19960230 Ver 1_Complete File_19960306

State of North Carolina
Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Management
James B. Hunt, Jr., Governor
Jonathan B. Howes, Secretary
A. Preston Howard, Jr., P.E., Director
A 4
ED EHNR
March 8, 1996
McDowell County
DEM Project # 960230
State Project No. 8.2870401
TIP #B-2586
APPROVAL of 401 Water Quality Certification
Mr. Franklin Vick
N. C. Dept. of Transportation
Planning and Environmental Branch
P.O. Box 25201
Raleigh, NC 27611-5201
Dear Mr. Vick:
You have our approval to impact in 0.01 acres of waters for the purpose of conducting survey
activities at SR 1150, Bridge No. 175, as you described in your application dated 28 February 1996.
After reviewing your application, we have decided that this fill is covered by General Water Quality
Certification Number 3027. This certification allows you to use Nationwide Permit Number 6 when it
is issued by the Corps of Engineers.
This approval is only valid for the purpose and design that you described in your application. If
you change your project, you must notify us and you may be required to send us a new application.
For this approval to be valid, you must follow the conditions listed in the attached certification. In
addition, you should get any other federal, state or local permits before you go ahead with your
project.
If you do not accept any of the conditions of this certification, you may ask for an adjudicatory
hearing. You must act within 60 days of the date that you receive this letter. To ask for a hearing,
send a written petition which conforms to Chapter 150B of the North Carolina General Statutes to the
Office of Administrative Hearings, P.O. Box 27447, Raleigh, N.C. 27611-7447. This certification and
its conditions are final and binding unless you ask for a hearing.
This letter completes the review of the Division of Environmental Management under Section
401 of the Clean Water Act. If you have any questions, please telephone John Dorney at 919-733-
1786.
Sincerely,
ston Howard, Jr. P.E.
Attachment
cc: Wilmington District Corps of Engineers
Corps of Engineers Asheville Field Office
Asheville DEM Regional Office
Mr. John Dorney
Central Files
960230.1tr
Environmental Sciences Branch, 4401 Reedy Creek Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 Telephone [phone] FAX # [phone]
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer • 50% recycled/10% post consumer paper
A C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DATE
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ACTION
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COMMENTS

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAiMEs B. HUNT JR. DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
Go ER"^R T"-" POX 352.01. RALEIGH N.C. t^. 7611-5201 SECRET.aRY
February28, 1996
Regulatory Branch
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Field Office
P. O. Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
ATTENTION: Mr. Cliff Winefordner
Chief, Southern Section
Dear Sir:
RECEIVED
MAR Q 6 1996
"IRON&ENTAL SCIENCE.,,
PAp },rnV
4ZZ 1515 OeD
Subject: McDowell County, Replacement of Bridge No. 175 over the Second Broad
River on SR 1150, Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1150(5), State Aid
Project No. 8.2870401, T.I.P. No. B-2586.
The Categorical Exclusion document for the subject project is in the process of
compilation. It is anticipated that foundation investigations will be required that will
ircl+?,'e foil a, d"or rock for in-site testing as well as obtaining samples for
laboratory testing. These activities will require authorization under Nationwide Permit
No. 6 (survey activities) and would not require further notification if not for the fact that
this project will take place in a mountain trout county
With this informat#,dd ' mind, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is
requesting that NC rev* w the enclosed information, and provide comments to the
Corps of Engineer e Corps of Engineers authorize the survey activity under
Nationwide Permi ordance with 33CFR Appendix A (B-6).
0

2
Enclosed please find a project site map and the Natural Resources. Technical Report.
If you ha%e any questions or need additional information please call Ms. Alice N. Gordon
at 733-7844, Ext. 307.
Sincerely,
H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
HFV;'plr
cc: w/attachment
Mr. Robert Johnson, Corps of Engineers, Asheville Field Office
Mr. John Dorney, NCDEHNR, Department of Environmental Management
Ms. Stephanie Goudreau, WCR
Mr. Kelly Barger, P.E. Program Development Branch
Mr. Don Morton, P.E., Highway Design Branch
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P.E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. John L. Smith, Jr., P.E., Structure Design Unit
Mr. Tom Shearin, P.E., Roadway Design Unit
Mr. W. D. Smart, P. E., Division 13 Engineer
Mr. Charles R. Cox, P.E., P & E Project Planning Engineer

:«t?e

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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
DMSION OF HIGHWAYS
PLAONNING AND eWM0NNMNrPAL
BRANCH
SR 1150 OVER SECOND BROAD RIVER
BRIDGE NO. 175
McDOWELL COUNTY
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Proposed Replacement of Bridge No. 175
on SR 1150
over Second Broad River
McDowell County
TIP # B-2586
State Project No. 8.2870401
F.A. Project No. BRZ-1150(5)
Natural Resources Technical Report
B-2586
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BRANCH
ENVIRONMENTAL UNIT
RUBY PHARR, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
NOVEMBER 18,1994
_.B-1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 lei iTRODUC i.L ....................................................
......
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..................................... 1
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on .......................................
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1 Project
1
.
........
........
P .......:...:......................... 1
..............................................
urpose
1.2
............
A
d ..................................... 1
rea ..............................................
y
1.3 Stu
........................
4 Methodolo
1 ..................................... 1
gy
.
1.5 Physiography and Soils .................... ................... .....................................
_
2.0 WATER RESOURCES .................................................................................. 2
2.1 Waters Impacted ............... ............... 3
2.1.1 Stream Characteristics ...................................................................)
2.1.2 Best Usage Classification ............................................................. 3
2.1.3 Water Quality ..................................... .......................................?
2.2 Anticipated. Impacts: Water Resources ................................................... 4
3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ............................................................. ...................... 4
3.1 Terrestrial Communities .........................._......................... ...................... 4
3. 1.1 Man-Dominated Community .................................. ...................... 4.
3.1.2 Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest ...................................... 5
3.2 Aquatic Community ......................................................... ....................... 6
3.3 Anticipated Impacts to Biotic Communities ........................ ..... 6
3.3.1 Terrestrial Community ........................................... ....................... 7
3.3.2 Aquatic Community ............................................... ....................... 7
4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS ................................. ....................... 8
4.1 Waters of the United States: Jurisdictional Issues ............. .......................
4. 1.1 Permits .................................................................. ....................... 8
4.1.2 Mitigation .............................................................. ....................... 9
4.2 Rare or Protected Species ......... ................ 9
4.2.1 Federally Protected Species ................................... ....................... 9
4.2.2 Federal Candidate and State Protected Species ...... ..................... 11
5.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................ 14
B-2
1.0 INTRODUCTION.
The following report is submitted to assist in preparation of a Categorical
Exclusion (CE) for the proposed replacement of bridge # 175 on SR 1150 over the Second
Broad River in li;.Dow-ell Cou:.r,y. L:c::ded are inventories of natural resources
occurring within the project area and identification of environmental concerns which
must be addressed in the planning stages of the project.
1.1 Project Description
Two alternatives are proposed for this project. Each alternative proposes
replacement of the existing 18.6 m (62 ft) long 3.3 m (11 ft) wide steel truss bridge with a
18.9 m (63 ft) long 7:2 m (24 ft) wide structure. A triple barrel 3.6 in (12 ft) by 2.7 in (9
ft) reinforced concrete box culvert is proposed. Proposed right-of-way (ROW) for both
alternatives is 12 m (40 ft). Project length is 137 m (450 ft).
Alternate 1 The existing bridge will be removed and replaced at its existing
location. The road will be closed during construction. Traffic will use an alternate route.
Alternate 2 - Bridge No. 175 will be replaced approximately 7.5 m (25 ft) west of
the existing bridge with realignment of approaches. Traffic will be maintained on an
alternate route during construction. The road will be closed.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this document is to inventory, catalog, and describe the natural
resources identified within the project vicinity and estimate potential impacts to these
resources. Recommendations for measures which will minimise resource impacts are
included.
1.3 Study Area
The proposed project site lies in McDowell County approximately 3.2 km (2 mi)
south of Glenwood. (Figure 1) This site is in a rural hilly setting. The immediate
landscape surrounding the project site has been altered by man, including fields, lawns,
and roadways. Industry Agriculture, and Recreation are primary land uses in the county.
1.4 Methodology
Preliminary resource •: formation was gathered and reviewed prior to the site visit.
Information sources included: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map
B-3

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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
t? TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL
BRANCH
BRIDGE NO. 175, SR 1150
McDOWELL COUNTY
T. 1. P. PROJECT B - 2586
B-4
FIG. 1
2
(Clenw ood), Sou Conservation (SCS) soils map of this section of McDowell County,
NCDOT aerial photograph of project area (1:1200), North Carolina Division of
Environmental Management (DEM) water-quality classifications for the Broad River
Basin, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) list of protected species and North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program (NC-N`HP) database of uncommon and protected species and
unique habitats.
Field surveys were conducted along the proposed alignment on October 10, 1994.
Plant communities were identified and recorded. Wildlife was surveyed using a number
of observation techniques: active searching, visual observations (binoculars), and
recording the identifying signs of wildlife (sounds. scats, tracks. and burrows). Cursory
surveys of aquatic communities were conducted.
1.5 Physiography and Soils
Most of McDowell County is in the east-central part of the mountain
Physiographic Province. The southeastern part of the county lies in the foothill area of
the Piedmont Physiographic Province. The B-2586 project site is in this southeastern
area. The topography of the county is predominantly strongly sloping to very steep
uplands. Elevations in the county range from 294 m (980 ft) to 1699.5 m (5,665 ft). The
project site elevation ranges from 372 m (1240 ft) and 378 m (1260 ft).
The soil found in the vicinity of the proposed project is the Rosman loam. This
soil consists of very deep, well drained soils that formed in stream sediments. This soil
occurs on floodplains along major streams and is occasionally flooded for very brief
periods. Slope is 0 to 3 percent. Rosman soil is a coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Fluventic
Haplumbrept. Rosman loam has moderately rapid permeability and surface runoff is
slow. Depth to bedrock is greater than 1.5 m (5 ft). The seasonal high water table is 1.2
m (4 ft) to 1.5 m (5 ft) below the surface.
Rosman loam is not a hydric soil but all areas of Rosman loam are listed as
important farmland. However, the occurrence of this soil at this site is a narrow
foodplain of limited use for farmland.
2.0 WATER RESOURCES
This section describes the physical characteristics, Best Usage Standards, and
water quality of the water resources to be impacted by the proposed project. Probable
impacts to these waters are also discussed.
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2.1 Waters Impacted
Second Broad River is in the Broad River Basin and arises approximately 11 Ian
(7 mi) northwest of the project crossing. The river flows generally west to east at the
project site before turning south to join the Broad River at river mile 10.7. The
confluence of the Second Broad River and the Broad River is located approximately 38.4
km (24 mi) south of bridge N o. 175.
2.1.1 Stream Characteristics
Second Broad River is approximately 7.5 m (25 ft) wide, with depths ranging from
0.15 m (0.5 ft) to 0.45 m (1.5 ft) with few pools. The substrate is composed of sand,
gravel and boulders with occasional rocky shoals. Some sedimentation is present but the
water is generally clear.
2.1.2 Best Usage Classification
From its source to Robersoti Creek, Second Broad River has been assigned a Best '
Usage Classification of Class WS-V by the North Carolina Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources (DEHNR, 1993). Class WS-V designates waters protected
as water supplies which are generally upstream and draining to Class WS-IV waters; no
categorical restrictions on watershed development or treated waste-water discharges are
required, however, the Commission or its designee may apply, appropriate management
requirements as deemed necessary for the protection of down-stream receiving waters.
Class WS-V waters are also suitable for all Class C uses. Class C designates waters
suitable for aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation,
and agriculture. No waters designated as High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding
Resource Waters (ORW), WS-I or WS-II occur within 1.6 km (1 mi) of the project area.
2.1.3 Water Quality
The Ben*E-cMacroiyvertebrate Ambient Network (BMANl) assesses water quality
by sampling for selected benthic macroinvertebrate organisms. The species richness and
overall biomass are reflections of water quality. The only sampling recorded for Second
Broad River was taken near Cliffside on SR-1973 in Rutherford County - over 32 km (20
mi) south of the project site. A rating of "Good-Fair" was given the river at that point in
July, 1989.
The DEM National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) report lists
no permitted discharge sources for this section of Second Broad River.
B-6
4
2.2 Anticipated Impacts: Water Resources
Potential impacts to the waters affected by the proposal project include decreases
of dissolved oxygen and changes in water temperature. This may occur due to removal of
streamside canopy. Other•impacts to water resources in the project area could occur from
substrate disturbance, sedimentation and increased turbidity. Increased sedimentation
may clog gius and smotaer eggs of many aquatic orgams.nas that are irm-c-nant. in t±e food
chains of many other species. A fish kill could result from allowing wet concrete to come
in contact with river water. Best Management Guidelines should be enforced to prevent
degradation of this stream.
3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES
This section describes the ecosystems encountered and the relationships between
dominant plant and animal species within the terrestrial and aquatic communities at this
site. Scientific nomenclature and common name (when applicable) are used for species
described. Subsequent references to the same species will use common name only.
Animal species which were observed directly and indirectly during the field survey
are denoted with an (*). Complete listings of the flora and fauna which may occur in the
study area can be found in one or more of the technical references listed in section 5.0.
3.1 Terrestrial Communities
Two distinct biotic community types were identified in the project impact zone,
however, there is some degree of overlap between communities, particularly the faunal
components. Many terrestrial animals utilize a variety of habitats and may occur
throughout the area.
3.1.1 Man-Dominated Community
This highly disturbed community includes maintained roadsides, and river banks,
a small field, and mowed lawm. Most of the plants in these areas have either been
planted by man or are "weedy' species adapted to disturbed areas.
The low-growing mowed roadside vegetation includes Fescue grasses (Festuca
spp), red clover Trifolium ratense , dandelion TaraKacum"offmcsiale , plantains
'.antaso spp), yarrow Achilles rnillefolium , and Queen Anne's lace , Daucus ca-rota).
The less intensely maintained road banks and river banks south of Second Broad
River contain: stump Sprouts of llu`:al fOreS* h,-dxocds, thistle C;rs ,M altissim
Joe-Pye Weed (EuoatT ovum fistulosum , wingstem Verbesina occidentalis ,sensitive
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briar (Schrankia microohylla), ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum), Aster
Aster spp), goldenrods Solid?Qo spp.) black raspbem, (Rubus occidentalis), and
Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera 'a onica
The small field was partially used as a vegetable garden early in the growing
season, but has been allowed to grow up in tall weedy species, including: woolly mullein
(Verbascum t sus), goldenrods, aster, sourg ass (RMex acetvsel'.a),'ucrse:vesd
Eri eron canadensis), evening primrose Oenothera biennis , ground cherry Ph salis
virgruana , broom straw (Andropoeon scoganus), wild lettuce actuca canadensis),
Johnson grass (Sorahum hale ense , crabgrass (Digitaria sansuinalis), and ragweed
Ambrosia artemisii folia). A small area of slightly higher elevation which will be
crossed by Alternate 2 is dominated by second growth Virginia pines Pinus tiir)
and a sparse layer of early successional herbs.
Most of the area south of the river is occupied by the mowed lawns of two homes
that are located there. The river banks there have been raised by grading for the home
sites and are periodically cleared.
The Man-Dominated Community is made up of small fragmented areas that would
have limited habitat for resident species Also the presence of man in the area would also
limit animal usage of the area. However, some opportunistic animal species residing in
nearby areas would use these areas as foraging zones. Various species of reptiles, birds,
and mammals may venture into the garden or roadside environment to feed on seeds,
berries, roots, and insects. These species include: Carolina chickadee Parus
cazolinensis)*, northern cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis), American robin Turdus
miuratorius), Carolina wren (Thrvothorus ludovicianus) and white-throated sparrow
(Zonotrichia albicollis . Snakes such as the black racer Columber constrictor and
eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sigg s may venture into this habitat to feed on insects
and small mammals. Cottontail rabbit Svlvilaaus floridanuis mallurus , Eastern Virginia
opossum Didei his vir ' 'ana , striped skunk (Mephitis me hitis and raccoon (Procyon
lotor frequently forage nocturnally in these habitats and travel along roadways. As a
result, they may become roadkills which may attract scavenger species including turkey
vulture (Catana*tes aura and common crow Con-us brachvrhvnchos)*, as well as
domestic dogs and cats.
3.1.2 Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest
This palustrine community exists in narrow floodplain adjacent to the Second
Broad River on its south side. The dominant canopy trees are sycamore Platanus
occidentalis), black walnut Ju ians ni a and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tali ifera .
Other canopy trees present include white ash raxinus americans , and white oak
uercus alb. Subcanopy trees include hop hornbeam (Catpinus caroliniana ,
BI-4
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American holly (flex pacs), dog rood (Cornus florida), seniceberry (_ melanchier
arborea), persimmon Dios os vir iniana , witch hazel (Hamameiis virs ana),
hawthorn Crataeaus flabellata), and wild cherry Prunus serotina). Shrubs include tag
alder (Alms serrulata , hazelnut (Corvlus americana), yellowroot (Xanthorhiza
simplicissima) and dog hobble Leucothoe fontanesiana). Vines present include Virginia
creeper (Parthenocissus virsinianai, trumpet vine (Can sis radicans), gieenbriars (Smilax
spp.) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). A sparse herb layer includes river cane
(Arundinaria Qisantea , false solomon's seal Smilacina racemosa), arrow-leaf ginger
(Hexastvlis g folia), bedstraw (Galium tinctorium , New York fern (Thelvypteris
noveboracensis), gape fern (Botrvchium sp.) and violet (Viola sp.).
This small corridor along the river would be utilized by most of the species already
listed. This small community is limited in its ability to support a unique faunal
community,-
3.2 Aquatic Community
The vegetation along the river would provide a good supply of terrestrial detritus
to provide food chain energy. The dedritus is decomposed by bacteria or consumed by
macroinvertebrates such as aquatic insects. Aquatic invertebrates are a major component
of stream ecosystems, as primary and secondary consumers, and as prey species for fish,
frogs, birds, and mammals. Aquatic invertebrates, including crayfish (Cambaridae spp.)
and insects are present in Second Broad River.
Too small to support game fishing. Second Broad River contains the following
species: yellowfin shiner (Notronis luti-i s), Fiery back shiner 'otro is pvrrhomelas),
blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), striped jumprock (Vloxostoma ru iscartes ,
highback chub bo sis h sinotus , seagreen darter (Etheostoma thalassimum), and
stoneroller (Compostoma anomalum .
Vertebrate species associated with the aquatic environment include: Queen snake
Rena seDten which feeds on cravfish; northern duscky salamander
(Desmognathus fuscus and two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), green frog Rana
clamitans mainly feed on insects, snails and worms. Raccoons also utilize aquatic
organisms as food including crustaceans, fish and amphibians.
3.3 Anticipated Impacts: Biotic Communities
Biotic community impacts, resulting from project construction are being addressed
separately as terrestrial impacts and aquatic impacts. However, it is important to
understand that construction impacts may not be resL.Icted to the community in which it
B-9
7
occurs. All measures possible should be taken to ensure no sediment leaves the
construction site.
3.3.1 Terrestrial Communities
The natural communities that originally occurred in the project area have been
fragmented aid reduced as a result of l,re icus development. However since Alternate 1
r -7
plans to follow the same route as the existing bridge and roadway and maintain the same
12 m (40 ft) right-of-way that now exists, little additional disturbance or fragmentation
will occur permanently. Alternate 2 will require a larger area of disturbance because the
bridge and the roadway- will be replaced along a new alignment. Vegetation will be
removed and more grading willbe required increasing tre risk of sedimentation reaching
the river. Mobile species will be displaced during the acti-, ity associated with V
construction and may return but small burrowing animals may be destroyed. Reducing
shelter, nesting and foraging habitat will reduce animal species.
Impacts in hectares/acres, based on 12 in (40 ft) ROW are shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Estimated Impacts to Terrestrial Communities
Community Type* Hectare/Acre
Alternative # MD P/LIUA.F Total
Alternative 1 0.14/0.34 0.01/0.02 0.15/0.36
Alternative 2 0.17/0.41 -0- 0.17/0.41
"*" MD = Man Dominated Community
P/LMAF = Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest
3.3.2 Aquatic Community
Anticipated impacts to the stream community are related to construction - related
habitat disturbance and sedimentation. Even though disturbance and sedimentation may
be temporary during construction, environmental impacts from these processes may be
long-lived or irreversible.
The aquatic environment is a major food source for terrestrial species, and a means
of predator avoidance for amphibians, and snakes in the area. Construction- related
sedimentation can be harmful to local populations of invertebrates. Filter feeders may be
covered and smothered by substrate disturbance and sedimentation resulting from
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construction - related erosion. Increased sediment loads and suspended particulates may
smother fish eggs, reduce oxygen - carrying capacity, and change .eater-temperatures.
Removal of shading vegetation could also affect water temperatures. Contact with wet
concrete would also affect water quality and aquatic organisms.
4.0 SP_ECLAL TOPICS
4.1 Waters of the United States
Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the
United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3 and in accordance with provisions of Section
404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344) and are regulated by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers (COE).
Potential wetland communities were evaluated using the criteria specified in the
1987 "U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual." For an area to be
designated a "wetland," the following criteria three specifications must be met: 1)
presence of hydric soils, 2) presence of hydro phytic vegetation, and 3) evidence of
hydrology, or hydrological indicators, including: saturated soils, stained oxidized
rhizospheres, matted vegetation, high water marks on trees, buttressed tree bases, and
surface roots.
No wetland communities were identified within the project ROW. Construction of
the proposed project will have no impacts on any jurisdictional wetland communities.
4. 1.1 Permits
Construction is likely to be authorized by provisions of General Nationwide permit
33 CFR 330.5 (A) - 23. McDowell County is one of 25 counties designated as having
trout waters. Projects in these counties must be reviewed and approved by the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission prior to the issuance of the COE permit. Also,
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that the state issue or deny water
quality certification for any federally permitted or licensed activity - at may result in a
discharge to the waters of the United States prior to issuance of the COE permits.
The N.C. Wildlife Commission states that trout do not occur at this project site and
that they are unaware of any other special concerns for this area.
B-11
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4.1.2 Mitigation
Since this project will likely be authorized under a Nationwide permit, mitigation
for impacts to surface waters is generally not required by the COE. A final determination
regarding mitigation requirements rests with COE.
4.2 Rare or Protected Species
Federal law requries that any action, which has the potential to have a detrimental
impact to the survival and well-being of any species classified as federally protected, is
subject to review by the FWS and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service, under the
provisiosn of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. Endangered
species receive additional protection under separate state statutes. In North Carolina
protectoin of plant species falls under N.C. General Statutes (G.S.) 106-202.12 to 106-
202.19 of 1979. Wildlife protection falls under G.S. 113-331 to 113-337 of 1987.
4.2.1 Federally Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T),
Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions
of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) lists three (3) federally protected species for
McDowell County as of November 17, 1994. These species are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Federally Protected Species - McDowell County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Glaucomvs sabrinus coloratus Carolina northern flying squirrel E
Hedyotis putpurea var. montana Roan Mountain bluet E
.Hudsonia montana Mountain golden heather T
"E" denotes Endangered (a species that is threatened with extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range).
"T" denotes threatened (a species that is likely to become an endangered species within
the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range).
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Glaucomvs sabrinus coloratus
(Carolina northern flying squirrel) E
Animal Family: Sciurdiae
Date Listed: 7/1/85
Distribution in N.C.: Avery, Buncombe, Graham, Haywood; Jackson, McDowell,
Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey.
The Carolina northern flying squirrel has a large well furred trap of skin along
either side of its body. -This furred flap of skin is connected at the wrist in the front and
at the ankle in the rear. The skin flaps and its broad flattened tail allow the northern
flying squirrel to glide from tree to tree. It is a solely nocturnal animal with large dark
eyes. This squirrel is found above. 1517 meters ('5000 ft) in the vegetation transition zone
between hardwood and coniferous forests. Both forest types are used to search for food
and the hardwood forest is used or nesting sites.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
No habitat exists in the project study area for the Carolina northern flying squirrel.:. _
It can be concluded that the subject project will not impact this Endangered species.
Hedyotis ppMurea var. montana
(Roan mountain bluet) E
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Date Listed: May 7, 1990
Flowers Present: June through August or September
Distribution in N.C.: Ashe, Avery, Nlitchell, Watauga, Yancey, McDowell
Roan Mountain bluet is a low perennial herb, 0.4 - 2.1 dm high. It usually grows
in loose tufts. A bluet with deep purple flowers borne in dense few-flowered cymes, it is
a compact plant with ovate leaves. Hed otipurpurea var. montana has corollas 8 - 12
mm long, stems glabrous or nearly so, internodes 0.5 - 4 cm long, cauline leaves to 3 cm
long and 1.3 cm wide. Basal oval to spatulate leaves form a rosette in winter, usually
withered at flowering time. The deep purple flowers are funnel-shaped, 8 - 12 mm. Iona
with 4 lobes shorted than tube. Mature capsules are roundish, 2.0 - 4.0 mm long and 2.0
- 4.0 mm wide with many seeds. This plant occurs on mountaintops, exposed to full
sunlight, in the shallow acidic soils of high elevation cliffs, outcrops, steep slopes, and
gravelly talus associated with cliffs. Its ideal habitat appears to be a moss-sedge-grass
mantle that carpets a thin, moist to wettish, black humified fine sand over granite rock
°outcrops, steep slopes, and bluff ledges. No critical habitat has been designated.
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BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT
The study area does not support suitable habitat for this species. No impact to Roan
Mountain bluet will occur from proposed construction.
Hudsonia montana (mountain golden heather) T
Plant Family: Cistacae
Federally Listed: October 20, 1980
Flowers Present: Mich to late June
Distribution in N.C.: Burke, McDowell
Mountain golden heather is a low, needle-leaved shrub that is yellow-green in
color. It usually grows in clumps 0.1-0.2 in (4-8 in) across and 0.2 in (6 in) high, it
sometimes occurs in clumps that are a 0.3 in (12 in) or more across. The leaves from the
previous year are retained and apper scale-like on the older branches. Leaves are from 3-
7 mm (0.1-0.3 in) long and appear awl-shaped and thread - like. It forms solitary,
terminal, lanceolate flowers that are nearly three centimeters across. These yellow
flowers have five blunt-tipped petals and 20 to 30 stamens. Fruit capsules have three -
projecting points at the tips, are roundish, and are found on 13 mm (0.5 in) stalks.
Hudsonia montana occurs in weathered rocky soils on mountain tops. It can be found on
exposed quartzite ledges in an exotone between bare rock and heath balds dominated by
and myrtle (Leiophyllus sp.) which merge into pine forest. Plants do live in partially
shaded areas, but do not appear to be as healthy as those found in open areas. Critical
habitat has been designated in Burke County North Carolina.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: No effect.
The study areas does not support suitable habitat for this species. No impact to
mountain golden heather will occur from proposed construction.
4.2.2 Federal Candidate and State Protected Species
There are nine (9) federal candidate (C2) species listed for McDowell County.
Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as "taxa for which there is some evidence of
vulnerability, but for which there are not enough data to warrant a listing of Endangered,
Threatened, Proposed Endangered, or Proposed Threatened at this time." These species
are mentioned here for informational purposes, should they become protected in the
future. Table 3 lists these federal candidate species.
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Table 3. Federal Candidate Species (and their State Status) listed for McDowell County
COMMON NAME
(Scientific Name)
Eastern small-footed bat
lvl ods subuiaius ieibi )
Eastern woodrat
Neotoma floridan magi
Cerulean warbler
(Dendroica cerulea)
Bog turtle
Clemmvs muhlenberQii)
Diana fritillary butterfly
S everia d'iana)
Butternut
Ju lans cinerea)
Gray's lily
ilium rat)
Oconee-bells
Shord galacifolia}
Short-styled oconee-bells
Shord galacifoli a var.
brevistyla)
STATUS HABITAT
Federal State
C2 SC No
C2 SC No
C2 SR Yes
C2 T No
C2 SR No
C2 WS Yes
C2 T-SC No
C2 E-SC No
C2 E-SC No
Surveys for these species were not conducted during site visits, nor were any of
these species observed.
The North Carolina status of these species is also listed in Table 3. Plants or
animals with state designations of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern
(SC) are given protection by the State Endangered Species Act and the N.C. Plant
Protection and Conservation Act of 1979, administered and enforced by the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the North Carolina Department of
Agriculture.
Other State designations given and their implications are:
E - SC (Endangered - Special Concern)
T - SC (Threatened - Special Concern)
These species may not be collected from the wild for any purpose without a
special permit. Only propagated material of these species may be traded or
sold under specific regulations.
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SC (Special Concern)
Any species of plant in North Carolina which requires monitoring but which
may be collected from the wild and sold under specific regulations.
C Candidate
W J ()Watch Category 5 =rare uc'cailSe oil sever., ,..,c.u..., 111V1LIVJ r V..+
have declined sharply in North Carolina, but which do not appear yet to
warrant site-specific monitoring.
SR - (Significantly Rare)
Species which are very rare in North Carolina, generally with 1-20
populations in the state, generally substantially reduced in numbers by habitat
destruction (and sometimes also by direct exploitation or disease).
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14
5.0 REFERENCES
Botror, D.J., N.F. Johnson, C.A. Triplehorn. 1989. An Introduction to the study of
Insects. New York, Saunders College.
Cowardin, L.M. et. al., 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the
141-
United States. U.S. Fish and `v?'ilu;:fe Ser• --
Daniels, R.B., H.J. Kleiss, S.W. Buol, H.J. Byrd, and J.A. Phillips. 1984. Soil Systems
in North Carolina. North Carolina Agricultural Research Senice. North Carolina
State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. "Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual,"
Technical report Y-87-1, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station,
Vickburg, Miss.
Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Delineation. 1989. "Federal Manual for
Delineating and Identifying Jurisdictional Wetlands." U.S. Army Corps of
Engineering, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and USDA Soil Conservation Service. Washington, D.C. Cooperative
Technical Publication. 76 pp. plus appendices.
Lee, D.S., J.B. Funderburg, Jr. and M.K. Clark. 1982. A Distributional Survev of North
Carolina Mammals. Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of Natural History.
LeGrand, Jr., H.E., and Stephan P. Hall. 1993. "Natural Heritage Program List of the
Rare Animal Species of North Carolina." North Carolina Natural Heritage
Program
Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R Bailey and J.R. Harrison M. 1980. Amtfhibians and
Reptiles of the Carolinas and Vaini_a. Chapel Hill, The University of North
Carolina Press.
Menhenick, E.F. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. N.C. WRC., Raleigh.
NCDEHNR-DEM, 1991. Biological Assessment of Water Quality in North Carolina
Streams: Benthic Macroinvertebrate Data Base and Long Tern Changes in Water
Quality, 1983-1990.
NCDEHNR DEM. 19?`, e "Classifications and Water Quality Standards Assigned to the
Waters of the i River Basin". Raleigh, Department of Environment,
Health and Natural Resources.

B-17
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NCWRC. 1990. "Endangered Wildlife of North Carolina". Raleigh, North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission.
Plant Conservation Program. 1991. "List of North Carolina's Endangered, Threatened
and Candidate Plant Species". Raleigh, North Carolina Department of
Aericulture.

Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. Chapel Hill,
The University of North Carolina Press.
Reed, Porter B., Jr. 1986. "1986 Wetland Plant List for North Carolina". St. Petersburg,
Fla. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles and G.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the
Carolinas. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press.
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classifications of The Natural Communities of
North Carolina. Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDEHNR
U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. 1981. :Effects of
Highways on Wildlife". Rep
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w •
.,. AATt o
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT jR DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS R. SAMUEL HUNT 111
GovER.N,oR P.O. BOX ?Mi, RALEIGH. N.C. 27611'5201 SECRETARY
15 December 1995
MEMORANDUM TO: Julie Hunkins , Unit Head
Project Planning
G?
FROM; Logan Williams, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Technical Report Update for
Proposed Replacement of Bridge No. 175 on SR 1150 over
the Second Broad River in McDowell County, TIP No. B-
2586; State Project No. 8.2870401; Federal Aid No. BRZ-
1150(5).
ATTENTION: Charles Cox, P.E. Project Planning Engineer
Project Planning Unit
REFERENCE: Natural Resources Technical Report completed by
Ruby Pharr (November 18, 1994)
The attached Natural Resources Technical Report update addresses Best Usage
Classifications, Water Quality and Protected Species. Please contact me if you have any
questions or need this report copied onto disc format.
Best Usage Classification
The Second Broad River has been assigned a Best Usage Classification of Class
WS-V from its source to Box Creek by the Department of Environment, Health and
Natural Resources (DEHNR 1994). Class WS-V designates waters protected as water
supplies which are generally upstream and draining to Class WS-IV waters; no categorical
restrictions on watershed development or treated waste-water discharges are required,
however, the Commission or its designee may apply appropriate management requirements
as deemed necessary for the protection of down-stream receiving waters. Class WS-V
waters are also suitable for all Class C uses. Class C designates waters suitable for aquatic
life propagation, and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation, and agriculture. No
waters designated as High Quality Waters (HQW), Outstanding Resource Water
(ORW), WS-I or WS-II occur within 1.6 km (1 mi) of the project area.
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Water Quality
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate }Ambient Network (B-1AI?') is managed by the
DEM and is part of an ongoing ambient water quality monitoring program which addresses
long term trends in water quality. The program assesses water quality by sampling for
selected benthic macroinvertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites. Macroinvertebrates
are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the species richness and overall
biomass are reflections of water quality. Current BMAN information was examined for
possible updating. There is no BMAN information available for the Second Broad River
in the vicinity of the proposed project.
Federally Protected Species
Plants and animals with federal classifications of Endangered (E), Threatened (T),
Proposed Endangered (PE) and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions
of section 7 and section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The
Federally Protected Species listed for McDowell County in the referenced document are
current as of the most current listing on March 28, 1995.
There have been two additional federal candidate (C2) species listed for McDowell
County since the referenced document. Federal Candidate species are not afforded federal
protection under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions,
including section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened or
Endangered. Candidate 2 (C2) species are defined as organisms which are vulnerable to
extinction although no sufficient data currently exists to warrant a listing of Endangered,
Threatened, Proposed Endangered or Proposed Threatened. Organisms which are listed as
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Heritage
Program list of Rare Plant or Animal Species are afforded state protection under the State
Endangered Species Act and the North Carolina Plant Protection and Conservation Act of
19797The two additional C2 species are listed below.
• Olive-sided flycatcher Contopus borealis
• Bennett's Mill cave water slater Caecidotea carolinensis
cc. V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D., Environmental Unit
Hal C. Bain, Environmental Supervisor
File: B-2586
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