The proposed project consists of establishing a freshwater stream and wetland mitigation bank in the Lower Broad watershed (8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code 03050106) located in the Southern Piedmont Ecoregion. The proposed 259.78-acre mitigation bank includes approximately 28,876 linear feet of stream channels and 2.37 acres of wetlands.
The proposal is to preserve 11,167 linear feet of stream. In addition, 442 linear feet of stream will be enhanced by improving stability and hydraulics within the reach, improving the longitudinal connectivity of the reach, promoting the exchange of surface waters and providing filtration of floodwaters within the basin, and implementing bioengineering techniques using natural material and vegetative cover where appropriate. Approximately 8,994 linear feet of stream will be restored by raising streambed elevations, stabilizing stream channels, grading streambanks and lower the floodplain, reconnecting streams to their floodplain, installing log vanes and brush toe protection for streambank treatments, installing constructed riffles with rock and wood materials, installing log steps/sills for grade control, and creating new channels where needed. Buffers will be enhanced by planting a mix of native trees to improve vegetative diversity. Approximately 2.37 acres of wetlands will be preserved on site. 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 Lower Broad, Upper Broad, Tyger, and Enoree, as shown on the attached Service Area Map. 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.