Attach__No__1B_-_ERPCCAFSCent_WtldMonRpt3yr.pdf

Submittal of Year 3 Wetlands Monitoring Report

USACE Permit SAJ-2012-02475 (NW-MAM)

SJRWMD ERP 40-009-132074-1

Wetland Restoration CX-40 Centaur Rd

Permittee: US Air Force - 45th Space Wing C/O Patrick S. Giniewski 45th CES/CEI 1224 Jupiter St Patrick Air Force Base, FL 32925

Consultant: VZ Technologies LLC

MS ESC BLDG 1704

Cape Canaveral AFS, FL 32920

This document is the 3rd Annual Wetlands Monitoring report for Wetland Restoration CX-40 Centaur Rd, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) . The mitigation activities described in this report were permitted by St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) ERP 40-009-132074-1 and United

States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) SAJ-2012-0247S(NW-MAM).

This monitoring report has been prepared and submitted by VZ Technologies, LLC under contract with the Air Force.

Project Background and Overview

The project is located at Centaur Road and two separate locations within the existing interior mosquito control dike which bisects estuarine impoundments adjacent to Launch Complex 40 (section 23;

Township 22 South; Range 37 East) within Brevard County, Florida. Please refer to the Maps Section found at the end of the report after the monitoring data. This project area is shown on Figure X. The intent of the project associated with this permit is to enhance the hydraulic connections between the impoundments within the northern part of CCAFS and the Banana River Lagoon. Work consisted of replacement of an existing aged, obstructed, and poorly functional 24" reinforced concrete pipe with two 38"x 60" elliptical reinforced concrete pipes that are located under Centaur Road. The replacement resulted in the loss of a small number of desirable/protected wetland plants directly adjacent to the construction site. The primary mitigation area for the culvert replacement is located on the south side of Centaur Road to the west of the culvert replacement site; this wetland area extending into impoundment waters is commonly referred to as the "Three Fingers." This area is represented on Figure

Z. To offset these impacts, the Air Force proposed to remove invasive plants, primarily Brazilian Pepper

(Schinus terebinthifolius) in wetlands and uplands at, and immediately adjacent to, the impacted sites.

With the removal of invasive species from the area, various mangroves and other wetland species have successfully self-propagated. Due to the natural recovery of the area, at this time no planting has occurred.

The Air Force proposed semi-annual site monitoring in late summer and late winter seasons. The primary purpose for the late summer site surveys would be to identify any Brazilian Pepper plants that may have become established early enough to treat/remove/eradicate them prior to the late fall/early winter seed development phase. The proposed treatment would be to cut the plants and immediately apply approved/labeled herbicide to the stump for maximum effectiveness. The late winter surveys would identify mangroves that may not survive winter cold fronts, and/or associated wave action and subsequent shoreline erosion. This timeframe would facilitate planting replacement mangroves in the spring/summer growing season if necessary.

The project also constructed two "drive-through" cuts/swales through the existing, and abandoned, mosquito control dike located in an impounded wetland adjacent to Launch Complex 40 on CCAFS. The dike can be accessed by vehicle from Titan Ill Road and runs east/west through the impoundment north of Centaur Road. This dike road area is shown on Figure Y. Creation of the drive-through swales further allowed for an exchange of water that was previously impounded within the area between the dike and

Centaur Road. Additional invasive removal occurred within the area of the dike breaches.

The culvert replacement and dike breaches resulted in an enhancement of tidal flow and conductivity within approximately 76 acres of estuarine impounded lagoon areas within the Banana River Aquatic

Preserve watershed. The wetland restoration work resulted in minor excavation and filling of 0.11 acres of tidal wetlands and open waters. The replacement and improvement of the failing culvert under

Centaur Road and the mosquito control dike breaches have allowed north/south flow with tidal water of the Banana River Lagoon and enhanced water quality, allowing natural recruitment of mangrove trees, sea grasses, and other desirable estuarine vegetation and allowed estuarine fauna to access over 76 acres of previously impounded estuarine habitats

Compensatory Mitigation Objectives

Maintenance activities are programmed and funded as part of the Air Force annual budgeting for O&M of the Exotic/Invasive Monitor and Control Program. During maintenance activities exotic and invasive species are hand cut and herbicide applied. It is recommended that the current treatment and monitoring scheduled be continued. During site visits, vegetation is to be visually observed for stress and/or survival during the extreme conditions often encountered at CCAFS. The areas will be monitored, at least semi-annually, for adherence to the Perfo rmance Standards as set forth in USACE Permit# SAJ-

2012-02475 (NW-MAM}.

The next semi-annual monitoring event is set to occur in November 2017, with the fourth year annual monitoring report to be submitted by August 2018, after the May 2018 monitoring event.

Performance Standards

Per site inspections and vegetation monitoring, it is believed performance standards are being met for all sites associated with this project. Both the SJRWMD ERP and the USACE permit for this project reflect the same performance standards:

1. Successful establishment of the wetland mitigation will have occurred when:

a. At least 80 percent of the planted individuals in each stratum have survived throughout the monitoring period and are showing signs of normal growth, based upon standard growth parameters such as height and base diameter, or canopy circumference; and,

b. At least 80 percent cover by appropriate wetland herbaceous species has been obtained; and,

c. Hydrologic conditions generally conform to those specified in the mitigation plan; and,

d. The above criteria have been achieved by the end of a 5-year period following initial planting.

2. Within all mitigation areas, Category I and Category II invasive and exotic vegetation, pursuant to the most current list established by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, must be controlled by hand clearing or other methods approved by the District so that they constitute no more than 5% of the area cover.

Installation of the culverts was completed and a partial as-built certification was submitted to SJRWMD in March 2014. Construction was completed for the two breaches within the mosquito dike during June

2014. The final as-built certifications for the project were submitted to SJRWMD and USACE in August

2014.

The Three Fingers area and the mosquito dike area have received the same types of treatment in order to control invasive vegetation. Invasive plants within both areas have been subject to basal bark as well as cut stump treatment of Impel Red and Element 4 Triclopyr (18%). The treatment history for both locations is included in Table 1.

Area Treatment Application Three Fingers Oct 2013, Dec 2013, Feb 2014, Mar 2014, Jun 2014, Aug 2014, Oct 2014, Dec 2014

May 2015, Sep 2015, Jan 2016, Mar 2016, Oct 2016, Dec 2016, Mar 2017, May 2017

(MAP 1)

Mosquito Dike May 2013, Oct 2013, Dec 2013, Feb 2014, Aug 2014, Sep 2014, Nov 2014, Dec 2014, June 2015, Oct 2015, Jan 2016, Mar 2016, Oct 2016, Dec 2016, Mar 2017, May 2017

(MAP 2)

Table 1 Treatment History

Monitoring Time Zero Monitoring Event- July 2014 The Time Zero Monitoring Event occurred in July 2014.

Information pertaining to plant status at that time is included with the report.

First Year Monitoring Events- Nov 2014 and May 2015 The First Year Monitoring Report was filed with USACE and SJRWMD in Aug 2015. Report details pertaining to the plantings and status are included with the report.

Second Year Monitoring Events-Nov 2015 and May 2016 The Second Year Monitoring Report was filed with USACE and SJRWMD in Aug 2016.

Third Year Monitoring Events-Nov 2016 and May 2017

Nov 2016

A site visit was conducted in November 2016 by Cody Tyree and Keith Burkett of VZ Technologies, LLC.

For the Three Fingers: Brazilian Pepper that was originally treated in 2013 has rotted completely down and, during Hurricane Mathew, been strewn throughout the entire fingers area. There is now very little standing dead pepper remaining. All species within the area, were negatively impacted by the high winds associated with the hurricane. Significant loss of large limbs occurred and many species experienced significant defoliation from the high winds, including Lantana (Lantana Spp.), Marsh Elder

(Iva fruscens}, Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera}, and Sea Oxe-Eye Daisy (Borrichia frutescens). The large Red

Cedar (Juniperius virginiana) on the western finger was also damaged extensively and many of the larger black mangroves experienced loss of limbs. A medium sized shrub of Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) was also noted to have been completely uprooted. However, there is quite a bit more sunlight reaching the understory now and Black Mangroves saplings are sprouting in several areas. Invasive vegetation was also noted to have been seriously damaged during the hurricane.

For the Dike Road: Like the fingers area, high winds devastated the native and exotic species within the area. Several large trees were uprooted along the dike road. However, only minimal erosion was noted at the drive thru swale locations. The rocked areas seems to have remain stabilized and do not seemed to have been negatively impacted by storm surge during the hurricane. Photos from 11 Nov 16 are provided at the end of the report.

May 2017

A second site visit was conducted in May 2017 by Cody Tyree and Garry Amos of VZ Technologies, LLC.

For the Three Fingers: Recent efforts to remove invasive vegetation material, which was destroyed during Hurricane Mathew, have opened some of the area up and allowed the area to re-establish a thriving environment for native wetland species. Since the previous monitoring event in November

2016, species such as Lantana, Black Mangrove, Sea Oxe-Eye Daisy, Marsh Elder, Wax Myrtle, Glasswort

(Sarcocornia perennis}, and other species have begun to make a comeback. In particular, seedling Black

Mangroves have begun to re-spread through the barren and defoliated areas. Many of the Black

Mangrove saplings, which were noted in November, are growing nicely. Several of the large Brazilian

Pepper trees that have been growing in the area have recently been treated and it is expected that, after defoliation, Black Mangrove and other native species will reclaim these areas. Black Mangrove growth is estimated at 10% since November. The other wetland species associated with the area are re establishing at an increased pace as well. The culvert crossi ~g Centaur Rd seems to be supporting a healthy ecosystem, noted by the various fish seen, including a large Black Drum.

For the Dike Road: Recent efforts to eliminate invasive vegetation along the Dike Road have made a noticeable difference, since the previous monitoring event. Both drive-through swales are functioning as permitted, with very little evidence of erosion, and Black Mangroves are spreading noticeably throughout the area of the easternmost drive thru swale. Photos from 30 May 17 are provided at the end of the report.

At this time the mitigation area has not reached 80% cover of native, wetland species, however, growth of desirable natives is increasing and it is felt that with continued invasive vegetation treatment that the performance standards will be met before the 5-year term.

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Task 24

~ VZ Treatment 11 Oct 2016

- VZ Trea1ment 15 Dec 2015

CJ VZ Treatment 13 Mar 2017

- VZ Trea1ment 9 May 2017

Pr(Jject Ntmber: 5012

Tasked Acres: 1

Treated Acres:

Treatment One: 0.5 Treatment Two: 0.6 Treatment Tilree: o,.J Treatment Four: 0.3

Last Treatment Oate: 09 May .2017

DATE: 5/1112017

DRAWN BY: JLB

vz Exotic 'Treatment Status Map

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Land Management Unit ex 40 Dike Rd

Task 23

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- VZ Treatment 21 Dec 2016

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- VZ Treatment 12 May 2017

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Treatment Two~ 1.9 Treatment Three: 1.8

. Treatment Four: o.e Last Treatment Date: 12 May 2017

DATE: 511 2/2017

DRAWN BY: JLB

11 Nov 16 Shoulder of Centaur Rd looking from Culvert to West 11 Nov 16 South End of Culvert

11 Nov 16 Path along easternmost finger 11 Nov 16 South End Culvert looking West

11 Nov 16 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers 11 Nov 16 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers

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11 Nov 16 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers 11 Nov 16 Uprooted trees on one of the Fingers

11Nov16 Dike Road Farthest Breach 11 Nov 16 Dike Road First Breach

11 Nov 16 Dike Road First Breach 11Nov16 Dike Road Farthest Breach

30 May 17 Shoulder of Centaur Rd Looking from Culvert to West 30 May 17 Trail Along Eastern Finger

30 May 17 South End Culvert Looking West 30 May 17 South End Culvert Looking West

30 May 17 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers 30 May 17 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers

30 May 17 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers 10 May 17 Trail Extending Along One of the Fingers

30 May 17 Dike Road Farthest Breach 30 May 17 Dike Road First Breach

30 May 17 Black Drum in Culvert at Fingers 30 May 17 Dike Road First Breach

AMARI, CLAUDIA J CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC

From: TARANTINE, JOHN R GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 1:51 PM To: MAY, DARREN C CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; TYREE, CODY R CTR USAF AFSPC 45

CES/ESC; AMOS, GARRY J JR CTR USAF AFSPC ESC/VZTech Cc: FISHER, LAURIE B GS-13 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE; BLANTON, RICHARD A JR GS-11

USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE; AMARI, CLAUDIA J CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC

Subject: Fw: [Non-DoD Source] SJRWMD(EP): Submittal Attached For 132074-1

Cody

Here is confirmation from SJRWMD of our submittal for 132074‐1 Wetland Restoration CX‐40, Centaur Rd, CCAFS Annual Wetland Monitor Report. Thanks.

//signed// John Tarantine Water Program Manager

45 CES/CEIE

321‐494‐2899

From: ComplianceSupport@sjrwmd.com <ComplianceSupport@sjrwmd.com> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 1:21 PM To: TARANTINE, JOHN R GS‐12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE; smoor@sjrwmd.com; smoor@sjrwmd.com;

gkelley@sjrwmd.com Cc: e‐reg‐mail@sjrwmd.com Subject: [Non‐DoD Source] SJRWMD(EP): Submittal Attached For 132074‐1

Dear John Tarantine, We have received the submittal identified below.

Your submittal for 132074‐1 Wetland Restoration CX‐40, Centaur Rd, CCAFS has been assigned to the following Staff:

Susan Moor,Gretchen Kelley

Confirmation No: 388083 Permit No: 132074‐1 Item No: 1313800 Submittal Name: EN‐55 Annual Wetland Monitor Report

Document Description: CX_40_Centaur_Rd__Year_3_Wetland_Monitoring_Report.pdf Document Name: CX_40_Centaur_Rd__Year_3_Wetland_Monitoring_Report.pdf Received Date: Mon Aug 28 13:21:08 EDT 2017

From: Hurst, Tracy E CIV USARMY CESAJ (US) To: TARANTINE, JOHN R GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE Cc: FISHER, LAURIE B GS-13 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE; BLANTON, RICHARD A JR GS-11 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE;

MAY, DARREN C CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; TYREE, CODY R CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; AMOS, GARRY J JR CTR USAF AFSPC ESC/VZTech; AMARI, CLAUDIA J CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; DATTILOBAIN, KEITHA M

GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE

Subject: [Non-DoD Source] RE: USACE Permit SAJ-2012-02475 (NW-MAM), Annual Wetlands Monitoring Report (Year 3) for Wetland Restoration CX-40 Centaur Road

Date: Friday, September 1, 2017 1:07:13 PM

Received - thanks.

Tracy Hurst, Biologist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Enforcement Section 10117 Princess Palm Ave., Suite 120 Tampa, FL 33610 813/769-7063 HELP US GO GREEN & SAVE TIME/MONEY! Instead of mailing hardcopies, please send any compliance-related documents to CESAJ-ComplyDocs@usace.army.mil. File over 10MB - simply use https://safe.amrdec.army.mil/safe.

-----Original Message----- From: TARANTINE, JOHN R GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE [mailto:john.tarantine@us.af.mil] Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 2:43 PM To: CESAJ-ComplyDocs <CESAJ-ComplyDocs@usace.army.mil> Cc: FISHER, LAURIE B GS-13 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE <laurie.fisher@us.af.mil>; BLANTON, RICHARD A JR GS-11 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE <richard.blanton.2@us.af.mil>; MAY, DARREN C CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC <darren.may.ctr@us.af.mil>; TYREE, CODY R CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC <cody.tyree.ctr@us.af.mil>; AMOS, GARRY J JR CTR USAF AFSPC ESC/VZTech <garry.amos.ctr@us.af.mil>;

AMARI, CLAUDIA J CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC <claudia.amari.ctr@us.af.mil>; DATTILOBAIN, KEITHA M GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE <keitha.dattilobain@us.af.mil> Subject: [EXTERNAL] USACE Permit SAJ-2012-02475 (NW-MAM), Annual Wetlands Monitoring Report (Year

3) for Wetland Restoration CX-40 Centaur Road

Attached is the Annual Wetlands Monitoring Report (Year 3) for Wetland Restoration CX-40 Centaur Road at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, USACE Permit SAJ-2012-02475 (NW-MAM) .

Our points of contact are Mr. John Tarantine, (321) 494-2899 or email at john.tarantine@us.af.mil; or Mr. Richard Blanton, (321) 494-9261 or email at richard.blanton.2@us.af.mil.

//signed//

John Tarantine

Water Program Manager

45 CES/CEIE

321-494-2899

TYREE, CODY R CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC

From:

Sent:

To:

Cc:

Subject:

Attachments:

Signed By:

ESC Log: 17-172

John, TYREE, CODY R CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC

Friday, August 25, 2017 11 :21 AM

TARANTINE, JOHN R GS- 12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE

DATTILOBAIN, KEITHA M GS-12 USAF AFSPC 45 CES/CEIE; MAY, DARREN C CTR USAF

AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; AMOS, GARRY J JR CTR USAF AFSPC ESC/VZTech; DAVIS, RICHARD

B CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC; GREENWADE, VINCENT P CTR USAF AFSPC 45 CES/ESC

Submittal of Year 3 Wetland Monitoring Report for the CX 40/Centaur Rd Wetland

Areas CX 40_Centaur Rd - Year 3 Wetland Monitoring Report.pdf cody.tyree.ctr@us.af.mil

Attached is the Year 3 Wetland Monitoring Report for the CX 40/Centaur Rd

Wetland Mitigation areas. Please submit one copy of this report to SJRWMD as a compliance document. The ERP number for this permit is 40-009-132074-1 .

Please also submit one copy to the USACE as a compliance document at

<CESAJ-ComplyDocs@usace.army.mil>. The USACE number for this permit is

SAJ-2012-02475 (NW-MAM). Please reference this permit number on the heading of the submittal and submit this report individually to the above address.

Do not combine all three reports in one submittal to USACE ..

These are due to the respective agencies by 30 Aug 17.

Cody R. Tyree

Water Resources Group

VZ Technologies, LLC. (ESC Ill)

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Phone: (321) 476-3457