The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About20191723 Ver 1_Final Natural Resources Memo B-4977 20190820_20191216August 14, 2019 Natural Resources Technical Memorandum: TIP B-4977, Replace Bridge #75 on SR 1313 (Congo Road) over Fish Dam Creek, Wilkes County, NCDOT Division 11 WBS Element No.: 39896.1.1 TGS Engineers (TGS) has completed the natural resource investigations and prepared a natural environmental field scoping meeting checklist for TIP B-4977 (#960075 on SR 1313 (Congo Road) over Fish Dam Creek) in Wilkes County, NC (Figure 1). The study area for this project comprises approximately 2.3 acres in a rural landscape and ranges in elevation from approximately 1,160 feet above mean sea level (msl) to 1,320 feet above msl within 0.5 mile of the bridge (Figure 2). This memo summarizes the findings of the natural resource investigation. The field review included stream and wetland delineations and habitat assessments for federally protected species listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Wilkes County. All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Analysis Unit standard operating procedures. Field work was conducted on July 3, 2019. WETLAND AND STREAM DELINEATION Water resources in the study area are part of the Yadkin Pee-Dee River Basin [US Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03040101]. Two streams were identified in the study area (Table 1). The physical characteristics of the streams are provided in Table 2. Table 1. Surface water resources in the study area Stream Name Map ID Type NCDWQ Index Number Best Usage Classification Fish Dam Creek Fish Dam Creek Perennial 12-35 WS-IV UT to Fish Dam Creek SA Perennial 12-35 WS-IV Table 2. Physical characteristics of surface water resources in the study area Map ID Length (ft) Bank Height (ft) Bankfull Width (ft) Water Depth (in) Channel Substrate Velocity Clarity Fish Dam Creek 220 6 20-25 6-12 Sa, Gr, Cb, Bld, BR Fast Clear SA 308 0.5-1 4 2-6 Sa, Gr, Cb, BR Moderate Slightly Turbid Sa – sand, Gr – gravel, Cb – cobble, Bld – boulder, BR - bedrock No jurisdictional wetlands were identified in the study area (Figure 3). There are no designated Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HQW), or water supply watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within the study area or within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. Fish Dam Creek is classified as Water Supply IV. There are no streams within the study area or within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area that are on the Final 2018 303(d) list of impaired streams. Both streams are designated as cool water streams. CLEAN WATER ACT PERMITS Two jurisdictional streams were identified in the study area. A Section 404 permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) will be required if impacts are proposed for this project. CONSTRUCTION MORATORIA The study area is not located within a trout watershed. There are no construction moratoria in effect for this project. NC RIVER BASIN BUFFER RULES There are no riparian buffer rules in effect for this project. RIVERS AND HARBORS ACT SECTION 10 NAVIGABLE WATERS No surface waters have been designated as Section 10 navigable waters within the study area. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PROTECTED SPECIES HABITAT ASSESSMENTS As of June 27, 2018, the USFWS lists three federally protected species for Wilkes County, NC. (Table 3). Table 3. Federally protected species listed for Wilkes County Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Biological Conclusion Glytemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T (S/A) Not Required Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T MA-NLAA Bombus affinis* Rusty-patched bumblebee E No Effect T – Threatened, E – Endangered, T (S/A) – Threatened due to similarity of appearance, MA-NLAA – May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect, * Historic – the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago A search of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NC NHP) database, updated July 2019, indicates no known occurrences of federally protected species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Habitat for bog turtle is not present in the study area. Additionally, species listed as Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance are not afforded protection under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and do not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. Habitat for northern long- eared bat (NLEB) is present in the study area. The nearest known NLEB elemental occurrence is 19.5 miles northwest of the project, and the nearest NLEB red HUC is 29.5 miles southwest of the bridge. Since the project is not within 150 feet of a known maternity roost tree or within 0.25 mile of a known hibernaculum, the project is consistent with the final Section 4(d) rule. Suitable habitat for rusty-patched bumble bee is present in the study area in maintained right-of-way and open fields. According to the USFWS, the current range for this species likely covers only 0.1% of the historic range. Outside of this range, USFWS advises that the species is not likely to be present and that consultations or incidental take coverage is not necessary. BALD EAGLE 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. A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.13-mile radius (1.0 mile plus 660 feet) of the project limits, was performed on July 2, 2019, using 2018 color aerials. No bodies of water large enough to support habitat for bald eagles were identified. A review of the NCNHP database, updated April 2019, revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Additionally, no individuals or nests were observed during the field review. QUALIFICATIONS OF CONTRIBUTORS Investigator: Kim Hamlin, PWS Education: M.S. Natural Resources, 2011 Experience: Environmental Scientist, TGS, 2016-Present Environmental Project Scientist, SEPI Engineering, 2012-2016 Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineation, T&E habitat survey, document preparation Investigator: Ryan Elliott Education: B.A. Biology, 2014 Experience: Environmental Scientist, TGS, 2018-Present Environmental Scientist, MMI, 2015-2018 Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineation, T&E habitat survey, document review Investigator: Stacy Oberhausen, P.E. Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, 1986 Experience: Project Engineer/Manager, TGS, 2016-Present Engineer/Project Engineer/Engineering Spvr, NCDOT, 1986-2016 Responsibilities: Document review Investigator: Nany Clemons Education: Marketing Communications Experience: Marketing Manager, TGS Engineers, 2015-Present Director Marketing, The Pantry, Inc., 2010-2014; Director Marketing, The John R. McAdams Company, 2004-2010 Responsibilities: Document review If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact me at your earliest convenience at (919) 773-8887 or KHamlin@tgsengineers.com. Attachments: FSM Checklist Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. USGS Topographic Map Figure 3. Environmental Features Map Natural Heritage Program Elemental Occurrence Database Report Natural Environment FSM ChecklistWBS Element No.39896.1.1CountyWilkesBridge Number75DescriptionReplace Bridge No. 75 on SR 1313 (Congo Rd.) over Fish Dam CreekBasinYadkin Pee-DeeClassificationWS-IVStreamNon 404 (y/n)NoUSACE (y/n)NoNon 404 (y/n)NoCAMA (y/n)NoNC DWQ Buffer Basin y/n (if yes provide basin)NoT&E Habitat (y/n, with explanation)Bog turtle: No, no bog areas, low elevationsNorthern long-eared bat: Yes, forested areas, bridgesRusty-patched bumble bee: Yes, maintained right-of-way and fieldsCAMA AECs (y/n)NoWild and Scenic River (y/n)NoCompleted by:Kim Hamlin, TGS EngineersStreamProject CommentsWetlandsTypePerennial8/9/2019 Wilkesboro ¯Legend Municipal Boundary ESRI World Street Basemap STIP PROJECT NO. B-4977 REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 75 ON SR1313 (CONGO RD) OVER FISH DAM CREEK WILKES COUNTY VICINITY MAP 1FIGURE WILKES ASHE SURRY YADKIN CALDWELL WATAUGA IREDELLALEXANDER DAVIEN.T.S. County: WILKES WBS: 39896.1.1 Div: 11 STIP# B-4977 Date: 06-28-2019 Bridge #75 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet 0 1,000 2,000500 Feet ¯Legend B-4977 Project Study Area USGSTopo BasemapWilkesboro Quadrant, 1:24KPurlear Quadrant, 1:24K STIP PROJECT NO. B-4977 REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 75 ON SR1313 (CONGO RD) OVER FISH DAM CREEK WILKES COUNTY USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP 2FIGURE Bridge #75 County: WILKES WBS: 39896.1.1 Div: 11 STIP# B-4977 Date: 06-28-2019 ¯Legend B-4977 Project Study Area Streams ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES MAP 3FIGURECounty: WILKES WBS: 39896.1.1 Div: 11 STIP# B-4977 Date: 07-9-2019 STIP PROJECT NO. B-4977 REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 75 ON SR1313 (CONGO RD) OVER FISH DAM CREEK WILKES COUNTY 0 100 20050 Feet Stream SA Fish Dam Creek NC ONEMAP ORTHOIMAGERY 2018 CONGO RD C O N G O R DFISH DAM CREEK RD ■ ■on bi • NC DEPARTMENT OF ■ Auk NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES ■ mos Roy Cooper. Governor Susi Hamilton. Secretary Walter Clark, Director, Land and Water Stewardship NCNHDE-9916 August 1, 2019 Kevin Hining NCDOT 801 Statesville Road North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 RE: Congo Road Bridge #75 Replacement Project; BR #75 Dear Kevin Hining: The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above. Based on the project area mapped with your request, a query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are no records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. Please note that although there may be no documentation of natural heritage elements within the project boundary, it does not imply or confirm their absence; the area may not have been surveyed. The results of this query should not be substituted for field surveys where suitable habitat exists. In the event that rare species are found within the project area, please contact the NCNHP so that we may update our records. The attached 'Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report. If a Federally -listed species is found within the project area or is indicated within a one -mile radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here: https://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37. Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission. The NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Clean Water Management Trust Fund easement, or Federally -listed species are documented near the project area. If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance, please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodney.butlerncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603. Sincerely, NC Natural Heritage Program DEPARTMENT OF NATUPAL AND cuLrunA:_ Prsco.Aces :9, ,, I',. a '' �'tLE1 ;H,NC: [}1 , 1651 MAIL : t: ,7: . IAA Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Congo Road Bridge #75 Replacement Project Project No. BR #75 August 1, 2019 NCNHDE-9916 No Element Occurrences are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area No Natural Areas are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Areas Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Area Name Owner Wilkes County Open Space Wilkes County Owner Type Local Government Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on August 1, 2019; source: NCNHP, Q3 Jul 2019. Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. Page 2 of 3 NCNHDE-9916: Congo Road Bridge #75 Replacement Project • c ' v c. 13 s a r r Bmokrrn Si g 4 1 2 p 3 se azt, r9hW aY.424 N W±E • 1378 R. I • 4• c7 4, Rbg c Z yoh � is Ot �� Rf mat WUS•HIghwey4 •t�4a� • 5 459 ft •ic.i.entry Lr 2? +O% P ec Miller+Craek PAC Sr OO C Raven Mio03 r297 R Ct� Bumgarner P� G.,t der` 04wn O' RaKn Oak Or -4 2it."-W%USIHrghwaya421- ta,.. August 1, 2019 Project Boundary Buffered Project Boundary Managed Area (MAREA) Page 3 of 3 1:21,181 0 0.175 0.35 f r r 1 ro 0 0.275 0.55 0.7 mi 1.1 km Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community