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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231088 Ver 1_B-5881 NRTR Final 2023-07-13_20230802NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT Replace Bridge No. 120 on SR 1395 (Bald Mountain Road) over Jim Creek Yancey County, North Carolina 17BP.13.R.158 (STIP B-5881) KaR TH i z, R1 OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Environmental Coordination and Permitting July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. 1.0 INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridge No. 120 on SR 1395 (Bald Mountain Road) over Jim Creek (TIP B-5881) in Yancey County, North Carolina (Figures 1 and 2). The following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the preparation of the appropriate environmental documentation. This report updates a previous NRTR dated October 2016. 2.0 METHODOLOGY All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination and Permitting's Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure and the latest NRTR Template dated September 2021. Field work was conducted on March 29 and May 10, 2016, and on June 8, 2023. Water resources identified in the study area have not been verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). The principal personnel contributing to the field work and document is provided in the appendix. 3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES One terrestrial community was identified in the study area. Figure 3 shows the location and extent of this terrestrial community. Terrestrial community data are presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 1). Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area Community Dominant Species (scientific name) Coverage ac. Tag alder (Alnus serrulata) Maintained Disturbed Blackberry (Rubus sp.) 2.3 Red ma le Acer rubrum Total 2.3 4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES 4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists the following federally protected species within the study area, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (Table 2). For each species, a discussion of the presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area. July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. Table 2. ESA federally protected species within the Study Areal Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Habitat Present Biological Conclusion Alasmidonta raveneliana Appalachian Elktoe E No No Effect Myotis grisescens Gray Bat E No No Effect Myotis septentrionalis Northern Long-eared Bat E Unknown Unresolved Perimyotis subflavus Tricolored Bat P Unknown Unresolved Glyptemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required Isotia medeoloides Small Whorled Po onia T No No Effect Spiraea virginiana Virginia Spiraea T Yes No Effect Gymnoderma lineare Rock Gnome Lichen E No No Effect ' IPaC data checked on May 30, 2023 E - Endangered P -Proposed T - Threatened T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance Appalachian Elktoe USFWS optimal survey window: year round Biological Conclusion: No Effect A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known occurrences of Appalachian elktoe within 1.0 mile of the study area. A survey of the project area was performed by RK&K in 2017. The survey found that based on the high gradient and small size, Jim Creek was not suitable habitat for the elktoe. A copy of the survey can be found in the Appendix. Gray Bat USFWS optimal survey window: May 15 - August 15 Biological Conclusion: No Effect A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known occurrences of Gray Bat within 1.0 mile of the study area. A survey performed by to the NCDOT Biological Surveys Group in 2017 found that the bridge over Jim Creek was not suitable roosting habitat for this bat, as the low height and type of bridge (timber and steel) is not typically used by the bat. 2 July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. Northern Long-eared Bat USFWS optimal survey window: May 15 - August 15 Biological Conclusion: Unresolved A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known occurrences of Northern Long-eared Bat within 1.0 mile of the study area. Tricolored Bat USFWS optimal survey window: May 15 - August 15 Biological Conclusion: Unresolved A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known occurrences of Triclolored Bat within 1.0 mile of the study area. Bog Turtle USFWS optimal survey window: April 1 — October 1 (visual surveys); April 1 — June 15 (optimal for breeding/nesting); May 1 — June 30 (trapping surveys) Biological Conclusion: Not Required The southern population of the bog turtle is listed as Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance to the northern population; therefore, the southern population is not afforded protection under Section 7 of the ESA and does not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. There is one wetland present within the study area, but it does not provide suitable conditions for the bog turtle. A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known bog turtle occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. Small Whorled Pogonia USFWS optimal survey window: mid -May — early July Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat for Small Whorled Pogonia, in the form of young or maturing mixed -deciduous forest is present within the study area. A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known Small Whorled Pogonia occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. 3 July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. Virginia Spiraea USFWS optimal survey window: May — early July Biological Conclusion: No Effect Suitable habitat for Virginia Spiraea is present within the study area along the streambanks of Bald Mountain Creek. A field survey for Virginia Spiraea was conducted by Ron Johnson (Senior Biologist with AECOM) on May 10, 2016 and June 6, 2023. Pedestrian surveys of the stream banks and adjacent floodplain areas were performed, and no Virginia Spiraea plants were found. A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known Virginia Spiraea occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. Rock Gnome Lichen USFWS optimal survey window: Year Round Biological Conclusion: No Effect No suitable habitat for Rock Gnome Lichen, in the form of high elevation coniferous forests with rocky outcrops, is present within the study area. A review of NHP records, accessed on May 30, 2023, indicated no known Rock Gnome Lichen occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. 4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act is enforced by the USFWS. Golden eagles do not nest in North Carolina. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests in proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open water. A desktop-GIS assessment of the study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile radius of the project limits, was performed on June 7, 2023 using 2021 color aerials. No water bodies large enough or sufficiently open to be considered potential feeding sources were identified. Since there was no foraging habitat within the review area, a survey of the study area and the area within 660 feet of the project limits was not conducted. Additionally, a review of the NHP database on May 30, 2023 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Due to the lack of habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this species. 5.0 WATER RESOURCES Water resources in the study area are part of the French Broad River basin [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit (06010108). Three streams were identified in the study area (Table 3). The location of each stream is shown in Figure 4. 4 July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. Table 3. Streams in the study area NCDWR Bank Bankfull Stream Name Map ID Index Best Usage Height width Depth Number Classification ft ft (in) Jim Creek Jim Creek 7-3-32-1 C, Tr 4 10 6 UT to Jim Creek SB 7-3-32-1 C, Tr 0.5 2.0 0.5 Bald Mountain Creek Bald Mountain Creek 7-3-32 C, Tr 4 15 12 There are no designated High Quality Waters (HQW) or water supply watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within, or within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. No streams within or within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area are identified on the North Carolina 2022 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters. No surface waters were identified in the study area. 6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS 6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. Three streams were identified in the study area (Table 4). The location of these streams is shown on Figure 4. North Carolina Stream Assessment Method (NCSAM) and NCDWR stream identification forms are included in a separate Jurisdictional Determination (JD) Package. All streams in the study area have been designated as cold water streams for the purposes of stream mitigation. Table 4. Status of streams in the study area Map ID Length (ft) Classification Compensatory Mitigation Required River Basin Buffer Jim Creek* 160 Perennial Yes Not Subject SB* 100 Intermittent Yes Not Subject Bald Mountain Creek* 660 j Perennial I Yes Not Subject Total 920 * NCSAM forms are available in the JD package One wetland was identified within the study area (Table 5). The location of this wetland is shown on Figure 4. The wetland is located within the French Broad River basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit 06010108]. USACE wetland determination forms and NCWAM forms for this wetland are included in a separate JD Package. 5 July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. Table 5. Characteristics of wetlands in the study area NCWAM NCWAM Hydrologic 404/401 Area (ac.) in Map ID Classification Forested Rating Classification or 401 Study Area Bottomland WA Hardwood No Low Riparian 404/401 0.12 Forest Total 0.12 6.2 Construction Moratoria Correspondence from NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) dated April 28, 2016 stated that brook and rainbow trout occur in the study area and a federally listed mussel species (Appalachian elktoe) occurs a short distance downstream. Therefore, a moratorium prohibiting in -stream work and land disturbance within 25 feet of Jim Creek and Bald Mountain Creek has been recommended from October 15 to April 15. 6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules No riparian buffer rules administered by NCDWR apply to the streams within the project. 6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters No streams within the study area have been designated by the USACE as a Navigable Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. 6 July 2023 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP B-5881, Yancey County, N.C. 7.0 REFERENCES Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station. Vicksburg, Mississippi. Environmental Laboratory. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region Version 2.0. Vicksburg, Mississippi. NCDOT, 2016. Natural Resources Technical Report. STIP B-5881. NCDWQ. 2010. Methodology for Identification oflntermittent and Perennial Streams and their Origins, Version 4.11. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. Raleigh, NC. NCDWR. Final. 2022 Category 5 Water Quality Assessments 303(d) List. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina. NCDWR. 2023. NC Surface Water Classifications Map. http://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps /webappviewer/index.html?id=6el25ad7628f494694e259c80dd64265 (Accessed 7/7/2023). USFWS. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina's Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. hLtps://www.fws.gov/nc- es/plant/plant survey, .h�(Accessed 5/01/2023). 7 July 2023 1T ► - 7 1m Q o 7 r pro 1r' 52.75' 4P tiz i' `�.Zrttle:-CSC ti �� or Yancey �, a I. - �"• PRWA 1 Itdv , . IF Pw do r` = Slipper $pier pJ t sn8k� .00 F a l3- �` • r 1 ai �� y �'!• fr+{/5505 g 01d� a Ch T•95 I 1 I ti �• 1 � � � s- 'fir` I irfNYe •�� ti • Nanilrr�7 t. r7lrr r r 4&- N B-5881 AV: _ APr r GrBrY� 1 { � { f i Awe i d L:r r A! y.. ek R m d a - 10 3500 f r ■��1rn+{fan Cr Oak a rOrr dCori �p a l Culbe rt Rfid Ici:l L' 4t03'fN, '� /df r� irrrf 'y f 3213 {t e�* -Bald a❑b 3597 h Q� tl �lseY Gt f 3% a�, i do `1 '.01) 1 f N S �4P 1��4 � f s � •w887 h �� - 7 d69 5 r .01r, = ' 1 � t �' �!�scRlol • nA 47R 1 1 PP ,� �- ► � IKSho N U !V T A� E ors Cr 1 ,odors r- Aw ' f { IV, _ Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, Mapmylndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community "OAT"fC4 VICINITY MAP Legend y °t'sy NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT French Broad � Div: TIP# 13 B-5881 Figure OF TRANSPORTATION Replace Bridge No. 120 on SR ■Study Area PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND HUC 06010108 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS 1395 over Jim Creek in Yancey County I Date: 1 r oa�P ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT TIP Project B-5881 0 0.25 0 5 iles July 2023 '�'TaF Tf7A?' , 40 - 0 Ly- E ti_ _ .060 oek Rd rSR 1422 e + + S _13g51 1 -aid MVV l 6 m t 0 I � Sampson Wt Rd (SR-1401) 06� F 0ORTH CQ PROJECT STUDY AREA MAP Leg end Bald Creek, NC 1939 Source: USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection Div: TIP# ON �Pe 9�9 NORTHCAROLINADEPARTMENT French Broad 13 B-5881 Figure OF TRANSPORTATION Replace Bridge No. 120 on SR HUC 06010108 n z DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS 1395 over Jim Creek in Yancey County B-5881 Study Area Date: q PROJECT DEVELOPMENTAND 9pFNT OF TR ANSeOP~P ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT TIP Project B-5881 0 100 200eet �July2023 Qualifications of Contributors Investigator: Ron Johnson Education: M.S. Biological Sciences 1982 1 B.S. Biological Sciences, 1978 Experience: Senior Biologist, AECOM, 1987—Present Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, T/E species assessment, document preparation Investigator: Susan Draper, AICP, PWS Education: M.S. Botany 2003 1 B.S. Wildlife Management 1999 Experience: Environmental Scientist & Project Manager, URS/AECOM — North Carolina, 2005-2015, 2018 — present Environmental Scientist & Project Manager, SEPI Inc, 2015-2018 Environmental Scientist, Stantec, 2003-2005 Biologist, US Forest Service, 1999-2001 Responsibilities: Document Review 2016 Report and Fieldwork Principal Investigator: Paul Masten, LSS, PWS, LEED-AP Education: B.A. Environmental Science, 1998 Experience: Project Biologist, AECOM, 2016-2020 Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations and assessments, natural communities assessment, T/E species assessment, document preparation Investigator: Paul Worthington Education: B.S. Environmental Biology, 2005 Experience: Biologist, AECOM, 2014-2018 Responsibilities: Stream delineations, GPS data collection, stream assessment, natural communities assessment Roy COOPER GOVERNOR TO CC .1u STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION JAws H. TROGDON, III SECRETARY April 27, 2017 James Mason, Environmental Specialist Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group Western, NES - PDEA Pam Williams, Project Development Engineer Project Development Group - Western Region, PDEA Chris Manley, Environmental Program Consultant Biological Surveys Group, NES - PDEA SUBJECT: Streamline Section 7 Consultation for the Northern Long -Eared Bat associated with the replacement of Bridge 120 over Jim Creek on SR 1395 in Yancey County, TIP No. B-5881. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 13) proposes to replace Bridge No. 120 over Jim Creek on SR 1395 in Yancey County, TIP No. B-5881. The existing bridge is a single span structure with a timber floor on salvaged I -beams superstructure, and concrete abutments. The guardrail is constructed of wood. The overall length of the structure is 26 feet. Northern long-eared bat The project to replace Bridge No. 120 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long- eared bat (NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of April 27, 2017, NLEB is listed by USFWS (httl2://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cn , list/nc counties.html) as "current" in Yancey County. USFWS also established a final rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act that provides measures for the conservation of NLEB. The USFWS has tailored the final 4(d) rule to prohibit the take of NLEB from certain activities within areas where they are in decline. This incidental take protection applies only to known NLEB occupied maternity roost trees and known NLEB hibernacula. Effective February 16, 2016, incidental take resulting from tree removal is prohibited if it 1) occurs within a 1/4 mile radius of known NLEB hibernacula; or 2) cuts or destroys known occupied maternity roost trees, or any other trees within a 150-foot radius from the known maternity tree during the pup season (June 1-July 31). Mailing Address: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 TELEPHONE: 919-707-6000 FAX 919-212-5785 TTEBSITE: NCDOT. GOV Location: CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B 1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH NC 27610 According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated January 2017, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 10 miles southeast (EO ID 34327) and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area. EO 34327 represents Cooper's Sites with multiple observations from 1992 to 2014. NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website (http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmIs/12roject review/NLEB in WNC.html) for consistency with NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12- digit HUC) that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an area that may require consultation. For the proposed action, NCDOT has committed to the conservation measures listed below: 1) No alterations of a known hibernaculum's entrance or interior environment if it impairs an essential behavioral pattern, including sheltering northern long-eared bats (January 1 through December 31); 2) No tree removal within a 0.25 mile radius of a known hibernacula (January 1 through December 31); and 3) No cutting or destroying a known, occupied maternity roost tree, or any other trees within a 150-foot radius from the known, occupied maternity tree during the period from June 1 through and including July 31. NCDOT has determined that the proposed action does not require separate consultation on the grounds that the proposed action is consistent with the final Section 4(d) rule, codified at 50 C.F.R. § 17.40(o) and effective February 16, 2016. NCDOT may presume its determination is informed by best available information and consider Section 7 responsibilities fulfilled for NLEB. Gray Bat The project to replace Bridge No. 120 has also been reviewed for effects on the gray bat, Myotis grisescens (MYGR). As of April 28, 1976 the MYGR was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. MYGR is listed by USFWS as "current" in Yancey County http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html (accessed April 27, 2017). According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated in January 2017, MYGR have been documented in Yancey County. This summer, staff from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has observed MYGR roosting in bridges in western NC. Their records indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYGR is approximately 7 miles southeast of the project site (EO ID 36756). EO 36756 represents an observation over the Cane River. Bridge No. 120 is a timber bridge with a clearance of approximately 3 feet. Early evidence from several structure surveys suggests that this species prefers tall, concrete bridges. Timber bridges (which are often slathered in creosote) with low clearances tend to stay cool and damp, and are not typically preferred roosting locations by bats. Bats prefer dry, elevated roost sites. Therefore, no suitable roosting habitat for MYGR is present. Based on low height and type of the bridge (timber and steel) see picture below, the proposed project will have a biological conclusion of No Effect for MYGR. If you need any additional information, please contact Chris Manley at 919-707-6135. Freshwater Mussel Survey Report Replacement of Bridge No. 120 on SR 1395 Over Jim Creek Yancey County, North Carolina TIP number B-5881 WBS Element 9 48075.1.1 Prepared For: NC Department of Transportation Raleigh, North Carolina Contact Person: Jared Gray Biological Surveys Group North Carolina Department of Transportation jgray�a�ncdot.ov 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1598 January 12, 2018 Prepared by: R;f%f C 900 Ridgefield Drive, Suite 350 Raleigh, NC 27609 Contact Person: Neil Medlin Project Manager nmedlin@rkk.com 919-878-9560 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction..............................................................................................................1 2.0 Waters Affected........................................................................................................1 2.1 NPDES Dischargers............................................................................................1 2.2 303(d) Classification...........................................................................................1 3.0 Target Federally Protected Species Description...................................................1 3.1 Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana).................................................1 3.1.1 Characteristics......................................................................................1 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...............................................2 3.2 Survey Efforts.....................................................................................................2 3.3 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Jim Creek.............................................2 3.4 Methodology.......................................................................................................2 3.5 Results.................................................................................................................2 4.0 Discussion/Conclusions............................................................................................2 5.0 References.................................................................................................................3 Appendix A. Figures: Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Location Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams 1.0 Introduction The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the replacement of Bridge No. 120 on SR 1395 (Bald Mountain Road) over Jim Creek in Yancey County (Appendix A, Figure 1). Jim Creek is located in the French Broad River Basin. The Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) is listed for Yancey County by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last accessed on July 21, 2017, indicates the nearest element occurrence (EO) for the Appalachian Elktoe is within the 5-mile buffer of Bridge No. 120, along the Cane River at the intersection of US Hwy 19W and Bald Mountain Road. The EO area is approximately 4.5 stream miles upstream from the project site (Figure 2). This occurrence (EO ID 21349) was first observed on October 16, 1991 and last observed on July 6, 2016. 2.0 Waters Affected Jim Creek is located in the French Broad River Basin (HUC# 06010108). The project on Jim Creek is approximately 100 feet the confluence with Bald Mountain Creek and it is approximately five miles from the Bald Mountain Creek confluence with the Cane River. 2.1 NPDES Dischargers There are three NPDES permitted dischargers located within the 5-mile buffer. However, these facilities discharge into streams in a different watershed and do not affect the streams in the project area (Figure 3). 2.2 303(d) Classification Jim Creek is not on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources 2014 303(d) list of impaired streams or the 2016 draft list. 3.0 Target Federally Protected Species Description 3.1 Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) 3.1.1 Characteristics This species was described by Isaac Lea in 1834. This species has a thin, kidney -shaped shell, extending to about 10 centimeters (4 inches). Juveniles generally have a yellowish -brown periostracum (outer shell surface), while the periostracum of the adults is usually dark brown to greenish -black in color. Although rays are prominent on some shells, particularly in the posterior portion of the shell, many individuals have only obscure greenish rays. The shell nacre (inside shell surface) is shiny, often white to bluish -white, changing to a salmon, pinkish, or brownish color in the central and beak cavity portions of the shell. Some specimens may be marked with irregular brownish blotches. Freshwater Mussel Survey; B-5881, Yancey County January 2018 Page 1 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements Currently, the Appalachian Elktoe has a very fragmented, relict distribution. The species still survives in scattered pockets of suitable habitat in portions of the French Broad River system, Pigeon River system, Mills River, and Little River in North Carolina, and the Nolichucky River system in North Carolina and Tennessee. The Appalachian Elktoe has been reported from relatively shallow, medium-sized creeks and rivers with cool, clean, well -oxygenated, moderate- to fast -flowing water. The species is most often found in riffles, runs, and shallow flowing pools with stable, relatively silt -free, coarse sand and gravel substrate associated with cobble, boulders, and/or bedrock. Stability of the substrate appears to be critical to the Appalachian Elktoe, and the species is seldom found in stream reaches with accumulations of silt or shifting sand, gravel, or cobble. Individuals that have been encountered in these areas are believed to have been scoured out of upstream areas during periods of heavy rain, and have not been found on subsequent surveys. 3.2 Survey Efforts A stream assessment was conducted in association with this project by NCDOT personnel Neil Medlin (Permit # 16-ES00030), Jared Gray, Matt Haney, and Mike Sanderson on June 15, 2016. 3.3 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Jim Creek The small stream had a mixed cobble and sand substrate and a high gradient. 3.4 Methodology No mussel survey was conducted for Jim Creek due to its small size and high gradient. 3.5 Results No survey was conducted. The creek is too small and high gradient to support any freshwater mussels. 4.0 Discussion/Conclusions Based on the high gradient and small size of the creek, completion of this project will have no effect on this species. Biological Conclusion for Appalachian Elktoe: No Effect Freshwater Mussel Survey; B-5881, Yancey County January 2018 Page 2 5.0 References Adams, W. F., J. M. Alderman, R. G. Biggins, A. G. Gerberich, E. P. Keferl, H. J. Porter, and A. S.Van Devender. 1990. A report on the conservation status of North Carolina's freshwater and terrestrial molluscan fauna. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh. 246 pp, Appendix A, 37 pp. LeGrand, Jr., H.E., J.T. Finnegan, S.E. McRae, S.P. Hall. 2010. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. N.C. Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources. 2014. 2014 North Carolina 303(d) and Draft 2016 Lists. hlt2://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wg//ps/mtu/assessment North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. NPDES Wastewater Treatment Facility Permits. http://data- ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a86af4f7549343419b4c8l77cedb3e4b_0 (Accessed July 21, 2017). North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2017. nheo-2017-04. Natural Heritage Element Occurrence polygon shapefile. April 12, 2017. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Unpublished Aquatics Database. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2011. Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) Species Profile. Raleigh Ecological Field Office Web site https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_Upalachian_elktoe.html (Accessed 12/06/16). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1996. Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) Recovery Plan. Atlanta, Georgia. 32 pp. Eads, C. B. and J.F. Levine. 2008. Appalachian Elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) and Tar River Spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) Conservation Research: July 2007-June 2008. Final report submitted to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. 18 pp - Freshwater Mussel Survey; B-5881, Yancey County January 2018 Page 3 Appendix A Figures S. t � F a L�P. 14 �P USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle, Bald Creek, NC 19,4 x402 Prepared By: Prepared For: Freshwater Mussel Survey OFNORTH BRIDGE # 120 on SR 1395 ti� 09 rFm OVER JIM CREEK 4A 0 B-5881 9,flAF�r OF TRpO�P YANCEY COUNTY Dace: January 2018 Scale 0 200 Feet Figure ,lob No. B-5881 Drawn by: GSM Checked by: KNM '7 Legend Survey Location 5 Mile Buffer Appalachian Elktoe Prepared By: RK fC Prepared For: AORTH Cy O 9 y 9 Q 9AA �P 9yFNT OF TRAN�'pO 19 NC NHP Element Occurrence BRIDGE # 120 on SR 1395 OVER JIM CREEK B-5881 YANCEY COUNTY Cane Riven PROW Dace: January 2018 Scale 0 1 Miles Figure ,lob No. B_5881 2 Drawn by: GSM Checked by: KNM