6403_NashLCID_ applic_20200211

From: Craig Fortner <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2020 1:59 PM
To: Wilson, Donna J
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: [External] FW: Nash County Landfill Environmental Review
Attachments: NashCountyLandfill_EnvironmentalReview.pdf
CAUTION:I email. Do not click links or open attachments unless you verify. Send all suspicious email as an attachment to
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Donna,
Please find the attached letter confirming the absence of wetlands, historic resources, and endangered species within
the proposed LCID landfill area. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Craig M. Fortner, PE
Garrett & Moore, Inc.
206 High House Road, Suite 259
Cary, NC 27513
O: [phone]
M: [phone]
From: Phil May <[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 4:23 PM
To: Craig Fortner <[e-mail]>
Subject: Fwd: Nash County Landfill Environmental Review
Please see the attached report.
Thanks
Phil May
Carolina Ecosystems, Inc.
[phone]
From: Preston Butler<preston.butler@carol inaeco.com>
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 3:51:39 PM
To: Phil May <[e-mail]>
Subject: Nash County Landfill Environmental Review
Phil,
Here is the Environmental Review for the Nash County Landfill.
Preston Butler
1

CARO4, NA ECOSYSTEMS
3040 NC 42 W
Clayton, NC 27520
919-523-5821
www.carolinaeco.com

0 CAROLINA 3040 NC 42 West, Clayton NC 27520
ECOSYSTEMS P:919 359-1102 F:919 585 5570
February 10, 2020
Craig Fortner, P.E.
Garrett & Moore, Inc.
206 High House Road #259
Cary, North Carolina 27513
RE: Environmental Review
Nash County Landfill
Nash County, NC
Dear Mr. Fortner,
Carolina Ecosystems, Inc. (CEI) has completed an environmental review of the proposed
expansion of the Nash County Landfill (Site) off of West Castalia Road near Castalia, NC,
shown in Figures 1 and 2. CEI staff reviewed the Site on August 27, 2019 for streams and
wetlands under the jurisdiction of Section 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as well as
species protected under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This letter summarizes
the findings of our background research and field review of the Site.
Project Location and Description
The Site is located southeast of Castalia, North Carolina, between Duke Road and West Castalia
Road. The Site has been previously disturbed and the majority of the area has been recently
cleared of trees. Remaining vegetation is relatively young and limited to the edges of the
property. The southwest edge of the property slopes down into the floodplain of Pig Basket
Creek.
Natural Communities
One natural community exist within the Site, with the remainder of the site too disturbed to
consist of a natural community. The forested edge of the site is Brownwater Bottomland
Hardwoods (High Subtype) consisting primarily of Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), American
hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). The cleared area
contains primarily blackberry (Rubus sp.), dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium), and winged
sumac (Rhus copallinum).
Jurisdictional Wetland and Stream Delineation
The Site was reviewed for wetlands and streams potentially under the jurisdiction of the CWA
using the methodology outlined in the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) Wetland
Delineation Manual and the 2010 Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional Supplement. Two
wetlands (WA and WB) and one stream (Pig Basket Creek) were identified near the Site and are
subject under Section 404 of the CWA.

Mr. Craig Fortner, P.E. Nash County Landfill
February 10, 2020 Page 2 of 6
These areas were submitted for a Preliminary Jurisdiction Determination (SAW-2014-00024) on
October 19, 2019 and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) concurred with the delineation
on January 10, 2020.
Federally Protected Species
Plants and animals classified as Endangered or Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) are protected under the provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended. Table 1 presents the federally protected species listed by the
USFWS (accessed February 6, 2020) for Nash County, North Carolina.
Investigations regarding the species listed in Table 1 were performed at the Site by CEI
personnel on August 27, 2019. NCDOT species descriptions along with biological conclusions
for each species are detailed below.
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Northampton County.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Federal
Habitat
Biological
Status
Present
Conclusion
Picoides borealis
Red -cockaded Woodpecker
E
No
No Effect
Necturus lewisi
Neuse River Waterdog
PT
No
No Effect
Noturus furiosus
Carolina Madtom
PE
No
No Effect
Fusconaia masom
Atlantic Pigtoe
PT
No
No Effect
Alasmidonta
Dwarf Wedgemussel
E
No
No Effect
heterodon
Elliptio
Tar River Spinymussel
E
No
No Effect
steinstansana
Elliptio lanceolata
Yellow Lance
T
No
No Effect
Rhus michauxii
Michaux's Sumac
E
Yes
No Effect
E — Endangered
T — Threatened
PE — Proposed Endangered
PT — Proposed Threatened
Red -cockaded woodpecker
USFWS optimal survey window: year round; November -early March (optimal)
Habitat Description: The red -cockaded woodpecker (RCW) typically occupies open, mature
stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and
nesting/roosting habitat. The RCW excavates cavities for nesting and roosting in living pine
trees, aged 60 years or older, and which are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years of age
to provide foraging habitat. The foraging range of the RCW is normally no more than 0.5 miles.

Mr. Craig Fortner, P.E.
February 10, 2020
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Nash County Landfill
Page 3 of 6
Suitable foraging or nesting habitat for the red -cockaded woodpecker was not found on the Site.
No open stands of suitably aged pines are present on the Site. No individuals of this species
were observed during the field visit. A review of NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP)
element occurrence records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Neuse River Waterdog
USFWS optimal survey window: year round; September through May (optimal)
Habitat Description: A fully aquatic salamander, the Neuse River waterdog lacks lungs and
therefore requires clean, flowing water with a high dissolved oxygen content. The waterdog is
typically found in burrows or under large granite rocks and usually inhabits streams that are
greater than 15 meters in width. The species thrives in cooler water with activity increases
observed in temperature under 18°C.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat for Neuse River Waterdog is located on the Site, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. The study area is located approximately four miles upstream of Neuse
River Waterdog Proposed Critical Habitat. A review of NCNHP records, accessed February 6,
2020, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Carolina Madtom
USFWS optimal survey window: year round; September through May (optimal)
Habitat Description: Habitat includes sand, gravel, and detritus -bottomed riffles and runs of
small to medium rivers. Usually this madtom is in very shallow water with little or no current
over fine to coarse sand bottom. Nests have been found in cans and bottles in pools and runs.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat for Carolina Madtom was identified on the Site, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. A review of NCNHP records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Atlantic Pigtoe
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round
Habitat Description: The preferred habitat of the Atlantic pigtoe is coarse sand and gravel, and
rarely in silt and detritus. Historically, the best populations existed in small creeks to larger rivers
with excellent water quality, where flows were sufficient to maintain clean, silt -free substrates.

Mr. Craig Fortner, P.E.
February 10, 2020
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Nash County Landfill
Page 4 of 6
Suitable habitat for Atlantic pigtoe is not present on the Site, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. A review of NCNHP element occurrence records, accessed February 6,
2020, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Dwarf Wedgemussel
USFWS optimal survey window: year round
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the dwarf wedgemussel is known from the Neuse and
Tar River drainages. The mussel inhabits creek and river areas with a slow to moderate current
and sand, gravel, or firm silt bottoms. Water in these areas must be well oxygenated. Stream
banks in these areas are generally stable with extensive root systems holding soils in place.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat for Dwarf Wedgemussel was identified on the Site, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. A review of NCNHP records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Tar River Spinymussel
USFWS optimal survey window: year round
Habitat Description: The Tar River spinymussel is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River
drainage basins in North Carolina. This mussel requires a stream with fast flowing, well -
oxygenated, circumneutral pH water. The bottom should be composed of unconsolidated gravel
and coarse sand. The water needs to be relatively silt -free, and stream banks should be stable,
typically with many roots from adjacent riparian trees and shrubs.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No habitat for Tar River Spinymussel was identified on the Site, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. A review of NCNHP records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Yellow Lance
USFWS optimal survey window: year round; September through May (optimal)
Habitat Description: This species is found in sandy substrates, rocks and in mud, in slack water
areas, but apparently is absent from lakes. It is also found buried deep in sand and may migrate
with shifting sands. Although it prefers clean, coarse to medium sized sands as substrate, on
occasion, specimens are also found in gravel substrates. This species is found in the main
channels of drainages down to streams as small as a meter across.

Mr. Craig Fortner, P.E.
February 10, 2020
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Nash County Landfill
Page 5 of 6
No habitat for Carolina Madtom was identified in the study area, as Pig Basket Creek will not be
impacted by the project. A review of NCNHP records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Michaux's Sumac
USFWS optimal survey window: year round; September through May (optimal)
Habitat Description: Michaux's sumac, endemic to the inner Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont,
grows in sandy or rocky, open, upland woods on acidic or circumneutral, well -drained sands or
sandy loam soils with low cation exchange capacities. The species is also found on sandy or
submesic loamy swales and depressions in the fall line Sandhills region as well as in openings
along the rim of Carolina bays; maintained railroad, roadside, power line, and utility rights -of -
way; areas where forest canopies have been opened up by blowdowns and/or storm damage;
small wildlife food plots; anbandoned building sites; under sparse to moderately dense pin or
pine/hardwood canopies; and in and along edges of other artificially maintained clearings
undergoing natural succession. In the central Piedmont, it occurs on clayey soils derived from
mafic rocks. The plant is shade intolerant and, therefore, grows best where disturbance (e.g.
mowing, clearing, grazing, periodic fire) maintains its open habitat.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Habitat for Michaux's Sumac was identified in the study area along the edge of the disturbed
area. Surveys were performed on August 27, 2019 and no individuals were observed. A review
of NCNHP records, accessed February 6, 2020, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile
of the study area.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Coordination
Site information was provided to SHPO on October 20, 2019 and SHPO issued a letter on
December 6, 2019 confirming that no historic resources would be affected by the project. A copy
of the letter is attached.
Summary
Based on these findings, the following recommendations are applicable to this project:
➢ The proposed project will not require permitting under the CWA if potential
jurisdictional wetlands are not impacted by the project.
➢ No potential wetlands are present on Site. Site verification of the boundary is
recommended if construction will be directly adjacent to wetlands
➢ Consultation under the Endangered Species Act is not required as the project will have
"No Effect" on federally listed threatened or endangered species.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at your earliest convenience at (919)
606-1065 or [e-mail].

Mr. Craig Fortner, P.E.
February 10, 2020
Sincerely,
Carolina Ecosystems, Inc.
74- k
Phil May
Senior Environmental Scientist
Cc: William Hill, Nash County Health & Human Services Director
Attachments:
- Figure 1
— Vicinity Map
- Figure 2
— USGS Map
- Figure 3
— Aquatic Resources Map
- Figure 4
— NRCS Map
- SHPO Letter
Nash County Landfill
Page 6 of 6

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Figure 3: Aquatic
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Nash County Soil Survey (1989) Sheets 3 and 4

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper
Secretary Susi H. Hamilton
December 6, 2019
Phil May
Carolina Ecosystems, Inc.
3040 NC 42 West
Clayton, NC 27520
Office of Archives and History
Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
Re: Develop Nash County LCID Landfill, West Castalia Road, Nashville, Nash County, ER 19-3206
Dear Mr. May:
Thank you for your letter of October 20, 2019, concerning the above project.
We have conducted a review of the project and are aware of no historic resources which would be affected by
the project. Therefore, we have no comment on the project as proposed.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-807-6579 or
environmental.reviewgncdcr.gov. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above
referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,
amona Bartos, Deputy
State Historic Preservation Officer
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599