20241002_TE_Rpt_4.16.24

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P I L ❑ T E N V I R ❑ N M E N T A L , I N C
April 16, 2024
Mr. Joseph Keller
5830 Wright Road
Kannapolis, NC 28081
Reference: Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review
Approximate 27-Acre Tract
Wright Road
Kannapolis, Rowan County, North Carolina
Pilot Project 1591.6
Dear Mr. Keller:
Pilot Environmental, Inc. (Pilot) is pleased to submit this Preliminary Threatened and Endangered
Species Review for the approximate 27-acre tract located north of Wright Road in Kannapolis,
Rowan County, North Carolina. A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Map (Drawing 1)
and an aerial photograph (Drawing 2) showing the site boundary are included as attachments.
Background
Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973. The purpose of the ESA is to protect
and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. It is administered
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Commerce Department's National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS). The USFWS has primary responsibility for terrestrial and freshwater
organisms, while the responsibilities of the Commerce Departments NMFS are mainly marine
wildlife. Under the ESA, federally protected species may be listed as either endangered or
threatened. "Endangered" means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. "Threatened" means a species is likely to become endangered
within the foreseeable future. All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible
for listing as endangered or threatened. For the purposes of the ESA, Congress defined species
to include subspecies, varieties, and, for vertebrates, distinct population segments.
The North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. Chapter 113, Article 25) prohibits the taking of
state listed species. "North Carolina Endangered" means any native or once native species whose
existence is a viable component of the State's fauna is determined by the Wildlife Resource
Commission to be in jeopardy. "North Carolina Threatened" means any native or once native
species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The North Carolina Endangered Species Act is
administered by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
PO Box 128, Kernersville, NC 27285
www.pilotenviro.com

Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review
Pilot Project 1591.6
April 16,2024
Scope of Services
Pilot was contracted to perform a Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review for the
approximate 27-acre tract located north of Wright Road in Kannapolis, Rowan County, North
Carolina. The site is identified by the Rowan County Geographical Information System (GIS) as a
portion of parcel number 24913001. The site is being evaluated for proposed use as a mine. The
purpose of the Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review is to identify the
potential impact to federal and state protected species. The scope of services included a field
reconnaissance and a review of available literature to make a preliminary determination of affect
to federal/state protected species. Consultation with the USFWS or NCWRC is outside the scope
of these services.
Site Reconnaissance
Pilot personnel completed the site reconnaissance on April 12, 2024. Structures are not located
on the site. The site consists of predominately maintained grassed fields and limited areas of
immature wooded land. A utility easement and associated overhead high tension powerlines
crosses the western portion of the site. The easement and fields contain maintained grasses
dominated by fescue rye and bermuda grasses, common dogfennel, broomsedge, dandelion,
broad leaf plantain, Korean lespedeza, various foxtail species, johnson grass and Japanese stilt
grass.
Limited areas of wooded land are located on the southeastern portion of the site. The wooded
area consists of immature mixed hardwood/pines estimated to be less than 3 inches diameter at
breast height. The area is dominated by loblolly pine, red maple, sweet gum, eastern red cedar,
tree of heaven and winged elm. The mid and understories are densely vegetated with similar
sapling species to those found in the overstory, Japanese honeysuckle, Japanese stilt grass and
common greenbrier.
An existing stream crossing is located on the southern portion of the site. It is our understanding
that impacts to streams and wetlands will not occur as a result of the proposed project.
Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species
Database and Literature Review
The project location was entered into the USFWS Information for Planning and Conservation
(IPaC) online mapping system to obtain a resource list of federally protected species and
designated or proposed critical habitat that may be affected by the project. The IPaC Resources
Trust Report is included as an attachment.
Additionally, Pilot reviewed the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program's Geographic
Information System (GIS) natural resources data layer that includes the locations of documented
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Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review
Pilot Project 1591.6
April 16,2024
known federal and state listed endangered and threatened species within the Hydrologic Unit
Code, (HUC) 03040105 that contains the site for listed species located within two miles of the
site (Drawings 4 and 5).
The following federally and state protected species are identified:
Common Name Scientific Name Federal Status State Status
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis subflavus Proposed Endangered
Endangered
Schweinitz's Sunflower Helianthus schweinitziiIF
Endangered Endangered
Carolina Darter Etheostoma collis JE� N/A Special Concern
Species/Habitat Description
Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)
Description: The tricolored bat is a small insectivorous bat that is distinguished by its unique
tricolored fur and often appears yellowish to nearly orange.
Habitat: During the winter, tricolored bats are often found in caves and abandoned mines,
although in the southern United States, where caves are sparse, tricolored bats are often found
roosting in road-associated culverts where they exhibit shorter torpor bouts and forage during
warm nights. During the spring, summer, and fall, tricolored bats are found in forested habitats
where they roost in trees, primarily among leaves of live or recently dead deciduous hardwood
trees, but may also be found in Spanish moss, pine trees, and occasionally human structures.
Conclusion: Hibernacula, caves, mines or culverts was not observed on the site. Immature trees
that could afford low quality suitable summer roosting habitat are present on the southeastern
portion of the site. Wooded land that could be considered similar and higher quality suitable
habitat is located on adjoining and nearby properties. Based on our observations,we have made
a determination that the proposed project is not likely to jeopardize the existence of the tri-
colored bat. With the implementation of a seasonal tree clearing measure (avoid tree clearing
from April 1—October 15), the proposed project is not likely to adversely affect the TCB, should
it become a federally listed species prior to timber removal being completed at the site. If
tricolored bat is formally listed prior to clearing, additional consultation with the USFWS,
completion of a determination key if available or detailed surveys may be necessary to determine
presence/absence and potential affect to TCB by the proposed project.
Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
Description: Schweinitz's sunflower is a perennial that regularly grows approximately 6.5 feet tall
(though it can be shorter if young or injured) and can occasionally reach heights of 16 feet. It has
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Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review
Pilot Project 1591.6
April 16,2024
thickened roots that are used by the plant to store starch. The stem is purplish in color, and the
upper third bears secondary branches at 45-degree angles. The leaves are arranged in pairs on
the lower part of the stem but usually occur singly (or alternate) on the upper parts. Leaves are
attached to the stem at right angles, and the tips of the leaves tend to droop. The leaves are
thick and stiff, with a rough upper surface. The upper leaf surfaces have broad spiny hairs that
are directed toward the tip and soft white hairs cover the underside. The plant produces small
yellow flowers from late August until frost. This species is able to colonize through the dispersal
of seeds that readily germinate without a dormant period.
Habitat: Schweinitz's sunflower occurs in full to partial sun and is found in areas with poor soils,
such as thin clays that vary from wet to dry. It is believed that this species once occurred in
natural forest openings or grasslands. Many of the remaining populations occur along roadsides.
Conclusions: The site does not contain potential suitable habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower.
Additionally, known populations are not documented within 2-miles of the site. Therefore, we
have made a determination of no effect for this species.
Carolina Darter (Etheostoma collis)
Description: Carolina Darters reach a length of 60 mm (2.4 in.). The fish has a small head and
mouth with a highly arched, incomplete lateral line. The brown-spotted sides are marked with a
median dark stripe that breaks into blotches on the peduncle. A primary basicaudal spot has two
spots of lesser intensity above and below. Breeding males do not develop bright colors but may
have breeding tubercles on the pelvic fin spine and rays as well as on all anal fin rays.
Habitat: The Carolina Darter inhabits small- to moderate-sized streams in areas of low current
velocity. Habitat substrates preferred bythis species are usually characterized by mud, sand, and
sometimes bedrock. This darter seems to be tolerant of fine sediments covering the substrate it
inhabits
Conclusion: The site does not contain suitable habitat for the Carolina Darter. Therefore, we
have made a determination of no effect for this species.
Conclusions and Opinions
This Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review has revealed that it is not likely for
the proposed development of the site to impact federally listed threatened/endangered species.
If additional information concerning federally listed threatened/endangered species becomes
available that makes a material difference in our findings and conclusions, Pilot reserves the right
to review applicable information that could alter the conclusions and opinions found within this
report. Additional assessment is not recommended at this time.
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Preliminary Threatened and Endangered Species Review
Pilot Project 1591.6
April 16,2024
Closing
We appreciate the opportunity to provide our services to you. Please contact us at (336) 310-
4527 if you have questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
Catherine L. Carston Bradley S. Luckey, PWS
Project Manager Senior Project Manager
Attachments: Drawing 1— USGS Topographic Map
Drawing 2—Aerial Photograph
Drawing 3—Wetland Map
Drawing 4— Federal Threatened & Endangered Species Map
Drawing 5— North Carolina Threatened & Endangered Species Map
IPaC Report
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Site Boundary
Drawing 1 USGS Topographic Map
USGS Topographic Map
Wright Road
Enochville and Kannapolis, �``:a' .• `•' Approximate 27-Acre Tract
NC Quadrangles - Kannapolis, Rowan County, NC
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Site Boundary
. 2022 Aerial Photograph
Drawing 2 Wright Road
ESRI Satellite Imagery `
Approximate 27
PI -Acre Tract
Scale: 1" = 600' - r Kannapolis, Rowan County, NC
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Site Boundary
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T&E Federal Species
Drawing 3 Federal Threatened &
NC Natural Heritage Program's Endangered Species
T&E Species Data Layer ` Wright Road
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National Geographic Society PI Al Approximate 27-Acre Tract
Topographic Map PILOT LNfIROMMLNfAL.INC Kannapolis, Rowan County, NC
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Carolina Birdfoot-trefoil
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T&E Species Data Layer, f Wright Road
National Geographic Society PI .�► Approximate 27-Acre Tract
Topographic Map PILOT LN�fIROMMLNfAL.INc Kannapolis, Rowan County, NC
Scale: 1" = 3,500' Pilot Project 1591.6

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
'0-9CH 3k$5 Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street, Suite B
Asheville,NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Reply Refer To: 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
Project Code: 2024-0076166
Project Name: Wright Road
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The enclosed species list
fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new species information can change your official species list. Under 50 CFR
402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list
should be verified after 90 days. The Service recommends you visit the ECOS-IPaC website at
regular intervals during project planning and implementation to ensure your species list is
accurate or obtain an updated species list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A biological assessment (BA) or biological evaluation (BE) should be completed for your
project.A BA is required for major construction activities (or other undertakings having similar
physical impacts) considered to be Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act(42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c))
(NEPA). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a BE be
prepared to determine effects of the action and whether those effects may affect listed species
and/or designated critical habitat. Effects of the action are all consequences to listed species or
critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other

Project code: 2024-0076166 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
activities that are caused by the proposed action.A consequence is caused by the proposed action
if it is reasonably certain to occur and would not occur "but for" the proposed action..
Recommended contents of a BABE are described at 50 CFR 402.12. More information and
resources about project review and preparing a BA/BE can be found at the following web link:
https://www.fws.gov/office/asheville-ecological-services/asheville-field-office-online-review-
process-overview.
If a Federal agency determines listed species and/or designated critical habitat maybe affected
by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR
402. The Service is not required to concur with "no effect" determinations from Federal action
agencies. If consultation is required, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed
species, proposed critical habitat, and at-risk species be addressed within the consultation. More
information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of
permit or licensed applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook"
at the following web link: https://www.fws.gov/media/endangered-species-consultation-
handbook.
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Act, there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-
related impacts.Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds,
including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12
and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). More information about MBTA and BGEPA can be found at the
following web link: https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds.
We appreciate your consideration of Federally listed species. The Service encourages Federal
agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species in their project planning
to further the purposes of the Act. Please contact our staff at 828-258-3939, if you have any
questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference the
Consultation Code which can be found in the header of this letter.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
• USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
■ Bald & Golden Eagles
• Migratory Birds
■ Wetlands
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
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Project code: 2024-0076166 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street, Suite B
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]
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Project code: 2024-0076166 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2024-0076166
Project Name: Wright Road
Project Type: Mine Closure
Project Description: Proposed BW Pit
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/(a)35.5182897,-80.68017570400204,14z
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Counties: Rowan County, North Carolina
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Project code: 2024-0076166 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 3 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species. Note that 1 of these species should be
considered only under certain conditions.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheries1, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
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Project code: 2024-0076166 04/11/2024 21:25:11 UTC
MAMMALS
NAME STATUS
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flavus Proposed
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Endangered
This species only needs to be considered under the following conditions:
• This species only needs to be considered if the project includes wind turbine operations.
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515
INSECTS
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME STATUS
Schweinitz's Sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii Endangered
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3849
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.
YOU ARE STILL REQUIRED TO DETERMINE IF YOUR PROJECT(S)MAY HAVE EFFECTS ON ALL
ABOVE LISTED SPECIES.
USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS
AND FISH HATCHERIES
Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a
'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to
discuss any questions or concerns.
THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.
BALD & GOLDEN EAGLES
Bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Actl and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act2.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to bald or
golden eagles, or their habitats3, should follow appropriate regulations and consider
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implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specifically,
please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles".
1. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
2. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
THERE ARE NO BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLES WITHIN THE VICINITY OF YOUR PROJECT AREA.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Acti and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act2.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats3 should follow appropriate regulations and consider
implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specifically,
please review the "Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles".
1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
THERE ARE NO FWS MIGRATORY BIRDS OF CONCERN WITHIN THE VICINITY OF YOUR PROJECT
AREA.
WETLANDS
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S.Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date.We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
RIVERINE
■ R2UBH
■ R4SBC
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IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: Pilot Environmental, Inc.
Name: Catherine Carston
Address: PO Box 128
City: Kernersville
State: NC
Zip: 27285
Email [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
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