20191059 Ver 1_B-5703_Aquatic Species Survey Report_20190809

Aquatic Species Survey Report
Replacement of Bridge No. 60 on US 401
Over Lower Little River
Cumberland and Harnett Counties, North Carolina
TIP B-5703
WBS Element # 45657.1.1
Prepared For:
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NC Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Jared Gray
Biological Surveys Group
North Carolina Department of Transportation
j gray( ,ncdot. gov
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1598
May 30, 2019

Prepared by:
900 Ridgefield Drive, Suite 350
Raleigh, NC 27609
Contact Person:
Neil Medlin
Manager, Natural Resources
[e-mail]
919-878-9560

Table of Contents
1.0
Introduction..............................................................................................................1
2.0
Waters Affected........................................................................................................1
2.1 NPDES Dischargers............................................................................................1
2.2 303(d) Classification...........................................................................................1
3.0
Target Species Description......................................................................................2
3.1 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)...................................................................2
3.1.1 Characteristics......................................................................................2
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...............................................2
3.2 Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas).......................................................2
3.2.1 Characteristics......................................................................................2
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...............................................2
4.0
Survey Efforts...........................................................................................................3
4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Lower Little River................................3
4.2 Methodology.......................................................................................................3
4.2.1 Mussels................................................................................................3
4.2.2 Fish.......................................................................................................3
5.0
Results.......................................................................................................................4
5.1 Mussels...............................................................................................................4
5.2 Fish......................................................................................................................4
6.0
Discussion/Conclusions............................................................................................5
7.0
References.................................................................................................................6
Appendix A. Figures:
Figure l: Project Vicinity & Survey Location
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams

1.0 Introduction
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the replacement of Bridge
No. 60 over Lower Little River on US 401 in Cumberland and Harnett counties (Appendix A,
Figure 1). The Lower Little River is located in the Cape Fear River Basin. The Cape Fear
Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas) is currently listed for both Cumberland and Harnett Counties by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as protected species under the Endangered Species
Act (ESA). The Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni), was proposed to be listing as Threatened
under the ESA on October 11, 2018. Two additional species were proposed to be listed under
ESA on May 22, 2019, the Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi) and the Carolina Madtom
(Noturus furiosus), are both noted for Harnett County but are not know from the Cape Fear Basin
and are not evaluated further in this report.
A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last accessed on May 04, 2018,
indicated that no element occurrence (EO) exists for a target species within a 5-mile buffer of the
project location (Figure 2). The closest occurrence for Cape Fear Shiner (EO ID 27861) is
approximately 10.3 stream miles upstream on the Cape Fear River. This EO was first and last
observed on July 23, 2007. The closest occurrence for Atlantic Pigtoe (EO ID 24770) is
approximately 18.5 stream miles downstream on the Cape Fear River. The only observation date
listed for this historical EO is Pre-1972.
As part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project related
impacts to federally protected species, Rummel, Klepper, and Kahl (RK&K) was contracted by
NCDOT to conduct the freshwater mussel and fish surveys targeting the Atlantic Pigtoe and
Cape Fear Shiner.
2.0 Waters Affected
The Lower Little River is located in the Cape Fear River Basin (HUC# 03030004). From the
project location, the Lower Little River flows approximately 6.5 stream miles to the Cape Fear
River.
2.1 NPDES Dischargers
There are no NPDES permitted dischargers located such that they could affect the water quality
in the Lower Little River at the project site.
2.2 303(d) Classification
The Lower Little River is not on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ) - Division of Water Resources 2016 303(d) list of impaired streams or the 2018 draft
list.
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 1

3.0 Target Species Description
3.1 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)
3.1.1 Characteristics
The Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni (Conrad 1834)) is a small, freshwater mussel that rarely
exceeds 60 mm in length. The shells are usually compressed and have a sub -rhomboid outline;
however, specimens from headwater streams tend to be more elongate than those found in larger
waterways. The umbo extends well above the dorsal margin and the posterior ridge is angular
and very distinct. The periostracum is yellowish brown or greenish brown with a parchment -like
texture. The nacre is somewhat shiny and can be white, salmon, orange or iridescent blue.
Maximum age for the Atlantic Pigtoe is approximately 58 years and it is a short-term brooding
(tachytictic) species. Specifically, the species becomes gravid and releases glochidia multiple
times between late June through early July. Identified fish hosts for this species include the
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and Shield Darter (Percina peltata).
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Atlantic Pigtoe is a southern Atlantic Slope species that is found from the James River basin
in Virginia south to the Altamaha River basin in Georgia. Within North Carolina, the Atlantic
Pigtoe historically inhabited the Roanoke, Tar -Pamlico, Neuse, Cape Fear, Yadkin -Pee Dee, and
Catawba river basins. It appears that this mussel may be extirpated from the North Carolina
portion of the Catawba River basin and potentially some areas within all river basins.
The Atlantic Pigtoe occupies riffles and runs in medium to large streams. Specifically, it
typically inhabits moderately fast velocity areas that contain stable gravel, or sand and gravel
substrate.
3.2 Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas)
3.2.1 Characteristics
The Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas (Snelson 1971)) is a small (approximately 50 mm
long), yellowish minnow with a black band along the lateral line. The shiner also has yellow
fins, a black upper lip, and a lower lip that bears a thin black bar. The Cape Fear Shiner forages
primarily on plant and animal material. In addition, the digestive tract of the Cape Fear Shiner is
long and coiled, unlike most other minnows within the genus Notropis.
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Cape Fear Shiner is endemic to the upper Cape Fear River Basin in the Central Piedmont of
North Carolina. The species is known from tributaries and mainstreams of the Cape Fear, Deep,
Haw and Rocky Rivers in Chatham, Harnett, Lee, Moore and Randolph counties.
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 2

This shiner is generally associated with gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates, and has been
observed in slow pools, riffles, and slow runs. These areas occasionally support Water Willow
(Justicia americana), which may be used as cover or protection from predators (e.g. Flathead
Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), bass (Micropterus spp.) and crappie (Pomoxis spp.)). The Cape
Fear Shiner can be found swimming in schools of other minnow species but is never the most
abundant species.
4.0 Survey Efforts
Freshwater mussel and fish surveys were conducted in association with this project by RK&K
personnel Neil Medlin (Permit # 18-ES00030), Matt Martin and Hal Bain on June 21, 2018. The
survey location was moved from the project site downstream to NC 217. The NC 217 crossing
was selected due to the presence of extended reaches of shallow water which allowed for more
effective survey efforts. The NC 217 location also increased the potential for colonization of the
survey reach by the target species from Cape Fear River populations.
4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Lower Little River at NC 217
The Lower Little River at NC 217 was twenty-seven meters wide and exhibited run and riffle
flow regimes. The banks were approximately two meters high with some erosion/undercutting
present. The maximum depth was 1.5 meters with an average depth of 0.5 meter. The substrate
was primarily sand and gravel with clay, cobble and boulder also present. No beaver activity
was observed at the survey location. A moderate width, forested buffer is present within the
survey location.
4.2 Methodology
4.2.1 Mussels
A mussel survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the bridge
crossing to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500
meters. Areas of appropriate habitat were searched, concentrating on the stable habitats
preferred by the target species. Visual surveys were conducted with view buckets (bathyscopes)
along with tactile methods that were employed where appropriate. All freshwater bivalves were
recorded and returned to the substrate. Timed survey efforts typically provide Catch Per Unit
Effort (CPUE) data for each species.
4.2.2 Fish
A fish survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the bridge crossing
to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500 meters.
The survey was conducted using a Smith -Root Model LR-24 backpack electrofishing unit and
dip nets. The stream was sampled with one biologist operating the electrofishing unit while the
other biologists collected the stunned fish with dip nets. All stunned fish were collected and
temporarily placed in a 5-gallon bucket. All fish were identified and released onsite.
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 3

5.0 Results
5.1 Mussels
A total of 2.25-person hours of survey time were spent in the survey reach with three freshwater
mussel species and one freshwater clam observed. No Atlantic Pigtoe were observed during the
survey.
Table 1. CPUE for Freshwater Mussels in the Lower Little River, June 21, 2018
Scientific Name
Common Name
# live
#shells
Abundance/
CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
lli do com lanata
Eastern Elli do
8
0
3.56/hr.
lli do con araea
Carolina Slabshell
4
0
1.78/hr.
lli do roanokensis
Roanoke Slabshell
7
0
3.1/hr.
Freshwater Clams
Corbicula uminea[Asian
Clam
R-C*
* R=Rare, C=Common
5.2 Fish
Fifteen fish species were identified during the survey with a total of 474 individuals observed
(Table 2). No Cape Fear Shiners were collected. A total of 1202 shocking seconds were utilized
during this survey.
Table 2. Fish Species in the Lower Little
River, June 21, 2018
Scientific Name
Common Name
No. Individuals
Cyprinella analostana
Satinfin Shiner
45
epomis macrochirus
Bluegill
4
Cyprinella nivea
Whitefin Shiner
362
uxilus albeolus
White Shiner
8
ercina crassa
Piedmont Darter
8
theostoma flabellare
Fantail Darter
2
Anguilla rostrata
American Eel
1
oturus insi nis
Tessellated Darter
5
otro is sce ticus
Sandbar Shiner
15
e omis auritus
Redbreast Sunfish
9
ybopsis zanema
Santee Chub
6
undulus lineolatus
Lined Topminnow
1
cantharchus pomotis
Mud Sunfish
1
otropis hudsonius
Spottail Shiner
5
icropterus sp.
Bass 2
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 4

Scientific Name
lCommon Name
No. Individuals
Total Number of Individuals
474
Total Number of Species
15
lectrofishing Seconds
1202
6.0 Discussion/Conclusions
The mussel and fish surveys did not document either of the target species. Based the survey
results and the distance from the project site to closest NCHNP EO (over 18 stream miles to a
historical EO), completion of the project will not affect the Atlantic Pigtoe.
Biological Conclusion for Altantic Pigtoe: No Effect
Although no Cape Fear Shiners were collected during the fish survey, an NCNHP EO (located
on the Cape Fear River) is slightly over 10 stream miles from the project site. Given the
mobility of the species and the relative proximity of the known occurrence, the presence of the
Cape Fear Shiner at the project location cannot be completely discounted.
Biological Conclusion for Cape Fear Shiner: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 5

7.0 References
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources. 2018
North Carolina 2016 303(d) list and draft 2018 list. Available:
hllps:Hfiles.nc.gov/ncdeg/Water%Quality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2016/2016 NC_Categor
X 5 303d_list.pdf (August 2018).
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. NPDES Wastewater Treatment Facility
Permits. Available: http://data-
ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a86af4f7549343419b4c8l77cedb3e4b_0 (August
2018).
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2018. nheo-2018-10. Natural Heritage
Element Occurrence polygon shapefile. (October 2018).
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2019. Unpublished Aquatics Database.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2019. Atlantic Pigtoe Species Profile.
Available: http://www.ncwildlife.orWLeaming/Species/Mollusks/Atlantic-Pigtoe.
(February 2019).
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2019. Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis
mekistocholas) Species Profile. Available:
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Leaming/Species/Fish/Cape-Fear-Shiner#2513 695-overview.
(February 2019).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1988. Cape Fear Shiner Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Species status assessment report for the Atlantic Pigtoe
(Fusconaia masoni). Version 1.2. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2019. Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) Species Profile,
Environmental Online System (ECOS). Available:
https:Hecos.fws. og v/ecpO/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=FO3K. (February 2019).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2019. Cape Fear Shiner (Notropis mekistocholas) Species
Profile. Available: hlt2s://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/fishes/cape-fear-shiner/.
(February 2019).
Wolf, E. D. 2012. Propagation, Culture, and Recovery of Species at Risk Atlantic pigtoe.
Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program, Project No. 11-108.
Aquatic Species Survey; B-5703, Cumberland and Harnett Counties May 2019
Page 6

Appendix A
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