HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240538 Ver 1_Exhibit_B_Sweetwater Tap Relocation NCR Report_May 2023_20240408Natural &Cultural Resources
Prepared by:
Report
Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W-100kV
Relocation
Catawba County, North Carolina
May 2023
Project No. 70237263
Prepared for:
Duke Energy Carolinas
Charlotte, North Carolina
rracon
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Raleigh, North Carolina Nationwide
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC a �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
Table of Contents
1.0
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION & UNDERSTANDING.............................................1
2.0
BACKGROUND RESEARCH..........................................................................1
3.0
PHYSICAL RESOURCES..............................................................................1
3.1
Topography.......................................................................................1
3.2
Soils.................................................................................................1
3.3
Water Resources................................................................................ 2
3.4
Floodplains........................................................................................ 2
4.0
JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES..........................................................................2
4.1
Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.......................................................2
4.1.1 Potential Wetlands Data.............................................................. 3
4.1.2 Potential Waters Data...............................................................4
4.2
Clean Water Act Permits.....................................................................4
4.3
Coastal Area Management Act.............................................................5
4.4
Construction Moratoria........................................................................5
4.5
N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules............................................................... 5
4.5.1 Local and Municipal Buffers.......................................................6
4.6
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act..............................................6
4.7
Endangered Species Act Protected Species............................................6
4.8
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act(BGEPA).......................................9
4.9
Federal Species of Concern/At-Risk Species...........................................9
4.10
State Listed Species...........................................................................9
5.0
CULTURAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL
RESOURCES.............................................10
6.0
SUMMARY................................................................................................10
Appendices
Appendix A
• Exhibits
Appendix B
• Representative Photos
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION & UNDERSTANDING
Terracon has completed the natural and cultural resources due diligence investigation for
Duke Energy Carolinas (Duke) for potential work on the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line in
Catawba County, NC. The study area consists of 2,900 feet of existing line and
approximately 2,800 feet of proposed, new right-of-way. The limits of the study area were
provided by Duke as GIS data.
The study area is depicted on a current U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map
(Exhibit 1), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey of Catawba
County (Exhibit 2), recent aerial photography depicting the delineation results titled
Potential Wetlands/Waters (Exhibit 3), and a Flood Zone map (Exhibit 4).
Terracon was tasked by Duke to provide the following services for the Sweetwater
Ret Tap Line:
• Wetland and waters delineation,
• GPS data collection for any delineated wetlands and tributaries,
• Preliminary protected species habitat assessments for federally Endangered and
Threatened species,
• Preliminary cultural resources assessment, and
• Report, graphics, data, and KMZ file preparation
2.0 BACKGROUND RESEARCH
Prior to the initiation of field efforts, available sources were reviewed, including the
applicable USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles of Hickory, NC (NGS/ESRI 2011),
the NRCS Soil Survey for Catawba County, NC (USDA 1995), and Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain mapping (FEMA 2019). Additionally, North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) data concerning any known occurrences of state and
federally Threatened or Endangered species were reviewed in May 2023 on the Natural
Heritage Data Explorer (NCNHP 2022). Field work was conducted by Terracon staff on May
1, 2023.
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
The study area is located within the piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina.
Specifically, the study area is in the Biotite gneiss and schist and the Megacrystic biotite
gneiss Formations (NCDENR 2018).
3.1 Topography
Topography in the study area consists of slight slopes and drainages. Elevations appear
to range from a high of approximately 1,160 feet above mean sea level (MSL) down to
approximately 1,015 feet above MSL, based on a review of Exhibit 1 and other online data
sources.
3.2 Soils
The soil mapping units identified by NRCS as occurring in the study area include Clifford
sandy loam, 2-6% slopes; Clifford sandy loam, 6-10% slopes; Codorus loam, 0-2% slopes,
frequently flooded; Fairview clay loam, 10-25% slopes, severely eroded; Fairview gravelly
fine sandy loam, 6-10% slopes; Fairview soils, 10-25% slopes, moderately eroded; and
Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
Udorthents, loamy and clayey (Exhibit 2). The soil mapping unit Codorus loam, potentially
occurring within the study area is considered a hydric (wetland) soil by NRCS or is known
to have hydric inclusions.
3.3 Water Resources
Water resources in the study area are located within the Catawba River Basin [USGS
hydrologic unit 03050101 (NCDWR 2019)]. A Best Usage Classification (BUC) is assigned
to waters of North Carolina based on the existing or contemplated best usage of various
bodies of water. Table 1 contains the nearest named water resource associated with
features located within the study area, its Stream Index Number (SIN), and BUC. This
named stream represents the potential receiving waters of any wetlands and tributaries
that are located inside the study area. Unnamed tributaries carry the same BUC as their
receiving waters, unless otherwise indicated by North Carolina Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR).
Table 1. Named water resources and receiving waters (NCDWR 2019)
Stream Name
I SIN =
BUC
Basin
Clark Creek (Shooks Lake)
1 11-129-5-(0.3)
1 C
Catawba
C are waters protected for uses such as aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance
of biological integrity (including fishing and fish), wildlife, secondary contact recreation,
and agriculture. Secondary contact recreation means wading, boating, other uses not
involving human body contact with water, and activities involving human body contact with
water where such activities take place on an infrequent, unorganized, or incidental basis.
3.4 Floodplains
Portions of the study area associated with Clark Creek are designated as the 100-year
floodplain (AE zone), which is defined as an area with a 1 percent annual chance of flooding
and as a regulatory floodway (FEMA 2019). Under NWP 57, activities within the 100-year
floodplain must comply with applicable FEMA-approved state or local floodplain
management requirements. These requirements should be evaluated by Duke engineers
or the applicable engineering consultant.
4.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
4.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires regulation of discharges into waters of
the U.S. (WOTUS). Although the principal administrative agency of the CWA is the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has
major responsibility for implementation, permitting, and enforcement of provisions of the
CWA. Water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams are subject to jurisdictional
consideration under the Section 404 program. However, by regulation, certain wetlands
are also considered WOTUS.
Currently WOTUS are assessed by the CWA's pre-2015 definition of WOTUS. This definition
of WOTUS includes the implementation of rulemaking as decided in the Supreme Court's
decision of the consolidated cases Rapanos v. United States and Carabeii v. United States.
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Specifically, the following waters will be under federal jurisdiction pursuant to the CWA:
• Traditional navigable waters (TNWs)
• Wetlands adjacent to TNWs
• Non -navigable tributaries of traditional navigable waters that are relatively
permanent where the tributaries typically flow year-round or have continuous
flow at least seasonally (3 months)
• Wetlands that directly abut such tributaries
• Relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water "forming
geographic features" that are described in ordinary parlance as "streams,
oceans, rivers, and lakes". These are Relatively Permanent Waters (RPWs).
The following waters will be considered jurisdictional if a significant nexus (contributes to
the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of downstream TNWs) exists between these
features and traditional navigable waters:
• Non -navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent
• Wetlands adjacent to non -navigable tributaries that are not relatively
permanent
• Wetlands adjacent to but that do not directly abut a relatively permanent non -
navigable tributary
The following waters will be considered non jurisdictional under the CWA:
• Swales or Erosional features (gullies, small washes characterized by low volume,
infrequent or short duration flows)
• Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only
uplands and that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water.
However, wetlands and other waterbodies that do not fall under federal regulation per the
CWA may be subject to jurisdiction by the N.0 Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) under
the state's Isolated and Other Non-404 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters program.
Our delineation methodology generally follows the guidance outlined in the Regional
Supplement to the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual for the Eastern Mountains and
Piedmont Region, which states that areas must exhibit three distinct characteristics to be
considered jurisdictional wetlands: 1) prevalence of hydrophytic (water tolerant) plants;
2) presence of hydric soils; and 3) sufficient wetland hydrology indicators within 12 inches
of the ground surface.
The study area was also reviewed for the presence of tributaries (stream channels) using
criteria provided by the USACE and the NCDWR. When present, intermittent, and perennial
tributaries, and certain other surface waters, are also considered jurisdictional by the
USACE and/or NCDWR.
4.1.1 Potential Wetlands Data
One (1) potential wetland was delineated within the study area. As such, this
feature is reported for Dukes preliminary due diligence and planning purposes. This
potential wetland feature was flagged with sequentially numbered orange and red -
and -white striped flagging. Exhibit 3 depicts the approximate extent and
approximate location of this feature. These graphics are not intended to be a
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replacement for a traditional survey and are not intended to be used as such. Table
2 contains a summary of the specific wetland data collected for the wetland that
occurred inside of the project study area. This wetland is classified as a Headwater
Forest wetland. Headwater Forest wetlands are intermittently inundated to
seasonally saturated, dominated by woody vegetation, and located in areas that
have less than a second -order stream or are located within a topographic
crenulation without a stream.
Table 2. Potential wetlands data for the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line
Approximate
Likely
Wetland
NCWAM
Hydrologic Regime
Size in
Jurisdictional
ID
Classification
project
Authority
Study Area
Seasonally to semi -
W1
Headwater Forest
permanently inundated
1
0.01
USACE/DWR
and/or only intermittently
inundated.
TOTAL
t0.01 ac
1 Final decision regarding jurisdictional status lies with USACE.
4.1.2 Potential Waters Data
Three (3) potential tributaries, Clark Creek and two unnamed tributaries to Clark
Creek, were identified by Terracon staff within the project study area. These
features are reported for Duke's preliminary due diligence and planning purposes
and were delineated with sequentially numbered solid blue and orange flagging. A
NCDWR stream identification form was completed for the potential tributaries in the
study area to determine if the stream exhibits perennial or intermittent flow. Exhibit
3 depicts the approximate extent and approximate location of these features. This
exhibit is not intended to be a replacement for a traditional survey and are not
intended to be used as such. Table 3 contains the potential waters data collected
as part of this project.
Table 3. Potential waters data for the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line
NCDWQ
Approximate
Likely
Water
Flow
Length (ft) in
Approximate
Stream
Jurisdictional
s ID
Regimes
Width (ft)
ID Form
Study Area
Authority
Score
T1
(Clark
Perennial
228
15
>30
USACE/DWR
Creek)
T2
Intermittent
154
6
24
USACE/DWR
T3
Intermittent
42
6
20
USACE/DWR
TOTAL
424 LF
'Based on NCDWR score; USACE holds final decision
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
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4.2 Clean Water Act Permits
Dredge and fill activities in WOTUS must be authorized by USACE as a regulated discharge
pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA and by NCDWR pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA.
Activities authorized by the USACE are subject to further water quality requirements per
Section 401 of the CWA. In North Carolina, the NCDWR administers the Section 401 Water
Quality Certification process, which also must include plans on how the applicant proposes
to manage stormwater.
USACE authorizes many utility projects under the Nationwide Permit (NWP) program. NWP
57 will allow activities required for the construction, maintenance, repair, and removal of
utility lines and associated facilities in WOTUS, provided the activity does not result in the
loss of greater than 0.5 acre of WOTUS for each single and complete project.
Compensatory mitigation can be required by USACE if the proposed project is determined
to have an adverse effect on WOTUS, including wetlands, because of a regulated discharge.
Mitigation can be required for wetland losses >_ 0.10 acre and/or the loss of >_ 0.02 acre of
stream bed. Under NWP 57 activities within the 100-year floodplain must comply with
applicable FEMA-approved state or local floodplain management requirements.
Coordination is recommended with USACE and NCDWR to determine the applicable
jurisdictional authority and the permitting requirements for this project, if any. Section
404 permitting may not be necessary if all wetland and stream impacts are avoided;
however, concurrence from USACE and NCDWR should be obtained prior to beginning any
activities.
4.3 Coastal Area Management Act
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM) regulates certain wetlands and
water bodies in the twenty coastal counties of North Carolina pursuant to the Coastal Area
Management Act. Catawba County is not a coastal county and is not subject to NCDCM
regulations.
4.4 Construction Moratoria
No construction moratoria should apply to this project based on the lack of sensitive
environmental resources that could trigger a moratorium. There are no Primary Nursery
Areas (PNA) listed for Catawba County (NCDMF 2011). There are no Anadromous Fish
Spawning Areas (AFSA) listed for Catawba County (NCDMF 2007). There are no
waters/tributaries within the study area or receiving waters that are classified as Trout
Waters (Tr) (NCDWR 2018).
4.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
The study area is within the Catawba River Basin. Per the Catawba River Basin riparian
buffer rules, a 50-foot buffer applies to all shorelines along Catawba River mainstem below
Lake James to the North Carolina/South Carolina border and all shorelines of the Catawba
mainstem lakes. This buffer does not apply to any features identified within the study area.
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rr Terracon
4.5.1 Local and Municipal Buffers
The project study site is within Catawba County. There appear to be no local or
municipal riparian buffer requirements in Catawba County. Terracon makes no
definitive statement regarding buffers that are associated with landscaping,
viewsheds, zoning, or any purpose other than for the protection of aquatic
resources.
4.6 Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act requires authorization from the USACE for the
excavation of material, alteration, obstruction, or construction of any structure in or over
any "navigable water" of the United States (33 U.S.0 410 et seq.). "Navigable water" is
defined as waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to the mean
high-water mark and/or waters that are presently used, have been used in the past, or are
susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce (33 CFR part 329). There
are no Section 10 waters within the study area.
4.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
Species with the federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.). Species officially Proposed (P) for such listing are not protected under the ESA, but
are recommended for inclusion in evaluations based on potential for status to be upgraded
to official listing as E or T. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) online Information
for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system (IPAC 2023) indicates that five (5) species
are recommended for project consideration based on the location of the project study area.
Three of these species, tricolored bat (listed as Proposed Endangered), bog turtle (listed
as Threatened -Similar to Appearance), and monarch butterfly (listed as Candidate) do not
currently require further consideration. A NCNHP database query was generated in April
2023 to determine if any of these species have been documented inside of or within 1.0
mile of the study area. Terracon conducted habitat assessments inside the study area in
May 2023.
Table 4. Federal listed species for Sweetwater Ret Tap Line (Catawba County)
Potential
Federal
Habitat
Biological
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
(T/E) 1
Present
conclusion
Y/N
May Affect -
Northern long-
Myotis
Yes (summer
Not Likely to
eared bat
septentrionaiis
E
habitat)
Adversely
Affectz
Tricolored bat
Perimyotis
PE
Yes
Not Required
subfia vus
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
May Affect -
Dwarf -flowered
Hexastylis
T
Yes
Not Likely to
heartleaf
naniflora
Adversely
Affectz
Bog turtle
Glyptemys
T(S/A)
No
Not Required
muhlenbergii
Monarch
Danaus plexippus
C
No
Not Required
butterfly
1 E - Endangered, PE - Proposed Endangered, T-Threatened, T(S/A)-Threatened (Similarity of
Appearance, C-Candidate
z May require USFWS concurrence if Section 404 permitting is required
Northern long-eared bat - During summer, the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) roosts
singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices in both live and dead trees
and/or snags (typically >3 inches diameter breast height). Males and non -reproductive
females may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. This bat seems opportunistic
in selecting roosts, using tree species based on suitability to provide cavities or crevices or
presence of peeling bark. It has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns
and sheds when suitable tree roosts are not available. During the summer, NLEB emerge
at dusk to forage in upland and lowland woodlands and tree -lined corridors. It is reported
that the NLEB hibernation season is October 15 - April 15. The bats spend winter
hibernating in caves and mines, called hibernacula. They typically use large caves or mines
with large passages and entrances; constant temperatures; and high humidity with no air
currents. Specific areas where they hibernate have very high humidity, so much so that
droplets of water are often seen on their fur. Within hibernacula, surveyors find them in
small crevices or cracks, often with only the nose and ears visible (USFWS 2023).
Habitat Present: Yes
The project study area contains potential summer habitat for NLEB. The forested
areas provide the necessary habitat requirements this species needs during the
summer months. A review of April 2023 NCNHP records indicates no known
occurrences of NLEB within 1.0 mile of the study area. If tree clearing or Section
404 permitting is needed for this project, further coordination with USFWS may be
needed to maintain compliance with he ESA.
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Tricolored bat - The tricolored bat is a small native bat that can be found across the
eastern and central United States. During the spring, summer, and fall - collectively
referred to as the non -hibernating seasons - tricolored bats primarily roost among live and
dead leaf clusters of live or recently dead deciduous hardwood trees. In addition, tricolored
bats have been observed roosting during summer among pine needles, eastern red cedar
(Juniperus virginiana), within artificial roosts like barns, beneath porch roofs, bridges,
concrete bunkers, and rarely within caves. During the winter, tricolored bats hibernate in
caves and mines; although, in the southern United States, where caves are sparse,
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
tricolored bats often hibernate in road -associated culverts, as well as sometimes in tree
cavities and abandoned water wells (IPAC 2023).
Habitat Present: Yes
Potential habitat for the tricolored bat does occur within the study area. The forested
areas provide the necessary habitat requirements this species requires. NCNHP data
reviewed in April 2023 indicates no known occurrences of the tricolored bat within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Biological Conclusion: Not Currently Required
This species is listed as Proposed Endangered. Any species the Service has
determined is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its
range and the Service has proposed a draft rule to list as endangered. Proposed
endangered species are not protected by the take prohibitions of section 9 of the
ESA until the rule to list is finalized. Under section 7(a)(4) of the ESA, Federal
agencies must confer with the Service if their action will jeopardize the continued
existence of a proposed species.
Dwarf -flowered heartleaf- Dwarf -flowered heartleaf is endemic to the western Piedmont
and foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in moist to
rather dry forests along bluffs; boggy areas next to streams and creek heads; and adjacent
hillslopes, slopes, and ravines. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, the species is found in
soil series such as Pacolet, Madison, and Musella, among others. Occurrences are generally
found on a north facing slope. Undisturbed natural communities such as Piedmont/Coastal
Plain Heath Bluff, Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest hold
the most viable occurrences. However, less viable remnant occurrences are found in
disturbed habitats, including logged, grazed, mown, and residential/commercial roadside
rights -of -way; and on upland slopes surrounding manmade ponds or lakes (IPAC 2023).
Habitat Present: Yes
Potential habitat for dwarf -flowered heartleaf, although marginal, does occur in the
study area. NCNHP data reviewed in April 2023 indicates one known occurrence of
dwarf -flowered heartleaf within 1.0 mile of the study area and one occurrence within
the study area. Terracon staff performed pedestrian surveys for this species within
the maintained ROW that comprises the study area and found no evidence of the
dwarf -flowered heartleaf.
Although our survey did not identify the species inside the ROW, due to the
proximity of the known locations of this species, Terracon cannot provide a No Effect
determination. It is recommended that Duke consult with USFWS prior to land
disturbance if Section 404 permitting is necessary for the project.
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Bog turtle— The bog turtle is one of the smallest turtles in North America with a max
length at about 4 inches. They typically inhabit herbaceous sedge meadows bordered by
wooded areas. The meadows must contain pockets of dry land and pockets that are
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
frequently flooded. Bog Turtles also inhabit open shrub wetlands that contain muddy
bottoms with dry pockets. They prefer areas that are dominated by low grasses and
sedges. Bog Turtles feed on small worms and snails, and berries. They spend much of their
time underwater, in shrubs, or buried in mud (USFWS 2023).
Habitat Present: No
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section
7 consultation with the USFWS. Suitable habitat for the bog turtle was not observed
within the project study area. NCNHP data reviewed in April 2023 indicates no
occurrences of the bog turtle within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
4.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
Bald eagles typically feed on fish but may also consume birds and small mammals. In the
Carolinas, nesting season extends from December through May (Potter et a/. 1980). Bald
eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near water and forage
over large bodies of water with adjacent trees available for perching (Hamel 1992).
The bald eagle was officially delisted and removed from the federal Endangered Species
List on August 9, 2007, but they are still protected under the BGEPA (Guidelines) and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The Guidelines prohibits disturbance to a bald eagle.
The Guidelines defines disturb as "to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree
that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available: 1)
injury to an eagle; 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal
breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior; or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially
interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior." The definition also
covers impacts that result from human -caused alterations initiated around a previously
used nest site during a time when eagles are not present, if, upon the eagle's return, such
alterations agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that injures an eagle or interferes with
normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior.
Under the current Guidelines, USFWS recommends the following measures for roads, trails,
canals, power lines, and other linear utilities. If the eagle nest can be seen from the project
site and there is no similar activity within 660 feet, then USFWS recommends that the
project: 1) maintain a buffer of at least 660 feet between your activities and the nest; 2)
maintain any established landscape buffers; and 3) if possible, create additional landscape
buffers to screen the new activity from the nest. If these recommendations cannot be
adopted for the project, then coordination is recommended with the local USFWS office.
No habitat was identified within the project study area. A review of NCNHP records in April
2023 indicates no known occurrences of the bald eagle within 1.0 mile of the study area.
4.9 Federal Species of Concern/At-Risk Species
USFWS also maintains a list of Federal Species of Concern (FSC) and At -Risk Species (ARS).
Neither FSC or ARS are afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally listed
as P, T, or E under the ESA. However, the status of these species is subject to change,
and a review of NCNHP data has been performed to determine if they have been
documented in or near the study area. The NCNHP review concludes no FSC/ARS species
have been documented within 1.0 mile of the study area based on a review of the April
2023 NCNHP data.
4.10 State Listed Species
Some species that are listed as FSC or ARS by USFWS receive limited state protection if
state -listed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission or N.C. Plant Conservation Service
as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC). These species receive limited
protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and
the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202.12 et seq.). The April 2023
NCNHP review indicates two state -listed species have been documented within 1.0 mile of
the study area. Dwarf threetooth (Triodopsis fulciden) was last documented in 1952.. No
further coordination regarding these species is necessary pursuant to current regulations.
5.0 CULTURAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Research conducted using the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
HPOWEB GIS service database on May 5, 2023, revealed that while no historical resources
appear to be located directly within the project study area, two are mapped within a 0.5-
mile radius (Table 5). Both resources have been destroyed and neither were evaluated for
the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Table 5: Historic -Age Resources within 0.5-Mile Radius of the Project Study Area
Resource ID
Description
NRHP Status
CT0462
Duke Power Relay Station
Unassessed (Gone)
CT0917
Cline Farm
Unassessed (Gone)
Research conducted by Terracon at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (OSA)
on May 12, 2023, revealed that no archaeological sites have been recorded within a 0.25-
mile radius of the project study area.
Review of aerial imagery suggests that much of the proposed new location has been
previously disturbed by former residential development and subsequent demolition. Given
this previous disturbance and that a portion of the proposed project is located within
existing right-of-way, is unlikely that the project would adversely affect known cultural
resources. However, if federal permitting triggers Section 106 compliance, it is
recommended that SHPO be consulted to determine whether cultural resources surveys
may be required.
6.0 SUMMARY
One (1) potential wetland and three (3) potential tributaries were identified within the
project study area. Wetland and tributary impacts should be avoided and minimized as
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Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC � Terracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
much as practicable. Unavoidable impacts resulting in a regulated discharge of dredge or
fill material into wetlands and/or waters must be coordinated with the USACE and NCDWR
and Section 404/401 permitting and compensatory mitigation could be required. A
preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) is recommended if Section 404 permitting is
anticipated.
Potential habitat exists for three (3) of the federal -listed species identified for consideration
in this portion of Catawba County: Northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, and dwarf -
flowered heartleaf. Surveys for dwarf flowered heartleaf were conducted within the study
area at the time of the site visit by Terracon. No evidence of dwarf -flowered heartleaf was
identified within the study area. NCNHP does document this species as occurring inside the
ROW; however, it is likely that this occurrence has previously been addressed by the quarry
due to their expansion plans. Potential summer habitat for the northern long-eared bat and
potential habitat for the tricolored bat occurs within the forested parts of the study area.
Further consultation with USFWS regarding the impacts to these species is recommended
if Section 404 permitting is required for the project.
No recorded cultural or historic resources were identified within 0.25 mile of the study
area. No archaeological sites have been recorded within 0.25 mile of the study area. If
Section 404/401 permitting will be required for this project, further coordination with SHPO
may be necessary.
11
Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
References
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2020. FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer.
https://fema.maps.arcais.com/home/webmap/viewer.html (Accessed May 2023).
Hamel, P.B. 1992. Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature
Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp.
National Geographic Society/ESRI. 2011. I -cubed seamless USGS quadrangle (Hickory,
NC).
N. C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. 2022. Geologic Map of North
Carolina 1985.
https://ncdenr.mar)s.arcais.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a8281cbd24b
84239b29cd2a7984a10.
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. 2007. Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas.
http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/mf/ (Accessed May 2023).
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. 2011. Primary Nursery Areas.
http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/mf/ (Accessed May 2023).
N.C. Division of Water Resources. 2020. NC Water Quality Classifications by NC River
Basin. http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/wa/ps/csu/classifications (Accessed
May 2023).
N.C. Division of Water Resources. 2020. Find Your Hydrologic Unit.
htt[)s://ncdenr.maps.arcais.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html (Accessed
May 2023).
N.C. Natural Heritage Program. 2023. Natural Heritage Data Explorer [web application].
NCDNCR, Raleigh, NC. Available at.www.ncnhp.org. (Accessed April 2023).
Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University
of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2006. Digital Soil Survey of Catawba County, NC.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Regional Supplement to the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region
(Version 2.0). U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg,
MS. 179 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2023. Information for Planning and Consultation.
httr)s://ecos.fws.aov/ir)ac/ (Accessed May 2023).
12
Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon
May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263
Appendix A
Exhibits
13
I Si
t iu SE
J^ B !
's
Legend
Project Study Area
0 500 1,000 Source: USGS Latest Topographic Map 2022; Project Study Area
Provided by Duke Energy
4 DUKE Feet
ENERGY N NotaVetaton,emovaiorai�naonof oisdeimerThenoormeoonde tedonthifi forinformeoond
nrhydmiogyafteriniftse pie figure guryosesony
mis evalat on n affel,,risdlonal vea- and was notprepared for and is not su itsble for le gal or engineering purposes.
Q Catawba Rivu Basb and may require reevaluation of wetlantl This information presented is not for regulatory review and is
boundarie. intended for use only by a Professional Land Surveyor priorto regulatory review.
Project: 70237263
Wbrracon USGS Topographic Date
��,..-- Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W -100kV Relocation May 2023
D nvn/Chkd: NR/JH
2401 balegh NC s5 Catawba County, NC
2211
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CM Project Study Area
1 k Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Regulatory Floodway F—bra
Special Floodway
0.2 k Annual Chance Flood Hazard
0 500 1,000 Source: USGS Latest Topographic Map 2022; Project Study Area
provided by Duke Energy
DUKE Feet
ENERGYo� V,g-t-r motel oral�roo� of olsdalmar Tha hfo�aoo, da tad o� fig— orhfo�aoo�al
or hydrology aftar lnlfial sta pia s g—is purposas or
mis naffecfjuristlicfi-1 stt- and was not prepared for, and is not shrabla for legal orr-rate eying purposes.
Q CatawWba "_ tlasb and may require ri e_'tt o" of-13, This Information presented is not for regulatory review and is
bo..darc, intendedfor use only bya Professional Land Surveyor prior to regulatory review.
Project: 70237263
9Ibrracon FEMA Flood Plain Date
Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W -100kV Relocation May 2023
D nvn/Chkd: NR/JH
2401 2s04 Catawba County, NC
oaa 3d,8al Relagh,NC 8 f8739 Figure:5(REV by HDR
Appendix B
Representative Photos
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