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Home My WebLink About20191732 Ver 1_TE_20191217 State of North Carolina | Department of Transportation | Division of Highways – Division 12 1710 East Marion Street | P.O. Box 47 | Shelby, NC 28151-0047 704 480 9020 T February 8, 2016 MEMO TO: Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor FROM: Jeffrey Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Jurisdictional and Protected Species Survey for Bridge Replacement Project, SR 1892 (Jennings Road), over Olin Creek (Bridge #219), Iredell County Water Resources Water resources in the study area are part of the Yadkin River basin [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03030102]. Three streams were identified in the study area (Table 1). The location of each water resource is shown in Figure 1. The physical characteristics of these streams are provided in Table 2. Table 1. Water resources in the study area Stream Name Map ID NCDWQ Index Number Best Usage Classification Olin Creek Olin Creek 12-108-11-3-3 C Ut to Olin Creek (S1) S1 12-108-11-3-3 C UT to Olin Creek (S2) S2 12-108-11-3-3 C Table 2. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area Map ID Bank Height (ft) Bankful Width (ft) Water Depth (in) Channel Substrate Velocity Clarity Olin Creek 13 26 12 Sand, Gravel, Cobble Fast Clear (S1) 4 4 1 Sand, Slit, Gravel Moderate Clear (S2) 3 1.5 1 Silt, clay Slow IOB Sheen There are no designated anadromous fish waters or Primary Nursery Areas (PNA) present in the study area. There are no designated High Quality Waters (HQW) or water supply State of North Carolina | Department of Transportation | Division of Highways – Division 12 1710 East Marion Street | P.O. Box 47 | Shelby, NC 28151-0047 704 480 9020 T watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. Endangered Species Act Protected Species As of July 24, 2015, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list three federally protected species for Iredell County (Table 2). A brief description of each species’ habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area. Habitat requirements for each species are based on the current best available information or from the referenced literature and/or USFWS. Table 3. Federally protected species listed for Iredell County. Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Habitat Present Biological Conclusion Glyptemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf-flowered heartleaf T No No Effect Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA-NLAA T – Threatened; T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance; MA-NLAA – May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect Bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) USFWS optimal survey window: April 1 – October 1 (visual surveys); April 1-June 15 (optimal for breeding/nesting); May 1-June 30 (trapping surveys) Habitat Description: Bog turtle habitat consists of open, groundwater supplied (spring fed), graminoid dominated wetlands along riparian corridors or on seepage slopes. These habitats are designated as mountain bogs by the NCNHP, but they are technically poor, moderate, or rich fens that may be associated with wet pastures and old drainage ditches that have saturated muddy substrates with open canopies. These habitats, found between 700 and 4,500 feet above mean sea level in the western Piedmont and mountain counties of North Carolina, often support sphagnum moss and may contain carnivorous plants. Soil types (poorly drained silt loams) from which bog turtle habitats have been found include Arkaqua, Chewacla, Dellwood, Codorus complex, Hatboro, Nikwasi, Potomac – Iotla complex, Reddies, Rosman, Tate – Cullowhee complex, Toxaway, Tuckasegee – Cullasaja complex, Tusquitee, Watauga, and Wehadkee. Biological Conclusion: Not Required Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. However, this project is not expected to affect the bog turtle because no suitable habitat is present within the study area. A February 8, 2016 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the bog turtle within a one-mile radius of the project site; the nearest reported current occurrence is approximately 3.8 miles to the north. An on-site investigation on February 4, 2016 indicated there is no suitable habitat for the bog turtle. This project will have no effect on the bog turtle. State of North Carolina | Department of Transportation | Division of Highways – Division 12 1710 East Marion Street | P.O. Box 47 | Shelby, NC 28151-0047 704 480 9020 T Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March-May Habitat Description: Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (DFH) is endemic to the western Piedmont and foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in moist to rather dry forests along bluffs; boggy areas next to streams and creek heads; and adjacent hillsides, slopes, and ravines. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, the species is found in soil series such as Pacolet, Madison, and Musella, among others. Occurrences are generally found on a north facing slope. Undisturbed natural communities such as Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest hold the most viable occurrences. However, less viable remnant occurrences are found in disturbed habitats, including logged, grazed, mown, and residential/commercial developed lands; areas converted to pasture, orchards, and tree plantations; roadside rights-of-way; and on upland slopes surrounding manmade ponds or lakes. Biological Conclusion: No Effect A February 8, 2016 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the DHF within a one-mile radius of the project site; the nearest reported current occurrence is approximately 11.8 miles to the southwest. An on-site investigation on February 4, 2016 indicated there is no suitable habitat for the DFH. This project will have no effect on the dwarf- flowered heartleaf. Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 – August 15 Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) occurs in the mountains, with scattered records in the Piedmont and coastal plain. In western North Carolina, NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines. Since this species is not known to be a long- distance migrant, and caves and subterranean mines are extremely rare in eastern North Carolina, it is uncertain whether or where NLEB hibernate in eastern North Carolina. During the summer, NLEB roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees (typically ≥3 inches dbh). Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. This bat also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and sheds, under eaves of buildings, behind window shutters, in bridges, and in bat houses. Foraging occurs on forested hillsides and ridges, and occasionally over forest clearings, over water, and along tree-lined corridors. Mature forests may be an important habitat type for foraging. Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not likely to Adversely Affect During field investigations on February 4, 2016 bridge #219 was assessed for suitable bat habitat. The bridge was found to contain suitable habitat, however no bat evidence was observed (See attached Bat Habitat Assessment Form). The Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest Northern Long-Eared Bat location approximately 40 miles northwest of the proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is the Plyler Chromite State of North Carolina | Department of Transportation | Division of Highways – Division 12 1710 East Marion Street | P.O. Box 47 | Shelby, NC 28151-0047 704 480 9020 T Prospect, 5.2 miles southeast of the project site. There are currently no known hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the minor tree clearing associated with this DOT project would be exempted from incidental take under the 4(d) Rule streamlined consultation form. Per guidance from USFWS personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30 day response period is waved. http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act A desktop-GIS assessment of the study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile radius of the project limits, was performed on March 13, 2019 using the most currently available aerials. No water bodies large and sufficiently open enough to be considered potential feeding sources were identified. Since no foraging habitat was present within the review area, a survey of the study area was not conducted. A review of the April 2019 NCNHP database revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Due to the lack of habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this species.