19950981 Ver 1_Complete File_19950911

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment, IJ
Health and Natural Resources JO , a
Division of Water Quality
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor wom
Wayne McDevitt, Secretary ED E H N F=1
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
December 11, 1997
Granville County
DWQProject #950981
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification and ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS
Mr. Franklin Vick
NC DOT
PO Box 25201
Raleigh NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
You have our approval, in accordance with the attached conditions and those listed below, to
fill in less than 0.33 acres of wetlands or waters for the purpose of bridge replacement at Ledge
Creek as you described in your application dated November 7, 1997. After reviewing your
application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality Certification
Number 3107. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 23 when it is
issued by the Corps of Engineers. In addition, you should get any other federal, state or local
permits before you go ahead with your project including (but not limited to) Sediment and
Erosion Control, Coastal Stormwater, Non-Discharge and Water Supply Watershed regulations.
This approval will expire when the accompanying 404 or CAMA permit expires unless otherwise
specified in the General Certification.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application
except as modified below. If you change your project, you must notify us and you may be
required to send us a new application. If total wetland fills for this project (now or in the future)
exceed one acre, compensatory mitigation may be required as described in 15A NCAC 2H .0506
(h) (6) and (7). For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached
certification and any additional conditions listed below.
1. Sediment a..d erosion control measures shall adhere to the design standards for sensitive
watersheds (T 15A:04B .0024).
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an
adjudicatory hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask
for a hearing, send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina
General Statutes to the Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-
7447. This certification and its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Water Quality under Section 401 of the
Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Domey at 919-733-1786.
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Raleigh Field Office
Raleigh DWQ Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Central Files
FH 'ow Jr. P.E.
950981.1tr
Division of Water Quality • Non-Discharge Branch
4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR.
GOVERNOR
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201
November 7, 1997
US Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
P.O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
ATTENTION: Mr. Michael D. Smith, P.W.S.
Assistant Branch Chief
Dear Sir:
GARLAND B. GARRETT J R.
SECRETARY
NOV 2 ? ?
W?Ut}p?GROr79dN
Subject: Granville County, Replacement of Bridge No. 59 over Ledge Creek on
SR 1110, Federal Project No. BRZ-1110(1), State Project No. 8.2370501,
T.I.P. No. B-3336, Action I.D. 199505637.
The Corps of Engineers (COE) issued a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 for the
subject project on September 14, 1995. This permit expired on January 21, 1997. The
replacement of Bridge No. 59 over Ledge Creek on SR 1110 is not scheduled to be let to
construction until December 1997. Consequently, the Department of Transportation
(DOT) needs to renew authorization for this work.
Information regarding the project description has not changed since the
distribution of the programmatic Categorical Exclusion and the Natural Resources
Technical Report (NRTR) in a letter dated August 30, 1995. The bridge will be replaced
on existing location. An off-site detour will be utilized during bridge replacement as
traffic will be maintained along secondary roads.
Since issuance of the Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23, the US Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS) has added the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) to its listing for
Granville County. The DOT has included with this letter a biological conclusion of "No
Effect" for this project in regard to its review of the bald eagle issue. A copy of this
permit reauthorization request is also being sent to the FWS. In addition, the 1995 NRTR
provided a Biological Conclusion of "unresolved" for harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum).
The NCDOT has evaluated the site and concluded that the project will not affect the
species. A copy of the report describing the investigation is enclosed with this letter.

31%;
2
The DOT requests that the COE reauthorize this bridge replacement project in
Granville County under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23. Reissuance of 401 Water
Quality Certification by the Division of Water Quality is also requested.
If you have any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N.
Gordon at 733-7844 Ext. 307.
Sincerely,
H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/pct
cc: Mr. Ken Jolly, Corps of Engineers, Raleigh Field Office
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Division of Water Quality
Mr. Whit Webb, P.E., Program Development Branch
Mr. R. L. Hill, P.E., Highway Design Branch
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. William J. Rogers, P.E., Structure Design Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. D. A. Allsbrook, Jr., P.E., Division 5 Engineer
Mr. John L. Williams, P.E., P & E Project Planning Engineer

?AAIEv?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HuNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GAR&m JR.
GovERNoR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 SECREZ'AKY
2 October 1996
Memorandum To: Wayne Elliot, Unit Head
Bridge Unit
From: Christopher A. Murray, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
Subject: Protected species update for proposed replacement
of Bridge No. 59 over Ledge Creek on SR 1110 in
Granville County. TIP No. B-3336; State Project
No. 82370501.
Attention: John Williams, Project Engineer
Bridge Unit
Reference: Natural Resource Investigation (NCDOT, 9
December, 1994)
The subject project involves the replacement of Bridge No.
59 over Ledge Creek on SR 1110 in Granville County. The
referenced report provided a Biological Conclusion of
"unresolved" for harperella (Ptilimnium Bodosum). The referenced
report stated that the project site was flooded during the time
of the site visit (21 October, 1994), making it difficult to
determine a biological conclusion. The report continued to state
that another site visit should be conducted when the water table
is lower to determine if suitable habitat for harperella is
present. Since completion of the referenced report, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has upgraded its listing of federally-
protected species (23 August, 1996). The bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus) has been listed as Threatened in Granville County.
A threatened species is likely to become endangered within the
forseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its
range. A description of these species and a conclusion regarding
potential impacts are included below.
Ptilimnium nodosum (harperella) E
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Federally Listed: September 28, 1988
Flowers Present: late July - August
b
0
2 11
J
Harperella is an annual herb in the carrot family, with
fibrous roots and erect to spreading stems. The stems are. green
and often have a purplish tinge at the base and they may branch
above mid-stem. The leaves are hollow, cylindrical, and septate,
with broadly clasping bases. Flowers are umbels, each umbel
subtended by an involucre of small lanceolate bracts.
North Carolina currently has two known populations of harperella,
one in Granville and one in Chatham County.
Harperella is a rare plant native to seasonally flooded,
swift flowing rocky streams and coastal plane ponds. The plant
occurs only in a narrow range of water depths; it is intolerant of
deep water or conditions that are too dry. There is a preference
for sunny areas and this species is abundant where it is sheltered
from stream erosion, usually on the downstream side of large rocks
or amidst thick clones of water willow.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
In the piedmont, harperella typically occurs along swift
moving rocky streams. The project study area was visited by
NCDOT Biologist Christopher A. Murray on 2 October 1996. At the
time of the site visit, it was observed that Ledge Creek at the
project site is a slow moving muddy stream. This is attributable
to beaver activity, which has altered the natural hydrology of
Ledge Creek. Therefore, typical habitat for harperella is not
present at the project study area. A review of the Natural
Heritage Program (NHP) rare species and unique habitat database
did not reveal the presence of harperella within 1.6 km (1.0 mi)
of the project study area. Impacts to this species are will not
occur from project construction.
Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle) Threatened
Animal Family: Accipitridae
Date Listed: 11 March, 1967
Adult bald eagles can be identified by their large white head
and short white tail. The body plumage is dark-brown to chocolate-
brown in color. In flight bald eagles can be identified by their
flat wing soar.
Eagle nests are found in close proximity to water (within a
half mile) with a clear flight path to the water, in the largest
living tree in an area, and having an open view of the surrounding
land. Human disturbance can cause an eagle to abandon otherwise
suitable habitat. The breeding season for the bald eagle begins
in December or January. Fish are the major food source for bald
eagles. Other sources include coots, herons, and wounded ducks.
Food may be live or carrion.
e
` 3
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect
Ledge Creek is too small to provide suitable foraging and/or
nesting habitat for the bald eagle. Bald eagle activity has been
recorded at Falls Lake and Beaverdam Lake. Falls Lake is located
approximately 5.2 km (3.2 mi) south of the project area and
Beaverdam Lake is located approximately 6.5 km (4.0 mi) southeast
of the project study area. According to NHP rare species and
unique habitat database, there are no records of bald eagle
nesting within 4.8 km (3.0 mi) of the project study area.
Considering the nature of the project (bridge replacement on
existing location) and lack of suitable habitat for bald eagle,
it can be concluded that no impacts to this species will result
from project construction.
CC: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D., Environmental Unit Head
Hal Bain, Environmental Supervisor
File: B-3336

M
g5q81
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
August 30, 1995
Regulatory Branch
U. S.-.Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Field Office
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
Dear Sir:

?J
SFP 1 1 1995
WETLANDS Sri
,TER
SUBJECT: Granville County, Replacement of Bridge No. 59 over Ledge Creek on
SR 1110, Federal Aid Project BRZ-1110(1), State Project 8.2370501,
T.I.P. No. B-3336.
Please find enclosed three copies of the project planning report for the
above referenced project. Bridge No. 59 will be replaced at the same
location and elevation as the existing structure with a new bridge 32 meters
(105-ft) in length. During construction, traffic will be detoured onto
existing area roads. Construction of the proposed project will have no
impacts on any jurisdictional wetland communities.
The project is being processed by the Federal Highway Administration as
a "Categorical Exclusion" in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b). Therefore,
we do not anticipate requesting an individual permit, but propose to proceed
under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR Appendix A (B-23). The
provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A(C) of these regulations will be
followed in the construction of the project.
. We anticipate that 401 General Certification No. 2745 (Categorical--
Exclusion) will apply to this project, and are providing one copy of the CE
document to the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural
Resources, Division of Environmental Management, for their review.

t August 30, 1995
• Page 2
If you have any questions or need additional information please call
Ms. Alice N. Gordon at 733-3141 Ext. 314.
Sincer y,
-,tat
H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/rfm
cc: W/attachment
Mr. Ken Jolly, COE Raleigh Field Office
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, DEM
Mr. Kelly Barger, P. E., Program Development Branch
Mr. Don Morton, P. E., Highway Design Branch
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P. E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., P. E., Structure Design Unit
Mr., Tom Shearin, P. E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. D. A. Allsbrook, P. E., Division 5 Engineer

r Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM
TIP Project No. B-3336
State Project No. 8.2370501
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1110 (1)
A. Project Description : (include project scope and location)
Replace Bridge No. 59 on SR 1110 over Ledge Creek in Granville County.
The existing bridge will be replaced with a new bridge 32 meters (105 feet)
long at the same location and elevation as the existing structure.
B. RMose and Need:
Bridge No. 59 has a sufficiency rating of 49.2 out of 100 and an estimated
remaining life of six years. In addition SR 1110 will be used as a detour for a
nearby bridge project on US 15. Replacing Bridge No. 59 will enable SR
1110 to carry the US 15 traffic For these reasons, Bridge No. 59 needs to be
replaced.
C: Proposed Improvements:
Circle one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project:
Type II Improvements
1. Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking
weaving, turning, climbing).
a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement
(3R and 4R improvements)
b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes
c. Modernizing gore treatments
d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes)
e. Adding shoulder drains
f. Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes, including
safety treatments
g. Providing driveways pipes
h. Performing minor bridge widening ( less than one through lane)
2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the
installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
a. Installing ramp metering devices
b. Installing lights
Date: 1/93 i
Revised: 1/94
c. Adding or upgrading guardrail
d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier protection
e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators
f Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers
g. Improving intersections including relocation and/ or realignment
h. Making minor roadway realignment
L Channelizing traffic
j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards
and flattening slopes
k. Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid
L Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit
Q Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of
grade separation replace existing atIpde railroad crossings.
a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or "replacing bridge approach slabs
b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks
c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting ( no red lead paint), scour
repair, fender systems, and minor structural improvements
® Replacing a bridge (structure and/ or fill)
4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities.
5. Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas.
6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of
right-of-way, when the proposed use does not have significant adverse
impacts.
7. Approvals for changes in access control.
8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and located on or near a
street with adequate capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle
traffic.
9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and ancillary
facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required and there
is not a substantial increase in the number of users.
10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger
shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements ) when
located in a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is
adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic.
/ M
Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no
significant noise impact on the surrounding community.
12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land
acquisition loans under section 3 (b) of the UMT Act. Hardship and
protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited
number of parcels. These types of land acquisition will not limit the
evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned
construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No
project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has
been completed.
D. Special Project Information
Environmental Commitments:
1. All standard measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize
environmental impacts.
2. NCDOT will get a North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management (DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification
prior to issue of the Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit #23.
Estimated Costs:
Construction $ 275,000
Right of Way $ 26,500
Total $ 301,500
Estimated Traffic:
Current - 130 VPD
Year 2018 - 220 VPD
Proposed Typical Roadway Section:
6-meter (20 foot) wide travelway plus 1.8-meter ( 6-foot) shoulders.
Note: shoulders may be wider to accomodate guardrail.
The proposed bridge will be 32 meters (105 feet ) long and 7.2 meters
(24 feet) wide with a 6.0 meter (20 foot) wide travelway and 0.6-meter
(2-foot) offsets
Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
Design Speed:
80 km/h ( 50 mph)
Functional Classification:
Rural Local Route
Division OMce Comments:
Division Office has stated that SR 1110 may be closed for construction using
SR 1109 and US 15 during construction.
E. Threshold Criteria
If any Type II actions are involved in the project, the following evaluation must
be completed. If the project consists on of Type I improvements, the following
checklist does not need to be completed.
ECOLOGICAL YES NO
(1) Will the project have a substantial impact on
any unique on any unique or important natural ? X
resource?
(2) Does the project involve any habitat where federally
listed endangered or threatened species may occur? ? x
(3) Will the project affect anadromous fish? ?
X

(4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of
permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less ?
than one-third (1/3) acre and have all practicable x
measures to avoid and minimize wetland takings
been evaluated?
(5) Will the project require use of U. S. Forest Service ?
lands? X
r?
c
4

Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
(6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely
impacted by proposed construction activities? El X
(7) Does the project involve waters classified as
Outstanding Water Resources (OWR) and/or F? X
High Quality Waters (HQW)?
(8) WM the project require fill in waters of the United
States in any of the designated mountain trout counties? F? X
(9) Does the project involve any known underground storage
tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? F-I X
PERMITS AND COORDINATION
(10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the
project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any X
Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)?
(11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act ? -
resources? X
(12) WHI a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required? F-I X
(13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing ?
regulatory floodway? X
(14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel
changes? ? X
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC YES NO
(15) WHI the project induce substantial impacts to planned ?
growth or land use for the area? X
5
- r,
Date: 1/93 4
Revised: 1/94
(16) Will the project require the relocation of any family or ? -
business? X
(17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the - D
amount of right of way acquisition considered minor? X
(18) Will the project involve any changes in access control? ? -
X
(19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/ or land
use of any adjacent properly? F] X
(20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local
traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? F-I X
(21) Is the project included in an approved thoroughfare plan
and/ or Transportation Improvement Program (and is, F] X
therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)?
(22) Is the project anticipated to cause an increase in traffic
X
volumes? 1-1 -
(23) Will traffic be maintained during construction using ?
existing roads,staged construction, or on-site detours? X
(24) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or
environmental grounds concerning the project? 1-1 X
(25) Is the project consistent with all Federal, State, and local laws
relating to the environmental aspects of the action? X
F-I
6

a
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
YES NO
(26) Will the project have an "effect" on properties 001e for
or listed on the National Register of Historic Places? F-1 X
(27) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources
(pubfic parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl F-1 X
refuges, historic sites or historic bridges, as defined in
Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation
Act of 1966)?
(28) Will the project involve construction in, across, or
adjacent to a river designated as a component of or F-1 X
proposed for inclusion in the natural Wild and
Scenic Rivers?
F. Additional Documentation Reauired for Unfavorable Responses in Part E
(Discussion regarding all unfavorable responses in Part E should be provided
below. Additional supporting documentation may be attached as necessary.)
NOT APPLICABLE
7
f %
Date: 1/93
Revised: 1/94
G. CE Approval
TIP Project No. B-3336
State Project No. 8.2370501
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1110(1)
Project Description : (include project scope and location)
Replace Bridge No. 59 on SR 1110 over Ledge Creek in Granville County. The
bridge will be replaced with a new bridge 32 meters (105 feet) long at the same
location and elevation as the existing structure.
(Refer to the attached location map.)
Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one)
X TYPE II (A)
TYPE H (B)
?? oved:
Z-28-Ys ` /'
Date Assistant Manager
Planning & Environmental Branch
zr2f-9s A 411 V- 71,' o 7
Date ProjecrVianning Unit Head
Date Pr ject Planning Engineer
For Type II (B) Projects only:
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Date Division A ator
Federal highway Administration
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA '
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT. JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT III
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
December 9, 1994
MEMORANDUM TO: Wayne Elliott, Unit Head
Bridge Replacement Unit
FROM: Susan Thebert, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Univ.
SUBJECT: Natural Resources investigation for the
Proposed replacement of bridge No. 59 on SR
,1110 over Ledge Creek, Granville County,
TIP No. B-3336, State Project No. 8.1370501,
Federal Aid No. BRZ 1110(1).
ATTENTION: John-'R'llliam-s, Project Manager
The NCDOT proposes to replace bridge No. 59 on SR 1110
over Ledge Creek on existing location. Traffic will be re-
routed on secondary roads during construction. This project
is to be processed as a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion.
This memorandum provides information on Biotic Resources,
Water Resources, Wetlands/Permits and Federally Protected
Species. Information is based on in-House research and a
site visit on October 21, 1994.
BIOTIC COMMUNITIES
SR 1110 was a gravel surface road until it was paved
recently (within the last year). The road-side vegetation is
low growing, moderate to sparse (with patches of bare soil
present) and maintained in low growing condition from mowing.
The severity of disturbance lessens farther away from the
roadway. Vegetation consists of multiple vines such as
catbrie.r (Srt:il ? otondifolia) , Virginia creeper
(Parthenocissus guinauefolia), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera
l ayon ca) , poison ".v--r (_' xiccdendron radi can ) , blackberry
(Rubes sp. ) and coca itch (Camipsis radt cans) . Sweetgum
seedlings (Lig,iidarbar stvraciflua) are present. Herbaceous
species are beginning to establish is the recently disturbed
areas. Recently planted Fescue (Festuca sp.) was observed as
tr _yl 'as rc,:-:, "l ?r { aw cj, ?e=ped
(L_snedez° sp.), partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata), large
crabgrass (Di a i taria s•anQuinalis ) and nightshade ( Solanum

,1 ! r
The area surrounding Ledge Creek supports a vast
floodplain upstream of the project site. The terrain is
level and supports many dead snags and several dense shrub
mats. in the vicinity of the bridge,-Ledge Creek supported
the submersed aquatic plant parrotfeather (Mvriophvllum
brasiliense). Emergent species-include cattail (Tvpha
latifolia) , wax myrtle ( Mvrica cerifera) , red maple .-( Acer
rubrum), river birch (Betula ni ra), black willow (Salix
ni ra) and several species of knotweed-(Polvgonum sagittatum
and P. cespitosum), mallow (Hibiscus-sp.) and seedbox_.
(Ludwicria sp.).
Large numbers of avian fauna including the European
starling (Sturnus vulgaris), American crow (Corvus
brachvrrhvnchos), red-wing blackbird (AQelaius phoeniceus),
northern cardinal (Cardir_alis cardinalis) and a red-
shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) perched in one of the dead
snags were observed in the floodplain and bridge site. Other
species likely to occur in this area include the belted
kingfisher (Cervle alcyon), green-backed heron (Butorides
striatus), Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and mallard (Anas
platvrhvnchos).
Upon first stopping at the project site, a beaver
(Castor canadensis) was observed in Ledge Creek moving
upstream beneath the bridge. One other mammal that may
utilize the study area is the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)
Amphibian and reptile fauna anticipated in the study
area prefer to be in or near the water. Amphibian species
likely found here include Fowler's toad (Bufo woodhousei),
bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) and green frog (Rana clamitans).
Snapping turtle (Chelydra sernentina) , painted turtle - -. -
(Chrysemys ip cta) and northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon)
are several reptiles that may be found in the project area.
Crayfish holes (Cambaridae) were observed at the edge of
the Ledge Creek.
Impacts associated with proposed construction will most
likely not exceed 0.04 ha (0.1.ac). Best Management --
Pipct.: es and Sedint ent Control guidelines are recommended
during construction. Increasing the bridge length will
increase the water corridor for animal movements.
WATER RESOURCES
The project crosses one water resource in the Neuse
River _ asin, aedc?'e; .`r( <,?:, Upstream of the project study are..
Ledae Creek drair:s in'Lo the Creedmoor wader supply reservoir
known also az iake.Rogers. A dam is present at Lake Rogers,
which may acccurt for water level fluctuations at the project
site. Downstream of the project site Ledge Creek drains into
Falls rake, another water supply impoundment.
?- , 1.
3
At the time of the October field survey Ledge Creek
supported the following characteristics: the substrate was
unknown due to high water level, the current was slow, the
gradient none, the channel width was approximately 18.3 m (60
ft)', the channel depth was greater than soil probe length of
approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) and the water color was cloudy.
Streams have been assigned a best usage classification
by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM, 1993).
Ledge Creek is classified as WS-IV NSW (Index No. 27-10-
Water Supply segments classified as WS-IV are
defined as surface waters used for drinking water, culinary
purposes, or food processing purposes. WS-IV waters are
generally in moderately-to-highly developed watersheds and
are-suitable for all Class C uses Class C waters are
defined as suitable for aquatic life propagation and
survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and
agriculture. Nutrient Sensitive Waters (abbreviated NSW) are
waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs.'
Neither High Quali`Ey Maters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I
or WS-II) nor Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within
1.6 km (1 mile) of project study area.
WETLANDS/PERMITS
The proposed project will impact surface waters of Ledge
Creek. No wetlands will be impacted according to the current
project design. The applicable permit is a Nationwide Permit
33 CFR 330.5(a)(23). A Section 401 General Water Quality
Certification is also required for any activity which may
result in a discharge and for which a federal permit is
required.
Generally, in the absence of an Individual Section 404
Permit requirement, no mitigation is required, based on an
understanding of the Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) between -
the Corps of Engineers (COE) and the Environmental Protection
Agency (1989). Mitigation.decisions are approved by the COE
will be formulated during final permit review.
FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES
Three federally protected species are listed by the Fish
and Wildlife Service as of November 17, 1_994 (Table 1). Each
species is discus.-tad below.
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Table 3. Federally-Protected Species
for Granville County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Alasmidonta heterodon dwarf wedge mussel E
Echinacea laevicrata smooth coneflower E
Ptilimnium nodosum .11 harperella E
"E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range).
Alasmidonta heterodon (dwarf-wedge mussel) E
Animal Family: Unionidae
Date Listed: 3/14/90
Distribution in N.C.: Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Wake,
Wilson, Halifax, Vance and Warren.
Alasmidonta heterodon formerly ranged from the New Brunswick
to North Carolina but now is limited to 10 sites in five drainages
in four states. In North Carolina, populations have been found in
Middle Creek and the Little River (both in Johnston county) of the
Neuse River Basin and the upper Tar River (Granville county),
cedar and Crooked Creeks (Franklin county) and Stony Creek (Nash
county) of the Tar River system. It was also recently discovered
in Halifax, Vance and Warren counties. Populations are found in
various locales in the Tar and Neuse River drainages.
The dwarf-wedge mussel is a small mussel ranging in size
from 2.5 to 3.8 cm (1.0 to 1.5 in) in length. It's shell is
distinguishable by two lateral teeth on the right half and one on
the left half. The periostracum (outer shell) is olive green to
dark brown in color and the nacre (inner shell)..is bluish to
silvery white.
Successful reproduction is dependent on the attachment of
larval mussels
?ytoSya host fish. It is not knownwhga?t -tyhye host fish
- is "Lut evidence suggests that it is e..j the1.. an apg!F.a:.I.L:mod.s or _
catadromous species. This mussel is sensitive to agricultural,
domestic, and industrial pollul--ants and requires a stable silt
free streambed with well oxygenated water to survive.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: UNRESOLVED
At. t ¢ time the fie3-,d surve e" the water levu:_ was too
hich to do cursory surveys for the dwarf wedge mussel. ?e F.c?ex
Creek is not known to support the dwarf wedge mussel.
surveys for 4.-.he mussel should be conducted as- ea:-1 1' as
possible e.hen the water level is lower.

5
Echinacea laeviaata (smooth coneflower). E
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Federally Listed: December 9, 1991 PE
Flowers Present: June - early July
Distribution in N.C.: Durham, Granville, Orange,
Rockingham.
Smooth coneflower is a perennial herb that grows from
simple or branched rhizomes. This herb has a smooth stem and
few leaves. The basal leaves are the largest, and these
leaves are smooth to slightly rough, tapered to the base and
elliptical to broadly lanceolate. Mid-stem leaves have short
or no petioles and are smaller than the basal leaves.
Flowers are light pink to purplish in color and solitary.
The petal-like rays usually droop,.,Fruits are gray-brown,
oblong-prismatic and four-angled.
Habitat for the smooth coneflower is found in areas of
meadows, open woodlands, glades, cedar barrens, roadsides,
power line rights-of=y,_ c.learcuts, and dry limestone
bluffs. Plants usually grow in soil derived from calcareous
parent material. North Carolina populations are found in
soils derived from Diabase, a circumneutral igneous rock.
Optimal sites are in areas with abundant sunlight and little
competition from other herbaceous plants.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
The study area supports suitable roadside habitat for
the smooth coneflower. Walking surveys were conducted in
suitable habitat during the site visit. The area is highly
disturbed. No plants were found. No impacts to the smooth
coneflower will occur.
Ptilimnium nodosum (harperella) E
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Federally Listed: September 28, 1988
Flowers Present: late July - August
Distribution in N.C.: Chatham, Granville, Lee.
Harperella is an annual herb in the carrot family, with
fibrc.us roots and erect to spreading stems. The stems are
green and often have a purplish tinge at the base and they
may branch above mid-stem. The leaves are hollow,
cylindrical, and septats, with broadly clasping bases.
Flowers are umbels, each umbel subtended by an involucre of
small lanceolate bracts.
North Carolina currently has two known populations of
harperella, one in Granville and one in Chatham County.
This plant can be found in two types of habitat, rocky or
gravel shoals and the margins of clear, swift-flowing stream
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6
sections, and the edges of intermittent pineland ponds or
glow, wet savannah meadows in the coastal plain. It is always
found in saturated substrates and tolerates periodic,
moderate flooding. There is a preference for sunny areas and
this species is abundant where it is sheltered from stream
erosion, usually on the downstream side of large rocks or
amidst thick clones of water willow.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: UNRESOLVED
The project site was flooded at the time of the site
survey, making it difficult to determine the substrate. The
area above water at the bridge site does not support suitable
habitat for harperella; it is a smooth loamy-clay surface
that does not support a substrate suitable for harparella. A
visit to the--site, when the water level is lower, is
necessary to determine if suitable habitat for harperella is
present.
c: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D.
M. Randall Turner, Environmental Supervisor
File: B-3336
.• r 1$UT?v?
N e ?y?
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT, JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT 111
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH. N.C 27611-5201 SECRETARY
February 37, 1995
MEMORANDUM TO: Wayne Elliott, Unit Head
Bridge Unit
ATTENTION: John Williams, Project Manager
FROM: Tim W. Savidge, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
SUBJECT: Dwarf-wedge. Mussel Survey Results, for
B-3336: Granville County.
REFERENCE: December 09, 1994 Natural Resources
_.T,?chnical Report for B-3336 Prepared by
Susan.Thebert
The referenced technical report Qave a Biological
Conclusion of Unresolved regarding. the federally- protected
dwarf-wedge mussel, stating that surveys would need to be
conducted. Suitable habitat for the target species occurs
just downstream of the proposed crossing, however the stream
is heavily silted.
In-stream surveys for mussel populations were conducted
in Ledge Creek at the proposed bridge crossing and downstream
at US 15 (B-3563) crossing, by NCDOT Biologist Tim Savidge on
February 23, 1995. The stream was surveyed by wading in the
stream and using tactile search methods in submerged root
mats along the stream bank and within the substrate of the
main channel. The adjacent floodplain was also visually
examined for the presence of shells. :approximately 1 man-
hour (mhr) was spent in the stream and an additional 0.25 mhr
were spent along the floodplain. No evidence of mussel
populations was found in Ledge Creek.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No Effect
Given the survey results, it can be concluded that Ledge
Creek does not support the dwarf-wedge mussel, and that no
impacts to this species will result from the proposed action.
V. Charles 'Bruton.. PhD.
M. Randall Turner. Environmental Supervisor
File: B-3336
9