Aquatic Resources Planning:
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Raymond von Drehle, Catawba County: ENV worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the property owner in developing plans for an approximate 1-acre pond. Pond construction was completed in 2008 which is being used to provide supplemental water for a geothermal heating system for Mr. von Drehle’s residence. Planning involved developing alternative construction plans for review by regulatory agencies due to mapped adjoining populations of Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf, an endangered plant species as well as providing necessary requirements for the heating system. In addition, ENV assessed 7Q10 for the project providing construction contractors outfall flow parameters for the impoundment.
Silver Creek, Ashe County: ENV worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the NC Division of Water Quality, and the property owner in planning for the construction of a 1.5-acre pond. Construction for the pond was completed in 2008. Planning the pond involved intensive site mapping in large emergent wetland complex in order to minimize impacts and prevent trout buffer encroachment. ENV worked with the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program in mitigating site impacts, and ENV worked with NC DWQ in establishing flow parameters for the impoundment outfall using 7Q10 methodology.
Winkelman, Avery County: In 2008, ENV designed a 0.5-acre pond to adjoin a large emergent wetlands complex providing water level stability, preventing flooding and erosion to an adjacent roadway. ENV gave expert advice from site assessments for pond design considerations and consultation regarding the installation of inlet water level control structures which helped in the preserving adjoining wetland’s integrity, reducing impacts, and providing long term stability to the surrounding floodplain.
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Beech Creek Bog, Watauga County: ENV completed a wetland delineation for the 119-acre Dale Hill property on Beech Mountain in 2001. This site was noted as containing a portion of the Beech Creek Bog, a rare and endangered wetland system approximately 12,000 years in age. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and North Carolina Natural Heritage program determined the site was flagged as prime habitat (Spruce/Fur Forest) for the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel, an endangered species. ENV began monitoring the site and completed a Habitat Conservation Plan for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As a result, the site was soon acquired by the State of NC Parks and Recreation in 2002, and it is now considered one of the most pristine Southern Appalachian Bogs in the state.
Laurelmor, Watauga and Wilkes Counties: In 2006, ENV completed an animal and vegetation survey for the 6,000-acre property as part of a biological baseline inventory. 437 plant taxa and 28 animal taxa were observed and cataloged on the property. A site feature map was included in the assessment which included a rare spray cliff, a half acre bog, the Dugger Creek gorge, a fissure along Laurel Creek called the “Blue Hole”, a cave, and rare talus slope wetlands. Included in the feature map was a Natural Heritage community assessment which included Rich Cove Forest, Pine Oak Heath, Montane Oak/Hickory Forest, Chestnut Oak Forest, Swamp Forest Complex, Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest, and Acid Cove Forest. Part of the assessment incorporated searching for evidence of state and federally listed species which included the Alleghany Woodrat, Virginia Big-eared Bat, Cerulean Warbler, Bog Turtle, Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf, Fraser’s Sedge, Carolina Saxifrage, and Fringed Polygala.
Parkway Preserve, Ashe County: In 2006, ENV completed a delineation and permit application for the 91-acre property along the Blue Ridge escarpment, New River headwaters. As part the permit conditions with the help of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission ENV assessed the site for potential Bog Turtle habitat and individual species occurrence.
Raymond von Drehle, Catawba County: Based on remarks from the US FWS during the public comment period for the individual permit for the Raymond von Drehle project, ENV carried out field inspections identifying, quantifying, and mapping federally threatened dwarf-flowered heartleaf individual plant populations and habitat. 4.55-acres of total habitat were assessed and 530 individual dwarf-flowered heartleaf plants determined to exist on the property. Following, ENV carried out a Biological Assessment (BA) for the project and its potential impacts to these plants; a Biological Opinion was issued by the US FWS in response which required an Environmental Assessment (EA) be carried out. ENV performed the EA and negotiated a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the project. In addition, impacts to habitat and plant populations during construction were minimized though preservation efforts, and a 2.1-acre of the property with dwarf-flowered heartleaf plants was permanently conserved through deed restriction.
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CWA 404/401 Permitting for Developments:
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Boone Mall, Watauga County: In 2008, ENV provided an assessment of flooding problems associated with the parking lot at the Boone Mall. Based on the assessment and an evaluation of upstream and downstream problem areas, ENV was able to determine a long term solution. Due to the flashy urban environment of Boone Creek, maintenance of a box culvert entrance way along the creek was an important aspect of the solution; keeping it free of obstructions and accumulated sediment. Beaver activity and its influence on the grade of Boone Creek was an issue considering the system's inherent low gradient, so clearing their dams and obstructions was considered imperative. Combining these maintenance ideas into a Nationwide Permit and submitting it has allowed the owners to pursue a solution to the problematic flooding of their property.
Carroll Industries, Watauga County: In 2011, ENV provided a wetland and stream assessment for a commercial site which were used included in the 404/401 permit application. ENV worked with the project engineer in helping to plan and design several stormwater bio-retention basins on the project site.
Emergency Vet Clinic of the High Country, Watauga County: IN 2011, ENV conducted a wetland delineation and stream assessment which were included in the 404/401 permit application. ENV worked with the project engineer in designing an on-site bio-retention system, planting plan, and level spreader.
Laurelmor, Watauga and Wilkes Counties: ENV successfully completed and obtained an Individual Permit for the Laurelmor project in 2006 and modified the permit in 2007 following changes to the site plan. The Laurelmor property encompasses around 6,000-acres of land and will accommodate an 18-hole golf course, 50-miles of road, 1200 lots, and close to 2000-acres of conserved land as part of the development. ENV has maintained a role with the project providing on-going environmental consultation, biological monitoring activities, and additional Phase I ESA reporting.
Linville Land Harbor, Avery County: In 2007 and 2008, ENV completed and obtained three separate permits for this project which entailed a geo-chemical assessment of the dam and surrounding area, the demolition of the existing dam, and the construction of a new dam to replace the older failing one. The project also required the services of ENV to perform a jurisdictional determination, a Tier 1 Watershed Assessment, an Environmental Assessment, and assessing flow regimes of the Linville River in order to maintain flow during lake draw down and dam reconstruction. Project is active and will conclude in the spring of 2009.
Raymond von Drehle, Catawba County: In 2006, ENV completed and obtained an Individual Permit for this project which entailed the construction of a 1-acre pond. Pond construction was completed in 2008 following additional necessary services by ENV prior to its construction due to a federally endangered plant species found on the site. ENV produced a Biological Assessment, Environmental Assessment, and provided consultation through the process working with the US Army Corps of Engineers, NC Division of Water Quality, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. ENV successfully worked through the issue getting the project completed and in the process permanently preserving 2.1-acres of habitat and over 360 individual plants on the property.
South Slope POA, Watauga County: In 2011, ENV was able to obtain a Nationwide #27 for enhancement work in a wetland. ENV worked with the project landscape architect in designing a planting plan for installing native wetland species.
Wilderness Trail, Avery County: In 2005, ENV completed a jurisdictional determination and obtained a Nationwide Permit for the Wilderness Trail development which is on an approximate 1,000-acre property outside of Banner Elk. The project entails the construction of new subdivision roads and the completion of an 18-hole golf course for a private residential golfing community. ENV provided additional services including Phase I ESA reporting, stream restoration permitting and oversight, and the acquisition of a trout buffer waiver for clearing and maintaining vegetation adjoining the golf course. ENV maintains on-going environmental consultation and biological monitoring services entailing the successful completion of the project.
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Jurisdictional Determinations and Wetland Delineations:
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Bernhardt Furniture Company-Google Lenoir Data Center, Caldwell County: In 2006, ENV completed a jurisdictional determination on this 185-acre site in the foothills of western North Carolina. Following the delineation, the project entailed developing stormwater management plans, stream restoration plans, and site plans for future development opportunities. Eventually, the site was sold to Google where the Lenoir Data Center was built in 2008.
Brookshire Park, Watauga County: In 2007, ENV completed a jurisdictional determination on a 50-acre project site off of Brookshire Road. In addition to the JD, ENV coordinated an archeological assessment of the project site for potential Natural Heritage sites. Working with the US Army Corps of Engineers, NC Division of Water Quality, and the Watauga County Planning and Inspections department ENV helped to develop plans for the construction of new soccer fields as an addition to the existing and adjoining Brookshire Park.
Laurelmor, Watauga and Wilkes Counties: In 2005, ENV completed a jurisdictional determination for the 6,000-acre project site. Approximately 64-miles of stream channel were identified, 350 individual intermittent and perennial streams evaluated, and approximately 9-acres of wetlands delineated on the project site. Due to the large and complex nature of the site a variety of wetland types were identified including the Riparian Forested Wetland, High-Elevation Seep, Wet Meadow, and Southern Appalachian Bog. Unique and rare hydrologic features were discovered and mapped as well including a quarter mile section of rocky gorge with 60 foot bluffs, waterfalls, and steep slides along Dugger Creek, a fracture in bedrock along Laurel Creek with a 15-20 foot deep pool called the Blue Hole, and a spray cliff along an unnamed tributary to Laurel Creek.
Silver Creek, Ashe County: In 2007, ENV delineated over 2-miles of jurisdictional streams and approximately 2-acres of wetlands on this 228-acre project site outside of Glendale Springs.
PEC Development, Caldwell County: In 2006, ENV completed a delineation of a 600-acre property in the northwestern portion of the county. The large site was rich in hydrology and biological diversity and ranged in elevations between 1,800 and 3,400 feet above sea level. Over 7-miles of jurisdictional streams and 0.5-acres of wetlands were identified and evaluated for the PEC Development project site.
Weekapaug Grove, Watauga County: In 2010, ENV completed a stream and wetland delineation for one of the first green subdivision developments in Watauga County.
Wilderness Trail, Avery County: In 2005, ENV completed a jurisdictional determination on the 850-acre project site, which has since grown to approximately 1,000-acres in size. The delineation included 6.2-miles of jurisdictional stream channel and 16.7-acres of jurisdictional wetlands. Some wetland types encountered on the site included Riparian Forested Wetlands, Southern Appalachian Bog, and High-Elevation Seeps.
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Phase I Environmental Site Assessments:
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Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust, Western North Carolina: ENV has completed more than thirty Phase I ESA reports for conservation easement property transactions over the last five years. Property sizes have ranged from under five acres to over 1,700 acres and have included old farms, wooded tracts, agricultural lands, and properties with private residences. Every report has been completed to full ASTM E-1527, Phase I ESA standards and never has had any problems or insufficiencies.
Lake Lure, Rutherford County: In 2004, ENV performed 3 Environmental Site Assessments through the Upper Broad River Protection Association and the town of Lake Lure. The assessments were funded through Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWTF) and managed through the Mountain Valley RC&D. Each ESA was performed on riparian corridors along tributaries to the Upper Broad River. Approximately 70 acres were evaluated.
Laurelmor, Watauga and Wilkes Counties: Between 2005 and 2008, ENV completed approximately 22 Phase I ESA reports during the development of this project. Nineteen of the reports were completed for property transactions, while three were unified versions updating previously completed reports. The majority of the properties were wooded and undeveloped properties. The three unified versions assessed the entire Laurelmor property covering over 6,000-acres.
Middle Fork Greenway Association, Watauga County: In 2006, ENV completed a Phase I ESA on seven parcels along the US Hwy 321 corridor between Boone and Blowing Rock. Reporting on these parcels was completed for a property transaction as part of the proposed Middle Fork Greenway project.
Pizza Hut, Watauga County: In 2003, completed a Phase I ESA for the proposed Pizza Hut site located along US Hwy 321, Blowing Rock Rd. in Boone. The assessment was performed on a property in an urban setting with adjoining commercial and industrial property uses. A Brownfield site was determined to be located within a quarter mile of the project site, and groundwater monitoring wells were on the site.
Shady Lawn Hotel, Avery County: In 2006, ENV completed a Phase I ESA for the Shady Lawn Hotel property in Newland off NC Hwy194. The property is located in an urban setting with adjoining commercial property uses. A leaking UST was determined to be located within a quarter mile from the subject property. Asbestos containing materials were found to exist within the structure on the subject property.
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Nissan Dealership, Watauga County: In 2008, ENV worked with a project engineer in developing a set of Stormwater Management Plans for a 3.6-acre site off of US Hwy 421. The site was proposed to have a 60% increase in imperviousness based on site plans. Due to the size of the property and its site configuration, an 8400sf Bio-retention cell with forebay was designed to treat 85% TSS from on-site runoff. Stormwater plans included soil specifications bio-retention cell, under-drain specs, grading plans, and vegetation planting plans.
Shuford Development, Catawba County: In 2008, ENV in cooperation with the project engineer, helped in designing and permitteing the Shuford site outside of Hickory. As part of the Nationwide Permit 39, a proposed 390 linear foot priority I stream restoration was designed to satisfy on-site mitigation requirements. A Stormwater Management Plan was developed as well, designed to treat 85% TSS removal for onsite runoff because of site changes to imperviousness. ENV worked with the project engineer in preparing a set of construction plans for the stream restoration and stormwater management component which included basin specifications, vegetation buffer planting specs, grading plan, monitoring elements, and inspection and maintenance agreements.
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Stream and Wetlands Restoration:
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| Aerial photograph of the restored section on Worley Creek. |
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Banner Elk Winery and Vineyard, Avery County: This project is composed of a stream buffer restoration, cold water release design-installation on an existing pond, stream bank stabilization, and wetland restoration. Wetland construction, bank stabilization, and installation of the cold water release structure were completed in 2008, while the stream buffer will be planted in the spring of 2009. ENV is currently gathering water temperature data above and below the pond, photo-documenting bank stability, as well as conducting wetland vegetation and hydric monitoring at this site satisfying a 5-year monitoring plan for the site.
Cline Village, Catawba County: ENV provided permitting, stream restoration design, and oversight for a priority I restoration of 2,000 linear feet on Cline Creek. Construction was completed in the fall of 2007, and ENV-ECS is currently fulfilling the 5-year monitoring plan for the project.
Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club, Avery County: In 2008, ENV began an assessment of the upper Linville River passing through the Grandfather Mountain Golf and Country Club. The river had undergone severe down-cutting with problematic bank stability concerns for the golf course and adjoining condominiums. A Priority I stream restoration plan was developed for approximately 1,000 feet of channel improving its grade and stability of the banks. ENV-ECS is working with Municipal Engineering out of Boone, NC developing a set of construction plans for the stream restoration work which includes a retaining wall structure tied to the stream design.
Laurel Creek, Watauga County: ENV designed, permitted, and constructed approximately 2,000 linear feet of stream restoration in 2003. Through priority I & II restoration Laurel Creek was converted from an incised B channel with failing banks to a stable B type channel. The project was funded by Clean Water Management Trust Fund thru Blue Ridge RC&D.
Shuford, Catawba County: ENV completed permitting in 2008 which included an on-site mitigation stream restoration element as part of site development. 390 linear feet of priority I restoration is proposed along an unnamed tributary to Miller Branch in the Catawba River basin. This project is currently a work in progress with the restoration component to begin once construction has been completed.
Worley Creek, Watauga County: ENV designed, permitted, and constructed approximately 1,600 linear feet of restoration on Worley Creek. Through priority I restoration Worley was converted from a F type channel with failing banks and a high width/depth ratio to a stable, meandering E type channel with stabilized banks and a bank-height ratio of 1. Construction of the natural channel design was completed in June 1999.
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Watershed and Riparian Corridor Studies:
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Big Laurel Creek Riparian Corridor Conservation Design, Ashe County: This project was completed in April 2006 by ENV for the Conservation Trust for North Carolina and the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. 82-miles of stream were assessed in the Big Laurel Creek watershed examining water quality, adjoining land-use, and riparian corridor quality. Parcels were entered into a GIS database for analysis and prioritizing for preservation or restoration programs. Rare plant and animal taxa were catalogued along with non-native invasive taxa.
Linville River Tier 1 Watershed Assessment, Avery County: In January 2008 ENV performed an expansive assessment of the upper Linville River Watershed, assessing the possibilities of contamination within the drainage. The assessment covered 19 square miles and was evaluated for land use, contaminants, spills, and other sources of pollutants. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the possibility of contamination of accumulated sediments behind the Land Harbor Lake dam prior to reconstruction.
Watauga River Basin Riparian Corridor Assessment, Watauga County: In July 2000 ENV performed a comprehensive stream and riparian corridor assessment for a 150 square mile portion of the Watauga River Basin. This assessment involved a detailed evaluation of over 200 linear miles of streams; over 600 individual stream segments were evaluated for stream type, land use, riparian buffer type and condition, stream stability, and development potential. This project was funded by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund through the Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust.
Watauga River Riparian Corridor Conservation Plan, Avery and Watauga Counties: In June 2010, ENV completed a year long assessment of water quality and riparian habitat conditions along 42.6-miles of stream and river corridors. The assessment provided a functional GIS database for establishing conservation and restoration projects which would benefit water quality and riparian habitat in the study area. In addition, an exhaustive project report was provided to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and Conservation Trust for North Carolina providing details of the findings as well as landowner information on assessed parcels.
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Water Quality and Flow Monitoring:
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Banner Elk Vineyard and Winery, Avery County: In 2008, ENV designed, permitted, and supervised the installation of a cold water intake structure for the pond located on the property, the installation of wetland plants as part of a buffer restoration, and the construction of a 0.5-acre wetland. ENV developed and successfully implemented a five year monitoring schedule for this site monitoring plant survivability, water temperature stability, and successful continuance of hydric conditions with the restored wetland.
Laurelmor, Watauga and Wilkes Counties: In 2005, ENV began monitoring the 6,000-acre site as part of permit conditions and is continuing the process until project is completed. Turbidity data is gathered from 16 collection sites. Water quality data is gathered from 16 collection sites. Flow data is gathered from 6 sites with regression curves for the sites. Statistical flow regimes are determined for each site. Temperature/Rainfall data is gathered from 3 collection sites. Macro-benthic data sampling is collected annually and is analyzed, put into a report form, ready for presentation and analysis.
Wilderness Trail, Avery County: In 2007, ENV began monitoring the project site as an Audubon International project with set guidelines for maintaining compliance with its program. The Audubon International program assists the Wilderness Trail project in providing wildlife habitat, water quality, and improving overall environmental performance. Monitoring the project assists AI personnel to make recommendations for improvements and provides the project certification through the partnership. Monitoring includes stability assessments, erosion and sediment control compliance, turbidity evaluations, and implementation of best management practices.
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