19951306 Ver 1_Complete File_19951222

N. C. DEPARTIILNT OF TR 1NSPORTATION

TRANSMITTAL SLIP DATE
I1'1*? -L?-
TO:
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FROM: REF. NO. OR ROOM, 6LOG.
ACTION
? NOTE AND FILE ? PER OUR CONVERSATION
? NOTE AND RETURN TO ME ? PER YOUR REQUEST
? RETURN WITH MORE DETAILS ? FOR YOUR APPROVAL
? NOTE AND SEE ME AUOUT THIS [] FOR YOUR INFORMATION
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COMMENTS:
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
December 18, 1995
Regulatory Branch
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Field Office
P. 0. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
ATTENTION: Mr. Wayne Wright
Dear Sir:
Subject: Transylvania County - Replacement of Bridge No. 31 on SR 1535 over
Little River; T.I.P. No. B- 3051; State Project No. 8.2000801
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace the
referenced structure on existing location. This project is being processed as
a Categorical Exclusion in accordance with 23 CFR 771.115(b), We expect to
proceed with this project under a Nationwide Permit in accordance with 33 CFR
330 Appendix A (B-23) issued November 22, 1991, by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers. The provisions of Section 330.4 and Appendix A (C) of these
regulations will be followed in the construction of this project.
No jurisdictional wetlands will be affected by the proposed work. In
accordance with current procedures for projects located in the designated
trout counties, the concurrence of WRC must be obtained prior to
construction. By copy of this letter, we hereby request that WRC review the
proposed project and provide any comments they find necessary. A copy of the
CE document is included for the WRC review. Please note the special
construction conditions included in the Environmental Commitments.
?r
December' 12, 1995
r Page 2
Thank you for your assistance. If you have any questions, please call
Cyndi Bell at [phone] extension 306.
Sincerely,
. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV/plr
Attachment
cc: Bob Johnson, COE, Asheville Field Office
David Yow, WRC, Asheville
John Dorney, DEHNR, DEM
Kelly Barger, P.E., Program Development
Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design
A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics
John L. Smith, Jr., P.E., Structure Design
Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design
F. D. Martin, P.E., Division 14 Engineer
John Williams, P.E., Planning & Environmental
CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION ACTION CLASSIFICATION FORM
TIP Project No. B-3051
State Project No. 8.2000801
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-15_35(2)__
A. Project Descri on : (include project scope and location)
This project proposes to replace Bridge No. 31 (a pony truss bridge not eligible for
the National Register of Historic Places) on SR 1535 over Little River in
Transylvania County. The new structure will be a four-barrel reinforced concrete
box culvert [ each barrel at 3.7 x 3.4 meters (12 x 11 feet) ]. The project length
will be approximately 107 meters (350 feet). On either end of the culvert, 30
meters (100 feet) of paved roadway and an additional 15 meters (50 feet) of
unpaved roadway will be constructed. The portion of the roadway to be paved
will have two 3.0-meter (10-foot) lanes. Both paved and unpaved sections will
have 2.1-meter (Moot) grassed shoulders and guardrail along the entire project
length. Traffic will be detoured along secondary roads during construction.
B. Purpose and Need:
Bridge No. 31 has a sufficiency rating of 21.7 out ol'100 and an estimated
remaining life of less than five years. The structure is a one lane bridge with
3.4 meters (11 feet) of bridge roadway width. This does not meet modem
design standards which require a two lane crossing for this setting. The bridge
is posted for 4.5 metric tons (5 tons) which is well below design standards.
For these reasons, Bridge No. 31 needs to be replaced.
C: Proposed Improvements:
Circle one or more of the following improvements which apply to the project:
ape H Improvements
Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking
weaving, turning, climbing).
a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement
(3R and 4R improvements)
b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes
c. Modernizing gore treatments
d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes)
e. Adding shoulder drains
f Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes,
including safety treatments
Cr. Providing driveways pipes
h. Performing minor bridge widening ( less than one through lane)
2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the
installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
a. Installing ramp metering devices
b. Installing lights
c. Adding or upgrading guardrail
d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier
protection
e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators
f. Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers
g. Improving intersections including relocation and/ or realignment
h. Making minor roadway realignment
i. Channelizing traffic
j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards
and flattening slopes
k. Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid
1. Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit
Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of
grade separation replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.
a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing bridge approach slabs
b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks
c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting ( no red lead paint), scour
repair, fender systems, and minor structural improvements
(d) Replacing a bridge (structure and/ or fill)
4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities.
Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas.
6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of
right-of-way, where the proposed use does not have significant adverse
impacts.
7. Approvals for changes in access control.
8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and located on or near a
street with adequate capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle
traffic.
2
9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and
ancillary facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required
and there is not a substantial increase in the number of users.
10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger
shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements ) when
located in a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is
adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic.
11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is not inconsistent with existing zoning and where there is no
significant noise impact on the surrounding community.
12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land
acquisition loans under section 3 (b) of the UMT Act. Hardship and
protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited
number of parcels. These types of land acquisition will not limit the
evaluation of alternatives, including shins in alignment for planned
construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No
project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has
been completed.
D. Special Project Information
Environmental Commitments:
The bottom of the barrels will be buried under approximately 0.3 meters (1-foot)
below natural stream bottom.
2. The culvert will be designed such that at least one barrel will remain dry at normal
flow conditions.
Under no circumstance will rock, sand, or other materials be dredged from the
stream channel except in the immediate vicinity of the culverts.
4. Construction of each of the four concrete barrels will take place in a dry work area
such that direct contact between curing concrete and stream water does not occur.
5. Grading and backfilling will be minimized, and tree and shrub growth will be
retained if possible to ensure long term availability of shoreline cover for gametish
and wildlife. Backfill materials will be obtained from upland sites.
6. NCDOT will implement Best Management Practices with strict adherence to
Sedimentation Control Guidelines.
3
7. Prior to construction, NCDOT will get a section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. 1344) permit required from the COE for the discharge of dredged or fill
material into "Waters of the United States."
8. Prior to construction, NCDOT will get a North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management (DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification prior to
issuance of the Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit # 23.
Estimated Costs:
Construction S 250,000
Right of Way S 22,000
Total $ 272,000
Estimated Traffic:
Current - 200 VPD
Year 2018 - 400 VPD
TTST - 1 %
DUAL - 1 %
DHV - 10%
DIR - 60 %
Proposed Typical Roadway Section:
Travelway - two 3.0-meter (10-foot) lanes
Shoulders - 2.1 meters (7 feet) wide including guardrail along the entire
length of the project
Design Speed:
100 km/h (60 mph)
Functional Classification:
Rural Local Route
Detour Route:
SR 1535 to SR 1536 to SR 1534 back to Slt 1535 as shown on Figure 1.
Division Office Comments:
The Division 14 Office concurs with the proposed action.
4
E. Threshold Criteria
If any Type II actions are involved in the project, the following evaluation must
be completed. If the project consists only of Type I improvements, the following
checklist does not need to be Completed.
ECOLOGICAL YES NO
(1) Will the project have a substantial impact on any
unique on any unique or important natural resource? 17 Y
(2) Does the project involve any habitat where federally
listed endangered or threatened species may occur? 17 X
(3) Will the project affect anadromous fish? ?
X
(4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amount of
permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than ?
N/A
one-third (1/3) acre and have all practicable measures
wetland to avoid and minimize takings been evaluated'?
(5) Will the project require use of U. S. Forest Service lands? ?
x

(6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely
impacted by proposed construction activities? t
(7) Does the project involve waters classified as Outstanding
Water Resources (OWR) and/or High Quality Waters X
(I-IQW)?
(8) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States
in any of the designated mountain trout countics? DX
(9) Does the project involve any known underground storage
tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? 1:1 X
5
PERMITS AND COORDINATION
(10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the
project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or an;-
"Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)?
(11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act
resources?
(12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required?
(13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing
regulatory floodway?
(14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel
changes?
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC
(15) Will the project induce substantial impacts to planned
growth or land use for the area?
(16) Will the project require the relocation of any family or
business?
(17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the
amount of right of way acquisition considered minor?
(18) Will the project involve any changes in access control?
YES NO
F, N/A
F-I x
?J x
F-I-
1-1 x
ZTS NO
F? x
1-1 x

1-1 x
(19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/ or land
use of any adjacent property? F] X
6
(20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local
traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? 1-1 X
(21) Is the project included in an approved thoroughfare plan ?
and/ or Transportation Improvement Program (and is, X
therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)?
(22) Is the project anticipated to cause an increase in traffic
volumes? X
(23) Will traffic be maintained during construction using existing ?
roads, staged construction, or on-site detours'? X
(24) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or
environmental grounds concerning the project? U X
(25) Is the project consistent with all Federal, State, and local --
laws relating to the environmental aspects of the action? X
CULTURAL RESOURCES YES NO
(26) Will the project have an "effect" on properties eligible for
or listed on the National Register of Historic Places? F-1 X
(27) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources
(public parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl _X
Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation
Act of 1966)?
(28) Will the project involve construction in, across, or adjacent
to a river designated as a component of or proposed for D X
inclusion in the natural Wild and Scenic Rivers?
7
F. Additional Documentation Required for Unfavorable Responses in Part E
Question No. 8 asks "will the project require fill in waters of the United States
in any of the designated mountain trout counties`?" With the construction of a
box culvert, fill will occur in Little River. Transylvania County is considered a
mountain trout county. However, the Little River is not a trout stream. The
North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has jurisdiction over this matter
and as indicated in the attached correspondence has no problems with the
proposed project provided certain provisions are made with regard to the design
and construction of the box culvert. These provisions are included as
environmental commitments in Section D of this document.
G. CE Approval
TIP Project No. B-3051
State Project No. 8.2000801
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1535(2)_
Project Description : (include project scope and location)
This project proposes to replace Bridge No. 31 (a pony truss bridge not eligible for
the National Register of Historic Places) on SR 1535 over Little River in
Transylvania County. The new structure will be a four-barrel reinforced concrete
box culvert [ each barrel at 3.7 x 3.4 meters (12 x 11 feet) ]. The project length
will be approximately 107 meters (350 feet). On either end of the culvert, 30
meters (100 feet) of paved roadway and an additional 15 meters (50 feet) of
unpaved roadway will be constructed. The portion of the roadway to be paved
will have two 3.0-meter (10-foot) lanes. Both paved and unpaved sections will
have 2.1-meter (7-foot) grassed shoulders and guardrail along the entire project
length. Traffic will be detoured along secondary roads during construction.
Categorical Exclusion Action Classification: (Check one)
TYPE II (A)
X 'nTE H (13)
Ap proved:
?o -q-?S
Date Assistant Manager
Planning & Environmental Branch
10-3-95- I/?'4yLe'o
Date Project Planning Unit Head
95 11L V? I -
Date Pr ect Planning Engineer
For Type II (B) prof cts only:
/0 31 9S S s
D Ate Divisio Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
9
TIP Federal Aid # f P-Z -(Z) County -MA1J-;VLVAWi&
CONCURRENCE FORiN1
FOR
PROPERTIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Brief Project Description
0ZrL/4G 6r_lov1_ rat. 31 cN SF tri3?i cvclZ UrMr- v4var-
On .JMlunny C, 1 , 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
-7- 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.
y_ 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 Eflj & 07. 3t are
considered not eligibl for the National Register and no further evaluation of them-is necessary.
? there are no National Register-listed properties within the project's area of potential effect.
Signed:
Representative, NCDOT Date
//
FHWA r the Division Administrator, or other Federal Agency Date
Representative, SHPO Date
z _ ys
State Historic Preservation Officer Date
If a survey report is prepared, a final copy of this form and the attached list will be included.
W l.?O A Cam,
® North Carolina Wildlife Resources
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: H. Franklin Vick, P. E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
N. C. Department of Transportation
FROM: David Yow, District 9 Habitat Biologist i?
`??
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: February 15, 1995
SUBJECT: Request for scoping comments, Bridge No. 31 on SR
1535 over the Little River, Transylvania County,
North Carolina, TIP No. B-3051.
This memorandum responds to your request for our
concerns regarding impacts on fish and wildlife resources
resulting from the subject project. The N. C. Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) has reviewed the proposed
project, and our comments are provided in accordance with
provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination
Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661-667d).
The proposed work involves replacement of an obsolete
roadway bridge. We anticipate that a spanning structure
will be required for the site, based on the size of the
existing bridge and anticipated construction costs in the
scoping document. The Little River at the project site is
heavily impacted by sedimentation from agricultural
practices in the watershed. Although Transylvania County is
a "trout water county", the NCWRC anticipates on
modifications for this project when a 404 permit application
is submitted to the Corps of Engineers, provided that a
spanning structure is constructed on existing location with
road closure.
Environmental documentation for this project should
include description of any wetlands on the project site and
B-3051 Memo Page 2 February 15, 1995
surveys for any threatened or endangered species that may be
affected by construction.
It is the policy of the NCWRC that impacts to wetlands
be avoided. If wetland areas are identified during project
planning, alternatives to avoid or minimize impacts on these
areas should be examined during project design.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the
early planning stages for this project. If I can further
assist your office, please contact me at [phone].
CC: Micky Clemmons, District 9 Fisheries Biologist
David Cox, Highway Project Coordinator
John Williams, Project Planning Engineer
® North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
512 N. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604-1188, 919-733-3391
Charles R. Fullwood, Executive Director
MEMORANDUM
TO: John Williams, Project Planning Engineer
Planning and Environmental Branch
N. C. Department of Transportation J yob
Dom, C, '-?
FROM: David Yow, District 9 Habitat Biologist
Habitat Conservation Program
DATE: September 14, 1995
SUBJECT: Request for supplemental recommendations on culvert placement, project
B-3051 over Little River, Transylvania County, North Carolina.
This memorandum responds to your request for recommendations on culvert
specifications for the subject project. The proposed work involves replacement of an
obsolete roadway bridge. Because culverts are proposed instead of a spanning structure,
we offer the following design recommendations:
1. The culverts should be placed with the floor of the barrels approximately one
foot below the level of the stream bottom to allow natural stream bottom
materials to become established in the culvert following installation. This
may require increasing the size of the culverts to meet flow conveyance
requirements. At least one barrel of the culvert structure should remain dry at
normal water levels to allow movement of small mammals along the river
corridor.
2. Under no circumstances should rock, sand, or other materials be dredged from
the stream channel under authorization of this permit, except in the immediate
vicinity of the culverts. Channel relocations have catastrophic effects on
aquatic life, and disturbance of the natural form of the stream channel will
likely cause downstream erosion problems, possibly affecting adjacent land
owners.
3. If possible, culverts should be placed in a dry work area. Where multiple
barrels are involved, stream flow may be directed through one barrel while
other barrels are installed.
4. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and tree and shrub growth
should be retained if possible to ensure long term availability of shoreline
cover for gamefish and wildlife. Backfill materials should be obtained from
upland sites.
Supplemental comments, B-3051 Page 2 September 14, 1995
5. Adequate sedimentation and erosion control measures must be implemented
and maintained on the project site to avoid impacts to downstream aquatic
resources.
6. If concrete is used during culvert installation, a dry work area should be
maintained to prevent direct contact between curing concrete and stream
water. Uncured concrete affects water quality and is toxic to fish and other
organisms.
We appreciate that road closure is being considered to avoid the need for a
temporary road crossing. This will reduce overall project impacts on fish and wildlife
resources.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input in the early planning stages for
this project. If I can further assist your office, please contact me at [phone].
cc: David Baker, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Regulatory Field Office
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7

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JA,,IEs B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT I I I
GOVERNOR P.O. BOX 25201. RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201 SECRETARY
05 SEPTEMBER 1995
MEMORANDUM TO: Wayne Elliott, Unit Head
Bridge Replacement Unit
FROM: Bruce O. Ellis, Environmental Biologis t,
Environmental Unit
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Technical Report for
Proposed Replacement of Bridge 31,
Transylvania County, TIP No. B-3051; State
Project No. 8.2000801; Federal ?,id No. BRZ-
1535(2).
ATTENTION: John L. Williams
Project Manager
The attached Natural Resources Technical Report provides
inventories and descriptions of natural resources within the
project area, and estimations of impacts likely to occur to
these resources as a result of project construction.
Pertinent information on wetlands and federally-protected
species is also provided. Please contact me if you have any
questions, or need this report copied onto disc format.
cc: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D.
Hal Bain, Environmental Supervisor
File: B-3051
(9
Replacement of Bridge No. 31
On SR 1535 Over Little River
Transylvania County
TIP No. B-3051
Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1535(2)
State Project No. 8.3000801
natural Resources Technical Report
B-3051
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH
ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT
Bruce 0. Ellis, Environmental Biologist
05 September 1995
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction ........................................1
1.1 Project Description ...........................1
1.2 Purpose .......................................1
1.3 Methodology ...................................1
1.4 Qualifications of Investigator ................3
2.0 Physical Resources ..................................3
2.1 Soils ..........................................3
2.2 Water Resources ................................4
2.2.1 Waters Impacted and Characteristics .... 4
2.2.2 Best Usage Classification ..............4
2.2.3 Water Quality ..........................5
2.2.4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts ......... 5
3.0 Biotic Resources ....................................6
3.1 Terrestrial Communities ........................6
3.1.1 Alluvial Forest ........................7
3.1.2 Maintained/Disturbed Community ......... 7
3.2 Aquatic Communities ............................8
3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts .................8
4.0 Jurisdictional Topics ..............................10
4.1 Waters of the United States ...................10
4.1.1 Characteristics of Wetlands
and Surface Waters ..................10
4.1.2 Permits ...............................11
4.2 Rare and Protected Species ....................l1
4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species ............ 11
4.2.2 Federal Candidate and
State Listed Species ..............17
5.0 References .........................................19
Figure 1. Project Location ..............................2
Figure 2. Biotic Communities ...........................21
Table 1. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities ..... 9
Table 2. Federally Protected Species for
Transylvania County ........................ 12
Table 3. Federal Candidate Species for
Transylvania County ........................ 18
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following Natural Resources Technical Report is
submitted to assist in preparation of a Categorical Exclusion
(CE) for the proposed project. The project lies in
Transylvania County, 2.1 km (1.3 mi) north of Cascade Lake
(Figure 1).
1.1 Project Description
The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge
No. 31 on SR 135 over the Little River (Figure 2). Rebuilt
in 1961 (original date unknown), this two-lane pony truss
bridge is in need of replacement. The existing right-of-way
is ditch to ditch. The proposed right-of-way is 24.0 m (80.0
ft). Project length is 91.4 m (300.0 ft). It is proposed
that the bridge will be replaced on the existing location and
with traffic detouring along secondary roads during
construction.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this technical report is to inventory,
catalog and describe the various natural resources likely to
be impacted by the proposed action. This report also
attempts to identify and estimate the probable consequences
of the anticipated impacts to these resources.
Recommendations are made for measures which will minimize
resource impacts. These descriptions and estimates are
relevant only in the context of existing preliminary design
concepts. If design parameters and criteria change,
additional field investigations will need to be conducted.
1.3 Methodology
Research was conducted prior to field investigations.
Information sources used in this pre-field investigation of
the study area include: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
quadrangle map (Brevard), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (MRCS) soil maps and NCDOT aerial photographs of
project area (1:1200). Water resource information was
obtained from publications of the Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993) and from the NC
Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (Environmental
Sensitivity Base Map of Transylvania County, 1992).
Information concerning the occurrence of federal and state
protected species in the study area was gathered from the
Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) list of protected and
candidate species and the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (NHP)
database of rare species and unique habitats.
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;iORTH CAROLINA DEPART.MEN'T OF
TRANSPORTATION
R DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND EWfRON,MENTAL
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 273
ON SR 1106 OVER BROAD RIVER
B - 3041
0 km 1.6 km 3.2
0 miles 1 miles 2
Figure 1
3
General field surveys were conducted along the proposed
alignment by NCDOT biologist Bruce 0. Ellis on 25 April 1995.
Plant communities and their associated wildlife were
identified and recorded. Wildlife identification involved
using one or more of the following observation techniques:
active searching and capture, visual observations
(binoculars), identifying characteristic signs of wildlife
(sounds, scat, tracks and burrows). Organisms captured
during these searches were identified and then released.
Jurisdictional wetland determinations were performed
utilizing delineation criteria prescribed in the "Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" (Environmental
Laboratory, 1987).
1.4 Qualifications of Investigator
Investigator: Bruce 0. Ellis, Environmental Biologist NCDOT.
Education: BS Agriculture/Environmental Science
Rutgers University, College of Agriculture and
Environmental Science.
Experience: Biologist,_Allied Biological, Inc. N.J.
March 1976-April 1994.
Expertise: Aquatic vegetation; wetland delineations;
Section 7 field investigations; NEPA
investigations.
2.0 Physical Resources
Soil and water resources, which occur in the study area,
are discussed below. Soils and availability of water
directly influence composition and distribution of flora and
fauna in any biotic community.
Transylvania County lies in the Mountain Physiographic
Province. The topography of Transylvania County is
characterized by mountains with narrow valleys and areas of
alluvial plains along the French Broad, Davidson and Little
Rivers. Topography in vicinity of the project area is
relatively flat since the project is located in an alluvial
plain. Project elevation is approximately 646.2 m (2120.0
ft).
2.1 Soils
Two soil types occur within project boundaries: Toxaway
silt loam and Rosman fine sandy loam. Toxaway silt loam is
present in the southern quadrants and within the floodplain
in the northern quadrants of the project. Rosman fine sandy
loam is present near project boundaries of the northern
quadrants.
Toxaway silt loam is described as nearly level, poorly
drained and subject to frequent but brief periods of
flooding. The seasonal high water table is at the surface.
4
Most areas occupied by this soil are in cultivation or
pasture. Toxaway soils are included in the National and
County lists of hydric soils.
Rosman fine sandy loam is a nearly level soil located on
floodplains. It is well drained to moderately well drained
with a seasonal high water table at 0.8 m (2.5 ft) below the
surface during the winter months. Most areas where this soil
is found are in pasture or cultivation. Rosman soils are not
included on the National or County hydric soil lists.
Soil core samples within the floodplain revealed a sandy
silt soil texture. Hunsell color notation was 10 yr 3/3 from
the surface of the soil to a depth of 30.5 cm (12.0 in). No
mottling was observed.
2.2 Water Resources
This section contains information concerning those water
resources likely to be impacted by the project. Water
resource information encompasses physical aspects of the
resource, its relationship to major water systems, Best Usage
Standards and water quality of the resources. Probable
impacts to these water bodies are also discussed, as are
means to minimize impacts.
2.2.1 Waters Impacted and Characteristics
Bridge No. 31 spans the Little River which is part of
the French Broad River drainage. The Little River has its
confluence with the French Broad River approximately 12.0 km
(7.5 Mi) to the north of the project.
The Little River, at the B-3051 project site, is
approximately 12.2 m (40.0 ft) wide with an average depth of
0.45 m (1.50 ft). Water clarity was excellent with light
penetration to the river substrate. The substrate was
composed of approximately 50 % gravel, 30% sand and 20 o
rubble.
2.2.2 Best Usage Classification
Streams have been assigned a best usage classification
by the Division of Environmental Management (DEM). The
classification of the Little River at this location is "C".
The "C" classification denotes waters that are suitable for
aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife,
secondary recreation and agriculture.
Crab Creek has its confluence with the Little River
approximately 305.0 m (1000.0 ft) downstream of the project
site. Crab Creek is classified as "C Tr HQW". "Tr" denotes
"freshwaters protected for natural trout propagation and
survival of stocked trout". "HQW" denotes "high quality
5
waters which are rated as excellent based on biological and
physical/chemical characteristics...". The watershed of Crab
Creek is designated as a High Water Quality Zone.
Neither Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II) nor Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 1.6 km (1.0 mile) of
project study area.
2.2.3 Water Quality
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is
managed by DEM and is part of an ongoing ambient water
quality monitoring program which addresses long term trends
in water quality. The program assesses water quality by
sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at
fired monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates are sensitive to
very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species
richness and overall biomass are reflections of water
quality. One BMAN station on the Little River is located
approximately 3.2 km (2.0 mi) downstream of the project at
the SR 1536 crossing. In October 1934 the Little River was
rated as good/fair at this location.
Point source dischargers located throughout North
Carolina are permitted through the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Any discharger
is required to register for a permit. Two dischargers are
permitted for the Little River within 16.0 km (10.0 mi) of
the project. Eagles Nest Camp, 1.8 km (1.1 mi) downstream of
Bridge 273, is permitted to discharge 0.003 million gallons
per day (mgd) domestic-campground wastewater. E.I. DuPont,
located approximately 8.0 km (5.0 mi) upstream of the
project, is permitted to discharge 2.5 mgd domestic-
industrial/commercial wastewater and wastewater from
photographic equipment, supplies and film processing.
2.2.4 Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Replacing an existing structure in the same location
with a road closure during construction is almost always
preferred. It poses the least risk to aquatic organisms and
other natural resources. Bridge replacement on a new
location usually results in more severe impacts.
Project construction may result in the following impacts
to surface waters:
1. Increased sedimentation and siltation from
construction and/or erosion.
2. Changes in light incidence and water clarity due to
increased sedimentation and vegetation removal.
6
3. Alteration of water levels and flows due to
interruptions and additions to surface and ground
water flow from construction.
4. Changes in water temperature due to vegetation
removal.
5. Increased nutrient loading during construction via
runoff from exposed areas.
6. Increased concentration of toxic compounds from
highway runoff, construction and toxic spills.
Precautions should be taken to minimize impacts to water
resources in the study area, NCDOT's Best Management
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters and
Sedimentation Control guidelines should be strictly enforced
during the construction stage of the project. Provisions to
preclude unnecessary contamination by toxic substances during
the construction interval should also be strictly enforced.
3.0 Biotic Resources
Biotic resources include aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems. This section describes those ecosystems
encountered in the study area, as well as, the relationships
between fauna and flora within these ecosystems. Composition
and distribution of biotic communities throughout the project
area are reflective of topography, hydrologic influences and
past and present land uses in the study area. Pescriptions
of the terrestrial systems are presented in the context of
plant community classifications. Dominant flora and fauna
observed, or likely to occur, in each community are described
and discussed.
Scientific nomenclature and common names (when
applicable) are provided for each animal and plant species
described. Subsequent references to the same organism will
include the common name only. Faunal species observed during
the site visit are noted with an asterisk (*).
3.1 Terrestrial Communities
Two distinct terrestrial communities were identified in
the project study area: alluvial forest and maintained/
disturbed community (Figure 2). Community boundaries within
the study area are well defined without a significant
transition zone between them, as a result of agricultural
activities. Many faunal species are highly adaptive and may
populate both communities.
7
3.1.1 Alluvial Forest
Alluvial forest within the study area is confined to a
relatively narrow band, 30.5 m (100.0 ft) to 45.7 m (150.0
ft), within the Little River corridor. The alluvial forest
is confined to streambanks and small pockets of a more
extensive floodplain. The transition from alluvial forest to
maintained/disturbed community is abrupt. The hydrology is
palustrine with intermittent flooding during high flow
periods. Periodic flooding provides nutrient input through
sediment deposition making this system very productive.
However, periodic flooding can also be a destructive factor
during large storm events by undercutting banks and eroding
soils.
The canopy is dominated by river birch (Betula nigra),
tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and sycamore (Platanus
occidentalis). The shrub layer is composed of tag alder
(Alnus serrulata), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), black
cherry (Prunus serotina), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) and
black berry (Rubus spp.). Honeysuckle (Lonicera
sempervirens) dominants the vine layer of this community.
Wildlife associated with the alluvial forest include:
two-lined salamander (Euryicea bislineata), spring peeper
(Hula crucifer), gray squirrel* (Sciurus carolinensis) and
raccoon* (Procvon lotor). White-tailed deer* (Odocoileus
vir.sinianus) will use this small forest community for cover
and forage in nearby agricultural fields. The belted
kingfisher (MeQacervle alcyon) and red-winged blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus) find foraging and nesting habitat in
this community.
3.1.2 Maintained/Disturbed Community
The maintained/disturbed community is dominated by
agricultural field and includes road shoulders that are
periodically maintained. The northwestern quadrant is
occupied by pasture that is dominated by fescue (Festuca
spp.) interspersed with buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), clover
(Trifolium spp.) and buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
The remaining three quadrants are occupied by cultivated
agricultural field. The fields were in the process of being
prepared for planting during the time of the survey. Corn is
normally grown in this region. Flora along the road shoulder
includes fescue, clover and buttercup
Faunal species that would inhabit or forage in this
agriculture dominated habitat would include species that
prefer more open terrain and those species that have adapted
to exploit a man dominated community. Faunal species that
likely to be present are: white tailed deer, raccoon,
woodchuck (Niarmota monax), eastern cottontail (Svlvilagus
floridanus) and eastern harvest mouse (Reithrodontomvs
S
humulis). The black racer (Coluber constrictor) and rat
snake (Elaphe obsoleta) will hunt lizards, birds and small
mammals in this community.
Avian species that prefer open habitat include: mocking
bird* (Mimus polv.Qlottos), crow* (Corvus brachvrhvnchos) barn
swallow (Hirundo rustica) and eastern meadowlark (Sturnella
magna). Red-tailed hawk (Buteo iamaicensis) and American
kestrel (Falco sparverius) can be found perching on tall
trees and telephone poles while searching the fields for
prey.
3.2 Aquatic Communities
One aquatic community, the Little River, will be
impacted by the proposed project. Physical characteristics
of the water body and condition of the water resource
influence faunal composition of aquatic communities.
Terrestrial communities adjacent to a water resource also
greatly influence aquatic communities.
The banks of the Little River, in vicinity of the
project area, are relatively steep and rise approximately 1.2
m (4.0 ft) to 1.3 m (6.0 ft) above the surface of the river.
Vegetation occupying the banks (tag alder and other alluvial
forest species) reduce erosion potential from high water
events. The river is heavily shaded in the vicinity of the
project by the dense canopy of the alluvial forest.
Fauna associated with the aquatic community include
various invertebrate and vertebrate species. Prey fish
including shiners (Notropis spp.), chubs (Semotilus spp.) and
blacknose dace (Rhinichthvs atratulus), as well as, crayfish
(family Cambaridae) and insect nymphs and larvae
(Ephemeroptera* and Trichoptera*) provide foraging
opportunities for rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris),
redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritis) and bluegill (L.
macrochirus). Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) will
also forage on fish and amphibians in this community.
3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts
Construction of the subject project will have various
impacts on the biotic resources described. Any construction
related activities in or near these resources have the
potential to impact biological functions. This section
quantifies and qualifies impacts to the natural resources in
terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected. Temporary
and permanent impacts are considered here as well.
Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the
relative abundance of each community present in the study
area. Project construction will result in clearing and
degradation of portions of these communities. Table 2
9
summarizes potential quantitative losses to these biotic
communities, resulting from project construction. Estimated
impacts are derived using the entire proposed right of way
width of 24 m (80 ft). Usually, project construction does
not require the entire right of way; therefore, actual
impacts may be considerably less.
Table 1. Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities
COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Alluvial Forest 0.10 (0.25)
Maintained/Disturbed 0.09 (0.23)
TOTAL IMPACTS 0.19 (0.48)
Note: Values cited are in hectares (acres).
Plant communities found within the proposed project area
serve as nesting and sheltering habitat for various wildlife.
Replacing bridge 273 will reduce habitat for faunal species,
thereby diminishing faunal. numbers. Habitat reduction
concentrates wildlife into smaller areas of refuge, thus
causing some species to become more susceptible to disease,
predation and starvation.
Areas modified by construction (but not paved) will
become road shoulders and early successional habitat.
Reduced habitat will displace some wildlife further from the
roadway while attracting other wildlife by the creation of
more early successional habitat. Animals temporarily
displaced by construction activities will repopulate areas
suitable for the species. This temporary displacement of
animals may result in an increase of competition for the
remaining resources.
Aquatic communities are sensitive to even small changes
in their environment. Stream channelization, scouring,
siltation, sedimentation and erosion from construction-
related work will effect water quality and biological
constituents. Although direct impacts may be temporary,
environmental impacts from these construction processes may
result in long term or irreversible effects.
Impacts often associated with in-stream construction
include increased channelization of water and scouring of
stream channels. In-stream construction alters the stream
substrate and may remove streamside vegetation at the site.
Disturbances to the substrate will destroy aquatic vegetation
and produce siltation, which clogs the gills and/or feeding
mechanisms of benthic organisms (sessile filter-feeders and
deposit-feeders), fish and amphibian species. Benthic
organisms can also be covered by excessive amounts of
10
sediment. These organisms are slow to recover or repopulate
a stream. Turbidity reduces light penetration thus
decreasing the growth of aquatic vegetation.
The removal of streamside vegetation and placement of
fill material at the construction site alters the terrain.
Alterations of the streambank enhances the likelihood of
erosion and sedimentation. Revegetation stabilizes and holds
the soil thus mitigating these processes. Erosion and
sedimentation carry soils, toxic compounds and other
materials into aquatic communities at the construction site.
These processes magnify turbidity and can cause the formation
of sandbars at the site and downstream, thereby altering
water flow and the growth of vegetation. Streamside
alterations also lead to more direct sunlight penetration and
to elevations of water temperatures which may impact many
species.
4.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS
This section provides. descriptions, inventories and
impact analysis pertinent to two important issues: Waters of
the United States and rare and protected species.
4.1 Waters of the United States
Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad
category of "Waters of the United States," as defined in
Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CRF) Part 323.3.
Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 328.3, are those areas that are
inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and under
normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation
typically adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any
action that proposes to place fill into these areas falls
under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(COE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.
1344).
4.1.1 Characteristics of Wetlands and Surface Waters
Potential wetland communities were investigated pursuant
to the 1987 "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual".
The three parameter approach is used where hydric soils,
hydrophytic vegetation and prescribed hydrologic
characteristics must all be present for an area to be
considered a wetland. No jurisdictional wetlands were
observed within the project area, however, jurisdictional
surface waters are located within the project area.
II
4.1.2 Permits
Impacts to jurisdictional surface waters are
anticipated. In accordance with provisions of section 404 of
the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), a permit will be
required from the COE for the discharge of dredged or fill
material into "Waters of the United States."
Transylvania County is one of 25 counties which contains
WRC designated "Trout Waters". General permits are not
available in these counties without concurrence from the WRC.
A Nationwide permit 33 CFR 330.5 (A) 23, for impacts to
surface waters of Broad River, is likely to be applicable if
the WRC certifies that construction of this project will not
adversely affect trout waters. This permit authorizes
activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated,
funded or financed in whole or in part, by another Federal
agency or department. Projects are categorically excluded
from environmental documentation, because their construction
will neither individually nor cumulatively have a significant
environmental effect. Figal permit decisions lie with the
Army Corps of Engineers (COE).
A North Carolina Division of Environmental Management
(DEM) Section 401 Water Quality General Certification is
required prior to the issuance of the nationwide 423.
Section 401 Certification allows surface waters to be
temporarily impacted for the duration of the construction or
other land manipulations.
4.2 Rare and Protected Species
Some populations of fauna and flora have been in, or are
in, the process of decline either due to natural forces or
their inability to coexist with man. Federal law (under the
provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended)
requires that any action, likely to adversely a species
classified as federally-protected, be subject to review by
the Fish and Wildlife (FWS). Other species may receive
additional protection under separate state laws.
4.2.1 Federally-Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classifications of
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE) and
Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of
Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended. As of March 28, 1995, the FWS lists the
following federally-protected species for Transylvania County
(Table 3). A brief description of each species
characteristics and habitat follows.
13
Table 2. Federally-Protected Species
for Transylvania County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Alasmidonta raveneliana Appalachian elktoe E*
Falco peregrinus peregrine falcon E
Glaucomvs sabrinus Carolina northern
coloratus flying squirrel E
Geum radiatum spreading avens E
Gvmnoderma lineare rock gnome lichen E
Helonias bullata swamp pink T
Sarracenia rubra mountain sweet
var. ionseii pitcher-plant E
"E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of
its range).
"T" denotes Threatened (a, species that is likely to become
an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range).
"PE" denotes Proposed Endangered (a species that is proposed
to be listed as endangered and which is protected under
law while its status is under review).
"*" No specimen from Transylvania County found in the past
twenty years (1973-1993).
Alasmidonta raveneliana (Appalachian elktoe) PE
Animal Family: Unionidae
Date Listed: 9/3/93
Distribution in N.C.: Buncombe, Graham, Haywood, Macon,
Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey.
The Appalachian elktoe is a small mussel with a maximum
length reaching up to 8.0 cm. Its shell is thin although the
shell is not fragile nor subovate (kidney-shaped). The
periostracum (outer shell) of the adult Appalachian elktoe is
dark brown in color, while juveniles have a yellowish-brown
color.
Two known populations of the Appalachian elktoe exist in
North Carolina; the Nolichucky River (including its
tributaries of the Cane River and the North Toe River), and
the Little Tennessee River and its tributaries. The
Appalachian elktoe has been observed in gravelly substrates
often mixed with cobble and boulders, in cracks of bedrock
and in relatively silt-free, coarse sandy substrates.
13
Biological Conclusion
No Effect
Extensive survey work in western North Carolina by the
FWS and the WRC indicates that the Applachian elktoe is
restricted to two populations in the Little Tennessee River
in Macon and Swain Counties and the Nolichucky River basin in
Yancey and Mitchell Counites. The Applachian elktoe is not
likely to be found outside of its known distribution area.
The proposed project will not impact any water bodies within
those areas. Therefore, It can be concluded that
construction of this project will have no impact on the
Applachian elktoe mussel.
Falco peregrinus (Peregrine falcon) E
Animal Family: Falconidae
Date Listed: 3/20/34
Distribution in N.C.: Avery, Brunswick, Burke, Carteret,
Dare, Hyde, Jackson, Madison, New Hanover,
Rutherford, Surry, Transylvania, Wilkes,
Yancey.
The peregrine falcon has a dark plumage along its back
and its underside is lighter, barred and spotted. It is most
easily recognized by a dark crown and a dark wedge that
extends below the eye forming a distinct helmet.
The American peregrine falcon is found throughout the
United States in areas with high cliffs and open land for
foraging. Nesting for the falcons is generally on high cliff
ledges, but they may also nest in broken off tree tops in the
eastern deciduous forest and on skyscrapers and bridges in
urban areas. Nesting occurs from mid-March to May.
Prey for the peregrine falcon consists of small mammals
and birds, including mammals as large as a woodchuck, birds
as large as a duck, and insects. The preferred prey is
medium sized birds such as pigeons.
Biological Conclusion
No Effect
No nesting habitat exists for the peregrine falcon
within the study area. Although the peregrine falcon
may find foraging opportunities within the study area,
project construction will not effect this aspect of its
behavior.
Glaucomvs sabrinus (northern flying squirrel) E
coloratus
Animal Family: Sciurdiae
Date Listed: 7/1/35
Distribution in N.C.: Avery, Buncombe, Graham,
Haywood, Jackson, McDowell, Mitchell,
Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey.
14
The Carolina northern flying squirrel has a large well
furred flap of skin along either side of its body. This
furred flap of skin is connect,:-.d at the wrist in the front
and at the ankle in the rear. The skin flaps and its broad
flattened tail allow the northern flying squirrel to glide
from tree to tree. It is a solely nocturnal animal with
large dark eyes.
There are several
flying squirrel in the
the Tennessee border.
meters (5000 ft) in the
hardwood and coniferous
to search for food and
nesting sites.
Biological Conclusion
isolated populations of the northern
western part of North Carolina, along
This squirrel is found above 1517
vegetation transition zone between
forests. Both forest types are used
the hardwood forest is used for
No Effect
Habitat does not exist for the northern flying squirrel
within the project study area. Project elevation is 646.2 m
(2120.0 ft), which is well below the 1515.0 m (5000.0 ft)
normal elevation where this specie is found. Additionally,
the required forest community is not present in vicinity of
the project. It can be concluded that project construction
will not effect the northern flying squirrel.
Geum radiatum (spreading avens) E
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Federally Listed: April 5, 1990
Flowers Present: June - early July
Distribution in N.C.: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke,
Caldwell, Mitchell, Stokes, Transylvania,
Watauga, Yancey.
Spreading avens is a perennial herb having stems with an
indefinite cyme of bright yellow radially symmetrical
flowers. Flowers of spreading avens are present from June to
early July. Spreading avens has basal leaves which are odd-
pinnately compound; terminal leaflets are kidney shaped and
much larger than the lateral leaflets, which are reduced or
absent.
Spreading avens is found only in the North Carolina and
Tennessee sections of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Spreading avens occurs on scarps, bluffs, cliffs and
escarpments on mountains, hills, and ridges. Known
populations of this plant have been found to occur at
elevations of 1535-1541 meters (5060-5080 feet), 1723-1747
meters (5680-5760 feet) and 1759 meters (5800 feet). Other
habitat requirements for this species include full sunlight
and shallow acidic soils. These soils contain a composition
of sand, pebbles, humus, sandy loam, clay loam, and humus.
Most populations are pioneers on rocky outcrops.
15
Biological Conclusion
No Effect
Habitat is not present within project boundaries to
support spreading avens. Project elevation is 646.2 m
(2120.0 ft) and is well below elevations where this specie
normally occurs. Physiographic features, such as, scarps,
bluffs, ridges, escarpments and hills are not present in
vicinity of the project. It can be concluded that project
construction will have not effect on spreading avens.
Gvmnoderma lineare (Rock gnome lichen) PE
Plant Family: Cladoniaceae
Federally Listed: December 28, 1994
Distribution in N.C.: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Graham,
Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford,
Swain, Transylvania, Yancey.
The rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen in the
reindeer moss family. The lichen can be identified by its
fruiting bodies which are born singly or in clusters, black-
in color, and are found at, the tips of the squamules. The
fruiting season of the rock gnome lichen occurs from July
through September.
The rock gnome lichen is a narrow endemic, restricted to
areas of high humidity. These high humidity environments
occur on high elevation (> 1220 m/ 4000 ft) mountaintops and
cliff faces which are frequently bathed in fog or lower
elevation (< 762 m/ 2500 ft) deep gorges in the Southern
Appalachians. The rock gnome lichen primarily occurs on
vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils
above flows at (and only at) very wet times. The rock gnome
lichen is almost always found growing with the moss Andreaea
in these vertical intermittent seeps. The major threat of
extinction to the rock gnome lichen relates directly to
habitat alteration/loss of high elevation coniferous forests.
These coniferous forests usually lie adjacent to the habitat
occupied by the rock gnome lichen. The high elevation
habitat occurs in the counties of Ashe, Avery, Buncombe,
Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain,
Transylvania, and Yancey. The lower elevation habitat of the
rock gnome lichen can be found in the counties of Jackson,
Rutherford and Transylvania.
Biological Conclusion
No Effect
Habitat is not present within project boundaries to
support rock gnome lichen. Project elevation 646.2 (2120 ft)
is well below the elevations where this specie is found.
Mountains with vertical rock faces are not present within the
project area. Therefore, it can be concluded that project
construction will have no effect on rock gnome lichen.
16
Helonias bullata (swamp pink) T
Plant Family: Liliaceae
Federally Listed: September 9, 1933
Flowers Present: May (first half)
Distribution in N.C.: Henderson, Jackson, Transylvania.
Swamp pink is a perennial plant that grows from tuberous
rhizomes. It has lance-shaped, smooth, evergreen leaves that
grow in basal rosette. Swamp pink has a hollow stem that is
topped with a short, dense, spike-like raceme of pink or
purplish flowers.
The North Carolina populations of swamp pink are limited
to bogs in the southern Appalachians in Transylvania.
Jackson, and Henderson counties. Swamp pink is found in
freshwater wetlands areas including spring seepages, swamps,
bogs, meadows, and along the margins of meandering streams.
Soils that it occurs in are described as being slightly
acidic (pH:4.2-4.9), having a thin layer of decomposed
organic matter, underlain by a black to dark gray silt loam
that is slightly sticky, w.ith many small roots and fine mica
chips. Populations are found in areas with varying amounts
of shade but populations in open areas are less vigorous due
to increased competition from other species.
Biological Conclusion No Effect
Habitat does not exist within project boundaries for
swamp pink. No bogs, wetlands, seepages or meandering
streams are present in vicinity of the project. It can be
concluded that project construction will not effect swamp
pink.
Sarracenia rubra var. ionsii
(mountain sweet pitcher plant) E
Plant Family: Sarraceniaceae
Federally Listed: March 10, 1933
Flowers Present: May (late)
Distribution in N.C.: Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania.
Mountain sweet pitcher plant is an insectivorous,
rhizomatous, perennial herb. Leaves of this plant grow erect
and in clusters. Each leaf is shaped like a hollow, trumpet
shaped, almost tubular pitcher covered 'by a cordate hood.
Pitchers are a waxy dull green color and reticulately veined
with maroon-purple. The inside of the pitchers is retrorsely
haired and usually partially filled with liquid and decaying
insect parts. The maroon colored flowers are borne singly on
erect scapes and have recurving sepals. Flowers are present
during late May and fruits appear in August.
The mountain sweet pitcher plant is found in bogs and
streams in southwestern North Carolina and northwestern South
Carolina. The mountain sweet pitcher plant is found in
17
mountain bogs and along streamsides. This habitat is
characterized by deep, poorly drained wetlands with soils
that are combinations of loam, sand, and silt, with a high
organic content and medium to highly acidic pH. Sites are
intermittently exposed to flooding. This plant is an early
successional plant that relies on drought, water fluctuation,
periodic fire, and ice damage to maintain its habitat.
Biological Conclusion No Effect
The habitat requirement of poorly drained wetlands with
high organic content soils is not present within the study
area. Therefore, it can be concluded that project
construction will have no effect on mountain sweet pitcher
plant.
4.2.2 Federal Candidate and State Listed Species
There are 27 federal candidate (one C1 and 26 C2)
species listed for Transylvania County. Federal Candidate
species are not afforded federal protection under the
Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its
provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally
proposed or listed as Threatened or Endangered. Candidate 1
(Cl) species are defined as taxa for which the FWS has on
file enough substantial information on biological
vulnerability and threat(s) to support proposals to list them
as endangered or threatened. Candidate 2 (C2) species are
defined as organisms which are vulnerable to extinction
although no sufficient data currently exist to warrant a
listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered or
Proposed Threatened. Organisms which are listed as
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by
the North Carolina Heritage Program list of Rare Plant and
Animal species are afforded state protection under the State
Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant
Protection and Conservation Act of 1979.
Table 4 lists federal candidate species, the species
state status (if afforded state protection) and the existence
of suitable habitat for each species in the study area. This
species list is provided for information purposes as the
status of these species may be upgraded in the future.
1S
Table 3. Federal Candidate Species Transylvania County
Status
Scientific Name Common Name Habitat NC Fed
Plecotus rafinesquii
Svlivilagus
transitionalis
Neotoma floridana
ma$ister
Chlemmvs muhlenbergii
Aneides aeneus
Crvptobrancus
alleganiensis
Cambarus reburrus
Waltoncvthere acuta
2&_ eria diana
Aster avi_tus
Rafinesque's
big-eared bat N
New England
cottontail N
Eastern woodrat N
Bog turtle N
Green salamander N
Hellbender
French Broad stream
crayfish
Transylvania
crayfish ostracod
Diana fritillary
butterfly
Alexander's
rock aster
heartleaf
Brvocrumia vivicolor Gorge moss
Carer manhartii blanhart's sedge
Cheilole.ieunea evansii A liverwort
Hexastvlis rhombiformis French Broad
Lvsimachia fraseri Fraser's loosestrife
Mnium carolinianum Carolina mnium
blonotropsis odorata Sweet pinesap
PlaQiochila caduciloba A liverwort
PlaQiochila echinata A liverwort
PlaQiochila sharpii A liverwort
PlaQiochila s. var.
N
Y
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N
sullivanti A liverwort N
PlaQiochila vir$inica
var. caroliniana A liverwort N
PlaQiochila vir.Qinica
var. eurvphylla A liverwort N
Platvhvpnidium prinQlei Pringle's eurhynchium N
Schlotheimia lancifolia Highlands moss N
Shortia xlacifolia Oconee-bells N
Shortia Qalacifolia var. Short-styled
brevistvla oconee-bells N
SC 2*
SR 2*
SC 2
T 2
SC 2
SC 2
SR 2
SC 2
SR 2
C 1
E 2*
C 2
C 2*
C
E
C
C
E
C
2
2
2
2*
1)
2*
2*
C 2*
C 2*
C
C
T
E-SC
2*
2
2*
2
E-SC 2
"*" No specimen found in Transylvania County in twenty years
E, T, SC and SR are defined as Endangered, Threatened,
Special Concern and Significantly Rare respectively.
19
Surveys for these species were not conducted during the
site visit, nor were any of these species observed. A review
of the data base of the N.C. Natural Heritage Program rare
species and unique habitats revealed no records of North
Carolina rare and/or protected species in or near the project
study area.
5.0 REFERENCES
American Ornithologists' Union. 1983. Check-list of North
American Birds (6th ed.). Lawrence, Kansas, Allen
Press, Inc.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. "Corps of Engineers
Wetlands Delineation Manual," Technical report Y-87-1,
U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg, Miss.
Lee, D.S., J.B. Funderburg, Jr. and M.K. Clark. 1982. A
Distributional Survey of North Carolina Mammals.
Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of Natural History.
LeGrand, Jr., H.E. 1993. "Natural Heritage Program List of
the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina". North
Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey and J.R. Harrison III.
1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and
Virginia. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina
Press.
Menhenick, E.F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North
Carolina. N.C. WRC., Raleigh.
NCDEHNR-DEM. 1988. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient
Network (BMAN) Water Quality Review 1983-1986.
NCDEHNR-DEM. 1991. Biological Assessment of Water Quality
in North Carolina Streams: Benthic Macroinvertebrate
Data Base and Long Tern Changes in Water Quality, 1983-
1990.
NCDEHNR-DEM. 1993. "Classifications and Water Quality
Standards for North Carolina River Basins." Raleigh,
Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources.
NCWRC. 1990. "Endangered Wildlife of North Carolina".
Raleigh, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Plant Conservation Program. 1991. "List of North Carolina's
Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Plant Species".
Raleigh, North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
30
Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds
of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill, The University of North
Carolina Press.
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.F. 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
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDEHNR.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
North Carolina Agriculture Experiment Station.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1979. Classifications of
Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States.,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C.
Weakley, A.S. 1993. "Natural Heritage Program List of the
Rare Plant Species of North Carolina". North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program.
Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell and W.C. Biggs. 1985. Mammals
of the Carolinas, Virginia and Maryland. Chapel Hill,
The University of North Carolina Press.
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