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Home My WebLink About20200962 Ver 1_NRTR_20200727 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ROY COOPER JAMES H. TROGDON, III GOVERNOR SECRETARY July 21, 2020 MEMO TO: File FROM: Jeffrey Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Natural Resources Memo INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace a failed culvert on SR 1110 (Liledoun Road) in Alexander County. The proposed culvert will be on the same alignment. PROTECTED SPECIES Endangered Species Act Protected Species As of June 26, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list four federally protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Alexander County (Table 1). For each species, a discussion of the presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area. Bald eagle will be discussed in a separate heading. Table 1. Federally protected species listed for Alexander County. Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Habitat Present Biological Conclusion Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf-flowered heartleaf T No No Effect Glyptemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA;NLAA T – Threatened T (S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance MA-NLAA – May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect Dwarf-flowered heartleaf USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March-May Biological Conclusion: No Effect An on-site investigation on July 20, 2020 indicated there is no suitable habitat for the DFH. No north-facing slopes that are open enough for the DFH exist in the study area. Since the survey was conducted outside the optimum survey window multiple transects were walked but no species were observed. A review of NHP records on July 21, 2020 indicates no known occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. Due to the lack of habitat, no observed plants, and no known species in the area, this project will have no effect on the DFH. Bog turtle USFWS optimal survey window: April 1 – October 1 (visual surveys); April 1-June 15 (optimal for breeding/nesting); May 1-June 30 (trapping surveys) Biological Conclusion: Not Required Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. However, a July 20, 2020 survey of the study area found no suitable habitat in the form of wet or boggy areas and therefore this project is not expected to affect the bog turtle. A July 21, 2020 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the bog turtle within a one-mile radius of the project site. Northern long-eared bat USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 – August 15 Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect During field investigations on July 20, 2020 the area was assessed for suitable bat habitat. The area adjacent to the culvert being forested was found to provide suitable habitat. Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest Northern Long-Eared Bat location approximately 24 miles northwest of the proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is the Dagenhart Mine, 3.5 miles southeast of the project. There are currently no known hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the minor tree clearing associated with this DOT project would be exempted from incidental take under the 4(d) Rule streamlined consultation form. Per guidance from USFWS personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30 day response period is waved. http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/project_review/NLEB_in_WNC.html Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald Eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and enforced by the USFWS. Habitat for the Bald Eagle primarily consists of mature forests in proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open water. A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile radius of the project limits, was performed on July 20, 2020 using recent color aerials. The Lower Little River, however unlikely, could be considered a potential feeding source. Since there was potential foraging habitat within the review area, a survey of the project study area and 1.13-mile radius was conducted, but no nests were observed. Additionally, a review of the NHP database on July 21, 2020 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of good habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this species. WATER RESOURCES Water resources in the study area are part of the Catawba River basin [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03050101]. One stream was identified in the study area (Table 2). The location of the stream is shown in attached maps. Table 2. Streams in the study area Stream Name Map ID NCDWR Index Number Best Usage Classification Bank Height (ft) Bankfull Width (ft) Depth (in) Ut to Lower Little River SA 11-69-(0.5) C 3 8 6-18 There are no waters within the project study area or within 1.0 mile downstream of the project study area that are listed as a High-Quality Waters (HQW) or water supply watersheds (WS-I, WS-II). Lower Little River is within 1.0 mile downstream of the project study area and is listed on the North Carolina 2018 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters due to due to Fish Community. No other surface waters/wetlands were identified within the study area.