20021544 Ver 1_Mitigation Project Review_20091002

NCDENR
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Water Quality
Beverly Eaves Perdue Coleen H. Sullins Dee Freeman
Governor Director Secretary
10/2/2009
Mr. Brandon Marshall
County of Hyde
PO Box 188
Swan Quarter, NC 27885
DWQ # 20021544
Hyde County
Subject Property: Wetland Mitigation for Swan Quarter Dike
Re: Site visit for EPA Program Development Grant - Review of mitigation projects by DWQ
Dear Mr. Marshall:
As part of a Wetland Program Development Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency, the
Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 401 Oversight and Express Review Permitting Unit is conducting a
statewide evaluation of compensatory stream and wetland mitigation success. Tarnmy Hill from this Unit
visited the above-referenced mitigation projects with you on March 27, 2009. Our comments are as
follows:
• The coastal scrub-shrub / high marsh wetland area exhibited water levels and herbaceous plant
species similar to those in the reference area. It appeared that the targeted hydrologic
connectivity had been achieved. Juncus roemerianus and Spartina patens densely covered the
project area. A small patch of Phragmites australis existed adjacent to the restoration site, and
may warrant treatment to ensure that it does not become a threat to the project.
• The forested wetland area appeared to be wetter than designed. There were a few pockets of
standing water with very little vegetation. Most of the site supported bald cypress trees and wax
myrtle shrubs, but was too wet for other hardwood species. The surrounding forest contained
pond pine and other mature vegetation. These are expected to volunteer into the site over time,
but community development will progress more slowly than planned.
• The 401 Certification requirement for long-term protection of the mitigation parcels was being
met.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation with our evaluation and your continued stewardship of the
mitigation projects at Swan Quarter Dike. Please contact Tammy Hill or Eric Kulz at [phone] if
you have any questions regarding our comments or the mitigation review project.
401 OversighUExpress Review Permitting Unit
1650 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1650
Location: 2321 Crabtree Blvd., Raleigh, North Carolina 27604
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Internet: http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/
NorthCa -olin.a
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An Equal Opportunity 1 Affirmative Action Employer
Swan Quarter Dike Mitigation
Page 2 of 2
10/2/09
Sincerely,
, A- ?
Cyndi B. Karoly, Program Manager
401 Oversight and Express Review Program
cc: File Copy (Tammy Hill)
Kyle Barnes, Division of Water Quality, Washington Regional Office