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NC DEQ »   About »   Divisions »   Water Resources »   Water Quality Permitting »   401 & Buffer Permitting »   Nutrient Offset & Buffer Mitigation Program

Nutrient Offset & Buffer Mitigation Program

***NEW!***  To see a map of nutrient offset and buffer mitigation banks in NC, click here. 

Nutrient Offset & Buffer Compensatory Mitigation

If a proposed development project has explored all practical alternatives for avoiding and minimizing impacts, and project impacts exceed applicable permit thresholds, then mitigation will be required. The mitigation plan must be implemented and/or constructed before any permanent building or structure on site is occupied. In the case of a public road project, the mitigation plan must be implemented before the road is opened to the public. Proof of payment into a mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program or completion of an approved permit-specific mitigation project must be provided to DWR to satisfy this requirement. Options for compensatory mitigation include:

  • Mitigation banks: Applicant satisfies the mitigation requirement by purchasing mitigation credits from an approved mitigation bank.
  • In-lieu fee mitigation: Applicant satisfies the mitigation requirement by purchasing mitigation credits through the N.C. Division of Mitigation Services. 
    • List of active DMS projects with DWR project numbers (for Mitigation Project Information Upload Form)
  • Project-specific mitigation: Applicant satisfies the mitigation requirement themselves, either at the project site or at an off-site location.

Nutrient Offset Mitigation may be required for any new or existing development where nutrient reduction requirements exist as part of a nutrient management strategy. In North Carolina, there are four nutrient management strategies: Neuse River Basin, Tar-Pamlico River Basin, Falls Lake Watershed and Jordan Lake Watershed. Please visit the Division of Water Resource's Planning Section website for more information on Nutrient Practices and Crediting. This map is a very useful tool provided by DWR that provides site-specific details including the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC), river basin, watershed, sub-watershed, and delivery factors where applicable. 

Purchasing nutrient offset credits from a private mitigation bank or the NC Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) are options available to new or existing development where nutrient reduction requirements exist. All payments must be in compliance with 15A NCAC 02B .0703, the Nutrient Offset Credit Trading rule (*readopted effective 4/1/20, recodified from 15A NCAC 02B .0240, the former "Nutrient Offset Payments" rule) and G.S. 143-214.26.

Riparian Buffer Mitigation may be required for any project within an area covered by a Riparian Buffer Protection Rule for impacts to the protected riparian buffer listed as "(potentially) allowable with mitigation", " allowable with mitigation upon authorization", or "prohibited" in the Table of Uses. For more information about the Riparian Buffer Protection Rules, including the Table of Uses, click here.

Guidance Documents

  • Flowchart - Steps to Establishing a Bank
  • Map of DWR Approved Nutrient Offset & Buffer Mitigation Banks
  • Presentation - What It Takes to Do Offset Banking in NC
  • Buffer Mitigation Rule Interpretation (August 2013)
  • Standard Procedures for the Purchase & Sale of Nutrient Offset Credits
  • Find Your HUC [Use this map to find the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) assigned to a particular area. This map includes 8-digit (subbasins), 10-digit (watersheds), and 12-digit (subwatersheds) HUC levels.]
  • Find a Surface Water Classification (Use this map to click on a streamline to find the surface water classification assigned to that stream segment.)
  • Consolidated Buffer Mitigation Rule - 15A NCAC 02B .0295
  • DWR Clarifications on Implementation of Buffer Mitigation Rule (March 2017)
  • Clarified Procedures for Calculating Buffer Mitigation Credits & Nutrient Offset Credits (November 2019)

Templates

  • Attachment A - Authority Document (required for all UMBIs)
  • Attachment B - Jordan Credit Yields Table (required for UMBIs in the Jordan Watershed only)
  • Ledger Templates
    • Buffer Ledger Template
    • Nutrient Ledger Template
    • Jordan Nutrient & Buffer Ledger Templates
  • Mitigation Banking Conservation Easement Template for Buffer & Nutrient Offset Sites
  • Conservation Easement Template for 404 and Buffer/ Nutrient Bank Sites
  • Nutrient & Buffer Credit Release Tables
  • Site Viability Assessment Request Form
  • Mitigation Project Information Upload Form (click here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the form)
  • Project Credit Table Template (November 2019- Excel workbook; updated February 2022)

Private Mitigation Banks

Neuse River Basin (excluding Falls Lake Watershed) Private Banks

For more information about the Neuse Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Anderson Farm II Yes / Yes
  • UMBI 
  • BPDP 
  • Credit Ledgers

03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls)

Wildlands Holdings II, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Buck Swamp Yes / Yes
  • UMBI 
  • BPDP 
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Buffalo Branch Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings II, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Caraway Creek Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Falling Creek Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Grantham Branch Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Hannah Bridge Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Water & Land Solutions, LLC
Sammy Jo Hinnant
252-423-0880
Hollowell Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Long Pond Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Meadow Spring Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Moccasin Creek Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings II, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Old Savannah Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Polecat Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Poplar Creek Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Sassarixa Swamp Phase II Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Selma Mill Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786

Stone Creek

Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Wildlands Holdings III, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Thoroughfare Swamp Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Thunder Swamp Phase II Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers (coming soon)
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Uzzle  Yes / No
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Weaver Farm Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020201 Neuse (excluding Falls) Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Wolf King Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020202 Neuse Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
LaGrange Phase I Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020202 Neuse Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
LaGrange Phase II Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020202 Neuse Water & Land Solutions, LLC
Sammy Jo Hinnant
252-423-0880
Scarborough Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020202 Neuse EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Tull Wooten III Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020203 Neuse Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Contentnea /
Little Contentnea Creek
Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • Credit Ledgers
03020203 Neuse Eco Terra Partners, LLC (ETP)
Norton Webster
919-548-0949
Kittrell Hill  Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020203 Neuse EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Nahunta No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • Credit Ledgers
03020204 Neuse EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Marston No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • Credit Ledgers

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

Falls Lake Watershed Private Banks

For more information about the Falls Lake Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Watershed Investments NC, LLC
Mike Hermann
919-559-6264
Banished Bull Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 EBX Neuse 1, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Bucher Yes / No
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Wildlands Holdings V, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Catfish Pond II Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Cedar Grove Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper &Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Hatley Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Wildlands Holdings V, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
North Fork Little River Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Wildlands Holdings V, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Perry Hill II Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper & Lower Falls Lake Watersheds2 Wildlands Holdings V, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Wolfe Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Lower Falls Lake Watershed Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Ezell Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

2 Impacts in the Upper Falls Watershed must be offset by nutrient reductions (Bank or NCDMS) in the Upper Falls Watershed; impacts in the Lower Falls Watershed may be offset by nutrient reductions in either the Lower Falls or Upper Falls Watersheds.

Jordan Lake Watershed Private Banks

For more information about the Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
Upper New Hope Arm EBX-EM, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Ivey Ferguson No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper New Hope Arm
EBX-EM, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Maple View No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper New Hope Arm Watershed Investments NC, LLC
Mike Hermann
919-559-6264
Neville Farms Phase I Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Upper New Hope Arm Watershed Investments NC, LLC
Mike Hermann
919-559-6264
Neville Farms Phase II Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Bass Mountain Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Benton Branch Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Bethel Branch Yes / No
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm KCI Technologies, Inc.
Adam Spiller
919-278-2514 
Black Bull Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Cloud & Banner Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Motes Creek Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Orphan Creek Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Rocky Top Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
South Fork Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
Haw River Arm Wildlands Holdings IV, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
UT to Pine Hill Branch Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

Randleman Lake Watershed Private Banks

For more information about the Randleman Lake Water Supply Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

 Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
03030003 Randleman Lake Watershed Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Feed & Seed Yes / No
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03030003 Randleman Lake Watershed Wildlands Holdings V, LLC
Ashley Yarsinske
704-332-7754 x124
Loflin Dairy Phase II Yes / No
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

Tar-Pamlico River Basin Private Banks

For more information about the Tar-Pamlico Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

 Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
03020101 Tar-Pamlico Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Dead Tree Phase A No / Yes
  • NOBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers (coming soon!)
03020101 Tar-Pamlico Mogensen Mitigation, Inc.
Rich Mogensen
336-554-2728l
Tar River Headwaters Yes / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020102 Tar-Pamlico Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
Dead Tree Phase B No / Yes
  • NOBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers (coming soon!)
03020103 Tar-Pamlico Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Baldwin Swamp Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020103 Tar-Pamlico Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Barlow Canal No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020103 Tar-Pamlico Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Evans Ballahack No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020103 Tar-Pamlico Restoration Systems, LLC
Barrett Jenkins
919-334-9118
GUC Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020103 Tar-Pamlico Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Pactolus No / Yes
  • UMBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
03020104 Tar-Pamlico Greene Environmental Services, LLC
Jeffrey Becker
919-215-3899
Dixon Road Yes / Yes
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

Catawba River Watershed Private Banks

For more information about the Catawba Nutrient Management Strategy, click here.

 Service Area
(where credits can be provided)
Private Bank Sponsor/
Contact for Sales
Mitigation Bank
Site Name
Buffer Credit/
Nutrient Credit
Bank Documents1
03050101 Catawba Environmental Banc & Exchange, LLC (RES)
Jason Murnock
571-264-3786
Dogtown Yes / No
  • MBI
  • BPDP
  • Credit Ledgers
 

1 Credit ledgers are updated monthly when possible and are audited by DWR annually. Please contact the bank directly for current credit availability.

N.C. Division of Mitigation Services

For information about the In-Lieu Fee mitigation programs offered by the N.C. Division of Mitigation Services, click here.

401 & Buffer Permitting

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