20200555 Ver 1_U-5808 Mussel Survey_20200426

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ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
January 24, 2018
JAMEs H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
Memorandum to: Michael Turchy, Environmental Program Consultant
EAU, Environmental Coordination and Permitting Group
From: Matt Haney, Environmental Senior Specialist
EAU, Biological Surveys Group
Subject: Freshwater Mussel Habitat Assessment Report for the
Proposed Construction of SR 1362 (Chestnut Lane
Connector) from SR 3814 (Matthews Indian Trail Road) to
SR 1368 (Gribble Road) in Union County TIP # U-5808.
WBS # 44381.1.1
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to construct SR 1362
(Chestnut Lane Connector) from SR 3814 (Matthews Indian Trail Road) to SR 1368
(Gribble Road) (Figure 1). The project is located within the Yadkin Pee Dee River Basin
(HUC#03040105). The federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata)
is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as occurring in Union County.
Additionally, the Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni), is being considered for listing by
the USFWS and is known to occur in Union County.
Historically, the Carolina Heelsplitter was reported from small to large streams
and rivers as well as ponds. The ponds referred to in historic records are believed to have
been mill ponds on small streams. In North Carolina, this species is found in a variety of
substrates usually near stable, well -shaded stream banks. However, Turkey Creek, South
Carolina specimens have also been found in the main channel of the stream, in relatively
clean substrate comprised of sand, gravel, and cobble. The stability of stream banks
appears to very important to the species.
The Atlantic Pigtoe inhabits mostly medium to large streams. It prefers clean,
swift waters with stable gravel, or sand and gravel substrate. It often is found at the
downstream edge of riffle areas.
On November 11, 2017, a habitat assessment was conducted by RK&K biologist
Neil Medlin (Permit No. 17-ES00030) and NCDOT biologists Jared Gray (Permit No. 17-
ES00314) and Tim Bassette. Three small streams (SA, SB, and SD- from NRTR) were
observed within the project area but none provided suitable habitat for the Carolina
Heelsplitter or the Atlantic Pigtoe No habitat for mussels was observed within the project
area.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: [phone] LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: [phone] CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING A
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS WEBSITE: 1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER HTTPS.IICONNECT.NCDOT.GOV/RESOURCES/ENVIRON RALEIGH NC 27610
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 MENTAL/PAGES/DEFAULT.ASPX

A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database was conducted (January
23, 2018). The nearest known occurrence of Carolina Heelsplitter is EO # 21454 which is
approximately 24 river miles downstream in Goose Creek. This EO ID was first observed
in 1987 and last observed in 2016. The closest known Atlantic Pigtoe occurrence is EO ID
# 22087 also approximately 24 rivers miles downstream in Goose Creek. This EO ID was
first observed in 1994 and last observed in 1998.
Due to the lack of mussel habitat and distances to known Carolina Heelslpitter,
construction of this project will have "No Effect" on the Carolina Heelspitter.
Biological Conclusion Carolina Heelsliptter: No Effect
While the following species is not currently federally protected and a biological
conclusion is not necessary at the time of the writing of this report, if this species were to
receive federal protection, the appropriate biological conclusion due to the lack of habitat
for mussels, is indicated below.
Biological Conclusion Atlantic Pigtoe: No Effect
References:
http://www.ncwildlife.or Leaming/Species/Mollusks/Carolina-Heelsplitter#3063872-
habitat-preferences
http://www.ncwildlife.or. Leaming/Species/Mollusks/Atlantic-Pigtoe#3028852-habitat-
preferences
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). GIS Data accessed 1/23/2018
hLps://www.ncnU.org/

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