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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20130871 Ver 1_Application_20130815 S TATE OF N ORTH C AROLINA D EPARTMENT OF T RANSPORTATION B EVERLY E AVES P ERDUE DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS E UGENE A. C ONTI , J R . G OVERNOR S ECRETARY 716 West Main Street, Albemarle, NC 28001  (704) 983-4437  Fax (704) 982-3146 August 15, 2013 Amanda Fuemmeler U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 151 Patton Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 Subject: Bridge No. 30287 – Anson County Duncan Road (SR 1241) over Shaw Creek Endangered Plant Commitments Dear Ms. Fuemmeler: The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace Bridge No. 30387 over Shaw Creek on Duncan Road (SR 1241) in Anson County. A temporary, on-site detour is planned for this project. A population of Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii ), Principal EO 160, occurs in this area. Based upon a survey by Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. (enclosed), approximately 382 Schweinitz's sunflower stems associated with subEO 158 were documented on February 28, 2012. Most occurrences were located outside of the project limits. The rescue of approximately 20 Schweinitz’s sunflower stems is necessary due to the removal and replacement of the bridge and construction of the on-site detour. (Since the detour is temporary, newly disturbed habitat may facilitate expansion of the sunflower population.) Stems around the existing bridge, along the existing road, and within the planned on-site detour area will need to be rescued and relocated to a protected area within the Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge. These sunflowers will be relocated after the growing season ends and growth has died back and all work will be coordinated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, the following commitments are being made by the NCDOT to minimize impacts to the remaining plants within the immediate project vicinity: - The proposed culvert guardrail located on the north side of the project will be reduced in length and will extend only 13.5 feet away from the culvert in any direction. - The roadside ditch on the north side of the project will remain “as is” and will not be graded as originally proposed. - The upper 12 inches of topsoil within the immediate project limits will be stripped and stockpiled prior to the project beginning construction. The stockpiled material will be used during final landscaping for the project with the hopes that any Helianthus schweinitzii seed in the topsoil will have the opportunity to germinate. If you have any questions regarding this correspondence or the attached pre-construction notification form, please feel free to contact me at 704-301-4881. Sincerely, Larry Thompson Environmental Officer 10 th Highway Division Attachments Page 1 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version Office Use Only: Corps action ID no. _____________ DWQ project no. _______________ Form Version 1.3 Dec 10 2008 Pre -Construction Notification (PCN) Form A. Applicant Information 1. Processing 1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the Corps: Section 404 Permit Section 10 Permit 1b. Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: 14 or General Permit (GP) number: 1c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? Yes No 1d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply): 401 Water Quality Certification – Regular Non -404 Jurisdictional General Permit 401 Water Quality Certification – Express Riparian Buffer Authorization 1e. Is this notification solely for the record because written approval is not required? For the record on ly for DWQ 401 Certification: Yes No For the record only for Corps Permit: Yes No 1f. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program propose d for mitigation of impacts ? If so, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank or in -lieu fee program. Yes No 1g. Is the project located in any of NC’s twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1h below. Yes No 1h. Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? Yes No 2. Project Information 2a. Name of project: Replace Bridge 30287 on SR 1241 (Duncan Road) over Shaw Creek 2b. County: Anson 2c. Nearest municipality / town: Wadesboro , N C 2d. Subdivision name: not applicable 2e. NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state project no: 3. Owner Information 3a. Name(s) on Recorded Deed: North Carolina Department of Transportation - Division 10 3b. Deed Book and Page No. not applicable 3c. Responsible Party (for LLC if applicable): not applicable 3d. Street address : 716 West Main Street 3e. City, state, zip: Albemarle, NC 28001 3f. Telephone no.: 704 -983 -4400 3g. Fax no.: 704 -982 -3146 3h. Email address: Page 2 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version 4. Applicant Information (if different from owner) 4a. Applicant is: Agent Other, specify: 4b. Name: 4c. Business name (if applicable): 4d. Street address: 4e. City, state, zip: 4f. Telephone no.: 4g. Fax no.: 4h. Email address: 搀 5. Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable) 5 a. Name: 5b. Business name (if applicable): Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. 5c. Street address: 244 Red Gate Road 5d. City, state, zip: Pittsboro, NC 27312 5e. Tele phone no.: 919 -542 -5331 5f. Fax no.: 5g. Email address: aldermanjm@gmail.com Page 3 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version B. Project Information and Prior Project History 1. Property Identification 1a. Property identification no. (tax PIN or parce l ID): not applicable 1b. Site coordinates (in decimal degrees): Latitude: 34.88905 Longitude: - 80.20128 (DD.DDDDDD) (-DD.DDDDDD) 1c. Property size: acres 2. Surface Waters 2a. Name of nearest body of water (stream, river, etc.) to proposed project: Shaw Creek 2b. Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water: C 2c. River basin: Yadkin -Pee Dee (HUC 030401) 3. Project Description 3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this application: Primarily Disturbed/Maintained along roadsides. 3b. List the tot al estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property: 0 3c. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property: 6 0 3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project : To replace a functionally obselete and deficient structure. 3e. Describe the overall project in detail, including the type of equipment to be used: The project involves replacing one 23 foot bridge with a 10' X 7' reinforced box culvert    long at existing location over S haw Creek ; a temporary on -site detour using a double 60" pipe culvert 㐀 feet long will be utilized   from south edge of existing bridge . Standard road building equipment, such as cranes, dozers, and trucks will be used . 4. Jurisdictional Determinations 4a. Have jurisdictional wetland or stream determinations by the Corps or State been requested or obtained for this property / project (including all prior phases) in the past? Comments: Yes No Unknown 4b. If the Corps made the jurisdictional determination, what type of determination was made? Preliminary Final 4c. If yes, who delineated the jurisdiction al areas? Name (if known): Agency/Consultant Company: Other: 4d. If yes, list the dates of the Corps jurisdictional determinations or State determinations and attach documentation. 5. Project History 5a. Have permits or certifications been requested or obtained for this project (including all prior phases) in the past? Yes No Unknown 5b. If yes, explain in detail according to “help file” instructions. 6. Future Project Plans 6a. Is this a phased project? Yes No 6b. If yes, explain. Page 4 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version C. Proposed Impacts Inventory 1. Impacts Summary 1a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that apply): Wetlands Streams - tributaries Buffers Open Waters Pond Construction 2. Wetland Impacts If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, then complete this question for each wetland area impacted. 2a. Wetland impact number – Permanent (P) or Temporary (T) 2b. Type of impact 2c. Type of wetland (if known) 2d. Forested 2e. Type of juri sdiction (Corps - 404, 10 DWQ – non -404, other) 2f. Area of impact (acres) W1 P T Yes No Corps DWQ W2 P T Yes No Corps DWQ W3 P T Yes No Corps DWQ W4 P T Yes No Corps DWQ W5 P T Yes No Corps DWQ W6 P T Yes No Corps DWQ 2g . Total wetla nd impacts 2h. Comments: 3. Stream Impacts If there are perennial or intermittent stream impacts (including temporary impacts) proposed on the site, then complete this question for all stream sites impacted. 3a. Str eam impact number - Permanent (P) or Temporary (T) 3b. Type of impact 3c. Stream name 3d. Perennial (PER) or intermittent (INT)? 3e. Type of jurisdiction (Corps - 404, 10 DWQ – non -404, other) 3f. Average stream width (feet) 3g. Impact length (linear feet) S1 P  T Bridge to culvert Shaw Creek PER INT Corps DWQ 16 S2 P T t emp. on -site crossing S haw Creek PER INT Corps DWQ 1 6 S3 P T PER INT Corps DWQ S4 P T PER INT Corps DWQ S5 P T PER INT Corps DWQ S6 P T PER INT Corps DWQ 3h. Total stream and tributary impacts 3i. Comments: Page 5 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version 4. Open Water Impacts If there are proposed impacts to lakes, ponds, estuaries, tributaries, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean , or any other open water of the U.S. then individually list all open water impacts below. 4a. Open water impact number – Permanent (P) or Temporary (T) 4b. Name of waterbody (if applicable) 4c. Type of impact 4d. Waterbody type 4e. Area of impact (ac res) O1 P T O2 P T O3 P T O4 P T 4f. Total open water impacts 4g. Comments: 5. Pond or Lake Construction If pond or lake construction proposed, then complete the chart below. 5a. Pond ID number 5b. Proposed use or purpose of pond 5c. Wetland Impacts (acres) 5d. Stream Impacts (feet) 5e. Upland (acres) Floode d Filled Excavated Flooded Filled Excavated Flooded P1 P2 5f. Total 5g. Comments: 5h. Is a dam high hazard permit required? Yes No If yes, permit ID no: 5i. Expected pond surface area (acres): 5j. Size of pond watershed (acres): 5k. Method of construction: 6 . Buffer Impacts (for DWQ) If project will impact a protected riparian buffer , then complete the chart below. If yes, then individually list all buffer impacts below. If any impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form. 6a . Project is in which protected basin? Neuse Tar -Pamlico Other: Catawba Randleman 6b. Buffer impact number – Permanent (P) or Temporary (T) 6c. Reason for impact 6d. Stream name 6e. Buffer mitigation required? 6f. Zone 1 impact (square feet) 6g. Zone 2 impact (square feet) B1 P T Yes No B2 P T Yes No B3 P T Yes No 6h. Total buffer impacts 6i. Comments: Page 6 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version D. Impact Justification and Mitigation 1. Avoidance and Minimization 1a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project. A temporary on -site detour will be used with nominal impacts to .Schweinitz's sunflower population 1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques. Standard construction techniques apply. Best Mana gement Practices for Bridge Demolition and Removal and Best Management Practices for Construction and Maintenance Activities will be used. 2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State 2a. Does the project require Comp ensatory Mitigation for impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State? Yes No 2b. If yes, mitigation is required by (check all that apply): DWQ Corps 2c. If yes, wh ich mitigation option will be used for this project? Mitigation bank Payment to in -lieu fee program Permittee Responsible Mitigation 3. Complete if Using a Mitigation Bank 3a. Name of Mitigation Bank: 3b. Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter) Type Quantity 3c. Comments: 4. Complete if Making a Payment to In -lieu Fee Program 4a. Approval letter from in -lieu fee program is attached. Yes 4b. Stream mitigation requested: linear feet 4c. If using stream mitigation, stream temperature: warm cool cold 4d. Buffer mitigation requested (DWQ only): square feet 4e. Riparian wetland mitigation requested: acres 4f. Non -riparian wetland mitigation requested: acres 4g. Coastal (t idal) wetland mitigation requested: acres 4h. Comments: 5. Complete if Using a Permittee Responsible Mitigation Plan 5a. If using a permittee responsible mitigation plan, provide a description of the proposed mitigat ion plan. Page 7 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version 6. Buffer Mitigation (State Regulated Riparian Buffer Rules) – required by DWQ 6a. Will the project result in an impact within a protected riparian buffer that requires buffer mitigation? Yes No 6b. If yes, then identify the square feet of impact to each zone of the riparian buffer that requires mitigation. Calculate the amount of mitigation required. Zone 6c. Reason for impact 6d. Total impact (square feet) M ultiplier 6e. Required mitigation (square feet) Zone 1 3 (2 for Catawba) Zone 2 1.5 6f. Total buffer mitigation required: 6g. If buffer mitigation is required, discuss what type of mitigation is proposed (e.g., payment to private mitigation bank, permittee responsible riparian buffer restoration, payment into an approved in -lieu fee fund). 6h . Comments: Page 8 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version E. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ) 1. Diffuse Flow Plan 1a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules? Yes No 1b. If yes, then is a diffuse flow plan included? If no, explain why. Comments: Yes No 2. Stormwater Management Plan 2a. What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project? N/A % 2b. Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan? Yes No 2c. If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, e xplain why: 2d. If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative description of the plan: Will implement NCDOT's Construction Program to prevent pollution runoff from const ruction activities 2e. Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan? Certified Local Government DWQ Stormwater Program DWQ 401 Unit 3. Certified Local Government Stormwater Review 3a. In which local government’s jurisdiction is this project? not applicable 3b. Which of the following locally -implemented stormwater management programs apply (check all that apply): Phase II N SW USMP Water Supply Watershed Other: 3c. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been attached? Yes No 4. D WQ Stormwater Program Review 4a. Which of the following state -implemented stormwater management programs apply (check all that apply): Coastal counties HQW ORW Session Law 2006 -246 Other: NPDES NCS000250 4b. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been attached? Yes No 5. DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review 5a. Does the Stormwate r Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements? Yes No 5b. Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met? Yes No Page 9 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version F. Supplementary Information 1. Enviro nmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement) 1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the use of public (federal/state) land? Yes No 1b. If you answered “yes” to the abo ve, does the project require preparation of an environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State (North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)? Yes No 1c. If you answered “y es” to the above, has the document review been finalized by the State Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval letter.) Comments: Yes No 2. Violations (DWQ Req uirement) 2a. Is the site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards, or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)? Yes No 2b. Is this an after -the -fact permit application? Yes No 2c. If you answered “yes” to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s): 3. Cumulative I mpacts (DWQ Requirement) 3a. Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality? Yes No 3b. If you an swered “yes” to the above, submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the most recent DWQ policy. If you answered “no,” provide a short narrative description. 4. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement) 4 a. Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non -discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility. not applicable Page 10 of 10 PCN Form – Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version 5. Endangered Species and Designate d Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement) 5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or habitat? Yes No 5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act imp acts? Yes No 5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted. Raleigh Asheville 5d. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impa ct Endangered Species or Designated Critical Habitat? NCNHP, field surveys, NCWRC aquatics database of common and rare taxa, NCDWQ fish database 6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement) 6a. Will this project occur in or near an area desi gnated as essential fish habitat? Yes No 6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat? NCWRC data records 7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural R esources (Corps Requirement) 7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or properties significa nt in North Carolina history and archaeology)? Yes No 7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources? 8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement) 8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA -designated 100 -year floodplain? Yes No 8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements: 8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination? FEMA Maps Applicant/Agent's Printed Name _______________________________ Applicant/Agent's Signature (Agent's signature is valid only i f an authorization letter from the applicant is provided.) Date Figure 4. Creedmoor (CrB) associated with Duncan Road (SR 1241) Bridge No. 30287 over Shaw Creek Figure 5. Bridge No. 30287 over Shaw Creek on Duncan Road (SR 1241) Bridge No. 30287 Figure 6. Duncan Road (SR 1241) associated with Bridge No. 30287 over Shaw Creek Figure 7. Shaw Creek; upstream from Bridge No. 30287 Fi gure 8. Shaw Creek; downstream from Bridge No. 30287 2 SHEET NO.PROJECT REFERENCE NO. ROADWAY DESIGN ENGINEER ENGINEER PAVEMENT DESIGN 6 / 2 / 9 9 5 / 2 1 / 2 0 1 3 K : \ 5 5 3 3 5 _ D i v 1 0 \ 0 3 0 2 8 7 \ R o a d w a y \ P r o j \ B 0 3 0 2 8 7 _ R d y _ t y p . d g n r o j e c t * 7’-0" WITH GUARDRAIL TYPICAL SECTION NO. 1 17BP.10.R.31 PAVEMENT SCHEDULE ITEM DESCRIPTION C L -L- NOTE: SEE PLAN FOR SUPER ELEVATION RATES AND TRANSITIONS -L- STA. 10+29.89 TO STA. 13+07.99 * 7’-0" WITH GUARDRAIL T GRADE POINT 0 .0 8 0 .0 8 GRADE TO THIS LINE 10’10’ V A R I E S V A R I E S T NOTE: SEE PLAN FOR SUPER ELEVATION RATES AND TRANSITIONS * SHLD VARIES 4’ 2 :1 EXISTING GROUND * SHLD VARIES 4’ 2 : 1 EXISTING GROUND TYPICAL SECTION NO. 2 C L T 8.0"GRADE POINT 0 .0 8 0 .0 8 GRADE TO THIS LINE J2 T SHLD VARIES 3’ 2 :1 EXISTING GROUND SHLD VARIES 3’ 2 : 1 EXISTING GROUND -DET- NOTE: PAVEMENT EDGE SLOPES ARE 1:1 UNLESS SHOWN OTHERWISE EARTH MATERIAL T J2 7.5’7.5’ -DET- STA. 1+13.38 TO STA. 5+12.26 0 .0 2 0 .0 2 NC Lic. No. F-0270 CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28204-2644 301 S. McDOWELL STREET, SUITE 1008 P R O F E S S I O N A L E N G I N E E R N O R T H C A R O L I N A S E A L 1 5 4 2 4 C. J O H N S O N L L I S O N A PROP. 8" AGGREGATE BASE COURSE J1 J1 PROP. 10" AGGREGATE BASE COURSE 10.0" R E V I S I O N S A P P R O V E D D E S C R I P T I O N D A T E 1 R E V I S I O N A C J 5 /2 1 /1 3 R E P L A C E D A S P H A L T P A V E M E N T W I T H A B C R E V I S E D T Y P I C A L N O . 1 NO T E : U S E T H I S S T A N D A R D F O R D R U M L O C A T I O N S / T A P E R S A ND S I G N I N G O N L Y . P A V E M E N T M A R K I N G S D O N O T A PP L Y T O T H I S P R O J E C T . Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. October 11, 2012 SCHWEINITZ’S SUNFLOWER SURVEY REPORT PROJECT: Protected species survey report for Schweinitz’s sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii ) for the proposed Replacement of Bridge # 30 287 over Shaw Creek on Duncan Road (SR 1 241 ) in Anson County. WBS: 17BP 10.R.31 REPORT BIOLOGISTS: John M. Alderman and Joseph D. Alderman The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace bridge number 30 287 over Shaw Creek on SR 1 241 in Anson County (Figure 1). Shaw Creek is located in the Pee Dee River Basin. Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) was listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on May 7, 1991 (USFWS 1991). Natureserve (2012) ranks Schweinitz’s sunf lower as G3, a vulnerable species. Endemic to the Piedmont of the Carolinas, this species has a range limited to 13 North Carolina counties (NCNHP 2012) (Anson, Cabarrus, Davidson, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Randolph, Rowan, Richmond, Stokes, Surry, Stanly, and Union) and 2 counties in South Carolina (Lancaster and York). Schweinitz’s sunflower requires landscape disturbance, historically fire and grazing by bison and elk. Due to fire suppression and the extirpation of bison and elk in the Piedmo nt, Schweinitz’s sunflower is largely limited to roadsides and protected areas specifically managed for the sunflower. Additional impacts to the species include herbicide application on roadsides, roadside mowing during the growing season, and invasive pl ant competition. Schweinitz’s sunflower is a member of the Asteraceae family and was discovered by Lewis David von Schweinitz and described by Asa Gray and John Torrey. Typically, Schweinitz’s sunflower will grow to a height of approximately 2 meters bet ween spring and winter, dying back after the growing season, leaving only the tuber. Its leaves are opposite at the base of the stem and alternate nearing the tip, pubescent, with a rough leathery feel. The stems are pubescent with a purple coloration an d extend from the main stem at near ly a 45 degree angle. Multiple yellow flowers are produced between August and the first frost. Prior to conducting a Schweinitz’s sunflower survey, a review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database was conducted to determine if there were any species records within the proposed project study area. This review indicated that an occurrence of Schweinitz’s sunflower exists at the bridge crossing (principal EO 160) with a subEO (059) located le ss than 0.33 miles away along SR 1216 (Redfearn Road). Although conflicting principal EO and subEO ranks exist within the NCNHP records for these 2 records, available data suggest that the subEO located along SR 1216 is the most significant with an EO_ran k of B associated with a 2007 survey. An EO rank of D is associated with the subject Duncan Road/Shaw Creek element occurrence based upon a 2007 survey. Biologists John M. Alderman and Joseph D. Alderman completed a Schweinitz’s sunflower survey within t he project area ’s maintained/disturbed habitat, other nearby habitats, and along SR 1216 (quick reconnaissance) on February 2 8 , 2012. Total time devoted to the survey was 10 person -hours. A follow -up survey associated with the project area was conducted on October 10, 2012. Total time devoted to this survey was 4 person -hours. During the quick reconnaissance survey along SR 1216, 100 individual occurrences of Schweinitz’s sunflower were documented (approximately 150 stems total with most found along t he southeast side of the road). During the February survey, 382 Schweinitz’s sunflower stems were documented within the NCDOT Bridge 30287 project area and up and downcreek from the bridge along Shaw Creek, and 379 stems were documented during the Octob er survey in the same general areas. Most of the individual stems were documented downcreek from the bridge crossing within relatively open, disturbed habitat near the creek (Figure 1 and Table 1 ). Table 1. October 10, 2012, Schweinitz’s sunflower survey; clusters associated with Figure 1; number of stem groups within each cluster, mean maximum group height (cm) within a cluster, maximum height (cm) within a cluster; minimum height (cm) within a cluster CLUSTER # STEM GROUPS MEAN HEIGHT MAXIMUM HEIGHT MINIMUM HEIGHT A 25 82 205 15 B 3 138 150 118 C - - - - D 1 - 32 - E 7 148 259 20 F 1 - 167 - G 1 - 228 - H 2 133 198 68 I 1 - 103 - Stems within clusters D, E, G, H, and I are owned by NCDOT. Stems within clusters C, B, and A are owned by Joyce G. Rorie Living Trust. All others are owned by American Timberland II LLC. Proposed Bridge Replacement Conservation Measures 1. Due to planned demolition and construction activities, Schweinit z’s sunflower plants within clusters D, E, G, H, and I will be relocated by USFWS personnel to appropriate habitat . Using October data, plants associated with 77 stems will be relocated. USFWS personnel will determine if these plants will be moved back to this project site following bridge replacement. 2. An on -site detour will be constructed between the existing bridge and the closest occurrence o f Schweinitz’s sunflower downstream from the bridge (cluster C). The temporary creek crossing will use a double 60” pipe culvert 40 feet long. This crossing will start 37’ from the south edge of the existing bridge. 3. No use of herbicides will occur associated with the planned project. 4. On the date(s) that bridge demolition occurs, a USFWS biologist will be on site to relocate any discovered Schweinitz’s sunflower plants or root stocks. This biologist will be given a 1 week notice of demolition start date. 5. Using orange construction plastic barrier fencing, road rights -of -way , including the temporary road, will be fenced off from construction activities and personnel. 6. Riparian zone disturbance will be minimized and will be limited to the temporary crossing location and to the existing bridge replacement area. Orange construction plastic barrier fencing will be used to isolate construction activities and personnel from the riparian zone and Schweinitz’s sunflower occupied habitats. 7. Stream stabilization will be limited to using a nominal quantity of rip -rap at the new crossing site to protect the new structure. 8. If any of the adopted conservation measures are not followed, work will cease and USFWS consultation will be reinitiated. As requested by USFWS personnel, a biological conclusion associated with this project for Schweinitz’s sunflower will be provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers. References NatureServe. 2011. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: February 11, 2012 ). NCNHP. 1/27/2012 update. Element occurrence records for Schweinitz’s sunflower. US Fish and Wildlife Service. 1991. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants: determination of Helianthus schweinitzii (Schweinitz’s sunflower) to be an endangered species. Federal Register 56(88): 21087 -21091. Figure 1. Schweinitz’s sunflower stem counts and locations associated with replacement of Bridge 30287 ; small circles = groups of stems within an area 1 – several meters across; large, golden, lettered circles = clusters of groups of stems