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Home My WebLink About20120537_Reports_20090218y ?` SfA?E o- L STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE GOVERNOR February 17, 2009 Mr John Hennessy DENR - Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 Dear Mr Hennessy SUBJECT Replacement of bridges in Caswell and Rockingham Counties /Division 7 for the 2012 Let Year FEB 1 a ?Z 009 08)" RQ ?tg?,??? EUGENE A CONTI, JR H SECRETARY The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is in the process of project development, environmental and engineering studies for the following projects B-4726, B-4804, B-4864 and B-4963 The projects are included in the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and are scheduled construction in fiscal year 2012 B-4726 Replace Bridge No 5 on SR 1723 over Panther Creek in Caswell Co B-4804 Replace Bridge No 12 on SR 2343 over Troublesome Creek in Rockingham Co B-4864 Replace Bndge No 13 on SR 2344 over Troublesome Creek in Rockingham Co B-4963 Replace Bridge No 32 on SR 2361 over Jacob's Creek in Rockingham Co We have provided a copy of the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) for your use We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating potential environmental impacts of the project Your comments will be used in the preparation of a federally funded Categorical Exclusion This document will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act If your agency desires to comment please have your response in by March 30, 2009 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this document If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact Greg Blakeney at (919) 850- 2719 or gmblakeney@ncdot gov Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments Attachment MAILING ADDRESS NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 S erely, Greg B1 LZnk e Y Y I Bndge Project Planning Engineer PD&EA TELEPHONE 919431-2000 LOCATION FAX 919-431-2001 PDEA ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE CENTER 4701 ATLANTIC AVENUE -SUITE 116 WEBSITE WWW NCDOT ORG RALEIGH NC 27604 NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICAL REPORT o? FF ?? of B 18 ??slr??? 9 Replacement of Bridge No. 13 on SR 2344 (Haynes Rd.) over Troublesome Creek Rockingham County, North Carolina TIP No. B-4864 Federal Aid Protect No. BRZ-2344 (1) WBS Element No. 41553.1.1 THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Natural Environment Unit April 2008 l?4t t? 3 ? TABLE OF CONTENTS t 1.0 ? NTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... i ° r 2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS .................................................................. ..1 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................. ..1 3.1 Soils ..................................................................................................................................... ..2 3.2 Water Resources ................................................................................................................ ..2 4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ ..3 4.1 Terrestrial Communities .................................................................................................. ..3 41 1 Maintained/Disturbed 3 4 12 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 4 4 13 Floodplam Forest 4 4 14 Terrestrial Community Impacts 5 4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ............................................................................................................ ..5 4.3 Aquatic Communities ........................................................................................................ ..6 4.4 Invasive Species ................................................................................................................ .. 6 5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES ............................................................................................... ..6 5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S ................................................................................. ..6 5.2 Clean Water Act Permits .................................................................................................. ..7 5.3 Construction Moratoria ................................................................................................... ..7 5.4 North Carolina River Basin Buffer Rules ....................................................................... ..8 5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................. ..8 5.6 Mitigation ..................................................... . . 8 .. .. ................................................................ .. 5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts 8 5 6 2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts 8 5.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species ..................................................................... ..8 5.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ............................................................................ 10 5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species .................................................................... 11 6.0 REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................... 12 Appendices Appendix A: Figures Figure 1 Vicinity Map Figure 2 Project Study Area Figure 3 Jurisdictional Features and Terrestrial Communities Appendix B: Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report Appendix C: Wetland Delineation and Rating Forms Appendix D: Qualifications of Contributing Investigators Appendix E• Mussel Survey Report List of Tables Table 1 Soil types in the project study area 2 Table 2 Water resources within the project study area 2 Table 3 Physical characteristics of water resources within the project study area 2 Table 4 Coverage area of terrestrial communities within the project study area 5 Table 5 Characteristics of water resources within the project study area 6 Table 6 Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands within the project study area 7 Table 7 Federally protected species listed for Rockingham County 9 Natural Resource Technical Report 1.0 INTRODUCTION TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridge number 13 on SR 2344 (Haynes Road) over Troublesome Creek (TIP B-4864) in Rockingham County (Figure 1) The following Natural Resource Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the proposed project 2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS All work was conducted as per the NCDOT Natural Environment Unit (NEU) standard operating procedures dated January 1, 2007 Fieldwork was conducted on July 30, 2007, August 14, 2007, and November 2, 2007 A Jurisdictional Determination (JD) site visit with the U S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has not yet occurred However, a JD visit is scheduled with Regulatory Specialist Andy Williams for May 29, 2008 Personnel contributing to this document were Principal Investigator James S Mason Education B A, Biology, Colby College M S , Biology/Ecology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, June 2006 - Present Coastal Waterbird Monitor, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Westport, MA, April 2005 - August 2005 Osprey Monitor, Project Osprey Watch, Martha's Vineyard, MA, May 2002 - August 2002 Coastal Waterbird Monitor, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Barnstable, MA, April 2001 - August 2001 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, wetland delineation, surface water identification, GPS, document preparation Secondary Investigators Sara Easterly, Amy Euliss [North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ), formerly NCDOT], James Pflaum, Duncan Quinn, and Deanna Riffey Qualifications of all secondary contributors are listed in Appendix D of this document 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES The project study area lies in the northern piedmont physiographic region of North Carolina (Figure 2) Within the project vicinity, there is moderate topographic relief, 1 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C with elevations ranging between 760 and 880 feet above sea level (FASL) Specifically within the project study area, elevations range between 780 and 840 FASL Land use within the project vicinity consists of agricultural and forested land, silvicultural practices, residential developments, and scattered residential parcels 3.1 Soils The Rockingham County Soil Survey identifies three soil types within the study area (Table 1) Table 1. Soil tvDes in the nroiect study area oil S ° -'",Ma in PPS g Hydri S eries _ , ` °Drainage'Class r Unitf r Status,; Cecil sandy clay loam CdB2 Well drained No Chewacla loam Ck Somewhat yes poorly drained Pacolet sandy clay loam PcD2 Well drained No 3.2 Water Resources Water resources in the study area are part of the Cape Fear River Basin [U S Geological ' Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03030002] Two jurisdictional streams were located within the study area (Table 2) The locations of these water resources are shown in Figure 3 The physical characteristics of the streams are provided in Table 3 Table 2. Water resources within the nrniPet etndv area `S.t'T` t`?Xrn'?+TS'A:?`"5?? -.tomt S''AM :. Y :Phi 3^,}' Y treamsName r? {^`# 3?f.'+?°2%ryp 1aP? ?y H? ^K. ''t`?t..Y IDWQIndex } k - ?[`s?{r 3r'?`_''}"' x?Best4Usage z Classif cation a Troublesome Creek SA 16-6-(03) WS-III NSW Unnamed Tributary (UT) to Troublesome Creek SB 16-6-(03) WS-III NSW Table 3. Phvsieal characteristics of water resources within the nrnieet etnriv area M Bank 'Channel" Water,A NS. s b a { I?N< , Height , A Width `Ai , - -,Depth` at } ?, ?ChinnilnSdbstiate ; ? ;. o " Flo . , ClaritN _ II) 1 ft< 1 SA 3-6 15-25 24-36 Sand, gravel, cobble, Moderate Moderate bedrock to High SB 2-4 3-8 1-6 Sand, gravel, cobble, Moderate High bedrock No ponds are located within the project study area 2 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C No High Quality Waters (HQW), Water Supplies (WS-I or WS-II), or Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) occur within 10 mile of the project study area Additionally, none of the streams located within the project study area support trout or anadromous fish and no Primary Nursing Areas are present within the study area boundaries Neither Troublesome Creek nor any of its tributaries within the project study area or within 1 0 mile of the study area are listed on the 2006 Final 303(d) List of Impaired Waters for North Carolina Additionally, no other surface waters located within 10 mile of the project study area are listed as impaired waters One benthic macromvertebrate sampling site exists within 10 mile of the project study area The site (Station 1313392) is located along Troublesome Creek and was most recently surveyed in 2002 A rating of "Good-Fair" was given to the site No fish surveys have been conducted within 10 mile of the project study area 4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES 4.1 Terrestrial Communities Three terrestrial communities were identified within the project study area maintained/disturbed, mixed pine/hardwood forest, and floodplain forest Figure 3 shows the location and extent of these terrestrial communities in the project study area A brief description of each community type follows Scientific names of all species identified are included in Appendix B e 41 1 Maintained/Disturbed Maintained/disturbed areas within the project study area included the roadside, a power line right-of-way (ROW), a clear-cut area, a disturbed riparian buffer within the clear-cut area, and residences and their associated properties Maintained/disturbed areas are found throughout the project study area The roadside, ROW, and residential yards are either periodically mowed or otherwise maintained The clear-cut area, however, has not been maintained in some time and appears to be in the early stages of secondary succession The vegetation along the roadside, ROW, and the edges of yards included, but was not limited to the following species shrubby American elm, white oak, sweet gum, and red maple, American hazelnut, mimosa, redbud, smooth sumac, fescue, white clover, red clover, Queen Anne's lace, flowering spurge, cursed crowfoot, daisy fleabane, ragweed, hoary mountain mint, wild lettuce, common boneset, sencea lespedeza, small woodland sunflower, hawkweed, common morning glory, sensitive briar, poison ivy, Japanese honeysuckle, trumpet creeper, and Virginia creeper Species identified within the clear-cut area included, but were not limited to the following sweet gum and tulip poplar saplings, shrubby black cherry, red cedar, tulip poplar, winged elm, northern red oak, and white oak, smooth sumac, winged sumac, multiflora rose, common mullein, goldenrod, dog fennel, bull thistle, pokeweed, 3 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C wingstem, green-headed coneflower, sencea lespedeza, Japanese honeysuckle, and muscadine Within this clear-cut area, one wetland (WA) was identified A small finger of the wetland extended into the floodplam forest community adjacent to the clear-cut, however, the same species were present throughout the entire wetland Species within this wetland included black elderberry, black willow, seedbox, soft rush, Alleghany monkeyflower, and cutgrass A very narrow wooded buffer adjacent to the UT to Troublesome Creek (SB) exists where it crosses through the clear-cut However, because of the heavy disturbance on both the east and west sides of the stream, it was considered a heavily disturbed forest remnant and included in the maintained/disturbed community Tree species within this buffer included black walnut, American beech, tulip poplar, black gum, black cherry, and red mulberry Shrub/sub-canopy species included black cherry, redbud, red mulberry, ironwood, paw paw, green ash, and box elder Herb species included wmgstem, orange jewelweed, purple lobelia, cardinal flower, hack-in-the pulpit, and Japanese grass 4 12 Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest The mixed pine/hardwood forest community occurs at higher elevations throughout the project study area Dominant tree species included Virginia pine, white oak, northern red oak, southern red oak, red maple, sweet gum, American beech, American elm, tulip poplar, mockernut hickory, and pignut hickory Shrub/sub-canopy species included Virginia pine, white oak, pignut hickory, northern red oak, southern red oak, red maple, sourwood, red cedar, redbud, winged elm, flowering dogwood, sweet gum, American beech, tulip poplar, and ironwood Herbaceous and vine species included, but were not limited to the following Japanese grass, hearts-a-bustin', Christmas fern, running cedar, catbrier, Virginia creeper, trumpet creeper, and poison ivy This forest community most closely resembles the Dry-Mesic Oak-Hickory Forest community described by Schafale and Weakley (1990) 4 13 Floodplam Forest The floodplam forest community exists within the floodplam adjacent to Troublesome Creek (SA) It is absent northeast of the bridge because the mixed pine/hardwood forest community abuts the creek Dominant tree species in this community included tulip poplar, river birch, sweet gum, shagbark hickory, northern red oak, red maple, sycamore, and mockernut hickory Shrub/sub-canopy species located in the floodplam included black walnut, green ash, sweet gum, box elder, black elderberry, northern red oak, ironwood, paw paw, and northern spicebush Herbaceous and vine species included, but were not limited to the following yellow root, deer tongue, Joe-pye weed, smooth oxeye, false nettle, royal fern, green arrow arum, orange jewelweed, Japanese grass, trumpet creeper, and poison ivy This forest community most closely resembles the Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest community described by Schafale and Weakley (1990) 4 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C 4 14 Terrestrial Community Impacts Terrestrial communities in the project study area may be impacted by project construction as a result of grading and paving of portions of the study area At this time, decisions regarding the final location and design of the proposed bridge replacement have not been made Therefore, community data are presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 4) Once a final alignment and preliminary design have been determined, probable impacts to each community type will be calculated Table 4. Coverage area of terrestrial communities within the nroiect study area 5 ,t? s v _a ? ,. s 'g Yy i Community ' ? 5 'k+ i s, a4 S J ? r > E .,% z „-. ?' .,=Coverage (ac), Maintained/Disturbed 724- Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest 6 67 Floodplam Forest 1 09 Total 15 00 * Roadways were included when calculating Maintained/Disturbed acreage 4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife Many fauna species are highly adaptive and may populate or exploit the entire range of biotic communities located within the project study area (those species either observed or identified by tracks, scat, call, or other means during field visits are indicated with an *) Mammal species that commonly exploit forested habitats and stream corridors found within the project study area include species such as eastern cottontail, raccoon, gray squirrel, various mouse species, woodchuck*, Virginia opossum*, gray fox*, and white- tailed deer* Birds that commonly use forest and forest edge habitats include the American crow*, blue day, Carolina chickadee*, tufted titmouse*, white-throated sparrow*, pine warbler, northern cardinal, Carolina wren, wood thrush, white-breasted nuthatch, and red-bellied woodpecker Avian species that may use the open habitat or water resources within the project study area include American kestrel, belted kingfisher, gray catbird*, eastern bluebird, eastern meadowlark, Acadian flycatcher, American goldfinch, and turkey vulture* Herpetofauna are also likely to utilize the terrestrial communities found within the study area Reptile species that may be found in the communities described above include black rat snake, black racer*, copperhead, garter snake, rough green snake, fence lizard, eastern box turtle, snapping turtle, green anole, and a variety of skink species Amphibian species that may be observed include spring peeper, gray treefrog, green frog, American toad, bullfrog, upland chorus frog, dusky salamander, and several other salamander species 5 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C 4.3 Aquatic Communities Aquatic communities present within the project study area include one wetland (WA), Troublesome Creek (SA), and UT to Troublesome Creek (SB), the latter two being perennial piedmont streams These water resources may provide breeding, shelter, and feeding opportunities for many amphibians Common amphibians that inhabit these resources may include northern dusky salamander, bullfrog, green frog, pickerel frog, and northern cricket frog Fish and mollusk species that may inhabit streams within the study area include Asiatic clam*, satinfin shiner, tessellated darter, bluehead chub, and margined madtom Streams SA and SB may likely also support a variety of benthic macromvertebrates including mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, damselflies, beetles, chironomid midges, craneflies, amphipods, isopods, and crayfish 4.4 Invasive Species Five species from the NCDOT Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina were identified within the project study area (NCDOT/NEU 2007) These species are listed below according to their Threat Level 1) Severe Threat to Habitat and Natural Areas multiflora rose, sencea lespedeza, Japanese grass 2) Threat to Habitat and Natural Areas mimosa, Japanese honeysuckle NCDOT will follow the Department's Best Management Practices (BMP) for the management of invasive plant species 5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES 5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. Two jurisdictional streams, Troublesome Creek (SA) and UT to Troublesome Creek (SB), were identified within the project study area (Table 5 and Figure 3) NCDWQ and USACE stream identification forms were not required for these creeks because they were perennial, displaying geomorphological, hydrological, and biological characteristics indicative of perennial surface waters The physical characteristics and water quality designation of SA and SB are detailed in Section 3 2 Streams SA and SB have been designated as warm water streams for the purposes of stream mitigation Table 5. Characteristics of water resources within the nrniect studv area Map Length (ft) , ' , ` Classification Compensatory Mitigation -- ' " , -,,, ` "Buffer ID Required SA 450 Perennial Yes Not Subject SB 420 Perennial Yes Not Subject 6 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C One Jurisdictional wetland (WA) was identified within the project study area (Figure 3) Wetland classification and quality rating data are presented in Table 6 This wetland is within the Cape Fear River Basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030002) USACE wetland delineation forms and a NCDWQ wetland rating form for wetland WA are located in Appendix C A description of WA's natural community is presented in Section 4 1 WA is located within the maintained/disturbed community Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands within the Droiect studv area Map _,' ICowardin z ' DWQ Wetlan _ „`; `°w~ w ID Classification Classification - Ratin Area (ac) WA PSS1A Rivenne 29 0 02 5.2 Clean Water Act Permits The proposed project has been designated as a CE for the purposes of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation As a result, a Section 404 Nationwide Permit (NWT) No 23 will likely be applicable Other permits that may apply include a Section 404 NWP No 33 for temporary construction activities such as stream dewatermg, work bridges, or temporary causeways that are often used during bridge construction or rehabilitation The USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize project construction In addition to the 404 permit, other required authorizations include corresponding Section 401 Water Quality Certifications (WQC) from the NCDWQ A NCDWQ Section 401 Water Quality General certification for a Categorical Exclusion (GC 3701) may be required prior to the issuance of a Section 404 Permit Other required 401 certifications may include a GC 3688 for temporary construction access and dewatermg 5.3 Construction Moratoria No waters within the project study area have been identified by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC) as trout waters or by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as habitat for anadramous fish Additionally, the Cape Fear shiner is not listed for Rockingham County Therefore, no moratoria are required for these species The James spmymussel is listed by the U S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for Rockingham County A biological conclusion of "No Effect" has been rendered for this species due to lack of suitable habitat Therefore, no moratorium will be required for this species 7 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C 5.4 North Carolina River Basin Buffer Rules This project is located in the Cape Fear River Basin and is, therefore, not subject to any NCDWQ-regulated riparian buffer rules 5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters No surface waters within the project study area have been designated as Navigable Waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act 5.6 Mitigation 5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts The NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and wetlands to the greatest extent practicable in choosing a preferred alternative and during project design At this time, no final decisions have been made with regard to the location or design of the preferred alternative During construction, NCDOT will implement its BMPs for Bridge Demolition and Removal Additionally, temporary construction impacts due to erosion and sedimentation will be minimized through implementation of stringent erosion control methods and use of NCDOT's BMPs for Protection of Surface Waters 5 6 2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts The NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream mitigation opportunities once a final decision has been rendered with regard to the location of the preferred alternative If on-site mitigation is not feasible, mitigation will be provided by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR), Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) In accordance with the "Memorandum of Agreement Among the North Carolina Department of Transportation and the U S Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District" (MOA), July 22, 2003, EEP will be requested to provide off-site mitigation to satisfy the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) compensatory mitigation requirements for this project 5.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species As of January 31, 2008 the USFWS lists three federally protected species for Rockingham County (Table 7) A brief description of each species' habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the project study area April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Rockinuham County Scientific Name ,Common Name ," Status Habitat` ??? Biological- ,, , , k Y ',Present` Conclusion Percina rex Roanoke logperch E Unknown Unresolved Pleurobema colltna James s inymussel E No No Effect Echtnacea laevigata smooth coneflower E Yes No Effect t - Endangered Roanoke logperch Habitat Requirements The Roanoke logperch occupies medium to large warm water streams and rivers of moderate gradient and relatively unsalted substrates During different phases of life history and season, every major nvenne habitat is exploited by the logperch Except in winter, all age classes are intolerant of moderately to heavily silted substrates Until recently, this species was only found in Virginia in two river systems - the Roanoke River drainage (including the Pigg and Smith Rivers) and the Nottoway River drainage In 2007, individuals of this species were found in the Roanoke River drainage (Smith and Dan Rivers) in Rockingham County, North Carolina Biological Conclusion Unresolved A review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database (GIS files last updated on February 13, 2008, search performed February 14, 2008) revealed no known populations of this species within 10 mile of the project study area Additionally, this project is located in the Cape Fear River Basin, not the Roanoke or Nottoway River Basins where the species has been historically found However, surveys are required in order to determine whether habitat or individuals are present Surveys are pending for this species, once they are completed, a biological conclusion will be rendered James spinymussel Habitat Requirements Suitable habitat for the James spmymussel includes free-flowing streams with a variety of flow regimes This species is found in a variety of substrates that are free from silt Prior to its decline, this freshwater mussel was found throughout the upper James River above Richmond, Virginia and in all of its major upstream tributaries The species has declined rapidly during the past several decades and now exists only in small, headwater tributaries of the upper James River Basin in Virginia and West Virginia and the upper Roanoke River drainage of Virginia and North Carolina Biological Conclusion No Effect See mussel survey report in Appendix E for details 9 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-48641 Rockingham County, N C Smooth coneflower Habitat Requirements Smooth coneflower is typically found in open woods, cedar barrens, roadsides, clearcuts, dry limestone bluffs, and power line nghts-of-way, usually on magnesium and calcium rich soils associated with amphibolite, dolomite or limestone (in Virginia), gabbro (in North Carolina and Virginia), diabase (in North Carolina and South Carolina), and marble (in South Carolina and Georgia) Smooth coneflower occurs in plant communities that have been described as xenc hardpan forests, diabase glades, or dolomite woodlands Optimal sites are characterized by abundant sunlight and little competition in the herbaceous layer Natural fires, as well as large herbivores, historically influenced the vegetation in this species' range Many of the herbs associated with smooth coneflower are also sun-loving species that depend on periodic disturbances to reduce the shade and competition of woody plants The species is currently known to survive only in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia The North Carolina populations are in Durham, Granville, Mecklenburg, and Rockingham counties Biological Conclusion No Effect A plant-by-plant survey was performed by NCDOT biologists Sara Easterly, Amy Euliss (formerly with NCDOT, now with NCDWQ), Jim Mason, James Pflaum, and Deanna Riffey on July 30, 2007 Potential habitat was present in the form of roadsides, a power line ROW, and the edge of a clear-cut area However, no individuals were observed within the study area Additionally, a review of the NCNHP database (GIS files last updated on February 13, 2008, search performed February 14, 2008) revealed no known populations of this species within 10 mile of the project study area Since no individuals were observed and no known populations are present within 10 mile of the project, a biological conclusion of "No Effect" has been assigned to this species 5.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest 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 The project study area, as well as an area within approximately a 10 mile radius of the study area, was examined in the field for potential feeding sources on July 30, 2007 and August 14, 2007 An additional desktop-GIS assessment of the area was performed on February 14, 2008 using 2004 color aerials No suitable feed sources were present Troublesome Creek and its tributaries are too small to support bald eagles There are a few small agncultural/storm water retention ponds in the area, but they are also not large enough to support this species Since no potential feeding sources are present within 10 mile of the project study area, no surveys for bald eagle individuals, nests, or nesting habitat within 660 feet of the study area are necessary 10 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C 5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species As of January 31, 2008, the USFWS lists no Candidate species for Rockingham County 11 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C 6.0 REFERENCES Coomans, R J and Ramona C Bates 1999 Rockingham County Natural Heritage Inventory North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, North Carolina Elbroch, Mark 2003 Mammal Tracks and Sign A Guide to North American Species Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania Gnffith, G E, J M Omernik, J A Comstock, M P Schafale, W H McNab, D R Lenat, T F MacPherson, J B Glover, and V B Shelburne 2002 Ecoregions of North Carolina and South Carolina (poster) United States Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia Martof, Bernard S, William M Palmer, Joseph R Bailey, and Julian R Harrison, III 1980 Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Menhmick, Edward F 1991 The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina North Carolina Wildlife Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Data Mart website, http //soildatamart nres usda gov/State aspx NRCS 1992 Soil Survey of Rockingham County North Carolina United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)/ Natural Environment Unit (NEU) 2007 "Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina" Unpublished NCDOT 2003 Best Management Practices for Construction and Maintenance Activities NCDOT 1997 Best Management Practices for Protection of Surface Waters North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) Stream Fish Community Assessment Program Database, http //www esb enr state nc us/NCIBI htm NCDWQ 2007 North Carolina Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2006 Integrated 305(b) and 303(d) Report) North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina NCDWQ 2006 Standard Operating Procedures, Biological Monitoring Stream Fish Community Assessment Program North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina 12 April 2008 I Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C NCDWQ 2005 2005 Cape Fear River Basmwide Water Quality Plan North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina NCDWQ 2005 Identification Methods for the Origins of Intermittent and Perennial streams, Version 3 1 North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina NCDWQ 2000 2000 Cape Fear River Basmwide Water Quality Plan North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh, North Carolina North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database of state protected species, rare species, and rare habitats, http //www ncnhpoi Pages/hentagcdata html NCNHP 2006 List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina NCNHP 2006 List of Rare Plant Species of North Carolina North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina Radford, Albert E, Harry E Ahles, and C Ritchie Bell 1968 Manual of the Vascular Flora of the Carolinas The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Schafale, Michael P and Alan S Weakley 1990 Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina Third Approximation North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Raleigh, North Carolina Sibley, David Allen 2000 The Sibley Guide to Birds Alfred A Knopf, New York, New York United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual Technical Report Y-87-1 Environmental Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2006 Threatened and Endangered Species in North Carolina, http //www fws gov/nc-es/es/countyfr html USFWS, Region 5 1992 Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) Recovery Plan Newton Corner, Massachusetts United States Geological Survey (USGS) Ellisboro, North Carolina, Topographic Quadrangle (7 5-minute series) 13 April 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4864, Rockingham County, N C Weakley, Alan S Unpublished Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, and Surrounding Areas University of North Carolina Herbarium, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina Webster, W D, J F Parnell and W C Biggs 1985 Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia and M land The University of Chapel Hill Press, Chapel Hill 14 April 2008 2316 rs ? 2334 2331 It Bethany _ ry •? I z N 2456 w ^s .5 .4 1 cP e.' 2 1 2353 .3 % 2334 w 2352 2351 2806 2336 ?p 2495 .3 / 2350 .ca 2339,,/ 2491 2496 °2904 1195 2931 2918 2935 2345 ,?.?1es 03 ,? a2 N 3 2341 2343 2936 X2917 Wiltys Cr 2342 s• 3ti ?• - ? -? L' •4 2 d Bridge # 13 N 2340 292 44 w 1? two Z346 x 'L 2901 1 4? 1100 1211 ,?-- ? N •??' I oo .-31 ca 0 2 2349 2489' r 3 ?, 2347 2348 220 - 158 - 0 m w ir 0 O of NORTH \\ ?S\ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION I DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS 4e` PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & SOP Tp??`y ' ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH ROCKINGHAM COUNTY REPLACE BRIDGES No 13 ON SR 2344 OVER TROUBLESOME CREEK B-4864 Figure 1 t MME ? I SA (Troublesome Creek) MM tt ?? s v V {_ r ? F d a ? „ s 0 ias?i t .`¦ ? p _ r f x _? i' c ^' A 2 -' v ? o- r Y?ry ? `F v' ? ? .. i Gel- -' 1 n +• ?• ?... iN x z 1 ? +k ? 4 .. 3K l 1 N-. r a t > = '?,. °yj ' t , e t^ ? r e ° ` r?., 4 } - 4 y - 1 b _ t ^ t, k s z ?? 4 ea T P i t ... ? ¦ _ f r u ? r z-,rcua ?S S ? „2' v ? r ^? b ? ?` J j ?? s? e ` ? ? W R i l l St ??prt?N Px $ x y} e ? j r?Ll ? xu y h SR 2344 (Haynes Rd) m j _F f}; ?+V ry= x?V r ? ? ?sT ? = v t ` _ e oil 75 150 300 450 600 Fee USGS Topo Legend N #'- FIGURE 2: PROJECT STUDY AREA '?? W Study Area W E B-4864, Rockingham County S Wj_ ? ??b ; K.?., I Si t?'.• ?? .t ? ?? y?' .11^?` 4 ?': f Pr / ? '? ? / -,5 ? it X .nr _k' A *w r - i ra 1 ?? y 1 4y ,. ? { ? Zl' ws^(tt 4?}Tj Ut Pik. 1 {k 1 }+?Y jy t` -.?"q G ;y_?r4r A, 17, ?_. V%Y "t t ? r (l ?y Y {{ r. R??y .4 ? X 1 b a?' F ' i:. I 65 130 260 390 520 Fee y ?k ... '? 4° \ ?? t e Legend - Streams FIGURE 3: JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES N ® weuands AND TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES Study Area w • • E Maintained/Disturbed Floodplain Forest B-4864, Rockingham County ' S OF Tft Mixed Pine/Hardwood Forest f ,,Appendix Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report Plants Common Name Scientific Name Alleghany monkey-flower Mimulus ringens American beech Fagus grandifolia American elm Ulmus ameracana American hazelnut Corylus ameracana black cherry Prunus serotina black elderberry Sambucus nagra black gum Nyssa sylvatica black walnut Juglans nagra black willow Salix nagra box elder Acer negundo bull thistle Cirsium vulgare cardinal flower Lobeha cardinahs catbrier Smilax rotundifolia Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides common boneset Eupatoraum perfohatum common mullein Verbascum thapsus cursed crowfoot Ranunculus sceleratus cutgrass Leersia hexandra daisy fleabane Erigeron annuus deer tongue Dichanthehum clandestinum dog fennel Eupatoraum capillifolium false nettle Boehmeria cylindrica fescue Festuca spp flowering dogwood Cornus florida flowering spurge Euphorbia corollata green arrow arum Peltandra virginica green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica green-headed coneflower Rudbeckia laciniata goldenrod Sohdago spp hawkweed Hieracium sp hearts-a-bustm' Euonymus americanus hoary mountain mint Pycnanthemum incanum ironwood Carpinus carohniana Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Japanese grass Microstegium vimineum Japanese honeysuckle Lonicerajaponica Joe-pye weed Eupatoriadelphus dubium mimosa Albizia julibrissin morning glory Ipomoea purpurea mockernut hickory Carya alba (tomentosa) 4 R 1 1 ^ e 5 multiflora rose Rosa multiflora muscadine Vitis rotundifolia northern red oak Quercus rubra northern spicebush Lindera benzoin orange jewelweed Impatiens capensis paw paw Asimina triloba pignut hickory Carya glabra poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans pokeweed Phytolacca americana purple lobelia Lobelia sp Queen Anne's lace Daucus carota ragweed Ambrosia spp redbud Cercis canadensis red cedar Juniperus virginiana red clover Trifolium pratense red maple Acer rubrum red mulberry Morus rubra river birch Betula nigra royal fern Osmunda regales running cedar Lycopodium clavatum seedbox Ludwigia alternifoha sensitive briar Mimosa microphylla sencea lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata shagbark hickory Carya ovata small woodland sunflower Hehanthus microcephalus smooth oxeye Hehopsis helianthoides smooth sumac Rhus glabra soft rush Juncus effusus sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum southern red oak Quercus falcata sweet gum Liquidambar styraciflua sycamore Platanus occidentalis trumpet creeper Campsis radicans tulip poplar Liriodendron tulipifera Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia pine Pinus virginiana white clover Trifolium repens white oak Quercus alba wild lettuce Lactuca canadensis winged elm Ulmus alata winged sumac Rhus copallinum wmgstem Verbesina alternifoha yellow root Xanthorrhiza simplicissima b ? c Animals Common Name Scientific Name Acadian flycatcher Empadonax varescens American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American goldfinch Carduelas trastas American kestrel Falco sparverius American toad Bufo ameracanus Asiatic clam Corbacula fluminea bald eagle Halaaeetus leucocephalus belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon black racer Coluber constrictor black rat snake Elaphe obsoleta blue day Cyanocitta crastata bluehead chub Nocomas leptocephalus bullfrog Rana catesbeaana Cape Fear shiner Notropas mekastocholas Carolina chickadee Poecale carolanensas Carolina wren Thryothorus ludovacaanus copperhead Agkastrodon contortrax eastern bluebird Sialaa saalas eastern box turtle Terrapene carohna eastern cottontail Sylvalagus floradanus eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus garter snake Thamnophas sartalas gray catbird Dumetella carolanensas gray fox Urocyon canereoargenteus gray squirrel Scauras carolanensas gray treefrog Hyla versacolor/ H chrysoscelas green anole Anolas carolanensas green frog Rana clamatans melanota margined madtom Noturus ansagnas northern cardinal Cardanalas cardanalas northern cricket frog Acras crepatans northern dusky salamander Desmognathus fuscus pickerel frog Rana palustras pine warbler Dendroaca panus raccoon Procyon lotor red-bellied woodpecker Melanerpes carolanus rough green snake Opheodrys aestavus satinfin shiner Cypranella analostana snapping turtle Chelydra serpentana spring peeper Pseudacras crucifer tessellated darter Etheostoma olmsteda tufted titmouse turkey vulture upland chorus frog Virginia opossum white-breasted nuthatch white-throated sparrow white-tailed deer woodchuck wood thrush Baeolophus bicolor Cathartes aura Pseudacris triseraata Didelphis virginiana Sitta carohnensis Zonotrichia albicollis Odocoileus virginzanus Marmota monax Hylocichla mustelina Appendix C: Wetland Delineation and Rating Forms i t+ DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual) Prolect/Sde B_gsg H,AwnN 5 rU Applicant/Owner NCO T J Investigator ?.,,,ryu?rn?y4?OnFr?? J?inh W?F =GtSrPl?y Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? ? No Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Situation)? Yes No Is the area a potential Problem Area? Yes (If needed, explain on reverse ) VEGETATION Date ( tT+ County State A/C Community ID TransectID Plot ID ommant PI nt S e ies Stratum Indicator 1 r/ic, 4Ait 5 C 11A AU W 6 s 7 i.?iy+GGS pi r. C9' 0?: I_A__ 6 w„v,.{,,f a, 1 11 5 _ QQL- Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL FACW or FAC 6 ?!!! ?v (excluding FAC-) Remarks Dominant Plant S e rtes Stratum Indicator 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 HYDROLOGY - Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks) -Stream Lake or Tide Gauge _ Aerial Photographs _ Other No Recorded Data Available Field Observations Depth of Surface Water (in) Depth to Free Water in Pit (in ) Depth to saturated Soil (in Remarks Weiland Hydrology Indicators Primary Indicators _ Inundated LC Saturated in Upper 12 Inches _ Water Marks _ Drift Lines Sediment Deposits Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Secondary Indicators (2 or more required) „yOxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 Inches _ Water-Stained Leaves _ Local Soil Survey Data _ FAC-Neutral Test _ Other (Explain in Remarks) B2 Appendix B Blank and Example Data Forms r DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Delineation Manual) Protect/Site Ate J2? Date t 0? Applicant/Owner /Vc GUT C1 County F c,? ncnr?,,.t O Investigator '?`rt?'1g5n•, ic•?wtPS?Flot?w rA-L-(e-' utinrr 5r. g ef5lly L State A, C Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site? N C Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical Sltuatlon)'? o Yes ommunity i D Transect ID Is the area a potential Problem Area? Yes Plot ID If needed, explain on reverse ) VEGETATION Dominant Plant Speciess Stratum Indicator Dominant Plan S s S L 1 t4PP ??r???u601. - 2 d /Cn 'i r`Gtq t at u?m--- I?n^dic?at?or? 9 10 3 P / Gt UD r/ H 11 /1 4 r L[S u[tul q f 12 5 ? L-,3 A J 5 / ft s li if t 13 6 L,)A ? (c' (AG+ 14 ` 7 15 8 'tn GG(0-J? c t[tPs j!:7p G 16 Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL FACW or FAC 6i~ /6 Q (excluding FAC-) V ( l Remarks HYDROLOGY _ Recorded Data (Descnbe in Remarks) -Stream Lake or Tide Gauge _ Aerial Photographs _ Other - No Recorded Data Available Wetland Hydrology Indicators Primary Indicators _ Inundated _ Saturated in Upper 12 Inches _ Water Marks Drift Lines Field Observations _ _ Sediment Deposits _ Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Secondary indicators (2 or more required) Depth of Surface Water _(in ) _ Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 Inches _ Water-Stained Leaves Depth to Free Water in Pit N (in) _ Local Soil Survey Data _ FAC-Neutral Test Depth to Saturated Soil (If(in) - Other (Explain in Remarks) Remarks B2 Appendix B Blank and Example Data Forms WETLAND RATING WORKSHEET Fourth Version Project Name j'_0? Nearest Road '5e Z344 County ,n Wetland. area (102. acres Name of evaluator 1 No, Wetland location _ on pond or lake on perennial stream _ on intermittent stream _ within interstream divide other 0-11 Soil series- &.1SW _ predominantly organic - humus, muck, or peat ,2<_ predominantly mineral - non-sandy - predominantly sandy Hydraulic factors steep topography - ditched or channelized total wetland width > 100 feet Wetland type (select one)* _ Bottomland hardwood forest _ Headwater forest _ Swamp forest _ Wet flat _ Pocostn Bog forest Wetland width ==-Z--feet Date Il/ZA ; Adjacent land use (within th mile upstream, upslope, o ?591; forested/natural vegetation agriculture, urban/suburban ?gyp % ,;x' impervious surface % Dominant vegetation (2) -_) uvl c yb 441/OWJ (3) l?1 y+i wran4 Flooding and wetness _ semipermanently to permanently flooded or inundated seasonally flooded or inundated intermittently flooded or temporary surface water no evidence of flooding or surface water _ Pme savanna _ Freshwater marsh Bog/fen Ephemeral wetland Carolina bay Other The rating system cannot be applied to salt or brackish marshes or stream channels -- - R Water storage x400 = Z:J Wetland A Bank/Shoreline stabilization x400 = "-f T Pollutant removal ` J iAXVJ x 5 00 = rating I Wildlife habitat It x200 = FT7 N Aquatic life value 2L- x400 = G Recreation/Education x 1 00 = 0 **Add 1 point if to sensitive watershed and >10% nonpoint source disturbance within '/a mile upstream, upslope, or radius Appendix D: Qualifications of Contributing Investigators Investigator Sara Easterly Education B A, Biology, Carson Newman College M S , Environmental Health Science, East Tennessee State University Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, January 2006 - Present Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Specialist, ARCADIS, Durham, NC, May 2000 - January 2006 Environmental Specialist, TH&P, Johnson City, TN, October 1995 - May 2000 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, stream and wetland delineation, GPS Investigator Amy Euliss Education B S , Ecology/Environmental Biology, Appalachian State University M S , Biology, Appalachian State University Experience Environmental Specialist III, NCDWQ, January 2008 - Present Environmental Specialist, NCDOT-Division 7, Greensboro, NC, 2007 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, stream and wetland delineation Investigator James Pflaum Education B S , Biology, Elon College M S , Biology, Appalachian State University Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, January 2007 - Present Environmental Specialist, N C Emergency Management, Raleigh, NC, March 2006 - January 2007 Biological Technician (Fisheries), U S Forest Service, Petersburg, AK, May 2005 - Oct 2005 Conservation Project Leader, International Student Volunteers, Sydney, Australia, May 2004 - August 2004 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, stream and wetland delineation, GPS Investigator Duncan Quinn Education B S , Atmospheric Sciences, University of North Carolina at Asheville M S , Forestry, North Carolina State University Experience Environmental Senior Technician, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, May 2007 - Present Graduate Research Assistant, NCSU, Raleigh, NC, August 1999 - December 2003 Environmental Health Technician, NCDENR, May 1999 - August 1999 Meteorologist, National Climatic Data Center, June 1994 - May 1999 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, stream and wetland delineation, GPS Investigator Deanna Riffey Education B S , Biology, University of Tennessee M S , Environmental Health Science, East Tennessee State University Experience Environmental Supervisor, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, June 2005 - Present Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, October 2003 - June 2005 Environmental & Safety Compliance Officer, City of Bristol, VA, September 1996 - October 2003 Responsibilities Natural resource investigation, Section 7 field investigations, protected species surveys, stream and wetland delineation, GPS ti