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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19951303 Ver 1_Complete File_19951222' 22 WE'LANDS GRt???P WATER UAUTY SEv` STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 9 51303 JAMES B. HUNT JR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR. GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY December 20, 1995 401 ISSUED Regulatory Branch U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington Field Office Post Office Box 1890 Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890 Dear Sir: SUBJECT: Orange County, Replacement of Bridge No. 109 over New Hope Creek on SR 1734, Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-1734(2), State Project 8.2500801, T.I.P. No. B-2852. Please find enclosed three copies of the project planning report for the above referenced project. Bridge No. 109 will be replaced at its existing location with a bridge 37 meters (121 feet) long and 12 meters (40 feet) wide. Traffic will be maintained during construction using a temporary on-site detour located approximately 12 meters (40 feet) south of the existing bridge. Construction of the proposed project will result in approximately 0.20 hectares (0.50 acres) of wetland impacts consisting of 0.11 hectares (0.26 acres) of permanent fill and 0.09 hectares (0.24 acres) of temporary fill in jurisdictional wetlands. 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. 15 ? ?r December 20, 1995 Page 2 ?- s If you have any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N. Gordon at 733-3141 Ext. 314. Sincere y, v . Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch HFV/rfm cc: W/attachment Mr. Ken Jolly, Corps of Engineers, 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. J. W. Watkins, P. E., Division 7 Engineer Ms. Stacy Y. Baldwin, P.E., Planning & Environmental Project Planning Engineer a r- > Orange County SR 1734 Bridge No. 109 Over New Hope Creek Federal Aid Project BRSTP-1734(2) State Project 8.2500801 T.I.P. No. B-2852 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION AND NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS APPROVED: O DATE H. Franklin Vick, PE, Manager Planning and Environmental Branch, NCDOT jvb/b-l DDATLz( Nicholas L. Graf, PE Division Administrator, FHWA Orange County SR 1734 Bridge No. 109 Over New Hope Creek Federal Aid Project BRSTP-1734(2) State Project 8.2500801 T.I.P. No. B-2852 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION October 1995 Documentation Prepared By: MA Engineering Consultants, Inc. Shihchen (David) Fuh, Ph.D, PE Project Manager for North Carolina Department of Transportation J.A. Bissett, Jr., PE, Unit H a Consultant Engineering Unit Stacy Y. Baldwi Project Manager Consultant Engineering Unit ?.•`oRZN CA :ate q: SEAL 19732 = CNEN Orange County SR 1734 Bridge No. 109 Over New Hope Creek Federal Aid Project BRSTP-1734(2) State Project 8.2500801 T.I.P. No. B-2852 1. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS Fill material from the temporary detour within the floodplain will be removed and the area restored to the extent reasonably possible, to promote regeneration of the pre-construction conditions. During the design phase, impacts to the gas station property will be minimized and the underground storage tanks will be avoided if possible. All standard procedures and measures including Best Management Practices will be implemented to avoid or minimize environmental impacts. Orange County SR 1734 Bridge No. 109 Over New Hope Creek Federal Aid Project BRSTP-1734(2) State Project 8.2500801 T.I.P. No. B-2852 Bridge No. 109 is included in the Federal-Aid Bridge Replacement Program. The location is shown in Figure 1. No substantial environmental impacts are anticipated. The project is classified as a Federal "Categorical Exclusion". 1. SLMEVIARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENTS For the Summary of Environmental Commitments, see page I. II. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Bridge No. 109 will be replaced at the existing location as shown by Alternative 1 in Figure 2. The recommended replacement structure consists of a bridge 37 meters (121 feet) long and 12 meters (40 feet) wide. This structure will provide two 3.6-meter (12-foot) travel lanes with 2.4-meter (8-foot) shoulders on each side. The roadway grade of the new structure will be approximately the same as the existing grade at this location. The existing roadway will be widened to a 7.2-meter (24-foot) pavement width, to provide two 3.6- meter (12-foot) travel lanes, and 2.4-meter (8-foot) shoulders, of which 1.2 meters (4 feet) will be paved, on each side throughout the project limits. A temporary on-site detour will be used to maintain traffic during the construction period. Estimated cost, based on current prices, is $1,409,500. The estimated cost of the project, as shown in the 1996-2002 Transportation Improvement Program, is $501,000 ($470,000-construction; $31,000-right-of-way). III. EXISTING CONDITIONS The project is located in the southeast portion of Orange County, approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) northeast of Chapel Hill, North Carolina (see Figure 1). The area is rural forested in nature. SR 1734 is classified as a rural local in the Statewide Functional Classification System and is not a Federal-Aid Highway. This route is located on a county-wide bicycle route that is a part of a state TIP Project, E-2913 (Triangle Region Improvements) and also on the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carbarro Regional Bicycle Plan. In the vicinity of the bridge, SR 1734 has a 6-meter (20-foot) pavement width with 1.5- to 1.8- meter (5- to 6-foot) shoulders (see Figures 3 and 4). The roadway grade is relatively flat across the bridge and south approach and increases to the north from the bridge. The existing bridge is located on tangent which extends approximately 60 meters (200 feet) in each direction from the structure. The roadway is situated approximately 5 meters (17 feet) above the creek bed. The current traffic volume of 7200 vehicles per day (VPD) is expected to increase to 13800 VPD by the year 2018. The projected volume includes 2% truck-tractor semi-trailer (TTST) and 3% dual- tired vehicles (DT). The posted speed limit is 70 kilometers per hour (45 miles per hour) in the project area. Bridge No. 109 is a three-span structure that consists of a timber deck on steel I-beams. The substructure consists of timber caps on concrete encased timber piles. The existing bridge (see Figure 3) was constructed in 1955. The overall length of the structure is 36.9 meters (121 feet). The clear roadway width is 7.4 meters (24.2 feet). The posted weight limit on this bridge is 15 metric tons (16 tons) for single vehicles and 18 metric tons (20 tons) for TTST's. Bridge No. 109 has a sufficiency rating of 41.5, compared to a rating of 100 for a new structure. The existing bridge is considered structurally deficient. There are no utilities attached to the existing structure. However, overhead power lines are located on both sides of the roadway throughout the project area. Utility impacts are anticipated to be low. There is a gas station with underground tanks in the vicinity of the project. Water quality is being monitored south of the gas station. One single vehicle accident, resulting in no fatalities and one injury, has been reported in the vicinity of Bridge No. 109 during the period from April 1991 to March 1994. The vehicle lost control due to icy bridge conditions and left the road. There is no school bus traffic crossing this bridge. 2 IV. ALTERNATIVES Duke University Forest is located on the upstream side of the existing bridge and in order to avoid impacts to the forest, two alternatives for replacing Bridge No. 109 were studied on the downstream side. Each alternative consists of a bridge 37 meters (121 feet) long and 12 meters (40 feet) wide. Typical sections of the approach roadway and structure are included as Figures 4 and 5. The proposed shoulder widths as shown will be sufficient to accomodate bicycle traffic. The alternatives studied are shown on Figure 2 and are as follows: Alternative 1 (Recommended) - involves replacement of the structure along the existing roadway alignment. Improvements to the approach roadways will be required for approximately 120 meters (400 feet) to the north and 60 meters (200 feet) to the south. A temporary on-site detour will be provided during the construction period south (downstream) of the existing structure. The temporary detour will consist of a bridge 15 meters (49 feet) long and 7.2 meters (24 feet) wide, located about 12 meters (40 feet) south of the existing structure. The design speed for this alternative is 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). Alternative 1 is recommended because it maintains the existing horizontal alignment, which is superior to the proposed alignment for Alternative 2. Additionally, Alternative 1 has less impact on the wetland environment due to the additional roadway approach work for Alternative 2. Alternative 2 - involves replacement of the bridge at a new location immediately south of the existing structure. Improvements to the alignment on the bridge approaches include approximately 135 meters (450 feet) to the north and 135 meters (450 feet) to the south. The design speed of this alternative is 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). The existing structure will serve as an on- site detour during the construction period. This alternative is not recommended because of the reverse horizontal curves that will be required to tie into the existing roadway at each end of the project. The "do-nothing" alternative will eventually necessitate closure of the bridge. This is not acceptable due to the traffic service provided by SR 1734. The North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 7 concurs that traffic be maintained on- site instead of closing the road during construction because of the traffic volumes using SR 1734 and the excessive length of additional travel that will be required with an off-site detour. "Rehabilitation" of the old bridge is not feasible due to its age and deteriorated condition. 3 V. ESTIMATED COSTS The estimated costs for the two alternatives are as follows: (Recommended) Alternative 2 Alternative 1 Structure $ 396,300 $ 396,300 Roadway Approaches 122,800 371,050 Detour Structure and Approaches 448,250 0 Structural Removal 22,650 22,650 Engineering and Contingencies 160,000 135,000 Right-of-Way/Construction Easements/Utilities 259,500 89,000 Total $1,409,500 $1,014,000 VI. RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS Bridge No. 109 will be replaced at its existing location, as shown by Alternative 1 in Figure 2, with a new structure having a length of approximately 37 meters (121 feet). Improvements to the existing approaches will be necessary for a distance of about 120 meters (400 feet) to the north and 60 meters (200 feet) to the south from the bridge. The Division Engineer concurs with this recommended alternative. A 7.2-meter (24-foot) pavement width with 2.4-meter (8-foot) shoulders, of which 1.2 meters (4 feet) will be paved, on each side will be provided on the approaches (see Figure 4). A 12-meter (40-foot) clear width is recommended on the replacement structure in accordance with the current North Carolina Department of Transportation Bridge Policy. SR 1734 is classified as a rural local; therefore, criteria for a rural local was used for the bridge replacement. This will provide a 7.2-meter (24-foot) travelway with 2.4-meter (8-foot) shoulders across the structure. The design speed is 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour). During the construction period, maintenance of traffic on-site with a temporary detour is necessary. Otherwise, traffic will have to be detoured along existing secondary roads. This detour route is considered unacceptable due to traffic volumes using SR 1734 and the excessive length of additional travel required. Based on a preliminary hydraulic analysis, the new structure is recommended to have a length of approximately 37 meters (121 feet). The bridge will have a 0.3% minimum slope in order to facilitate drainage. The elevation of the new structure will be approximately the same as the existing bridge so that there will be no increase to the existing 100-year floodplain elevation. The length and height of the new structure may be increased or decreased as necessary to accommodate peak flows as determined by further hydrologic studies. 4 VII. NATURAL RESOURCES A biologist visited the project site on October 15, 1994 to verify documented information and gather field data for a thorough assessment of potential impacts that could be incurred by a proposed bridge replacement project. The investigation examined the vegetation surrounding the highway bridge in order to: 1) search for State and federally protected plants and animal species; 2) identify unique or prime-quality communities; 3) describe the current vegetation and wildlife habitats; 4) identify wetlands; and 5) provide information to assess (and minimize adverse) environmental effects of the proposed bridge replacement. Biotic Communities Plant Communities Three distinct plant community types occur within the immediate area of the proposed project. Specific communities exhibited slight variation dependent upon location and physical characteristics of the site (soils, topography, human uses, etc.). Communities are described below. Mixed Hardwood Forest: This community type (Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest - Piedmont Subtype) is a forested area west of the existing bridge forming a border with the Korstian Division of Duke University Forest. This community is a riparian area composed of a mixture of large old trees with >30" dbh (diameter at breast height), and a lush understory. A trailhead for a foot-trail into the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest occurs within the subject project study area. The canopy is composed of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), northern red oak (Ouercus rubra), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciua), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and hickory (Carya spp.). Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata), and Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana) were found along the forest edge adjacent to the existing road. Sub-canopy trees include the canopy species plus American elm (Mmus americana), southern sugar maple (Acer floridanum), redbud (Cercis canadensis), sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), sassafras (was albidum), and flowering dogwood (Corpus florida). The shrub/sapling layer is composed of red maple (Acer rubrum), hickory, red mulberry (Morus rubra), sparkleberry (Vaccinium arboreum), and downy arrowwood (Viburnum rafinesquianum). The herb/vines layer is composed of cunila (Cunila origanoides), five-fingers (Potentilla canadensis), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans). 5 Floodplain Hardwood Forest: This plant community (Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest) is adjacent to New Hope Creek and on low-lying areas in the floodplain. There was standing water in a portion of the floodplain hardwood forest. The canopy is dominated by sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and includes ironwood (Ccupmus carohniam), nverbirch (Betula nigra), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). The sub-canopy is composed of the canopy trees and boxelder (Acer negundo). The shrub/sapling layer includes boxelder and green ash. The herb layer is composed of mint (Mentha spp.), cane (Arundinariagigantea), beggar's tick (Coreopsis spp.) and Japanese honeysuckle. Water-primrose (Ludwigia spp.) occurs along New Hope Creek. Urban/Disturbed: This community classification includes disturbed roadside and bridge margins, powerline right-of- way, residential lawns, and a service station/convenient store along the existing road. This area is characterized primarily by invasive vines, grasses and herbs including: fescue grass (Festuca spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), grape (vitis spp.), clover (Trifolium spp.), plantain (Plantago spp.), greenbrier (Smilax spp.), and aster (Aster spp.). The shrub/sapling layer is composed of raspberry (Rubes spp.) and red maple. Adjacent to the service station is a lawn composed of fescue grass and a sparse canopy of large white oak (Ouercus alba) and red oak. Wildlife (General) Terrestrial: The project area consists of a combination of rural countryside, forested, residential, and commercial development. Clearing and conversion of tracts of land for commercial and residential uses has eliminated cover and protection for many indigenous wildlife species east of the project area. Even so, remaining natural plant communities in the area, particularly the forested area within the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest and adjacent to New Hope Creek and associated ecotones, do serve as valuable habitat. The forest bordering New Hope Creek has all the necessary components (food, water, protective cover) for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Sighting or evidence (tracks, scat, burrows, nests, etc.) was noted for the following species of mammals including Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoon (Procyon lotor). Mammals likely to inhabit the area include deer (Odocoileus virginianus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and mice (Peromyscus spp.) The observed bird species are typical of rural Piedmont setting where a patchwork of habitat types is available. Species encountered in the forested areas and nearby New Hope Creek include pine warbler (Dendroica pinus), yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica), Kentucky warbler 6 (Oporornis formosa), and common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula). Species seen along the roadside areas include the common crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos). Reptiles and amphibians typical of these communities include the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), pickerel frogs (Rana palusiris), eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), and Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousei). Aquatic: New Hope Creek supports aquatic invertebrates and several species of fish for recreational fishing. Aquatic invertebrates observed included craneflies (Tipulidae), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera). A number of small fish observed in the creek include the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and shiners (Notropis spp.). New Hope Creek and adjacent banks also provide suitable benthic and riparian habitat for amphibians and aquatic reptiles such as the eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens), northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus), frogs (Rana spp.), snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), corn snake (Elaphe guttata), and northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon). Crayfish (Procambarus spp.) mounds were observed adjacent to the creek. Physical Resources Soil Orange County is located within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. Topography is characterized by rolling and hilly relief, resulting in moderate to rapid drainage. Elevations in the immediate project area range from approximately 79 meters (260 feet) along the creek bottom to 85.3 meters (280 feet) along the forested upland areas. Orange County is underlain by the Carolina Slate Belt and Triassic Basin Systems. These two systems meet near the immediate project area. The major rocks of the Carolina Slate Belt are volcanic slates, basic and acid tuffs, breccias and flows. Triassic rocks are shales, and dark and light colored sandstones, mudstones, siltstones and conglomerates. Local changes in subsurface geology are common, and large, homogeneous masses of a single rock type are rare. Soils in the project vicinity include Altavista fine sandy loam, Chewacla loam, Congaree fine sandy loam, Creedmoor fine sandy loam, and White store clay loam. Altavista fine sandy loam is a well- drained soil found on broad stream terraces. Chewacla loam is a somewhat poorly drained soil found on long, flat areas parallel to streams on the floodplain. Congaree fine sandy loam is a well-drained soil found on narrow bands parallel to streams on floodplains. Creedmoor fine sandy loam is a well- drained soil found on broad ridges on the uplands. White store clay loam is a well-drained soil found on side slopes adjacent to major drainageways. Chewacla loam, Congaree fine sandy loam, and Altavista fine sandy loam have mapped units with inclusions of hydric soils or have wet spots. 7 Water Bridge No. 109 crosses New Hope Creek approximately 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) downstream of its origin in northeast Orange County. New Hope Creek flows southeast into the B. Everette Jordan Reservoir which is part of the Cape Fear River Basin. Classifications are assigned to waters of the State of North Carolina based on the existing or contemplated best usage of various streams or segments of streams in the basin (NCDNRCD 1993). New Hope Creek is Class C NSW stream, indicating suitability for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture, and a supplemental classification for nutrient sensitive waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs. The North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) report lists nine sources (Carolina Friends School, Timothy Barber Residence, Baumam and Carbrey Residence, Robert G. Mays Residence, Daniel R Dalcorso Residence, William L. Triplett Residence, Hilltop MHP, Triangle Care Center, Inc./Briarwood Rest Home, and Birchwood MHP) within four miles upstream of the proposed crossing. No High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), WS I or WS II Waters occur within 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of the project site. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) addresses long term trends in water quality at fixed monitoring sites by the sampling for benthic macroinvertebrates. Certain organisms are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality. Good water quality is associated with high taxa richness (the number of different types of organisms) and the presence of many intolerant species. Water quality degradation gradually eliminates the more sensitive species and leads to a community structure quite different from that in an unstressed waterbody. New Hope Creek was sampled at the SR 2220 crossing approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) downstream of the study bridge crossing (March 1987), and given a Fair bioclassification rating. Table 1 describes the stream characteristics of New Hope Creek observed in the vicinity of the proposed bridge replacement project. 8 TABLE 1 Stream Characteristics and Ecological Classifications Characteristic Description Substrate Sand, gravel Current Flow Moderate Channel Width 12.8 meters (42 feet) Water Depth 15 centimeters (0.5 feet) to 30 centimeters (1 foot) Water Color Brown Water Odor None Aquatic Vegetation Water-primrose Adjacent Vegetation Sycamore, ironwood, river birch, green ash Wetlands Palustrine Forested Jurisdictional Topics Wetlands Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States" as defined in Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 328.3, in accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Surface waters and wetlands will be impacted by project construction. Approximately 0.20 hectares (0.50 acres) of Palustrine forested broad-leaved deciduous wetlands (see Cowardin et al. 1979) will be impacted (filled) by the construction of the recommended alternative. Field observations indicated wetlands were associated with low lying land adjacent to the bridge. Standing surface water was observed near the roadway embankment south of the bridge. Wetland communities were identified using the criteria specified in the 1987 "US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual". For an area to be considered a "wetland", the following three specifications must be met: 1) presence of hydric soils (low soil chroma values); 2) presence of hydrophytic vegetation; and 3) evidence of hydrology at or near the soil surface for a portion (5 percent or greater duration) of the growing season. Protected Species Federally Protected Species: Species with federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (1978, 1979, 1982, and 1988 Amendments). Candidate species do not receive protection under the Act, but are mentioned due to potential vulnerability. Table 2 lists the federally protected species for Orange County as of March 28, 1995. 9 TABLE 2 Federally Protected Species for Orange County Common Name Scientific Name Status Red-cockaded woodpecker Picoides borealis E Smooth coneflower Echinacea laevigata E Michaux's sumac Rhus michauxii E Brief descriptions of each species characteristics, habitat requirements, and relationship to the proposed project are discussed below. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Status: E Family: Picidae Listed: 10/13/70 This federally Endangered woodpecker is found in scattered locations throughout the southeast. The bird measures 18 to 20 centimeters long with a wing span ranging from 35 to 38 centimeters. The male has a small red spot on each side of the head. Both males and females show a black cap and stripe on the side of the neck. The throat is also black while the cheeks and under parts are white. Black and white horizontal stripes are visible on the back. Nesting habitat consists of open pine stands (minimum age 60 years) or mixed pinelhardwood stands, (50 percent or more pine). Longleaf pine (Pines palustris) is most commonly used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT No suitable habitat exists along the bridge replacement alternative. Also, a review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Red-cockaded woodpecker. Smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) Status: E Family: Asteraceae Listed: 10/8/92 Smooth coneflower is currently known from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The habitat of smooth coneflower is open woods, cedar barrens, roadsides, clearcuts, dry limestone bluffs, and power line right-of-ways, usually on magnesium- and calcium-rich soils associated with gabbro in North Carolina. Optimal sites are characterized by abundant sunlight and little competition in the herb layer. The Smooth coneflower is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall from a vertical root stock. The stems are smooth with few leaves. The rays of the flower are light pink to purplish, usually drooping, and the flower heads are usually solitary. Flowering occurs from May through July. 10 BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The disturbed roadside margins, powerline right-of-ways, and cleared land along the project offers suitable habitat for this species. Plant by plant surveys along these habitats were conducted on October 25, 1994. No dried flower heads from, the summer bloom or plants were observed. A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the project study area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. Miichaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii) Status: E Family: Anacardiacene Listed: 9/28/89 Mchaux's sumac was known historically from the inner coastal plain and lower Piedmont of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Thirty-five populations have been reported in North Carolina. This plant occurs in rocky or sandy open woods. It is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain the openness of its habitat. It grows only in open habitat where it can get full sunlight and it does not compete well with other species such as Japanese honeysuckle. N ichaux's sumac is a densely pubescent rhizomatous shrub that grows 0.2 to 1.0 meters in height. The narrowly winged or wingless rachis support 9 to 13 sessile, oblong to oblong-lanceolate leaflets that are each 4 to 9 centimeters long, 2 to 5 centimeters wide, acute and acuminate. It bears small flowers in a terminal, erect, dense cluster. The flowers are greenish to white in color. Fruits, which develop from August to September on female plants, are a red densely short-pubescent drupe, 5 to 6 millimeters across. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The disturbed roadside margins and powerline right-of-way along the project offers suitable habitat for this species. Plant by plant surveys along these habitats were conducted on October 15, 1994. No plants were observed. A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. Federal Candidate Species: There are four C2 federal candidate species listed for Orange County. The North Carolina status of these species is listed in Table 3. 11 TABLE 3 Federal Candidate Species for Orange Coun Common Name Scientific Name Suitable NC Habitat Status Atlantic pigtoe Fusconaia mason Yes T Savannah lilliput Toxolasma pullus Yes T mussel A liverwort Plagiochila columbiana Yes C Sweet pinesap Monotropsis odorata Yes C NC Status: T, C and SR denote Threatened, Candidate, and Significantly Rare, respectively. Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as taxa for which there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there is not enough data to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened at this time. These species are mentioned here for information purposes, should they become federally protected in the future. Specific surveys for any of these species were not conducted, nor were these species observed during the site visit. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has a record (August 1989), for sweet pinesap on a Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff within the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest approximately three-quarters of a mile from the subject project study area. Sweet pinesap was not observed in the subject project study area. State Protected Species: Plant or animal species which are on the state list as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G. S. 106-202. 12 et seq.). North Carolina Natural Heritage Program records indicate that the state listed species shown in Table 4 have been found within 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of the project site but, not within the proposed alignments. TABLE 4 State Listed Species in Project Area Common Name Scientific Name NC Status Record Date Thorey's greyback Tachopteryx thoregi SR August 1989 Four-toed salamander Hemidactylium scutatum SR July 1989 Pursh's Wild-petunia Ruellia purshiana SR August 1990 Sweet pinesap Monotropis Odorata C August 1989 NC Status: C and SR denote Candidate and Significantly Rare, respectively. Impacts impacts on plant communities are reflective of the relative abundance of each system present in the study area. It should be noted that estimated impacts were derived using the entire proposed right-of- way. Project construction often does not require the entire right-of-way and therefore actual impacts 12 may be less. Table 5 summarizes potential plant community impacts which could result from the proposed bridge replacement. TABLE 5 Impacts to Plant Communities for Alternative 1 in Hectares (Acres Plant Communities Permanent Impact Temporary Impact Mixed Hardwood Forest 0.05 (0.14) 0.11 (0.26) Floodplain Hardwood Forest 0.11 (0.26) 0.13 (0.34) Urban/Disturbed 0.06 0.16 0.21 0.53 TOTAL 0.22 (0.56) 0.45 (1.131 Note: Permanent Impacts are based on a 24-meter (80-foot) corridor of the alignment. Temporary Impacts are based on an 18-meter (60-foot) corridor of the alignment. Impacts to plant communities as a result of bridge replacement will affect a rural buffer to the forest and a trailhead entrance to the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest. The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program has classified the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest as a natural area site with statewide significance. The Mixed Hardwood Forest canopy near the existing road exhibits several large trees and natural cut areas with a diversity of plant species. This area will be impacted by construction activity which occurs west of the existing road. Other impacts in the project area are restricted to narrow strips adjacent to the existing bridge and roadway segments, powerline right-of-way, commercial and residential areas. The proposed action will result in loss or displacement of known terrestrial plant or animal habitat. Habitat affected by the proposed action include Urban/Disturbed and Hardwood Forested areas. The Urban/Disturbed area is utilized by opportunistic plant species such as Japanese honeysuckle and mobile species such as rodents, lizards and snakes that can recover quickly from construction impacts. The forested edge of the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest will receive impacts. The hardwood forest areas bordering New Hope Creek will receive disturbances next to the existing bridge area. These areas should continue to provide adequate habitat areas for mammals, reptiles and birds. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will utilize the best management practices for the proposed action to limit effects on the aquatic ecosystem. The disturbance of the creek bed and sedimentation from the banks could affect aquatic life, (fish, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates) both at the project site as well as down stream reaches. Short term impacts to water quality can be anticipated from construction-related activities, which may increase sedimentation and turbidity. Impacts will be minimized by the use of best management practices, including implementation of stringent erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction. Long term impacts to water resources are not expected as a result of proposed improvements. The new bridge will maintain the present flow to protect stream integrity. Increased runoff from roadway 13 surfaces will be partially mitigated by providing for vegetated road shoulders and limited use of ditching wherever possible. Permit Coordination In accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.O.E. 1344), a permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers for the discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States". Since the subject project is classified as a Categorical Exclusion, it is likely that this project will be subject to the Nationwide Permit Provisions of 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23. This permit authorizes any activities, work and discharges undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed, in whole or in part, by another federal agency and that the activity is "categorically excluded" from environmental documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither individually nor cumulatively has a significant effect on the environment. However, final permit decisions are left to the discretionary authority of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the N.C. Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, will also be required. This certificate is issued for any activity which may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal permit is required. Compensatory mitigation is not required under a Nationwide permit. Erosion and sedimentation control measures will be strictly enforced during construction activities to minimize unnecessary impacts to stream and wetland ecosystems. Best Management Practices will also be implemented. Fill material from the temporary detour within the floodplain will be removed and the area restored, to the extent reasonably possible, to promote the regeneration of the pre-construction conditions. VIII. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS The project is expected to have an overall positive impact. Replacement of an inadequate bridge will result in safer traffic operations. The project is considered to be a Federal "Categorical Exclusion" due to its limited scope and lack of substantial environmental consequences. The bridge replacement will not have an adverse effect on the quality of the human or natural environment with the use of the current North Carolina Department of Transportation standards and specifications. The project is not in conflict with any plan, existing land use, or zoning regulation. No change in land use is expected to result from the construction of the project. No adverse impact on families or communities is anticipated. Right-of-Way acquisition will be limited. No relocatees are expected with implementation of the proposed alternative. 14 No adverse effect on public facilities or services is expected. The project is not expected to adversely affect social, economic, or religious opportunities in the area. The proposed project will not require right-of-way acquisition or easements from any land protected under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. This project is subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, implemented by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at Title 36 CFR Part 800. Section 106 requires that if a federally funded, licensed, or permitted project has an effect on a property listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation be given an opportunity to comment. The project is also subject to compliance with Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, as amended. To comply with those requirements, the North Carolina Department of Transportation provided documentation on the subject project for submittal to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. Correspondence with the State Historic Preservation Officer (see Appendix) indicates that no National Register-listed or eligible properties are located within the Area of Potential Effect (APE), depicted in Figure 2. Since there are no properties either listed on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places within the APE, no further compliance with Section 106, with respect to architectural resources, is required. The Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer concurred regarding archaeological resources in the proposed project, in a letter of September 29, 1995 (see Appendix) by stating "no effect upon archaeological sites 310R13 and 31OR438**". If the recommended bridge replacement alignment changes, the new data shall be forwarded to the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources as soon as possible for review. This project has been coordinated with the United States Soil Conservation Service. The Farmland Protection Policy Act requires all federal agencies or their representatives to consider the potential impact to prime farmland of all land acquisition and construction projects. With the exception of the construction of a temporary detour, all work will be done within the existing right-of-way. Therefore, the project will not involve the direct conversion of prime, unique, or important farmland acreage. The project is located in orange County, which has been determined to be in compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 40 CFR Parts 51 is not applicable, because the proposed project is located in an attainment area. This project is not anticipated to create any adverse effect on the air quality of this attainment area. This project will not substantially increase traffic volumes. Therefore, the impact on noise levels and air quality will not be substantial. Noise levels could increase during construction but will be temporary. If vegetation is disposed of by burning, all burning shall be done in accordance with 15 applicable local laws and regulations of the North Carolina State Implementation Plans for air quality in compliance with 15 NCAC 2D.0520. This evaluation completes the assessment requirements for noise analysis of Title 23 CFR Part 772 and for air quality of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and the National Environmental Policy Act. An examination of records at the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, Solid Waste Management Section revealed no hazardous waste sites in the project area. An underground storage tank for the gas station is located at the southeast quadrant of the bridge, however, it is not listed on the records at the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources, Division of Environment Management, Groundwater Section. The temporary detour alignment does not appear to have an impact on the underground storage tank at the gas station. Final refinement of the detour alignment will be performed during the final design stage to eliminate any possibility of impacts to the underground storage tank. Orange County is a participant in the National Flood Regular Insurance Program. The approximate 100-year floodplain in the project area is shown in Figure 6. The amount of floodplain area to be affected is not substantial. There are no practical alternatives to crossing the floodplain area. Any shift in alignment will result in a crossing of about the same magnitude. All reasonable measures will be taken to minimize any possible harm. The project will not increase the upstream limits of the 100-year floodplain. In the vicinity of the project, there are no structures located within the limits of the 100-year floodplain. On the basis of the above discussion, it is concluded that no substantial adverse environmental impacts will result from implementation of the project. 16 I / ,0011 00 00 00? 0000 RA o OUth ' 98 IM-In al ill o,k o.o.t 0 NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH Orange County SR-1734 over New Hope Creek Bridge #109 B-2852 rlkjuxr- I SIDE VIEW SOUTH APPROACH LOOKING NORTH NORTH APPROACH LOOKING SOUTH FIGURE 3 • r U- O E- Z IL) F- 2 0 '4 N . cn cn ? 3 > U ~ ~ zoxZ a ?' ? < o rno ? cn uozz v z 00 , CL ° M-2EU g i C4 ti a > 0 O o CU z F. C2 e V] J J Z z O p U U W (n W U) o u Z U ul I Q N UJ Q U) tOi> d O ?" v C co ? O CC N N Ci X CL W CL O ` CL CC tL Z ch --? y > Q `' Q N U U co CL a v f}- } a? C ? ?p H CT C ? C'7 X W 00 G 4 70 - N Q s N CL N IL a o Z; t 3 'O r O 7 - O 7 Cn a Cn co a F- II II 11 Y J a F- w t Lc. O J F- Q Z F.. w ? w H ? ? y Z a o r w ¢ a x U CL y p x a 0 Z ?N 00 BO Z, L. O q 00.1 r O Z H A a m eh C'41 F En 111/? i (V ^' s .. N N -° U H z w o H z o . o ? U a W ? o W U s N a M F" O W n O O O F- 00 N cn C ` 00 ' ov0 .3 Q? -- o O lqr N rn cn `? II II it Q > ? 00 00 U Q 0% rn o N z 0 R H U w N C5 r-r w Il II '?i /I it 11 \ cSA 1? 1 II ? ?o 320 Orange County SR-1734 over New Hope Creek Bridge #109 316 B-2852 315 310 II ?? 303 1 ri \ II ZONE A4 ill 30.3 • 301 ZONE C RM74 Piuer ;llowirai77 • I' Creek 29 • ZONE C / I! 8 I ?\ X92 1 i l - 290 LU "S: lzr Z 14 114vPe N? Vn ? I = 010 ZONE A8? o g3? //r ZONE C 1crere BRIDGE NO. 109 >rd II ZONE A8 • / // 1737 1303 ' ll v ? 1f 100 YEAR FLOOD LIMIT ??? / 26$ i l 265 I! ?? I vz7 %\ RM73 266 ' I? ??\ ?' \ \\ 1731 New Hope ?? `1 Il ?? \U I! Creek, lVcu• Hope Creek ZONE A MT MORIAH Town of CHURCH !Chapel Hill AREA NOT ?' II ROAD I NCLUDED IF SCALE: V= 1000' FIGURE 6 V 1.a ?? Or gip. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary September 29, 1995 Nicholas L. Graf Division Administrator Federal Highway Administration -?: Department of Transportation 310 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442 Re: Federal-Aid Project BRSTP-1734(2), TIP 8-2852, State Project 8.2500801, Archaeological Consultation, Bridge No. 109 over New Hope Creek, Orange County, ER 96-7470 Dear Mr. Graf: Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director Thank you for your letter of September 5, 1995, and the accompanying background information concerning archaeological sites 31OR13 and 31OR438** As noted in your letter, Dr. Novick of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Ms. Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office previously consulted and reviewed this information. It is our understanding that the replacement of bridge number 109 will involve construction of a temporary detour structure and the acquisition of forty{ feet of additional right-of-way to the east of the existing bridge. All ground disturbing activities are to take place within the limits of this right-of-way. As currently proposed, we concur that the bridge replacement will have no effect upon archaeological sites 31 OR 13 and 31OR438**. Please note that your letter referred to the Patterson Mill Site as 31 OR430. The correct number is 31 OR438**. If plans for the bridge replacement change, the new information should be forwarded to us for review as soon as possible. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. Sincerely, 1 1? David brook Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer DB:slw cc: H. F. Vick. ,l'Vovick t ?STA is 20 r ;" D EC 2 2 1994 North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources . . `S1r R1 James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary December 19, 1994 MEMORANDUM TO: H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of Transportation FROM: David Brook ;? ± J r Deputy State HlNstofr reservation Officer " ib"JA , Division of Arc 'M?71 ist o William SUBJECT: Group VII Bridge Replacement Projects (fifteen bridges), Multicounty, CH 95-E-4220-0305 We have received information concerning the above project from the State Clearinghouse. We have reviewed the list of fifteen bridges planned for replacement. With the exception of B-2830; Greene County on NC 123 over Contentnea Creek on which we commented at a "meeting of the minds" in 1994, we have no record of having seen these proposed projects. Given our lack of staff in the Survey and Planning Branch to review the potential impacts of these replacements on historic buildings, we are unable to respond to your request for comments at this time. We suggest you direct your consultants, MA Engineering, to make an appointment with Renee Gledhill-Ear!ey to check our maps and files or have her review aerial photographs or maps of the project areas. Our comments with regard to archaeological resources are as follows: Bridge 23 on NC 123 over Contentnea Creek, B-2830, Greene County, ER 94- 8699 There are no recorded archaeological sites within the immediate project vicinity, although the area south of the existing bridge contains a very high probability for the presence of prehistoric resources. It is likely that we will recommend an archaeological survey for this project, but we are unable to complete our review without project details and location. Please forward them as soon as they are available. 109 East Jones Street • Ralcigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 Q3 r I H_ F. Vick December 19, 1994, Page 2 Bridge 109 on SR 1734 over New Hope Creek, B-2852, Orange County Archaeological site 31OR438** is likely to be affected by the proposed bridge replacement project. This historic period mill dam is located across New Hope Church north of SR 1734. We recommend that the project area be surveyed and site 31 OR438 * * be tested and evaluated for its National Register eligibility if it is to be affected by the project. Bridge 2 on SR 1003 over Pig Basket Creek, B-2850, Nash County Bridge 14 on SR 1609 over Fishing Creek, B-2828, Granville County Bridge 13 on SR 1530 over Haw River, B-2802, Alamance County Bridge 289 on SR 1152 over Swift Creek, B-2871, Wake County Bridge 2 on SR 1529 over Haw River, B-2801, Alamance County There are no recorded archaeological sites located in the project vicinity. However, we are unable to assess the project's potential effects upon as yet unrecorded resources without a project location. As soon as a location and detailed project information (including new right-of-way, approach work, detour structures) is available, please forward it to us so we may complete our review. Bridge 37 on NC 73 over Big Mountain Creek, B-1336, Richmond County Bridge 15 on SR 1100 over Barnards Creek, B-2595, New Hanover County Bridge 27 on NC 904 over Scipped Swamp, B-2807, Brunswick County Bridge 37 on US 13 over South River, B-2819, Cumberland and Sampson Counties Bridge 82 on SR 1456 over Deep River, B-2849, Moore County Bridge 45 *on NC 211 over Raft Swamp, B-2860, Robeson County Bridge 61 on SR 1935 over Ten Mile Swamp, B-2863, Robeson County Bridge 32 on SR 1433 and SR 1310 over Lumber River, B-2866, Robeson and Scotland Counties There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project. The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800. Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment, please contact .Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919/733-4763. DB:slw cc: State Clearinghouse B. Church T. Padgett . North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor Betty Ray McCain, Secretary February 21, 1995 MEMORANDUM TO: Barbara Church Planning and Environmental Branch Division of Highways Department of Transportation FROM: Renee Gledhill-Earley , Q-&?6 Environmental RevievJ (Coordinator Historic Preservation Office SUBJECT: Concurrence Forms Division of Archives and History William S. Price, Jr., Director Attached are the fully executed concurrence forms for properties not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for the following projects: Alamance County, B-2801; Federal Aid BRZ-1529(2), Replace Bridge No. 2 on SR 1529 over Prong of Haw River Alamance County, B-2802, Federal Aid BRSTP-1530(1), Replace Bridge No. 13 on SR 1530 over Haw River Brunswick County, B-2807, Federal Aid BRSTP-904(2), Replace Bridge No. 27 on NC 904 over Scippio Swamp Cumberland County, B-2819, Federal Aid BRSTP-13(3), Replace Bridge No. 37 on US 13 over South River Granville County, B-2828, Federal Aid BRZ-1609(1), Replace Bridge No. 14 on SR 1609 over Fishing Creek Greene County, B-2830, Federal Aid BRSTP-123(1), Replace Bridge No. 123 on NC 123 over Contentnea Creek More County, B-2849, Federal Aid, BRZ-1456(3), Replace Bridge No. 82 on SR 1456 over Deep River Nash County, B-2850, Federal Aid BRZ-1003(13), Replace Bridge No. 2 on SR 1003 over Pig Basket Creek New Hanover County, B-2595, Federal Aid BRSTP-11.00(5), Replace Bridge No. 15 on SR 1 100 over Barnards Creek ?<", 109 East Jones Street • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807 Q11-/ y, 16 Barbara Church February 21, 1995, Page 2 Orange County, B-2852, Federal Aid BRSTP-1734(2), Replace Bridge No. 109 on SR 1734 over New Hope Creek Richmond County, B-1336, Federal Aid BRSTP-6491(2), Replace Bridge No. 37 on NC 73 over Big Mountain Creek Robeson County, B-2860, Federal Aid BRSTP-21 1(1), Replace Bridge No. 45 on NC 211 over Raft Swamp Robeson County, B-2863, Federal Aid BRZ-1935(1), Replace Bridge No. 61 on SR 1935 over Ten Mile Swamp Scotland County, B-2866, Federal Aid BRSTP-1433(1), Replace Bridge No. 32 on SR 1433 aver .Lumber River Wake County, B-2871, Federal Aid BRSTP-1152(2), Replace Bride No. 289 on SR 1 152 over Swift Creek Please distribute to the appropriate engineer and to Federal Highway Administration. We have kept copies for our files. RGE:slw Attachments TIP u. ?' 2gti2 Federal Aid #,t t P,5T P -171x4 (2? County 0(W,1C-E CONCURRENCE FORM FOR PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Brief Project Description V_e_mAtr, »P.itxe Ov. lol or3 5x-1-134 ayex a ew H •Pe. Ct2eV- On ?JANuAiJ loo 1115 , representatives of the ? North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) ? North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Other reviewed the subject project at A scoping meeting Historic architectural resources photograph review session/consultation Other All parties present agreed there are no properties over fifty years old within the project's area of potential effect. ? there are no properties less than fifty years old which are considered to meet Criterion Consideration G within the project's area of potential effect. ? there are properties over fifty years old (list attached) within the project's area of potential effect, but based on the historical information available and the photographs of each property, properties identified as Qre a ib are considered not eli&ibl -for the National Register and no further evaluation of thenris necessary. there are no National Register-listed properties within the project's area of potential effect. S igned: z/2 Representative, NCDOT Date 7-./ E FHw , f e Division Administrator, or other Federal Agency Date Representative, SHPO / oZ Date z //? State Historic Preservation Officer If a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this forrn and the attached list will be included. it ...+.. +.?. . Replacement of Bridge # 109 On SR 1734 Over New Hope Creek Orange County, North Carolina T.I.P. No. B-2852 State Project No. 8.2500801 NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT B-2852 Prepared for. MA Engineering Consultants, Inc. The North Carolina Department of Transportation Prepared by: Ecological Consultants 3403 Long Ridge Road Durham, North Carolina 27703 March 1995 PAGE 1.0 Introduction ............................... ...................... 1 1 1.1 Project Description .................... ...................... 1.2 Purpose.......... ................. ...................... 1 1 1.3 Methodology ......................... ...................... 2 1.4 Project Area .......................... .................... . 2 1.5 Physiography and Soils ................. ...................... 2.0 Biotic Resources ............................ ...................... 2 2 2.1 Plant Communities .................... ....................... 2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Plant Communities .. ....................... 3 2.3 Wildlife ............................ .......................4 2.3.1 Terrestrial ..................... .......................4 2.3.2 Aquatic........ ............. .......................5 2.4 Anticipated Impacts to Wildlife .......... ....................... 5 5 3.0 Water Resources ........................... ..................... 3.1 Waters Impacted ..................... ....................... 5 3.2 Best Usage Classification and Water Quality ....................... 5 3.3 Stream Characteristics ................. ....................... 6 3.4 Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources ... ....................... 6 4.0 Speci al Topics ............................. ...................... 7 4.1 Waters of the United States ............. ....................... 7 4.1.1 Permits ...................... ....................... 7 4.1.2 Mitigation .................... ....................... 7 4.2 Rare and Protected Species .................................... 7 4.2.1 Federally Protected Species ....... ....................... 7 4.2.2 Federal Candidate Species ........ ....................... 9 4.2.3 State Protected Species .......... ....................... 10 11 5..0 References ............................... ....................... 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Natural Resources Technical Report is submitted to assist in the ..past., of a Categorical FYrlnc'on (CF)document for the nraiec 1.1 Project Description One alternative is proposed. Alternative 1 is to replace the bridge at the existing location with a two-lane bridge approximately 38.7 m (127 ft) long and 7.8 m (25.5 ft) wide. The . recommended temporary on-site detour structure is a bridge approximately 38.7 m (127 ft) long and 7.8 m (25.5 ft) wide located east of the existing bridge. 1.2 ose The purpose of this document is to describe and inventory the natural resources identified within the project vicinity and estimate potential impacts to these resources. Specifically, the tasks performed for this study include: 1) an assessment of biological features within the study corridor including descriptions of vegetation, wildlife, protected species, wetlands, and water quality; 2) an evaluation of probable impacts resulting from construction; and 3) a preliminary determination of permit needs. 1.3 Methodology. Materials and research data in support of this investigation have been derived from the following sources including: North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) water quality classification (Cape Fear River Basin), DEM Point Source Discharge Report for New Hope Creek, DEM Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) survey for the Cape Fear River Basin, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Chapel Hill, N.C.), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list of protected species and North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NC-NHP) data base of uncommon and protected species and unique habitats, and aerial photography (scale l: 1200) furnished by the NCDOT. Field surveys were conducted along the proposed project alignments on October 15, 1994. Plant communities likely to be impacted by proposed improvements were walked and visually observed for significant features. Wildlife was identified using a number of observation techniques; active searching and capture, visual observations (binocular), and recording identifying signs of wildlife (sounds, tracks, and burrows). Cursory surveys of the aquatic habitats were conducted using a long-handled triangular sweep net. Organisms captured were identified and then released. Alternative 1 impact calculations include 24 m (80 ft) width for the existing alignment and 18 m (60 ft) width for the temporary detour alignment. 1.4 Project Area The proposed project occurs in a rural area of Orange County approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) northanst of- C ape 1, North Carolina (Figure!) Land-use is forested (Knrctian Division of Duke University Forest is west of existing bridge and road), and urban/disturbed areas. The Korstian Division of Duke University Forest is an undeveloped woodland area along New Hope Creek between SR1712 and SR1734. Urban/disturbed areas are lands adjacent to the existing bridge and road, powerline Right-of-Way (ROW), residential, and a service station/store adjacent to the existing bridge. 1.5 Physio=Rhy and Soils Orange County is located within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. Topography is characterized byrolling and hilly relief, resulting in moderate to rapid drainage. Elevations in the immediate project area range from approximately 79 m (260 ft) along the creek bottom to 85.3 m (280 ft) along the forested upland areas. Orange County is underlain by the Carolina Slate Belt and Triassic Basin Systems. These two systems meet near the immediate project area. The major rocks of the Carolina Slate Belt are volcanic slates, basic and acid tuffs, breccias and flows. Triassic rocks are shales, and dark and light colored sandstones, mudstones, siltstones and conglomerates. Local changes in subsurface geology are common, and large, homogeneous masses of a single rock type are rare. Soils in the project vicinity include Altavista fine sandy loam, Chewacla loam, Congaree fine sandy loam, Creedmoor fine sandy loam, and White store clay loam. Altavista fine sandy loam is a well drained soil found on broad stream terraces. Chewacla loam is a somewhat poorly drained soil found on long, flat areas parallel to streams on the floodplain. Congaree fine sandy loam is a well drained soil found on narrow bands parallel to streams on floodplains. Creedmoor fine sandy loam is a well drained soil found on broad ridges on the uplands. White store clay loam is a well drained soil found on side slopes adjacent to major drainageways. Chewacla loam, Congaree fine sandy loam, and Altavista fine sandy loam have mapped units with inclusions of hydric soils or have wet spots. 2.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES 2.1 Plant Communities Three distinct plant community types occur within the immediate area of the proposed project. Specific communities exhibited slight variation dependent upon location and physical characteristics of the site (soils, topography, human uses, etc.). Communities are described below. Mixed Hardwood Forest This community type (Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest - Piedmont Subtype) is a forested area west of the existing bridge forming a border with the Korstian Division of Duke University, 2 II II II '?? S4 ?? ,rr:? t? ? -w Ilk* .L - ^' ?,• `..` NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH Orange County SR-1734 over New Hope Creek Bridge #109 B-2852 A-Tr"r Forest. This community is a riparian area composed of a mixture of large old trees with >30" dbh (diameter at breast height), and a lush understory. A trailhead for a foot-trail into the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest occurs within the subject project study area. 1116 Gfi11V?Jy iJ vvaur+vub?a va a-aaaavaavaaaa arvvv.a ?? .. ?. .y, -.-.-.. ____ .,_a'- --'-r-- ?- --- floridanum), northern red oak ( uercus cobra), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and hickory (Cava s,Qp.). Loblolly pine (Pin taeda shortleaf pine (Pin-us echinata), and Virginia pine (Ping vir 'niana) were found along the forest edge adjacent to the existing goad" ;Su .; cano X jt fees in, lude the canopy species plus American elm ( mus ami r can ;° " ' ? i+; cabs n? to As o (Oxydendrum arboreum), ( i'flvwering;dogwood (Coriius'florida). The shrub/sapling sassafras 5as - aibidum layer is comps etl of bbd nrlapl . ?Ade iubriiin , 'hickory' ;''red mulberry (Morus rubra), sparklebeltS(atciri?iun''aiio4?ein,°and`cl4o'why44o'ru{dd (Viburnum rafinesquianum). The herb/vines layer is composed of cunila (Cunila g ganoides), five-fingers (Potentilla canadensis), Virginia creeper.Parthenocissus quinquefolia); poison.ivy.(Toxicodendron radicans), and trumpet creeper am sis radicans). Fooodplain Hardwood Forest This plant community (Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest) is adjacent to New Hope Creek and on low-lying areas in the floodplain. There was standing water in a portion of the floodplain hardwood forest. The canopy is dominated by sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and includes ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana), riverbirch (Betula ni a), and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica). The sub-canopy is composed of the canopy trees and boxelder (Acer nggundo). The shrub/sapling layer includes boxelder and green ash. The herb layer is composed of mint (Mentha spy.), cane (Arundinaria gigantea), beggar's tick (Coreopsis spy.) and Japanese honeysuckle. Water-primrose (Ludwieia spp.) occurs along New Hope Creek. Urban/Disturbed This community classification includes disturbed roadside and bridge margins, powerline ROW, residential lawns, and a service station/convenient store along the existing road. This area is characterized primarily by invasive vines, grasses and herbs including: fescue grass (Festuca Vp,), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera jaVD-nig-a), crabgrass (Digitaria spy.grape (Viti spy.), clover (Trifolium spy.), plantain (Plantaso greenbrier (Smilax sQ.}, and aster (Aster The shrub/sapling layer is composed of raspberry (Rubu spy.) and red maple. Adjacent to the service station is a lawn composed of fescue grass and a sparse canopy of large white oak ( uercus albs and red oak. 2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Plant Communities Impacts on plant communities are reflective of the relative abundance of each system present in the study area. It should be noted that estimated impacts were derived using the entire proposed right-of-way. Project construction often does not require the entire right-of-way and therefore actual impacts may be less. The following table summarizes potential plant community impacts which could result from the proposed bridge replacement. 3 Estimated Impacts to Plant Communities nru. q T IES ESTT MAXED -1MP e CT MUN - - PLANT Alt. 1 Perm. Alt. 1 Temp. Mixed Hardwood Forest 0,05 (0.14) 0.11 (0.26) Floodplain Hardwood Forest 0.11 (0.26) 0.13 (0.34) 4; Urban/Disturbed ;?i t'aR ij?,?, } 0.21 0.53 i T(?TA aiig !1 ? , 0.45( 1.13) in ::+t3 r tia :.1. ii 15 . , t = ?' i rt '+. t '+.q.cS S { i ?_ t. .. ,i i• ril ?: _'?l 41 slues to hectaTe4ti(s ; + emN Notes empora* tid {at Term. =Permanent impacts. .. ... 2 ., .. .t ? : ?.,.. ^ w': .1p1!' „i ? . •{r. ,. ?'i d: 1 ., ? .. i.i i.:ii i i Impacts to plant communities as a result of bridge replacement will affect a rural buffer to the forest and _a trailhead entrance to the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest. The NC Natural Heritage Program has classified the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest as a natural area site with statewide significance. The Mixed Hardwood Forest canopy near the existing road exhibits several large trees and natural cut areas with a diversity of plant species. This area will be impacted by construction activity which occur west of the existing road. Other impacts in the project area are restricted to narrow strips adjacent to the existing bridge and roadway segments, powerline ROW, commercial and residential areas. 2.3 Wildlife 2.3.1 Terrestrial The project area consists of a combination of rural countryside, forested, residential, and commercial development. Clearing and conversion of tracts of land for commercial and residential uses has eliminated cover and protection for many indigenous wildlife species east of the project area. Even so, remaining natural plant communities in the area, particularly the forested area within the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest and adjacent to New Hope Creek and associated ecotomes, do serve as valuable habitat. The forest bordering New Hope Creek has all the necessary components (food, water, protective cover) for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Sighting or evidence (tracks, scat, burrows, nests, etc,) were noted for the following species of mammals including Virginia opossum (Didelnhis vir ing iana) and raccoon (Procyon to r . ~ The observed bird species are typical of rural piedmont setting where a patchwork of habitat types are available. Species encountered in the forested areas and nearby New Hope Creek include pine warbler (Dendroica in , yellow-throated warbler (Dendroica dominica , Kentucky warbler ( orornis formosa), and common grackle ( uiscalu uiscula . Species seen along the roadside areas include the common crow ( rvus brach3ghvnchos). 4 Reptiles and amphibians typical of these communities include the eastern garter snake hamnophis sirtalis), pickerel frogs (Rana palustris), Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis), eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), and Fowler's Toad (Bufo woodhousei). 2.3.2 Aquatic New Hope Creek supports aquatic invertebrates and several species of fish for recreational fishing. Aquatic invertebrates observed included craneflies (Tipulidae), mayflies (Ephemeroptera), and caddisflies (Trichoptera). A number of small fish observed in the creek include the eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and shiners (Notropis.). New Hope Creek and adjacent banks also provide suitable benthic and riparian habitat for amphibians and aquatic reptiles such as the eastern newt (Notol2hthalmus viridescens), northern dusky.salamander (Desmo agn thus fuscus), frogs (Rana sue.), snapping turtle ( heC lydra serpentina), and several snake species. Crayfish mounds were observed adjacent to the creek. 2.4 Anticipated Impacts to Wildlife The proposed action will result in loss or displacement of known terrestrial plant or animal habitat. Habitat affected by the proposed action include Urban/Disturbed and Hardwood Forested areas. The Urban/Disturbed area is utilized by opportunistic plant species such as Japanese honeysuckle and mobile species such as rodents, lizards and snakes that can recover quickly from construction impacts. The forested edge of the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest will receive impacts. The hardwood forest areas bordering New Hope Creek will receive disturbances next to the existing bridge area. These areas should continue to provide adequate habitat areas for mammals, reptiles and birds. The proposed action can potentially have substantial affects on the aquatic ecosystem unless strict sediment control measures are taken. The disturbance of the creek bed and sedimentation from the banks could affect aquatic life, (fish, mollusks, and benthic invertebrates) both at the project site as well as down stream reaches. 3.0 WATER RESOURCES 3.1 Waters Impacted Bridge #109 crosses New Hope Creek approximately 4.8 km (3 mi) downstream of its origin in northeast Orange County. New Hope Creek flows southeast into the B. Everette Jordan Reservoir which is part of the Cape Fear River Basin. 3.2 Best Usage Classification and Water Quality Classifications are assigned to waters of the State of North Carolina based on the existing or contemplated best usage of various streams or segments of streams in the basin (NCDNRCD 1993). New Hope Creek is Class C NSW stream, indicating suitability for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture, and a 5 supplemental classification for nutrient sensitive waters which require limitations on nutrient inputs. The DE M N ` - -t Pollutant Bisc arge Elimination Syuavaaa ?a.a ar .rv? `ate port li S,?ns+ Ol b'L/ Lllllillic?u II?TDT ES) report (Carolina Friends School, Timothy Barber Residence, Baumam & Carbrey Residence, Robert G. Mays Residence, Daniel R. Dalcorso Residence, William L. Triplett Residence, Hilltop MHP, Triangle Care Center, Inc.Briarwood Rest Home, and Birchwood MHP) within four miles upstream of the proposed crossing. No High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), WS I or WS II Waters occur within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the project site. The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) addresses long term trends in water quality. at &ed monitoring sites by the sampling for benthic macroinvertebrates. Certain organisms are sensitive to very subtiie changes in water quality. Good water quality is associated with high taxa richness (the number of different types of organisms) and the presence of many intolerant species. Water quality degradation gradually eliminates the more sensitive species and leads to a community structure quite different from that in an unstressed waterbody. New Hope Creek was sampled at the SR2220 crossing approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) downstream of the study bridge crossing (March, 1987), and given a Fair bioclassification rating. 3.3 Stream Characteristics New Hope Creek originates approximately 4.8 km (3 mi) upstream above the subject bridge in northeast Orange County. The stream was approximately 12.8 m (42 ft) in width below the existing bridge. Depth varied from approximately 15 cm (0.5 ft) to 30 cm (1 ft). Flow was moderate below the bridge. The water color was brown. There were many tree snags in the creek. Substrate was sand and gravel below the existing bridge. 3.4 Anticilated Impacts to Water Resources Short term impacts to water quality can be anticipated from construction-related activities, which may increase sedimentation and turbidity. Impacts can be minimized by the use of best management practices, including implementation of stringent erosion and sedimentation control measures during construction. Long term impacts to water resources are not expected as a result of proposed improvements. The new bridge will maintain the present flow to protect stream integrity. Increased runoff from roadway surfaces will be partially mitigated by providing for vegetated road shoulders and limited use of ditching where ever possible. 6 4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS 4.1 Waters of the United States Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3, in accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Surface waters and wetlands will be impacted by project construction. Approximately 0.20 hectares (0.50 acres) with 0.11 hectares (0.26 acres) permanent and 0.09 hectares (0.24 acres) temporary wetland impacts for Alternative 1 of Palustrine forested broad-leaved deciduous wetlands (see Cowardin et al. 1979) will be impacted (filled) with the current project design. Wetland communities were identified using the criteria specified in the 1987 "US Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual". For an area to be considered a "wetland", the following three specifications must be meet; 1) presence of hydric soils (low soil chroma values), 2) presence of hydrophytic vegetation, and 3) evidence of hydrology at or near the soil surface for a portion (5 percent or greater duration) of the growing season. 4. 1.1 Permits Section 404 impacts to wetlands will occur. A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(A)23, for impacts to surface waters of the New Hope Creek, is likely to be applicable if the WRC certifies that construction of this project will not adversely affect these waters. This permit authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in whole, or in part, by another Federal agency or department. That agency or department has determined that the activity is categorically excluded from the environmental documentation, because it will neither individually or cumulatively have a significant environmental effect. A North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification is also required prior to issuance of the Nationwide Permit. 4.1.2 Mitintion Projects authorized under Nationwide Permits usually do not require compensatory mitigation according to the 1989 Memorandum Agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army. However, utilization of best management practices (BMP's) is recommended in an effort to minimize impacts. 4.2 Rare and Protected Species 4.2.1 Federally Protected Species Species with federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (1978, 1979, 1982, and 1988 Amendments). Candidate species do not receive protection under the Act, but are mentioned 7 due to potential vulnerability. The following federally protected species are listed as of November 17, 1994 for Orange County: pec Smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata.) - E Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii) - E Brief descriptions of these organisms characteristics and habitat requirements are provided below. Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Status: E Family: Picidae Listed: ;,10/13/70 This federally Endangered woodpecker is found in scattered locations throughout the southeast. The bird measures 18 to 20 cm long with a wing span ranging from 35 to 38 cm. The male has a small red spot on each side of the head. Both males and females show a black cap and stripe on the side of the neck. The throat is also black while the cheeks and under parts are white. Black and white horizontal stripes are visible on the back. Nesting habitat consists of open pine stands (minimum age 60 years) or mixed pine/hardwood stands, (50 percent or more pine). Longleaf pine (Pin-us a1Q ustris) is most commonly used, but other species of southern pine are also acceptable. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT No suitable habitat exists along the bridge replacement alternative. Also, a review of NC Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that project construction will have no impact on the Red-cockaded woodpecker. Smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) Status: E Family: Asteraceae Listed: 10/8/92 Smooth coneflower is currently known from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The habitat of smooth coneflower is open woods, cedar barrens, roadsides, ciearcuts, dry limestone bluffs, and power line ROW s, usually on magnesium- and calcium-rich soils associated with gabbro in North Carolina. Optimal sites are characterized by abundant sunlight and little competition in the herb layer. The Smooth coneflower is a rhizomatous perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 m tali from a vertical root stock. The stems are smooth with few leaves. The rays of the flower are light pink to purplish, usually drooping, and the flower heads are usually solitary. Flowering occurs from May through July. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT 8 The disturbed roadside margins, powerline ROW's, and cleared land along the project . offers suitable habitat for this species. Plant by plant surveys along these habitats were- conducted on October 25, 1994. No dried flower heads from the summer bloom or plants were otserveti. A review of NC NatULat HCLitag(Z PLUgLWLI data Leveaied 110 records of this species 111 the project study area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. Michaux's sumac (Rhos michauxii) Status: E Family: Anacardiacene Listed: 9/28189 Michaux's sumac was known historically from the inner coastal plain and lower piedmont of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.. Thirty-five populations have been reported in North Carolina. This plant occurs in rocky or sandy open woods. It is dependent on some sort of disturbance to maintain the openness of its habitat. It grows only in open habitat where it can get full sunlight and it does not compete well with other species such as Japanese honeysuckle. Michaux's sumac is a densely pubescent rhizomatous shrub that grows 0.2 to 1.0 m in height. The narrowly winged or wingless rachis supports 9 to 13 sessile, oblong to oblong-lanceolate leaflets that are each 4 to 9 cm long, 2 to 5 cm wide, acute and acuminate. It bears small flowers in a terminal, erect, dense cluster. The flowers are greenish to white in color. Fruits, which develop from August to September on female plants, are a red densely short-pubescent drupe, 5 to b mm across. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT The disturbed roadside margins and powerline ROW along the project offers suitable habitat for this species. Plant by plant surveys along these habitats were conducted on October 15, 1994. No plants were observed. A review of NC Natural Heritage Program data revealed no records of this species in the subject project study area. It can be concluded that construction of this project will not impact this species. 4.2.2 Federal Candidate Species There are five C2 federal candidate species listed for Orange County. The North Carolina status of these species is listed below. 9 Federal Candidate Species Orange County Fusconaia masoni Atlantic pigtoe Yes T Toxolasma up -1us Savannah liiliput Yes T Plagiochila coiumbiana A liverwort Yes C Monotropsis odorata Sweet pinesap Yes C Nestronia um ellula Nestronia Yes SR NC Status: T, C and SR denote Threatened, Candidate, and Significantly Rare, respectively. Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as taxa for which there is some evidence of vulnerability, but for which there is not enough data to warrant a listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened at this time. These species are mentioned here for information purposes, should they become federally protected in the future. Specific surveys for any of these species were not conducted, nor were these species observed during the site visit. The NC Natural Heritage Program has a record (August, 1989), for sweet pinesap on a Piedmont/Coastal Plain Acidic Cliff within the Korstian Division of the Duke University Forest approximately three-quarters of a mile from the subject project study area. Sweet pinesap was not observed in the subject project study area. 4.2.3 State Protected Species Plant or animal species which are on the state list as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202. 12 et seq.). NC Natural Heritage Program records indicate the following four records of the following state listed species occurring within 1.6 km (1 mile) of the project site but, not within the proposed alignments. Scientific Name Common Name NC Record Date Tachopteryx thore ' Thorey's greyback SR August, 1989 H=idac lium sc to Four-toed salamander SR July, 1989 R e lia purshiana Pursh's Wild-petunia SR August, 1990 Monotropsis odorata Sweet pinesap C August, 1989 NC Status: C and SR denote Candidate and Significantly Rare, respectively. 10 REFERENCES Beal, E.O. 1977. A Manual of Marsh and Aquatic Vascular Plants of North Carolina. The North Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Goiet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1, USACOEWES, Vicksburg, Miss. Gibbs, L.C. 1987. Weeds of the Southern United States. Univ. of Georgia College of Agriculture. LeGrand, H.E. and S.P. Hall. 1993. Natural Herita?.e Program List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Lee, D.S., J.B. Funderburg, Jr. and M.K. Clark. 1982. A Distribution Survey of North Carolina Mammals. Museum of Natural History, North Carolina. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, J.R. Harrison, 111, and J. Dermid. 1986. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia, The University of North Carolina Press. Murie, O.J. 1975. A Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Miffin Co., Boston. NCDNRCD. 1993. Classifications and Water Oualily Standards Assigned to the Water of the Tar-Pamlico River Basin. Division of Environment Management, Raleigh, N.C.. Peterson, R.T. 1980. A Field Guide to the Birds. Houghton Miffin Co., Boston. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell and RP. Jeulings. 1986. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press. Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press. Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina Third Anproximntion. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, N.C. SCS, 1993. Soil Survey for Orange County North Carolina. Soil Conservation Service. Weakley, A.S. 1993. Natural Henrita e Pro=m List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs, Jr.. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas Virginia and Mary_land_, The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, N.C. 11