Document 820aNbJpBBNBqYv96YyK90Qo
Report Title:
Inspection Date(s): Start Time:
Regulatory Program(s):
Clean Water Act, Section 404 Inspection Report for Susquehanna
Union Green
05/23/2024
13:35
End Time: 14:45
Inspections authorized pursuant to Clean Water Act, Sections 308
and 404 (33 U.S.C. 1318 and 1344)
Site Name: Site Location:
Latitude: County/Parish:
Susquehanna Union Green 2430 Hawthorne Dr Harrisburg, PA 17110 40.3253 Dauphin County
Longitude: -76.8555
Site Owner(s): Mailing Address:
Dauphin County Economic Development Corporation 3211 N Front St Ste 301 C Harrisburg, PA 17110
DSB-ID #:
ECAD-5476
Site Contact(s):
Jason Houtz - York Excavating
Phone: Not provided
Email:
yecjhoutz@gmail.com
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
CWA Section 404 Inspection 05/23/2024
EPA Inspector: Laura Mathew, Inspector, 3ED31 Phone: (215) 814-2061 Email:
Mathew.Laura@epa.gov
Katelyn Almeter, Inspector, 3ED31 Phone: (215) 814-2797 Email: Almeter.Katelyn@epa.gov
Chuck Schadel, Inspector, 3ED32 Phone: (215) 814-5761 Email: Schadel.Chuck@epa.gov
EPA Inspector Signature/Date
LAURA MATHEW
Digitally signed by LAURA MATHEW Date: 2024.07.09 16:57:58 -04'00'
Laura Mathew, Inspector, 3ED31
1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Date
Supervisor Signature/Date
RENEE BRYANT
Digitally signed by RENEE BRYANT Date: 2024.07.09 17:23:57 -04'00'
Renee Bryant, Chief
SDWA & Wetlands Section
Date
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
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CWA Section 404 Inspection 05/23/2024
Table of Contents
Section
Page
I
Introduction................................................................................................ 4
A Site Identification....................................................................................... 4
B Weather and Environmental Conditions.................................................... 4
C Inspection Opening Conference................................................................. 4
II
Site Activity................................................................................................ 5
III
Observations............................................................................................... 5
IV
Records Review.......................................................................................... 6
V
Closing Conference.................................................................................... 6
A Overview.................................................................................................... 6
Observations Relayed to Site
B Representative.............................................
6
VI
List of Attachments.................................................................................... 6
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
Page 3 of 6
CWA Section 404 Inspection 05/23/2024
I. Introduction
Susquehanna Union Green is a mixed-use development that includes both residential and commercial development in Harrisburg, PA owned by Landmark Homes. As part of the project, a legacy sediment restoration project for stream and wetland mitigation was undertaken. On May 23, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") conducted an inspection for compliance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This was a targeted inspection and was coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and Dauphin County Conservation District. The work for this project was federally authorized via the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District under permit NAB-2019-00070-P24 (Black Run).
A. Site Identification
The Site is located at 2430 Hawthorne Dr in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the "Site") and the area of interest includes Black Run, a perennial stream. The approximate coordinates of the Site are 40.3253, -76.8555 and is identified in Attachment 1 - Site Map.
B. Weather and Environmental Conditions
The weather conditions during the inspection were partly cloudy. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Record of Climatological Observations for the MiddletownHarrisburg Area, PA station, the high temperature for the day was 82F. A total of 0.04 inches of rain was recorded prior to the inspection on May 23, 2024. The recorded rainfall at the MiddletownHarrisburg Area, PA station for the preceding seven-day period before the inspection are displayed in Table 1 below.
Table 1 - Recorded Rainfall
Date 5/16/2024 5/17/2024 5/18/2024 5/19/2024 5/20/2024 5/21/2024 5/22/2024 5/23/2024
Rainfall (inches) 0.00 0.00 0.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04
C. Inspection Opening Conference
Opening conference was held near a site trailer on the property adjacent to commercial property where activity was currently on-going. The EPA inspectors, Laura Mathew and Katelyn Almeter, displayed their credentials to the site representative, Jason Houtz of York Excavating, at the outset and explained that the purpose of the inspection was to document conditions along Black Run. Mr. Houtz stated they completed restoration all along the creek. Mr. Houtz did not accompany the EPA inspectors on the inspection walkthrough. Attendees of the inspection walkthrough were the two EPA
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
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CWA Section 404 Inspection 05/23/2024
inspectors mentioned above, Chuck Schadel of the EPA's CWA Section 402 enforcement program, and Alexandra Whittingham of the Dauphin County Conservation District.
EPA has not made a determination on whether the site/facility is a small business. Should the site/facility find it applicable, the U.S. EPA Small Business Resources Information Sheet can be found at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-06/documents/smallbusinessinfo.pdf.
II. Site Activity
The Site is currently within an active construction site for a commercial and residential development. Stream and wetland restoration was completed in the area of interest along Black Run and no current activities are on-going in this area (Attachment 2 - Photographic Log; DSCN5396 to DSCN5398).
III. Observations
Following opening conference, the inspection walkthrough began at the downstream end of Black Run near where the creek flows under Progress Road (DSCN5401). A stormwater retention pond was observed near the toe of the slope on the right side of the creek (DSCN5399) that appears to be capturing stormwater runoff from the top of the slope, and a tributary was observed flowing into Black Run on the left side of the creek near the culvert. Generally, the floodplain was densely vegetated with herbaceous vegetation including multiple species of sedges (Carex sp.), arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), soft rush (Juncus effusus), and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) (DSCN5403 and DSCN5404). The vegetation was observed to be sparse in some locations where vegetative coverage was less than 70% (DSCN5406, DSCN5413, DSCN5415, and DSCN5416). Planted woody vegetation was also noted along the banks of the stream. The planted woody stems were observed to have a high rate of survivability.
Black Run was flowing during the time of the inspection. An Ordinary High Water Mark and well defined bed and banks were observed. The stream banks were stable and well-vegetated. No areas of significant erosion were observed. The constructed in-stream structures appeared stable and functioning as designed. The stream channel displayed well developed habitat diversity.
The inspection moved upstream where tadpoles were observed, and exposed matting with filamentous algae attached was observed in stream bed (DSCN5402). Farther upstream, the inspection team noted several wetland areas throughout the floodplain, including areas of ponded surface water that were connected to Black Run via surface water flow pathways (DSCN5416). The inspectors conducted a soil boring at 40.3241667, -76.8569444 and observed the soil profile as 0 to 6 inches (DSCN5405) with a matrix that was characterized as 5Y 5/1 with 20% 5YR 5/8 redoximorphic features. The soils met the hydric soil indicator of F3: depleted matrix. Soils were saturated with a high water table present. Manganese deposits were also observed in the soil profile. Herbaceous vegetation observed in this area included rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), spike rush (Eleocharis palustris), broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia), and iris (Iris versicolor).
The inspection continued upstream, most of the restored area was densely vegetated with
herbaceous vegetation (DSCN5408, DSCN5411, DSCN5412, DSCN5414, DSCN5421, and DSCN5422),
with some sparsely vegetated areas observed along the stream banks with exposed matting
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
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CWA Section 404 Inspection 05/23/2024
(DSCN5406, DSCN5409). Silt socks were also observed along the slopes on either side of Black Run (DSCN5407 and DSCN5420). The inspection team noted that the streambed appeared to be primarily composed of fine-grained silts and sands (DSCN5418). Moving upstream, the inspectors observed constructed in-stream features, including constructed log vanes and pool features (DSCN5419). These constructed in-stream features appeared to be function as designed.
The inspection moved upstream where Black Run flows through a culvert under Hawthorne Drive (DSCN5423). Two overflow pipes were observed on either side of the culvert (DSCN5424), and the area was densely vegetated with broadleaf cattails (Typha latifolia), rice cutgrass (Leersia oryzoides), soft rush (Juncus effusus), soft-stem bulrush (Scirpus validus), and foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis). The inspectors moved up the slope on the left side of Black Run towards Hawthorne Dr and noted a retention basin near the toe of the slope (DSCN5424). The inspectors then noted that the Black Run floodplain upstream of the culvert was densely vegetated (DSCN5429) prior to flowing through the culvert under the road (DSCN5427 and DSCN5430). A portion of a black drainpipe was noted in the hillslope along the stream. It appeared that a portion of streamflow was being captured and transported through the pipe (DSCN5428).
The inspection terminated at the area where the cars were parked.
IV. Records Review
A review of Site or facility records was not a component of the inspection; therefore, EPA is not expecting to access business records, including confidential business information ("CBI"). If the Site or facility owner wants to make a CBI claim on information or photographs collected by the inspector during the inspection, they can submit a claim to EPA. After the Site or facility representative notifies EPA of the CBI, EPA representatives will mark the CBI as such, and it will be handled as CBI according to EPA's procedures.
V. Closing Conference
A. Overview
Closing conference was conducted north of Black Run in an active construction area. The EPA inspector asked Mr. Houtz how long the restoration took of Black Run and when was it completed. Mr. Houtz stated that restoration began in 2019, they encountered several delays and completed the restoration about a year ago.
B. Observations Relayed to Site Representative
The EPA communicated to Mr. Houtz that the restored area looked acceptable and stated that an inspection report including observations and photographs documented today would be completed and disseminated within 60 days.
VI. List of Attachments
Attachment 1: Attachment 2:
Site Map Photographic Log
DSB-ID #: ECAD-5476
Page 6 of 6
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5396.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Downstream view of Black Run Creek and surrounding areas.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5397.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: South facing view of a cross section of Black Run Creek with residential development in the background.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5398.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Looking upstream of Black Run Creek with graded slopes with vegetation.
Page 1 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5399.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: A stormwater retention pond located at the toe of the slope that leads to Black Run Creek.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5400.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View facing upstream of Black Run Creek. Note the exposed matting in the foreground.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5401.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Downstream view of Black Run Creek flowing into the culvert at the boundary of the site.
Page 2 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5402.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Exposed matting with filamentous algae in the stream bed.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5403.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Black Run Creek with herbaceous vegetation along the stream banks.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5404.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View facing upstream of Black Run Creek with vegetated floodplains. Note the presence of planted woody vegetation.
Page 3 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5405.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter
Notes: Soil boring with a depleted matrix.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5406.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: An area of the floodplain lacking vegetation.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5407.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes:
Page 4 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5408.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View farther upstream of Black Run Creek and surrounding areas.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5409.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Another area of the floodplain with exposed matting and little vegetation.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5410.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View of Black Run Creek with the presence of herbaceous vegetation throughout.
Page 5 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5411.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: North facing view of the floodplain farther upstream along Black Run Creek with a retention wall for residential development in the background.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5412.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View facing north/northwest of Black Run Creek with residential development in the background.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5413.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter
Notes: Another view of Black Run Creek.
Page 6 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5414.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Downstream view of Black Run Creek.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5415.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Black Run Creek with densely vegetated area in the background and sparsely vegetated area in the foreground.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5416.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View showing the meandering of Black Run Creek.
Page 7 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5417.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Another view farther upstream of Black Run Creek.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5418.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Another view of Black Run Creek as the inspection moved upstream.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5419.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Pool and glide stream features observed in Black Run Creek.
Page 8 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5420.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Silt sock observed part way up the slope.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5421.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: East facing view of the restored floodplains with residential development in the background.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5422.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View facing upstream of Black Run Creek and surrounding area.
Page 9 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5423.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View of Black Run Creek on the downstream side of the culvert.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5424.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: Another view of Black Run Creek on the downstream side of the culvert.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5425.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View of Black Run Creek near the culvert.
Page 10 of 12
Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5427.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View of Black Run Creek upstream of the culvert.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5428.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: A drainpipe observed within Black Run Creek. The stream was flowing through the drain.
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5429.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter Notes: View of Black Run Creek and the surrounding areas upstream of the culvert.
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Attachment 2 - Photographic Log
DSB-ID ECAD-5476
Susquehanna Union Green Date: 23 May 2024 Photo ID: DSCN5430.JPG Photo taken by: Katelyn Almeter
Notes: View of the sediment stream bed as Black Run Creek enters the culvert.
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