20191578 Ver 1_BR-0011_Mussel Survey Report_20191115

Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
Replacement of Bridge No. 2 on NC 141
Over Slow Creek
Cherokee County, North Carolina
TIP# BR-0011
WBS Element # 67011.1.1
Prepared For:
NC Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Jared Gray
Biological Surveys Group
North Carolina Department of Transportation
jgray&ncdot. gov
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1598
January 24, 2019

Prepared by:
RiC%fC
900 Ridgefield Drive, Suite 350
Raleigh, NC 27609
Contact Person:
Neil Medlin
Project Manager
[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 Descriptions..................................................................................2
3.1 Cumberland Bean (Villosa trabalis).................................................................2
3.1.1. Characteristics...................................................................................2
3.1.2. Distribution and Habitat Requirements............................................2
3.2 Little -wing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula)........................................................2
3.2.1 Characteristics....................................................................................2
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.............................................2
3.3 Tan Riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri)..............................................3
3.3.1 Characteristics....................................................................................3
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.............................................3
4.0
Survey Efforts.........................................................................................................3
4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Slow Creek
.........................................3
4.2 Methodology.....................................................................................................3
5.0
Results.....................................................................................................................4
6.0
Discussion/Conclusions..........................................................................................4
7.0
References...............................................................................................................5
Appendix A. Figures:
Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Location
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: 303(d) NPDES Discharges and 303(d) Listed Streams

1.0 Introduction
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the replacement Bridge
No. 2 on NC 141 over Slow Creek in Cherokee County (Appendix A, Figure 1). This project on
Slow Creek (BR-0011) is located in the Hiwassee River Basin. The Cumberland Bean (Villosa
tribalis), Little -wing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), and Tan Riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina
walkeri) are listed as protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Cherokee
County by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
A review of NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last accessed August 7, 2018,
indicated there is a known occurrence for one of the target species within a 5-mile buffer around
the project (Figure 2). The nearest element occurrence (EO) for the Little -wing Pearlymussel
(EO ID 8346) is located on the Valley River, approximately eight stream miles from the project
location. The only observation date for this historical occurrence is listed as 1882-Pre. The
closest occurrence for the Cumberland Bean (EO ID 11479) is on the Hiwassee River,
approximately 35 stream miles downstream from the project. The observation dates listed for
this EO were 1990s and February 21, 2003. Records for the Tan Riffleshell in Cherokee County
are considered historical and obscure. The species is considered to be extirpated from North
Carolina and there are no NCNHP occurrences in the state.
As part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project related
effects to federally protected species, Rummel, Klepper, and Kahl Engineering (RK&K) was
contracted by NCDOT to conduct the freshwater mussel survey for the target species given
above.
2.0 Waters Affected
Slow Creek is located in the Hiwassee River Basin (HUC# 06020002). From the survey
location, Slow Creek flows approximately three stream miles to the Hiwassee River.
2.1 NPDES Dischargers
The are no NPDES permitted dischargers within the 5-mile project buffer (Figure 3).
2.2 303(d) Classification
Slow Creek is on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) - Division
of Water Resources 2016 303(d) list of impaired streams and the 2018 draft list for exceeding
fecal coliform criteria (Figure 3).
Freshwater Mussel Survey; BR-0011, Cherokee County January 2019
Page 1

3.0 Target Species Descriptions
3.1 Cumberland Bean (Villosa trabalis)
3.1.1 Characteristics
This species was described by Conrad in 1834. The Cumberland Bean is a small to medium
sized freshwater mussel with relatively thick, elongated, oval shells. The shells of the females
are somewhat more rounded and slightly larger (maximum about 55 millimeters or 2.2 inches
long). The periostracum (outer shell surface) is smooth (no ridges or bumps) and somewhat
shinny; and can be olive green, yellowish brown, or blackish with fine wavy dark green or
blackish rays. However, these rays are often difficult to see unless the shell surface is cleaned.
The nacre (inside shell surface) is bluish white or white with a bluish iridescence towards
posterior end of the shell.
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
Historically, the Cumberland Bean was restricted to tributary streams of the Tennessee and
Cumberland rivers and was most abundant in the Cumberland system. Historic records for the
species exist for the Tennessee River, South Chickamauga Creek, Paint Rock River, Flint River,
Hiwassee River, Clinch River, Cumberland River, Buck Creek, Obey River, Rockcastle River,
Laurel Fork of the Rockcastle River, and Beaver Creek. Populations of the species still exist in
Cumberland River tributaries in Kentucky and Tennessee, and the Hiwassee River downstream
of Apalachia Dam in Tennessee. This species is thought to be extirpated from North Carolina.
The Cumberland Bean inhabits small rivers and streams in fast riffles with gravel or sand and
gravel substrate. Individuals have been found in riffle and run habitat areas with shallow water
depths (less than one meter) and clean, stable substrate. Individuals can often be found in
transitional zones between sand and gravel substrates.
3.2 Little -wing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula)
3.2.1 Characteristics
This species was described by Isaac Lea in 1838. The Little -wing Pearlymussel is small, rarely
exceeding 1.5 inches (38 mm) in length and 0.5 inches in width. The shell's outer surface
(periostracum) is usually eroded, giving the shell a chalky appearance. When the periostracum is
present, the shell is light green or dark yellowish with dark rays. The shells exhibit sexual
dimorphism; with females having an inflated posterior ridge and a more truncated posterior end.
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
This once wide-ranging species once inhabited numerous smaller tributaries of the upper
Cumberland and Tennessee River Basins in Alabama, North Carolina (Little Tennessee River,
Swain County and Valley River, Cherokee County), Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
Currently, three populations may still survive in the Cumberland River system and three in the
Freshwater Mussel Survey; BR-0011, Cherokee County January 2019
Page 2

Tennessee River system, including a very small population in the Little Tennessee River, North
Carolina.
The Little -wing Pearlymussel inhabits cool, clear, and relatively high gradient streams (of small
to medium size) where it is sometimes found lying on a rocky stream bed in shallow water.
However, it is more often hidden under large rocks.
3.3 Tan Riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkers)
3.3.1 Characteristics
The Tan Riffleshell, is a medium-sized freshwater mussel (2.8 in; 7 cm) characterized by a dull
brownish green or yellowish green shell surface with numerous, evenly distributed, faint green
rays. The subinflated valves are of unequal length and are marked with uneven growth rings.
The inner shell surface is bluish white. The thin, posterior swelling of the female has one or
more constrictions which give the shell a lobed appearance.
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Tan Riffleshell inhabits headwaters, riffles, and shoals in sand and gravel substrates.
Historic occurrences of the Tan Riffleshell are known from the French Broad and Hiawassee
Rivers in North Carolina. Currently, the only known viable population of this species is located
in Tazwell County, Virginia.
4.0 Survey Efforts
A mussel survey was conducted in association with this project by RK&K personnel Neil Medlin
(Permit # 18-ES00030) and Gordon March on August 8, 2018.
4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Assessment: Slow Creek
Slow Creek had a variable width, ranging from one to three meters wide within the survey reach.
The banks were 0.5 meters high with some areas of erosion. The substrate was a mix of cobble,
gravel, sand, and silt. Sand was the dominant type of substrate with cobble subdominant. Sand
and gravel bars were common throughout the survey reach. The stream had a narrow, forested
buffer along the survey reach. The watershed for Slow Creek above the survey location
contained residential areas along with many pastures where livestock have direct access to the
stream. Heavy bank erosion was visible in many of the pastures.
4.2 Methodology
A mussel survey was conducted on Slow Creek from approximately 400 meters below the NC
141 road crossing to approximately 100 meters above the road crossing for a total distance of
approximately 500 meters. Within the survey reach, areas of appropriate habitat were searched,
concentrating on any stable habitats preferred by the target species. Visual surveys were
conducted using glass bottom view buckets (bathyscopes) along with tactile methods that were
Freshwater Mussel Survey; BR-0011, Cherokee County January 2019
Page 3

employed where appropriate. All freshwater bivalves were recorded and returned to the
substrate. Timed survey efforts provided Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data for each species.
5.0 Results
No target mussel species was observed during the survey of Slow Creek. For the survey, a total
of 1.5 person -hours of survey time was spent in the reach, with one species of freshwater mussel
observed along with one freshwater snail.
Table 1. CPUE for Freshwater Mussels in Slow Creek, August 8, 2018.
Scientific Name
Common Name
T-4 live
#shells
Abundance/
CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Villosa iris
ainbow
9
6.0/hr
Freshwater Snails
Relative
Abundance
limia s .
—
Rare
6.0 Discussion/Conclusions
The results indicate that the project area on Slow Creek supports a limited native freshwater
mussel fauna. Based on the distance to known and/or current records for the target species, the
degraded habitat in the stream, and the survey results, completion of this project will not affect
the any of the target mussel species.
Biological Conclusion for Cumberland Bean: No Effect
Biological Conclusion for Little -wing Pearlymussel: No Effect
Biological Conclusion for Tan Riffleshell: No Effect
Freshwater Mussel Survey; BR-0011, Cherokee County January 2019
Page 4

7.0 References
LeGrand, Jr., H.E., J.T. Finnegan, S.E. McRae, S.P. Hall. 2010. Natural Heritage Program List
of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. N.C. Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh,
NC.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources. 2018.
2016 North Carolina 303(d) List.
https:Hfiles.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%Quality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2016/2016 NC_Cat�or
y_5_303d_list.pdf (Accessed 08/14/18).
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. NPDES Wastewater Treatment Facility
Permits. http://data-
ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a86af4f7549343419b4c8l77cedb3e4b_0 (Accessed
08/14/18).
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2018. nheo-2018-04. Natural Heritage
Element Occurrence polygon shapefile. April, 2018.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Unpublished Aquatics Database.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. Cumberland Bean (Villosa trabalis) Species
Profile. Raleigh Ecological Field Office web site.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_cumberland bean.html (Accessed 12/08/16).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2011. Littlewing Pearlymussel (Pegias fabula)
Species Profile. Raleigh Ecological Field Office web site.
hgps://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_littlewing pearlymussel.htm. (Accessed
12/12/16).
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1984. Recovery Plan [for the] Tan [Riffleshell]
Mussel Epioblasma (=Dysnomia) walker. 59pp.
Freshwater Mussel Survey; BR-0011, Cherokee County January 2019
Page 5

Appendix A
Figures

CT
eA� °4V.
00
USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle, PEACHTREE, NC
•. -`}
u� G<eek }.
�~
' 141
Prepared By: Prepared For: Freshwater Mussel Survey
Date: .January 2019
BRIDGE # 2 ON NC141 Scale 0 200 Feet Figure
OVER SLOW CREEK Job No. BR-0011 1
B R-0011
Drawn by: ICheckedby:
CHEROKEE COUNTY GSMKNM

J�
MP
J4 '.
Legend
1, 64
❑ Survey Location
5-Mile Buffer -
NC OO eMap, Center for Geographic Informs I I
Little -wing Pearlymussel1-7
- Board, So rce: sri, Di.gitalGlobe, Geo r
C 'ES/A rbus DS, USDA, U - GS, AeroGRID, �
Commun t
Prepared By: Prepared For:
NC NHP Date: January2019
_ Element Occurrence Scale
/�"°p�`�.. BRIDGE # 2 ON NC141 0 1 Miles Figure
1
i'� OVER SLOW CREEK Job No.AM BR-0011
BR-0011
2
Drawn by: Checked by:
CHEROKEE COUNTY GSM KNM

Legend
J NPDES Sites
Survey Location
5-Mile Buffer y'
I �� , � NBC OO eMap, Center for Geographic Informs �
Board, So rce: sri, Di. italGlobe, Geo
303(d) Listed Streams g
C 'ES/A rbus DS, USDA, U GS, AeroGRID, �
-�
Commun t
Prepared By: Prepared For:
NPDES Dischargers and Date: January2019
_ 303(d) Listed Streams Scale
�wonme4.`; BRIDGE # 2 ON NC141 o t Mies
OVER SLOW CREEK Job No.
s BR-0011 BR-0011
Drawn by: Checked by:
CHEROKEE COUNTY GSM KNM
Figure
3