20180049 Ver 2_Natural Resource Report_20200116

Eno River Outfall Upgrade
Argonne Site
Natural Resources Report
Durham County, North Carolina
Prepared for:
City of Durham
Prepared by:
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27603
October 2019

Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION -
2.0 WATER RESOURCES
3.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
1
1
0i
3.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.---------------------------------------------------2
3.2 Construction Moratoria------------------------------------------------------------------2
3.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ----------------------------------------------------------- 2
3.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters ----------------------------- 2
3.5 Endangered Species Act Protected Species-------------------------------------------3
3.6 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act----------------------------------------5
3.7 Northern Long -Eared Bat Protocol----------------------------------------------------5
3.8 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species------------------------------------------5
3.9 Essential Fish Habitat---------------------------------------------------------------------5
4.0 REFERENCES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Water resources in the study area........................................................................ 1
Table 2. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area .............................. 1
Table 3. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area ...................... 2
Table 4. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area ................................. 2
Table 5. Federally protected species listed for Durham County ........................................ 3
Appendix A
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map
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Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
As part of the Eno River Outfall Upgrade, the City of Durham plans to relocate a sewer
outfall pipe within the City of Durham's West Point on the Eno City Park. This area is
outside of the original study area and is referred to as the Argonne Site. A vicinity map
(Figure 1) and project study area map (Figure 2) are located in Appendix A. The following
Natural Resources Report has been prepared to present the finding of the site
investigations.
METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS
A wetland and stream delineation was completed by SEPI Inc. (SEPI) biologists Robert
Lepsic, PWS, and Rachel Quindlen on April 8, 2019 for the approximate 7.4-acre project
study area. Potentially jurisdictional wetlands were identified by using methods as defined
in the 1987 US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manual and the USACE Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains
and Piedmont Supplement (Version 2.0, November 2010). Jurisdictional wetland areas
were marked with flagging and mapped with a GPS unit.
2.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the study area are part of the Neuse River basin [U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201]. One stream (UT to Eno) was identified in the
study area (Table 1). The location of the water resource is shown in Figure 3 (Appendix
A). The physical characteristics of this stream are provided in Table 2.
Table 1. Water resources in the study area
NCDEQ Index
Best Usage
Stream Name
Map ID
Number
Classification
WS-IV, B;
UT to Eno
UT to Eno
27-2-(10)
NSW
Table 2. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area
Bank
Bankfull
Water
Channel
Map ID
Height (ft)
Width (ft)
Depth (in)
Substrate
Velocity
Clarity
Sand,
UT to Eno
5
10 - 20
24-60
Gravel,
Slow
Clear
Rock
No ponds were identified within the study area. The UT flows through the northwest corner
of the study area and joins the Eno River just north of the study area. The UT is part of the
tail race used to operate the mill and is periodically impounded. Flows to operate the mill
also come from the Eno River. A dam diverts flows from the Eno River into the tail race.
The Eno River is designated as a Class B, WS-IV, and NSW water by the North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). 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 watersheds (WS-I or WS-II)
within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. The 2016 Final 303(d) list of impaired
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Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
waters does not list the UT or the connecting section of the Eno River (reach from Orange
County SR 1561 to U.S. Highway 501).
3.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
3.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
One jurisdictional stream was identified in the study area (Table 3). The location of the
stream is shown on Figure 3 (Appendix A). The physical characteristics and water quality
designations of the stream are detailed in Section 3.2. All streams in the study area have
been designated as warm water streams for the purposes of stream mitigation.
Table 3. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area
Map ID
Length ft.)
Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation
Re uired
River Basin
Buffer
UT to Eno
541
Perennial
Yes
Subject
Total
541
Three potentially jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the study area (Figure 3).
Wetland classification data is presented in Table 4. The wetland in the study area is within
the Neuse River basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201). USACE wetland
determination forms are included in Appendix B.
Table 4. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area
Map ID
NCWAM
Classification
Hydrologic
Classification
Area (ac.
WA
Seep
Riparian
0.08
WB
Flood lain pool
Riparian
0.01
WC
Seep
Riparian
0.01
3.2 Construction Moratoria
There will be no construction moratoria associated with the project. Durham County is not
one of the 25 designated trout counties of North Carolina, or an inland Anadromous Fish
Spawning Areas (AFSA).
3.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
Streamside riparian zones within the study area are protected under provisions of the Neuse
River Buffer Rules administered by the NC Division of Water Resources (NCDWR).
Table 3 indicates that the jurisdictional stream, UT to Eno, is subject to buffer rule
protection. The Eno River is not located in the Study Area. However, it is subject to the
Neuse River Buffer rules, which extend into the study area.
3.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
No features within the study area have been designated by the USACE as a Navigable
Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
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Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
3.5 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of October 5, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists four federally
protected species and three species proposed for protection for Durham County (Table 5).
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 from referenced literature
and/or USFWS.
Table 5. Federally protected species listed for Durham Count .
Scientific
Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Haliaeetus leucoce halus
Bald eagle
BGPA
N
No Effect
Alasmidonta heterodon
Dwarf wedgemussel
E
Y
No Effect
Rhus michauxii
Michaux's sumac
E
Y
No Effect
Echinacea laevi ata
Smooth coneflower
E
N
MA-NLAA
Noturus uriosus
Carolina madtom
PE
N
No Effect
Necturus lewisi
Neuse River waterdog
PT
N
No Effect
Fusconaia masoni
Atlantic pigtoe
PT
N
No Effect
BGPA — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
E — Endangered
PT— Proposed Threatened
PE — Proposed Endangered
MA-NLAA — May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Dwarf wedgemussel
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Habitat Description: The dwarf wedge mussel lives on muddy sand, sand, and gravel
bottoms in creeks and rivers of varying sizes, in areas of slow to moderate current
and little silt deposition. In the southern portion of its range, it is often concentrated
in areas along logs or in root mats. The Eno River to the north of the Site provides
habitat for the dwarf wedgemussel. However, the river is outside of the study area
and will not be impacted by the realignment. NC Natural Heritage Program
(NCNHP) records generated on October 9, 2018 documented no occurrences of
dwarf wedgemussel within 1 mile of the study area. Therefore, the biological
conclusion is No Effect.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Michaux's sumac
USFWS optimal survey window: May - October
Habitat Description: Michaux's sumac most commonly grows on highway rights -of way,
roadsides, or on the edges of artificially maintained clearings. NCNHP records
generated on October 9, 2018 documented zero occurrences of Michaux's sumac
within 1 mile of the study area. However, habitat does exist within the study area.
A survey for Michaux's sumac was performed on April 10, 2018 and no species
were found. Therefore, the biological conclusion is No Effect.
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Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Smooth coneflower
USFWS optimal survey window: late May - October
Habitat Description: Optimal habitat for the Smooth coneflower consists of periodically
disturbed woods/roadside areas with abundant sunlight available. Habitat for the
Smooth coneflower does exist within the study area. NCNHP records generated on
October 9, 2018 documented one occurrences of the smooth coneflower within 1
mile of the study area. Additionally, a survey for smooth coneflower was performed
on April 10, 2018 and no individuals were found. Therefore, the biological
conclusion for this species is May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect.
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Carolina madtom
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Habitat Description: Habitat for Carolina madtom consists of medium to large flowing
streams of moderate gradient in both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic
regions in the Neuse and Tar River basins. Stream substrate composition of leaf
litter, sand, gravel, and small cobble are preferred. The Eno River to the north of
the Site provides habitat for the Carolina madtom. However, the river is outside of
the study area and will not be impacted by the realignment. NCNHP records
generated on October 9, 2018 documented no occurrences Carolina madtom within
1 mile of the study area. Therefore, the biological conclusion for this species is No
Effect.
Biological Conclusion: No effect
Neuse River waterdog
USFWS optimal survey window: Year round
Habitat Description: The Neuse River waterdog is a permanently aquatic salamander
species endemic to the Tar -Pamlico and Neuse River drainages in North Carolina.
The species occurs in riffles, runs, and pools in medium to large streams and rivers
with moderate gradient in both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic
regions. The Eno River to the north of the Site provides habitat for the Neuse River
waterdog. However, the river is outside of the study area and will not be impacted
by the realignment. NCNHP records generated on October 9, 2018 documented no
occurrences of Neuse River waterdog within 1 mile of the study area. Therefore,
the biological conclusion for this species is No Effect.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Atlantic pigtoe
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Habitat Description: Atlantic pigtoe prefer creeks and rivers with excellent water quality,
and gravel and coarse sand substrates. Because this species prefers more pristine
conditions, it typically occurs in headwaters of rural watersheds. The Eno River to the north
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Natural Resources Report Durham County, N.C.
of the Site provides habitat for the Atlantic pigtoe. However, the river is outside of the
study area and will not be impacted by the realignment. NCNHP records generated on
October 9, 2018 documented no occurrences of Atlantic pigtoe within 1 mile of the study
area. Therefore, the biological conclusion for this species is No Effect.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
3.6 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. Bodies of water typically need to be at least 2 acres or larger
to be able to support a population of Bald Eagle.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on April 19, 2019, using 2017 color aerials.
The Eno River and a quarry lake approximately 0.8 miles to the east are large enough to
support Bald Eagle foraging. The Bald Eagle survey area designated by U.S. Fish and
Wildlife is a 660 foot buffer around the study area. Land use within and in the 660 feet
surrounding the study area is highly urbanized and significantly disturbed. Additionally, a
review of the NCNHP database on April 10, 2019, 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.
3.7 Northern Long -Eared Bat Protocol
Durham County is not listed as a Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) county by the USFWS
Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office. NCNHP records generated on October 9, 2018
documented zero occurrences of NLEB within 1 mile of the study area.
3.8 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of October 25, 2018, the USFWS lists no candidate species for Durham County.
3.9 Essential Fish Habitat
There is no Essential Fish Habitat located within the project study area. Essential Fish
Habitat will not be impacted or effected.
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Natural Resources Memorandum Durham County, N.C.
4.0 REFERENCES
[NCDWR] North Carolina Division of Water Resources. NC Surface Water
Classifications [web application].
https://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/gpps/webgppviewer/index.html?id=6e 125ad7628f
494694e259c80dd64265. (Accessed on April 11, 2019)
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: April 11, 2019).
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2016 Final 303(d) list.
https:Hfiles.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%2OQuality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2016/2016 N
C_Category 5 303d_list.pdf
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service
(MRCS). 1976. Soil Survey of Durham County, North Carolina.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service
(MRCS). 1998. Hydrologic Units -North Carolina (metadata). Raleigh, North
Carolina.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2012. Regional Supplement to the
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont
Region Version 2.0, ed. Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional Working
Group: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Threatened and Endangered Species in North
Carolina: Durham County. Updated October 5, 2018.
hLtps://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cptylist/durham.html.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
https://www.fws. gov/birds/management/managed-species/bald-and-golden-eagle-
information.php. (Accessed: April 11, 2019).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon)
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_dwarf wedgemussel.html. (Accessed:
April 19, 2019).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Michaux's Sumac (Rhus michauxii)
https://www.fws. ov�gh/species/es_michauxs_sumac.html (Accessed: April
19, 2019).
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Natural Resources Memorandum
Durham County, N.C.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata)
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_smooth_ coneflower.html. (Accessed:
April 19, 2019).
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2016. Northwest Durham, North Carolina,
Topographic Quadrangle (7.5-minute series).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni).
hLtps://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/mussels/atlantic-pigtoe/
84 FR 23644. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status
With Section 4(d) Rule for Neuse River Waterdog and Endangered Species Status
for Carolina Madtom and Proposed Designations of Critical Habitat
https://www.federalre ig ster.gov/documents/2019/05/22/2019-10379/endan eg red-
and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-threatened-species-status-with-section-4d-
rule-for (Accessed: October 15, 2019).
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Natural Resources Memorandum
Durham County, N.C.
Appendix A
Figures
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Figure 1
Project Vicinity
Eno River Outfall Phase I I -Argonne Site
Durham County, Durham NC
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This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and shown
herein does not meet NC 47-30 Requirements and Figure 2. Study Area Map
therefore is not for design, construction, or recording or
transfer of title. The Exhibit was compiled from available
information obtained from the sources listed below. Eno River Outfall Phase II -Argonne Site
Sources, N City Durham S E
P I
NCDOT, NC OneMap, ESRI Durham County, North Carolina
April 2019 11
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