HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuffer Plan for PN
Memorandum
res.us
To: NCDWR – Blake Hartshorn
From: Matt DeAngelo, RES
Katie Obenauf, RES
Subject: Pantera Comment Response Memo – V2
Date: 1/25/2024
Additional comments were received from NCDWR on January 22nd. Per request, the below document is a compilation of
the most recent comments received and how EBX responded to them. Throughout the buffer mitigation plan, any editorial
edit from NCDWR was incorporated. Therefore, each edit was not added as a comment in the response below. If a redline
word document would be helpful to see all editorial changes, EBX would be happy to provide the redline word document
version to NCDWR.
Figure 5: Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Conceptual
1. Add subject label for “Riparian Restoration for Buffer Credits (0-100’) like you have with the other labels.
Subject was added to the end of the legend title so it now says, “Riparian Restoration for Buffer Credits (0-100’),
Subject”.
2. Create an inset map zooming to the 20-29’ credit area.
This inset map has been added to Figure 5.
Figure 9: Monitoring Plan
3. Why is it that the plots beyond 50’ from TOB are being shared with the IRT? These areas (51’-200’) are being
proposed for NOB and RBC. The non-standard buffer was not applied in the stream mitigation plan for stream credit
from what DWR initially reviewed. EBX needs to confirm that there is no credit stacking beyond the 50’ from top of
bank for stream credit, if no credit stacking is occurring, clarify that the performance criteria in these plots will meet
performance criteria for riparian buffer mitigation and nutrient offset crediting.
Plots beyond the 50’ from TOB are being shared with the IRT since the IRT has directed us to report vegetation in
any area within the entire planted area of the easement. This is consistent with the Wilmington Guidance from
October 2016 that states “The monitoring plots shall make up a minimum of 2% of the planted portion of the site
with a minimum of 4 plots.” Since the vegetation monitoring requirements for the USACE and DWR are consistent
with each other we are able to report the results from the monitoring plots to both DWR and the USACE. No
credit stacking is occurring within these areas. Stream crediting stops after the standard 50’ from TOB and RES is
NOT utilizing the Non-Standard Buffer Widths to seek additional stream credits. Performance criteria within the
shared plots will meet that of the IRT (survival of 320 planted three-year-old trees per acre at the end of Year 3,
and a minimum of 260 five-year-old trees at 7 feet in height at the end of Year 5), and by default pass the criteria
set by riparian buffer mitigation and nutrient offset crediting (260 planted trees per acre at the end of Year 5). The
additional criteria of at least four native hardwood tree species, where no one species is greater than 50 percent of
stems will also be honored for the shared plots.
4. DWR was not aware that plots located outside of stream credit generating riparian areas (51-200’) have been
reported as “shared plots” and included in the Stream monitoring reports for previous/past combo projects. Is this
new? Please see attached PDF representing Tobacco Road’s monitoring plan.
This sharing of plots has been consistent with how we have reported vegetation during monitoring for projects like
Cedar Grove, Buffalo Branch, Polecat, Selma Mill, Stone Creek and every project we have done within recent history
as a combination project. There are some instances when wetland credit is on a site that the USACE “planted area”
is larger than the “Riparian Buffer Credit and Nutrient Offset Credit Area” so we have had more plots provided to
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the USACE than DWR. RES was under the impression that this was clear to NCDWR and the USACE and has been
discussed internally with the IRT.
5. Based on comments received from revisions, DWR requests to title this figure “Riparian Buffer Mitigation and
Nutrient Offset Monitoring Plan”
This edit has been made to Figure.
Please find enclosed the final Buffer Mitigation Plan submission with changes as noted above. Do not hesitate to reach out
with any question or comments. Katie can be reached by email at kobenauf@res.us or by phone at 336-705-3041.
Thank you,
Matthew DeAngelo
Ecologist
Katie Obenauf
Ecologist
Memorandum
res.us
To: NCDWR - Katie Merritt
From: Matt DeAngelo, RES
Katie Obenauf, RES
Subject: Pantera Comment Response Memo
Date: 12/13/2023
Comments were received from NCDWR on October 25th. Per request, the below document is a compilation the comments
received and how EBX responded to them. Throughout the buffer mitigation plan, any editorial edit from NCDWR was
incorporated. Therefore, each edit was not added as a comment in the response below. If a redline word document would
be helpful to see all editorial changes, EBX would be happy to provide the redline word document version to NCDWR.
COVER 1. Correct the version number to version 3.
This has been revised.
SECTION 1: Mitigation Project Summary 2. RES is not the Bank Sponsor, it is Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC. Throughout the plan it refers to RES instead
of EBX. Correct throughout.
“RES” has been corrected to “EBX” throughout the report.
3. Explain if there are or are not non-standard buffer widths being applied to the stream mitigation.
EBX does not intend to use non-standard buffer widths to apply to the stream mitigation. This has been referenced
in the report in Section 3 Riparian Restoration and Preservation Plan. See response to comment #9.
SECTION 1.1: Project Overview 4. Reference the concept map in the 401 plan to add reference to stream and/or wetland mitigation credit areas.
Figure 11 from the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan for the Pantera Mitigation Project has been referenced in
the report.
Section 1.3.3: Existing Landscape Condition 5. I did not see current condition photos to support that land use has not changed since the site visit with DWR in
June 2022. Provide current photos showing riparian conditions that are representative of the time this plan was
submitted.
Section 1.3.5 has Existing Conditions Photos. The photos have been updated as of December 13th, 2023.
6. D1 is noted in the site viability letter but is not referenced in this section. Add a description for D1 since it is within
the proposed CE boundary.
A description of D1 was added to the end of section 1.3.3. Riparian Area Conditions.
7. As discussed in the field, all labels on features need to match the levels of features/reaches used in the Site Viability
letter. Change all labels in the text supporting figures and on the project credit table to match the way they are
presented in the Site Viability letter.
Feature labels in the text, supporting figures, and on the project credit table have been updated to match how they
are presented in the Site Viability Letter.
Section 1.3.5 8. These are good photos but the January photos are old. Add more recent photos to replace the January photos showing the riparian conditions more current to the submittal of this plan.
Photos have been updated. A new set of photographs were taken on December 13th, 2023.
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Section 3: Riparian Restoration and Preservation Plan 9. This might be a better place to state that EBX is not using the non-standard buffer width to gain additional stream
credits.
The fact that EBX is not using the non-standard buffer width for additional stream credits has been stated here in
Section 3.
Section 3.1: Site Preparation 10. Reference a tree survey in this section. A tree survey will be required with the submittal of this plan. As discussed in the field the tree survey will be overlayed on the as-built survey to make sure that no areas in the trees today are
proposed for restoration at as-built. Include a tree line survey in the figures.
The requested tree line survey is now mentioned in this section. Additionally, this survey line has been included on
Figures 4 and 5.
11. Commit to spreading the topsoil evenly within riparian areas, including areas generating nutrient offset and riparian
buffer credits 0-200’. It has been observed in the past that providers have scraped the topsoil out of the riparian
areas to use for stream or wetland mitigation needs and the vegetation is negatively impacted in areas generating
buffer and nutrient offset. This is not allowed to happen. EBX has committed to spreading topsoil throughout disturbed areas of the project in Section 3.1.
Section 3.2.1: Riparian Restoration Activities - Streams 12. Add a section describing riparian restoration on Ephemeral channels and how EBX is complying with 0295 (7). There
also needs to be a watershed map included in the figures and referenced in this new section. See 0295 (7) for rule
expectation.
This information has been added in section 3.2.2 Riparian Restoration Activities – Ephemeral.
Section 3.2.2: Riparian Restoration Activities - Ditch 13. This section is no longer needed. As discussed in the field, since EBX is modifying the ditch it is no longer viable to generate buffer or nutrient offset credits. Remove from the tables and supporting figures where appropriate. Since
it is no longer viable, you are allowed to pull widths off PH4 instead of D1.
This section has been changed to provide information on riparian restoration on the Ephemeral channels. D1 has
been removed from tables and figures where appropriate.
Section 3.2.3: Riparian Preservation Activities 14. Reference the tree line survey you will add in the Figures. It is recommended to add it to Figure 4 & 5.
This reference has been included in this section.
Section 3.2.4: Planting Plan 15. No shrubs, just trees?
Throughout Section 3.2.4, some clarifying language was added in areas where the word “trees” was used. The word
“trees” was either replaced with “stems” or the addition of “or shrubs” was added.
16. Commit to mixing stems prior to planting to ensure good stem diversity across the site.
At the end of the first paragraph in Section 3.2.4, the sentence “To ensure species diversity across the Project area,
bare root stems will be well mixed before planting.” was included.
17. It states that 7 different species will be planted, but more than 7 are shown in the tree planting list Table5. DWR
excepts all the trees shown in Table 5 to be planted if being proposed. If anticipating to plant less than the species
proposed, include the "% composition" of each tree to confirm the planting plan proposed complies with the
performance standard " no one tree species will be greater than 50%"/ The % composition column is not accurate if EBX isn't planting all that is listed in the table. Adjust the table accordingly and only show the number of species
EBX truly intends to plant. It is also important to note that 7 different species could imply 7 different oaks and still comply with your statement. DWR would not accept a planting plan of 7 different oak species. This is also why DWR wants a more reliable planting list.
The statement about a minimum of 7 species was added to the mitigation plan per DWR guidance on past buffer plans. EBX has been successful at planting all proposed planting species in the planting plans for the past few years.
Therefore, this language was removed. However, EBX did add “If a species on the list is unavailable at the time of planting the percent composition of another species on the list will be increased, although no one species will have
a composition over 50%. If any changes are needed to the planting list before planting, EBX will submit a request to DWR for approval of a modified planting list. With that said, EBX intends to plant all 12 species listed in Table 5.”
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TABLE 5: Pantera Project Tree Planting Lists 18. Add a “shrub/tree” column and update accordingly.
In Table 5, the sub-canopy/canopy column was removed and a new column to describe “Form” was added so that
the distinction between a tree, small tree, or shrub could be added. This is because some of the species in the
Pantera Planting Plan like Sweetbay, ironwood, and flowering dogwood are not considered shrubs but are small trees found in the sub-canopy.
Section 4.1: Monitoring Protocol and Success Criteria 19. The only plots DWR cares about EBX including in monitoring reports are the plots that represent the buffer and
nutrient offset credit generating areas. Not all 38 plots should be in the stream credit or wetland credit areas correct?
Explain how the randomization of plots will be achieved each monitoring year...at a minimum, DWR needs to know
that EBX will be rotating the plots within different width areas to show adequate representation of the different
widths represented in the project credit table and corresponding credit figure for RBC and NOC credit generating
areas. It is ok to share plots within the 0-50’ riparian zone with the USACE but beyond the 50’ unless there are stream
and wetland credits being generated, those plots should be devoted to achieving DWR performance standards.
Based on conversations and comments from the IRT, RES has switched four fixed vegetation plots to four random vegetation plots that will be reported to DWR each year. A description of the random vegetation plots and the
areas they will be used to monitor is provided in Section 4.1.
20. Vigor needs to be addressed in these reports as well. How does EBX propose to present vigor data? EBX records vigor for every tree, each year they are monitored, in the CVS monitoring form.
Section 6: Mitigation Potential 21. This section will change after removing D1.
This section has been updated to reflect the removal of D1.
Table 6: Project Credits 22. PH7 is not subject but is represented in the table as subject. Create a separate row for PH7.
A separate row for PH7 was created and updated.
23. Remove D1 assets from the table.
D1 assets have been removed from the table.
24. Change all feature names to match site viability letter and update credit asset figure.
Feature names have been changed to match site viability letter and the credit asset figure has been updated.
25. Where it says “no” in the “Convertible to Riparian Buffer?” column, remove the total areas from the “total Creditable
for Buffer” column.
The total areas from the “Total Creditable for Buffer” column have been removed for any entry in the “Convertible
to Riparian Buffer” column that says “No”.
Figure 1: Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Service Areas 26. Change to “Nutrient Offset and Riparian Buffer Credit Service Area”.
Changed.
Figure 4: Existing Conditions 27. Carry over the ephemeral and IDWR feature origins to all figures.
The ephemeral and IDWR feature origins have been added to all figures.
Figure 5: Buffer and Nutrient Offset Mitigation Conceptual 28. Change the symbology of riparian restoration on non subject PH7 to see it more clearly. Maybe a yellow dot would work?
The symbology on PH7 has been updated for clarity.
29. Remove the shading of Green to represent the wetland areas. Just leave it gray. Green blends in too much with the
preservation.
The symbology for the wetlands areas has been changed to gray.
30. Add a “Riparian Restoration for Buffer Credits” on the “Non Subject” stream too.
“Riparian Restoration for Buffer Credits (0 – 100’), Non-Subject” has been added to the figure.
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Figure 8: Riparian Zones 31. Remove width boundaries from D1 and just show off PH4.
Width boundaries from D1 have been removed. Figure 8 now shows width boundaries off PH4.
Figure 9: Monitoring Plan 32. Text within the report indicates a combination of Fixed vs. Random. Where will the fixed plots be? Fixed vegetation plots have been added to Figure 9 and are shown as green squares on Figure 9. The four random
vegetation plots are pink rectangles and are only for representation of potential locations. These plots will move
each year.
33. Update this figure as requested on previous figures. Show which plots are “Shared” between IRT and DWR for both
buffer and stream. Only show SHARED plots that are within the 0-50’ since those are the only plot data that EBX
should be including in the stream reports. The 51-200’ plots are solely for meeting performance standards for RBC
and NOC. Recommended EBX update the monitoring map for the stream plan as well.
All plots shown on Figure 9 are considered shared between the IRT and DWR for both buffer and stream. Until
further guidance comes out from the IRT and NCDWR, EBX feels that this is the best approach and consistent with
how we have done monitoring reporting for combination projects in the past. Please find enclosed the final Buffer Mitigation Plan submission with changes as noted above. Do not hesitate to reach out
with any question or comments. Katie can be reached by email at kobenauf@res.us or by phone at 336-705-3041.
Thank you,
Matthew DeAngelo
Ecologist
Katie Obenauf
Ecologist
Final Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Plan
Pantera Mitigation Project
January 2024
DWR #: 2022-0452 V.3
Neuse River Basin | HUC 03020201, Excluding Falls Lake Watershed
Wayne County, North Carolina
Prepared By:
Resource Environmental Solutions, LLC
For Environmental Banc & Exchange (EBX)
3600 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27612
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 2 January 2024
Table of Contents
1 MITIGATION PROJECT SUMMARY .................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Project Overview .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1.1 Parcel Ownership ................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Project Location ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Existing Conditions ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3.1 Surface Water Classification .............................................................................................................................. 6
1.3.2 Physiography and Soils ........................................................................................................................................ 7
1.3.3 Existing Landscape Condition ............................................................................................................................ 8
1.3.4 Wetlands ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.3.5 Existing Conditions Photos .............................................................................................................................. 11
2 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS .................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Threatened and Endangered Species................................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.3 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain/Floodway Mapping ......................... 14
2.4 Project Constraints ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
3 RIPARIAN RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION PLAN ................................................................. 16
3.1 Site Preparation ............................................................................................................................................................. 16
3.2 Methods ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2.1 Riparian Restoration Activities - Streams .................................................................................................. 17
3.2.2 Riparian Restoration Activities - Ephemeral ............................................................................................. 18
3.2.3 Riparian Preservation Activities ..................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.4 Planting Plan ........................................................................................................................................................ 19
3.2.5 Easement Boundaries and Fencing............................................................................................................... 20
3.2.6 DWR As-Built Evaluation ................................................................................................................................. 21
4 MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE PLAN ..................................................................................... 21
4.1 Monitoring Protocol and Success Criteria .......................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Adaptive Management Plan and Site Maintenance ....................................................................................... 22
4.3 Long Term Management Plan ................................................................................................................................. 22
5 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE ................................................................................................................... 23
6 MITIGATION POTENTIAL.................................................................................................................. 23
7 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 4 January 2024
1 MITIGATION PROJECT SUMMARY
Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (EBX), a wholly owned subsidiary of Resource Environmental
Solutions (RES), is pleased to provide this Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Plan (Plan) for the Pantera
Riparian Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Bank (Project) under the proposed Pantera Mitigation
Banking Instrument (MBI) that is being made between the Bank Sponsor, Environmental Banc & Exchange,
LLC (EBX), and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality-Division of Water Resources
(DWR). This Project is designed to provide riparian buffer and nutrient offset credits for unavoidable
impacts due to development within the Neuse River Basin, United States Geological Survey (USGS) 8-digit
Cataloguing Unit 03020201 (Neuse 01), excluding Falls Lake Watershed (Figures 1 & 2). This Plan is in
accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and Nutrient Offset Credit
Trading Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0703, and the proposed Pantera MBI (Appendix AA).
The Plan has also been designed in concurrence with the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Project,
a stream and wetland mitigation bank, (SAW-2022-00606, DWR #2022-0452-V.3). The Pantera Stream and
Wetland Mitigation Project is proposed to provide 10,733.586 Stream Mitigation Units (SMUs) and 2.946
Wetland Mitigation Units (WMUs) within the conservation easement through a separate mitigation
banking instrument with the NC Interagency Review Team (IRT).
1.1 Project Overview
When combining the Pantera Stream and Wetland Project with the Pantera Riparian Buffer Mitigation and
Nutrient Offset Project, the conservation easement will total approximately 65.58 acres. The Project
includes one main unnamed headwater tributary and six smaller adjoining tributaries that drain directly
into a larger, unnamed tributary to Falling Creek, just offsite to the north (Figure 3). The majority of the
Project has been used for row crop production or remained forested (Figure 4). The land surrounding the
Project is mixed-use agriculture, forest, and a low-density residential (Figure 4). Water quality stressors
currently affecting the Project include heavily manipulated/relocated and maintained stream channels,
active row crop, lack of forested riparian buffers, and presence of invasive plant species. Current riparian
conditions demonstrate significant degradation with the loss of stabilizing vegetation specifically due to
continued crop production.
The goal of the Pantera Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset Project is to restore, enhance, and preserve
ecological function to the existing stream and wetland complexes and their associated riparian areas, in
order to compensate, in appropriate circumstances, for unavoidable riparian buffer impacts and nutrient
load reduction requirements. This goal will be accomplished by establishing appropriate plant
communities while minimizing temporal and land disturbing impacts. Riparian area improvements will
convert land use from farm to forest within a conservation easement and additionally filter runoff from
remaining agricultural fields outside the easement, thereby reducing nutrient and sediment loads to
Project channels and provide water quality benefit to the overall watershed.
The Pantera Project is composed of a combination of seven ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial
tributaries, and one ditch, of an unnamed tributary to Falling Creek. Some of the Project tributaries are
broken into multiple reaches based on existing conditions and/or stream mitigation approaches proposed
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 5 January 2024
in the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan. PH1 is the main stream feature in the Project. It is a perennial
stream. There are six other tributaries, referred to as PH2, PH3, PH4, PH5, PH6), and PH7. Some of these
tributaries are split into sub-reaches (PH1-A, PH1-B, PH1-C, PH3-A, PH3-B, PH3-B, PH6-A and PH6-B)
based on stream mitigation approach; however, for the purposes of this plan, they are lumped as one
single channel where appropriate. These are all intermittent except PH6-A which is ephemeral. There is
also one ditch, D1, that drains to PH4. There are also two jurisdictional wetlands within the boundaries of
the proposed Project (Figure 4).
Stream determinations were verified by the DWR site visit on June 1, 2022, and a final determination
letter was received on June 13, 2022. Buffer mitigation and Nutrient offset viability determinations were
verified by the DWR site visit on June 23, 2022, and a site viability letter was received on May 4, 2023.
Subjectivity of streams was based on review of the quadrangle topographic map prepared by the USGS
and the most recent printed version of the soil survey map for Wayne County prepared by the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The riparian buffers of PH1, PH2, PH3, PH4, PH5, and PH6-B were
determined to be subject to the Neuse Buffer Protection Rules (“Subject”). The riparian buffers of D1, PH6-
A, and PH7 are not subject to the Neuse Buffer Protection Rules (“Non-Subject”). Correspondence
regarding these determinations can be found in Appendix AB.
Buffer and riparian area mitigation efforts along the Project streams will be accomplished through stream
restoration and preservation, along with the planting, establishment, and protection of a native hardwood
forest community, and will include invasive species treatment where necessary. The result will be a riparian
area that functions to mitigate nutrient and sediment inputs from the surrounding uplands. The buffer
mitigation components of the mitigation plan proposed is being submitted for review under the
Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 and the nutrient offset components in the Plan
are proposed under the Nutrient Offset Credit Trading Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0703 and using 15A NCAC
02B .0295 to define the mitigation type determinations and performance standards. In addition to
traditional riparian restoration, the Project will also incorporate the alternative buffer mitigation options:
Preservation of Buffers on Subject streams, as outlined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(5); Restoration of Buffers
on Ephemeral Channels, as outlined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(7); and Preservation of Buffers on Non-
subject Streams, as outlined in 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)(4). Restored riparian areas will have a minimum
width of 20 feet adjacent to streams and maximum widths of 200 feet. As outlined in this mitigation plan,
any areas of riparian restoration proposed for nutrient offset credit would rely on nutrient offset credit
calculations in accordance with the “NCDWR – Methodology and Calculation for determining Nutrient
Reductions associated with Riparian Buffer Establishment.”
Under this Plan, the riparian buffer mitigation areas will entail:
· top of bank to 100 feet of Restoration on intermittent and/or perennial streams;
· top of bank to 100 feet of Restoration on an ephemeral feature;
· top of bank to 100 feet of Preservation on intermittent and/or perennial, Subject streams; and
· top of bank to 100 feet of Preservation on intermittent and/or perennial, Non-subject streams.
The nutrient offset credit areas will entail:
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 6 January 2024
· top of bank to 100 feet of riparian restoration on an ephemeral feature;
· 101 to 200 feet of riparian restoration on intermittent and/or perennial streams; and
· 101 to 200 feet of riparian restoration on an ephemeral feature.
Figure 5 shows the Buffer and Nutrient Offset Conceptual Design Plan and Section 6 provides details of
the potential credit generation on the Pantera Project. For stream and wetland mitigation credit areas
reference Figure 11 in the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan for the Pantera Mitigation Project (SAW-
2022-00606). Additionally, Figure 13 in the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan shows all of the Project
Assets being delivered within the Pantera conservation easement to ensure there is no overlap in credit
generation.
1.1.1 Parcel Ownership
The land required for the construction, management, and stewardship of this Project includes four parcels
in Wayne County with the following ownership listed in Table 1 (Figure 4 of Stream and Wetland Plan).
EBX will obtain conservation easements from the current landowner on all parcels. The Wilmington District
Conservation Easement model template was utilized to draft the site protection instrument. Once recorded,
the secured easements will allow EBX to proceed with the Project development and protect the mitigation
assets in perpetuity. Once finalized, a copy of the site protection instrument(s) will be included in Appendix
B of the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
Table 1. Parcel and Landowner Information
1.2 Project Location
The Pantera Project is located in the Neuse River Basin (8-digit HUC 03020201), within the Lower Falling
Creek Subwatershed, USGS 12-digit HUC 03020201170020 and DWR Subbasin Number 03-04-12.
The Project is located in Wayne County, approximately 9 miles southwest of downtown Goldsboro, NC
near the intersection of Falling Creek Church Road and Sambo Lambert Road (Figure 2). To access the
parcel from Goldsboro, NC, travel approximately 7.7 miles southwest on Stevens Mill Road and turn left
onto Falling Creek Church Road. After approximately 1 mile the Project will be on the right, with access via
a dirt road at the address 679 Falling Creek Church Road another mile down the road. The latitude and
longitude of the access road to the Project are 35.3229, -78.1583.
1.3 Existing Conditions
1.3.1 Surface Water Classification
The Project area includes a network of unnamed tributaries that drain to a larger, unnamed tributary to
Falling Creek, which eventually drains to the Neuse River, north of the Project. Falling Creek has been
Landowners Pin or Tax Parcel ID Agreement Type County
Patricia Smith Hinnant (Norwood
Ligon)
2557034427
2557057552
2557340089
2557248711
Easement Wayne
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 7 January 2024
classified as Water Supply-IV (WS-IV) and Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW). Waters classified as WS-IV
refers to waters that are used as sources of water supply for drinking, culinary, or food processing purposes,
and they are also protected as Class C waters. NSW is a supplemental classification intended for waters
needing additional nutrient management due to being subject to excessive growth of microscopic or
macroscopic vegetation (NCDWQ 2019). Natural drainage patterns throughout the watershed have been
altered by agricultural production, artificial impoundments, and dredging of channels.
1.3.2 Physiography and Soils
The Project is located within the Rolling Coastal Plain Level IV ecoregion, within the Southeastern Plains
Level III ecoregion, which is characterized by greater relief, elevation, and stream gradients compared to
the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain to the east. This ecoregion contains both dissected irregular and smooth
plains, and low to moderate gradient sandy-bottomed streams that branch from broad interstream divides
with steep to moderately gentle side slopes. The ecoregion also contains better drained soils and a slightly
cooler and shorter growing season than the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain; however, it is still a productive
agricultural region with typical crops of corn, soybeans, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and
wheat (Giffith et al., 2002).
The 2023 Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Web Soil Survey shows seven soil map units
across the project. Project soil map units (of various slopes and modified regimes) are mapped by the
NRCS as Bibb sandy loam, Lynchburg sandy loam, Norfolk loamy sand, Rains sandy loam, and Wagram
loamy sand (Figure 6). The specific map units are detailed below in Table 2.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 8 January 2024
Table 2. Mapped Soil Units within Project Limits
Map
Unit
Symbol
Map Unit Name Percent
Hydric Drainage Class Hydrologic
Soil Group
Landscape
Setting
Bb Bibb sandy loam 90% Poorly drained A/D Floodplains
GoA
Goldsboro loamy
sand, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, Southern
Coastal Plain
0% Moderately well
drained B
Broad interstream divides
and flats on marine
terraces
Ke Kenansville loamy
sand 0% Well drained A Stream terraces
Ly
Lynchburg sandy
loam, 0 to 2 percent
slopes
8% Somewhat poorly
drained B/D
Broad interstream divides
and flats on marine
terraces
NoB
Norfolk loamy sand,
2 to 6 percent
slopes
0% Well drained A
Broad interstream divides
and flats on marine
terraces
NoC
Norfolk loamy sand,
6 to 10 percent
slopes
0% Well drained A
Broad interstream divides
and ridges on marine
terraces
NrB2
Norfolk loamy sand,
6 to 10 percent
slopes, eroded
0% Well drained B
Broad interstream divides
and ridges on marine
terraces
Ra Rains sandy loam, 0
to 2 percent slopes 90% Poorly drained A/D
Broad interstream divides,
flats, and Carolina Bays on
marine terraces
WaB
Wagram loamy
sand, 0 to 6 percent
slopes
5% Well drained A
Broad interstream divides
and ridges on marine
terraces
1.3.3 Existing Landscape Condition
Existing Land Characteristics
Current land use in the vicinity of the Project is a combination of row crop, silviculture, and disturbed
riparian forest (Figure 4). These farming activities, both presently and historically, have contributed to the
significant habitat degradation evident throughout the Project streams and riparian areas. The Project
reaches are generally channelized, lack bedform diversity, and are entrenched with eroding banks. All
channels, including streams, ditch D1 and the ephemeral feature have been in place since at least 1950
(Figures 7a & 7b). Forested areas throughout the Project are composed of mixed hardwoods, varying in
age and size, shrub trees, and a combination of wetland and non-wetland herbaceous vegetation. Some
reaches are dominated by invasive species introduced from surrounding suburban development. The open
areas are in crop production.
The site viability for buffer mitigation and nutrient offset letter from DWR, dated May 4, 2023, in Appendix
AB, provides details on land-uses within the riparian areas on the site. Land use has not changed since the
site visit with DWR in June 2022.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 9 January 2024
Existing Vegetation Communities
Based on present species composition and overall regional characteristics of the area, the natural
communities within the Project boundaries most closely represent a combination of Mixed-mesic
Hardwood Forests (Coastal Plain Subtype) and the Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp community (Schafale,
2012).
Current land use around the Project is primarily comprised of active cropland with some forested riparian
area (Figure 4). Historic row crop has been evident throughout the proposed Project boundaries since at
least 1950 (Figures 7a & 7b). Upland forested areas are reminiscent of Mixed-mesic Hardwood Forest
(Coastal Plain Subtype) community and transition downgradient to wetland areas that resemble a Coastal
Plain Small Stream Swamp community. Common species within the Project include, loblolly pine (Pinus
taeda), red maple (Acer rubrum), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), sweetgum (Liquidambar
styraciflua), water oak (Quercus nigra), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), swamp chestnut oak (Quercus
michauxii), sweetleaf (Symplocos tinctoria), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), American holly (Ilex
opaca), musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana), sweet pepper bush (Clethra alnifolia), elderberry (Sambucus
canadensis), greenbrier (Smilax sp.), blackberry (Rubus sp.), river cane (Arundinaria gigantea), common rush
(Juncus effusus), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum),
and dog fennel (Eupatorium capillifolium).
The herb stratum throughout many of the wetland areas and forest understory includes cinnamon fern
(Osmunda cinnaomea), royal fern (Osmunda regalis), switchcane (Arundinaria tecta), slender woodoats
(Chasmanthium laxum), roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), bristly dewberry (Rubus hispidus), and
evening trumpetflower (Gelsemium sempervirens). Areas of exotic invasive species are small, and include
Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), and glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum).
Cattails (Typha sp.) were also observed in one of the Project streams (PH6). The streams within the Project
boundaries are described below.
Riparian Area Conditions
In general, the Project reaches do not function to their full potential. Current conditions demonstrate
significant habitat and water quality degradation with a loss of stabilizing vegetation because of impacts
from ongoing crop production. Throughout the Project there are also invasive plant species present.
Reach PH1 enters the project through a NCDOT culvert under Falling Creek Church Road from the
southeast and flows north through the project area, exiting to the north before coming to a confluence
with the larger unnamed tributary to Falling Creek downstream. PH1 scores as a perennial stream in its
entirety within the Project. The riparian areas consist of agricultural fields at the top of the reach, and
gradually transitions to more wooded areas further downstream. The crop fields were observed to be in a
crop rotation of corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes.
PH2 is an intermittent stream that begins below an NCDOT culvert under Falling Creek Church Road and
flows west into the project before its confluence with PH1. The riparian area along its whole length consists
of row crops that extend to the tops of banks. The crop fields were observed to be in a crop rotation of
corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 10 January 2024
PH3 is an intermittent stream which begins at the northeastern-most extent of the Project below an NCDOT
culvert under Falling Creek Church Road. The tributary flows west and shares a confluence with reach PH7
and eventually drains to reach PH1 off-site. The riparian area consists of hardwood forest and is wide along
both banks, but the invasive Chinese Privet is common throughout.
Reach PH4 is an intermittent stream that enters the Project below a culverted farm crossing and flows
northeast to its confluence with PH1. The riparian area along its whole length consists of row crops that
extend to the tops of banks. The crop fields were observed to be in a crop rotation of corn, soybean, and
sweet potatoes.
PH5 is an intermittent reach that begins at the west side of the project below a culverted farm crossing and
flows northeast before taking a 90-degree bend approximately halfway down its length, after which it
continues to flow east to its confluence with PH1. The riparian area along the upper two-thirds of the reach
consists of row crops that extend to the tops of banks; however, there is some forested buffer off the left
bank on the lower third of the reach. Notably, the exotic invasive Chinaberry is present within this forested
riparian area. The crop fields were observed to be in a crop rotation of corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes.
PH6 is the northwestern-most tributary of the Project and flows generally west to east before draining into
the swamp system of the unnamed tributary to Falling Creek downstream of the Project. It is split into two
reaches (PH6-A and PH6-B) based on existing conditions and proposed stream mitigation treatment. PH6-
A was determined to be ephemeral while the downstream reaches are at least intermittent. The riparian
areas consist of agricultural fields at the top of the tributary but transitions to forest downstream. Notably,
the exotic invasive Chinese privet is present in the forested riparian area. The crop fields were observed to
be in a crop rotation of corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes.
PH7 is an intermittent stream that begins on the east side of the project through a NCDOT culvert under
Falling Creek Church Road and flows northwest to its confluence with reach PH3. The riparian area is mostly
forested except for a portion off the upper left bank of reach PH7- which is comprised of crop field. The
crop fields were observed to be in a crop rotation of corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes. The forested
riparian area does contain substantial Chinese privet.
D1 is a ditch originating in the crop field south of PH4 and generally flowing northwest until its confluence
with PH4. The riparian area along its whole length consists of row crops that extend to the tops of banks.
The crop fields were observed to be in a crop rotation of corn, soybean, and sweet potatoes.
1.3.4 Wetlands
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory Map (NWI) depicts three
wetland types within the Project bounds (Figure 4). The wetland types include palustrine, scrub-shrub,
broad-leaved deciduous, temporarily flooded waters (PSS1A); palustrine, emergent, persistent, semi
permanently flooded waters (PEM1F); and palustrine, forested, broad-leaved deciduous, temporarily
flooded waters (PFO1A). A delineation of existing wetlands was performed in December 2022 and January
2023. The delineation was performed using current methodology outlined in the 1987 U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and Regional Supplement to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version
2.0) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2010). A total of two jurisdictional wetlands were observed in and
adjacent to the proposed Project boundaries (Table 3 & Figure 4).
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 11 January 2024
Table 3. Existing Wetland Resources Summary at Pantera Mitigation Site
* Classification is based upon current conditions.
A preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) request was sent to the USACE on March 3, 2023 and
wetland determinations have yet to be verified by the USACE. The final PJD has not yet been received.
Wetland forms are included in Appendix C of the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
1.3.5 Existing Conditions Photos
Buffer Condition along PH1 (at road)
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH1 (preservation)
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH1 (preservation)
March 28, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH2
December 13, 2023
Site
Number
Est. amount of
aquatic resource
in review area
Type of aquatic resource
(i.e., wetland vs. non-
wetland waters)
Cowardin Class*
Class of aquatic resource
Geographic authority to which the
aquatic resource “may be” subject
WA 4.778 acres PFO Section 404
WB 5.022 acres PFO Section 404
Total 9.800 acres
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 12 January 2024
Buffer Condition along PH3
March 28, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH4
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH5
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH5
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along upper PH6
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along lower PH6
March 28, 2023
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 13 January 2024
Buffer Condition along PH7
December 13, 2023
Buffer Condition along PH7
December 13, 2023
2 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 Threatened and Endangered Species
Plants and animals with a federal classification of endangered or threatened are protected under provisions
of Sections 7 and 9 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. Based on an initial review
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC)
database review tool (accessed February 7th, 2023), the list of threatened or endangered species
potentially affected by activities in the location of the Pantera project includes the Red-cockaded
woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi), and Carolina madtom (Noturus
furiosus). No protected species or potential habitat for protected species was observed during preliminary
site evaluations. Two additional species, tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), a proposed endangered
species, and the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a species for federal protection, are listed as well,
although neither species has federal protection at this time. Habitat for the tricolored bat is possible in the
mature forests of the wetland to the northeast. A summary of federally-protected species in Wayne County
is included in Table 4.
Table 4. Federally Protected Species in Wayne County
Common Name Scientific name Federal Status Habitat Present Record Status
Red-cockaded
woodpecker Picoides borealis E No Current
Neuse River Waterdog Necturus lewisi T No Current
Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus T No Current
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis subflavus PE Yes Current
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus C No Current
E = Endangered, T = Threatened, PE = Proposed Endangered, C= Candidate
The proposed Project offers some potential to improve and create habitat for wildlife species. Habitat may
be improved or created for species that require riverine habitat by improving water quality, in-stream and
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 14 January 2024
near-stream forage, and providing stable conditions not subject to regular maintenance. With the potential
for monarch butterfly within proximity to the Project, a pollinator-friendly seed mix will be proposed in
order to attract and promote pollinator species.
In addition to the USFWS database, a query of the NC Natural Heritage Program’s (NHP) database was
performed to determine whether previously cataloged occurrences of protected species were recorded
within a one-mile radius of the Project. Results from the query (May 2, 2023) indicate that there are no
known occurrences of federal or state threatened or endangered species within a two-mile radius of the
Project area. Based on initial site investigations and USFW correspondence, no impacts to state protected
species are anticipated as a result of the proposed project. Documentation is found in Appendix C of the
Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) was also consulted to review the Project for
any possible concerns. Because NCWRC did not comment during the Project’s public notice period, a letter
was sent to NCWRC in March 2023, and EBX is awaiting a response. Correspondence is found in Appendix
C of the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
2.2 Cultural Resources
A review of North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) GIS Web Service (accessed November
2021) database did not reveal any registered historic or archeological occurrences within the Project area.
The search did however reveal there are ten historical houses or churches that have been surveyed within
the one-mile radius. There are no anticipated impacts from Project activities to state surveyed properties
as there are none in the proposed Project vicinity. A letter from the SHPO dated August 4, 2022 in response
to public notice, stated that there will be no effect on historic resources. Correspondence is provided in
Appendix C of the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
In compliance with 15A NCAC 02R .0403(c)(7), (8), and (11), the areas of preservation within the Project
include “the absence of extensive structures and infrastructure” (7), “the absence of hazardous substance
and solid waste” (8), and “the absence of encumbrances and conditions on the transfer of the property
interests” (11). An EDR, received in May 2023, is provided in Appendix AC.
2.3 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Floodplain/Floodway
Mapping
According to the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Information System, all reaches are within areas of
minimal flood risk. No hydrologic trespass will be permitted to adjacent properties upstream or
downstream of the Project. The Project can be found on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) Panel 370254
(map number 3720255700K) effective date June 20, 2018 (Figure 4). A hydrologic analysis will be
completed on the existing and proposed conditions of these reaches. Further information can be found in
the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
2.4 Project Constraints
Due to landowner requirements, there will be one crossing located on reach PH1-A where the existing,
breached farm road already exists. This crossing will be accommodated by an easement break and will
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 15 January 2024
allow the landowner and farmer access to their parcels and limit potential negative impacts to the stream
and surrounding riparian area due to any future agricultural practices. There is also an overhead utility line
collocated with the NCDOT right-of-way along Falling Creek Church Road, so the Project easement
boundary will exclude the existing utility easement (Figure 5).
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 16 January 2024
3 RIPARIAN RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION PLAN
The goal of the Project is to restore ecological function to the streams and riparian areas by establishing
appropriate stream buffer plant communities where absent, as well as to protect these buffers and stream
function into perpetuity. The buffered channels will provide water quality and habitat functions within the
Neuse 01 Watershed, such as nutrient and sediment removal, filtration of runoff from nearby agricultural
fields, and improved aquatic and terrestrial habitat. The current land uses adjacent to the streams and
ephemeral channel proposed for riparian restoration and preservation are primarily composed of cropland,
disturbed riparian area, and forested wetlands.
Riparian restoration and preservation proposed under this Plan are shown in Figure 5, and were
determined viable mitigation approaches by the DWR in their letter dated May 4, 2023 (Appendix AB).
All riparian restoration and preservation activities will include the tops of banks outward to 200 feet along
mitigated stream and ephemeral channels. The Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank will also re-
establish and preserve wetlands which will generate wetland credits on-site; therefore, any area where
wetland credits are proposed, neither buffer mitigation nor nutrient offset credits will be proposed. There
will be no overlap in the Riparian Buffer and/or Nutrient Offset credit areas and wetland credit areas, and
no additional stream credits are being requested through the use of non-standard buffer widths (Figure
5).
Before beginning construction, EBX will ensure that permitting scenarios are completed. EBX plans to obtain
Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit approval and will submit applications for a CWA Section 401
and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Erosion and Sediment Control permit.
3.1 Site Preparation
Preparation within the Project will involve treatment for exotic invasive species, contoured ripping, and
seeding and planting. In areas that are planned to be mostly cleared of trees for stream restoration
purposes, decompaction techniques to increase porosity, specifically ripping, will be performed. Where
larger trees are expected to remain, equipment will be limited, and no ripping will occur. During the
existing conditions survey, a tree line was surveyed to designate the current forested area. The existing
tree line is shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Once the soil is prepared, it will be seeded and planted with
native riparian species. This process should provide favorable soil conditions for plant growth. Other
stabilization and implementation of dispersal techniques will be utilized where surface flows have become
concentrated to minimize the chances of non-diffuse flow. A combination of silt fencing, erosion control
wattles, temporary seeding, and erosion control matting will be used to reduce erosion and stabilize soil
in riparian areas during any land disturbance activities. These erosion control measures shall be inspected
and properly maintained at the end of each working day to ensure measures are functioning properly until
permanent vegetation is established. Disturbed areas shall be temporarily seeded within ten working days
and upon completion of final grading, permanent vegetation shall be established for all disturbed areas.
Any topsoil that is removed during construction will be stockpiled and reserved for final site soil
preparation. Topsoil will be spread throughout disturbed areas of the project in order to assist vegetation
growth. Temporary and permanent riparian seeding shall be done in accordance with the erosion control
plan. A list of species used in the seed mix can be found in the plan set, Appendix E of the Stream and
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 17 January 2024
Wetland Mitigation Plan. This seed mix and planted tree selection includes pollinator species such as oxeye
sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), blackeyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias
tuberosa), smooth goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), silky dogwood
(Cornus amomum), sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).
Bare root plantings and live stakes shall be planted according to the planting plan found in Section 3.2.4
and the plan set, Appendix E of the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan. Invasive species will require
different and multiple treatment methods, depending on plant phenology and the location of the species
being treated. Treatment methods will include mechanical (cutting with loppers, clippers, or chain saw)
and chemical (foliar spray, cut stump, and hack and squirt techniques). Invasive plants containing mature,
viable seeds, will be removed from the Project and properly disposed. Management records will be kept
on the plant species treated, type of treatment employed, type of herbicide used, application technique,
and herbicide concentration and quantities used. These records will be included in all reporting documents.
All Project preparation activities will commence in concurrence with the stream and wetland mitigation
activities and not before. Therefore, the mitigation area where riparian restoration is being performed may
be altered slightly depending on the approval of the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan. The limits of
the riparian restoration areas will be surveyed post-planting and seeding, and the information will be
provided in the As-Built report and plat.
3.2 Methods
Riparian restoration and preservation along streams and the ephemeral feature will be implemented to
generate riparian buffer credits and nutrient offset credits. All applicable areas were determined by the
site viability assessment by DWR (Appendix AB)
3.2.1 Riparian Restoration Activities - Streams
For mitigated stream channels, the Project will provide riparian buffer credits and nutrient offset credits in
accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rules 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n), and the Nutrient Offset
Credit Trading Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0703. Riparian restoration activities will include the planting of bare
root trees as described in Section 3.2.4. These restoration activities will begin from the tops of the stream
banks and extend a minimum of 20 feet from the streams outward to a maximum of 200 feet perpendicular
and landward to the channel. Any riparian areas less than 20 feet in width are not eligible to generate
credit. Restoration will occur where cropland is currently present. Furthermore, restoration will entail the
permanent protection of the riparian area from cutting, clearing, filling, grading, and similar activities that
would affect the functioning of the riparian areas through a conservation easement that will have clearly
visible easement markers and signs (see Section 3.2.5 for further description of the easement boundaries).
All stream reaches within the Project except reach PH1-C will incorporate riparian restoration (Figure 5).
All riparian restoration activities will commence in concurrence with the stream and wetland mitigation
activities. Stream restoration will further address existing impairments including floodplain dislocation,
bank erosion, channel incision, nutrient input, and buffer degradation. The stream design approach will
include meandering the proposed channels within the natural valley and stabilizing stream banks using a
combination of grading, erosion control matting, live-stake planting, native material revetment techniques
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 18 January 2024
(i.e. bioengineering), and structure placement. These activities will also include backfilling the abandoned
stream channels to the elevation of the floodplain and planting (Appendix E of the Stream and Wetland
Mitigation Plan).
3.2.2 Riparian Restoration Activities - Ephemeral
For the ephemeral channel, reach PH6-A, the Project will provide riparian buffer restoration and nutrient
offset in accordance with the Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rules 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (n), 15A NCAC
02B .0295 (o)(7) and the Nutrient Offset Credit Trading Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0703. Riparian restoration
activities will include the planting of bare root trees as described in Section 3.2.4. These restoration
activities will begin from the tops of the ephemeral channel banks and extend a minimum of 20 feet from
the streams outward to a maximum of 200 feet perpendicular to the channel. Restoration will occur where
cropland is currently present along the ephemeral feature. Furthermore, restoration will entail the
permanent protection of the riparian area from cutting, clearing, filling, grading, and similar activities that
would affect the functioning of the buffer through a conservation easement that will have clearly visible
easement markers and signs (see Section 3.2.5 for further description of the easement boundaries). The
ephemeral features meet criteria for riparian buffer restoration according to Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295 (o)
(7) in the following ways:
(A) The ephemeral channel drains directly to reach PH6-B, an intermittent stream.
(B) The entire area proposed for mitigation is within the contributing drainage area to the ephemeral
channel (Figure 3b).
All riparian restoration activities associated with the ephemeral channel PH6-A will commence in
concurrence with the stream mitigation activities. Particularly, it is proposed that the ephemeral channel is
to be restored, which will entail raising the channel bed, grading a new pilot channel into the floodplain
and live-staking the bank and bed to provide stability and channel shading.
3.2.3 Riparian Preservation Activities
Buffer preservation is proposed along subject and non-subject streams in accordance with the
Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0295(o)(4) and (5) (Figure 6). Documentation of the
site meeting the requirements of 15A NCAC 02R .0403(c)(7)(8) and (11) is provided in Appendix AC.
Preservation will occur where riparian areas are already forested along streams and within 200 feet
perpendicular to the stream channels. Any riparian areas less than 20 feet in width are not eligible to
generate credit. Preservation activities will consist of permanently protecting the buffer from cutting,
clearing, filling, grading, and similar activities that would affect the functioning of the buffer through a
conservation easement that will have clearly visible easement markers and signs (see Section 3.2.5 for
further descriptions of the easement boundaries). Because some of the preservation areas are associated
with proposed stream restoration and/or enhancement activities under the stream and wetland mitigation
Project, some of these areas may need to be cleared during construction of the new stream corridor.
Therefore, such impacted areas will be planted using the same criteria as restoration areas, however will
still only generate preservation credit. Figures 4 and 5 show the location of the original tree line that will
be used to calculate the preservation credit at as-built. Also, no more than 25 percent of the total area of
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 19 January 2024
buffer mitigation will be used for preservation credit pursuant to 15A NCAC 02B.0295(o)(4) and (5) and
the rest of the area will be protected in the conservation easement but not applied for credit. Furthermore,
buffer preservation can only generate Riparian Buffer mitigation credit and is not convertible to nutrient
offset credits. Stream reaches PH1PH3, PH4, PH6, and PH7 will incorporate riparian preservation.
3.2.4 Planting Plan
Revegetation of the Project where riparian restoration is being performed will meet the performance
standards outlined in Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295. This includes treating invasive species growth and
planting at least four native hardwood bare root trees at a density that ensures 260 stems per acre at the
completion of monitoring. Therefore, the proposed initial planting of bare root stems is to plant on a nine
by six-foot spacing to achieve and initial target density of approximately 800 stems per acre where no one
tree or shrub species will be greater than 50% of the established stems. Vegetation within riparian areas
can vary depending on disturbance regime and adjacent community types, so the protected buffer
easement will be planted with appropriate native species observed in the surrounding forest and species
known to occur in similar environments. To ensure species diversity across the Project area, bare root stems
will be well mixed before planting.
For the majority of the site and all of the riparian restoration areas, Mixed-Mesic Hardwood Forest (Coastal
Plain subtype) (Schafale, 2012) will be the target community type and will be used for all areas of existing
crop field and field margins within the Project. With that said, because this Project is combined with the
stream and wetland mitigation project, there will be an additional planting zone within the easement for
all wetland mitigation areas, including wetland re-establishment and wetland preservation areas cleared
for construction purposes. The target community for the wetland areas will be Coastal Plain Small Stream
Swamp. These community compositions are highly diverse and are suitable given the Project’s soil and
landscape characteristics and will provide water quality and ecological benefits. Ultimately, there will be
two planting zones and are designated as “Zone 1” and “Zone 2.” The initial planting of bare root stems
will occur before Spring 2025. The list of bare root tree species to be planted and their percentage of total
species composition per zone can be found in Table 5. Please note that Zone 2 is being depicted in Figure
9, but all riparian restoration areas proposed to generate riparian buffer restoration and nutrient offset
credits are within Zone 1. Further details regarding the planting plan and area can be found in Figure 9
and Appendix E of the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan. Please note that the real compositions of
planted trees may differ from this proposed list due to availability; however, the procured trees will be
comprised of species from the list. If a species on the list is unavailable at the time of planting the percent
composition of another species on the list will be increased, although no one species will have a
composition over 50%. If any changes are needed to the planting list before planting, EBX will submit a
request to DWR for approval of a modified planting list. With that said, EBX intends to plant all 12 species
listed in Table 5. Some areas adjacent to the forested areas may require maintenance due to the rapid
regeneration of some species, such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).
Because all of the stream and ephemeral channels are being restored as part of the stream mitigation,
channels banks will also be planted with live stake plantings. See Appendix E of the Stream and Wetland
Mitigation Plan for more details regarding live stake plantings.
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 20 January 2024
In addition, all riparian restoration areas will be seeded with an herbaceous seed mix to provide rapid
herbaceous cover and promote immediate buffer effectiveness as well as habitat for pollinators and other
wildlife. The seed blend will contain both temporary and permanent seed and will include taproot species.
See Appendix E of the Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan for the proposed herbaceous seed mix
composition. The seed will be sown utilizing a no-till drill or broadcast and discing depending on the site
conditions at the time of planting.
Table 5. Pantera Project Tree Planting Lists
Planting Zone 1- Mixed-mesic Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype)
Acres- 42.5
Common
Name Scientific Name Spacing Unit Type
Wetland
Indicator
Status*
Form (Tree,
Small, Tree,
Shrub)
%
Composition
American
sycamore
Platanus
occidentalis 9x6 Bare root FACW Tree 10
Willow oak Quercus phellos 9x6 Bare root FACW Tree 10
Water oak Quercus nigra 9x6 Bare root FAC Tree 10
Swamp
chestnut oak Quercus michauxii 9x6 Bare root FACW Tree 10
Northern red
oak Quercus rubra 9x6 Bare root FACU Tree 10
White oak Quercus alba 9x6 Bare root FACU Tree 10
River birch Betula nigra 9x6 Bare root FACW Tree 10
American
beech Fagus grandifolia 9x6 Bare root FACU Tree 10
Sweetbay Magnolia
virginiana 9x6 Bare root FACW Small tree 5
Tulip poplar Liriodendron
tulipifera 9x6 Bare root FACU Tree 5
Ironwood Carpinus
caroliniana 9x6 Bare root FAC Small tree 5
Flowering
dogwood Cornus florida 9x6 Bare root FACU Small tree 5
* Based on NRCS-USDA Wetland Indicator Status for Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain
3.2.5 Easement Boundaries and Fencing
Easement boundaries will be identified in the field to ensure clear distinction between the Project and
adjacent properties. Easement boundary marking will be completed prior to the As-Built onsite visit for
the Task 2 milestone by DWR. Boundaries may be identified by fence, marker, bollard, post, tree-blazing,
or other means as allowed by site conditions and/or conservation easement. Boundaries will be marked
with signs identifying the property as a mitigation site that will include the name of the long-term steward
and a contact number. Boundary markers disturbed, damaged, or destroyed will be repaired and/or
replaced on an as-needed basis. The easement boundary will be checked annually as part of monitoring
activities and the conditions as well as any maintenance performed will be reported in the annual
monitoring reports to DWR.
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Buffer Mitigation Plan 21 January 2024
3.2.6 DWR As-Built Evaluation
Within 30 calendar days after completing the establishment of the buffer mitigation and nutrient offset
areas, EBX will submit written notification to DWR documenting that all riparian buffer mitigation and
nutrient offset activities have been completed. Failure to submit written notification within 30 days may
result in a modified credit release schedule or a delay in the issuance of credit releases.
4 MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
4.1 Monitoring Protocol and Success Criteria
Riparian buffer vegetation monitoring will be based on the “CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation
Level 2 Plot Sampling Only Version 4.2.” Annual vegetation monitoring will occur each year for a minimum
of five years and will be conducted during the fall season with the first year occurring at least six months
from initial planting. As part of the stream and wetland mitigation plan, a mix of 38 vegetation monitoring
plots, both fixed and random, will be installed a minimum of 100 m2 in size in the planted area (45.8 acres)
and will cover at least two percent of the planted mitigation area for the Stream and Wetland Mitigation
Bank. However, 34 of those plots (30 fixed and 4 randoms) will be located inside the Riparian Buffer
Restoration and Nutrient Offset crediting areas (40.9 acres) and will be utilized to monitor and determine
success for the Riparian Buffer Mitigation and Nutrient Offset Project (Figure 9). These 34 plots will also
be shared with the IRT to report on the planted area within the project easement area. To avoid credit
stacking, no stream credit is being claimed via the Non-Standard Buffer Widths for the areas these plots
represent, only Riparian Buffer Credits and Nutrient Offset Credits are being generated within these areas.
All random plots will be 100 m2 in size (usually a 25 meter long transect, with a four meter width). There
will be one random plot per reach (PH6, PH5, PH4, and PH1/2). A new location will be selected each year
within riparian restoration areas along these reaches to provide adequate representation of the different
widths represented in the project credit table and corresponding credit figure for riparian buffer credit and
nutrient offset credit generating areas over time. The following data will be recorded for all planted and
volunteer trees in the plots: species, height, planting date (or volunteer), vigor, and grid location. All stems
in plots will be flagged with flagging tape. Photographs will be taken at established monitoring stations
each monitoring year. Visual inspection reports and photographs will be provided in the annual reports to
ensure that restoration and enhancement areas are being maintained and compliant. The measures of
vegetative success for the Project will be the survival of at least four native hardwood tree species, where
no one species is greater than 50 percent of stems, at a density of at least 260 planted trees per acre at
the end of Year 5. Desirable native volunteer species may be included to meet the performance standards
as determined by DWR. Invasive and noxious species will be monitored and treated so that none become
dominant or alter the desired community structure of the Project.
A visual assessment of the conservation easement will also be performed each year to confirm:
· Easement is adequately marked and clearly visible;
· no encroachment has occurred;
· diffuse flow is being maintained in the conservation easement area; and
· there has not been any cutting, clearing, filling, grading, or similar activities that would
negatively affect the functioning of the buffer.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 22 January 2024
EBX will monitor the stream and wetland mitigation bank for a minimum of seven years, or until release
by IRT approval. Therefore, plots will continue to be monitored in accordance with the monitoring protocol
in the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
4.2 Adaptive Management Plan and Site Maintenance
Adaptive measures will be developed, or appropriate remedial actions taken if in the event that the Project,
or a specific component of the Project, fails to achieve the defined success criteria. Remedial actions will
be designed to achieve the success criteria specified in this Plan, and will include identification of the
causes of failure, remedial design approach, work schedule, and monitoring criteria that will take into
account physical and climatic conditions.
Initial plant maintenance may include a one-time mowing, prior to initial planting to remove undesirable
species. If mowing is deemed necessary by EBX during the monitoring period, EBX must receive approval
by the DWR prior to any mowing activities to ensure that no buffer violations have been performed. Failure
to receive approval to mow within the Neuse buffer, as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0714, by the DWR could
result in Neuse buffer violations and violations of the conservation easement. If necessary, EBX will develop
a species-specific control plan.
4.3 Long Term Management Plan
EBX acting as the Bank Sponsor, will record a Conservation Easement with the Wayne County Register of
Deeds’ Office for this site. The Conservation Easement will be assigned to North Carolina Wildlife Habitat
Foundation (NCWHF). All monitoring activities, including periodic inspections of the site to ensure that
restrictions required in the Conservation Easement are upheld, are the responsibility of EBX until the Bank
Parcel is transferred to NCWHF. Endowment funds required to uphold the Pantera Bank Parcel
conservation easement in perpetuity shall be negotiated prior to site transfer to the NCWHF.
The Bank Sponsor will ensure that the Conservation Easement has allowed for the implementation of an
initial monitoring phase, which will be developed during the design phase and conducted by the Bank
Sponsor. The Conservation Easement will allow for yearly monitoring and, if necessary, maintenance of the
Parcel during the initial monitoring phase. These activities will be conducted in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the RES Neuse 01 Pantera Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset MBI made and entered
into by EBX and DWR.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 23 January 2024
5 FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
The Sponsor will provide financial assurances in the form of Performance Bonds sufficient to assure one
hundred percent (100%) completion of all mitigation work, required reporting and monitoring, and any
remedial work required. Financial assurances will be payable at the direction of the DWR to its designee
or to a standby trust. Financial assurances structured to provide funds to the DWR in the event of default
by the Bank Sponsor are not acceptable. The initial performance bond will be in the amount of at least
$150,000 and shall be able to cover 100% of the costs associated with construction of the riparian
restoration areas. The monitoring bond shall be in the amount of at least $100,000 and shall be able to
cover 100% of the costs associated with the monitoring and maintenance of the riparian restoration areas
for five years.
Performance bonds for monitoring shall be renewed to cover each year’s monitoring period, with
confirmation of renewal provided to DWR with each annual monitoring report when applicable. DWR
reserves the right to alter the credit release schedule if monitoring reports are submitted without proof of
bond renewals when applicable.
6 MITIGATION POTENTIAL
The Project presents 65.58 acres of permanent conservation easement in Wayne County, North Carolina.
While this easement also encompasses areas for the Pantera Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank, the
purpose of the Project is to generate Neuse 01 Riparian Buffer and Nutrient Offset credits.
Riparian restoration and preservation proposed under this Plan are shown in Figure 6 and were
determined viable mitigation approaches by the DWR in their letter dated May 4, 2023 (Appendix AB).
All riparian restoration and preservation activities will occur between the tops of banks outward to 200
feet along stream and ephemeral channels. Figure 8 displays various riparian zones around each channel
feature to depict where critical riparian widths exist, such as the 50, 100, and 200-foot zones. The Pantera
Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank will also re-establish and preserve wetlands which will generate
wetland credits on-site; therefore, any area where wetland credits are proposed, neither buffer mitigation
nor nutrient offset credits will be proposed. There will be no overlap in the Riparian Buffer and/or Nutrient
Offset credit areas and wetland credit areas (Figure 6).
This Bank has the potential to generate approximately 1,534,150.128 riparian buffer credits derived from
1,487,468.250 riparian buffer restoration credits, and 46,681.878 riparian buffer preservation credits.
Because the total area eligible for preservation credit may be no more than 25% of total area of buffer
mitigation, some preservation areas are omitted from credit generation. Additionally, there will be 293,179
ft2 of Nutrient Offset area that will be delivered as 15,298.472 lbs/acre of Nitrogen credits. The riparian
buffer mitigation credits generated will service authorized riparian buffer impacts within the Neuse 01
Watershed, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed. The nutrient offsets generated will service nutrient load
reduction requirements where payments are authorized in 15A NCAC 02B .0703 within the Neuse 01
Watershed, excluding the Falls Lake Watershed.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 24 January 2024
The Sponsor, EBX will maintain three credit ledgers. One ledger will account for Riparian Buffer Restoration
credits; one ledger will account for Buffer Preservation credits; and one ledger will account for Nitrogen
nutrient offset credits. All mitigation credit assets shall be shown on these credit ledgers. The detailed
Project credits breakdown utilizing the DWR “Project Credit Table Template (updated November 2022),”
including buffer credits that are convertible to nutrient offset credit, is provided below in Table 6.
The Sponsor, EBX, may use the credits generated on the non-forested open fields within widths of at least
50 feet from the top of bank, for Neuse Riparian Buffer Mitigation or Nutrient Offsets, but not both. All
applicable ratios must be accounted for when converting from nutrient offset to buffer. Credit conversions
must be calculated using the guidance provided in the Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation
Credits & Nutrient Offset Credits as provided in the MBI. The Sponsor must submit a written request and
receive written approval from DWR prior to any credit conversions and transfers to the buffer and nutrient
offset credit ledgers. With each conversion and transfer request submitted to the DWR, the Sponsor will
provide all updated credit ledgers showing all transactions that have occurred up to the date of the
request. The potential convertible square footage of riparian buffer credits to nutrient offset credits is
provided in Table 6.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 25 January 2024
Table 6. Project Credits
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 30 May 2023
7 REFERENCES
Environmental Laboratory. (1987). "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual," Technical Report
Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2007. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map: Panel
3710981000J and 3710981100K. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search.
Lee, M.T. et al. 2008. CVS-EEP Protocol for Recording Vegetation, All Levels of Plot Sampling. Version 4.2.
http://cvs.bio.unc.edu/methods.htm.
NCDNR. 2016. “N.C. Wetland Assessment Method User Manual Version 5.” N.C. Wetland Functional
Assessment Team. https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Environmental
%20Sciences/ECO/Wetlands/NC%20WAM%20User%20Manual%20v5.pdf.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. 2019. Nutrient Sensitive Waters and Special
Watersheds. https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-land-resources/nsw-special-
watersheds.
North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (NCOAH). 2010. Rule 15A NCAC 02B.0703 - Nutrient
Offset Payments. http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac.asp?folderName=\Title%2015A%20-
%20Environmental%20Quality\Chapter%2002%20-%20Environmental%20Management.
NCOAH. 2015. Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0295- Mitigation Program Requirements for Protection and
Maintenance of Riparian Buffers.
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac.asp?folderName=\Title%2015A%20-
%20Environmental%20Quality\Chapter%2002%20-%20Environmental%20Management.
NCOAH. 2014. Rule 15A NCAC 02R.0403 - Donation of Property.
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac.asp?folderName=\Title%2015A%20-
%20Environmental%20Quality\Chapter%2002%20-%20Environmental%20Management.
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR). 2022. North Carolina State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) GIS Web Service. http://www.hpo. ncdcr.gov/.
NCDNCR. 2023. Natural Heritage Program (NHP) GIS database. https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/.
Resource Environmental Solutions (2023). Pantera Project Draft Stream and Wetland Mitigation Plan.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web
Soil Survey. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/.
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDENR, Raleigh, NC.
Pantera
Buffer Mitigation Plan 31 May 2023
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation
Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, and C. V.
Noble. ERDC/EL TR-10-20. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022. Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) website.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/.
USWFS. 2018. National Wetlands Inventory website. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Washington, D.C. http://www.fws. gov/wetlands/.
USFWS. 2022. National Wetlands Inventory website. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service, Washington, D.C.
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 1 - Service Area - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: N/A
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 84
Miles
1 in = 8 mi
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.4053°W 35.5804°N
Figure 1
Nutrient Offset and Riparian Buffer Credit
Service Area
D u r h a m
B u t n e r
BEverett
Jordan
Lake
70
401
H o l l y S p r i n g s
F u q u a y -V a r i n a
A p e x
D u r h a m
C a r y
27
295
Coha r ie S dts a
H a r n e t t
Spr i n g L a k e
W a l k e r t o w n
L i l l i n g t o n
FortL i b e r t y
F a y e t t e v i l l e
56
96
F r a n k l i n
C r e e d m o o r
L o u i s b u r g
B l a ck Creek
Crooked
C
r
e
e
k
F a l l s
R e s e r v o i r
42
42
42
50
39
581
210
70
64
264
401
W e n d e l l
Z e b u l o n
K n i g h t d a l e
A n g i e r
K e n l y
S e l m a
G a r n e r
C l a y t o n
W a k e F o r e s t
S m i t h f i e l d
R a l e i g h
55
70
13
13
701
701 40
40
Coharie S dts a
E r w i n
C o a t s
D u n n
M t O l i v e
F o u r O a k s
B e n s o n
48
43
R e d O a k
111
301
117
795
95
W i l s o n
N a s h v i l l e
R o c k y M o u n t
W i l s o n
111
403
70Wayne
L a G r a n g e
G o l d s b o r o
Proposed Easement
Neuse River Basin - 03020201 (Excluding Falls Lake Watershed)
Pantera Mitigation Project
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 2 - Project Vicinity - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USGS, GoogleMaps
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 1,000500
Feet
1 in = 1,000 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1563°W 35.3238°N
Figure 2
Project Vicinity
Proposed Easement
Neuse River Basin - 03020201 (Excluding Falls Lake Watershed)
NC 14-Digit HUC - 03020201170020
Pantera Mitigation Project
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: XXXX | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 3a - USGS Quadrangle - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USGS
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 2,0001,000
Feet
1 in = 2,000 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1566°W 35.324°N
Figure 3b
USGS Quadrangle
Grantham (1976)
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
Proposed Easement
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 3b - Drainage Areas - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USGS, Wayne County GIS
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 1,000500
Feet
1 in = 1,000 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1548°W 35.3207°N
Figure 3b
Project Drainage Areas
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
PH5
77.45 ac.
PH4
70.37 ac.
PH2
52.27 ac.
PH7
15.82 ac.
PH6-B
66.31 ac.
PH3
76.85 ac.
PH1
446.2 ac.
PH6-A
39.83 ac.
D
1
P
H
7
PH6
-
B
P
H
3
PH
1
PH2
PH6-A
PH5
PH4
Proposed Easement
Drainage Area
Stream Type
Intermittent/Perennial
Ephemeral
Ditch
2 ft. Contour
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 4 - Existing Conditions - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/14/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USFWS, FEMA
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 500250
Feet
1 in = 500 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1574°W 35.3237°N
Figure 4
Existing Conditions
Falling Creek Church Rd
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
TTTT
T
T
T
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
PEM1F
PFO1/4A
PFO1A
PFO1A
PSS1A
PSS4A PSS4A
PSS4A
D
1
P
H
7
PH6
-
B
P
H
3
PH
1
PH2
PH6-A
PH5
PH4
Proposed Easement
Delineated Wetlands
National Wetland Inventory
Stream Type
Intermittent/Perennial
Ephemeral
Ditch
Treeline
T T Overhead Utility
Project Property Boundary
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
Regenerating Forest
Forest
Crop field
Crop field
Crop field
Forest
Breached Culvert
Crossing
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 6 - NRCS Soils - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: NRCS
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 800400
Feet
1 in = 800 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera Name
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1567°W 35.3249°N
Figure 6
NRCS Soils
Wayne County, 1974
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
Proposed Easement
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 7a - Historical Imagery - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have not
been surveyed and are for prospect assessment
purposes only. This information is not to be used as
final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USGS Earth Explorer
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS 3200 Feet
Date Exported: 12/12/2023
N
0 1,000500
Feet
1 in = 1,000 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1567°W 35.3249°N
Exhibit 7a
Historical Imagery
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
Proposed Easement
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
1950 1973
1993 1998
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 7b - Historical Imagery - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have not
been surveyed and are for prospect assessment
purposes only. This information is not to be used as
final legal boundaries.
Data Source: USGS Earth Explorer
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS 3200 Feet
Date Exported: 12/12/2023
N
0 1,000500
Feet
1 in = 1,000 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1567°W 35.3249°N
Exhibit 7b
Historical Imagery
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
Proposed Easement
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin
1999 2010
2017 2021
Cartographer: mdeangelo | POC: JRM | Path: R:\Resgis\Projects\NC\103361_Pantera\PRO\3_Permitting\4_BPDP\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera\NC_BufferPlan_Pantera.aprx | Layout: Figure 8 - Riparian Buffers - Pantera | Date Exported: 12/12/2023
www.res.us
Reference: Project limits are approximate. The
property boundaries depicted on this map have
not been surveyed and are for prospect
assessment purposes only. This information is not
to be used as final legal boundaries.
Data Source: N/A
Spatial Reference:
NAD 1983 2011 StatePlane North Carolina FIPS
3200 Ft US
N
0 500250
Feet
1 in = 500 ft
when printed at 8.5x11"Pantera
Wayne County, North Carolina
78.1568°W 35.3244°N
Figure 8
Riparian Zones
Falling Creek Church Rd
ª
ª
ª
ª
ª
P
H
7
-
A
P
H
1
-
A
PH6
-
C
PH3-A
PH6-
A
P
H
7
-
B
PH
3
-
C
PH1
-
C
D1
PH
1
-
B
PH2
PH6-
D
P
H
3
-
B
PH6-B
PH5
PH4
Proposed Easement
Proposed Top of Bank
Riparian Zones
0-50'
0-100'
0-200'
ªDWR Ephemeral/Intermittent Break
ªDWR Feature Origin