20120301 All Versions_Complete File_20050119

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GovFRNOR
MEMORANDUM
January 14, 2005
TO: Mr. Chris Militscher, EPA
Ms. Marella Buncick, US F&WS
Ms. Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Mr. Brian Wrenn, DENR-DWQ
Mr. Jake Riggsbee, PE, FHWA
Mr. John Thomas, ACOE
FROM. mcent J. Rhea, PE
Project Development Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
l.YNDO TIPPE'rr
SHCRE I'ARY
SUBJECT: Wilkes County, Replacement of Bridge No. 718 over Middle Fork Reddies
River on SR 1580, F. A. Project No. BRZ-1580 (2), State Project No.
8.2761601, T. I. P. Project No. B-4325
A copy of the Executive Summary of the final Natural Resources Technical Report for
the subject project is attached for your files.
If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone] ext. 261.
VJR/vjr
Attachment
Cc: MA engineering
files
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
r-?3
JAN 9 2005
DENR - WATER QUALITY
WETLANDS AND STORMWATER BRANCH
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW. DOH. DOT. STATE. NC. US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

Natural Resources Technical Report
Replacement of Bridge No. 718
On SR 1580 Over Middle Fork Reddies River
Wilkes County, North Carolina
State Project No. 8.2761601
TIP Project No. B-4325
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
One South Wilmington Street, Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
Attn: Mr. Vincent Rhea, P.E., Project Manager
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Novernber 2004
NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 718 ON SR 1580
OVER MIDDLE FORK REDDIES RIVER
WILKES COUNTY
TIP PROJECT NO. B-4325
STATE PROJECT NO. 8.2761601
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRZ-1580(2)
Prepared By:
CONSULTANTS, INC.
MA ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC.
598 E. Chatham Street, Suite 137
Cary, North Carolina 27511-6956
November 2004
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Replacement of Bridge Number 718 on SR 1580 over Middle Fork Reddies River
Wilkes County, North Carolina
TIP Project Number B-4315
State Project Number 8.2761601
Federal Aid Project Number BRZ-1580(2)
November 2004
Proposed replacement of Bridge No. 718 on State Road 1580 over the Middle Fork Reddies River
in Wilkes County, North Carolina; TIP No. B-4315.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this technical report is to inventory and describe the various natural resources
located within a project study area centered on Bridge No. 718. The project study area has been
defined as a 300-foot radius circle encompassing approximately 6.5 acres. Results of this
investigation will be used in the preparation of an Approved Categorical Exclusion document for the
replacement of Bridge No. 718.
Bridge No. 718 is located in Wilkes County on SR 1580, northeast of the town of Wilbar, over Middle
Fork Reddies River. Bridge No. 718 is a one-lane, one-span bridge with an overall length of 50.7
feet (15.5 meters) and a clear roadway width of 11.1 feet (3.4 meters). The bridge consists of a
timber floor on salvaged I-beams supported on timber caps with timber posts and sills. The bridge
wearing surface varies in thickness from 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) on the west end to 5.5 inches
(14.0 centimeters) on the east end. The approach roadway for Bridge No. 718 is a two-lane 16.0
foot (4.9 meter) wide road with 3.0 foot (0.9 meter) grassed shoulders.
The analyses contained in this document are relevant only in the context of the existing preliminary
project study area. A preferred or alternative alignment has not been identified and therefore,
comparisons of potential impacts and recommendations are not included in this document.
The project lies within the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. The project study area is found
within the Alligator Back formation of the Blue Ridge Belt. The general topography is characterized
by steep, deeply dissected mountains interspersed with narrow flats adjacent to streams. Elevations
in the project vicinity range from approximately 1,200 to 1,800 feet (365 to 550 meters) above
mean sea level (msl). Elevation in the project study area varies from approximately 1,200 to 1,280
feet (365 to 390 meters) above msl.
According to the general soil map for Wilkes County (USDA, 1997), the project study area is
composed of soil series allied within the Tate- Braddock-Rosma n-Cul lowhee soil association. The soil
types in this association are described as level to moderately sloping, well drained to somewhat
poorly drained soils that have loamy or predominately clayey subsoil; on colluvial fans, foot slopes,
and flooded plains of the mountains. There are no soils classified as hydric by the North Carolina
Natural Resource Conservation Service within the project study area. Middle Fork Reddies River is
depicted on both the U.S. Geologic Survey Horse Gap 7.5-minute topographical map and the County
soil survey map. The channel is approximately 16.0 feet (5.0 meters) wide, 1.1 feet (0.3 meters)
5
deep, and has well-defined vegetated banks. Vegetative communities occurring within the project
study area most closely resemble Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest and Urban/Disturbed. The project
vicinity is rural residential, agricultural and forested lands. Surrounding land uses include
agricultural (pasture), residential and wooded (remnant forest).
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Middle Fork Reddies River lies within the Yadkin River Basin, within the DWQ subbasin designated
03-07-01 and the USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03040101(NCDENR, 2003). Middle Fork
Reddies River (Stream Index No. 12-40-2) is the only water within the project vicinity (Exhibit
1.2.1). At the time of this report, the Yadkin River Basin was not subject to regulated riparian buffer
regulations.
Middle Fork Reddies River has a classification of "WS-II, Tr, HQW" and a use support rating of
"Fully Supporting" based on the evaluated method. No waters classified as Water Supplies (WS-I:
undeveloped watershed, or WS-II: predominately undeveloped watersheds), Outstanding Resource
Waters (ORW), or designated as an impaired water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water
Act occur within 1.0 mile (1.6 kilometers) of the project study area.
Based on the preliminary field evaluation, Middle Fork Reddies River may be classified as a Rosgen
Stream Classification Type C-channel upstream and trending towards a Type E-channel downstream
of the bridge.
BIOTIC RESOURCES
Natural vegetative communities occurring in the project study area include Mesic Mixed Hardwood
Forest. Acreage for this community is approximately 2.0 acres (0.8 hectares). In addition, the
project study area includes areas altered by human activities and classified as Urban/Disturbed
lands. This community occupies approximately 4.1 acres (1.6 hectares). Urban/Disturbed lands
account for almost 68 percent of the project study area and are the dominant land cover.
Alternatives have not been developed, thus actual community impacts are not known and will be
presented as part of the design process.
JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
No jurisdictional wetlands were found within the project study area.
NCDOT will ensure that preventative and control Best Management Practices (BMPs) are employed
to prevent or reduce water pollution as described in the NCDOT handbook Best Management
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters: BMPs for Bridge Demolition and Removal may be
categorized as one of three cases: Case 1, Case 2, or Case 3. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource
Commission (NCWRC) classifies the Middle Fork Reddies River as a Hatchery Supported Water.
Therefore, NCDOT will coordinate with NCDWQ and strictly adhere to North Carolina regulation
entitled, Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds (15A NCAC 04B .0125) throughout design and
construction of the project. Due to the potential for water quality impacts during construction, an
in-stream construction moratorium from October 15 until April 15 is recommended to limit the
effects on fishery resources. Due to the need for a trout moratorium, Case 2 BMP's will be
employed for Bridge No. 718.
6
PERMITS
A Nationwide Permit No. 23 (Approved Categorical Exclusion) is likely to be applicable for the
proposed project. A Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering)
may be required if an on-site temporary detour or temporary construction platform is needed during
construction of Bridge No. 718. Should the discharge of fill material become necessary, a Regional
General Permit No. 198200031 may be required. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered
through the DWQ, will also be required. Applicable General Certifications (GC) may include GC
3403, GC 3366, and GC 3401 for the corresponding USACE Nationwide Permit 23, Nationwide Permit
33, and Regional General Permit 198200031, respectively.
PROTECTED SPECIES
The US Fish and Wildlife Service have identified only one threatened or endangered species in
Wilkes County, the bog turtle. The bog turtle is listed as Threatened due to similarity of appearance
and as such is not subject to a Section 7 consultation and a biological conclusion is not needed. In
addition, six Federal Species of Concern species have been identified to occur in Wilkes County. A
review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique habitats shows no
recorded occurrences of FSC species within the project vicinity.
CONCLUSIONS
The project is located in Yadkin River Basin, which is not subject to vegetated riparian buffer
requirements by the state. No waters classified as Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or
designated as an impaired water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act occur within 1.0
mile (1.6 kilometers) of the project study area. The Middle Fork Reddies River is the only
jurisdictional waters in the project study area. Because this project is funded in part by a Federal
agency and the activity is categorically excluded from environmental documentation a US Army
Corps of Engineers Section 404, Nationwide Permit No. 23 will be required. If impacts to
jurisdictional waters are anticipated, a US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, Nationwide Permit
No. 33, or Regional General Bridge Permit No. 198200031 may be needed. In addition, the
corresponding Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required. An in-stream construction
moratorium from October 15 until April 15 is recommended to limit the effects on fishery resources.
The project is not likely to affect federal or state protected species.
7
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G DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
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iWILKES COUNTY TIP NO. B4325
BRIDGE NO. 718 ON SR 1580
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VICINITY MAP
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S"?"1'n" EXHIBIT 1.3.1
A M STA7( o
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. Chris Militscher, EPA
Ms. Marella Buncick, US F&WS
Ms. Marla Chambers, NCWRC
Mr. Brian Wrenn, DENR-DWQ
Mr. Clarence Coleman, PE, FHWA
Mr. Angie Pennock, ACOE
FROM incent J. Rhea, PE
Project Development Engineer
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
SUBJECT: McDowell County, Replacement of Bridge No. 37 over Hoppers Creek on
NC 226, F. A. Project No. BRSTP-226 (9), State Project No. 8.1872401,
T. I. P. Project No. B-4190
A copy of the Executive Summary of the final Natural Resources Technical Report for
the subject project is attached for your files.
If you have any questions, please contact me at [phone] ext. 261.
VJR/vjr
January 14, 2005
LYNDO TIPPETr
SECRETARY
Attachment
Cc: MA engineering
files
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
1548 MAILS ERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE: WWW.DCH.DOT.STATE.NC.US
LOCATION:
TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
RALEIGH NC

Natural Resources Technical Report
Replacement of Bridge No. 37
On NC 226 Over Hoppers Creek
McDowell County, North Carolina
State Project Nov 8.1872401
TIP Project No. B-4190
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
One South Wilmington Street, Post Office Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611
Attn: Mr. Vincent Rhea, P.E., Project Manager
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I Fir N A L
r4ovember 2004
NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 37 ON NC 226
OVER HOPPERS CREEK
McDOWELL COUNTY
TIP PROJECT NO. B-4190
STATE PROJECT NO. 8.1872401
FEDERAL AID PR03ECT NO. BRSTP-226(9)
Prepared By:
o E ineari n?
CONSULTANTS, INCt .
MA ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC.
598 E. Chatham Street, Suite 137
Cary, North Carolina 27511-6956
November 2004
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Replacement of Bridge Number 37 on North Carolina 226 over Hoppers Creels
McDowell County, North Carolina
TIP Project Number 8-4190
State Project Number 8.1872401
Federal Aid Project Number BRSTP-226(9)
November 2004
Proposed replacement of Bridge No. 37 on NC 226 over Hoppers Creek in McDowell County,
North Carolina; TIP No. B-4190.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this technical report is to inventory and describe the various natural resources
located within a project study area centered on Bridge No. 37. The project study area has been
defined as a 300-foot radius circle encompassing approximately 6.5 acres. Results of this
investigation will be used in the preparation of an Approved Categorical Exclusion document for the
replacement of Bridge No. 37.
Bridge No. 37 is located in McDowell County on NC 26, south of the town of Dysartsville, over
Hoppers Creek. Bridge No. 37 is a narrow two-lane, three-span bridge with an overall length of
75.5 feet (23.0 meters) and a clear roadway width of 24.0 feet (7.3 meters). The bridge consists of
a reinforced concrete slab with a 4.5-inch (11.4 centimeter) wearing surface on I-beams supported
on reinforced concrete caps with timber piles. The approach roadway for Bridge No. 37 is a two-lane
22.0 foot (6.7 meter) wide road with 4.0 foot (1.2 meter) grassed shoulders.
The analyses contained in this document are relevant only in the context of the existing preliminary
project study area. A preferred or alternative alignment has not been identified and therefore,
comparisons of potential impacts and recommendations are not included in this document.
The project lies within the western Piedmont Physiographic Province. The project region lies within
the Inner Piedmont geologic belt. Elevations in the project vicinity range from approximately 1,100
to 2,000 feet (335 to 610 meters) above mean sea level (msl). Elevation in the project study area
varies from approximately 1,100 to 1,200 feet (335 to 365 meters) above msl. According to the
general soil map for McDowell County (USDA, 1995), the project study area is found within the
Iotla-Braddock-Rosman-Potomac soil unit. The soils in this association are described as nearly level
to somewhat strongly sloping, somewhat poorly drained to somewhat excessively drained soils that
have a predominantly loamy, clayey, or sandy subsoil or underlying material; formed in alluvium; on
flood plains and stream terraces. There are no soils classified as hydric by the North Carolina
Natural Resources Conservation Service within the project study area. Hoppers Creek is depicted on
both the U.S. Geologic Survey Dysartsville 7.5-minute topographical map and the County soil survey
map. During a general field review the channel was approximately 12 feet (3.6 meters), 1.1 feet
(0.3 meters) deep, and had well-defined vegetated banks. The dominant land cover/land use in the
project study area is Urban/Disturbed. The project vicinity is rural residential, agricultural and
forested lands. Surrounding land uses include agricultural and residential.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The proposed project falls within the Catawba River Basin, within the North Carolina Department of
Water Quality (DWQ) subbasin designated 03-08-30 and the USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code
(HUC) 03050101. Hoppers Creek (Stream Index No. 11-32-2-9) (NCDENR, 2003) represents the
only surface water within the project vicinity, and is a perennial stream. At the time of this report,
riparian buffer rules only apply to the main stem of the Catawba River.
Hoppers Creek has a Best Usage Classification of "C" within the project study area and a use
support rating of Fully Supporting, based on the evaluated method. No waters classified as Water
Supplies (WS-I: undeveloped watershed, or WS-II: predominately undeveloped watersheds), High
Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or designated as an impaired water
body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act occur within 1.0 mile (1.6 kilometers) of the
project study area.
Based on the restricted field review, Hoppers Creek can be classified as a Rosgen Stream
Classification Type E- or G-channel (Rosgen, 1996).
BIOTIC RESOURCES
The project study area includes areas altered by human activities and classified as Urban/Disturbed
lands. This community occupies the entire project study area and is the dominant land use.
Alternatives have not been developed, thus actual community impacts are not known and will be
presented as part of the design process.
JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
There were no jurisdictional wetlands identified within the project study area.
NCDOT will ensure that preventative and control Best Management Practices (BMPs) are employed
to prevent or reduce water pollution as described in the NCDOT handbook Best Management
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters The replacement of Bridge No. 37 can be classified
as a Case 3. There are no trout, smalimouth bass, or anadromous fish moratoriums applicable to
Bridge No. 37.
PERMITS
A Nationwide Permit No. 23 (Approved Categorical Exclusion) is likely to be applicable for the
proposed project. A Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering)
may be required if an on-site temporary detour or temporary construction platform is needed during
construction of Bridge No. 37. Should the discharge of fill material become necessary, a Regional
General Permit No. 198200031 may be required. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered
through the DWQ, will also be required.
PROTECTED SPECIES
The USFWS list four federally-protected species for McDowell County as of the February 24, 2003
2
listing (Table 5.1): bald eagle, bog turtle, mountain golden heather, and small-whorled pogonia.
The project study area does not contain suitable habitat for any of the protected species listed for
McDowell County. Furthermore, no individuals or nest sites were observed therefore the project will
not have an adverse effect on federally protected species. In addition, fifteen Federal Species of
Concern species have been identified by the USFWS to occur in McDowell County. A review of the
NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique habitats shows no recorded
occurrences of Federal Species of Concern species within the project vicinity.
CONCLUSIONS
The project is located in Catawba River Basin, which is subjected to vegetated riparian buffer
requirements by the state only on the main-stem of the Catawba River. Hoppers Creek is the only
jurisdictional waters in the project study area. No waters classified as Water Supplies (WS-I:
undeveloped watershed, or WS-II: predominately undeveloped watersheds), High Quality Waters
(HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or designated as an impaired water body under
Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act occur within 1.0 mile (1.6 kilometers) of the project study
area. Because this project is funded in part by a Federal agency and the activity is categorically
excluded from environmental documentation a US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404, Nationwide
Permit No. 23 will be required. In addition, if impacts to jurisdictional waters occur, a Section 404,
Nationwide Permit No. 33, or Regional General Bridge Permit No. 198200031 may be needed.
Furthermore, the corresponding Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required. The project
is likely not to affect federal or state protected species.
3
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Replacement of Bridge Number 49 on NC 226 over South Muddy Creelc
McDowell County, North Carolina
TIP Project Number B-4189
State Project Number 8.1872301
Federal Aid Project Number BRZ-226(8)
November 2004
Proposed replacement of Bridge No. 49 on North Carolina 226 over South Muddy Creek in
McDowell County, North Carolina; TIP No. B-4189.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this technical report is to inventory and describe the various natural resources
located within a project study area centered on Bridge No. 49. The project study area has been
defined as a 300-foot radius circle encompassing approximately 6.5 acres. Results of this
investigation will be used in the preparation of an Approved Categorical Exclusion document for the
replacement of Bridge No. 49.
Bridge No. 49 is located in McDowell County on NC 26, north of the town of Dysartsville, over South
Muddy Creek. Bridge No. 49 is a two-lane, three-span Bridge with an overall length of 105.6 feet
(32.2 meters) and a clear roadway width of 24.0 feet (7.3 meters). The bridge consists of a
reinforced concrete slab with a 4.5-inch (11.4 centimeter) wearing surface on I-beams supported on
reinforced concrete caps with timber piles. The approach roadway for Bridge No. 49 is a two-lane
22.0 foot (6.7 meter) wide road with paved shoulders. The east and west shoulders are 2.4 feet (0.7
meters) and 3.8 feet (1.2 meters), respectively.
The analyses contained in this document are relevant only in the context of the existing preliminary
project study area. A preferred or alternative alignment has not been identified and therefore,
comparisons of potential impacts and recommendations are not included in this document.
The project lies within the Piedmont Physiographic Province. This region consists of gently rolling,
well-rounded hills and ridges with a few hundred feet of elevation gain. The project study area is
found within an intrusive rock area classified as Migmatitic Granitic Gneiss. Elevations in the project
vicinity range from approximately 1,100 to 1,400 feet (335 to 425 meters) above mean sea level
(msl). Elevation in the project study area varies from approximately 1,100 to 1,200 feet (335 to 365
meters) above msi. According to the general soil map for McDowell County (USDA, 1995), the
project study area is found within the Iotla-Braddock-Rosman-Potomac soil unit. The soils in this
association are described as nearly level to somewhat strongly sloping, somewhat poorly drained to
somewhat excessively drained soils that have a predominantly loamy, clayey, or sandy subsoil or
underlying material. These soil types are formed in alluvium, on flood plains, and on stream
terraces. There are no hydric soils as classified by the North Carolina Natural Resource
Conservation Service within the project study area. Waters within the project vicinity include South
Muddy Creek and an unnamed tributary to South Muddy Creek. Vegetative communities occurring
in the project study area include Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest and White Pine Forest. The project
vicinity is rural residential, agricultural, and forested lands. Surrounding land uses include wooded,
and residential.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
South Muddy Creek lies in the Catawba River Basin, within the DWQ subbasin designated 03-08-30
and the USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 03050501. Waters within the project vicinity
include South Muddy Creek (Stream Index No. 11-32-2) (NCDENR, 2003) and an unnamed tributary
to South Muddy Creek (UT1). South Muddy Creek and UT1 are depicted on either the U. S
Geological Survey topographic map or the County Soil Survey sheets; therefore, both meet the
definition of a perennial stream. South Muddy Creek is approximately 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide
upstream of the bridge with a maximum water depth of 1.1 feet (0.3 meters). UT1 was
approximately 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) wide and averaged approximately 0.3 feet (0.01 meters) in
depth. Within the project study area, the classification for South Muddy Creek is "C". South Muddy
Creek has a use support rating of Fully Supporting, based on the monitored/evaluated method. UT1
would inherit the same rating as South Muddy Creek because it is an upstream tributary of South
Muddy Creek. At the time of this report, only the main stem of the Catawba River within the
Catawba River Basin was subject to regulated riparian buffer regulations.
South Muddy Creek and UTl can be classified as a Rosgen Stream Classification Type C-channel.
BIOTIC RESOURCES
Vegetative communities occurring within the project study area include Mesic Mixed Hardwood
Forest and White Pine Forest. Acreages for these communities are approximately 4.0 and 2.0 acres
(1.6 and 0.8 hectares) respectively. Alternatives have not been developed, thus actual community
impacts are not known and will be presented as part of the design process.
JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
There were no jurisdictional wetlands identified within the project study area.
NCDOT will ensure that preventative and control Best Management Practices (BMPs) are employed
to prevent or reduce water pollution as described in the NCDOT handbook Best Management
Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters BMPs for Bridge Demolition and Removal can be
categorized as one of three cases: Case 1, Case 2, or Case 3. The replacement of Bridge No. 49 can
be classified as a Case 3. Case 3 categories have no special restrictions beyond those outlined in
the Best ManagementPracticesfortheProtection ofSurface Waters handbook. There are no trout,
smallmouth bass, or anadromous fish moratoriums applicable to Bridge No. 49.
PERMITS
A Nationwide Permit No. 23 (Approved Categorical Exclusion) is likely to be applicable for the
proposed project. A Nationwide Permit No. 33 (Temporary Construction, Access and Dewatering)
may be required if an on-site temporary detour or temporary construction platform is needed during
construction of Bridge No. 49. Should the discharge of fill material become necessary, a Regional
General Permit No. 198200031 may be required. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered
through the DWQ, will also be required.
2
PROTECTED SPECIES
The USFWS list four federally-protected species for McDowell County as of the February 24, 2003
listing (Table 5.1): bald eagle, bog turtle, mountain golden heather, and small-whorled pogonia.
The project study area does not contain suitable habitat for any of the protected species listed for
McDowell County. Furthermore, no individuals or nest sites were observed therefore the project will
not have an adverse effect on federally protected species. In addition, fifteen Federal Species of
Concern species have been identified by the USFWS to occur in McDowell County. A review of the
NC Natural Heritage Program database of rare species and unique habitats shows no recorded
occurrences of Federal Species of Concern species within the project vicinity.
CONCLUSIONS
The project is located in the Catawba River Basin, which is subject to vegetated riparian buffer
requirements by the state only on the main stem of the Catawba River. There were no jurisdictional
wetlands identified within the project study area. Waters within the project study area include
South Muddy Creek and an unnamed tributary to South Muddy Creek (UTi). South Muddy Creek
and UT1 are depicted on either the U. S Geological Survey topographic map or the County Soil
Survey sheets; therefore, both meet the definition of a perennial stream. No waters classified as
Water Supplies (WS-I: undeveloped watershed, or WS-II: predominately undeveloped watersheds),
High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) or designated as an impaired
water body under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act occur within 1.0 mile (1.6 kilometers) of
the project study area. Because this project is funded in part by a Federal agency and the activity
is categorically excluded from environmental documentation a US Army Corps of Engineers Section
404, Nationwide Permit No. 23 will be required. In addition, if impacts to jurisdictional waters occur,
a Section 404, Nationwide Permit No. 33, or Regional General Bridge Permit No. 198200031 may be
needed. Furthermore, the corresponding Section 401 Water Quality Certification will be required.
The project is likely not to affect federal or state protected species.
3
0.25 0 0.25 0.5 MILES

VCCGIA BasinPro Data
- McDowell County Roads
- Catawba River Basin Stream
Bridge No. 49
B-4189 100 200 400
Feet WE
BRIDGE No. 49 s
OVER SOUTH MUDDY CREEK PROJECT STUDY AREA
McDOWELL COUNTY MAP
& "?,??n"" EXHIBIT 1.2.1
V
NCCGIA BastnPro Data
- McDowell County Roads
- Catawba River Basin Streams
0 Bridge No. 49
Mesic Mixed Hardwoods (4.0 ac)
White Pine Forest (2.2 ac)
B-4189 '°° 200
Feel
BRIDGE No. 49
OVER SOUTH MUDDY CREEK LAND USE AND
McDOWELL COUNTY LAND COVER MAP
Ali M A.u?Enoin?eWn?
?1 cQn.fnetu..u?
? I' i 1 s
ITI
EXHIBIT 1.3.1
I