20191729 Ver 1_Cabarrus105_NRTR_Draft_Submittal_20180921_20191217

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT

Replace Bridge # 120105 over Big Bear Creek on SR 2450 (Gold Hill Rd)
Cabarrus County, North Carolina

TIP 17BP.10.R.110

THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Environmental Coordination and Permitting

September 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................... 1
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES .......................................................................... 1
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES ........................................................................................... 1
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species ...................................................................... 1
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ............................................................................. 3
4.3 Essential Fish Habitat ......................................................................................................... 3
5.0 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 3
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 4
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. ................................................................................. 4
6.2 Construction Moratoria ..................................................................................................... 4
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ........................................................................................... 4
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................... 5
6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern ................................ 5
6.6 Coastal Barrier Resources System .................................................................................... 5
6.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 6
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 4. Terrestrial Communities Map
Appendix B Qualifications of Contributors

LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area.................................. 1
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Cabarrus County. ....................... 2
Table 3. Streams in the study area ................................................................................. 3
Table 4. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area ........................... 4
Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area ......................... 4

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridge #
120105 over Big Bear Creek on SR 2450 (Gold Hill Rd) (STIP 17BP.10.R.110) in
Cabarrus County (Figure 1). The following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR)
has been prepared to assist in the preparation of a document for the purposes of the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the State Environmental Policy Act
(SEPA).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination
and Permitting’s Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure and the latest
NRTR Template November 2017. Field work was conducted August 27, 2018.
Jurisdictional areas identified in the study area have not yet been verified by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the North Carolina Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR). The principal personnel contributing to the field work and document is
provided in Appendix B.
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Three terrestrial communities were identified in the study area. Figure 4 shows the
location and extent of these terrestrial communities. Terrestrial community data are
presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 1).
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Community Dominant Species (scientific name) Coverage
(ac.)
Maintained / Disturbed Festuca sp., Ligustrum sinense 3.7
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Acer rubrum, Carya tomentosa,
Liquidambar styraciflua, Juglans
nigra, Juniperus virginiana, Pinus
taeda, Quercus falcata, Quercus rubra
2.2
Planted Pine Forest Pinus taeda, Juniperus virginiana 1.2
Total 7.1
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of June 27, 2018 the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists three
federally protected species for Cabarrus County (Table 2). For each species, a discussion
of the presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological
Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area.

Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Cabarrus County.
Scientific Name Common Name Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Unknown MA-NLAA
Lasmigona decorata Carolina heelsplitter E Unknown Unresolved
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower E Yes NE
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
MA-NLAA - May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NE - No Effect
* - Historic record (the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago)

Northern long-eared bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 – August 15

Biological Conclusion: May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Construction activities for this project will not take place until Endangered
Species Act compliance is satisfied for NLEB. The NCDOT Division 10
Environmental Staff will be responsible for habitat assessment for the NLEB. A
review of North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records, updated
August 2018, indicates no known NLEB occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study
area. Based upon the guidance published by the Asheville USFWS office, the
biological conclusion for Northern Long Eared Bat (NLEB) is a “may affect not
likely to adversely affect” for Cabarrus County. Cabarrus County is located in the
white nose syndrome area, but there are no known hibernacula or roosting trees
within the county. The criteria for the 4(d) rule has been met and any associated
take is exempt.

Carolina heelsplitter
USFWS optimal survey window: year round

Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Construction activities for this project will not take place until Endangered
Species Act compliance is satisfied for Carolina heelsplitter. The NCDOT
Division 10 Environmental Staff will be responsible for habitat assessment and
surveys for the Carolina heelsplitter. A review of the NCNHP records, updated
August 2018, indicates no known Carolina heelsplitter occurrence within 1.0 mile
of the study area.

Schweinitz's sunflower
USFWS optimal survey window: late August-October

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat in the form of utility corridors, roadsides, and forest edge habitats
occur within the study area. Surveys were conducted on August 27, 2018 within a
majority of the study area. No individuals of Schweinitz's sunflower were

observed within the study area. A review of North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program (NCNHP) records, updated August 2018, indicated no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.

4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and
enforced by the USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests
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 1.0-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on August 20, 2018 using 2015 color aerials.
No water bodies large enough or sufficiently open to be considered potential feeding
sources were identified. Since there was no foraging habitat within the review area, a
survey of the project study area and the area within 660 feet of the project limits was not
conducted. Additionally, a review of the NHP database on August 2018 revealed no
known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project 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.

4.3 Essential Fish Habitat

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has not identified any streams within the
project area as an Essential Fish Habitat.

5.0 WATER RESOURCES

Water resources in the study area are part of the Yadkin River Basin [U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03040105]. Two streams were identified in the study
area (Table 3). The location of each stream is shown in Figure 3.

Table 3. Streams in the study area
Stream Name Map ID
NCDWR
Index
Number
Best Usage
Classification
Bank
Height
(ft)
Bankfull
width
(ft)
Depth
(in)
UT1 to Big Bear Creek SA 13-17-31-5 C 2.5 20 6
UT2 to Big Bear Creek SB 13-17-31-5 C 2.5 4 4

No streams have been designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). There are
no designated 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. The North 2016
Final 303(d) list of impaired waters identifies Big Bear Creek within the study area as an
impaired water due to a fair fish community rating.

No surface waters were identified in the study area.

6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.

Two jurisdictional streams were identified in the study area (Table 4). The location of
each stream is shown on Figure 3. North Carolina Stream Assessment Method
(NCSAM) and NCDWR stream identification forms are included in a separate
Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) Package. All jurisdictional streams in the
study area have been designated as warm water streams for the purposes of stream
mitigation.

Table 4. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area
Map ID Length
(ft.) Classification Compensatory
Mitigation Required
River Basin
Buffer
SA* 377 Perennial Undetermined Not Subject
SB* 186 Perennial Undetermined Not Subject
SB 125 Intermittent Undetermined Not Subject
Total 688
* NCSAM forms are available in the PJD package

One jurisdictional wetland was identified within the study area (Table 7). The location of
this wetland is shown on Figure 3. All wetlands in the study area are located within the
Yadkin River basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit [03040105]. USACE wetland determination
forms and NCWAM forms for each site are included in a separate Preliminary
Jurisdictional Determination Package.

Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area
Map ID NCWAM
Classification
NCWAM
Rating
Hydrologic
Classification
Area (ac.) in
Study Area
WA Headwater Forest Low Riparian 0.08
Total 0.08

6.2 Construction Moratoria

No streams in the study area have been identified as trout, anadromous fish, or primary
nursery waters. Therefore, no construction moratorium anticipated.

6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules

The project is located within the Yadkin River basin. Table 4 indicates which streams are
subject to buffer rule protection. Potential impacts to protected stream buffers will be
determined once a final alignment and design have been determined.

6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters

No streams within the study area have been designated by the USACE as a Navigable
Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.

6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern

Cabarrus County is not under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Area Management Act
(CAMA).

6.6 Coastal Barrier Resources System

No Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units exist within the study area.

6.0 REFERENCES

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Environmental Laboratory. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region Version
2.0. Vicksburg, Mississippi

Menhinick, Edward F. 1991. Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. Charlotte: North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 227 pp.

NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed by NCDOT: October 19,
December 14, 2010).

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources.
2008. Basinwide Assessment Report. Yadkin River Basin.
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/basin-planning/water-
resource-plans/yadkin-pee-dee

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water
Resources. 1999a. Internal Guidance Manual - N.C. Division of Water Quality
Stream Classification Method.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water
resources. 2010. North Carolina Stream ID Manual Version 4.11.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/swp/ws/401/waterresources/streamdeterminations

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources.
Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List 2016 303(d) list.
https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/classification-
standards/303d/303d-files.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources. NC
Water Classifications by Standards. http://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/planning/classification-standards/classifications

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Guide to Federally Listed
Endangered and Threatened Species of North Carolina. Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. North Carolina Species.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species.aspx. (Accessed: June 19, 2018)

Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 2012. Guide to the Natural Communities of
North Carolina: Fourth Approximation. Natural Heritage Program, Division of
Parks and Recreation, N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Raleigh, NC. 592 pp.

United States Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Soil Survey of Cabarrus County, North Carolina.

United States Department of Agriculture. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants
Database. http://plants.usda.gov/java/nameSearch

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors
Appropriation Act of 1899.
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/guidance/wetlands/sect10.cfm

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Schweinitz’s Sunflower Recovery Plan.
Atlanta, GA. 28 pp.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North
Carolina’s Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species.
http://www.fws.gov/nces/ es/plant_survey.html. (Accessed by NCDOT: December
14, 2010).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Northern Long-Eared Bat Interim
Conference and Planning Guidance. USFWS Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/pdf/NLEBinterimGuidanc
e6Jan2014.pdf. (Accessed by NCDOT: February 20, 2015.)

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Carolina heelsplitter in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mussel/carolheel.html. (Accessed by NCDOT: October
20, 2010).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Carolina heelsplitter fact sheet.
http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/listedspecies/Carolina_heelsplitter.html.
(Accessed by NCDOT: October 20, 2010).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Northern Long-Eared Bat Project Planning
Guidance. Asheville Ecological Services Field Office.
https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal
Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, Cabarrus County, NC.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/cabarrus.html. (Accessed: August
20, 2018).

United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Schweinitz’s Sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii).
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/schwsun.html. (Accessed by NCDOT: December
14, 2010).

Appendix A
Figures

Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment P Corp.,NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand),MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Figure 1: Vicinity Map
Replace Bridge # 120105 overBig Bear Creek on Gold Hill RdCabarrus County, North Carolina
Study Area
September 2018 ²0 0.50.25 Miles
Project Location:Cabarrus County, NC
Lat 35.4511 / Long -80.3400
USGS The National Map: National Boundaries Dataset, National ElevationDataset, Geographic Names Information System, National HydrographyDataset, National Land Cover Database, National Structures Dataset, andNational Transportation Dataset; U.S. Census Bureau - TIGER/Line; HERERoad Data. Data Refreshed July, 2017.Figure 2: USGS Map
Replace Bridge # 120105 overBig Bear Creek on Gold Hill RdCabarrus County, North Carolina
Study AreaSeptember 2018 ²0 1,000500Feet
Data Source: USGS Topo Base Map - Richfield Quad
WA
SB
SB
SA
SA
Go
l
d
Hill Rd
ENCCGIA
Figure 3: Jurisdictional Features Map
Replace Bridge # 120105 overBig Bear Creek on Gold Hill RdCabarrus County, North Carolina
Study Area
Intermittent Stream TOB
Perennial Streams TOB
Wetland
September 2018 ²0 210105Feet
Data Source: 2015 NC Statewide Aerial Imagery
NCCGIA
Figure 4: Terrestrial Communities Map
Replace Bridge # 120105 overBig Bear Creek on Gold Hill RdCabarrus County, North Carolina
Study Area
Maintained/Disturbed (3.7 ac)
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (2.2 ac)
Planted Pine Forest (1.2 ac)
September 2018 ²0 210105Feet
Data Source: 2015 NC Statewide Aerial Imagery

Appendix B
Qualifications of Contributors

Principal
Investigator: Joseph Sullivan
Education: M.S. Natural Resources 2011
B.S. Biology 2008
B.A. Environmental Studies 2008
Experience: Environmental Scientist, KCI Associates of NC., 2015-Present
Environmental Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems Inc. 2013-2015
Ecological Technician, N.C. Dept. Cultural Resources 2009-2012
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, GPS data collection, stream
assessment, natural communities assessment, T/E species assessment,
document preparation

Investigator: Tommy Seelinger
Education: B.A. Biology, 2013
Experience: Environmental Scientist, KCI Associates of NC., 2012-Present
Responsibilities: Document review