The proposed project consists of establishing a freshwater stream and wetland mitigation bank in the Saluda River watershed (8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code 03050109) located in the Piedmont Ecoregion. The proposed 275-acre mitigation bank includes approximately 25,835 linear feet of stream, and 78 acres of freshwater wetlands.
The proposal is to preserve 17.9 acres of palustrine forested and emergent wetlands. In addition, 60.1 acres of freshwater wetlands will be enhanced by removal of spoil piles, ditches and re-establishment of vegetation. Approximately 10,170 linear feet of Bush River will be preserved. Approximately 15,665 linear feet of stream will be restored, removing structures such as dams, pipes, and culverts, stabilizing an existing channel with in-stream structures, and bank stabilization. Once the mitigation work is complete, the bank sponsor proposes to monitor the mitigation site to ensure that the restoration areas are performing as expected and meeting the necessary performance standards. The bank sponsor, using a conservation easement, will protect the mitigation bank site.
Also, according to the Prospectus, the proposed mitigation bank will provide in-kind compensatory mitigation for authorized impacts to aquatic resources located within the Saluda, Lower Broad, and Enoree watersheds. The work required to complete the proposed activities on the mitigation site may be authorized under Nationwide Permit #27 after reviews by the Corps, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Interagency Review Team.