HomeMy WebLinkAboutSW3220601_Wetland Determination/Report_202206171
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS, LLC
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Union County, North Carolina
January 2016
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS, LLC
Jesse Degnan
Environmental Scientist
Lauren Sicarelli
Project Manager
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Prepared for:
UC Synergetic, LLC
123 North White Street
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715
Prepared by:
Energy Renewal Partners, LLC
101 W Worthington Avenue, Suite 120
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS. LLO
Table of Contents
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
4.1
4.2
5.0
6.0
Figures
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Summary.......................................................................................................................................1
Project Description and Background............................................................................................1
Methodology.................................................................................................................................1
Results........................................................................................................................................... 2
DesktopReview.........................................................................................................................2
FieldAssessment.......................................................................................................................3
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................... 3
References....................................................................................................................................4
Figure 1 Regional Topography
Figure 2 Hydrography and Wetlands
Figure 3 Hydric Rating by Soil Map Unit
Appendices
Appendix A Field Data Forms
Appendix B Representative Site Photographs
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS. LLC
1.0 Summary
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
With this report, Energy Renewal Partners, LLC (Energy Renewal) presents the results of a jurisdictional
waters of the U.S. ("waters"; WoUS) assessment, performed on behalf of UC Synergetic, LLC (UCS) at the
proposed 10.8-acre Watkins Road Substation Project Site ("the Site" or "the Property"), located in
Monroe, Union County, North Carolina (Figure 1). Energy Renewal scientists conducted a delineation of
WoUS (including wetlands), identifying two potentially -jurisdictional features within the Site boundaries;
one open water/emergent wetland and one intermittent stream (Figure 2 and Appendix A).
2.0 Project Description and Background
The Property (identified by Union County Parcel Number 09345033) is located just outside the City of
Monroe, North Carolina, approximately 3.5 miles west-northwest of city center, and immediately east of
the intersection of State Road-1163 (Watkins Road) and State Road-1007 (N Rocky River Road) (Figure 1).
Land use in the general Site vicinity includes agricultural, residential and municipal practices. The western
and northern Site boundaries are bounded by N Rocky River Road and Watkins Road, respectively. An
existing transmission line right-of-way (ROW), oriented west-northwest to east-southeast, transects the
Property and serves as the northeast Site boundary. A second, smaller transmission line easement spans
the western -half of the Site, intersecting the northwestern and southwestern Site Boundaries. Rocky
River Elementary School is located immediately south of the Site.
Historically, a portion of the Site was used in agricultural practices. The Site is nowvacant and is comprised
of fallow agricultural field, forested upland woodlands and open water. An unnamed, intermittent
tributary of Horsepen Branch generally conveys flow north into an impoundment on site, and west to its
offsite confluence with Horsepen Branch, approximately 0.2 miles downstream of the Site. The National
Hydrography Dataset (NHD) identifies one pond and an unnamed tributary on site. No U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) wetlands were identified on site (Figure 2).
3.0 Methodology
Energy Renewal personnel first reviewed relevant supporting information, including U.S. Geologic Survey
(USGS) 7.5-minute topographic maps (Figure 1), USFWS NWI maps, the National Hydrography Dataset
(Figure 2), Union County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data, the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Union County Soil Survey (Figure 3), the
USDA publication Hydric Soils of the U.S., and representative aerial imagery. Energy Renewal consulted
these sources to assist in the characterization of field conditions present within the proposed ROW, as
well as to identify discrepancies between data obtained during the desktop review and findings
discovered at the time of the field investigation.
Subsequent to the desktop review, Energy Renewal conducted a wetland determination to identify
potentially jurisdictional waters of the U.S., including wetlands, onsite. During the determination, Energy
Renewal scientists evaluated the Site for surface waters and potential wetland features. Wetlands, as
defined by the USEPA and USACE, are "[t]hose areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground
1
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Energy Renewal PARTNERS. LLO Watkins Road Substation Project
water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support,
a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions" (US Army Corps of
Engineers, 1987). Energy Renewal conducted the field assessment following guidance set forth in the
1987 USACE Wetlands Delineation Manual as amended by the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional
Supplement Guide (2010), and employed the systematic approach, described therein, to identify and
delineate potential WoUS.
The foundation on which this approach is predicated, requires positive evidence of all three of the
following general diagnostic environmental characteristics of wetlands:
• Wetland hydrology
• Hydrophytic vegetation
• Hydric soils
Surface waters and areas exhibiting the above three wetland characteristics are generally considered
jurisdictional. Where appropriate, USACE Wetland Determination Data Forms (Appendix A) were utilized
to document pertinent information pertaining to existing field conditions. Drainage features were
evaluated using the most current version (Version 4.11) of the NCDWQ (now NCDEQ) Stream
Identification Form (Appendix A). The Stream Identification Form was used to document observed
findings concerning various elements of stream geomorphology, hydrology and biology and aids in the
differentiation between ephemeral, intermittent and perennial streams. Presence of continuous bed and
bank and evidence of an ordinary high water mark (OHWM) were evaluated in accordance with the USACE
Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05, Ordinary High Water Mark Identification, and the EPA Draft
Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act (2011). Drainages and agricultural
ditches or canals with continuous evidence of bed and bank and an OHWM, are typically considered
jurisdictional.
4.0 Results
4.1 Desktop Review
According to the 1988 Monroe [NC] 1:24,000 USGS Topographic Quadrangle and USFWS NWI database,
there are no waters present onsite. Conversely, review of aerial imagery reveals the presence of a large
pond in the western half of the Site (Figures 2 and 3).
The USDA Web Soil Survey for Union County identifies two predominant soil types onsite, Cid channery
silt loam and Tarrus gravelly silty clay loam. Combined, these two soil types comprise roughly 96% of all
soils onsite (Figure 3). Tarrus-Urban land complex constitutes the remaining 4% of the underlying soils
within Site boundaries. All soil types occurring onsite are characterized as either moderately well drained
or well drained. Potential WoUS located onsite occur in areas depicted as being underlain by Cid channery
silt loam.
2
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS. LLC
4.2 Field Assessment
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Energy Renewal scientists, Jesse Degnan and Julianne Wooten, visited the Property on December 9, 2015,
to determine the potential presence of WoUS onsite. At the time of the site visit it was sunny and
temperatures were in the low 60's. Upon arrival, Energy Renewal confirmed the presence of a pond and
two transmission line easements onsite. Evidence of agricultural use was observed within the eastern
half of the Site. Representative Site photographs depicting Site conditions at the time of review are
presented in Appendix B.
During the wetlands determination, Energy Renewal identified and delineated two potential WoUS
(Wetland WA and Stream SA) in the western half of the Site. Delineated features are considered potential
WoUS until officially determined by the USACE. Wetland WA was characterized as an open water
impoundment of Stream SA. Emergent wetland characteristics persisted in the easternmost portion of
Wetland WA. This portion of Wetland WA contained shallows underlain by shale rock. Stream SA is an
intermittent tributary of Horsepen Branch and flows north into the southern portion of Wetland WA,
exiting the Site near the northwestern corner of the impoundment. The approximate extent and location
of potential waters observed onsite are depicted in the attached Hydrography and Wetlands Map
(Figure 2).
5.0 Conclusion
The above findings reflect the results of Energy Renewal's desktop review and wetlands assessment.
Results of the wetlands assessment reveal the potential presence of two jurisdictional waters onsite. All
jurisdictional determinations are preliminary prior to regulatory verification by the USACE. Proposed
impacts to jurisdictional waters may require a permit from the USACE, with the possibility of
compensatory mitigation being required.
3
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS. LLO
6.0 References
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
L.M., V. Carter V., F.C. Golet, E.T. La Roe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the
United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report No. FWS/OBS/-79/31.Washington, D.C.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey.
Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nres.usda.gov/. Accessed December 16, 2015.
US Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory, Wetlands Delineation Manual, Y-87-1, 1987.
US Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Guidance Letter No. 05-05, Ordinary High Water Mark
Identification, 7 December 2005.
US Environmental Protection Agency. USEPA Clean Water Rule, Definition of Waters of the United
States. June 2015.
USFWS NWI Map. http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Wetlands-Mapper.html, Accessed December 16, 2015.
4
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS. LLO
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
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Project Location: Union County, NC
101 W. Worthington Ave., Suite 120 UC Synergetic, LLC N
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203 A
0 1,000 2,000
980-949-8523 ! Legend Watkins Road Substation Feet
www.energyrenewalpartners.com
mmlmmmmmmmi� =1 Project Boundary (approx. 11 acres) Regional Topography FIGURE 1
Energy Renewal Matthews, Bakers, Waxhaw, and Monroe
PARTNERS , LLC USGS Topographic Quadrangles Prepared by: B. Rhoads Date:2015-12-18
Acres in
Percent of
Hydric
Soil Map Unit
Project Area
Project Area
Rating
CmB - Cid channery silt loam, 1to 5 percent slopes
5.67
52.70
0
Tb132 - Tarrus gravelly silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, moderately eroded
4.66
43.31
0
TuB - Tarrus-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes
0.43
4.00
0
101 W. Worthington Ave., Suite 120
Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
980-949-8523
www.energyrenewalpartiers.com
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS, LLC
` CmB
Legend
Project Boundary
W
C Soil Map Unit
TbB2
Ok
1
UC Synergetic, LLC
Watkins Road Substation
Hydric Rating by Soil Map Unit
Project Location: Union County, NC
N
0 50 100 150
Feet
FIGURE 3
Prepared by: B. Rhoads Date: 2016-01-06
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS,LLC
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Appendix A
Field Data Forms
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region
Project/Site: Watkins Road Substation City/County: Monroe/ Union Sampling Date: 09-Dec-15
Applicant/Owner: UC Synergetic State: NC Sampling Point: WA Upland
Investigator(s): Jesse Degnan (Energy Renewal) Section, Township, Range: S T R
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Lowland Local relief (concave, convex, none): flat Slope: 1.0% / 0.6 °
Subregion (LRR or MLRA): MLRA 136 in LRR P Lat.: 34.995296°N Long.:-80.610431°W Datum:
Soil Map Unit Name: Cid channery silt loam NWI classification:
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes * No 0 (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present?
Yes * No 0
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
Summary of Findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes 0 No 0
Hydric Soil Present? Yes 0 No Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes 0 NO
within a Wetland? Yes � NO 0
Remarks:
Data point is representative of uplands surrounding periphery of Wetland WA.
Hydrology
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two reauired)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one reauired; check all that apply)
❑ Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
❑ Surface Water (Al)
❑ True Aquatic Plants (B14)
❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
❑ High Water Table (A2)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
❑ Drainage Patterns (B10)
❑ Saturation (A3)
❑ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (0)
❑ Moss Trim Lines (B16)
❑ Water Marks (Bl)
❑ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
❑ Dry Season Water Table (C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits (B2)
❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
❑ Crayfish Burrows (C8)
❑ Drift deposits (B3)
❑ Thin Muck Surface (C7)
❑ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
❑ Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
❑ Stunted or Stressed Plants (Dl)
❑ Iron Deposits (B5)
❑ Geomorphic Position (D2)
❑ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
❑ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
❑ Water -Stained Leaves (B9)
❑ Microtopographic Relief (D4)
❑ Aquatic Fauna (B13)
❑ FAC-neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes 0 No
Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes 0 No
Depth (inches):
Yes 0 No
Saturation Present?
Yes 0 No
Wetland Hydrology
Depth (inches):
Present?
includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Wetland hydrology is absent.
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
VEGETATION (Five/Four Strata)- Use scientific names of plants.
Dominant
Sampling Point: WA Upland
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' )
1 . Pinus taeda
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Sapling-Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' )
1 . Pinus taeda
2. Prunus serotina
3. Ouercus phellos
4. ]uniperus virciiniana
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' )
1 . Baccharis halimifolia
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' )
1. Lespedeza cuneata
2. ]uncus effusus
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 30' )
1.
2.
3.
4. _
5. _
6-
Absolute
Rel.Strat. Indicator
Dominance Testworksheet:
% Cover
Cover Status
Number of Dominant Species
20❑
100.0%
FAC
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 3 (A)
0
❑
0.0%
❑
Total Number of Dominant
0
0.0%
_
Species Across All Strata: 4 (B)
0
❑
o.o%
0
❑
o.00/o
_
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 75.0% (A/B)
0
❑
0.00/0
0
❑
0.00/0
Prevalence Index worksheet:
0
❑
o.00/o
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
20
= Total Cover
OBL species 0 x 1 = 0
20
d❑
54.1%
FAC
FACW species 15 x 2 = 30
7
❑
18.9%
FACU
FAC species 45 x 3 = 135
5
❑
13.5%
FAC
FACU species 52 x 4 = 208
5
❑
13.5%
FACU
UPL species 0 x 5= 0
0
❑
0.00/0
column Totals: 112 (A) 373 (B)
0
❑
o.00/o
Prevalence Index = B/A = 3.330
0
❑
0.0%
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Dominance Test is > 50%
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Prevalence Index is <_3.0 1
37
= Total Cover
❑ Morphological Adaptations 1 (Provide supporting
10
d❑
100.0%
FACW
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
0
❑
0.00/0
1 Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
0
❑
0.00/0
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definition of Vegetation Strata:
0 ❑ o.00/o
0
❑
0.00/0
Four Vegetation Strata:
0
❑
0.00/0
_
Tree stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding vines, 3 in.
(7.6 cm) or more in diameter at breast height (DBH),
10
= Total Cover
regardless of height.
Sapling/shrub stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding
40❑
88.9%
FACU
vines, less than 3 in. DBH and greater than 3.28 ft (1 m) tall.
5
❑
11.1%
FACW
Herb stratum - Consists of all herbaceous (non -woody) plants,
0
❑
0.00/0
regardless of size, and all other plants less than 3.28 ft tall.
0
❑
0.00/0
Woody vines - Consists of all woody vines greater than 3.28 ft
in height.
0
El0.0%
_
0
❑
o.00/o
_
Five Vegetation Strata:
0
❑
0.0%
❑
Tree -Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20
0
0.00/0
ft (6 m) or more in height and 3 in. (7.6 cm) or larger in
0
❑
0.00/0
diameter at breast height (DBH).
El
Sapling stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding woody
0
0.0%
vines, approximately 20 ft (6 m) or more in height and less
0
❑
0.00/0
than 3 in. (7.6 cm) DBH.
0
❑
0.00/0
Shrub stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding woody
vines, approximately 3 to 20 ft (1 to 6 m) in height.
45
=Total Cover
Herb stratum - Consists of all herbaceous (non -woody) plants,
0
❑
0.00/0
including herbaceous vines, regardless of size, and woody
species, except woody vines, less than approximately 3 ft (1
0
❑
0.00/0
m) in height.
0
❑
0.00/0
Woody vines - Consists of all woody vines, regardless of
0
❑
0.00/0
height.
0
❑
0.0%
Hydrophytic
0
❑
0.00/0
Vegetation
Yes * No ❑
0
=Total Cover
Present?
Remarks: (Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.)
Vegetation does not pass the prevalence index.
*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
Soil
Sampling Point: WA Upland
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Type 1 Locz —Texture Remarks
0-8 2.5Y 6/4 80% 2.5Y 5/2 20% D M Silty Clay Restrictive layer below 8".
1 Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains
Hydric Soil Indicators:
❑ Histosol (Al)
❑ Histic Epipedon (A2)
❑ Black Histic (A3)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
❑ Stratified Layers (A5)
❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR N)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface (All)
❑ Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
❑ Sandy Muck Mineral (Sl) (LRR N,
MLRA 147, 148)
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
❑ Sandy Redox (S5)
❑ Stripped Matrix (S6)
Restrictive Layer (if observed):
Type:
zLocation: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
❑ Dark Surface (S7)
❑ Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (MLRA 147,148)
❑ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (MLRA 147, 148)
❑ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
❑ Depleted Matrix (F3)
❑ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
❑ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
❑ Redox Depressions (F8)
❑ Iron -Manganese Masses (1`12) (LRR N,
MLRA 136)
❑ Umbric Surface (1`13) (MLRA 136, 122)
❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (1`19) (MLRA 148)
❑ Red Parent Material (F21) (MLRA 127, 147)
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Hydric soil conditions are absent. Restrictive layer of shale rock is present below 8 inches.
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (MLRA 147)
❑ Coast Prairie Redox (A16)
(MLRA 147,148)
❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (1`19)
(MLRA 136, 147)
❑ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydric Soil Present? Yes ❑ No
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region
Project/Site: Watkins Road Substation City/County: Monroe/ Union Sampling Date: 09-Dec-15
Applicant/Owner: UC Synergetic State: NC Sampling Point: Wetland WA
Investigator(s): Jesse Degnan (Energy Renewal) Section, Township, Range: S T R
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Lowland Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: 1.0% / 0.6 °
Subregion (LRR or MLRA): MLRA 136 in LRR P Lat.: 34.995404°N Long.:-80.610464°W Datum:
Soil Map unit Name: Cid channery silt loam NWI classification:
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes * No ❑ (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present?
Yes * No ❑
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
Summary of Findings - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes 0 No ❑
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No ❑ Is the Sampled Area
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes 0 No
within a Wetland? Yes � NO ❑
Remarks:
Wetland is largely open water. Information presented herein is representative of wetland data recorded within emergent portion of Wetland WA.
Hydrology
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Secondary Indicators (minimum of two reauired)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one reauired; check all that apply)
❑ Surface Soil Cracks (B6)
❑ Surface Water (Al)
True Aquatic Plants (B14)
❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
❑ High Water Table (A2)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl)
❑d Drainage Patterns (B10)
0 Saturation (A3)
❑ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (0)
❑ Moss Trim Lines (B16)
❑ Water Marks (Bl)
0 Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
❑ Dry Season Water Table (C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits (B2)
❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
W Crayfish Burrows (C8)
❑ Drift deposits (B3)
❑ Thin Muck Surface (C7)
0 Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
❑ Algal Mat or Crust (B4)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
❑ Stunted or Stressed Plants (Dl)
❑ Iron Deposits (B5)
❑ Geomorphic Position (D2)
❑ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
❑ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
d❑ Water -Stained Leaves (B9)
❑ Microtopographic Relief (D4)
❑ Aquatic Fauna (B13)
❑ FAC-neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes * No ❑
Depth (inches): 0.25
Water Table Present? Yes ❑ No
Depth (inches):
Yes * No ❑
Saturation Present?
Yes * No ❑
Wetland Hydrology Present?
Depth (inches): 0
includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Shale rock is present. Water table not observed; however, other wetland hydrology indicators are evident.
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
VEGETATION (Five/Four Strata)- Use scientific names of plants.
Dominant
Sampling Point: Wetland WA
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Sapling-Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 15' )
1 . Baccharis halimifolia
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' )
1 . Phleum pratense
2. ]uncus effusus
3. Andropogon virginicus
4. Tvpha latifolia
5. Rumex crispus
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: 30' )
1.
2.
3.
4. _
5. _
6-
Absolute
Rel.Strat.
Indicator
Dominance Test worksheet:
% Cover
Cover
Status
Number of Dominant Species
0
❑
0.0%
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 2 (A)
0
❑
o.o%
❑
Total Number of Dominant
0
0.0%
_
Species Across All Strata: 3 (B)
0
❑
o.o%
0
❑
0.00/0
_
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: 66.7% (A/B)
0
❑
0.00/0
0
❑
0.00/0
Prevalence Index worksheet:
0
❑
o.00/o
Total % Cover of: Multiply by:
0
= Total Cover
OBL species 10 x 1 = 10
0
El
0.0%
FACW species 35 x 2 = 70
0
❑
0.00/0
_
FAC species 5 x 3 = 15
0
❑
0.00/0
FACU species 45 x 4 = 180
0
❑
0.0%
UPL species 0 x 5= 0
0
❑
0.0%
Column Totals: 95 (A) 275 (B)
0
❑
o.00/o
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.895
0
❑
0.0%
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Dominance Test is > 50%
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Prevalence Index is :53.0 1
0
= Total Cover
❑ Morphological Adaptations 1 (Provide supporting
10
d❑
100.0%
FACW
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
0
❑
0.0%
❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation 1 (Explain)
0
❑
0.00/0
1 Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
0
❑
0.00/0
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definition of Vegetation Strata:
0 ❑ o.00/o
0
❑
0.00/0
Four Vegetation Strata:
0
❑
0.00/0
_
Tree stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding vines, 3 in.
(7.6 cm) or more in diameter at breast height (DBH),
10
= Total Cover
regardless of height.
Sapling/shrub stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding
30❑
35.3%
FACU
vines, less than 3 in. DBH and greater than 3.28 ft (1 m) tall.
25❑
29.4%
FACW
Herb stratum - Consists of all herbaceous (non -woody) plants,
15
❑
17.6%
FACU
regardless of size, and all other plants less than 3.28 ft tall.
10
❑
11.8%
OBL
Woody vines - Consists of all woody vines greater than 3.28 ft
in height.
5
El
FAC
0
❑
o.00/o
_
Five Vegetation Strata:
0
❑
0.0%
❑
Tree -Woody plants, excluding woody vines, approximately 20
0
0.00/0
ft (6 m) or more in height and 3 in. (7.6 cm) or larger in
0
❑
0.00/0
diameter at breast height (DBH).
El
Sapling stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding woody
0
0.0%
vines, approximately 20 ft (6 m) or more in height and less
0
❑
0.00/0
than 3 in. (7.6 cm) DBH.
0
❑
0.00/0
Shrub stratum - Consists of woody plants, excluding woody
vines, approximately 3 to 20 ft (1 to 6 m) in height.
85
=Total Cover
Herb stratum - Consists of all herbaceous (non -woody) plants,
0
❑
0.00/0
including herbaceous vines, regardless of size, and woody
-
species, except woody vines, less than approximately 3 ft (1
0
❑
0.00/0
m) in height.
0
❑
0.00/0
Woody vines - Consists of all woody vines, regardless of
0
❑
0.00/0
height.
0 ❑ 0.0%
_
Hydrophytic
0
❑
0.0%
Vegetation
Yes * No ❑
0
=Total Cover
Present?
Remarks: (Include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.)
Hydrophytic vegetation is dominant.
*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
Soil
Sampling Point: Wetland WA
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches)_ Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Tvne 1 Locz —Texture
04 5GY 6/3 75% 7.5YR 5/8 25% C M Silty Clay
1 Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains
Hydric Soil Indicators:
Remarks
Restrictive layer below 4".
zLocation: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
❑ Histosol (Al)
❑ Dark Surface (S7)
❑ Histic Epipedon (A2)
❑ Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (MLRA 147,148)
❑ Black Histic (A3)
❑ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (MLRA 147, 148)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4)
0 Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2)
❑ Stratified Layers (A5)
❑ Depleted Matrix (F3)
❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR N)
❑ Redox Dark Surface (F6)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface (All)
❑ Depleted Dark Surface (F7)
❑ Thick Dark Surface (Al2)
❑ Redox Depressions (F8)
❑ Sandy Muck Mineral (Sl) (LRR N,
❑ Iron -Manganese Masses (1`12) (LRR N,
MLRA 147, 148)
MLRA 136)
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4)
❑ Umbric Surface (1`13) (MLRA 136, 122)
❑ Sandy Redox (S5)
❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (1`19) (MLRA 148)
❑ Stripped Matrix (S6)
❑ Red Parent Material (F21) (MLRA 127, 147)
Restrictive Layer (if observed):
Type:
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
Hydric soil conditions are present. Restrictive layer present below 4 inches.
Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (MLRA 147)
❑ Coast Prairie Redox (A16)
(MLRA 147,148)
❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (1`19)
(MLRA 136, 147)
❑ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
3 Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
unless disturbed or problematic.
Hydric Soil Present? Yes * No ❑
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
NC Division of Water Quality -Methodology for Identification of Intermittent and
Perennial Streams and Their Origins v. 4.11
NC DWQ Stream Identification Form Version 4.11
Date: 12/9/201 5
Project/Site: Watkins Rd Substation
Latitude: 34.995031 ON
Evaluator: Jesse Degnan (Energy Renewal)
county:Union
Longitude:-80.610867°W
Total Points:
Stream is at least intermittent 22
Stream Determination (circle one)
Other
Mon roe
if>_ 19 or perennial if>_ 30"
Intermittent
e.g. Quad Name:
A. Geomorphology (Subtotal = 9 )
Absent
Weak
Moderate
Strong
,a -Continuity of channel bed and bank
0
1 0
2 0
30
2. Sinuosity of channel along thalweg
0
1 0
2 •
3
3. In -channel structure: ex. riffle -pool, step -pool,
ripple -pool sequence
0 0
1 0
2 0
30
4. Particle size of stream substrate
0
1 0
2 0
30
5. Active/relict floodplain
0
1
2
30
6. Depositional bars or benches
0 •
1
2 n
3
7. Recent alluvial deposits
0 •
1 0
20
3
8. Headcuts
00
1
2 •
3
9. Grade control
00
0.50
1 •
1.50
10. Natural valley
0 •
0.5
1 0
1 1.50
11. Second or greater order channel
No = 0 •
Yes = 3
a artificial ditches are not rated; see discussions in manual
B. Hydrology (Subtotal = 7 )
12. Presence of Baseflow
00
1 O
20
30
13. Iron oxidizing bacteria
0 •
10
20
3
14. Leaf litter
1. .
1 Q
0.50
0
15. Sediment on plants or debris
0
0.5 •
1
1.5
16. Organic debris lines or piles
00
0.5U
1 •
1.5
17. Soil -based evidence of high water table?
No = 0
Yes = 3
C. Biology (Subtotal =
18. Fibrous roots in streambed
3(.)
2
in
0
19. Rooted upland plants in streambed
30,
2
10
0
20. Macrobenthos (note diversity and abundance)
0 •
1
2
3
21. Aquatic Mollusks
0 •
10
2
3
22. Fish
0(.)
0.5
1
1.5
23. Crayfish
0 •
0.5
1
1.5
24. Amphibians
0 •
0.5
1
1.5
25. Algae
0 •
0.5 U
10
1.5
26. Wetland plants in streambed
FACW = 0.7500BL
= 1.500ther = OQ
'perennial streams may also be identified using other methods. See p. 35 of manual.
Notes:
Sketch:
41
Energy Renewal
PARTNERS,LLC
Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Watkins Road Substation Project
Appendix B
Representative Site Photographs
Photo Log
jaw Watkins Road Substation Project
Energy Renewal PARTNERS, LLG Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Photo 1. View of transmission line easement along the northern Site boundary. Photograph was taken from
Watkins Road, facing east.
Photo 2. Representative view of Site conditions in the northern portion of the Site. Photograph depicts the
northern portion of the Site, which historically was manipulated for agricultural use.
Photo Log
jaw Watkins Road Substation Project
Energy Renewal PARTNERS, LLG Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Photo 3. Representative view of forested uplands along the eastern Site boundary. Photo was taken facing
East from the eastern edge of the agricultural field.
Photo 4. View of open water portion of Wetland WA, facing west. Note transmission line extending across
the western edge of Wetland WA.
Photo Log
jaw Watkins Road Substation Project
Energy Renewal PARTNERS, LLG Waters of the U.S. Assessment
Photo 5. View of emergent wetland conditions present within the northern limits of Wetland WA. Photo
was taken facing north-northeast from the southeastern corner of the open water portion of Wetland WA.
Photo 6. View of stream conditions observed at Stream S1. Photo was taken facing downstream from the
southern Site boundary, upstream of Wetland WA.