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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180656 Ver 1_JD_20180514APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION FORM U.S. Army Corps of Engineers This farm should be completed by following the instructions provided in Section IV of the JD Form Instructional Guidebook. SECTION I: BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. R�,PORT COMPLETION DAT�, FOR APPROV�D JURiSD1CTIONAL DET�RM1NATiON (JD): B. DISTRICT OFFICE, FILE NAME, AND NUMBCR: NCDOT, Division 12, SR 1547 (Wards Gap Road), 12.20231 1 C. PROJ�CT LOCATION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION: State: North Carolina County/parish/borough: Cleveland City: Casar Center coordinates of site (laUlong in degree decimal format): 35.565239, -81.598505 Latitude & Longitude in Decimal Degrees: Universal Transverse Mercator: 17S Name of nearest waterbody: Wards Creek Name of nearest Traditional Navigable Water (TNW) into which the aquatic resource flows: First Broad River Nan�e of watershed or Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC): Broad � Check if map/diagram of review area and/or potential jurisdictional areas is/are available upon request. ❑ Checl< if other sites (e.g., offsite mitigation sites, disposal sites, etc...) are associated with this action and are recarded on a different JD form. D. RCVIEW PERFORM�,D �OR SITE EVALUATTON (CH�,CK ALL THAT APPLY): ❑ Office (Desk) Detennination. Date: � Field Determination. Date(s): OS-03-18 SECTION II: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS A. RHA SECTION 10 DETERM[NATION OF JURISDICTION. There Appear to be no "navigable wnters of'tlae U.S." within Rivers and Harbois Act (RHA) jurisdiction (as defined by 33 CFR part 329) in the review area. [Requir•ecI] ❑ Waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide. ❑ Waters are presently used, ar have been used in the past, or may be susceptible far use to transport interstate ar fareign commerce. Explain: . B. CWA SECTION 404 DETERMINATION OI' JURISDICTION. There Are "waters of�the U.S." within Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction (as defined by 33 CFR part 328) in the review area. [Required] Waters of the U.S. a. Tndicate presence of waters of U.S. in review area (check all that apply): � ❑ TNWs, including territorial seas ❑ Wetlands adjacent to TNWs � Relatively permanent waters'- (RPWs) that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Non-RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands directly abutting RPWs tl�at flow directly or ii�directly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands adjacent to but not directly abutting RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands adjacent to non-RPWs that flow directly ar indirectly into TNWs ❑ Impoundrnents of jurisdictional waters ❑ Isolated (interstate or intrastate) waters, induding isolated wetlands b. Identify (esdmate) size of waters of the U.S. in the review area: Non-wetland waters: 100 linear feet: 1.5 width (ft). Wetlands: 0 acres. Non-wetland waters: linear feet: width (ft). Wetlands: acres. Non-wetland waters: linear feet: width (ft). Wetlands: acres. c. Limits (boundaries) of jurisdiction based on: 1987 Delineation Manual Elevation of established OHWM (if known): . 2. Non-regulated waters/wetlands (check if applicable):3 � Boxes checiced below shall be supported by completiiig the appropriate sections in Section III below. = For pwposes of this form, an RPW is defined as a tributa�y that is not a TN W and that typically flows year-round or has coi�tinuous flow at least "seasonally" (e.g., typically 3 months). ❑ Potentially jurisdictional waters and/or wetlands were assessed within the review area and determined to be not jurisdictional. Explain: . SECTION III: CWA ANALYSIS A. TNWs AND W�,TLANDS ADJACENT TO TNWs The agencies will assert jurisdiction over TNWs and wetlands adjacent to TNWs. If the aquatic resource is a TNW, complete Section III.A.l and Section III.D.1. only; if the aquatic resource is a wetland adjacent to a TNW, complete Sections III.A.1 and 2 and Section III.D.1.; otherwise, see Section III.B below. 1. TNW Identify TNW: Summarize rationale supporting determination: 2. Wetland adjacent to TNW Summarize rationale supporting conclusion that wetland is "adjacenY': B. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBUTARY (THAT IS NOT A TNW) AND ITS ADJACENT WETLANDS (IF ANY): This section summarizes information regarding characteristics of the tributary and its adjacent wetlands, if any, and it helps determine whether or not the standards for jurisdiction established under Rapa�aos have been met. The agencies will assert jurisdiction over non-navigable tributaries of TNWs where the tributaries are "relatively permanent waters" (RPWs), i.e. tributaries that typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least seasonally (e.g., typically 3 months). A wetland that directly abuts an RPW is also jurisdictionaL If the aquatic resource is not a TNW, but has year-round (perennial) flow, sl�p to Sectim� [II.D.2. If the aquatic resource is a wetland directly abutting a tributary with perennial flow, skip to Section III.D.4. A wetland that is adjacent to but that does not directly abut an RPW requires a significant nesus evaluation. Corps districts and EPA regions will include in the record any available information that documents the existence of a significant nexus between a relatively permanent tributary that is not perennial (and its adjacent wetlands if any) and a traditional navigable water, even though a significant nexus finding is not required as a matter of law. if the waterbody° is not an RPW, or a wetland directly abutting an RPW, a JD will require additional data to determine if the waterbody has a significant nexus with a TNW. If the tributary has adjacent wetlands, the significant nexus evaluation must consider the tributary in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands. This significant nexus evaluation that combines, for analytical purposes, the tributary and all of its adjacent wetlands is used whether the review area identified in the JD request is the tributary, or its adjacent wetlands, or both. If the JD covers a tributary with adjacent wetlands, complete Section III.B.1 for the tributary, Section III.B.2 for any onsite wetlands, and Section IILB.3 for all wetlands adjacent to that tributary, both onsite and offsite. The determination whether a significant nexus exists is determined in Section III.0 below. 1. Characteristics of non-TNWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNW (i) General Area Conditions: Watershed size: Pick List Drainage area: Pick List Average annual rainfall: 44.02in (U.S. Climate Data) Average annual snowfall: Sin (U.S. Climate Data) (ii) Physical Characteristics: (a) Relationship with TNW: ❑ Tributary flows directly into TNW. ❑ Tributary flows through tributaries befare entering TNW. Project waters are Pick Listriver miles firom TNW. Project waters are Pick List river miles from RPW. Project waters are Pick List aerial (straight) miles from TNW. Project waters are Pick List aerial (straight) miles from RPW. Project waters cross or serve as state boundaries. Explain:. ' Supporting documentation is presented in Section III.F. � Note that the �nstructional Guidebook coi�tains additional infonnation regarding swales, ditclies, wasl�es, and e�rosiona] feahires gener-ally and ii� the arid West. aPP�Y)� Identify flow route to TNWs: Ut to Wards Creek to Wards Creek to First Broad River. Tributary stream order, if known: (b) General Tributary Characteristics (check all that apply): Tributary is: ❑ Nariiral ❑ Artificial (man-made). Explain:. ❑ Manipulated (man-altered). Explain:. Tributary properties with respect to top of bank (estimate): Average width: Average depth: Average side slopes: Pick List Primary tributary substrate composition (check all that apply): ❑ Silts ❑ Sands ❑ Concrete ❑ Cobbles ❑ Gravel ❑ Muck ❑ Bedrock ❑ Vegetation. Type/% cover: ❑ Other. Explain: . Tributary condition/stability [ ]. Explain: Presence of run/rifFle(pool complexes. Explain: Tributary geometry: Pick List Tributary gradient (approxiinate average slope): % (c) Flow: Tributary provides for: Pick List Estimate average number of flow events in review area/year: Piek List Describe flow regime: . Other information on duration and volume: Surface flow is: Pick List Characteristics: Subsurface flow: Pick List Explain findings: ❑ Dye (or otl�er) test performed: . Tributary has (check all tl�at apply): ❑ Bed and banks ❑ OHWM� (check all indicators that apply): ❑ clear, natural line impressed on the bank ❑ changes in the character of soil ❑ shelving ❑ vegetation matted down, bent, or absent ❑ leaf litter disturbed or washed away ❑ sediment deposition ❑ water staining ❑ othzr (list): ❑ Discontinuous OHWM.� Explain: . ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ the presence of litter and debris destruction of terrestrial vegetation the presence of wrack line sediment sorting scour multiple observed or predicted flow events abrupt change in plant community if factors otl�er tl�an the OHWM were used to determine lateral extent of CWA jurisdiction (cl�eck all tl�at ❑ High Tide Line indicated by: ❑ ❑ oil or scum line along shore objects ❑ fine shell or debris deposits (faresl�ore) ❑ physical markings/characteristics ❑ tidal gauges ❑ otl�er (]ist): Mean High Water Mark indicated by: ❑ survey to available dahim; ❑ physical markings; ❑ vegetation lines/changes in vegetation types. (iii) Chemical Characteristics: Characterize tributary (e.g., water colar is clear, discolared, oily film; water quality; general watershed characteristics, etc.). Explain: Identify specific pollutants, if known: . ` Flow route can be described by identifying, e.g., tributary a, which flows through the review area, to flow into tributary b, which then flows into TNW. �A natural or rn�n-made discontinuity in the OHWM does not necessarily sever jurisdiction (e.g., where the stream temporarily flows underground, or where the OHWM has been removed by development or agricultural practices). Where there is a breal< in the OHWM that is unrelated to the waterbody's flow regime (e.g., flow over a rocl< outerop or throuoh a culvert), the agencies will lool< far indicators of flow above �nd below the break. 'lbid. (iv) Biological Characteristics. Channel supports (check all that apply): ❑ Riparian corridor. Characteristics (type, average width): ❑ Wetland fringe. Characteristics: . ❑ Habitat for: ❑ Federally Listed species. Explain findings: . ❑ Fisl�/spawn areas. Explain findings: . ❑ Other environmentally-sensitive species. Explain findings: ❑ Aquatic/wildlife diversity. Explain findings: 2. Characteristics of wetlands adjacent to non-TNW that flow directly or indirectly into TNW (i) Physical Characteristics: (a) General Wetland Characteristics: Properties: Wetland size: acres Wetland type. Explain: . Wetland quality. Explain: . Project wetlands cross or serve as state boundaries. Explain: (b) Genera) Flow Relationship with Non-TNW: Flow is: Pick List. Explain: . Surface flow is: Pick List Characteristics: Subsurface flow: Pick List Explain findings: ❑ Dye (or other) test performed: . (c) Wetland Adjacency Detennination with Non-TNW: ❑ Directly abutting ❑ Not directly abutting ❑ Discrete wetland hydrologic connection. Explain: ❑ Ecological connection. Explain: . ❑ Separated by bern�/barrier. Explain: . (d) Proxiinit�(Relationship) to TNW Project wetlands are Pick List river iniles from TNW. Project waters are Pick Listaerial (straight) miles from TNW. Flow is from: Pick List Estimate appiroximate location of wetland as within the Pick List floodplain. (ii) Chemical Characteristics: Characterize wetland system (e.g., water color is clear, brown, oil film on surface; water quality; general watershed characteristics; etc.). Explain: . Identify specific pollutants, if known: . (iii) Biological Characteristics. Wetland supports (check all that apply): ❑ Riparian buffer. Characteristics (type, average width): . ❑ Vegetation type/percent cover. Explain: . ❑ Habitat for: ❑ Federally Listed species. Explain findings: . ❑ Fish/spawn areas. Explain findings: . ❑ Other environmentally-sensitive species. Explain findings: ❑ Aquatic/wildlife diversity. Explain findings: . 3. Characteristics of all wetlands adjacent to the tributary (if an�) All wetland(s) being considered in the cwnulative analysis: Pick List Approximately ( ) acres in total are being considered in the cumulative analysis. For each wetland, specify the following: Directly abuts? (Y/N) Size (in acres) Directly abuts? (Y/N) Size (in acres) Summarize overall biological, chemical and physical functions being performed: . C. SIGNiFICANT NEXUS DETERMINATION A significant nexus analysis will assess the flow characteristics and functions of the tributary itself and the functions performed by any wetlands ad,jacent to the tributary to determine if they significantly affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of a TNW. For each of the following situations, a significant nexus exists if the tributary, in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands, has more than a speculative or insubstantial effect on the chemical, physical and/or biological integrity of a TNW. Considerations when evaluating significant nexus include, but are not limited to the volume, duration, and frequency of the flow of water in the tributary and its proximity to a TNW, and the functions performed by the tributary and all its adjacent wetlands. It is not appropriate to determine significant nexus based solely on any specific threshold of distance (e.g. between a tributary and its adjacent wetland or between a tributary and the TNW). Similarly, the fact an adjacent wetland lies within or outside of a floodplain is not solely determinative of significant nexus. Draw connections between the features documented and the effects on the TNW, as identified in the Rapanos Guidance and discussed in the Instructional Guideboolc. Factors to consider include, for example: • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), have the capacity to carry pollutants ar flood waters to TNWs, ar to reduce the amount of pollutants ar flood waters reaching a TNW'? • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), provide habitat and lifecycle support functions far fisli and other species, such as feeding, nesting, spawning, or rearing young for species that are present in the TNW? • Does the tributary, in combinarion witl� its adjacent wetlands (if any), l�ave tl�e capacity to transfer nutrients and organic carbon that support downstream foodwebs? • Does the tributary, in combination witl� its adjacent wetlands (if any), l�ave other relationships to tl�e pl�ysical, chemical, or biological integrity of the TNW? Note: the above list of considerations is not inclusive and other functions observed or known to occur should be documented below: 1. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW that has no adjacent wetlands and flows directly or indirectly into TNWs. Explain findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary itself, then go to Section III.D: . 2. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW and its adjacent wetlands, where the non-RPW flows directly or indirectly into TNWs. Explain findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in combination witl� all of its adjacent wetlands, then go to Section ❑I.D: . 3. Significant nexus findings for wetlands adjacent to an RPW but that do not directly abut the RPW. Explain findings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands, tl�en go to Section I[I.D: . D. DCTERMINATIONS OF JURISDICTIONAL FINDINGS. THC SUBJECT WATERS/W�TLANDS ARC (CH�CK ALL THAT APPLY): TNWs and Adjacent Wetlands. Check all that apply and provide size estimates in review area: ❑ TNWs: linear feet width (ft), Or, acres. ❑ Wetlands adjacent to TNWs: acres. 2. RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. � Tributaries of TNWs where tributaries typically flow year-round are jurisdictional. Provide data and rationale indicating that tributary is perennial: Multiple observed flow events during wet and diy seasons, NCDWR Stream Identification Foi7n ❑ Tributaries of TNW where tributaries have continuous flow "seasonally" (e.g., typically three montl�s each year) are jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section III.B. Provide rationale indicating that tributary flows seasonally: Provide estimates for jurisdictional waters in the review area (check all that apply): � Tributary waters: 100 linear feet 1.5 width (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. Identify type(s) of waters: . 3. Non-RPWsB that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Waterbody that is not a TNW or an RPW, but flows directly or indirectly into a TNW, and it has a sib ificant nexus with a TNW is jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section III.C. "See Footnote # 3. Provide estimates for jurisdictional waters within the review area (check all that apply): ❑ Tributary waters: linear feet width (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. Identify type(s) of waters: . 4. Wetlands directly abutting an RPW that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Wetlands directly abut RPW and thus are jurisdictional as adjacent wetlands. ❑ Wetlands directly abutting an RPW where tributaries typically flow year-round. Provide data and rationale indicating that tributary is perennial in Section III.D.2, above. Provide rationale indicating that wetland is directly abutting an RPW: . ❑ Wetlands directly abutting an RPW where iributaries typically flow "seasonally." Provide data indicating that tributary is seasonal in Section III.B and rationale in Section III.D.2, above. Provide rationale indicating that wetland is directly abutting an RPW: . Provide acreage estimates for jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 5. Wetlands adjacent to but not directly abutting an RPW that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Wetlands that do not directly abut an RPW, but when considered in combination with the tributary to which they are adjacent and with similarly situated adjacent wetlands, have a significant nexus with a TNW are jurisidictional. Data supporting tl�is conclusion is provided at Section IILC. Provide acreage estimates far jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 6. Wetlands adjacent to non-RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Wetlands adjacent to such waters, and have when considered in combination with the tributary to which they are adjacent and with similarly situated adjacent wetlands, have a significant nexus with a TNW are jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section I[I.C. Provide estimates for jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 7. Impoundments of jurisdictional waters.9 As a general rulz, the iinpotmdment of a j�irisdictional tributary remains jurisdictional. ❑ Demonstrate that impoundment was created from "waters of the U.S.," or ❑ Demonsh•ate that water meets the criteria for one of the categories presented above (1-6), ar ❑ Demonstrate that water is isolated with a nexus to commerce (see E below). E. ISOLATED �INT�RSTATE OR INTRA-STATE� WATERS, INCLUDING ISOLATED WETLANDS, THE USE, DCGRADATION OR DESTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD AFFECT INTERSTATE COMMERCE, INCLUDING ANY SUCH WAT�RS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):10 ❑ which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other purposes. ❑ fi�om which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce. ❑ whid� are or could be used far industria] purposes by industries in interstate commerce. ❑ Interstate isolated waters. Explain: . ❑ Other factois. Explain: . Identify water body and summarize rationale supporting determination: Provide estiinates far jurisdictional waters in the review area (check all tliat apply): ❑ Tributary waters: linear feet width (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. Identify type(s) of waters: . ❑ Wetlands: acres. F. NON-JURISDICTIONAL WATERS, INCLUDING WETLANDS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY): ❑ If potential wetlands were assessed witl�in the review area, thzse areas did not n�eet the criteria in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and/or appropriate Regional Supplements. ❑ Review area included isolated waters with no substantial nexus to interstate (or fareign) commerce. ' To complete the analysis refer to the I<ey in Section IIl.D.6 of the Instnictional Guidebook. 10 Prior to asscrting or declining CWA jurisdiction based solely on Chis category, Corps Districts will elevate the acHon to Corps and F,PA HQ for review consistent with the process described in the Corps/EPA Menaorandum Regnrding CWA Act Jurisdiction Following Rapanos. ❑ Prior to the Jan 2001 Supreme Court decision in "SWANCC," the review area would have been regulated based solely on the "Migratory Sird Rule" (MBR). ❑ Waters do not meet the "Significant Nexus" standard, where such a finding is required far jurisdiction. Explain: ❑ Other. (explain, if not covered above): . Provide acreage estimates for non jw•isdictional waters i�� the review area, where the sole potential basis of jurisdiction is the MBR factors (i.e., presence of mib atory birds, presence of endangered species, use of water for inigated agriculture), using best professional judgment (check all that apply): ❑ Non-wetland waters (i.e., rivers, strearns): linear feet width (ft). ❑ Lakes/ponds: acres. ❑ Other non-wetland wateis: acres. List type of aquatic resource: . ❑ Wetlands: acres. Provide acreage estimates for non jw�isdictional waters in the review area that do not meet the "Significant Nexus" standard, where such a finding is required for jurisdiction (check all that apply): ❑ Non-wetland waters (i.e., rivers, streams): ]inear feet, width (ft). ❑ Lakes/ponds: acres. ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. List type of aquatic resource: . ❑ Wetlands: acres. SECTION IV: DATA SOURCES. A. SUPPORTING DATA. Data reviewed for JD (check all that apply - checked items shall be included in case file and, where checked and requested, appropriately reference sources below): � Maps, plans, plots ar plat submitted by or on behalf of the applicanUconsultant: . ❑ Data sheets prepared/submitted by or on behalf of the applicantJconsultant. ❑ Office concurs with data sheets/delineation repart. ❑ Office does not concur with data sheets/delineation repart. ❑ Data sheets prepared by the Corps: . ❑ Corps navigable waters' study: . ❑ U.S. Geologica) Survey Hydrologic Atlas: . ❑ USGS NHD data. ❑ USGS 8 and 12 digit HUC inaps. ❑ U.S. Geological Survey map(s). Cite scale & quad name:«Quad». � USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Citation: . ❑ National wetlands inventory inap(s). Cite na�me: . ❑ State/Local wetland inventory map(s): . � FEMA/FIRM inaps:. ❑ 100-year Floodplain Elevation is: (National Geodectic Vertical Datum of 1929) ❑ Photographs: ❑ Aerial (Name & Date): . or ❑ Other (Name & Date): . ❑ Previous determination(s). File no. and date of response letter: . ❑ Applicable/supporting case law: . ❑ Applicable/supporting scientific literature: . ❑ Other information (please specify): . B. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO SUPPORT JD: