i_ ? 1 Ik!y ,?? 'II --------------------- ------ ------ --------? f I1 -- ? I - - --- ?I OOSll6 N ,F I L ? f y\? lJ?, , I ? ? f s --?---------- ?-- 000,716 N j I in n ? n o_ ? c m o ? m ' 0 C- -9 a c o ® M ? C m c - z cr N o o K Oo O w y D ^ - A v o _ i T . o n CZ z a mDm mO o 0 r) ? opz -IZ?? o r- C ° m fA m z Z 0 Q D z z ,! v m 1I and aquatic species. The community is distinguished by continually flooded conditions and small areas of open water habitat. 3.5 Hydrology The hydrophysiographic region consists of relatively flat, Piedmont floodplain environments characterized by moderate rainfall (USDA 1992). This region is characterized by moderately high rainfall with precipitation averaging approximately 42 inches per year (USDA 1977, 1992), with peak annual precipitation events typically occurring in the summer months. 3.5.1 Surface Water (Streams) Historically, the Site sustained surface water hydrology from five primary sources: the Haw River, Midway Creek, two unnamed tributaries of the Haw River, and surface expression of groundwater from adjacent slopes (Figure 4 and Figure 6). Haw River The Site abuts an approximately 2000-foot reach of the Haw River (Figure 6). The Haw River supports a primary watershed of approximately 52.7 square miles at the Site outfall. The associated floodplain averages approximately 1300 feet in width and supports a valley slope of ' approximately 0.0014 rise/run or 0.14 percent. The watershed supports agricultural land (32 percent), forested land (65 percent), and less than one percent residential development (based on 1993 GIS mapping). However, commercial, industrial, and residential development is expected to expand in the watershed over the next several decades due to urban sprawl associated with the City of Greensboro. Primarily in the first half of the twentieth century, large sections of streams in the Haw River watershed, including the Haw River, were channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve 1 agricultural drainage. Currently, the on-site channel supports a bankfull width of approximately 35 feet, an average depth of 3.5 feet, and a cross-sectional area of approximately 130 square feet (maximum depth of 5.0 feet) (Appendix C). Appendix D provides model results that predict the Haw River discharge and flood elevations for the 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year storm (Section 4.1). Midway Creek Midway Creek enters the Site from the north and represents a second-order stream supporting an approximately 0.9 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land use is similar to conditions found in the Haw River watershed including an approximately 50 percent land conversion rate for agriculture. A majority of Midway Creek has been channelized and moved to the edge of the valley to facilitate livestock and agricultural production. The on-site reach of Midway Creek includes approximately 650 linear feet of channel, entering the northernmost portion of the Site, crossing the valley perpendicular to the slope, and exiting the Site along the eastern boundary (Figure 6). Historically, the Midway Creek channel was located in central portions of its valley. Upon encountering the alluvial fan at the confluence with the Haw River valley, the stream became a braided, anasmotosed channel. The current 19 dredged channel is approximately 8 to 10 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep. Under historic conditions, the channel above the alluvial fan is projected to have supported a bankfull cross- sectional area of approximately 10 to 14 square feet. Restoration efforts will divert flows from adjacent downstream properties to re-hydrate the soils of the historic alluvial fan and allow the restoration of a riverine wetland plant community. Southern Unnamed Tributary The unnamed tributary (UT) entering the Site from the south represents a second-order stream supporting an approximately 1.4 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land-use within the watershed is predominantly forested, with increasing impacts from residential development. The stream is entrenched along much of its length and is experiencing slight to severe bank erosion. The on-site reach of the southern tributary includes approximately 1050 linear feet of channel that runs along the southeastern property boundary before the confluence with the Haw River. Excessive sediment deposition in the lower reaches of the stream has caused severe aggradation within the channel, forcing much of the current flow to exit off-site prior to entering the Haw River (Figure 6). Under historic conditions, the channel extended through the center of the southern portion of the Site before entering the Haw River. The current dredged channel is approximately 15 to 20 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet deep. Historically, the channel is projected to have supported a bankfull cross-sectional area of approximately 13 to 17 square feet. Restoration efforts will divert flows from adjacent downstream properties to re-hydrate the soils of the historic alluvial fan and allow the restoration of a riverine wetland plant community. Northern Unnamed Tributary The UT entering the Site from the north represents a first-order stream supporting an approximately 0.1 square mile watershed (Figure 5 and 6). Land use within the watershed is primarily in pasture and agriculture. The stream is entrenched along much of its length and is experiencing slight to moderate bank erosion. The stream enters the Site for less than 100 feet before entering the canal directly below the bridge on Church Street/Sandy Cross Road. This tributary represents intermittent or marginally perennial flow that is attenuated by a small farm pond located approximately 700 linear feet upstream of the Site boundary. 3.5.2 Groundwater Periodic river and stream floods, fluvial sediment deposition, and hydraulic energy dissipation represent important attributes of floodplains and bottomland hardwood forest in the region. However, these channels represent base flow, groundwater withdrawal features throughout most of the year. Therefore, groundwater inputs represent the primary hydrologic factor in the development and maintenance of riverine wetlands at this Site. Wetland hydroperiods are greatest along the toe of the outer floodplain, immediately adjacent to upland buffers (groundwater discharge areas). Hydroperiods decrease across the floodplain as the groundwater table approaches stream channels and drainage features (i.e. groundwater discharge features). Dredging of the Haw River, construction of a drainage network, and the rerouting of the tributaries has lowered the groundwater table and steepened the groundwater discharge gradient throughout the Site. 20 ` Groundwater migration has been further accelerated in croplands by leveling of the soil surface, removal of large organic debris and root channels found in mature forests. The induced ' groundwater migration is intercepted by a network of interior canals and inter-field ditches which effectively drains the area (Figure 6). Approximately 3500 linear feet of field ditches and canals have been constructed and range from approximately 3 feet deep in inter-field ditches to depths ' greater than 5 feet in the canal. ' Groundwater data from piezometer were taken at regular intervals for the period between mid- June and mid-August, 2002. Representative groundwater flow maps depicting high-water and low water conditions at the Site for June 17 and July 21, 2003, respectively, are presented in ' Figure 11(A and B). Data representative of very deep groundwater conditions were not available due to continued wet conditions during the study period. The groundwater elevation data is presented in Table 1. Standing water was observed throughout most of the Site for extended periods through the monitoring period. The highest water elevations were encountered in locations surrounding Wells 5, 7 and 8. These wells represent area within the primary floodplain where prolonged flooding can be expected. Groundwater within these areas never dropped below one foot below the ground surface. During the monitoring period, groundwater at its deepest (driest) was encountered within 1.5 feet of the surface. Wells 1, 4, and 11 represent areas of the secondary floodplain where surface elevations are slightly higher and where groundwater gradients are slightly greater. In general, water table elevations decrease gradually along drainage gradients extending from the secondary floodplain (edge of floodplain) to the primary floodplain adjacent to the Haw River. A more rapid decrease in water table elevations occurs in the steeper surface gradients found in alluvial fans and portions of the Site. 3.6 Cultural Resources The term "cultural resources" refers to prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, structures, or artifact deposits over 50 years old. "Significant" cultural resources are those that are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluations of site significance are made with reference to the eligibility criteria of the National Register (36 CFR 60) and in consultation with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). A file search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) in order to determine whether any cultural resource investigations have been conducted within the Site vicinity and to determine whether any significant cultural resources have been documented within the area. It appears that a significant portion of the Site and surrounding area is considered to have potential for archaeological resources. Preliminary investigations have found artifacts from the Lithic (13,000 to 3,000 B.C.), Middle Archaic (6000 to 3000 B.C.), Early Woodland (900 to 300 B.C.), Middle Woodland (300 B.C. to 900 A.D.), and Ceramic (1,000 to 1,515 A.D.) time periods. Particular lithic tool types include primary debitage and pecked stone which suggest that the surrounding area was prehistorically used for long-term and short-term habitation. The Site is currently "Unassessed" and is not yet listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, a survey will be required 21 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! v m ? r r , r , m U) m K N fT) N c ? m A 0 X V) f Z 0 (n m _X A ti z 7 ? -0 0 m r < D Z X z O -A ? m m r Z O A 00 z O C A > O 0 C1 OZ O c M -i m co CO z O D - + m O z z I X m i r . I e < D O Z no ? ;u ;u 00 O Cf) C: 0 V 0) rn T rn V) Z O h p ! b co ? O m { m m O;0 z D m O 005606 N V rn C) t-0 C) o O O j\\ i - - - - - - 2 ' 66' ACMES EASEMENT' m r m - 0000/6 N rrl z \ 4 r ' ?? ?'?? Cry! ,o I ` ism LA ` r-V v I ?_ ' ct Y, J m 00 zk, loo L7 _ '" (-n Oo r \r 00 ?y 00 Y-? u -- ? "- ? ? (o• y r r ? 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' L W N N 3 L m s a (D 000 N 0) 00 r N Imo- O LO O Lo r` r r ` (fl M L N 2 -) O G O O O+ c- O O+ O O r D cu co > O N N L O 00 r, M O M co O N r- co - -0 cu -q-LO N d 00 O 0 r N T- 00 0 S> Cn 0 00 0 06 0 Oo 0 Oo 0 (o 0 r- 0 r.: 0 r,: 0 (6 0 00 0 p W co O O (o O (o (O Co O (o O (D O O -a N O c U Z Q m =; cu a co O ?- r` 0 O LO N co LO 00 r- (0 N 00 N N co O ?- 00 O L ? 1 r- 1 O 1 r- O O O O ?- r Q ? rn ? 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Ce) 1 r N L a)_ a 0 r- CC) 0 CO 0 O LO LO (Q 0 N co 0 Co O r N 0 co co d It C 00 ti r: Oo r,? r: Co m (6 (O Oo N D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 p W (D CO CO m co (D (o m m m m (D U ' ' L m c N O N p O ;T M O r, N O O t7 M N CO O O O O L (U O? a "O - p O + O + O + O + O O O O O O O O N co D + t co co T- I CD L - 04 N r- N N 'It 0 c7 N C O d 7> O m m m rn m w m m 0) O W N 0 co co co co (o O O O C? W L _ c a O- CU =EN N O coo ? ? t r r O > 2 N? O ' 0 ci 0 a W CO N ' !- co O co O O O O 0 ) co Co a ? c a) o .-. ' (0 0 0 ;r t- ?- 0 r- V) N E N N d 0 00 00 O O 00 0 0 N N O S O O ? O 0) 0 0) 0 06 0 06 0 0) 0 06 0 T-: O O W r- r- (0 r- 0 0 0 Co CD p r~ d L L a) a) (V E f N M d' LO (o N 00 0 d cr- N a N Z -d -a c c o P rn a? o ° .0 m Z ° rn N N 4; o ° = c m ° c '2) LM N m o n c 11 t fl to determine this Site's eligibility for the Historic Register. Impacts associated with restoration activities or due to the project's design in its current form will not be known until after the assessment is made. A detailed assessment of the Site has been contracted with Legacy Research Associates (Legacy). Legacy is comprised of archaeologists and historians who specialize in assessing the effects of construction on historic and prehistoric sites. A letter of concurrence from SHPO will be obtained prior to any construction activity. 3.7 Wildlife Forested tracts in the region have been extensively removed for agricultural and silvercultural purposes, and are increasingly under pressure from urban development. Forests and other natural areas provide habitat for wildlife and are vital for clean water in our streams and lakes. Bottomland and swamp forest within the expansive floodplains of the Haw River, in particular, provide plentiful food, water, and cover for wildlife. The ephemeral drainageways (backwater sloughs) and ponding within isolated wetland areas provide interaction among riparian and non- riparian wildlife guilds in the region. Wetland/upland ecotones provide additional habitat diversity near the Site. These ecotones are among the most diverse and productive environments for wildlife (Brinson et al. 1981). In spite of area-wide changes to forested habitat (agriculture, timber harvesting, etc.), the Haw River floodplain, including the Site, continues to support large mammals such as bobcat (Fells rufus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Surrounding lands support many smaller mammals, including character species such as gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). Numerous small burrows were noted as indications of small rodent populations such as eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), least shrew (Crypotis parva), and mice (primarily Reithrodontomys humulus). 1 Bird species associated with open lands and old fields include American kestrel (Falco sparverius), field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), eastern bluebird (Salla sialis), prairie warbler (Dendroica discolor), and yellow-rumped warbler (Dendroica coronata). Characteristic bird species that can be expected to utilize wetlands in the region include great blue heron (Ardea herodias), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), wood duck (Aix sponsa), and barred owl (Strix varia). In addition, a high number of passerine birds, both permanent and summer resident species, nest in bottomland hardwood forest. Among these are several neotropical migrants such as northern parula (Parula americana), yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), and yellow-throated vireo (Vireo flavifrons), and other forest interior species such as the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) that require large tracts of contiguous forest for survival (Keller et al. 1993). Isolated areas of standing water, ditches, and canals in the area provide excellent habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Characteristic species include red-bellied water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster), northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentine), yellow-bellied turtle (Trachemys scripta), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), southern dusky salamander (Desmognathus auriculatus), two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), green frog (Rana clamitans), and southern leopard frog (Rana 25 t t 11 1 t utricularia). Wetland areas and forested riparian corridors are expected to develop, and improve habitat diversity over time, after the proposed restoration plan is implemented. 3.8 Regional Corridors and Adjacent Natural Areas The Site is located within a watershed where over 32 percent of the land area has been converted for agricultural use, where extensive logging is ongoing, and where future residential and commercial development has been planned and implemented. As depicted in Figures 4 and 5, local forest corridors are evident along the major streams and floodplains. The Site represents a potentially significant regional wildlife corridor providing connectivity along the Haw River, including Cone Swamp to the west and Benaja Swamp to the east (Figure 4). Auxiliary wetland preservation and management projects may be considered to conserve this important regional wildlife corridor within a rapidly developing watershed. 3.9 Protected Species Federally listed species with Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) status receive protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) has recorded several observations of Endangered (E) and state species of Special Concern (SC), as well as rare community types, within the Haw River watershed. These species include the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), federally listed as Threatened, mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum), and Carolina darter (Etheostoma collis). The mole salamander and is considered a state species of Special Concern by the NHP, and the Carolina darter is considered a Federal Species of Concern (FSC) in Guilford County and a state species of Special Concern by the NHP. Rare communities include low elevation seeps, piedmont/low mountain alluvial forest, and piedmont/mountain swamp forest. Other federally listed species for Rockingham County are green floater (Lasmigona subviridis) (FSC), James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) (E), Heller's trefoil (Lotus hellen) (FSC), and smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) (E). The figure in Appendix E shows NHP element occurrences that are within the portion of the Haw River watershed that drain into the Site. All occurrences are upstream (>0.5 miles) of the Site, and construction activities associated with the mitigation project are not expected to negatively affect any of the species or habitats mentioned above. Habitat for all the species listed above may occur on or adjacent to the Site. Bald eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near open water and forage over large bodies of water. The Carolina darter is known to occur within warm pools and slow runs in streams, over sand and gravel within the Cape Fear River Basin. The mole salamander breeds in semi-permanent woodland ponds and forages in adjacent woodlands. Both the green floater and James spinymussel are considered species of quiet waters that prefer the quieter parts of streams, specifically the pools and eddies with gravelly and sandy bottoms. Little is known about the ecology of Heller's trefoil, but it is considered to be highly threatened by land-use conversion and habitat fragmentation. Smooth coneflower primarily occurs in openings in woods, such as cedar barrens and clear cuts, along roadsides and utility line right-of-ways, and on dry limestone bluffs. 26 1 It is expected that improvements to the existing riparian system and the restoration of new wetlands, and preservation of existing wetlands will improve existing habitat as well as create ' more habitat for these species. t t t t t 27 1 t 1 1 t 1 1 t t t 1 4.0 WETLAND RESTORATION STUDIES 4.1 Surface Water Analysis Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas were analyzed to predict the feasibility of manipulating existing surface drainage patterns into the primary and secondary floodplains without adverse effects to the Site or adjacent properties. The following presents a summary of hydrologic and hydraulic analyses along with provisions designed to maximize groundwater recharge and wetland restoration while reducing potential for impacts to adjacent properties. The purpose of the analysis is to predict flood extents for the 1- 2- 5- 10-,.50- 100-year storms under existing and proposed conditions after wetland restoration has been implemented. The comparative flood elevations were evaluated by simulating peak flood flows for the Haw River using the WMS (Watershed Modeling System, BOSS International) program and regional regression equations. Once the flows were determined, the river geometry and cross-sections were digitized from a DTM (Digital Terrain Model) surface (prepared by a professional surveyor) using the HEC-GeoRAS component of ArcView. The cross-sections were adjusted as needed based on field-collected data. Once the corrections to the geometry were performed, the data was imported into HEC-RAS. Watersheds and land use estimations were measured from existing DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data and an aerial photograph. Field surveyed cross-sections and water surfaces were obtained along the Haw River and canal. Valley cross-sections were obtained from both on-site cross-sections and detailed topographic mapping to 14oot contour intervals using the available DTM. Observations of existing hydraulic characteristics were incorporated into the model and the computed water surface elevations were calibrated by utilizing engineering judgment. Appendix D provides a figure depicting cross-section locations and a table with results for flood elevations under existing and proposed conditions for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50-, and 100-year storms. In summary, the model suggests that, under both current and proposed conditions, water surface elevations for the 100-year storm event will be approximately 706.5 feet NGVD and 703.4 feet NGVD for the upper- and lower-most portions of the Site, respectively. The model indicates that no significant change in surface water elevations is expected as a result of wetland restoration activities. Therefore, hydrologic trespass of upstream and adjacent landowners is not a concern. 4.2 Reference Plant Communities In order to establish a forested wetland system for restoration purposes, a reference community needs to be established. According to Mitigation Site Classification (MIST) guidelines (EPA 1990), the area of proposed restoration should attempt to emulate a Reference Forest Ecosystem (RFE) in terms of soils, hydrology, and vegetation. In this case, the target RFEs were composed of relatively undisturbed woodlands in adjacent areas which support soil, landform, and hydrological characteristics that restoration will attempt to emulate. The RFE sites have been impacted by selective cutting or high-grading, therefore the species composition of these plots should be considered as a guide only. RFE data used in restoration 28 1 1 1 was modified to emulate steady state, climax community structure as described in the Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Circular plot sampling was utilized to establish base-line, vegetation composition and structure in RFEs. Species were recorded along with individual tree diameters, canopy class, and dominance. From collected field data, importance values (Brower et al. 1990) of dominant canopy and mid-story trees were calculated. Hydrology, surface topography, and habitat features were also evaluated. Mature forest communities were identified in floodplain areas east of the Site that continue to characterize steady-state forest conditions. The vegetative community sampled was identified as a Piedmont bottomland hardwood forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Four plots located in the adjacent forested floodplain were sampled. The overstory is dominated by red maple and green ash. Other highly desirable, late successional canopy species included overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), red oak (Quercus rubra), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), and American elm (Ulmus americana) (Table 2). The RFEs exhibit evidence of past silvicultural practices such as selective cutting, high-grading, and ditch construction that have resulted in a less diverse, intra- specific tree assemblage. Therefore, community restoration procedures have been modified to facilitate a reduction in dominance by disturbance adapted species such as red maple and sweetgum. 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography ' Surface features were mapped within reference Piedmont swamp/bottomland hardwood forest in order to establish base-line topographic conditions for restoration planning use. This community lies within a seasonally to semi-permanently inundated area that has supported sediment accretion in the past with inundation from stream flows occurring on a frequent basis. The channel is actively migrating across alluvial fans developed within the aggrading floodplain. ' Topographic maps of the accretion area were prepared to 0.5-foot contour intervals by laser level and tape measure. Abandoned stream channels were mapped along with approximate jurisdictional wetland extent relative to the water surface within stream channels. A plan view, cross-sections, and profiles were generated for the channel and adjacent alluvial surface. The channel dimension, rate of channel migration, and slope of the floodplain floor represent the primary features extrapolated for use in restoration planning. One of the objectives of restoration is to put Midway Creek and the southern tributary back onto the historic alluvial fans and induce sediment deposition, channel migration, braiding, ponding, and/or anastomosed stream, resulting in hydration of adjacent wetland areas Figure 12 depicts a plan view and cross-sections of the alluvial fan, including locations of abandoned channels that have developed over the last several years. The channel exhibits active migration across the valley floor as aggradation processes elevate isolated portions of the floodplain. The active channel is classified as an E5 (highly sinuous) stream type in upper reaches of the reference Site (Rosgen 1994). Subsequently, the channel transitions into an anastomosed (DA5/6) channel and subsequent braided (D6) channel immediately prior to the confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of the primary floodplain. 29 i i U N O •U N Q O ? E CL O C C U) U `. CL o U) o cm d (LD O M O LL. ,p U- L. F? O o LL O 72 ca Q) Q' ca O O m m c d Cc 0 O ? Q cu N in o_ > R Q L Q V cu in m r+ C r.+ d a o d Li r O I? Cfl t1' ?Y M M M N N N N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O "? O O M O O Lo t 0 M LO M ti O CO O N r- O O M N N I- O M r I- N r I` M ? 6 C'i L6 M M N O O O O 1? N r- r' cp c0 CO CO CO CO c? 6 N r- cci u i cri cri cci u7 T- N c 41 0 Uc) O O O cn In U-) U.) cn cc) Ur) a' v f Lo In N N N N N N N L LL. d v y;, w M M_ M M r r M r r r r -y = ) co O O M M CO M M M M ? d 0 O W L 3 O O N N r- N r r r Z C O U) U t L Q ?L 0_ C?'1 Or ? ? Q U U ?1 r I O O T I co O O O U') Ict O O N M cn J O O Q U O O L O 0 ccu C ?? i ??????? m m w m m m m m ? Z _ O ??m m n . Oo 0 f ? N N (D lD 0 O 3 0 N O -r? ? O (D 0 0 _. Q•?O Linear (Across Volley) Distance in Feet O N CII _I O N Cn O Cn O Un D 07 O O m Elevation in Feet Elevation in Feet O 0 0 0 0 0 0 (7 00 O N ? L4 00 O N A 2 O W D O ZZ m , Y r O O (n N _ N I/ Z ° Z 0 C y ° Cn r O f 0 O r r O v O 0 V 0 00 r_ O O fD O N O Q S O + : O o N O O) U1 N O C7 O? N O 0 < O C7 O O o O 0 O O ?. N O Q (n 0 0 o C7 rn m m O N N _ C) N _ p O O T (D Z O TI CD 7 N WO O TI (_n ° 0 C O N N O ° v Q1 Q O O Ln n v n v r O O N m m o _ _ O Z Z CO Q ° O Q N N n r O N N m?0 0 0 o mtD o 0 0 ° D N O N A 00 O N P. f Ln m W O w 0 f ° ti v f? n o_ n m m Z 0 T n n ` .. ` T A D ,A 'wi O O y V, Vl p o "" N g g cn m ? o cn 0 --4 CI) 0 N z o C/? X rn 0< m m 0 n m z s P ?. N '? 0 _ z n m n mZ 00 m-1Z-?pC w N N °z m zZ0 pC m cn? p'? 00 L4 r1 N I I , I I I I 1 I I I 1 1 I 1 I I I - 1 ?I ? I 1 1 I I I ?I I I I I I I I I ' I I I I I 1 1 i 2'69 = , l I I -- - - I I I I - - I I I I I I -r- -?_ r- -r- ? r -I"- j r -r' L 4 'r r -r' - - _L -? -r- L -r f- 4 L L L L ? -r- -r -r r r I -r- ?. I L. 4 ? ? ? i D 1- -r f' I f r r 7? `f`^ -f' a _ ? -I- r -f -f r f" . .'r- i ? ? ? I r ? _ -r f r -r L r- I. -r r- _ -r - 1 j - F _4 I I-- ?i r r- I r- -i _? ` i i ?r r r -L -iL? I I I - - z Z - m This braided reach and near-permanently inundated area represent projected conditions within the secondary floodplain area of the Site. The floodplain, throughout this reference reach, continues to support forest vegetation, including shrub-scrub dominated communities within the potentially inundated areas. 1 1 32 i 1 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include: 1) ditch plugs, 2) ditch and canal backfilling, 3) backwater slough construction, 4) river levee removal, 5) tributary realignments, 6) wetland surface scarification, 7) seasonal pool construction, and 8) woody debris deposition (Figure 13). 5.1.1 Ditch Plugs Ditch plugs will be installed along ditches and the canal at locations identified in Figure 13. In addition, all ditch outlets off-site will be effectively plugged to prevent migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal. The plugs will be constructed of low density material designed to withstand erosive forces associated with river floods. If earthen material is used, each plug will backfilled in 2-foot lifts of vegetation free material and compacted into the bottom of the ditch. The earthen material may be obtained from upland borrow pits or through excavation of shallow pools along the existing channel or within the primary floodplain. 5.1.2 Ditch Backfilling Ditches will be partially back-filled using on-site, earthen material from excavated depressions and ephemeral pond construction as depicted in Figure 13. Additional fill will be obtained from elevated areas within the floodplain, as needed. The ditches and canal backfill locations will be filled, compacted, and graded to the approximate elevation of the adjacent wetland surface. Certain, non-critical ditch sections shall remain open to provide habitat, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Open ditch sections will be isolated between effectively backfilled reaches to reduce potential for long-term, preferential groundwater migration. 5.1.3 Backwater Slough Construction Backwater sloughs will be designed to mimic reference wetland conditions found within the Haw River floodplain. Conditions to be mimicked include: 1) a convoluted interception of groundwater and flood flows, 2) average slope of upland-wetland interface and the slough surface, 3) micro-topographic variation along the slough surface, and 4) soil modification and debris deposition. t t t Backwater slough construction will occur adjacent to the existing canal in the northeastern portion of the Site (Figure 13). Construction of the slough will begin approximately 100 feet below the bridge along Sandy Cross Road and extend approximately 1100 feet downstream from where the slough will daylight (slope to the existing ground elevation) and migrate naturally within the existing topography. The backwater slough will be excavated approximately to 75 to 100 feet in width and average depth of approximately 1 foot. Once the design is complete, the on-site storm flow will be re-modeled to verify that the slough sizing is sufficient. Sections of the existing canal will be connected to the backwater slough. These sections will remain open and left as deep water habitat. The remaining sections of canal will be plugged and backfilled as depicted on the restoration plan. Existing trees along the canal will be preserved to the extent possible. 33 r rn rn m 1:0. (M r rn rn C -+ D<OmC rnm* C OOS606 N rn D<C ;0 -0 rn rn LA rn ° f ar ' z o z- °o z'' e'J- b 0 . . it ' ?I ?'','C?,- -' ', ?IJ,S I i?!N - _ _N;,,•._.._._-. ...,.._.:.V-?.:;1._.?-. ?.?._, _.? __.__ •._. () _ 111 , - I n I 701-' -- ' -{O CO M x x -o x z fTl 00 o ,) f ? MO z m z A CO 0 z O G? n =_;..__ i . !r' ? [ri \? 1 1 ' - ` HOC (t iy r ' I r n C C r m I ; I , V •? _ .. _ } J rn 'I 3 -0 1 --1 0 D j 1 . __j .ZJO C) ? o O z o n m g a m c • W. o ;l i : 000016 N ' C m g Z z r- ;0 A ? ? g' = ' f = ( ° ao 1?? ; ; ? t r p m;O rn - m - i ? e . u, r n ` °' O mjm?rn0 2 i r??LD O n (A \\ >L L p ?o't•, 1 r m rn >Orn liV . \G m \ L 01-40 m % ? Z ° t. x z ? W i' r r rn ' ?' o f % r- V) -0 m 0 CD 0 C O r -u O D rO *00 2Z n n c _D M V) O C) O { \ 0 °• ?r ' '" \ ? M (A 2: V) M;u M ;0 C: r- m 111 \° O m 0 ILI --1 O W m 0 D Op a: C) ?: ?? -- - ? ll, 141 W. . O ° - ? ` V . • ? •°, , \ ?)?,\ . It / o s• m`? cg,• ¢• s / 1i Aill %? .:'_ :,? ` _. ¦ ?, _ -- 000(!6 .N 4 k" - y , ,? - - - C , `fir -- •? i- ./ `5\ ?' . ? "t. ? ? N 41 ;Orn ;0 OX y Z rr-0;0 V)OX /rn /j \ ' ' - _ ?\`.\!, i..?`., ?1,`\?`\,?.``1, ,,,1 I'll. u-??'/%% %'•'? / CCl` • - ` ` ` ' 1 b, \. ` \ ` \\ ` ` \ ' ` ` \ ` Mf l . - .. - , , . ? , ,I I .n l\ 1:1 I , 11\, \I,\ \ ,, \ \,\ 11 II ,\ O A L p ° 1 Fb' 1 co m m r 7 0 Cl) 0 c? m 0 C_ C_ ?0-I Sao ?0 tn0 C) o ? C!? W m o m Z =?5a 0 0 - i m Z 'S ~ Z z? m -?Z?C 0 LA ? In Q O U4 OC7 ZZ OD m C/) p'n No o Z D M= Z m Z :n (D p O D N 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 A 1 1 1 1 1 5.1.4 Ephemeral Pool Construction Ephemeral pools will be constructed in the primary floodplain along portions of ditches and the canal and used for additional fill material as needed for the above-described tasks. The pools will be constructed by excavating shallow, irregularly shaped (oblong) depressions placed perpendicular to land slope. The depressions will range to a maximum of 1-foot below the existing surface elevation in the center of the depression. Depressional areas will extend over a radius of 50 to 75 feet (long axis). The location and attributes of oval depressions will be constructed to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands. Ditches located within depressional areas will be backfilled to the maximum 1-foot depth below the ground elevation. 5.1.5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure Controlled water outfall structures are proposed at designated outlets through the river levee or within low points in the floodplain (Figure 13). As surface water exits the Site, the Haw River side may experience increased erosive flows from hydraulic head, causing instability to the bank and the risk for headcuts. The controlled water outfall structures represent a cellular confinement structure that will reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoils or stone infill, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic and gravitational forces. 5.1.6 River Levee Removal The Haw River levee will be lowered between 699 and 700 feet NGVD along a reach immediately below Church Street Extension (Figure 13). The lowered levee will extend for approximately 125 feet. Based on flood studies, lowering of the levee to 700 feet above MSL will allow bankfull and greater flows access to the floodplain at the top of the Site. 5.1.7 Midway Creek Restoration Midway Creek will be diverted upon entering the Site to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain. The floodplain in the immediate area shall be graded to accommodate the restored stream alignment and accept bankfull flows. Flow from the realigned Midway Creek will be directed into a depressional freshwater marsh complex (marsh). The marsh will be constructed within pasture in the northern portion of the Site (Figure 13) and serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. Braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions will occur, similar to reference streams in the region. Reference streams often exhibit braided (alluvial fan), backwater, or anastomosed features at the confluence with large river floodplains. The marsh will be constructed by excavating and grading earthen material from a 50- to 75-foot 1 wide hummock. The marsh shall extend across the floodplain and tie into the existing or graded side slopes as depicted in the plan. The area will be excavated to an average depth of 1 to 2 feet below the proposed floodplain surface. A series of stabilized outlets will be constructed through the floodplain to direct water towards the floodplain, with the outlet elevation (and resultant water surface) fixed at approximately 700 feet above NGVD. n 35 1 t The planned outlets may be temporarily stabilized with woody debris, cellular confinement structures, or coarse rock material placed immediately above and below the structure. However, the marsh and associated outlets do not represent permanent structures. After successional vegetation colonizes the Site and reforestation is underway, sediment deposition patterns, debris accumulation, alternative flow pathways, and natural adjustments will be allowed to develop within the bottomland ecosystem, effectively replacing the pond with a natural low slope, level spreader. The distributor pond will be constructed to persist until forest cover and braided stream and surface topography is established. The objective in early years is to reduce stream flow velocities, encouraging depositions, and consequently allowing micro- and macro-topography to develop over time within the abandoned farm fields. 5.1.8 Southern Tributary Restoration At the Site boundary, the southern tributary will be diverted and redirected onto the Haw River floodplain. Subsequently, tributary flows will be discharged into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. As with the northern tributary, the southern tributary will be allowed to re- develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions. The floodplain elevation will be graded to accommodate the slope and anticipated flood flows of the new channel (Figure 13). The new floodplain and channel will cross the roadway easement. Construction of a causeway for a future proposed road would require fill and the co-requisite installation of a properly sized stream, floodplain, and drainage culverts. 5.1.9 Wetland Surface Scarification Before wetland plant community restoration is implemented, agricultural fields and graded back- fill material on the primary floodplain will be scarified. The scarification will be performed as linear bands directed perpendicular to land slope (surface water flows). After scarification, the soil surface should exhibit complex microtopography ranging to 1 foot in vertical asymmetry across local reaches of the landscape. Restored micro-topographic relief is considered critical to short term hydrology restoration efforts. Therefore, multiple passes along each band is recommended to ensure adequate surface roughing and surface water storage potential across the Site. Subsequently, community restoration will be initiated on scarified wetland surfaces. r 5.1.10 Woodv Debris Deposition Woody debris cleared during restoration activities or located in adjacent areas should be placed on restored wetland surfaces to the maximum extent practicable. The absence of large woody debris represents a limiting factor in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, and energy dissipation on abandoned farmland (Brinson et al. 1995). Woody debris jams may also be used as temporary stabilization structures located at controlled water outfall locations. 36 1 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration Restoration of wetland forest communities provides habitat for area wildlife and allows for development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Ecotonal changes between community types contribute to diversity and provide secondary benefits such as enhanced feeding and nesting opportunities for mammals, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classification have been used to develop species associations promoted during community restoration activities. Target plan community associations include: 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. Figure 14 provides a conceptual depiction of potential forest communities to be restored across the landscape. Figure 15 identifies the location of each target community. Emphasis has been focused on developing a diverse plant assemblage. This is particularly vital due to the limited distribution of mast-producing hardwood tree species presently existing in the vicinity, as evidenced during the reference search. Planting a variety of mast-producing species will provide a food source for wildlife and will facilitate habitat diversity in a region dominated by agricultural fields. The restoration of upland forest communities has also been proposed. Upland forest restoration plans are designed to enhance wetland functions and to restore a wetland/upland forest ecotone that is considered rare in the region. The target forest community is composed primarily of upland oaks and hickories, among intermittent stems of black gum, American beech, and tulip poplar. Planting Plan The planting plan is designed to reestablish wetland community patterns across the landscape. The plan consists of: 1) acquisition of available wetland species, 2) implementation of proposed 1 surface topography improvements, and 3) planting of selected species on-site. The COE bottomland hardwood forest mitigation guidelines (DOA 1993) were utilized in developing this plan. Species selected for planting will be dependent upon availability of local seedling sources. Advanced notification to nurseries (1 year) may facilitate availability of various non-commercial species. Planted species names by community are listed below. Levee Forest 1. Black Willow (Salix nigra) 2. River Birch (Betula nigra) 3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 4. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 5. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Possum-haw (Ilex deciduous) 7. American Elm (Ulmus americana) 8. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 9. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 1 37 m w m ? m m m m m m m m m m m = m = m r? r? r? ?r rr ¦r rt r rr . rr r¦? r rr r it ?w rr ?r¦ II m m (n r In x (n I Z c i m m x cn o g m n t o Z x U ,, m m r Z O A n O ? O c ` O 0 O O 71 m CO o z ° Z y m DLA °n oK: Ox O M m p O m O F, ?p iK K°Z r m ; m 0 Fri p Oz o m m < m T, O A m v v 0 D nn m f \ N C) z m r m n -- - --_ _.----_.- --_ -- - -- -? z m f N I ? ? Y : D Z ?. \ \ \ I i; - t 4; `til l „ ? ? 000/l6 * t' (7 `I t I / 005116 i • 1?, ?? t \.; t it i?l , N N m CO mZ = 000016 N 0 Z? cn x crl? ?\, \\\?l\?\?\\?t\\?., `,t.\?.,1.? ills n v o n n o - A o O n y1 ? m m = Zn D -i "F ?m?? = m t ?z o y0?? cn0 o o C? C m o o ? n ? ° m ??m m? '^ O C- Z c m Z ? n D g ? ? 'fl m -? N n O D Z I L to co (A I (MA t 1 Bottomland Hardwood Forest 1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 2. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 3. Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) 4. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) 3. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxir) 7. Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) 8. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 9. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 10 American Elm*(Ulmus americana) Piedmont Swamp Forest 1. American Elm (Ulmus americana) 2. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 3. Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) 4. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 5. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) 6. Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) 7. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 8. Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) 9. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) Tree establishment within swamp forest communities may be complicated by shallow inundation in low-lying areas. The stems of planted seedlings must elevate the leaf area above the level of inundation, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 feet above the soil surface. Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 3 White Oak (Quercus alba) 3. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) 4. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) 5. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 6. Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) 7. Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) 8. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) 9. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 10. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) ' Table 3 depicts the total number of stems and species distribution for each plant community association. Bare-root seedlings of tree species will be planted within specified areas at a density of 680 stems per acre (8-foot centers). In summary approximately 31,000 trees will be planted within the approximately 45.6 acre restoration site. 11 40 I Table 3. Planting Plan, Haw River Swamp Restoration Site Vegetation Association (Planting area Levee Forest Piedmont Swamp Forest Bottomland Hardwood Forest Mesic Hardwood Forest TOTAL STEMS PLANTED Stem Target Area acres ac 680/ac 1.9 ac 680/ac 22.1 ac 680/ac 17.7 ac 680/ac 3.9 ac 45.6 ac SPECIES # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) Black Willow 65(5) 65 River Birch 65(5) 65 American Sycamore 195(15) 195 Possum-haw 130(10) 130 Willow Oak 195(15) 2,250 (15) 2,445 American Elm 195(15) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 2,295 Green Ash 130(10) 750(5) 600(5) 1,480 Ironwood 130(10) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 135(5) 2,365 Tulip Poplar 195(15) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 2,130 Swamp Chestnut Oak 3,000 (20) 1,800 (15) 4,800 Cherrybark Oak 1,500 (10) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 3,435 Sugarberry 1,200 (10) 1,200 Loblolly Pine 1,200 (10) 1,200 Bitternut Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Shagbark Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Swamp Cottonwood 750(5) 750 Winged Elm 750(5) 750 Overcup Oak 3,000 (20) 3,000 Sugar Maple 270(10) 270 White Oak 405(15) 405 Southern Red Oak 405(15) 405 American Beech 270(10) 270 Northern Red Oak 270(10) 270 Mockernut Hickory 270(10) 270 Pignut Hickory 270 10 270 Black gum 135(5) 135 TOTAL 1,300 15,000 12,000 2,700 31,000 ' 1: Some non-commercial elements may not be locally available at the time of planting. The stem count for unavailable species should be distributed among other target elements based on the percent (%) distribution. One year of advance notice to forest nurseries will promote availability of some non- commercial elements. However, reproductive failure in the nursery may occur. 2: Scientific names for each species, required for nursery inventory, are listed in Section 5.2 of the mitigation plan. 41 1 Planting will be performed between December 1 and March 15 to allow plants to stabilize during the dormant period and set root during the spring season. Opportunistic species, which typically dominate early- to mid-successional forests, have been excluded from initial plantings on interior floodplains. Opportunistic species such as sweetgum, red maple, loblolly pine, and black willow may become established. However, to the degree that long-term species diversity is not jeopardized, these species should be considered important components of steady-state forest communities. Planted stems of black willow, ironwood, and possum haw will be placed on ditch outlet plugs for stabilization purposes. The planting plan is the blueprint for community restoration. The anticipated results stated in the regulatory success criteria (Section 6.0) may reflect vegetative conditions achieved after steady-state forests are established over many years. However, the natural progression through early successional stages of floodplain forest development will prevail regardless of human interventions over a 5-year monitoring period. 42 i 6.0 MONITORING PLAN The Monitoring Plan consists of a comparison between reference and restoration areas along with evaluation of jurisdictional wetland criteria (DOA 1987). Monitoring will entail analysis of two primary parameters: hydrology and vegetation. Monitoring of restoration efforts will be performed for 5 years or until success criteria are fulfilled. 6.1 Hydrology After hydrological modifications have been completed at the Site, continuously recording, surficial monitoring wells will be installed in accordance with. specifications in U.S. Corps of Engineers', Installing Monitoring Wells/Piezometers in Wetlands (WRP Technical Note HY-IA- 3.1, August 1993). Monitoring wells will be set to a depth of approximately 24 inches below the soil surface. Screened portions of each well will be surrounded by filter fabric, buried in a screened well sand, and sealed with a bentonite cap to prevent siltation and surface flow infiltration during floods. Recording devices will be placed above the projected flood elevation. Wells may be stabilized from flood shear by attaching a reinforcing steel bar (re-bar). Eight monitoring wells will be installed in wetland restoration areas to provide representative coverage within each physiographic landscape area depicted in Figure 16. Two wells will also be placed in reference areas in similar landscape positions to use as comparison with on-site conditions. In addition, one monitoring well will be placed within the Haw River to provide stream flow depths and record bankfull events and one well will be placed within the Site to monitor ponding and inundation of surface water. Hydrological sampling will be performed in restoration and reference areas during the growing season (26 March to 6 November) at intervals necessary to satisfy the hydrology success criteria within each physiographic landscape area (Figure 15). 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria Target hydrological characteristics have been evaluated using regulatory wetland hydrology 1 criteria and reference wetland sites. Regulatory Wetland Hydrology Criteria The regulatory wetland hydrology criterion requires saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for 5 percent of the growing season under normal climatic conditions. In some instances, the regulatory wetland hydroperiod may extend for between 5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season. Reference Wetland Sites ' Two groundwater monitoring wells will be placed in the reference wetland areas. These wells will provide reference hydroperiods for the primary and secondary floodplain (bottomland hardwood and swamp forest) physiographic area. 43 ? ? i m ? m= == i = m = w == m m m rrl Z 009606 N :4 o v ko 0 0 0 \ , \ `' ? t` ' ? ' ? ', \' - ?'--_ _ ' ?C 4 1• . 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 ir n % / \I` 1 1,3 V, _ _-_ -. 1 . .i,?•% l,•?k L. ---- - -- ------ - I 60' ACCES??SEMENT' -NT-- -7-7 - %' ' ii .? . ; ? ?,,:'_ _s ?:' (N? Y/? ? ? •N i (? ? ? 1 1 Z 8• ? we \ ^\ _ c?• ? ?, - ?, OOOOl6 N t 1; 2 N', ;oy rn x x -0 x D Z teO Z O v) cn O v1 p 0 -' -' v J t? '? m r m f ? • t ? -r z ?, ? ? 0 Z ? 0D - W . , 1 : - i o C, -1 c ig o m .. ., , m ?rn DO y M;o 0 ;o 30 Z 0 ` IX] I ?• ;\ x p?H r (n Z Q rn ._? r, i j?` J , N' w ya 1 b ' `` iD• ; '' ' ?? _/-.'.._\°' .t f; ? ? T / . . r =? J I/ I V`,, 1'1. 3?? JFjg'-„i''X ? `'••?-. `, ` \ ? Q ( ? - ? 'tn .j 'd `' 1 ? n' y J?,?.`'`'„?"?•_?,' / /// ?l 1 1 '1tu ? _'CN F. ?'v^, \ ell d - 0001?;6 ".N` „-0 b C) , 0 ill /?- -- - n --------- f _ :fin ?? - / .. iJ,, ,'''': /,.; '•?,''' _ ? I X, 0 n n 9. n p ? ? ? .TJ v o' [? n n G ? co z m = " M lyJ 0 /? °ozc CA D N? 0 0 O a O G7 ?Z O dc ?? O m A z m " F ZO a0 ?o ° mDD??o mD N ?' o z m QQg ?< _I 2 0 z /?-I ?•? L`4 o oN 2 m zo 0 Dm Z VIO Z O f? 00 0 0 cn ' Success Criteria ' Target hydrologic characteristics include a minimum regulatory criteria or a comparison to reference data in drought years (years in which reference is within 2 percent of or below the regulatory wetland criteria). Under normal climatic conditions, the hydrologic success criterion requires saturation (free water) within one foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 5 percent of the growing season for the secondary floodplain and bottomland hardwood areas depicted in Figure 15. The primary floodplain and Piedmont swamp forest quadrants must support saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 12.5 percent of the growing season. This hydroperiod ' translates to saturation for a minimum, 12-day (5 percent) to 28-day (12.5 percent) consecutive period during the growing season, which extends from March 26 to November 6 (USDA 1977). ' In atypical dry years, the hydroperiod must exceed 75 percent of the hydroperiod exhibited by the reference wells located within the same physiographic landscape area. Reference well data will be used to compare wetland hydroperiods between the restoration areas and relatively undisturbed reference wetlands. This data will supplement regulatory evaluation of success criteria and also provide information that shall allow interpretation of mitigation success in years not supporting "normal rainfall conditions." 6.3 Vegetation Restoration monitoring procedures for vegetation are designed in accordance with EPA ' guidelines presented in Mitigation Site Type (MiST) documentation (EPA 1990) and COE Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines (DOA 1993). The following presents a general discussion of the monitoring program. Vegetation will receive a visual evaluations during the periodic reading of monitoring wells to ascertain the general conditions and degree of overtopping of planted elements by weeds. Subsequently, quantitative sampling of vegetation will be performed once annually during the fall (October / November) for 5 years or until vegetation success criteria are achieved. Sampling dates may be modified to accommodate river flood events and plot inundation, as needed. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately 15 sample transects will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. Each transect will be 300 feet in length and 8 feet in ' width (0.055 acre). Best professional judgment may be necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. 45 r 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component supports community elements necessary for floodplain forest development. Success criteria are dependent upon the density and growth of characteristic forest species. Additional success criteria are dependent upon density and growth of "Character Tree Species," which include planted species, those listed by Schafale and Weakley (1990), and species identified in the RFEs. All canopy tree species planted and identified in the reference forest will be utilized to define "Character Tree Species" as termed in the success criteria. An average density of 320 stems per acre of p Character Tree Species must be surviving in the first three monitoring years. Subsequently, 290 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 4, and 260 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 5. Planted species must represent a minimum of 30 percent of the required stem per acre total (96 stems/acre). Each naturally recruited character species may represent up to 10 percent of the required stem per acre total. In essence, seven naturally recruited character species may represent a maximum of 70 percent of the required stem/acre total. Additional stems of naturally recruited species above the 70 percent threshold are discarded from the statistical analysis. The remaining 30 percent are not necessarily removed from the Site, but will be left as a reserve and future seed source for species maintenance during mid-succession phases of forest development. During the first sample event, a visual survey will be performed in the reference wetlands to identify all canopy tree species represented within target communities. These reference tree species will be utilized to define "character tree species" as termed in the success criteria. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately five sample plots will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. However, best professional judgment may be necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. M In each plot, presence/absence of shrub and herbaceous species will be recorded. A wetland data form (DOA 1987) will be completed to document the classification and description of vegetation, soil, and hydrology. 6.5 Contingency In the event that vegetation or hydrology success criteria are not fulfilled, a mechanism for contingency will be implemented. If vegetation success criteria are not achieved based on average density calculations from combined sample plot data, supplemental planting will be ' performed with tree species approved by regulatory agencies. Supplemental planting will be performed as needed until achievement of vegetation success criteria. No quantitative sampling requirements are proposed for herb assemblages as part of the vegetation success criteria. ' Development of floodplain forests over several decades will dictate the success in migration and 46 establishment of desired understory and groundcover populations. Visual estimates of the percent cover of herbaceous species and photographic evidence will be reported for information purposes. For vegetation contingency, replanting and extended monitoring periods will be implemented if community restoration does not fulfill minimum species density and distribution requirements. ' Hydrological contingency will require consultation with hydrologists, WRP, and regulatory agencies if wetland hydrology restoration is not achieved. Wetland surface modification, including construction of ephemeral pools, represents a likely mechanism to increase the floodplain area that supports jurisdictional wetlands. Recommendations for contingency to establish wetland hydrology will be implemented and monitored until the Hydrology Success Criteria are achieved. 7 1 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal An Annual Wetland Monitoring Report (AWMR) will be prepared at the end of each monitoring year (growing season). The AWMR will depict the sample plot and quadrant locations and include photographs which illustrate Site conditions. Data compilations and analyses will be presented as described in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 including graphic and tabular format, where practicable. Raw data in paper or computer (EXCEL) file format will be prepared and submitted as an appendix or attachment to the AWMR. 47 1 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS The riverine floodplain physiographic areas encompass approximately 42.8 acres (Figure 6). Based on restoration analyses (Section 4.0), the area includes approximately 34.9 acres of ' wetland restoration in prior converted cropland and 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. Figure 17 and depicts the area of riverine wetland restoration and enhancement (i.e. bottomland hardwood restoration). The remaining on-site acreage (10.6 acres) includes levees, streams ' (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas. Restoration plans will re-introduce surface water flood hydrodynamics from a 52.7 square mile ' watershed. The plan includes establishment of an array of riverine communities, including levee forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and riverine swamp forests. Therefore, riverine hydrodynamic and biogeochemical functions will be restored, including pollutant removal, ' organic carbon export, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Physical wetland functions typically associated with water quality will be replaced within the Cape Fear River basin. r Biological functions associated with the riverine system will also be restored or enhanced including in-stream aquatic habitat, structural floodplain habitat, and interspersion and 1 connectivity between the restored stream, floodplain, and adjacent uplands. 1 48 rw ww ww w? w ww wr ww ww ?w ?ww ww ?w w? w ?w wr ?w +w O 0 A W ?l A Q1 cp } It N O I f rD N m , m - ti V ti / m z ?. v 1 ?- / T c ?L N I ~ '' I m I m I 4 I \ I ? Z L ,4000p, l1w I B ? y\\? 1 >S?S?S25?!? i I 000 V7 n G N n c n - m o 0 L o C) C) I x?? ?Xk C: 0 G m m C .. m O Z (.l ? N N A O O 0 O W AWN, 000116 N i \ 1 - - - - - - - - - - - - - ,? ? _ +1 OOSll6 N ` r;l Z I l: I ? F Sx • 000Zl6 N r m Z C) °zc en > == ? cncn p m .? _ D z 0? L7 o - ?o O ?D 70 ° m D ? m 4 " C) C ?s . cnZ:l X n D OOZ Z-uC r- C "'1 n ?11 c .T. Z zD rzo Ov m z en 0 0 ror-ee n In x x rT :0 A C m m cn m ?7, K: to m;? ZC mm x x v x ? -1 Z D I D D V) p p co XZ (ZZ AO Z Z m Z y m m m D C) C7 C) 0 n c ?m N A r °z p z Zm Zm O? A p m o O \A Q O A O z r- ;o O Z Z = m g n mm Z 8.0 REFERENCES ' Brinson M., B. Swift, R. Plantico, and J. Barclay. 1981. Riparian Ecosystems: Their ecology and status. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS 81/17. ' Brinson M.M., F.R. Hauer, L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter, R.D. Smith, and D. Whigham. 1995. Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic Assessments to Riverine Wetlands. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. Brower, J.E., J.H. Zar, and C.N. von Ende. 1990. Field and Laboratory Methods for General Ecology. William C. Brown Publishers, Debuque, IA. Department of the Army (DOA). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. Department,of the Army (DOA). 1993 (unpubplished). Corps of Engineers Wilmington District. Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines 912/8/93). ' East Satellite Corporation (EASC). 1997. Comprehensive land cover mapping for the State of North Carolina. Final Report. Rockville, MD. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1990. Mitigation Site Clasification (MiST). A Methodology to Classify Pre-Project Mitigation Sites and Develop Performance ' Standards for Construction and Restoration of Forested Wetlands. USEPA Workshop, August 13-15, 1989. USEPA Region IV and Hardwood Research Cooperative, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Griffith, G.E. and J.M. Omernik, 2000. Draft Level III and IV of North Carolina. U.S. Geological Survey Map and Description, Reston, VA. Scale 1:250,000. Griffith, G.E., Omernick, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafale, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R., MacPherson, T.F., Glover, J.B., and Shelburne, U.B. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,000). Keller, M.E., C.S. Chandler, and J.S. Hatfield. 1993. Avian Communities in Riparian Forests of Different Widths in Maryland and Delaware. Wetlands 13(2):137-144, Special Issue, June 1993. The Society of Wetland Scientists. Rosgen, D.L., 1994. A Classification of Natural Rivers. Catena, 22, 169-199. 1 Schafale, M. P., A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Third Approximation, NC Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and ' Recreation, NC DEM, Raleigh NC. 50 1 1 [1, 1 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1977. Soil Survey of Guilford County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1992. Soil Survey of . Rockingham County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. 51 1 1 9.0 APPENDICES t t t t 1 52 J 1 1 RFP response #16-AW3001 easement boundary APPENDIX A . . . . ? ? ? m ? ? w m ? M m ? ? ? ? ll? ,oor - •L 37VAS O/HdVg9 aas oP9 OW 0 Qsr oar 3X015 aNLL9 3 tlNl'IOHVO HLiION AlNf107 NVNONIN70H dIHSNN01 311IANOSdNIS Upl)Q,lJ9S'W;) ;j UOC1910r,3 ?j ZSZL 'Jd '045 WO (311S 213NN MVH) 9J3416Say a130014 0a" 0J 11105 . 3111 `swHJ sXs . ) NolliT aoilsRU ) zszt '? d god I '6c6 'e'O p a3Ntl00? HS AGARTS aao03a $ miN sux oa YYU e'O 3:13 Y9 {t '80r1D170a x l - 7JN3a39a AL % *S- ?If -MN3diBS AIM1O7 NVH5NL4XU Yl9t , '0d *07 '0013'3 C9ZL 'Jd 'WLS '8'0 034 ? .3710N39a AINIIW Otl0311110 I ----0 717 '1 W8ZSA3 NOLLYHO1951H I 771 'sxzlvxv Naullwol3H a3M .111 Z9Z '0d LY6Z '6'0 ,LL'S9L I NOSaaYH7)H N?or,YSllss ONN • HOW 0M15UC3 •19'1Y1 =• a311ne rMwvama as Lt 40w,9'961 7MN N.Z:L.LSaW1 - `" 0161Z 'Od `L9l l '8'a Nlw Yd/W MVN > p0 .,r ,.? 37N3113911 AIN1100 MYN7NDf10N JAN fif.SRY9T5.'' dO 609E '•Jd '0065 'B'0 •gg'IK \. 00N3a39tl AlNn07 Oa0dan0 7NN M.6f,S0.49S ._ -• ...' . ^ ? ro ... d G NOSQHYWIH MOZ)CYHZ?'?y lStZCS : \\\`.? ..:,.SdF`.S'•. y+ ,LL56t ? 1;1;a " SIu \ti WNBS.6tA95 .'.'..'.?f." i;55U saa7Y xt SIN r• .. In?r;: ti `r .' :a13 .,,?7:!'.•.?}il 100CoMV i 17VaWa) 803 ml % r 30v3a7v 110LLV110153tl daM \(Hii4113NYRNadRF.' . '••."t1.o1:t ?L' Sal oN) Y/ 3LON °•, sal; • . YLZ9-L6-OUI96L Kid ON JNN YZLZ-LL-CO'LL61 NM 7N i%)?..=': •...'r: 1CJ .M _ .d0' Sm SY38QNV am, '0d '9901 '0 '0d YC '8' d St. S=11s ) 1'~t V 7 381 Sao, Wit ,"(35'a Wubwcm? 1,![3[1'1143161 aNV1 - SLUISFS VoLr*"s3tl Nx,ILLxxx,.., ? b -'?a?? y?o t?ns • ? IUS a 3001Ha : - 3 "•?'{ Y6lY-l loAPUng 'x ,)Q? N1`,v. n ? ? d 8\ \ c° ? ® 1 g 8 C....•_., dr(Vls 80 lV3S ? , O y ? Z 1°x N, 'uagwnu uagog9!6a1 roLn;PU6ly I..!k. Aw vv9u l yopu9wv w 0f-L4 5g 4av oaWquoaav tq Pm dard Om loldd 9141 = ?1 'a UPd NOO8 14 Nno4 uonauuqul W op -m E-; w Pv49 p ine I- apopunoq a41 1X1 `3:W6OC/L 300m mA.dap N. pMg n 4q N;.IVI.. ao Z.1-al to ,- 9, WW (-019 . `vS 4 - 9B° '- . m r'(" ?.C 9a P p ) (uoquadn9 Aw l9pun pow (Duns JWWO9 W PP ° 003 =W d IPnim uo) woy uoL9Wadn9 Au •aPun u.NVP 90• ;old 9143 ;04; fjw.. 1 a1A o; uo daaxa X+430 ro •Aaunc P1?9nc o to u°ANaaP A paL9plo-yrroa P 'cpaLad Bupgxo rv ugtNlgwaao? •41 w 4am •(ryouwvv3 u°A°ruawo7) AoBatoa uo4;vuv W 4 4a?9r Wx 3°41 Ajw- I utw NnwB -vlaq rv rorwgP 9w,gN1 _,V A_ uo 9on'Xln N_b, .-P -A anox N '9NONPN fotauaa &U al0°°I q N. 9°o YlwoNO '44 :1owIN0Wp 9 fo4sun5 g? l0"Y WAUSY3 NO X07 'NN3NM 3a N30Nn ON Nn SN3)SAS NOLLVa0IS3S 1S3tl 9NUS0C3__ v m Jcsvt?^?. ?:'' C SS,CZ. p Y9 '0d YC '6'd IN, •41.:^'':?G't "- ISO" tWO WN '_-:.%,??•!? q? '! 7YN N3J8p7 OHO03U a073N y59L-21-GOLL6L Ma 7n \ N3.?N8?L I!t ••'4? l?fl ?y' N4. e t'ua vm H6 m NYwnldla .0S I95Z-ZB-00196L Kid ON $9 -- - ?+ • 0NLLSO4 ?'? :-s.e';?.x:11. F m HEMIL YP 413 DS M3N 9LOZ-CI-LV'U., W 7N 6•w1?•r?i.3 •:: i?' ': ,%Z 9d g99 '69 \ 9091 '0d ?,tr,?,.^• W.4 SWENSON 'SSLL 'e'0 {\? r M•SC,BZA9S 077 smus S `?AI'•'`i?3 `? 31X, '- -- $ • NOISY807Sde j:,j>,"•:,•.,. ?' 7NNSQ3 YLOZ-ft-iP'I[6L Nd aN ^ .F': OAK 5C 62985 tR a o "9'o QxQ ' {'rv Sf 6x999 .642[9 uCL-ft-X(464 Nd ON 4`F{ • •: ;,6'. ::",:.5, - L! 4 o ff9Y-C8-00'L9GL Nk ON 911 Qip Wo .4CO9 \1: ?!:S?r {: +"':::1. 1?,?f•'o WL 369 'B'N .sL'oW 413 <e;•<;y5.;s9'6ss'. d(3 H?'IYY _ -" Lt'WL ONN fwitl-W'ueC Na ON ONN I yd t TO dO 63YV0 ^\ f 7WN 1mm3 55751, ,09 mus90 cN\\P!?\^ Wtg- -CO'LLSL Kid ON 4d+ 9LZ Od 'TOOt '90 N Sum J` 0961 JMN Y 3NT 031,0 YV v? 8 S1O0 LLW[f ONE 1664 • '91 AM 44uv6 v QS)3NlQ a opzo 6st9[f (s)a36Nrw \?, d,n YN31 fil ONmoav AWONi16B WVZYN aOOld [[i?nn v M g3lV0Oi SI 1Yid 9W AB 031rQ63ad3tl V3aI 6aLL u? !oS N aBV3 - SQ3 Au1oJ l+aluu9ar9N n911 • ]NN? arar app 3 AauaBr 7uaw96onory °10.4 N.a9n an ? - AMH ' uaan? n ?onN A 4Y9V - MSJN ,N ALUO Ja: 9VxOJ Nun aM w - NYJ ,1P7La4a 1 4P lOawAadaO au?ia7 YY -10 06-0d 4 _ 'Dd ad +a i ? ? 8O A \ ^ w Ua j - ia N • a d' -N araJ j o74A3 3 - 53 ruawnuory r - M03 \ ('Q'O .r) r9S 944 u % - Shc \ YS B°A' Xd - 9y ' 6oN Jld Bua°73 - Nd3 o l--n ryyH? AV, = -I= _ J IT, 7NN \ ;u9 , w a3 p3 - do3 au i B ur n um to ?4 ^+ .39'451 z. pp X - clod 7lnR - do n [[[ J X16 7 LL.ZZA09 m-w-? - ?/S \\,? 1 AOM-w-rV6 - / /W ru9wnu9ry ar9L0uo7 ft/!.103 _ H? 1 \ wupa Pa;uvuuLwry u0N - JAN ad ua bu 9 ? d\ 0 ' d 0 ng 3 - 75 413 030 u0N bun:,p - 93 ?J \ d ? -0(69311 AS SUDY ZI - I00CONV / 17VNljr aol 30V3LgV NOLLVMOL M daM .1 of Huriamm As s3sw ZZ - (1N3m3 SSMW A5 M3N 3NL ONIQ="I) 1143113S NOLLVAHNNW 'WMNM H30Nn oNVI S.N3L4A5 NOLLVHOLWH Jo 39Y3wv 7V1OL ' •11YO 39V39,Y 3Ma SINE 1Y Q3A31MI15 LON 3MV OW AWO 03r1'X17'IYJ 3nV 937 03619 66 AUWL, Z M"OHS lolv 31W (aNNIYMO sw NO mum sY) 5, X02 1L3Jd718 NHMVMH OS (Z) 3X1 (L ALVXp PWMW w N, Qd193 XVL 9 AUGdOYd SN31OUNL76S33UN(I7YIAINnOJ Q7 /11910BB2K3HL 0001l19 6310 MYN WJY NVU02 3HL (9 '(41102 W-K H MWO A31NM 0131 GiNnow 3w SNwnQ 0300014 3&39 SYJW 3S3HL SV 31H0X0addV 3&V SNWYW7 HaW CRY 41'174X5 rn (9 SM MWS ION 00 5dM7 ON70 Oda! 031YAWH3N 390BV 3WL ''AUA UV 3AVZ RUM NIfiffik M ,OS aNN7N SY Nate sm SM16 M w pr '8'd (Y S09r 4100)39 L0-6LOpr 91 axw 01710 OpOYLI 3HdAPIOdai -wwm N3dw sY damn aww fd81 31m vwa am QdaL JFI :10.mv 3NV7 5691 U003134 Lo-BL09r q3 mx w am OOOYZ:r 0NLdYM-d01 3041= UWd .f'L -s3w3S am r661 mvo 7wa am Leal JN 3 0117 113 8 ,A'ILN077Q4 3m MWLI N3XY1 NOuVMM4N1 NYwm w Or 3J 0002 NRM YWLNOJ 7YINOZNOLL ON (Z 'Zom 034346M SKU 12UN AMY IWO aM0.aW JO SUW, Aswo 19X3 AM 300 YSr L3M3fIM 335 N0 G. a.. 37A' a3L3913U 06Q13M Jo SLN3AL1700 771' 'am; ns 3M at a9H5ZMW ! 3"K /J.7A1'3S 3tt4L !0 S11n536 Mori 'JAGM WOO 37M NON 3701 la1'U1561' GN WON (r AMLO03a A1NNA7 MYIIW AWd 3H! ,n M 9d 'K 9a N Qww:3M XIS Hi919w 19MI1 JO AOSHOd V BM38 MYN&MMJON 3HL .w 9LLZC"Jdd2911 110 N 008009 AWWW 3X1 JO 77V UMN ANRLQ3a ALNLr0,7 NYN9MIJOM 3HL JO M.YZ 'Sd 166 9'a N GUMO 3c1 XS Z MMM lavda J0 NOU" V Ar M Aa1903M ALWW MMwN' OW 3W[ JO (OZLZ nl 2911 769 NI 09w0630 V -W Ml VNIOUVIG) 6061 Jd V91I WV N Q30M0039 ALM3dadd 31U J0 77V 0M3B iSA7MiSd73 D? APPENDIX B Site Photographs 1 b ¦ t. ?' ?ti " `- ./? s y ? v? r lf? §2?t r`-1 r ?A;Cf ?w err f E sf ` y,. Groundwater slope north of canal facing east (early Spring 2003). The Haw River, moving east through the Site during high flow (early Spring 2003). s •. ? r Field south of the Haw River, facing northeast (early Spring 2003) Field located between the Haw River and the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). Photograph taken from bridge over the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). Photograp'- taken near Benchmark 7 (BM7) facing southwest (early Spring 2003). , •` J r r} :-r 1 f ?. t A Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM10) looking west. Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM 10) looking north. Y .r ?r •1":?l yi/1?? Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. ? . 4 r s ?: n }k 1 i- f ? • ? ? F Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking west. r Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking northeast ?i. Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking west z T , : 2 1 _J ? A 7 1 Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking northeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking southwest. C'n r ? ? Y s -r •yty 1 l 4 C3 Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking northeast. y 2 _ Photograph taken from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking south. Xr _ s R ?ryf? L4 ?? ?. ! _ ? .iii • .. ? ?/ ` , ,•! •? . ?>, ??` any pr ^ ..° ?1,` ? 1 '1 1 i Photograph taken from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking east. L' \ C L f: r -.3. A.?yeir _ r t r Y ? ? v Photograph taken from Benchmark 8 (BM8) looking south. ' t 4 f ? t h l ?, ` f Lf ? c u' r . l ?• ? i r ? r -. x r ? , t Photograph taken from Benchmark 9 (BM9) looking south-southwest. 1 1 1 P APPENDIX C HAW RIVER CROSS-SECTIONS 1 1 1 11 A t 1 1 1 1 L EE m V O a O v Cl) O L. 0 -ice, tl ? L LL O r-I r r O O O O O O O O O O ~ c =i ? 0 m' C6 O co I` U C) O C o 0 0 I I O O O O O O O O 4 N O O O O ? ? ? O O O O O O 06 CO 4 O O O (D (D CD O O O O O O N O 06 m O co CD (D Cfl UOIjeAaIE] 1 1 t 1 1 1 1 1 I t 1 r M O N O Z O O d o m O co 01 i I? o Emil O co d L ++ cu N p =i O o O - m o O co O •_ V CD ? N N N O O L / M V O i O O O O O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 oo 6 4 N O o o 6 4 N O O O O O ? (D ? (0 I 1 t d 1 1 f r i m 0 L co V .L N 0 0 4- 0 0 a? co 0 t? g q q q q 0 0 0 w 0 d- N 0 w 0 It N Cfl co Ln O j LO mil M 0 ._ tCj m M Co LO U N l O 1 T? J - N LO T O T LO O 1 s r r 1 1 1 O O O O .O 00 O co LO U (0 O O CD _ U L CI Q m O LO U v LO C0 C) It U) C`7 0 M U ' U ) N O O N V U Cl) O O ' 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O a ) 0 0 1` C O L n I t C M N O O 0 7 O ') ( A 0 ) C ) 0 ) O m 1?- Imo - C U C ? C fl C ? C O C O C O CO 1 1 t 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 1 00 O 00 L t?- O CD to L V LO O LO p . R5 O o c U' CO T O ' LO co N co o O ? N V 'O i N L LO 0 LO i 0 0 0 O 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 rte : 6 6 4 M ? ? (D (D (D uOJe na13 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 O U') r O O O O O 00 00 O _ Ill.- C I. LO 0 (p .0 0 `Y V V ? Co ? d- Cl) o N L O M O V M ? N N O U") U. T- O LO C) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O L O C -) U ') OU ? O LO 6 0 0 0 6 r ? ti 6 6 Sri ? 0 0 0 (D ( 0 0 0 C D 1 1 1 1 1 f r i 1 1 1 1 1 I V 4- O a O C/) N N V LL. O OD co i O 0 O L CO O O L L C ) I co Lo = ; O LO M cu d- ca U C) 1 d- ' I co O M N O N Ul) Ir- O LO 0 0 LO w co r: C 00 0 U') r? co (D (D u011BAGIE1 O O C) LO o L6 LO O 1 1 1 1 1 1 t t 1 f r i i 0 is l 0 0 ?'? ^ ' . i., `•F?. to ? X5:1 \. a.:? W X f 0 ' .P^ac . ??a m f yc'• n --------------- ------ R . N "::, :Y; ''•3 L ?? e'•' \ ? ip ? , , . Y 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ? ? J LO 0 LO V 0 LO 0 LO 0 U') * C0 M V 0 J 6 06 M W A U) U") / ? 0 J V 0 0 CY) 0 ? 0 V / ? ? /? A f '? V /? (0 (D (D ( /? ( Riffle Haw River 706 704 702 c 700 N w 698 696 694 - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------- . ----------- - LX rJ I r^n ' -g "N ? _,.. . - - - - : 3 LS . . U Tt :%Fn:';:?;' :hJ:b::? :i:Cru'+•j ;:l.:.tfi'4: v, ?'iF...,'i:?x,??:.}:. ,- . K L' „e$ r . N :mzzrf?:....z' ; g xzzt:acr . t s 3 'w-S'9Y:S . fi : r r,i J:?`J?..S3 . .1....d... L S '.3..:`.',¢L' .: J cl ?.GIL` l J "Li ? 9?+ •? ' . _.. . - : - . . -_ y .._ .. h .;o:;.tzz:;<,e . . t t .. _ . . > rr r x ?: .: r•.>::y:.:':.>r: v :: a. '..".f.. ::f .. ,a% LG 5: 5 J 5..1 L 4 wL « l 2.„„ ? _ a MR, - 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 Width from River Left to Right (ft) Haw River 704.58 0 5.42 35 5.27 56 4.38 65 3.47 69 8.99 74 9.99 81 9.50 89 9.43 94 9.55 97 7.70 99 7.10 103 3.84 106 3.57 110 4.44 130 4.64 1631 4.92 699.16 699.31 699.38 - 700.2 701.11 diietcis ., , 695.59 130.9 x-section area...,,: 3.7 tl mean 694.59 35.1 Width 38.4 &.Vot P 695.08 4.8 { max 3.4 _yd radi 695.15 0.0 i5anic'ht 9.4 Nld ratio 695.03 0.0 W fiabd rorEe"area 0.0 ent ratio 696.88 697.48 700.74 3.8 locity(ft/te, 701.01 499.3 discharg???:. 700.14 0.30 ear ?tr.49 699.94 699.66 1.244 .Unit strebi r% .115 Riffle Haw River 706 704 702 c 700 0 $? 698- .2 696 694 692 0 Riffle Haw River 699.16 & } 699.57 699.45 - 700.04 699.49 C{ : : 1111 MM Q.. 696.81 134.5 3.5 ? fl3eark 694.48 37.9 iffi w <' 41.7 694.51 5.0 won= 3.2 d radi 695.19 0.0 brrJtt :... 10.7 y+fd ratio 695.89 0.0 It fltd'??Sri 0.0 F?ttt ratio 699.32 699.28 700.01 3.7 `, <. 699 18 494 5 . . 699.23 0.28 MN, 0.38 1.140 11¥ .,. >;1F#se 0.12 rtae r?€tz%'x... 9.6?sµtlc3n f2f*,.r 15.4 tSfir?ltl >t?lt.Cmrral 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Width from River Left to Right (ft) 1 1 1 1 1 1 t 1 1 1 1 r i Riffle Haw River 704 703 702 701 0 700 699 Ei 698 697 696 695 Y .r 'H'MV w N _ _ _. k• . X N M # k. x-?Yd:?wMty*vt .....: ... WN.xx.:NM tl k .. x ....ll.:..N.W.M??WkN w; Mw.KM... #...!(k Y .'kr K n M Rk -; % k -_I f 4 i a Y f '. 4 '.t 4vrk,.'i?,itiw?? 'i?v?F:Ki::fi4':t:Y'Y.'ii:t?t i iii ; i i.i:Rt .• i ! - - i?i?Y _ __ _ _'a .?'^. J ?,.? C a .i i t+Jww. :. "ik : a . ?• ; ; , A :. - t A•}i d' M : KK N N A we KKR k if :I R ??(??g$ Y ? ?fA ?k? T(n(k X k?'A' - t bXt i G --. -. ........ : , dR? N X . . . . _ - }1 --- ? it K '1M X A?ffdN KU ? : AH 1. tlM p ' M rf?< H?H??w xk ? xk R+lyk ?t\ R R:..: •x. x xto- k __ _ y - t t.fi }f tt f xs vl? A° "r.? i, # ! i r ?±e:':'h o . .. . -- ^ - - ; - - -' r N,Ce ,? r z n r ce tiK mNK n X}X ?I ?« f?k k ?w k >? s r r ?M.M}P wxNNn-N rXr?< ^r M X. NbY.x. M 4 . r . x:^X. Mk?.44wjfSQ?x « * !f n #%. ,N Mx"l k::.Y!tN. . Y _ _ 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Width from River Left to Right (ft) Riffle Haw River u v.9. L•f 699.41 699.39 - 699.74 699.86 alt <F, . y. 699.48 96.3 x?,section ars 3.51 mean' 695.47 27.8 width ` a 33.5 695.8 3.9 rnax 2.9 Ufa 696.02 0.0 bank ht 8.1 yJ 696.04 0.0 W flood rune area 0.0 i 699.93 699.11 fi . 41 698.25 0.0 vloct ff#SB <: :<<? 0.0 tlischar e rate, f cfO 0.00 Shear stress 0.00 sheaf velocity;( ft(sec 0.000 Unit Stream rawer Ibs/ft/sec: 0.00 Froude number 0.0 friction factor u/u" G4 threshold gxajn size (mm r <.: ...: ...... L I 1 APPENDIX D HEC-RAS REPORT FOR EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONS a 1 e I c e C w d w I ? L 49 N V Q C 0 0 •o CO M N O Co co m co n co LO N O r d' y 'cr to q q I? co 00 O CD r N M M lf? L Q M co M M M M M M m LO co co CC) co O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O I? ti 1? I,- I~ P- r- ti ti ? I- I` I- O O ? r M co M O ti LO co co co LO N O r Cn r 'Ict LO co I,- co O CA O I` r N M M Ln N M M M C'6 M M M 4 M Ln O O Cp O x x O O O O O O O O O O O O O O p- t- p- ti r- p- I- I+ I` p- I` p- ti p- .a CI! y Ln O N O r O N I- CC) LO 'It r N M o I` 00 O O r r N M r O co O O r c N N N N M M M ci M Ln Lrj Ln Ln Co O O O O O O O O O O O O O O d a rl- ti ti ti tOr! = LO O CC) M M N O O 00 LO 19t ?- M r- I- O O T7 N M M 'CI' N O M O O r N N CN CV M CN M Ch CV) M LC) LO LO LO co x O O O O O O O O O O O O O O lL N ti ? ? ? p- I- r- p- ? ti p- r- I` V 0 y M ti O p r O It d' N r I` O CC) Ln O r N M M LC) co CC) 00 I- co M LO LO co N CV N CV CV N N N N M 4 4 4 4 O O O O O - O O - O O I` O ` O ` O r- O - O r- a ti I` I` r- r - ti t - ? I t - t - N M 00 Nt N ?t LO O CC) M It N CC) N CA r N M LO CO I? ? O co LO M It to co N N N N N N N N N N M 4 4 4 .4 .X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W ti ti ti ti ti r ti ti 1 d y O M I- • lqt ? fl- O N O Cfl LO N N d N 't d LO I- co co N r I? M LO (C) C) r r r ?- r r r N CV CV Ch M Crl M L C O O O O O O O O O O O O O O a = O LO r M O M r- d O CC) Lo M M N N d LO 1,- G) O O M M ti M Ln q O y r r r r r N N N N N M M co Nt x O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N y Ln O LO co 't O O d' Imo- r CC) O I? LO O to co co O Cfl M O eY C4 1? CP r d Q' CA to CA ? O O O r r r r r N N CA CA O O O O O O O O O O O O ` to Co co co 1` I? r I? I Il- I` I- ? C a a N O LO N Cl M I- co r LO co r LO CA co v CC) 00 O M CC) 00 O ll? CC) 0? r Ln y 0 M CA CD O O O r r r r r N N x O O O O O O O O O O O O Co , O La.l co co co I- f` I- I- N I- ti ti P- I - p- d N O O LO co CC) LO co CA M r Ln O y O CO LO LO LO O r co 00 co co 00 O N M i L 00 00 W O O O O O O O O r r r O CA OA O O O CA O O O O O O O Co O co co P- co ti I- r` a r C R At M m LO M r M M Lo 1? I? O O O E M Ln LO co O N O O O O O O N Ln N 00 co co O O O O O O O O r r r O O O O O O O O O O O O O O w CC) co Co Co r- N I- I` r- I- I- I• I- p- = O O CA O LA O M O r r O Ch IR 00 w 0; M C* C" -V-- Lo m M a r le Lp Cq M co M N M w. Go N _ +?' r w r- m r r r 10 %- m m LO N N M y N N N N N 0 0 O U U N U O LLJ 1 s t A APPENDIX E NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ELEMENTS Orr - ?1a r? 8 . ' `lea ? ,p a J Am. tS be° ,?r: LS ? '...4F9y?.? L3L7.. aa?Ab\S Fj 9R : ry: f i 10000 0 10000 20000 Feet U Watershed Boundary NHP Observations • AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole salamander) ETHEOSTOMA COLLIS POP 2 (Carolina darter) N HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Bald eagle) • LOW ELEVATION SEEP PIEDMONT/LOW MOUNTAIN ALLUVIAL FOREST • PIEDMONT/MOUNTAIN SWAMP FOREST Hydrology Land Use for 2002 (%) ® Cultivated Developed Forest S Open Water Shrubland Unconsolidated Sediment NHP OBSERVATIONS EcoScience Corporation 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604 i i I ?QgAI'JIS ?Y?iO?L3 _ _ ?sxxdia?x suopoonoo polsonbai sluud paloazroo u.rnlag .ro; pau.rnlag sV asn •qulstp 1o3 saldoo lnugnS palou se pano.rddV .rnoX jog x paunugns IEnoidde Ieno.rdde ro; saldoo llmgnsag se pano.rddV log :molaq paxoago su Qg. _UWSNVNj gdV gSgH.L IL,IlpgnS uoiluoilddV jtuuod aoj aAA(j of )IoogD SLV$ 9/6 I a upud uoijnoii VV I!uuad LZ AiN alts uoijvSpqq puppoAk du-mmS aanTg mUH 9/6 L uollduasa(l •oH alra saldo0 sduW ;ollrMs h111wo d3W suor7eoiUpadS saldureS aaprO aSuegO sueld sluud :sural[ 2urmollo3 aql IJ.V?C) All I VI lU C3.LTIV pagoel7V x I, aft N1.0 .rallal ;o MoO ssurmui(I dogs ianoO aleiedoS :nox Dmumas 9HV gm Xjilrnb.iojnAk 3o uoiSIATa I?aujoQ Utlor :oZ uope3gddV *-Od LZ MN l7P nTW AaellaM duremS .rand M'H :gOf £0/9/6 :g.LVQ livi LIwSNVN L d0 NFIl alt x 11.01 Haynes Street Suitc 101 l aleie!1, NC 2760 Telephone: 919.828.3433 Fax: 919.428.351(8' EcoS cience SEP September 5, 2003 01ATER QUALITY SECTION Mr. Eric Alsmeyer ? ? ? Raleigh Regulatory Field Office ??ET??,;,:? " re1 ? ?? RAW U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 6508 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite 120 Sip ' ;!UU3 Raleigh, NC 27615 MTERQUAUTYSECRON RE: Request for Use of Nationwide Permit Number 27 for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site in Guilford and Rockingham Counties Dear Eric: Please find attached to this letter the following items: 1) a completed Pre-construction Notification (PCN) form; 2) agent authorization letter; 3) Exhibit 1: project vicinity map; 4) Exhibit 2: conservation survey easement plat; 5) Exhibit 3: wetland restoration plan; 6) Exhibit 4: restoration design units; 7) Threatened and Endangered species survey report; and 8) Detailed Wetland Restoration Plan. Project Purpose and Description The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information concerning the Haw River Swamp Wetland Mitigation Site. The owner/applicant, Restoration Systems, LLC, is proposing wetland restoration at the Site to assist the NC Wetland Restoration Program in fulfilling its restoration goals. A copy of the Detailed Wetland Restoration Plan for this Site is included in this permit application package. The Site is located east of SR 1001 at the Haw River crossing in Guilford and Rockingham Counties in the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002). The Site occurs primarily within the Haw River floodplain, which was previously ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. The Site is currently characterized as "prior converted" cropland. Land use within the upstream watershed is currently comprised of forested and agricultural land with low-density residential development expanding into the vicinity of the Site as the result of increased commercial and residential development pressures from urban sprawl associated with Greensboro and surrounding areas. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 2 Site activities are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of prior converted cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands (see Exhibits 3 and 4). Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include: 1) installing ditch plugs to prevent the migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal; 2) backfilling ditches to prevent groundwater migration to the former ditch or canal; 3) constructing a backwater slough designed to mimic reference wetland conditions within the Haw River floodplain; 4) constructing ephemeral pools to provide fill material and to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands; 5) installing controlled water outfall structures at designed outlets within low points of the floodplain to reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoil or stone infill, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic, gravitational forces, and erosive flows which may cause bank instability and the risk of headcuts; 6) diverting Midway Creek to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain; 7) diverting the southern tributary and discharging flows into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain; 8) scarifying wetland soil surfaces to restore complex microtopography with subsequent community restoration; and 9) depositing woody debris cleared during restoration activities to aid in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, energy dissipation on abandoned farmland, and temporary stabilization at controlled water outfall locations. In addition to the above restoration activities, restoration of wetland forest communities will occur to provide habitat for wildlife and to allow for the development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classifications have been used to develop species associations including 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. In addition, upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland management areas. Proiect Impacts to Jurisdictional Areas Two degraded and channelized stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. Impacts will occur on 620 linear feet and 360 linear feet of the stream reaches, respectively (see Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 3 Exhibit 3). The Site is currently cleared and classified as "prior converted" cropland; therefore, no impacts to wetlands or buffers will occur due to restoration activities. Justifications for Project Impacts to Jurisdictional Areas Two stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches were previously moved and channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve drainage of the adjacent property for agricultural use and currently remain in these conditions. Prior to channelization, the historic stream reaches encountered an alluvial fan at the confluence of the Haw River floodplain and transitioned to anastomosed, braided channels which discharged into the Haw River. Reference stream reaches show that similar channels transition from an E-type (highly sinuous) stream to an anastomosed (DA-type) and subsequently to a braided (D-type) stream immediately prior to a confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of a primary floodplain. This condition is common within this region and similar to historic Site conditions. Site restoration efforts are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of "prior converted" cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands. Other activities include the restoration of plant communities, riparian buffers, wildlife and aquatic habitat, in addition to redirecting the flow of Midway Creek and the southern tributary into newly constructed (restored) stream reaches within the floodplain (totaling approximately 700 linear feet). Flow from Midway Creek will be directed into a distribution freshwater marsh, which will serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The distribution marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. The southern tributary will be discharged onto its historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. Both the stream reaches will then be allowed to develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions similar to historic conditions of the Site and reference streams in the region. The additional stream length that will be allowed to develop through this process will total approximately 1170 linear feet. Surface Water Analysis Surface drainage on the Site and surrounding areas were analyzed to predict the feasibility of manipulating existing surface drainage patterns into the primary and secondary floodplains without adverse effects to the Site or adjacent properties. The Site was designed to maximize groundwater recharge and wetland restoration while reducing potential for impacts to adjacent properties. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 4 Hydraulic and hydrologic analyses we utilized to predict flood extents for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year storms under existing and proposed conditions after wetland restoration has been implemented. The comparative flood elevations were evaluated by simulating peak flood flows for the Haw River using the WMS (Watershed Modeling System, BOSS International) program and regional regression equations. Once the flows were determined, the river geometry and cross-sections were digitized from a DTM (Digital Terrain Model) surface (prepared by a professional surveyor) using the HEC-GeoRAS component of ArcView. The cross-sections were adjusted as needed based on field-collected data. Once the corrections to the geometry were performed, the data was imported into HEC-RAS. 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 the Haw River and canal. Valley cross-sections were obtained from both on-site cross-sections and detailed topographic mapping to 1-foot contour intervals using the available DTM. Observations of existing hydraulic characteristics were incorporated into the model and the computed water surface elevations were calibrated by utilizing engineering judgment. In summary, the model suggests that, under both current and proposed conditions, water surface elevations for the 100-year storm event will be approximately 706.5 feet NGVD and 703.4 feet NGVD for the upper- and lower-most portions of the Site, respectively. The model indicates that no significant change in surface water elevations is expected as a result of wetland restoration activities. Therefore, hydrologic trespass of upstream and adjacent landowners is not a concern. Protected Species Plants and animals with a Federal classification of Endangered or Threatened are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. As of February 18, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists one species for Guilford County, North Carolina, and as of February 25, 2003, the US Fish and Wildlife Service lists two species for Rockingham County, North Carolina (see the following table). Scientific Name Common Name Status Count Haliaeetus leucoce halus bald eagle Threatened* Guilford Pleurobema collina James s in mussel Endangered Rockingham Echinacea laevi ata smooth conef lower Endangered Rockingham ruwanyereu -- a species tnai is in ganger or exuncuon tnrougnout an or a signiticant portion of its range. Threatened -- a species that is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. -- a species proposed for delisting. Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 5 Surveys of suitable habitat were completed within the Site by EcoScience biologists in August 2003. Biological conclusions of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect" were concluded for bald eagle and smooth coneflower, and "No Effect" was concluded for James spinymussel within the Site. Additional information for each species, including a species description and justification of the biological conclusion, can be found in the Protected Species Survey report included in this permit application package. Restoration Design Units Based on restoration analyses, the area includes approximately 34.9 acres of wetland restoration in prior converted cropland and approximately 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. Exhibit 4 depicts the area of riverine wetland restoration and enhancement. The remaining on- site acreage (10.6 acres) includes levees, streams (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas. Restoration plans will re-introduce surface water flood hydrodynamics from a 52.7 square mile watershed. The plan includes establishment of an array of riverine communities, including levee forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and riverine swamp forests. Therefore, riverine hydrodynamic and biogeochemical functions will be restored, including pollutant removal, organic carbon export, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Physical wetland functions typically associated with water quality will be replaced within the Cape Fear River basin. Biological functions associated with the riverine system will also be restored or enhanced including in-stream aquatic habitat, structural floodplain habitat, and interspersion and connectivity between the restored stream, floodplain, and adjacent uplands. The applicant should be listed as follows: Mr. George A. Howard Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, NC 27604 Mr. Eric Alsemeyer September 5, 2003 Page 6 Again, our objective is to obtain authorization for the described Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site under Nationwide Permit Number 27. In addition, a 401 Water Quality Certification is being requested from the NC Division of Water Quality. Please call me if you have any questions or need further information. Thank you for your continued assistance with this project. Yours truly, EC SCIENCE CORPORATION 6 Jerry NfcCrain, Ph.D., CEP President CC: Mr. George Howard, Restoration Systems, LLC Mr. John Dorney, NC Division of Water Quality Attachments IM Natutal Resources Restoration &Conservation August 27, 2003 Agent Authorization, Letter To Whom It May Concern Dear Sir\.Madam: By-authority of this agent authorization letter, Restoration Systems, LLC. gives EcoScience.Corporation the authority.to conduct all necessary-work on the Haw River Wetland Restoration Site in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina. Kindest regards. 'Sincerely, e/A Ho ar_d forg? Restoration Systems, L.L.C. Cc: Dr. Jerry McCrain, Ecoscience Corporation 1101 Haynes St., Suite 203 • Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 • www.restorationsystems.com • Fax: 919-755-9492 • Phone: 9191755-9490 Office Use Only: USACE Action ID No. DWO No. (If any particular item is not applicable to this project, please enter "Not 1. Processing 1. Check all of the approval(s) requested for this project: ® Section 404 Permit ? ? Section 10 Permit ? ® 401 Water Quality Certification or on May 2002 ??? j ooJ y?ee J Riparian or Watershed NkRules Isolated Wetland Permit from DWQ 2. Nationwide, Regional or General Permit Number(s) Requested: Nationwide Permit No. 27 3. If this notification is solely a courtesy copy because written approval for the 401 Certification is not required, check here: ? 4. If payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is proposed for mitigation of impacts (verify availability with NCWRP prior to submittal of PCN), complete section VIII and check here: ? 5. If your project is located in any of North Carolina's twenty coastal counties (listed on page 4), and the project is within a North Carolina Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (see the top of page 2 for further details), check here: ? II. Applicant Information Owner/Applicant Information Name: George A. Howard Mailing Address: Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Telephone Number: 919-755-9490 Fax Number: 919-755-9492 E-mail Address: georee@restorationastems.com 2. Agent/Consultant Information (A signed and dated copy of the Agent Authorization letter must be attached if the Agent has signatory authority for the owner/applicant.) Name: Jerry McCrain Company Affiliation: EcoScience Corporation Mailing Address: 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Telephone Number: (919) 828-3433 Fax Number: (919) 828-3518 E-mail Address: mccrain@ecoscienenc.com Page 1 of 9 III. Project Information Attach a vicinity map clearly showing the location of the property with respect to local landmarks such as towns, rivers, and roads. Also provide a detailed site plan showing property boundaries and development plans in relation to surrounding properties. Both the vicinity map and site plan must include a scale and north arrow. The specific footprints of all buildings, impervious surfaces, or other facilities must be included. If possible, the maps and plans should include the appropriate USGS Topographic Quad Map and NRCS Soil Survey with the property boundaries outlined. Plan drawings, or other maps may be included at the applicant's discretion, so long as the property is clearly defined. For administrative and distribution purposes, the USACE requires information to be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 by 17-inch format; however, DWQ may accept paperwork of any size. DWQ prefers full-size construction drawings rather than a sequential sheet version of the full-size plans. If full-size plans are reduced to a small scale such that the final version is illegible, the applicant will be informed that the project has been placed on hold until decipherable maps are provided. 1. Name of project: Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site 2. T.I.P. Project Number or State Project Number (NCDOT Only): Not Applicable 3. Property Identification Number (Tax PIN): See attached Exhibit 2, conservation easement survey plat. 4. Location Counties: Guilford and Rockingham Nearest Town: Greensboro Subdivision name (include phase/lot number): Not Applicable Directions to site (include road numbers, landmarks, etc.): (From Raleigh) Take 1-40 west to exit 127 Route 29 (heading north). Take Route 29 north for approximately 9 miles to Route 150 (heading west). Follow Route 150 west or approximately 7 miles and take a right onto SR 1001 (Church Street Extension, heading north). Follow SR 1001 for approximately 2.3 miles to the crossing of the Haw River. The Site is located east of SR 1001 (see Exhibit 1). 5. Site coordinates, if available (UTM or Lat/Long): Longitude 1769318.4882 Latitude 910205.1393 (at the crossing of SR 1001 with the Haw River) (Note - If project is linear, such as a road or utility line, attach a sheet that separately lists the coordinates for each crossing of a distinct waterbody.) 6. Property size (acres): 49.5 acres 7. Nearest body of water (stream/river/sound/ocean/lake): Haw River 8. River Basin: Cape Fear River Basin (Note - this must be one of North Carolina's seventeen designated major river basins. The River Basin map is available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/admin/mss/.) Page 2 of 9 9. Describe the existing conditions on the site and general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: Site occurs primarily within the Haw River floodplain, which was previously ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. The Site is currently characterized as "prior converted" cropland. Land use within the upstream watershed is currently comprised of forested and agricultural land with low-density residential development expanding into the vicinity of the Site as the result of increased commercial and residential development pressures from urban sprawl associated with Greensboro and surrounding areas. 10. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: Site activities are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of prior converted cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands (see Exhibit 3). Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include 1) installing ditch plugs to prevent the migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal, 2) back filling ditches to prevent groundwater migration to the former ditch or canal, 3) constructing a backwater slough designed to mimic reference wetland plain; 4) constructing ephemeral pools to provide fill conditions within the Haw River flood material and to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands, 5) installing controlled water outfall structures at designed outlets within low points of the floodplain to reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoil or stone in zf _ll, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic, gravitational forces, and erosive flows which may cause bank instability and the risk of headcuts; 6) diverting Midway Creek to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain; 7) diverting the southern tributary and discharging flows into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain; 8) scarf in wetland soil surfaces to restore complex microtopography with subsequent community restoration; and 9) depositing woody debris cleared during restoration activities to aid in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, energy dissipation on abandoned farmland, and temporary stabilization at controlled water outfall locations. In addition to the above restoration activities, restoration of wetland forest communities will occur to provide habitat for wildlife and to allow for the development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Reference data on-site observations, and ecosystem classifications have been used to develop species associations including 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. In addition, upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland management areas. Equipment that will be utilized to accomplish the above restoration plan may include track hoe front end loader, dump trucks, and bulldozers. 11. Explain the purpose of the proposed work: Restoration Systems, LLC is proposing wetland restoration at the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site to assist the NC Wetland Restoration Program in fulfilling its restoration goals. Page 3 of 9 IV. Prior Project History If jurisdictional determinations and/or permits have been requested and/or obtained for this project (including all prior phases of the same subdivision) in the past, please explain. Include the USACE Action ID Number, DWQ Project Number, application date, and date permits and certifications were issued or withdrawn. Provide photocopies of previously issued permits, certifications or other useful information. Describe previously approved wetland, stream and buffer impacts, along with associated mitigation (where applicable). If this is a NCDOT project, list and describe permits issued for prior segments of the same T.I.P. project, along with construction schedules. No previous permits have been requested or obtained for this project. V. Future Project Plans Are any future permit requests anticipated for this project? If so, describe the anticipated work, and provide justification for the exclusion of this work from the current application. A sediment and erosion control permit will be obtained from the Division of Land Qualityprior to construction. No additional permit requests are anticipated for this Site in the future, however, additional restoration opportunities may be pursued in areas adjacent to the Site, which will require additional, similar permit requests. VI. Proposed Impacts to Waters of the United States/Waters of the State It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to wetlands, open water, and stream channels associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII below. All proposed impacts, permanent and temporary, must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on an accompanying site plan. All wetlands and waters, and all streams (intermittent and perennial) must be shown on a delineation map, whether or not impacts are proposed to these systems. Wetland and stream evaluation and delineation forms should be included as appropriate. Photographs may be included at the applicant's discretion. If this proposed impact is strictly for wetland or stream mitigation, list and describe the impact in Section VIII below. If additional space is needed for listing or description, please attach a separate sheet. 1. Provide a written description of the proposed impacts: Two degraded and channelized stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches will be diverted and flow will be redirected into newly constructed (restored) channels onto the historic oodplain. Flow from Midway Creek will be directed into a distribution freshwater marsh, which will serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The distribution marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. Braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions will occur, similar to reference streams in the region. The southern tributary will be discharged onto its historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. As with Midway Creek, the southern tributary will develop Page 4 of 9 primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions similar to reference streams in the region. The Site is currently cleared and classified as "prior converted" cropland, therefore, no impacts to wetlands or buffers will occur due to restoration activities. The mitigation plan will result in the restoration and enhancement of additional wetlands and buffers on the Site. 2. Individually list wetland impacts below: Wetland Impact Site Number (indicate on ma) Type of Impact* Area of Impact (acres) Located within 100-year Floodplain** (es/no) Distance to Nearest Stream (linear feet) Type of Wetland*** * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: mechanized clearing, grading, fill, excavation, flooding, ditching/drainage, etc. For dams, separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding. ** 100-Year floodplains are identified through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), or FEMA-approved local floodplain maps. Maps are available through the FEMA Map Service Center at 1-800-358-9616, or online at http://www.fema.gov. *** List a wetland type that best describes wetland to be impacted (e.g., freshwater/saltwater marsh, forested wetland, beaver pond, Carolina Bay, bog, etc.) Indicate if wetland is isolated (determination of isolation to be made by USACE only). List the total acreage (estimated) of all existing wetlands on the property: 2.0 acres Total area of wetland impact proposed: No wetland impacts are proposed. 3. Individually list all intermittent and perennial stream impacts below: Stream Impact Length of Average Width Perennial or Site Number Type of Impact* Impact Stream Name** of Stream Intermittent? (indicate on ma) (linear feet) Before Impact specify) 1 fill 360 Tributary to Haw River 15 to 20 feet perennial 2 fill 620 Midway Creek 8 to 10 feet perennial * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: culverts and associated rip-rap, dams (separately list impacts due to both structure and flooding), relocation (include linear feet before and after, and net loss/gain), stabilization activities (cement wall, rip-rap, crib wall, gabions, etc.), excavation, ditching/straightening, etc. If stream relocation is proposed, plans and profiles showing the linear footprint for both the original and relocated streams must be included. ** Stream names can be found on USGS topographic maps. If a stream has no name, list as UT (unnamed tributary) to the nearest downstream named stream into which it flows. USGS maps are available through the USGS at 1-800-358-9616, or online at www.usgs.eov. Several internet sites also allow direct download and printing of USGS maps (e.g., www.topozone.com, www.mapquest.com, etc.). Cumulative impacts (linear distance in feet) to all streams on site: 980 linear feet 4. Individually list all open water impacts (including lakes, ponds, estuaries, sounds, Atlantic Ocean and any other water of the U.S.) below: Open Water Impact Area of Name of Waterbody Type of Waterbody Site Number Type of Impact* Impact (if applicable) (lake, pond, estuary, sound, (indicate on ma) (acres) bay, ocean, etc.) * List each impact separately and identify temporary impacts. Impacts include, but are not limited to: fill, excavation, dredging, flooding, drainage, bulkheads, etc. Page 5 of 9 5. Pond Creation If construction of a pond is proposed, associated wetland and stream impacts should be included above in the wetland and stream impact sections. Also, the proposed pond should be described here and illustrated on any maps included with this application. Pond to be created in (check all that apply): ? uplands ? stream ? wetlands Describe the method of construction (e.g., dam/embankment, excavation, installation of draw-down valve or spillway, etc.): Not Applicable Proposed use or purpose of pond (e.g., livestock watering, irrigation, aesthetic, trout pond, local stormwater requirement, etc.): Not Applicable Size of watershed draining to pond: Expected pond surface area: VII. Impact Justification (Avoidance and Minimization) Specifically describe measures taken to avoid the proposed impacts. It may be useful to provide information related to site constraints such as topography, building ordinances, accessibility, and financial viability of the project. The applicant may attach drawings of alternative, lower-impact site layouts, and explain why these design options were not feasible. Also discuss how impacts were minimized once the desired site plan was developed. If applicable, discuss construction techniques to be followed during construction to reduce impacts. Two stream reaches, Midway Creek and the southern tributary, will be impacted in order to return the Site to historic conditions and accomplish restoration efforts. These reaches were previously moved and channelized (dredged and straightened) to improve drainage of the adjacent prope for agricultural use and currently remain in these conditions. Prior to channelization, the historic stream reaches encountered an alluvial fan at the confluence o the Haw River oodplain and transitioned to anastomosed, braided channels which discharged into the Haw River. Reference stream reaches show that this channel transition from an E-type (highly sinuous) stream to an anastomosed (DA-type) and subsequently to a braided (D-type) stream immediately prior to a confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of a primaa floodplain is common within this region and similar to historic Site conditions. Site restoration efforts are expected to restore approximately 34.9 acres of "prior converted" cropland to riverine forested wetlands and enhance approximately 2.1 acres of riverine wetlands. Other activities include the restoration of plant communities, riparian buffers, wildlife and aquatic habitat, in addition to redirecting the flow of Midway Creek and the southern tributary into stream reaches constructed within the flood lain (totaling approximately 700 linear feet) and subsequently onto historic alluvial fans and the primary floodplain. The stream reaches will then be allowed to develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding`ponding, and anastomosed conditions similar to historic conditions of the Site and reference streams in the region. The additional stream length that will be allowed to develop through this process will total approximately 1170 linear feet. VIII. Mitigation DWQ - In accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0500, mitigation may be required by the NC Division of Water Quality for projects involving greater than or equal to one acre of impacts to Page 6 of 9 freshwater wetlands or greater than or equal to 150 linear feet of total impacts to perennial streams. USACE - In accordance with the Final Notice of Issuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits, published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2000, mitigation will be required when necessary to ensure that adverse effects to the aquatic environment are minimal. Factors including size and type of proposed impact and function and relative value of the impacted aquatic resource will be considered in determining acceptability of appropriate and practicable mitigation as proposed. Examples of mitigation that may be appropriate and practicable include, but are not limited to: reducing the size of the project; establishing and maintaining wetland and/or upland vegetated buffers to protect open waters such as streams; and replacing losses of aquatic resource functions and values by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving similar functions and values, preferable in the same watershed. If mitigation is required for this project, a copy of the mitigation plan must be attached in order for USACE or DWQ to consider the application complete for processing. Any application lacking a required mitigation plan or NCWRP concurrence shall be placed on hold as incomplete. An applicant may also choose to review the current guidelines for stream restoration in DWQ's Draft Technical Guide for Stream Work in North Carolina, available at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/strmizide.html. Provide a brief description of the proposed mitigation plan. The description should provide as much information as possible, including, but not limited to: site location (attach directions and/or map, if offsite), affected stream and river basin, type and amount (acreage/linear feet) of mitigation proposed (restoration, enhancement, creation, or preservation), a plan view, preservation mechanism (e.g., deed restrictions, conservation easement, etc.), and a description of the current site conditions and proposed method of construction. Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed. Not Applicable 2. Mitigation may also be made by payment into the North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP). Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the NCWRP at (919) 733-5208 to determine availability and to request written approval of mitigation prior to submittal of a PCN. For additional information regarding the application process for the NCWRP, check the NCWRP website at http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wM/index.htm. If use of the NCWRP is proposed, please check the appropriate box on page three and provide the following information: Amount of stream mitigation requested (linear feet): Not Applicable Amount of buffer mitigation requested (square feet): Not Applicable Amount of Riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Amount of Non-riparian wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Amount of Coastal wetland mitigation requested (acres): Not Applicable Page 7 of 9 IX. Environmental Documentation (required by DWQ) Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes ? No If yes, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or North Carolina Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Note: If you are not sure whether a NEPA/SEPA document is required, call the SEPA coordinator at (919) 733-5083 to review current thresholds for environmental documentation. Yes ? No If yes, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearinghouse? If so, please attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter. Yes ? No X. Proposed Impacts on Riparian and Watershed Buffers (required by DWQ) It is the applicant's (or agent's) responsibility to determine, delineate and map all impacts to required state and local buffers associated with the project. The applicant must also provide justification for these impacts in Section VII above. All proposed impacts must be listed herein, and must be clearly identifiable on the accompanying site plan. All buffers must be shown on a map, whether or not impacts are proposed to the buffers. Correspondence from the DWQ Regional Office may be included as appropriate. Photographs may also be included at the applicant's discretion. Will the project impact protected riparian buffers identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0233 (Neuse), 15A NCAC 2B .0259 (Tar-Pamlico), 15A NCAC 2B .0250 (Randleman Rules and Water Supply Buffer Requirements), or other (please identify )? Yes ? No ® If you answered "yes", provide the following information: Identify the square feet and acreage of impact to each zone of the riparian buffers. If buffer mitigation is required calculate the required amount of mitigation by applying the buffer multipliers. Zone* Impact (square feet) Multiplier Required Mitigation 1 3 2 1.5 Total * Zone 1 extends out 30 feet perpendicular from near bank of channel; Zone 2 extends an additional 20 feet from the edge of zone 1. If buffer mitigation is required, please discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (i.e., Donation of Property, Conservation Easement, Riparian Buffer Restoration / Enhancement, Preservation or Payment into the Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund). Please attach all appropriate information as identified within 15A NCAC 2B .0242 or .0260. Not Applicable Page 8 of 9 XI. Stormwater (required by DWQ) Describe impervious acreage (both existing and proposed) versus total acreage on the site. Discuss stormwater controls proposed in order to protect surface waters and wetlands downstream from the property. No impervious surface currently exists on the Site and no impervious surface is proposed with the restoration activities. A sediment and erosion control permit will be obtained rom the Division o Land Quality prior to construction. XII. Sewage Disposal (required by DWQ) Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. Not Applicable XIII. Violations (required by DWQ) Is this site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H.0500) or any Buffer Rules? Yes ? No Is this an after-the-fact permit application? Yes ? No XIV. Other Circumstances (Optional): It is the applicant's responsibility to submit the application sufficiently in advance of desired construction dates to allow processing time for these permits. However, an applicant may choose to list constraints associated with construction or sequencing that may impose limits on work schedules (e.g., draw-down schedules for lakes, dates associated with Endangered and Threatened Species, accessibility problems, or other issues outside of the applicant's control). A__ 1 4avi 9•s-o3 Applicant/Agent's Signature Date (Agent's signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Page 9 of 9 1 mile to Midway,`NC / -'? a I ??j - ,} v?assee IoapS, 2 Q 6 ent 91' es- t Q# S ( ?!' ` , '' acgle sa+°rit" clay loam'„8 t& 5 $Ot-51ope5 t l ? heHr?yrla?? arm, - I I % UNGHAM Haw I S: ?- -/ Q\ N S 1 (?` ? / f ' Iltl l j !+ 1/ _ ?VO 1i r ' via. _,/`? , l / ; l I `, Irk ? ? jr l? ?_ ? A\ V (.. \ I; ? ?• ? .v ? ?. V._ t y r Of?iv ? ?? 1 / , ?I/--- - i 55tt _y -? +'`\.• __- ,?1, ( Ill 4 ?? l `? ? ?.I i ! ice! ! Ir ri`l ;? I ?yt Q t? ?• ?ii% ? '?II t {/ 1 \_ / i \ ? -??tr?v\II? ?? r1; ) V\ ? AI, - ?./? Old//???IJ 1 } + Y r v? i of -\ v / J r I\. \? \ ?. ? \? j I ? \ ? 1 1• ?rn I : C - I JI ?\ \ ? i ?? t - / ?' tl ? ? ?> ? :4 _\\? ?'i __. \ j r} f i . ` ? 1 t. .? ! 1 •'h? ?? _-?J ? ! J ? t ,A,1 ?A ?A t? V i ? - ? I . our \\ a 1 r ?, 1 {' l jn L i'\ .jj \ i •?I. l t, s -,. \ '\ n? G` V/ /' I ,?'?t 'I I i ? ` \O' t? - ' !/ I cs.o/ l i r/ / 1 r?so '? ! t, `1 ?+ ! -?i 1 I ?,?? (t ( j --?' t ?'v li• i/ _ OU -?. fl i ?u4 j t fl ? - ? l? ?.!/ 1' ?? ' ? II ,? ?? r-.. 0( r,. ?•? { ? . _ :?84?? :?1 ?,\ lK'v?r ? ?_' ` :thy?'fit (? i???\`r I//J/?? /?" J? ?..f ?' ?? ? _ -61 ??? ?'+7 i..'? 1 k X11_(- ? ? Ai??C ?? I! ?' ?1 - _ -s???}p .• ? ?? i 1 ?\ ???BIT?.? I ? ?? -- pyr J J S :/, 1 !?1??? \ ?J IT- ??\ r o ??* y'!954 ?If r 4\?.. ?C'l 0.2 0.2 - _0 4r Miles '7 mileslo' eensbbro, N Drawn by: CLF i S E Haw River Swamp Wetland Checked by: GL Exhibit co c ence Corporation Restoration Site Guilford/Rockingham County Date: August 2003 Raleigh North Carohra , North Carolina Project 03-148 -r EXHIBIT 2 C® RRm cefsl SEN. ALL OF THE IR-- RECORDED IN OB. 1155 PC. 1806 (EXCLUDING TRACT A DESCRIBED IN D.B. 1162 PG 1120) OF ME R R;IOMGIMM COUNTY REGISTRY. L#6VG A RORRON 0" TRACT NUMBER SIX RECORDED IN O.B 99J, PG 2454 OF THE ROCMNGIMM COUNTY REGISTRY. BEING ALL OF THE PROPERTY RECORDED IN D.B. 1162. PG. 2116 OF THE ROCKINGHAM COUNTY REL6)RY. MAP 2 VERENCCSk BEING A POR00N OF TRACT NUMBER SIX RECORDED IN P 6. 34, PG. 61 OF THE ROC AGHAM COUNTY REGG-.. GENERAL NOTE& 1) NOTE NO ABSTRACT TITLE NOR TIRE COMMITMENT, NOR RESULTS OF TITLE SEARCH NE fURNLSHfD TO THE SJR'v .. ALL DOCUMENTS OF RECORD REVIEWED ARE NOTED NERDN (SEE REFERENCES)). MERE -1 EXIST GMFR DOCUMENTS OE RECORD hMT WY AFFECT MAS SURVEYED PARCEL. 2) NO HORIZONTAL CONTROL WHIN 2600 FT J) RPRARIAN INFORMATION TARN FROM THE FOLLOWAG TWO MAPS: TORO OU,/D TORO DS ORIG. DANE 1991 QUAC E SERIES 75' - PAPER SOURCE TOPOLIC -.000 CURD ORDER ID 10: 360799-C7 -L7 VENDOR USGS LAKE a-D), NO TOPO GLAD ORIC. NNE 199{ QUID SERIES 7S' PAPER SOURCE. TOPOGRAPHIC 1:24,000 DUIO ORDER ID: 760-7 VENDOR USGS 4) P.B. J4, PS 64 SHOWS M5 BI AS HAVING 50" RPRMIAN GUI ZONE HGWEVER, ME ABOVE MENTIONNED TOM QUAD MAPS 00 NOT SHOW THOS DITCH, 5) ALL STREAM AND MCH LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIALATE AS THESE AREAS WERE FLOODED DURING ME GROUND FIELD SURVEY (AMAIN 24-26. 20GO. 6) ME HAW RIVER 0 ME COUNTY LINE BETWEEN GUILFORD AND MOCKINGI{W O7LNDES MIS PROPERTY IS TAX LISTED IN FYJLXR.GHAM COUNTY 7) THE (2) 50• RIPRARAN BUTTER ZONES (AS LABELED ON NIS LARALWNG) ARE NOT SHONN MR CLARITY. 8) OALfEO LINES ARE CALCULATED DAILY AND ARE NOT SURVEYED AT MLS TIME ACREAGE DATA: TOTAL ACREAGE OF RESTORATION SYSTEM'S LAND UNDER GENERAL CCNSERVATION IA511EIT (INCI1101NG ME NEW 50• ACCESS EASEMENT) - 22 ACRES BY COMPUTER TOTAL WR RESTORADCN ACREAGE FOR CONTRAC- IF AA0300' _ 12 ACRES BY COMP- ER RECORD CORNER NORMEASTERN MOST TRACT 6 P.9. 34, PG. 64 EXISTING FENCE PO- 181 P.B. 34, DO, 64 ANDREWS 09 . 993, PG. 20.54 NC IN 7961.00-91-8274 NMC E%ISONG 50• ACCESS EASEMENT NMC EXISTING AXIS SUGGS O.B. 1086, PG. 1309 NC PIN 7971.03-11-2]28 RESTORATION SYSTEMS SIIRVRpRS CB!l1CAlgWi) LAND UNDER GENERAL CONSERVATP' EASEMENT 01 ACRES 59rNeyo:A eacmime.: Ne oltemvL .es mvx a locate vny crr,eevrlea..•nonv., nomroom e a s?4a, underground WTN-n ar aM RtNer feature Steve, a. 6tlo. groum otlw than Mme Ya.n. rnfy Mot t wrvey ? of another -9ary (c-otion Easemult), such os the i m0invM at nWing PI a cant-ordered survey, or other nc b- to the .L de9nitlon of a -WMIn- 1?IOtW A ?Uf?LR'+ . certly tMt thif ? .e C.a.n under oeitisen ?. ?n (cr b\\ u«ey mo a r'Y see s recerae v e. x'r,a'. 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Y Y O.R. 11 N, PG. 2175 ^ N 0.9. ^.15], PC. 2116 6 ' EP BRIDGE RECORD gm SURVEY CORNER O O 970 FOR . . , PG. 1252 RESTORATION SYSTEMS, LLC a RECORD CORNER 5 (f LA %/ ki/fH SI'E) SOUTHEASTERN MGST D. B. 970. PC. 1252 b SIMPSONVILLE TONTSHIP ROCKINGHAM COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA. EXISTNG STONE JO.' 150 0 Jam' 600 1I n GRAPHIC SCALE I" = JOO A REPRfSwiEO BY :HIS -T 19 LOCATEG IN A FLOTO NA ZARO BCU-I ACCLROMG 10 _ NUMBER(S) 3")0]50 0200 R ZONE(s): A. ? AP 1tro1 ANp Y 770111 0035 9 ZONE(S): AS. ACED JINE 4, WALKER W.B. 19E 264 NC PIN 7961.40-83-4834 I Zi LEWIS O.B. 1003, PG. 216 NC PIN 7971.03-04-5109 Xm NSF WALKER NC PIN 7961.00-92-2521 A{ LEGEND: EIS - mg Iron Stake 4 $. c- EIP - Criefing Pipe - NMC -Nan AAan C,omv \ - - •17'E N *d C - C VA, - Rightnq Concrete Ml,nu.?e.n. 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O n PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina Prepared for: Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 SEN niiAI rm ttrivrinj Prepared by: SEP - 5 &;, rTERQU 0 w co CD EcoScience ECOSCIENCE CORPORATION 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604 Tel (919) 828-3433 Fax (919) 828-3518 August 2003 PROTECTED SPECIES SURVEY Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) is currently developing wetland restoration strategies for the Piedmont physiographic region of the Cape Fear River Basin. As part of this effort, WRP has requested proposals (RFP) for full delivery wetland restoration sites within USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002 of the river basin. This 8-digit hydrologic unit supports a Category 1 classification by WRP, denoting watersheds that are high priority for wetland restoration work. Restoration Systems, a private sector mitigation company, is proposing wetland restoration plans for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the Site) designed specifically to assist WRP in fulfilling its restoration goals. The Site encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain located approximately 8 miles north of the Greensboro City limits, on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham Counties. EcoScience Corporation (ESC) has been contracted to design and implement a detailed wetland restoration plan. A draft detailed wetland restoration plan was submitted to Restoration Systems in August 2003, in which ESC stated that habitat for species listed as "Endangered" or "Threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) may occur within the Site. This report provides information regarding the federally protected species that are listed as "Threatened" or "Endangered" by the FWS in Guilford and Rockingham counties. "Endangered" status refers to "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range," and "Threatened" status is defined as "any species which is likely to become an Endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range" (16 U.S.C. 1532). Federally listed species with Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) status receive protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is listed as "Threatened" by the FWS in Guilford County. In Rockingham County, smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) and the James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) are listed as "Endangered" by the FWS. During field investigations, ESC identified two small areas of suitable habitat for smooth coneflower located on the Site in the form of upland fallow fields. ESC conducted a systematic plant by plant survey for smooth coneflower in August 2003 during which no smooth coneflower was found. METHODS Field surveys were conducted for smooth coneflower in August 2003. The systematic plant by plant survey was conducted by walking and visually searching for the plant within the two areas 1 identified on the Site as suitable for the smooth conef lower. Areas that did not meet the habitat criteria were discounted and not surveyed. The surveys were conducted by biologists Cord Faquin and Heather Saunders. Ms. Faquin is an ESC Project Scientist with 3 years of experience in the environmental field. Ms. Saunders is an ESC Project Scientist with 1 year of experience in the environmental field. FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Threatened Family: Accipitridae Date Listed: March 11, 1967 The bald eagle is a large raptor with a wingspan greater than 6 feet. Adult bald eagles are dark brown with a white head and tail. Immature eagles are brown with whitish mottling on the tail, belly, and wing linings. Bald eagles typically feed on fish but may also take birds and small mammals. In the Carolinas, nesting season extends from December through May (Potter et al. 1980). Bald eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near open water. Eagles forage over large bodies of water and utilize adjacent trees for perching (Hamel 1992). Disturbance activities within a primary zone extending 750 to 1500 feet from a nest tree are considered to result in unacceptable conditions for eagles (FWS 1987). The FWS recommends avoiding disturbance activities, including construction and tree-cutting within this primary zone. Within a secondary zone, extending from the primary zone boundary out to a distance of 1 mile from a nest tree, construction and land-clearing activities should be restricted to the non-nesting period. The FWS also recommends avoiding alteration of natural shorelines where bald eagles forage, and avoiding significant land-clearing activities within 1500 feet of known roosting sites. This Site is characterized by fallow agricultural fields, with limited riparian fringe. In addition, the nearest open water foraging habitat occurs more than 3.6 miles to the south of the Site, in Lake Townsend. Although the site has mature forest adjacent to its boundaries and may be subject to fly-overs during migration, no sightings of nests or individuals were noted during field investigations. In addition, the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records indicate that the nearest documented bald eagles are 7 miles southwest of the Site on Meads Fork. Therefore, work associated with this project may affect bald eagles; however, work is not likely to adversely affect bald eagles. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Endangered Family: Unionidae Date Listed: July 22, 1988 The James spinymussel is a small, subrhomboidal mussel, with an obliquely subtruncated posterior, that grows to approximately 1.5 inches in length. The external shell of the juveniles usually bears one to three short spines on each valve. The adult shells usually lack spines. 2 The shell is smooth, straw-colored to brownish-black, with widely spaced concentric striations. Preferred habitat of the spiny mussel includes relatively fast-flowing, well-oxygenated, circumneutral water over a silt-free, noncompacted, gravel/coarse sand substrate. Based on the FWS species recovery plan (FWS 1990), this spinymussel is only known from 10 streams within the James River basin in Virginia and West Virginia. In October 2000, an unidentified spinymussel was found in the Dan River (Roanoke River Basin) in Stokes County, during a survey conducted by personnel of the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT), the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMS). Spinymussels had not previously been identified within the Roanoke River basin. The mussels found in the Dan River have characteristics similar to the James spinymussel and the Tar spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansanna). Specimens of the recently found spinymussel are currently (as of April 2001) undergoing genetic analysis. The finding of this unidentified spinymussel has resulted in the FWS listing James spinymussel in North Carolina counties that include tributaries of the Roanoke River basin (as of the February 26, 2001 list). The Haw River, at the Site, is characterized by low velocity flows over sandy/silty substrate. Disturbance associated with upstream timber activities and a lack of deep rooted, stabilizing vegetation has resulted in a high silt content in the Haw River, and possibly elevated water temperatures, which may hinder the establishment of the James spinymussel. Habitat limitations, in combination with the limited range of the spinymussel (it is only known to occur in the James and Roanoke River Basins) indicate that the project will not likely adversely affect this species. NHP records indicate that no known occurrences of this species have been documented within 17 miles of the Site. Consequently, the proposed restoration will have no effect on the James spinymussel. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Smooth coneflower (Echinacea Laevigata) Endangered Family: Asteraceae Date Listed: October 8, 1992 Smooth conef lower is a stiffly erect, rarely branched perennial that grows up to 5 feet tall. Basal and stem leaves are large, glabrous, lanceolate to narrowly ovate blades reaching 3 inches in length. This coneflower blooms from late May to July, producing solitary, heads of small purplish disk flowers with long drooping pink to purplish ray flowers (Kral 1983). Smooth coneflower grows in dry, calcareous, basic, or circumneutral soils on road sides, clear cuts, and power line right-of-ways where there is abundant light and little herbaceous competition. Fire-maintained woodlands also appear to provide potential habitat for the coneflower. Shading of road sides by adjacent forest trees and routine mowing reduce the suitability of road sides within the study corridor for this species 3 The Site is characterized by fallow agricultural fields, with limited riparian fringe. Suitable habitat for smooth coneflower does exist on the Site in the form of upland fallow fields. However, these areas have abundant weedy and competitive species and are periodically flooded. Systematic plant-by-plant surveys were conducted in August 2003 within on-site areas that support smooth coneflower habitat and no smooth coneflower was found. In addition, the NHP documents the nearest smooth coneflower population to be located 20 miles north of the Site, in Virginia. Consequently, the proposed restoration activities may affect, but are not likely to adversely affect smooth conef lower. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT 4 REFERENCES Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 1987. Habitat Management Guidelines for the Bald Eagle in the Southeast Region. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 8 pp. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 1990. James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Recovery Plan. U.S. Department of the Interior, Annapolis Field Office (Region 5). Annapolis, MD. 35 pp. Gaddy, L.L. 1991. The status of Echinacea laevigata N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR): Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Hamel, P.B. 1992. Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp. Kral, R. 1983. A Report on Some Rare, Threatened, or Endangered Forest-related Vascular Plants of the South. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Technical Publication R8J-TP 2. 1305 pp. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp. 5 1 1 1 081, DRAFT DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN %9 1 1 1 t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I 1 1 HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES RUMPS I GROUP SEP - 5 2003 Prepared for: MA RNLRYSECTION STMIllud Restoration Systems, LLC 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 203 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 Prepared by: EcoScience EcoScience Corporation 1100 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 AUGUST 2003 1 t F 1 1 1 L 1 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1 2.0 METHODS ......................................................................................................................4 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ................................................................................................ 7 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use ......................................................... .. 7 3.2 Soils .................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands ...................................................................................... 13 3.4 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 16 3.5 Hydrology .......................................................................................................... 19 3.5.1 Surface Water (Streams) ....................................................................... 19 3.5.2 Groundwater .......................................................................................... 20 3.6 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................ 21 3.7 Wildlife .............................................................................................................. 25 3.8 Regional Corridors and Adjacent Natural Areas ................................................ 26 3.9 Protected Species ............................................................................................. 26 4.0 WETLAND RESTORATION STUDIES ......................................................................... 28 4.1 Surface Water Analysis ..................................................................................... 28 4.2 Reference Plant Communities ........................................................................... 28 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography ........................................... 29 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN ............................................................................... 33 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration ........................................................... 33 5.1 .1 Ditch Plugs ............................................................................................ 33 5.1 .2 Ditch Backfilling ..................................................................................... 33 5.1 .3 Backwater Slough Construction ............................................................. 33 5.1 .4 Ephemeral Pool Construction ................................................................ 35 5.1 .5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure ......................................................... 35 5.1 .6 River Levee Removal ............................................................................ 35 5.1 .7 Midway Creek Diversion ........................................................................ 35 5.1 .8 Southern Tributary Diversion ................................................................. 36 5.1 .9 Wetland Surface Scarification ................................................................ 36 5.1 .10 Woody Debris Deposition ...................................................................... 36 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration .............................................................. 37 6.0 MONITORING PLAN .................................................................................................... 43 6.1 Hydrology ..........................................................................................................43 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria ............................................................................... 43 6.3 Vegetation .........................................................................................................45 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria .............................................................................. 46 1 ' 6.5 Contingency ............................................... ............ ........................................... 46 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal .............................................................................. 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS ...................................... ............................................ 47 48 ' 8.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 50 9.0 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................. 52 s 1 t 1 1 1 t 1 I 1 1 t t it 1 LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1 Site Location ...................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2 2003 Aerial Photograph ..................................................................................... .. 5 Figure 3 USGS Sub-Basin 8-Digit Hydro Unit .................................................................. .. 8 Figure 4 Watershed Boundaries and Regional Corridors ................................................ .. 9 Figure 5 Watershed Land-Use ........................................................................................ 10 Figure 6 Physiography, Topography, Land-use ............................................................... 11 Figure 7 Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Mapping ...................................... 14 Figure 8 Hydric / Non-Hydric Soil Boundary Determination ............................................. 15 Figure 9 Approximated Jurisdictional Boundaries and PC Cropland ................................ 17 Figure 10 Plant Communities ............................................................................................ 18 Figure 11 Representative Groundwater Contour Maps (A-B) ........................................22,23 Figure 12 Reference Site: Plan View and Cross-Section ................................................... 31 Figure 13 Wetland Restoration Plan .................................................................................. 34 Figure 14 Target Landscape Ecosystem ........................................................................... 38 Figure 15 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 39 Figure 16 Monitoring Plan ................................................................................................. 44 Figure 17 Restoration Design Units ................................................................................... 49 LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1 Representative Groundwater Elevations ........................................................... 24 Table 2 Reference Forest Plot Summary (Bottomland Hardwood Forest) ...................... 30 Table 3 Planting Plan ..................................................................................................... 41 iv 1 u 1 DRAFT DETAILED WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN HAW RIVER SWAMP WETLAND RESTORATION SITE GUILFORD AND ROCKINGHAM COUNTIES 1.0 INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Wetland Restoration Program (WRP) is currently developing wetland restoration strategies for the Piedmont physiographic region of the Cape Fear River Basin. As part of this effort, WRP has requested proposals (RFP) for full delivery wetland restoration within USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002 of the river basin. This 8-digit hydrologic unit supports a Category 1 classification by WRP, denoting watersheds that are high priority for wetland restoration work. Restoration Systems, a private sector mitigation company is proposing wetland restoration plans for the Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site (hereafter referred to as the Site) designed specifically to assist WRP in fulfilling its restoration goals. The Site encompasses approximately 49.5 acres within the Haw River floodplain located approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits on the county line between Guilford and Rockingham Counties (Figure 1). ' The Site is positioned primarily within the floodplain of the Haw River and alluvial fans associated. with tributaries of the Haw. The floodplain has been ditched, leveled, and drained to support agricultural activities. On-site streams have been dredged, re-routed, and straightened to further impede surface water impacts to alternate land uses. The Site offers opportunities for riverine (stream side) wetland and buffer restoration and enhancement, with benefits to water quality and wildlife in a rapidly developing watershed. The objectives of this wetland restoration plan include the following: 1. Removal of agricultural activities from the floodplain and banks of the Haw River. 2. Removal of the Site from potential land uses associated with encroaching urbanization. 3. Increase flood storage potential within the Cape Fear Basin. 1 4. Provide floodplain surfaces to the Haw River for natural redevelopment of geomophological processes. 5. Re-establish anastomosed stream channels and Piedmont Swamp and Bottomland ' forest communities within the floodplain ecosystem. 6. Intercept and assimilate nutrient and sediment laden run-off from adjacent and upstream watersheds. 7. Assist in establishing a continuous wetland bio-reserve (corridor) between Cone and Benaja Swamps and the adjacent bottomland ecosytems. After implementation, the Site is expected to support approximately 34.9 acres of restored riverine wetlands and approximately 2.1 acres of enhanced riverine wetlands. Enhancement activities will also be undertaken along the Haw River through levee and riparian 1 I 1 1 t r, I1 1 1 Reidsville- . °" Rockingham County _ C NC Highway 158 1 Midway Site Locatio Guilford County Rockingham County 77 ?u+lford Coun t J MicwSa ^(. Y - 1 _IL NC Hig y J, Midway "I ,-) 11 l i?l? `` j\` '? I it-?; `_~•-. '` \g < SanctCr_d`? F<iad '` ;; \' f j i?.?``. ? ? l ipQ? -'-?-/ ?.??, c," I; ` ... - \ ',,: -1 f rre? i ?? rl--? r r• 1 f ^,jJ t C:.vi-\ t \\? •C r 1111 - 1' t f}i??t l f?; ?•? "j ,?'c• ,?/?? / ?tf?l, ' {-,..} f,;l?:: cSRe Loca?i - ??7 t?` . 1. lr?? l ? il?+t I I '.? _ - ? 7 - ''-. ? ?fl/•?G•.?(' ?.. _ "?1i.... ,, ?.i "i'*. `tx?. i r ? .y Site Location Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina 0 DATE: ESC # June 2003 03-148 SCALE: DWN BY: H As Shown CKD BY: W FIGURE 1 forest buffer planting. Upland buffer ecotones, riparian buffers, and groundwater wetland recharge areas within approximately 10.6 acres will be preserved or restored as upland ' management areas. Currently, 12 acres of riverine wetland restoration are proposed for use by WRP as identified in the RFP response #16-AW3001. The 12 acres of restoration is defined in the easement boundary included in Appendix A. The additional wetland restoration acreage is ' available for use as future compensatory mitigation. ' This document represents a detailed plan designed to facilitate implementation and success of riverine wetland restoration. The plan includes: 1) descriptions of existing conditions, 2) wetland restoration studies (including groundwater and surface water analyses), 3) reference wetland ecosystem investigations, 4) a restoration design plan, and 5) a proposed monitoring plan. Upon approval of this plan, construction activities will be implemented as outlined in the following text. 1 11 ? 3 f 2.0 METHODS Natural resource information was obtained from available sources including USGS topographic mapping (Lake Brandt and Bethany), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS [formerly the Soil Conservation Service]) soils mapping for Guilford and Rockingham Counties (USDA 1977 and USDA 1992), and corrected aerial infrared orthophotos and topographic maps including topographic point and contour data ' (1-foot intervals) (Figure 2). Topographic mapping served as base mapping for field efforts and subsequent restoration activities. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) data base was consulted for the presence of protected species and designated natural areas near the Site. A listing of Federally-protected species whose ranges extend into Guilford and Rockingham counties were also obtained from the FWS (January 31, 2003). State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) records were reviewed for the presence of significant cultural resources in the Site vicinity. Characteristic and historic natural community patterns were sampled and classified according to Schafale's and Weakley's "Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina" (1990). EcoScience Corporation (ESC) began preliminary site work in February 2001, at the direction of Restoration Systems. Detailed field investigations were performed by ESC personnel from early May to mid-June 2003 and included hydrological measurements (surface and sub-surface), soil surveys, and mapping of on-site resources. Project scientists evaluated hydrology, vegetation, and soil parameters to determine the wetland potential of the Site. Existing plant communities were delineated, mapped, and described by structure and composition. ' NRCS soil mapping was used to identify hydric soil boundaries and to predict (target) biological diversity prior to human disturbances. NRCS soil map units were ground truthed by a licensed soil scientist to verify existing soil mapping units and to map inclusions and taxadjunct areas. A taxadjunct area contains soils which cannot be classified in a series recognized in the classification system. Such soils are named for a series they resemble and are designated as taxadjuncts to that series. Hydrologic conditions were characterized by the following activities: 1) excavation of a series of soil borings; 2) installation of 12 piezometers; 3) collection of periodic water level ' measurements; 4) analysis of surface water profiles along drainageways; 5) development of a groundwater contour map; 5) analysis of groundwater elevations through the use of on-site groundwater monitoring piezometers; and 7) on-going flood frequency analyses (HEC-RAS) ' along the Haw River, incoming tributaries, and on-site ditches. Floodplain analyses were performed for the Haw River and parallel ditch to predict flood extents both on- and off-site for the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 25-, 50- and 100-year storm events. The analyses utilized existing and proposed stream geometries along with a HEC-RAS model. The extent of flooding was performed primarily to determine the potential for riverine wetland restoration on- site and to verify that there would not be any negative impacts off-site. The model was also used to verify that the road (Church Street) would not have any additional flooding due to the proposed design. 4 I I i N O tit, ?t N < a. I + .t ; { I VA, r?r f F I CD O r; ?, o D 0D Rc) o 6 ?m?D o c o C0) C5 mcn o -?:(7rD? O n i Z -0 M ?.. Cl) z v O 4, r, 0 0 2 Z .=? r o Field survey information was platted and compiled on 1-foot contour mapping and analyzed to evaluate the Site under existing conditions. Based on field investigations and data analyses, a wetland restoration and enhancement plan has been developed for WRP and agency review and approval prior to implementation. 1 1 1 1 ? 6 1 1 1 n f 3.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 3.1 Physiography, Topography and Land-use The Site is located within the Northern Inner Piedmont ecoregion of North Carolina (Griffith and Omernick 2000). This ecoregion consists of dissected irregular plains, low to high hills, ridges, isolated monadnocks and low to moderate gradient streams with mostly cobble, gravel, and sandy substrates (Griffith et al. 2002). The Site watershed is located in the upper reaches of the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002) (Figure 3). This region of the watershed extends from points immediately west of Greensboro east to Morrisville. The Site is located along the border of Rockingham and Guilford Counties approximately 8 miles north of Greensboro city limits and two miles south of N.C. Highway 158 and the Midway Crossroads. The Site comprises approximately 49.5 acres of a broad Piedmont floodplain and groundwater side slopes, immediately below the confluence of the Haw River and Mears Creek. Approximately 2000 linear feet of the Haw River flow through and adjacent to the Site in a west to east direction. Topography within most of the Site is nearly level with an elevation range between 696 feet and 700 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). Upland slopes in the northern portion of the property extend to approximately 745 feet NGVD. At the Site outfall, the Haw River supports a primary watershed of approximately 52.7 square miles. The Site is dissected by two perennial and one intermittent tributaries flowing into the Haw River (Figure 4). These secondary watersheds support drainage areas of approximately 1.4, 0.9 and 0.1 square miles. The on-site canal was constructed along the toe of slope to intercept stormwater and groundwater flow from a 0.12 square mile area west (upstream) of the Site and from groundwater slopes immediately adjacent to the Site along the northern boundary (<0.1 square miles). Land-use in the upstream watershed is currently comprised of primarily forest and agricultural land (Figure 5). Based on Geographical Information System (GIS) data (EASC 1997), forests and agriculture occupy approximately 65 percent and 32 percent of the land area respectively. Based on field reconnaissance, low-density residential development is expanding into the area. Increased commercial and residential development pressures from suburban sprawl associated with the growth of Greensboro and the region are anticipated in the next decade. Therefore, associated watersheds, including areas surrounding the Site, are expected to undergo significant land-use changes to more urban, residential, infrastructural, and commercial conditions. Site land-use is pasture and agricultural corn production, with the last and final harvest being in the previous year. Site photos taken during a high-flow event in early Spring 2003 and photos taken during field work (June 2003) are shown in Appendix B. The Site has been subdivided into four primary physiographic units for restoration planning purposes: 1) river levee, 2) primary floodplain, 3) secondary floodplain, and 4) groundwater slopes (Figure 6). The primary variables used to segregate the physographic landscape units include land slope, groundwater flow characteristics, soil features, and the primary hydrologic influence on historic wetland function. 7 y. L??f c, n n j 1 m _0 U) W ;o _ U) z m _ T o C?7 c ° in * J) D z 90 03 c cc n O W G? cn o r Y` r, i; o c DC/) o sa m?D?C ?= o m , N -ifA -cn v -iZ"Om w Z ' ?. cn Z Z v 0 0 -? z w r m c C, (1) G) 0 c co 00 c c OW c W m Zp D pZ Z Zp °o y O D? D? D° U) l 1 \ 1 \ - ? N l M ¦! r r ! r i r m Mao r do ? m r? MM N N C N L7 I - N 3 i ? r d o , o- o .. o t7 a 0 `I N V l C ? \- ` l \ V? r I g?`1 > I t? (A E j F tYf y? 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River Levee River levees are represented by an approximately 3.5-acre, linear band along the banks of the Haw River (Figure 6). The physiographic area extends intermittently along an approximately 1000-foot reach of the Haw River, varying in width from approximately 75 feet to less than 20 feet. Under historic conditions, the river levee represented slightly elevated, upland habitat influenced by the frequent deposition of coarse, sandy alluvium during river floods. Groundwater flow in the area is characterized by relatively rapid, lateral to radial interflow towards the river channel, inducing well-drained conditions throughout a large majority of the year. Based on reference stream reaches, natural river levees are elevated approximately 1 to 3 feet above the adjacent floodplain, with intermittent openings residing at lower elevations. Prior to 1959, the Haw River was dredged, straightened, and much of the existing levee graded with the surrounding floodplain. Under historic conditions, the river levee is expected to have supported Coastal Plain levee forest communities (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Primary Floodplain The primary river floodplain encompasses approximately 29.9 acres located in central portions of the Site (Figure 6). The floodplain historically supported frequent overbank flooding (estimated at an approximate, 1.5-year return interval) and was periodically re-worked by alluvial processes and periodic, short term inundation/saturation. Groundwater flow is dominated by vertical to semi-radial recharge with episodic lateral discharge and surficial expression of groundwater occurring within seepage areas and ponding in depressional, backwater sloughs located at the outer edge of the floodplain. Intermittent stream flows in the vicinity of seeps have been observed disappearing and reappearing in localized portions of forested reference sites along upper reaches of the Haw River. Under historic conditions, natural communities are expected to include Piedmont bottomland forest and oval to linear pockets of Piedmont swamp forest in the vicinity of seepages and sloughs (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The Haw River was dredged and a drainage canal with associated drainage network installed to facilitate agriculture production within the floodplain. Many of the primary floodplain and associated riverine wetland functions (energy dissipation, flood storage, habitat, etc.) have been modified in this physiographic area through river and floodplain alterations. Secondary Floodplain The secondary floodplain (9.4 acres) represents relatively flat to gently sloping, alluvial fans associated with two tributaries of the Haw River (Figure 6). This area represents depositional alluvial debris cones as a consequence of long-term bedload transport into the larger Haw River valley. Groundwater flow is expected to exhibit primarily unidirectional accelerated flow towards the primary floodplain. Discharge from adjacent groundwater slopes into the secondary floodplain may provide sustained surface water expression throughout the year, potentially supporting various intermittent and perennial channels and ponded areas. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by bottomland hardwood or mesic mixed hardwood forests (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). The secondary floodplain is dissected by Midway Creek to the north and an unnamed tributary to the south. Both Midway Creek and the unnamed tributary historically supported auxiliary overbank flows from 0.9 and 1.4 square mile secondary watersheds, respectively. However, 12 these tributaries have been diverted into approximately 2000 linear feet of ditches circumventing the Site (Figure 6). The ditches were installed to facilitate agricultural production and to quickly convey water from the secondary watershed through the Site. The constructed drainage network provides direct connectivity of surface waters to the Haw River effectively bypassing land surfaces and potential floodplain functions on the Site. Groundwater (Upland) Slopes Upland slopes, occupying approximately 5.8 acres of the Site, are situated primarily along the northern valley wall and include the base of moderately sloped escarpments that rise above the floodplain floor (Figure 6). Under historic conditions, these slopes are expected to exhibit uni- directional overland flow and accelerated radial to lateral groundwater flow towards the floodplain. This physiographic area is currently dominated by early successional plant communities. Under historic conditions, the area was likely dominated by various upland plant communities including mesic mixed hardwood and dry-oak hickory forest (Piedmont subtype) (Schafale and Weakley 1990). 3.2 Soils Determination of soil types within the Site are based on NRCS soil survey mapping for Guilford and Rockingham counties (USDA 1977, 1992) and soils mapping of existing conditions determined by ESC at the Site. Based on NRCS soil survey mapping, soil types within the Site include Chewacla loam, Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam (Figure 7). On-site verification and ground-truthing of NRCS map units within the floodplain identified three soil types including Congaree, Chewacla, and Wehadkee. Based on NRCS documents (NRCS unpublished), Wehadkee soils are considered hydric within both Guilford and Rockingham counties. Chewacla and Congaree are non-hydric map units but have hydric inclusions of the Wehadkee soil type. Hydric and non-hydric soil boundaries were determined in the field and are shown in Figure 8. Approximately 36.6 acres of hydric soil have been identified on-site. Chewacla, Congaree, and Wehadkee soils are part of a general map unit of soils typically found in large floodplains. These soils are nearly level, deep, well drained to poorly drained soils depending on their respective relationship with the landscape and the seasonal high water table. Most of the Site occurs within the floodplain of the Haw River and the hydric Wehadkee soils are the dominant soil type throughout the Site. All three soils are frequently flooded during the winter and spring (USDA 1977, 1992). Upland soils on groundwater slopes include Cecil sandy loam, and Hiwassee loam. These series comprise approximately 5 acres of the Site and exhibit well drained conditions. Ecotones between upland and floodplain (hydric) soils are among the most diverse and productive environments for wildlife (Brinson et al. 1981). 3.3 Jurisdictional Wetlands Jurisdictional wetlands are defined using the criteria set forth in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (DOA 1987). The wetland determination in non prior-converted cropland areas was supplemented by groundwater data near ditches and the canal. Based on 13 Dwn. by: MAF FIGURE NRCS SOIL MAPPING ckdby JG n Haw River Swamp Wetland Restoration Site / Rockin ham Counties North Carolina Date: JU 2003 N 7 g , Project: 03--148 148 0 0 :mot ?.f NI O ? O F ti N v cn o m0Z c U) M _, U' 0 N w o T o ??? 7c? p -prD?] o ° w zzv -0 D?0- rn< c > m - Lu :37 N) 0 O ZXn Z o ?. 1 ground-truthing and groundwater data, approximately 2.0 acres of jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the Site. Figure 9 depicts the approximate location of existing jurisdictional wetlands. NRCS records indicate that farmed portions of the Site are designated as prior-converted (PC) cropland. A PC cropland is a wetland which was both manipulated and cropped prior to December 23, 1985 to the extent that it no longer exhibits important wetland functions 'II (Section 512.15 of the National Food Security Act Manual, August 1988). PC cropland is not subject to regulation under the jurisdiction of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Approximately 36.3 acres of PC cropland occur within the Site boundary (Figure 9). 3.4 Plant Communities Distribution and composition of plant communities reflect landscape-level variations in topography, soils, hydrology, and past or present land-use practices. Five distinct plant communities were identified within the Site including fallow cropland, hay pasture, streambank/ ditchside, early successional, and freshwater marsh (Figure 10). The Site is dominated by land in agricultural production (23.8 acres) that was most recently used for corn production. Stalks of the last crop remain standing in portions of the Site. The fields have been left to succession for two growing seasons, and bottomland hardwood species such as sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and red maple (Acer rubrum) have begun to emerge. Emergent wetland species, sedges (arex PP) and so ( ft rush Juncus effuses), C s pp.) currently dominate this community. Hay pasture (12.7 acres) occurs along the northwest boundary and within a large area in the northeast portion of the Site. The hay pasture community is dominated by fescue (Festuca sp.) and various other grasses and forbs, such as goldenrod (Solidago sp.), violet (Viola sp.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), chickweed (Stellaria media), and wild onion (Allium canadense). A stream bank/ditch-side community (7.4 acres) occurs within buffer areas adjacent to'the Haw River, the canal, and perimeter ditches within the Site. The overstory is dominated by sweetgum, red maple, green ash, and sycamore. Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes canopy species as well as greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), blackberry (Rubus sp.), grape (Vitis sp.), and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). An early successional community (4.0 acres) of young trees, shrubs and briers occurs on the upland side slope along northern Site boundary. Trees found in this community include black cherry (Prunus serotina), red maple and various oaks (Quercus spp.). Shrub and herbaceous cover is dense and includes greenbrier Japanese honeysuckle, blackberry, grape, and poison ivy. A freshwater marsh community (1.6 acres) occurs along the north-central portion of the Site, in an area not designated as PC cropland. The community is dominated by numerous emergent 16 I N I 1 °J ?? .?• 60' ACCESS EASEMENT' - -- - 1 1 ?iI 1` U? 71 g m m N m cn rTI ?, l,' a 1 ?? m x x x Z D Z 1 ?;; m L o in o m m \- 1 m ;a CID o ? -, o g x Z Z m Z co z 0000L6 N P ° c? c, r- o ? W> o z ° ? o f 1 ?? ?? 1 oz < rr o D m O z z m ° O m c m 4, ?/ 'l7 p 70 z z A m 2 1 f (? 0 C7 m Z \? l a y d _ v L 1 4m Y r ?rf 00 .0 + 1+ N a ' o . yF M/ 'o 0. 00 ®tl - ) 00 .0 N 00 00 tp, .0 -grt / o 00, s • Rl l ' ? v'.' r' \ 00 00 .- ce, <1 10 yr ?. OOOll6 N - >dRi??j IS. ? II ?. t;.• - 000 ?1 I +?' [( ?? W J -00 1 L ' OoSll6 N 00 1 v v - 1 nom. I' ?. = 1 y -- if. OOOZL6 N m vi n F o n n o n m ° 0 ° C o 0 M " C m o ? z L4 •_ N o o OD q 0 W` D :i x v n c 1 C-) ? 0 vv ° Z ? cn? N D :E a: M ?? cn cn? ; t 0> X 0? o n ;;o ?o n 70 ° mD? ? fnp m? Z ? z fy', A ? n 50 ? , Z>Zm vo?v 2z m z O z o r; I? i? T1 II m n m n x n z n a ' x (n z 0 m 0 g v 0 m < D o z x (n no A m r z 0 A 0 z O A ? Q A O z z O ? m z 0 x7 m v m m (n z D y D i v r r > m ? 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Approximately 3500 linear feet of field ditches and canals have been constructed and range from approximately 3 feet deep in inter-field ditches to depths greater than 5 feet in the canal. Groundwater data from piezometer were taken at regular intervals for the period between mid- June and mid-August, 2002. Representative groundwater flow maps depicting high-water and low water conditions at the Site for June 17 and July 21, 2003, respectively, are presented in Figure 11(A and B). Data representative of very deep groundwater conditions were not available due to continued wet conditions during the study period. The groundwater elevation data is presented in Table 1. Standing water was observed throughout most of the Site for extended periods through the monitoring period. The highest water elevations were encountered in locations surrounding Wells 5, 7 and 8. These wells represent area within the primary floodplain where prolonged flooding can be expected. Groundwater within these areas never dropped below one foot below the ground surface. During the monitoring period, groundwater at its deepest (driest) was encountered within 1.5 feet of the surface. Wells 1, 4, and 11 represent areas of the secondary floodplain where surface elevations are slightly higher and where groundwater gradients are slightly greater. In general, water table elevations decrease gradually along drainage gradients extending from the secondary floodplain (edge of floodplain) to the primary floodplain adjacent to the Haw River. A more rapid decrease in water table elevations occurs in the steeper surface gradients found in alluvial fans and portions of the Site. 3.6 Cultural Resources The term "cultural resources" refers to prehistoric or historic archaeological sites, structures, or artifact deposits over 50 years old. "Significant" cultural resources are those that are eligible or potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Evaluations of site significance are made with reference to the eligibility criteria of the National Register (36 CFR 60) and in consultation with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). A file search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) in order to determine whether any cultural resource investigations have been conducted within the Site vicinity and to determine whether any significant cultural resources have been documented within the area. It appears that a significant portion of the Site and surrounding area is considered to have potential for archaeological resources. Preliminary investigations have found artifacts from the Lithic (13,000 to 3,000 B.C.), Middle Archaic (6000 to 3000 B.C.), Early Woodland (900 to 300 B.C.), Middle Woodland (300 B.C. to 900 A.D.), and Ceramic (1,000 to 1,515 A.D.) time periods. Particular lithic tool types include primary debitage and pecked stone which suggest that the surrounding area was prehistorically used for long-term and short-term habitation. The Site is currently "Unassessed" and is not yet listed in the National Register of Historic Places. However, a survey will be required 21 mm mm mium" r m m r m r m s m m mm m i r _ ?l m (T N m to m O K m r0 0 x Z n m h v Z C O m r m o z x ?1 Z n m r Z C) p cc D `O A p (7 O c A m m c0 1 m 0 z 1 n z 1 I j 0 1 O I j j 1 A I i m I ( r L 1 I . 1 a < D 0 z C) 0 m 70 7, r- 0 O O Nc O V 01 0) T 0) N Z 0 00 O DO 00 ? O ( O m D O P O J, n ? m - m c );u D Z Tl O N m D \ A v"1 1 i i r 60'ACCESS EASEMENT' CIO m .Z7. Z J c. \ m • ! ?", t 000016 N fill-it m O 4 r,vy.u i ` m wr k D and 7J -? ? ?:? ?5aht: N m:. - r / m ?r // - 'gt? r ? JAR \ _ -- s y?,fr? ; 000116 N y p? T r 1 _ m ?CO l 005116 N Fl? r v _ I 0 669 f Im cD CO V rn CP ? 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DATE 6-18-03 7-21-03 8-22-03 iezometer Number Piezometer Elevation (feet) Ground Elevation around Piezometer (feet) Groundwater Elevation (feet) Depth of Water Below Ground Surface (feet)' Groundwater Elevation (feet) Depth of Water Below Ground Surface (feet) Groundwater Elevation (feet) Depth of Water Below Ground Surface (feet) 1 701.46 700.24 700.22 -0.02 698.81 -1.43 699.58 -0.66 2 700.90 699.07 699.17 +0.10 697.97 -1.10 698.27 -0.80 3 699.89 698.63 698.77 +0.14 697.66 -0.97 698.43 -0.20 4 700.84 699.59 699.62 +0.03 698.09 -1.50 698.80 -0.79 5 699.07 697.95 698.22 +0.27 697.13 -0.82 698.03 +0.08 6 699.01 698.14 698.14 0.00 697.29 -0.85 696.93 -1.21 7 698.89 697.17 697.51 ±0.34 696.60 -0.67 697.10 -0.07 8 698.97 697.17 697.49 +0.32 696.35 -0.82 697.22 +0.05 9 699.4 697.92 697.92 0.00 696.65 -1.27 697.17 -0.75 10 698.95 697.54 697.54 0.00 696.46 -1.08 696.83 -0.71 11 701.27 700.3 700.3 0.00 698.49 -1.81 698.94 -1.36 positive sign (+) denotes water level above ground. negative sign (-) denotes water level below ground. ¦w m w= m m m=== m e w =m w ? = = - CD Cl) (n 0 CD ° m a 3 p m 0 cn -v c -° W e p o ° ` N =.y 57 o °a 0 o a (D w CD 5' c°n 3 v°, -o 5 ? c (D v o ai n-" n. p D CD n o Q. 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A 7 o Q CD -a CL :3 ;z m SD * ° 3 m 5 _ m m m co =r °= -? c =r --h 5 O E :3 w CD 57 CO CD D ?. C 0 0 m 0 (D 0 0 0 K (D 1+ W --. << (D O 0- co 0 -0 C (0p W 7 c Cl 0 C O Q (D S2 CD w CL 0 (D C r Q n. h= 3 (?D :• CQ co CD ° (n cn O ' ' 0 0 Q SD " -? CD . O + 0 CD O r CO CD 3 cQ co O 3 C (D CD CD (D CA CD -p 0 J CD CD = CL CD 3 CD Sv 3 !' (D =3 -0 (Q o w j aCc a 5. 3 N _ M n a O CD ,? 00 W OQ Can (n *• 3 ':- u? ° 0 C) 0 CD CD (D W CD (D =!! CD C) _ - w -a ., w o Ln o CCD cQ O m m O x 0 O m Q 0 c 0 :3 Q SD s O- "a N C 3 co 0 0 ( _ e 1. tD C) L 0 'O CD + O ( D Q 5 p w (D ? 0 ° (Q CD -. 0) O N O. ? ((DD 2 -CD 0 c m O . N S u (3D ? .? (D (D C/) 3 O Q3 Q CD . r CL ( D O CD (D = (o 5* 0 In -0 1+ SD CD 0 :3 cl (n 3 SD (D m 0 (D o ° 0 I 11 1 was modified to emulate steady state, climax community structure as described in the Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Circular plot sampling was utilized to establish base-line, vegetation composition and structure in RFEs. Species were recorded along with individual tree diameters, canopy class, and dominance. From collected field data, importance values (Brower et al. 1990) of dominant canopy and mid-story trees were calculated. Hydrology, surface topography, and habitat features were also evaluated. Mature forest communities were identified in floodplain areas east of the Site that continue to characterize steady-state forest conditions. The vegetative community sampled was identified as a Piedmont bottomland hardwood forest (Schafale and Weakley 1990). Four plots located in the adjacent forested floodplain were sampled. The overstory is dominated by red maple and green ash. Other highly desirable, late successional canopy species included overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), red oak (Quercus rubra), shagbark hickory (Carya ovata), and American elm (Ulmus americana) (Table 2). The RFEs exhibit evidence of past silvicultural practices such as selective cutting, high-grading, and ditch construction that have resulted in a less diverse, intra- specific tree assemblage. Therefore, community restoration procedures have been modified to facilitate a reduction in dominance by disturbance adapted species such as red maple and sweetgum. 4.3 Reference Physiography and Surface Topography Surface features were mapped within reference Piedmont swamp/bottomland hardwood forest in order to establish base-line topographic conditions for restoration planning use. This community lies within a seasonally to semi-permanently inundated area that has supported sediment accretion in the past with inundation from stream flows occurring on a frequent basis. The channel is actively migrating across alluvial fans developed within the aggrading floodplain. Topographic maps of the accretion area were prepared to 0.5-foot contour intervals by laser level and tape measure. Abandoned stream channels were mapped along with approximate jurisdictional wetland extent relative to the water surface within stream channels. A plan view, cross-sections, and profiles were generated for the channel and adjacent alluvial surface. The channel dimension, rate of channel migration, and slope of the floodplain floor represent the primary features extrapolated for use in restoration planning. One of the objectives of restoration is to put Midway Creek and the southern tributary back onto the historic alluvial fans and induce sediment deposition, channel migration, braiding, ponding, and/or anastomosed stream, resulting in hydration of adjacent wetland areas Figure 12 depicts a plan view and cross-sections of the alluvial fan, including locations of abandoned channels that have developed over the last several years. The channel exhibits active migration across the valley floor as aggradation processes elevate isolated portions of the floodplain. The active channel is classified as an E5 (highly sinuous) stream type in upper reaches of the reference Site (Rosgen 1994). Subsequently, the channel transitions into an anastomosed (DA5/6) channel and subsequent braided (D6) channel immediately prior to the confluence with a near-permanently inundated section of the primary floodplain. 29 i c e i N O ?U N CU a E O U `-° :3 U) a o (V a O +- O U- ,Q U- FO- `o o U- O C 72 cu O O m d c m O Q. E t? NJ m o_ > e3 ? Q V Q c t0 N r+ c ? C +' d o cu a- >+ 0 c ^ ? o a L O d O N L ? E ?> O Z c N d .U d Q N m L F- I r O ? O ? qr M M M N N N N O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O I ? O O M O O Lo Lo r.- M O M r ti O O O N r- O O M N ?- N I` O M r I-- N h M r VO N O M M N O O O O i- N 't- ? CO CU Cfl CO CO CO C? 6 N T- i?j t?j ?!) lfj Ln tfj In ?- N r r O i? O O 0 N N N N N N N M M M M ?- M M M O O M M 6 M M M M OO O N N r N r- r- I co ,U z +? (p cQ y N w to Q. o to co co 0 C C V V C 0 cu t h U i R co U m N cO Q L1 k of C'1 0 Q U U I O O r I? O 0 O 'a. O O r N M J H O O Q U cv O i O O O co E O z _ 0 rn n .. 0 0 o (n U) ? r N V1 ?(D CD n O O O N -n CD Q O n 0 0. O ? Linear (Across Volley) Distance in Feet O N Cn V O N Ln O Ln O N D DW -- ---------- Z O --------- ----------- --- ----- ------- Elevation in Feet Elevation in Feet m 0 0 (O o 0 0 C7 CO O ON A W W O N -P W 2 D O O -- ------------- ------ z m r- 0 o In N ....... ------------- -------- CO Vi CO ------ -- ------ --- Le 0 1 O O - ------------- -------------(3) C Y Ln r- 0 r 0) o r r- 0 ---------------- ----- - ------- ---- --------- v - ------------ OMM O V W 0 CO r_ W O O - -- -------- --------- o "a 2 O O O OS N O t N Ln N C O C7 O Q O O ry O 0 ---- ----------------- O N (/) N N N N O p N 0 D N ' 7 rn m o o - No 5• O o ?. ---- ------ - ----------- ------ - - --------- z CD N WO J W - ----------------- -------- 7 fl O lD 0 O - ---------------- ----- -------------- ''^^ ------------ --------- V• N O Ln 0 O O n v n v r O O N m rn 0 0 - 00 o o 0 0 - --------------- -- (7 N N rnO O O O mW O O O O 00 D N O N •A 00 O N A N f rn - -- --------- --------------- ----- - W O m L n o A v n '9 w m N O n. 7 \ ` o Ngg cnm 0 0 ?O-Icnp N o o Ch ??pp m 0 z m o °OP? IZ?C ?-? N ?•? N N z m zz° pC m y? 0 o o D? N Dm zA z CD W D N ' ? ? I I ? ? ', I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I : I I I i I I I I I I ' ' I ? I I : I i 1 I I I 1 i I I I E I _ 2'69 - :. -? - - --- _'_ _:.- - - I - - I --r- Ii - Iti 4 4 4 t_ ti -r- r r r r I -r ? --- -r -r - -r r r - -r o _ I I 4 ? ? -r- -r r r r r -?- r - r i r r- -4 -r- -r- -r- -r' -r" r -r- -r" -L- _ I I I I I I I I -r- -r- -r- -r" 'I'- -r -r- -r I- r- -i -r r- -`- r r r- - -i- --r -L- -r r- -r' Z _ f- 1 - r' - r r- - ?- r LI This braided reach and near-permanently inundated area represent projected conditions within the secondary floodplain area of the Site. The floodplain, throughout this reference reach, continues to support forest vegetation, including shrub-scrub dominated communities within the potentially inundated areas. u C 32 11 r_1 11 5.0 WETLAND RESTORATION PLAN 5.1 Wetland Hydrology and Soil Restoration Site alterations to restore groundwater, surface flow dynamics, and wetland hydrology include: 1) ditch plugs, 2) ditch and canal backfilling, 3) backwater slough construction, 4) river levee removal, 5) tributary realignments, 6) wetland surface scarification, 7) seasonal pool construction, and 8) woody debris deposition (Figure 13). 5.1.1 Ditch Plugs Ditch plugs will be installed along ditches and the canal at locations identified in Figure 13. In addition, all ditch outlets off-site will be effectively plugged to prevent migration of flows back into the former ditch or canal. The plugs will be constructed of low density material designed to withstand erosive forces associated with river floods. If earthen material is used, each plug will backfilled in 2-foot lifts of vegetation free material and compacted into the bottom of the ditch. The earthen material may be obtained from upland borrow pits or through excavation of shallow pools along the existing channel or within the primary floodplain. 5.1.2 Ditch Backfilling Ditches will be partially back-filled using on-site, earthen material from excavated depressions and ephemeral pond construction as depicted in Figure 13. Additional fill will be obtained from elevated areas within the floodplain, as needed. The ditches and canal backfill locations will be filled, compacted, and graded to the approximate elevation of the adjacent wetland surface. Certain, non-critical ditch sections shall remain open to provide habitat, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Open ditch sections will be isolated between effectively backfilled reaches to reduce potential for long-term, preferential groundwater migration. ' 5.1.3 Backwater Slough Construction Backwater sloughs will be designed to mimic reference wetland conditions found within the Haw River floodplain. Conditions to be mimicked include: 1) a convoluted interception of ' groundwater and flood flows, 2) average slope of upland-wetland interface and the slough surface, 3) micro-topographic variation along the slough surface, and 4) soil modification and debris deposition. Backwater slough construction will occur adjacent to the existing canal in the northeastern portion of the Site (Figure 13). Construction of the slough will begin approximately 100 feet below the bridge along Sandy Cross Road and extend approximately 1100 feet downstream from where the slough will daylight (slope to the existing ground elevation) and migrate naturally within the existing topography. The backwater slough will be excavated approximately to 75 to 100 feet in width and average depth of approximately 1 foot. Once the design is complete, the on-site storm flow will be re-modeled to verify that the slough sizing is sufficient. Sections of the existing canal will be connected to the backwater slough. These sections will remain open and left as deep water habitat. The remaining sections of canal will be plugged and backfilled as depicted on the restoration plan. Existing trees along the canal will be preserved to the extent possible. 33 m m m m m m r m r m m m m m m m m m ! r- •n •,r m r c _ r n c y <O c 005606 N D <c r n mr * rn A m N ?v r r n t nm o O o O; Dr n I 'IV ' 1 , 1 " r - ?. ?' ? ?" f ?: te il' i ''" "`? ! ',? ?/ ? s• ^- i• -? _ u Q ? ' 01,--.-?/ -7 (no OCR 'O m m U) M S < N -{O CO M X X D X O to O N V) oN 0? ? cz, lo n n ? m N X m --I Z O Z = j I O U z f ;00 O D m i z° n m 0 m O ?• w }.' c? (;?? ?' ? 000016 N , o r n m , rn C) M;o m C in u m 0;0 Ln LAM >;o 0 mrn ;;; ' 0 m `Z J ism o N ?C o ` , D O m m % 1 f IT1 ro o u'• 4 o -+o ;mZ n 4w,I r I ?, t < g ' b o rcnv mn n W p br, c;o or-;o -00 r -O X 0 0 ? Z r7 n ?' F. 7 - i ti _- I m? C? N -n M;o x 2 ' tt, G) r v cil m - l! - ----- -- I - - , - - r .,- -. , , ? - ,• /rte -_ & ?i,-- ? ..(, it _ ,'•?y `oi Iv - - - - ,- _-.__ - - o, -------------- > / j 0, i . 005116` N 'nr v - ? ?r rrn fib ' - --- 000216 N 11, a a n o X O ^ ? m CD m 0. = ? l 1 " ?2 cl) o?c? m Z C:: CA m C6 cn a. O r; -1 ) C- C- _ _ F S n O < m 1?.1 'O^ z v v ` o f 5 - O o O ^, `" N N 50 zzv p0 m tn0 p'n 0 O z D m z 7° z ?? 0 L4 (A 1 5.1.4 Ephemeral Pool Construction Ephemeral pools will be constructed in the primary floodplain along portions of ditches and the canal and used for additional fill material as needed for the above-described tasks. The pools will be constructed by excavating shallow, irregularly shaped (oblong) depressions placed perpendicular to land slope. The depressions will range to a maximum of 1-foot below the existing surface elevation in the center of the depression. Depressional areas will extend over a radius of 50 to 75 feet (long axis). The location and attributes of oval depressions will be constructed to mimic backwater slough depressions and other depressional features found in the reference wetlands. Ditches located within depressional areas will be backfilled to the maximum 14oot depth below the ground elevation. 5.1.5 Controlled Water Outfall Structure Controlled water outfall structures are proposed at designated outlets through the river levee or within low points in the floodplain (Figure 13). As surface water exits the Site, the Haw River side may experience increased erosive flows from hydraulic head, causing instability to the bank and the risk for headcuts. The controlled water outfall structures represent a cellular confinement structure that will reinforce and restrain vegetated topsoils or stone infill, thereby controlling down-slope movement due to hydrodynamic and gravitational forces. 5.1.6 River Levee Removal The Haw River levee will be lowered between 699 and 700 feet NGVD along a reach immediately below Church Street Extension (Figure 13). The lowered levee will extend for approximately 125 feet. Based on flood studies, lowering of the levee to 700 feet above MSL will allow bankfull and greater flows access to the floodplain at the top of the Site. 5.1.7 Midway Creek Restoration Midway Creek will be diverted upon entering the Site to redirect flows onto the historic floodplain. The floodplain in the immediate area shall be graded to accommodate the restored stream alignment and accept bankfull flows. Flow from the realigned Midway Creek will be directed into a depressional freshwater marsh complex (marsh). The marsh will be constructed within pasture in the northern portion of the Site (Figure 13) and serve as the mechanism to divert flow back onto the historic alluvial fan and provide a perennial source for groundwater recharge to the area. The marsh will be constructed to facilitate passive channel redevelopment on its historic alluvial fan location. Braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions will occur, similar to reference streams in the region. Reference streams often exhibit braided (alluvial fan), backwater, or anastomosed features at the confluence with large river floodplains. The marsh will be constructed by excavating and grading earthen material from a 50- to 75-foot wide hummock. The marsh shall extend across the floodplain and tie into the existing or graded side slopes as depicted in the plan. The area will be excavated to an average depth of 1 to 2 feet below the proposed floodplain surface. A series of stabilized outlets will be constructed ' through the floodplain to direct water towards the floodplain, with the outlet elevation (and resultant water surface) fixed at approximately 700 feet above NGVD. 35 _1 i 1 1 i The planned outlets may be temporarily stabilized with woody debris, cellular confinement structures, or coarse rock material placed immediately above and below the structure. However, the marsh and associated outlets do not represent permanent structures. After successional vegetation colonizes the Site and reforestation is underway, sediment deposition patterns, debris accumulation, alternative flow pathways, and natural adjustments will be allowed to develop within the bottomland ecosystem, effectively replacing the pond with a natural low slope, level spreader. The distributor pond will be constructed to persist until forest cover and braided stream and surface topography is established. The objective in early years is to reduce stream flow velocities, encouraging depositions, and consequently allowing micro- and macro-topography to develop over time within the abandoned farm fields. 5.1.8 Southern Tributary Restoration At the Site boundary, the southern tributary will be diverted and redirected onto the Haw River floodplain. Subsequently, tributary flows will be discharged into the historic alluvial fan and primary floodplain. As with the northern tributary, the southern tributary will be allowed to re- develop primarily through passive processes to encourage braiding, ponding, and anastomosed conditions. The floodplain elevation will be graded to accommodate the slope and anticipated flood flows of the new channel (Figure 13). The new floodplain and channel will cross the roadway easement. Construction of a causeway for a future proposed road would require fill and the co-requisite installation of a properly sized stream, floodplain, and drainage culverts. 5.1.9 Wetland Surface Scarification ' Before wetland, plant community restoration is implemented, agricultural fields and graded back- fill material on the primary floodplain will be scarified. The scarification will be performed as linear bands directed perpendicular to land slope (surface water flows). After scarification, the ' soil surface should exhibit complex microtopography ranging to 1 foot in vertical asymmetry across local reaches of the landscape. Restored micro-topographic relief is considered critical to short term hydrology restoration efforts. Therefore, multiple passes along each band is ' recommended to ensure adequate surface roughing and surface water storage potential across the Site. Subsequently, community restoration will be initiated on scarified wetland surfaces. 5.1.10 Woody Debris Deposition Woody debris cleared during restoration activities or located in adjacent areas should be placed on restored wetland surfaces to the maximum extent practicable. The absence of large woody debris represents a limiting factor in the establishment of habitat diversity, nutrient cycling (soil microbial) functions, and energy dissipation on abandoned farmland (Brinson et al. 1995). ' Woody debris jams may also be used as temporary stabilization structures located at controlled water outfall locations. 1 36 5.2 Wetland Plant Community Restoration Restoration of wetland forest communities provides habitat for area wildlife and allows for development and expansion of characteristic wetland-dependent species across the landscape. Ecotonal changes between community types contribute to diversity and provide secondary benefits such as enhanced feeding and nesting opportunities for mammals, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Reference data, on-site observations, and ecosystem classification have been used to develop species associations promoted during community restoration activities. Target plan community associations include: 1) levee forest, 2) bottomland hardwood forest, 3) piedmont swamp forest, and 4) mesic mixed hardwood forest. Figure 14 provides a conceptual depiction of potential forest communities to be restored across the landscape. Figure 15 identifies the location of each target community. Emphasis has been focused on developing a diverse plant assemblage. This is particularly vital due to the limited distribution of mast-producing hardwood tree species presently existing in the vicinity, as evidenced during the reference search. Planting a variety of mast-producing species will provide a food source for wildlife and will facilitate habitat diversity in a region dominated by agricultural fields. The restoration of upland forest communities has also been proposed. Upland forest restoration ' plans are designed to enhance wetland functions and to restore a wetland/upland forest ecotone that is considered rare in the region. The target forest community is composed primarily of upland oaks and hickories, among intermittent stems of black gum, American beech, ' and tulip poplar. Planting Plan ' The planting plan is designed to reestablish wetland community patterns across the landscape. The plan consists of: 1) acquisition of available wetland species, 2) implementation of proposed ' surface topography improvements, and 3) planting of selected species on-site. The COE bottomland hardwood forest mitigation guidelines (DOA 1993) were utilized in developing this plan. r Species selected for planting will be dependent upon availability of local seedling sources. Advanced notification to nurseries (1 year) may facilitate availability of various non-commercial species. Planted species names by community are listed below. Levee Forest 1. Black Willow (Salix nigra) 2. River Birch (Betula nigra) 3. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 4. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 5. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Possum-haw (Ilex deciduous) 7. American Elm (Ulmus americana) ' 8. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 9. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 37 m m m m m m ' ? r m m m m m= == s m m r m m m m?! m m m m m m m m s s m 1 00.9606 N I I o °o 00 m m m x x v! v x z D - - - - - T f, 2. .`, r CA i z z O to p -+ 'j ;o m z m ;o Rr1 p C) z UI A C z z m m ) • V J m 0 -i m O O Z ' {{ ? , Ji ( Z ? r 000016 N ,. t - A \ ? y ' ?\ z .? L' ( J \ - Dm Om m m - •' g0 00 m C •? - - ti S, my v m , ?- " ilk s N p a ? . - o - N m cn % - l" o m ?f m 1+ m • It I+ ? 4 - ------ ----- 4 I ?. ? -_ _ 1 ? . clt, 1 i -_ ? j co co o0 co ao CO co co co W = m o0 Q to OD V 01 NP L4 N ` ` ,/?, ' ( ? ? ' / O) V V 0 V M ? V 01 V O O w O w t0 O W O i G/ ! / •, . \ .\` , ,?, u , / ;? p p r' ?, J ; C Z m / ? (P N 00 01 N M t V c0 ? (n CO W CO ti n n o o w m z0 m = n? OZO O ?. n o G) 0 ? _= n c n 0? m Vp < o ° A o n o Z=i _ n 7o ° ??D m ?o m N m m 3 Op ? D N 0 z z g o?m ? ?•? w , ° Wo O o K Z Dm Z CD W y D N 1 r 1 n Bottomland Hardwood Forest 1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 2. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 3. Sugarberry (Cells laevigata) 4. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) 3. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) 6. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) 7. Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) 8. Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 9. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 10 American Elm (Ulmus americana) Piedmont Swamp Forest 1. American Elm (Ulmus americana) 2. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) 3. Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata) 4. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 5. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxir) 6. Swamp Cottonwood (Populus heterophylla) 7. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 8. Winged Elm (Ulmus alata) 9. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) Tree establishment within swamp forest communities may be complicated by shallow inundation in low-lying areas. The stems of planted seedlings must elevate the leaf area above the level of inundation, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 feet above the soil surface. Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest 1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) 2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 3 White Oak (Quercus alba) 3. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata) 4. American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) 5. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 6. Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra) 7. Mockernut Hickory (Carya tomentosa) 8. Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) 9. Cherrybark Oak (Quercus pagoda) 10. Ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) Table 3 depicts the total number of stems and species distribution for each plant community association. Bare-root seedlings of tree species will be planted within specified areas at a ' density of 680 stems per acre (8-foot centers). In summary approximately 31,000 trees will be planted within the approximately 45.6 acre restoration site. 40 1 I Table 3. Planting Plan Haw River Swamp Restoration Site 1 n 1 Vegetation Association (Planting area Levee Forest Piedmont Swamp Forest Bottomiand Hardwood Forest Mesic Hardwood Forest TOTAL STEMS PLANTED Stem Target Area acres ac 680/ac 1.9 ac 680/ac 22.1 ac 680/ac 17.7 ac 680/ac 3.9 ac 45.6 ac SPECIES # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) # planted (% total) Black Willow 65(5) 65 River Birch 65(5) 65 American Sycamore 195(15) 195 Possum-haw 130(10) 130 Willow Oak 195(15) 2,250 (15) 2,445 American Elm 195(15) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 2,295 Green Ash 130(10) 750(5) 600(5) 1,480 Ironwood 130(10) 1,500 (10) 600(5) 135(5) 2,365 Tulip Poplar 195(15) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 2,130 Swamp Chestnut Oak 3,000 (20) 1,800 (15) 4,800 Cherrybark Oak 1,500 (10) 1,800 (15) 135(5) 3,435 Sugarberry 1,200 (10) 1,200 Loblolly Pine 1,200 (10) 1,200 Bitternut Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Shagbark Hickory 1,200 (10) 1,200 Swamp Cottonwood 750(5) 750 Winged Elm 750(5) 750 Overcup Oak 3,000 (20) 3,000 Sugar Maple 270(10) 270 White Oak 405(15) 405 Southern Red Oak 405(15) 405 American Beech 270(10) 270 Northern Red Oak 270(10) 270 Mockernut Hickory 270(10) 270 Pi nut Hickory 270(10) 270 Black gum 135(5) 135 TOTAL 1,300 15,000 12,000 2,700 31,000 1: Some non-commercial elements may not be locally available at the time of planting.. The stem count for unavailable species should be distributed among other target elements based on the percent (%) distribution. One year of advance notice to forest nurseries will promote availability of some non- commercial elements. However, reproductive failure in the nursery may occur. 2: Scientific names for each species, required for nursery inventory, are listed in Section 5.2 of the mitigation plan. 1 1 41 r 1 r U r 1 1 Planting will be performed between December 1 and March 15 to allow plants to stabilize during the dormant period and set root during the spring season. Opportunistic species, which typically dominate early- to mid-successional forests, have been excluded from initial plantings on interior floodplains. Opportunistic species such as sweetgum, red maple, loblolly pine, and black willow may become established. However, to the degree that long-term species diversity is not jeopardized, these species should be considered important components of steady-state forest communities. Planted stems of black willow, ironwood, and possum haw will be placed on ditch outlet plugs for stabilization purposes. The planting plan is the blueprint for community restoration. The anticipated results stated in the regulatory success criteria (Section 6.0) may reflect vegetative conditions achieved after steady-state forests are established over many years. However, the natural progression through early successional stages of floodplain forest development will prevail regardless of human interventions over a 5-year monitoring period. 42 C? r 1 n 6.0 MONITORING PLAN The Monitoring Plan consists of a comparison between reference and restoration areas along with evaluation of jurisdictional wetland criteria (DOA 1987). Monitoring will entail analysis of two primary parameters: hydrology and vegetation. Monitoring of restoration efforts will be performed for 5 years or until success criteria are fulfilled. 6.1 Hydrology After hydrological modifications have been completed at the Site, continuously recording, surficial monitoring wells will be installed in accordance with specifications in U.S. Corps of Engineers', Installing Monitoring Wells/Piezometers in Wetlands (WRP Technical Note HY-IA- 3.1, August 1993). Monitoring wells will be set to a depth of approximately 24 inches below the soil surface. Screened portions of each well will be surrounded by filter fabric, buried in a screened well sand, and sealed with a bentonite cap to prevent siltation and surface flow infiltration during floods. Recording devices will be placed above the projected flood elevation. Wells may be stabilized from flood shear by attaching a reinforcing steel bar (re-bar). Eight monitoring wells will be installed in wetland restoration areas to provide representative coverage within each physiographic landscape area depicted in Figure 16. Two wells will also be placed in reference areas in similar landscape positions to use as comparison with on-site conditions. In addition, one monitoring well will be placed within the Haw River to provide stream flow depths and record bankfull events and one well will be placed within the Site to monitor ponding and inundation of surface water. Hydrological sampling will be performed in restoration and reference areas during the growing season (26 March to 6 November) at intervals necessary to satisfy the hydrology success criteria within each physiographic landscape area (Figure 15). 6.2 Hydrology Success Criteria Target hydrological characteristics have been evaluated using regulatory wetland hydrology ' criteria and reference wetland sites. Regulatory Wetland Hydrology Criteria The regulatory wetland hydrology criterion requires saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for 5 percent of the growing season under normal climatic conditions. In some instances, the regulatory wetland hydroperiod may extend for between 5 and 12.5 percent of the growing season. Reference Wetland Sites Two groundwater monitoring wells will be placed in the reference wetland areas. These wells will provide reference hydroperiods for the primary and secondary floodplain (bottomland hardwood and swamp forest) physiographic area. 1 43 m m m m m m ' m = m = m m = s m m m m 009606 N rn o LA ,- N f ,?, li__ (1, ?`?\\'?\\\\I\\/' ,`YN ;off,-!?; . --ii'"G,i7 0: ?/ I _____ ? I , \ z , , ',1,111 " .- 7 7 71 ACCES ASEMEN'' r ? ` • f ? 1 1 ? 1 K C) --I< m m N M K ox ;yom x x ? x D zo Zm FA O? V) C- A o ? g. ? Z W m N r ?- m m m ( ?' ? T. ?n a• n• 000016 N ?' i a, v Z to -i M z z O F m .. O o c .? ?. / ?'.: c? ?• m A o -I m o O m ?011 r- z Z m 3 I , I I1 b 3 ? ?? ? ?' ?i L" ??, io '-Y•>??I 14 ?:- ?' to ;s?? im• ?' ?\ - ? ? ? ? 'r / - r, / ? - _ te .. /; " b L ?, JI{ o . 1 - , 1 1 7 " 5 ,\`'. 5.\\1? ',. ,\?F,`?\' 11 111 ?1'. i?A F%ii `` \„ \ 1 ? j . 1 ! ''%'','•::' :.- Now i ..?,/ ' _ ?_-_ _ , \\?` 111 1 1\ II r'' ? \l\I II 1 ?', c ? H X n n n o n m m 3 ZO m = ao n? .. .. O ?Zc v)??n VAN o O ^ a C- cC- ? Z m Q ?O-I?? N? O A m z ' M C- ° ' p ZO ??oo mt+?y7o ?o mD z O w cP? ° N z -? Z ?m zZ y0 p•n L,, N K n o 50 D A co p ° 0 0 ' + m z z w n cn 1 Success Criteria Target hydrologic characteristics include a minimum regulatory criteria or a comparison to reference data in drought years (years in which reference is within 2 percent of or below the regulatory wetland criteria). Under normal climatic conditions, the hydrologic success criterion requires saturation (free water) within one foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 5 percent of the growing season for ' the secondary floodplain and bottomland hardwood areas depicted in Figure 15. The primary floodplain and Piedmont swamp forest quadrants must support saturation (free water) within 1 foot of the soil surface for a minimum of 12.5 percent of the growing season. This hydroperiod translates to saturation for a minimum, 12-day (5 percent) to 28-day (12.5 percent) consecutive period during the growing season, which extends from March 26 to November 6 (USDA 1977). In atypical dry years, the hydroperiod must exceed 75 percent of the hydroperiod exhibited by the reference wells located within the same physiographic landscape area. Reference well data will be used to compare wetland hydroperiods between the restoration areas and relatively ' undisturbed reference wetlands. This data will supplement regulatory evaluation of success criteria and also provide information that shall allow interpretation of mitigation success in years not supporting "normal rainfall conditions." 6.3 Vegetation Restoration monitoring procedures for vegetation are designed in accordance with EPA guidelines presented in Mitigation Site Type (MIST) documentation (EPA 1990) and COE Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines (DOA 1993). The following presents a general discussion of the monitoring program. Vegetation will receive a visual evaluations during the periodic reading of monitoring wells to ascertain the general conditions and degree of overtopping of planted elements by weeds. Subsequently, quantitative sampling of vegetation will be performed once annually during the fall (October / November) for 5 years or until vegetation success criteria are achieved. ' Sampling dates may be modified to accommodate river flood events and plot inundation, as needed. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately 15 sample transects will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. Each transect will be 300 feet in length and 8 feet in ' width (0.055 acre). Best professional judgment may be necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual ' observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. 45 1 6.4 Vegetative Success Criteria Success criteria have been established to verify that the vegetation component supports community elements necessary for floodplain forest development. Success criteria are dependent upon the density and growth of characteristic forest species. Additional success criteria are dependent upon density and growth of "Character Tree Species," which include planted species, those listed by Schafale and Weakley (1990), and species identified in the RFEs. All canopy tree species planted and identified in the reference forest will be utilized to define "Character Tree Species" as termed in the success criteria. An average density of 320 stems per acre of Character Tree Species must be surviving in the first three monitoring years. Subsequently, 290 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 4, and 260 character tree stems per acre must be surviving in year 5. Planted species must represent a minimum of 30 percent of the required stem per acre total (96 stems/acre). Each naturally recruited character species may represent up to 10 percent of the required stem per acre total. In essence, seven naturally recruited character species may represent a maximum of 70 percent of the required stem/acre total. Additional stems of naturally recruited species above the 70 percent threshold are discarded from the statistical analysis. The remaining 30 percent are not necessarily removed from the Site, but will be left as a reserve and future seed source for species maintenance during mid-succession phases of forest development. During the first sample event, a visual survey will be performed in the reference wetlands to identify all canopy tree species represented within target communities. These reference tree species will be utilized to define "character tree species" as termed in the success criteria. During quantitative vegetation sampling in early fall of the first year, approximately five sample plots will be randomly placed (stratified) within the Site to equally represent the various hydrologic regimes and plant communities. However, best professional judgment may be ' necessary to establish vegetative monitoring plots upon completion of construction activities. In each sample plot, vegetation parameters to be monitored include species composition and species density. Visual observations of the percent cover of shrub and herbaceous species will also be recorded but not used for vegetative success criteria. Sample-plot distributions are expected to resemble locations depicted in Figure 16. In each plot, presence/absence of shrub and herbaceous species will be recorded. A wetland data form (DOA 1987) will be completed to document the classification and description of vegetation, soil, and hydrology. 6.5 Contingency 1 In the event that vegetation or hydrology success criteria are not fulfilled, a mechanism for contingency will be implemented. If vegetation success criteria are not achieved based on average density calculations from combined sample plot data, supplemental planting will be 1 performed with tree species approved by regulatory agencies. Supplemental planting will be performed as needed until achievement of vegetation success criteria. No quantitative sampling requirements are proposed for herb assemblages as part of the vegetation success criteria. Development of floodplain forests over several decades will dictate the success in migration and 46 establishment of desired understory and groundcover populations. Visual estimates of the percent cover of herbaceous species and photographic evidence will be reported for information purposes. For vegetation contingency, replanting and extended monitoring periods will be implemented if community restoration does not fulfill minimum species density and distribution requirements. ' Hydrological contingency will require consultation with hydrologists, WRP, and regulatory agencies if wetland hydrology restoration is not achieved. Wetland surface modification, including construction of ephemeral pools, represents a likely mechanism to increase the ' floodplain area that supports jurisdictional wetlands. Recommendations for contingency to establish wetland hydrology will be implemented and monitored until the Hydrology Success Criteria are achieved. ' 6.6 Monitoring Report Submittal An Annual Wetland Monitoring Report (AWMR) will be prepared at the end of each monitoring I year (growing season). The AWMR will depict the sample plot and quadrant locations and include photographs which illustrate Site conditions. Data compilations and analyses will be presented as described in Sections 6.1 through 6.4 including graphic and tabular format, where practicable. Raw data in paper or computer (EXCEL) file format will be prepared and submitted as an appendix or attachment to the AWMR. i 47 7.0 RESTORATION DESIGN UNITS The riverine floodplain physiographic areas encompass approximately 42.8 acres (Figure 6). Based on restoration analyses (Section 4.0), the area includes approximately 34.9 acres of wetland restoration in prior converted cropland and 2.1 acres of wetland enhancement. Figure 17 and depicts the area of riverine wetland restoration and enhancement (Le. bottomland hardwood restoration). The remaining on-site acreage (10.6 acres) includes levees, streams (open water), upland buffer, and groundwater slope restoration and preservation areas. Restoration plans will re-introduce surface water flood hydrodynamics from a 52.7 square mile watershed. The plan includes establishment of an array of riverine communities, including levee forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and riverine swamp forests. Therefore, riverine hydrodynamic and biogeochemical functions will be restored, including pollutant removal, ' organic carbon export, sediment retention, nutrient cycling, flood storage, and energy dissipation. Physical wetland functions typically associated with water quality will be replaced within the Cape Fear River basin. Biological functions associated with the riverine system will also be restored or enhanced including in-stream aquatic habitat, structural floodplain habitat, and interspersion and connectivity between the restored stream, floodplain, and adjacent uplands. I 48 m ? m m m m? m m m m m m m = m ! m m- 009606 N o ? -- --------------- ` T ' 7 ? I ? iP??'? ? •lai? ;0;0 m; ;oc m m to m K K to mC ZC my x x v x Z D _ YJ m - - "' f LA m x m V) r N O v? m 1 z- ;o CO 0 ° • ? w ? ( n 000016 N ' 0 n n ? Dm MM D r- 0 8 ?, ? n N m f c N ;I < -1 Z Z Om Zm Om O D ;o -1 ° Z? Z-n X -i m O 1'? 2' tr o O r g m m g m e z ;o m S = m Z Y 1+ 1+ i 01:5 .N? 00 - - ? - -------- --- N . R\R\ !'i j? --__ •`, ` ?:??'I\t?"„III IIII? ,r?`?I 'il /•, it/', 10 '/ n ° ti ? n m •c •c Z n le v m x Z S 'A D ? O .. o L c) C- 0 _'1 Cmp z r ?, cn0? M Cl) o ? z Cn c ?I m c) ?G) y? ? ??? a ao ° rn i m? Z o • l " z m yZ? S 0 o ?z < p ? I O w o z v V) n •' 61 0 m 2 z° Q o O (? z z (D ' 8.0 REFERENCES Brinson M., B. Swift, R. Plantico, and J. Barclay. 1981. Riparian Ecosystems: Their ecology and status. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FWS/OBS 81/17. ' Brinson M.M., F.R. Hauer, L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter, R.D. Smith, and D. Whigham. 1995. Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic Assessments to Riverine Wetlands. U.S. ' Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, MS. Brower, J.E., J.H. Zar, and C.N. von Ende. 1990. Field and Laboratory Methods for General Ecology. William C. Brown Publishers, Debuque, IA. Department of the Army (DOA). 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual. t Technical Report Y-87-1. U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS. ' Department of the Army (DOA). 1993 (unpubplished). Corps of Engineers Wilmington District. Compensatory Hardwood Mitigation Guidelines 912/8/93). t East Satellite Corporation (EASC). 1997. Comprehensive land cover mapping for the State of North Carolina. Final Report. Rockville, MD. ' Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1990. Mitigation Site Clasification (MIST). A Methodology to Classify Pre-Project Mitigation Sites and Develop Performance Standards for Construction and Restoration of Forested Wetlands. USEPA Workshop, August 13-15, 1989. USEPA Region IV and Hardwood Research Cooperative, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. ' Griffith, G.E. and J.M. Omernik, 2000. Draft Level III and IV of North Carolina. U.S. Geological Survey Map and Description, Reston, VA. Scale 1:250,000. ' Griffith, G.E., Omernick, J.M., Comstock, J.A., Schafale, M.P., McNab, W.H., Lenat, D.R., MacPherson, T.F., Glover, J.B., and Shelburne, U.B. 2002. Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,500,000). ' Keller, M.E., C.S. Chandler, and J.S. Hatfield. 1993. Avian Communities in Riparian Forests of Different Widths in Maryland and Delaware. Wetlands 13(2):137-144, Special Issue, ' June 1993. The Society of Wetland Scientists. Rosgen, D.L., 1994. A Classification of Natural Rivers. Catena, 22, 169-199. 1 Schafale, M. P., A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Third Approximation, NC Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NC DEM, Raleigh NC. 50 n 1 1 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1977. Soil Survey of Guilford County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1992. Soil Survey of Rockingham County, North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture. 51 t 1 9.0 APPENDICES r? 1 1 I 1 E 52 D 1 1 fl 1 1 1 APPENDIX A RFP response #16-AW3001 easement boundary M M M M M M ! M. M M' M M M A! M M M ti ,dOC e . [ 37YJ5 OIHdYNO 006 009 OOL 0 MI Oor 3NO15 ONMX3 VNIIONYO H1NON ALNn00 NVHONIAOOB dMSNM01 -IAN0S JMIS 001)¢dPsuo) 8 von¢[O)Sda I MI '9d 'OLa '8'0 xa3LSY3HLtas . saullosay ?¢Ln)6K I 'a, (31/S s3Alb MYH) I a3NUM ON003a 3TI `swassks NoILL'vuoLLs2[2I i L9L1 'Dd M and I 01a 'wo a3NaOD .? V ? Daoa3a? Ia 91IZ "ad Z91L 'e'0 WIG' SLLL A 4111 l3'a 30tLt 'Y 30N3333M A MM MHONNOOa If MEE AM nW 9 'amxDr70a 1 LgL '9d moo; 'am IdM 'ad 'IOD '8'a a3N 37N3a3fla AINrw OaOLNr19 I 37N393[3a AINIIW OaOillll9 017 'gA2:?z3 NOLLV)IOS388 I 014 'cwv7csc NOLLYEOLM . .i HNltl MVH ZOE 'Od L SE 'we .4ccet NOSaBVH01)1 M,DY.19L1S5 OYOII HONG , ,19'Lil DMIS03 B3LdfN NV9N .OS LW96I OWN M,ZZ.L9AON t'.. . ,;' .,az•,? 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A " I.%; AAgm I pyo PUMA Mopq ao Ynoga aalyoal 1a4io Aw to q 'uMOye amy uoy ' PUOnoM •eaualauma Auo vlaao) N apow aoM ydw.aly° n, .--I n 'calf- loxalow 53aOV l0'i anoP -4 ory fowl%p%p afoFwuns 1N377 M NOILVAa3SNO3 Vf 1101 f10A1AlIK N lc;s vwNn fw SN31e1S NOOVBDIS311 AB ll 1000 ? lOYa gJ W , 3s iX)d 30V3tA M NOLLVSO l.1S dtNt 1V101 Y a31r ,.M A9 sallov ZZ - (LN3NLSY3 30N3i -' ° -- -- ZOO, X M3N 3H1 oNXLn7aM) 1N3M3SV3 NOLLVA 3SMM I YdRw tooNn aNVI SM3LSlS NOOYMLM JO 3OV3MV 1V101 ` 19 'Od 'K 'B'd 9 13Yal Y1V0.7Y _ ISO" NU31,SVaRM a31aOD aaoalu IZSZ-Z6-OO't96L Nd ON $? arn'LYr YX d/M 31%V ONLLSIX3- 1C6Y-CB-00'L96L NW ON 19Z 369 VA REMAL fiD/9-10-CO'LLac Hid ON OLZ •Od 'COOL '90 SLAM (2l 3NT 031V0 4Y S)310Z 6 SSOO LLWLC OHY 1801 ? 'S, AYN L03LYa Y x6 3N<Q a 1X28 aseo[c (5)N3aN1w dYN YlCiy 111 9NNL000V AWONnOB atlYLYH 0001! Y NI 03LYOOy SI lYld 5aLL A0 mLPa53tld3tl V3W SIHL 1 1 1 n 11 t 1 1 1 APPENDIX B Site Photographs 1 Groundwater slope north of canal facing east (early Spring 2003). The Haw River, moving east through the Site during high flow (early Spring 2003). Field south of the Haw River, facing northeast (early Spring 2003). I Field located between the Haw River and the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). I t N 1 r I s i t Photograph taken from bridge over the canal, facing east (early Spring 2003). Photograph taken near Benchmark 7 (BM7) facing southwest (early Spring 2003). ?? -Xt-.sy ...n y.,yj[.s._ .e a = it 3't - : .aY. _ 7.1? {` 41 `t'a Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM10) looking north. Photograph taken from Benchmark 10 (BM10) looking west. Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. I Photograph taken from Benchmark 2 (BM2) looking southeast. II I Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking northeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 4 (BM4) looking west. y Y ?• .. may. ? . Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking west. Photograph taken from Benchmark 5 (BM5) looking northeast. Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking southwest. t ti . t 1 i [ ! ? 1 l ! Lily ', l.Cti ?t. + F ! c !i.: l rY r7 `. .;?riy?'??'-r+?'•77 ?. ???: ? ?5 ?y,r?, _..?Y ;.-a 1 .Y ,i- n M ^ 3•. F,.. Ij .?' ?!'. fA ?,a'«wi ?? ..,.,. x`?t '?`" - -- ° '" -:?, •. v fry ?:_ }:? .., ;? ,.?,??3;J ?i , Photograph taken from Benchmark 6 (BM6) looking northeast. 11 II? yp t r- 3,t: r t4 i;jr.?r i • i t.'4?. ,, ;r t. -!r i . u ,r q +? ?,? l 1. ? ? ?{?s F? 9:? :a,.?i J I 42 ?,?t1 1'?? Photograph taken from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking south. 1 I I Photograph taken from Benchmark 7 (BM7) looking east. f xatr.-r+,..?rs7!?JP.R"s-1?i?'? i 7 .,r . 1? t • it t t- - i a r- T 1 'r141 S j +t.3 J ,S •? F ? ii rs f`.:?J^?PA•t?y4?? ey j ?yl ? ?'i r ! ' f ?` ?? -r ?'a ?.•y ?'„ ,} il, b t?tlrN..L rte'. ?.?. _a ,.r...? j `??*?1t?,? t Y`' 1Q? .<_.o v -? ? r .. tf ? a ? s j ' v 1 sr+.-+ii y.?"?..f' .. j,..:. }. :?• r?'? l ? f . ali , r 9". Photograph taken from Benchmark 8 (BM8) looking south. • h ? nr 5 t? 1 g r ri Photograph taken from Benchmark 9 (BM9) looking south-southwest. 1 t a t t t t APPENDIX C HAW RIVER CROSS-SECTIONS f 0 0 L L.iT? or V O r_ O V N C/) U) U) O V 4mi U) L r- o 0 0 o O ? I O 0 j 00 0 0 0 0 70 cfl O _ CD co LO U: 0 0 0 0 (Y i O O { N O ? O 1 O i O o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d' N O w (D It N O w f? f? I? Cfl (fl Cfl Cfl CO CO UOIIBAal:l O ML W Q? L 3 O 0 4- O c O N N N O L U O N O Ir- O O O d7 00 0 C C O O l O ? ' m ? o I o ? o N O o O O o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 j 00 Cfl d' N O w Cfl N O O O O O m m O O t? f? f? f` f? 0 Cfl O 0 UOIIBA013 O L? ML W t? U W L tJ? O 4- O O V O L V LO (D O (D LO Ltd O LO LO O O i LO c iN M p ? O A LO U N O N L(7 O r- Ln O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O co (D d' N O co CO NI" N O O O O O O d) O O I? I? I? I- I? (D (D (D CD UOIIBA013 ca t? V y- O r. O V Cl) N O L. U O V Cl) O O O O O O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7- O rn 0o r? 6 LO 4 M N O O O O m m O O m m f` I? 0 CO (D (D (D CO 0 (D O O Ir- LO rn O O LO 00 O 00 L r O LO O O L-O LO O LO LO M O I N O N LO T- O T- LO O 0 ca c? IU I?' 1 uOljBAel3 L C.3 O O ._ +1 V O O L U L 00 O 00 rll- O LO CD O CD LO O LO LO _ O _ m co C:) U ? (l1 l T I'? ? M O N O N T O LO O O O O O O O I O O O O O O O O o? oo ? cfl L (Y) rn ? rn rn rn rn rn cD cD cD cD cD (D CD uOIena1:1 c ca U 4- 0 O V di CO N O L. V O LL O O CD rn (C) O LO M rn (D O O O LO M ? d7 O CC) (C) UO11 O O O O O LO O LO f` CC) CC) LO O d7 O m CC) CC) CC) CC) .BA013 O O O O O rn M O co LO ti O ti LO O O cfl O O d- LO co O M N O N LO Ir- O T- O o + it Cl) O ca cc 0 43 O O *NJ C, C/) N O L 4- LL O Lr) 00 O 00 L O LO cfl O O LO LO O m LO o - ca U CD a..r 1 U) O LO N O N LO T- O LO O O O O O O O O O L-0 O LO O LO O LO O co co IN- I-, (D (D LO LO O O O O O O O O (D CO (D (D (D (D CO CO u O IJEA01 =1 O 00 N- 0 0 cB U) 0 N U N X i O ? I 0 N O O O co O O I O O ' N I O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N ?- O O 06 ti o LO O O O O O 07 O d7 O ti ti N O O O O O O O cD r O ?r r I M U) I) (Y) U N C) X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O r O O 00 CD Lf? d C) O O O O 07 O O O O I? I` (D CD CD CD CD CD CD O N r i i I O O r O 00 O O I I O I O N 1 O O O N O O ff t pE E ?' c E E € E i 13 i . i. 4 € ` I:E 4 pp { t ! i ° I O f i a 7 E le x t jggqq? ? E € t : ttp ?_ t ? 4 ( N 33 13 3 ?' €' ? ? i f r I O i - O f E ? 4 E V J fE € f 00 3 . t _E I j _ < E E \3J j ]] 7 44 E t I E 7 E c E I 3 i c j ? ? € 4EE i I ? - F' E € II O € N 3 i E_ 4 E ptE II ?-- E: E E E i E E II a' j t O O O O O O O O O O O O O LIB O U') O U') O LO O U') O LO O O O O O o0 00 I` ti O (.0 O 0 0) O O O O ) O O ? O O O r- ? P1 O O (D ^ CO ^ ' LO (D ^ W ^ ' CO (D Riffle Haw River 706 704 r 702 c .? 700 a? w 698 696 694 ?. 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Width from River Left to Right (ft) bank full {top of 699.38 --- Riffle Haw River description:> e c-t n,strument (tt): 704.58 ?s 35 5.27 699.31 9 56 4.38 700.2 ` 65 3.47 701.11 69 8.99 695.59 >- 74 9.99 694.59 =! 81 9.50 695.08 i ? ! 89 9.43 695.15 94 9.55 695.03 97 7 70 696.88 . ( nj 99 7.10 697.48 tom- 103 3.84 700.74 'rte 106 3.57 701.01 110 4.44 700.14 130 4.64 699.94 ft ? "-tom 163 4.92 699.66 140 160 180 dirnersions 133.9 x-section area 3.7 d mean 35.1 width 38.4 wet F 4.8 d max 3.4 h yd radi 0.0 bank ht 9.4 w/d ratio 0.0 W flood prone area 0.0 ent ratio Riffle Haw River 706 ?- ---------------- ---------- -------- --------- ----- ------------------- 704 -- - - --- - ----------- --------- ------ ------- ----- -------- ------ ------ -------- .. 702 _ ---------------------------------------- I - ._. 700 ?-------- -- ° -- - 698 t----- - ------ - ----- --------------- --- ----------------------- - w - 696 r .. ------------- ------- -- - - -- - - - -- - - - - - - 694 692 - ;.. 0 20 40 60 80 100 Width from River Left to Right (ft) Riffle Haw River :a; ?tt? ci?xauwo!, tisa;nruu; ,v} ?+*r±e?n+? / / 699.16 699.57 69? - h 700.04 y , ka ..1 699.49 mensians ? f r! 'it ;ft f j 696.81 134.5 x-.c 694.48 37.9 wi+ 694.51 5.0 Tr 695.19 0.0 ba t < , 710011 695.89 0.0 W 699.32 s ,. -- 699.28 Vtof €iics r.: - 700.01 3.7 ve 699.18 494.5 tli: ` 699.23 0.28 sh 0.38 sh ' ;ij 1.140 Lin 7 '7 WIN 0.12 Frl 9.6 frii 15.4 thr 120 140 160 3.5 d mean 41.7 wet 'P 3.2 h yd radi 10.7 w/d ratio 0.0 ent ratio Riffle Haw River 704 703 702 .. 70'. _ - - 0 70J 699 w 693 697 -_- : - ------------------ 696 - ------ 695 0 20 699.41 699.74 699.86 699.48 695.47 695.8 696.02 696.04 699.93 699.11 698.25 40 60 80 100 Width from River Left to Right (ft) Haw River W®fm?iB?BA?OV?iilJi'uGL'u1?14;4'; f;5??} ??? 699.39 -- 120 140 160 27.8 width 33.5 wet P 3.9 d max 2.9 h yd radi 0.0 bank ht 8.1 w/d ratio 0.0 W:flood prone area - 0.0 ent ratio hydraua ic s - 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.000 0.00 0.0 8:-9 APPENDIX D I HEC-RAS REPORT FOR EXISTING AND PROPOSED CONDITIONS u t t s e 183.8820 LL O cI O 0 LO 0 OI O 0 0 N O O' O 866 - ---..y II N o w L N l . N C 0 0 t t d y M r- O O O M (D I- (D U) N O r l 0 "t U) (D O N 00 OD CD O r N co C ) U) 0 M M M M M M M M M U7 (O m (6 (D O O O O O O O O O O O O O O ? a o 0 ? C M CO M O II- U) CO CO CO U) N O r O U) O ? 00 O) O O r r N M co Ln y M M M M M M M fit co U) (D (D (D (D X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O L11 r I- I` I` .a d y U) O N m r M N I%- 0 Ln r N co !- co m m r r N co r O co m m ?- CZ N N N N M M C7 M M U) U) U) U) (D L tC O O O ` O O O O O ` O O O O O O a> d I? t r t` t r r ti t` 0 Lo r U) O CD M M N CD (T 00 (C') M I- I? O) O) r N M M 't N O 00 O O) r V) N N N M N M M M M Lri U) U) 6 CD .X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O LLI I? r ti r ti r- ti I` r- I- I` r r y M I- O r- r O c} I-t N r I? O (D LO C r N M M U) CD O 00 ? (P Cl? U) U) CO a N N N N N N N N N M ?Y "It L O O O o 0 0 o O O O O O O O a N Cl) Co N U) CA co co d' N co N O r N M U) CD I? ti CA 00 U) M 'cr U) 00 N N N N N N N N N N Cl) 't I?t v v X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W ic y O M Il- It 'T ti 0) N O) (.D U) N N ? N d ?t U) I-- 00 co N r I- M Ln co 0) o' r r r r r r r N N N M M M M C O O O O O O ` O O O O ` O ` O O ` O d) a r t ti r t t r r- O U) r M O M r- O (D U) M M N N d U) Il- CT O O M M I? M U) O O w y r r r r r N N N N N M M M 4 'X O O O O O O O O (D O O O O O W r r- t` r ti r ti r r r y U) 0 U) (D It O 0 ? ti r (D O ti U) CD co 00 O (D 00 O qct (D r- 0) r Q 6 (1) (A O O O O r r r r N N L Q) O O m O O O O O O O O O O O co (D co I- I` I` I` r ? ? r- I` I` ? a N U) N O M I- OD r U) co r U) 0) 00 O OD CA M (D OD 0) '?t (D h O) r U) N (? fT O O O O r r r ?- r N N X M (3) O O O O O O O O O O O O W O CD (D I? ti r r r m W CA N O O - U) (D O U) (0 O 00 (f ) [? O M LO LO U ) O r Oo 00 co CO co O N M 00 O O O O O O O O O O r r r L 0 O O) rn rn O O O) O O O O O O O m 6- (D CD C.0 (D I-- I- CD r- ? ti ? ? ? r` 4 a r M m U) M r CO co U) Imo- I? CA m O M U) U) CD O N O O) O) O) O) O N U) y 00 O CO O O O O O O O O r r r X O O O O O O O O O O O O O O W O CD O (D r- r- ti ti ti I` I` I` r- r- Oy O) O) LA O) M Ci r r Ql M LO 00 M ti M r M o e} N 00 N T- c co r m O O CD Q) M Ca OC) o r M M LO r- N r r r r N 04 N N N N M 0 0 O U N U a? U O W APPENDIX E NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ELEMENTS r r I? I Ili 10000 0 10000 20000 Feet Watershed Boundary NHP Observations AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole salamander) ETHEOSTOMA COLLIS POP 2 (Carolina darter) HALIAEETUS LEUCOCEPHALUS (Bald eagle) • LOW ELEVATION SEEP PIEDMONT/LOW MOUNTAIN ALLUVIAL FOREST PIEDMONT/MOUNTAIN SWAMP FOREST Hydrology Land Use for 2002 (%) Cultivated Developed _; Forest Open Water j Shrubland Unconsolidated Sediment 'V ,HP 66ERVATlIONIS S E EcoScience Corporation 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27604