20000101 Ver 1_Complete File_20000204

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61
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT 1R.
GOVERNOR
P.O. BOX 25201, RALEIGH, N.C. 27611-5201
December 22, 1999
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Wilmington Regulatory Field Office
Post Office Box 1890
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1890
Attention: Mr. Dave Timpy
000101
DAVID MCCOY
SECRETARY
FEB
NCDOT Coordinator
Subject: Sampson County, SR 1007, Replace Bridge No. 58 over Black Creek;
Federal Aid Project No. BRZ-1007(3); State Project No. 8.2281001;
TIP No. B-2625.
Dear Sir:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCODT) requests
authorization from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under a Section 404
Nationwide Permit 2ii to replace Bridge No. 58 over Black River on SR 1007. The
NCDOT also requests authorization under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit -36 for
temporary impacts associated with bridge removal.
The project involves replacing Bridge No. 58 over Black Creek on existing
location at approximately the same elevation. Traffic will be maintained utilizing an off-
site detour.
The project has been described in a Categorical Exclusion (CE) Action
Classification Form signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on February
28, 1997. A natural resource investigation was conducted by the NCDOT in June 1996.
Both of these documents are attached to this letter.
The project is being processed by the FHWA as a CE in accordance with 23 CFR
771.115(b). Therefore, the NCDOT does not anticipate requesting a Section 404
Individual Permit but proposes to proceed under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 in
accordance with 61 Federal Re ig ster 65874, 65916, issued December 13, 1996.
1 '
2
NCDOT biologists delineated wetlands associated with the replacement of Bridge
No. 58 over Black River on December 15, 1999. This delineation was performed in
accordance with the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual
(Environmental Laboratory, 1987). Based on this delineation, there will be no fill in
wetlands as the project construction limits are the existing toe of slope. There will be
approximately 0.05 acre of impacts to wetlands from mechanized clearing, located within
the permanent drainage easement. Plan view drawings of the bridge project are provided
as well as a bridge survey report depicting the existing fill line and the additional fill
needed.
Bridge No. 58 has seventeen spans totaling 340 feet in length. The deck and
bridge railings for the superstructure are composed of concrete. The entire substructure is
composed of timber except for the caps on two (2) of the interior bents. Both the bridge
rail and the timber substructure will be removed without dropping them into Waters of
the U.S. There is potential for components of the deck to be dropped into Waters of the
U.S. during construction. The resulting temporary fill associated with the concrete deck
and the two concrete caps is approximately 55 yd . Therefore, the NCDOT anticipates
that this impact can be authorized under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 33.
The NCDOT commits to implementing "Design Standards in Sensitive
Watersheds" in addition to its Standard Best Management Practices. The NCDOT also
commits to an in-stream construction moratorium from March to May due to the spring
migration of anadromous fish.
In summary, replacement of Bridge No. 58 will result in 0.05 acre of impacts to
wetlands associated with mechanized clearing and 55 yd3 of temporary fill associated
with the concrete deck and the two concrete caps. The NCDOT requests authorization of
the work from the USACE under a Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 and Section 404
Nationwide Permit 33.
The N. C. Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) is provided written notification
of the proposed action by a copy of this Section 404 Nationwide Permit 23 permit
application. Written concurrence from the NCDWQ is not required for authorization of
the Section 404 Nationwide Permit 33 as long as NCDOT adheres to all conditions of this
general certification.

3
If you have any questions or need any additional information concerning this
project, please contact Mr. Phillip Todd of my staff at [phone], extension 314.
Sincerely,
'?" C9 04-4?- ?m
W. D. Gilmore, P. E., Manager
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
WDG/pct
cc: Mr. David Franklin, USACE, Wilmington
Mr. John Dorney, NCDWQ, Raleigh
Mr. Tom McCartney, USFWS, Raleigh
Mr. David Cox, NCWRC, Northside
Mr. Tim Rountree, P. E., Structure Design
Mr. Calvin Leggett, P. E., TIP and Programming
Ms. Debbie Barbour, P. E., Highway Design
Mr. A. L. Hankins, P. E., Hydraulics Unit
Mr. John Alford, P. E., Roadway Design
Mr. Randy Wise, P. E., Roadside Environmental
Mr. D. J Bowers, P. E., Division 3 Engineer
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TIP Project No. B-2625
State Project No. 8.2281001
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1007(3)
A. PrQ-ject Description:
The purpose of this project is to replace Bridge No. 58 on SR 1007 over Black
River in Sampson County. The new structure will be a bridge approximately
104 meters (340 feet) in length, at approximately the same elevation and location as
the existing bridge. The travelway on the bridge will be two 3.3 meter (l l foot) lanes
with 1 meter (3 foot) shoulders. Approach work will consist of resurfacing and
widening the roadway to two 3.3 meter (1 l foot) lanes with 1.8 meter (6 foot)
shoulders, and installing guardrail where appropriate. The project length will be
approximately 164 meters (540 feet). Traffic will be detoured along SR 1119, NC 41,
and SR 1118 during construction.
B. Pose and Need:
Bridge No. 58 has a sufficiency rating of 33.4 out of 100. The structure is a two
lane bridge with 7.3 meters (24 feet) of bridge roadway width. Modern design
standards specify a width of 8.5 meters (28 feet). The bridge is currently not posted.
Rehabilitation of the existing bridge is neither practical nor economical. "Do
nothing" is not a practical alternate because it would require the eventual closing of
the-road as the existing bridge completely deteriorates. For these reasons, Bridge
No. 58 needs to be replaced.
C: Proposed Improvements:
The improvements which apply to the project are circled:
Modernization of a highway by resurfacing, restoration, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, adding shoulders, or adding auxiliary lanes (e.g., parking
weaving, turning, climbing).
a. Restoring, Resurfacing, Rehabilitating, and Reconstructing pavement
(3R and 4R improvements)
b. Widening roadway and shoulders without adding through lanes
c. Modernizing gore treatments
d. Constructing lane improvements (merge, auxiliary, and turn lanes)
e. Adding shoulder drains
t

f. Replacing and rehabilitating culverts, inlets, and drainage pipes,
including safety treatments
g. Providing driveways pipes
h. - Performing minor bridge widening ( less than one through lane)
2. Highway safety or traffic operations improvement projects including the
installation of ramp metering control devices and lighting.
a. Installing ramp metering devices
b. Installing lights
c. Adding or upgrading guardrail
d. Installing safety barriers including Jersey type barriers and pier
protection
e. Installing or replacing impact attenuators
f. Upgrading medians including adding or upgrading median barriers
g. Improving intersections including relocation and/ or realignment
h. Making minor roadway realignment
i. Channelizing traffic
j. Performing clear zone safety improvements including removing hazards
and flattening slopes
k. Implementing traffic aid systems, signals, and motorist aid
1. Installing bridge safety hardware including bridge rail retrofit
O Bridge rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement or the construction of
grade separation replace existing at-grade railroad crossings.
a. Rehabilitating, reconstructing, or replacing bridge approach slabs
b. Rehabilitating or replacing bridge decks
c. Rehabilitating bridges including painting ( no red lead paint), scour
repair, fender systems, and minor structural improvements
O Replacing a bridge (structure and/ or fill)
4. Transportation corridor fringe parking facilities.
Construction of new truck weigh stations or rest areas.
6. Approvals for disposal of excess right-of-way or for joint or limited use of
right-of-way, where the proposed use does not have significant adverse
impacts.
7. Approvals for changes in access control.
2

8. Construction of new bus storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is consistent with existing zoning and located on or near a
street with adequate capacity to handle anticipated bus and support vehicle
traffic.
9. Rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing rail and bus buildings and
ancillary facilities where only minor amounts of additional land are required
and there is not a substantial increase in the number of users.
10. Construction of bus transfer facilities (an open area consisting of passenger
shelters, boarding areas, kiosks and related street improvements ) when
located in a commercial area or other high activity center in which there is
adequate street capacity for projected bus traffic.
11. Construction of rail storage and maintenance facilities in areas used
predominantly for industrial or transportation purposes where such
construction is consistent with existing zoning and where there is no
significant noise impact on the surrounding community.
12. Acquisition of land for hardship or protective purposes, advance land
acquisition loans under section 3 (b) of the UMT Act. Hardship and
protective buying will be permitted only for a particular parcel or a limited
number of parcels. These types of land acquisition will not limit the
evaluation of alternatives, including shifts in alignment for planned
construction projects, which may be required in the NEPA process. No
project development on such land may proceed until the NEPA process has
been completed.
D. Special Project Information
Environmental Commitments:
All standard procedures and measures will be implemented to avoid or
minimize environmental impacts. All practical Best Management Practices (BMP's)
for the protection of Surface Waters will be strictly enforced throughout the life of the
project. High Quality Water (HQW) standards will be adhered to throughout the life
of the project due to the presence of Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) within the
project area. Provisions to preclude contamination of ORW by toxic substances will
also be strictly enforced.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(33 U.S.C. 1344), a permit will be required from the Corps of Engineers for the
discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States."

North Carolina Division of Environmental Management (DEM) Section 401
Water Quality General Certification will be obtained prior to issue of the Army Corps
of Engineers Nationwide Permit # 23.
In stream activities will be avoided during the months of March, April, and May
to avoid the spring migration period of anadromous fish.
Estimated Costs:
Construction $ 1,200,000
Right of Way $ 24,000
Total $ 1,224,000
Estimated Traffic:
Current - 600 VPD
Year 2018 - 1,400 VPD
TTST - I %
DUAL - 2%
Proposed Typical Roadway Section:
Travelway - two 3.3 meter (11 foot) lanes
Shoulders - 1.0 meters (3 feet) wide on the bridge and 1.8 meters (6 feet) wide
on the approaches
Design Speed:
Approximately 90 km/h (55 mph)
Functional Classification:
Rural Local Route
Division Office Comments:
The Division Engineer recommends replacing the bridge in place and detouring
traffic along surrounding secondary roads.
a
E. Threshold Criteri
If any Type II actions are involved in the project, the following evaluation must
be completed. If. the project consists m]y of Type I improvements, the
following checklist does not need to be Completed.
4

ECOLOGICAL. YES NO
(1) Will the project have a substantial impact on any
unique on any unique or important natural resource? X
(2) Does the project involve any habitat where federally
listed endangered or threatened species may occur? X
(3) Will the project affect anadromous fish? X
(4) If the project involves wetlands, is the amopnt of
permanent and/or temporary wetland taking less than x
one-third (1/3) acre and have all practicable measures
wetland to avoid and minimize takings been evaluated?
(5) Will the project require use of U. S. Forest Service lands? X
(6) Will the quality of adjacent water resources be adversely
impacted by proposed construction activities? X
(7) Does the project involve waters classified as Outstanding
Water Resources (OWR) and/or High Quality Waters X
(HQW)?
(8) Will the project require fill in waters of the United States
in any of the designated mountain trout counties? X
(9) Does the project involve any known underground storage
tanks (UST's) or hazardous materials sites? X
5
PERMITS AND COORDINATION YES NO
(10) If the project is located within a CAMA county, will the
project significantly affect the coastal zone and/or any N/A
"Area of Environmental Concern" (AEC)?
(11) Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act
resources? X
(12) Will a U. S. Coast Guard permit be required? X
(13) Will the project result in the modification of any existing
regulatory floodway? X
(14) Will the project require any stream relocations or channel
changes? X
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC YES NO
(15) Will the project induce substantial impacts to planned
growth or land use for the area? X
(16) Will the project require the relocation of any family or
business? X
(17) If the project involves the acquisition of right of way, is the -
amount of right of way acquisition considered minor? X
(18) Will the project involve any changes in access control? X
(19) Will the project substantially alter the usefulness and/ or land
use of any adjacent property? X
6
(20) Will the project have an adverse effect on permanent local
traffic patterns or community cohesiveness? X
(21) Is the project included in an approved thoroughfare plan
and/ or Transportation Improvement Program (and is, X
therefore, in conformance with the Clean Air Act of 1990)?
(22) Is the project anticipated to cause an increase in traffic
volumes? X
(23) Will traffic be maintained during construction using existing
roads, staged construction, or on-site detours? X
(24) Is there substantial controversy on social, economic, or
environmental grounds concerning the project? X
(25) Is the project consistent with all Federal, State, and local
laws relating to the environmental aspects of the action? X
YES NO
(26) Will the project have an "effect" on properties eligible for
or listed on the National Register of Historic Places? X
(27) Will the project require the use of Section 4(f) resources
(public parks, recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl
Section 4(f) of the U. S. Department of Transportation j X
Act of 1966)?
(28) Will the project involve construction in, across, or adjacent
to a river designated as a component of or proposed for X
inclusion in the natural Wild and Scenic Rivers?
7
F. Additional Documentation Required for Unfavorable Responses in Part E
In reference to question 3, because the Black River is anadromous fish spawning
habitat, in stream activities will be avoided during the spring migration period of March,
April, and May.
In reference to question 7, because the Black River is classified as Outstanding
Resource Water, High Quality Waters Soil and Erosion Control Measures will be adhered to
throughout the life of the project.
8
G. CE Approval
TIP Project No
B-2625
State Project No. 8.2281001
Federal-Aid Project No. BRZ-1007(3)
The purpose of this project is to replace Bridge No. 58 on SR 1007 over Black
River in Sampson County. The new structure will be a bridge approximately
104 meters (340 feet) in length, at approximately the same elevation and location as
the existing bridge. The travelway on, the bridge will be two 3.3 meter (11 foot) lanes
with 1 meter (3 foot) shoulders. Approach work will consist of resurfacing and
widening the roadway to two 3.3 meter (11 foot) lanes with 1.8 meter (6 foot)
shoulders, and installing guardrail where appropriate. The project length will be
approximately 164 meters (540 feet). Traffic will be detoured along SR 1119, NC 41,
and SR 1118 during construction.
(See the attached location map.)
_ TYPE II (A)
X TYPE II (B)
2- s -19
Date Assistant Manager
Planning & Environmental Branch
Date Projec Planning Unit Head
2-5"17
Date Pro' c 1 ng Eng' eer
For Type II (B) projects only:
--
Date D' sion Administrator
F eral Highway Administration
9

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20 1121 North Carolina Department Of
1121 Transportation
rs' Phiming do Environmental Branch
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° SAMPSON COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 58 ON SR 1007
OVER BLACK RIVER
B•2625
d Detour Route
di
St 0 Wlometers 1.6 kilometers 3.2
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0 miles 1 miles 2

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North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
James B. Hunt Jr., Governor
Betty Ray McCain, Secretary
May 9, 1996
Nicholas L. Graf
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
Department of Transportation
310 New Bern Avenue
Raleigh, N.C. 27601-1442
Re: Replace Bridge 58 on S 1007 over Black River,
Sampson County, B- Federal Aid Project
BRZ-1007(3), ER 96-8726
Dear Mr. Graf:
Division of Archives and History
Jeffrey J. Crow, Director
MAC 1 Q ?qq6
;t
3
On May 8, 1996, Debbie Bevin of our staff met with North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) staff for a meeting of the minds concerning the above
project. We reported our available information on historic architectural and
archaeological surveys and resources along with our recommendations.. NCDOT
provided project area photographs and aerial photographs at the meeting.
Based upon our review of the photographs and the information discussed at the
meeting, we offer our preliminary comments regarding this project.
In terms of historic architectural resources, we are aware of no historic structures
located within the area of potential effect. We recommend that no historic
architectural survey be conducted for this project.
There are no known archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Based
on our present knowledge of the area, it is unlikely that any archaeological
resources which may be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places will be affected by the project construction. We, therefore, recommend that
no archaeological investigation be conducted in connection with this project.
Having provided this information, we look forward to receipt of either a Categorical
Exclusion or Environmental Assessment which indicates how NCDOT addressed our
comments.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's
Regulations for Compliance with Section 106, codified at 36 CFR Part 800.
109 East Jones Strcet • Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2807
13
-0
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions
concerning the above comment, please contact Renee Gledhill-Earley, environmental
review coordinator, at 919/733-4763.
Sincerely,
David Brook
Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer
DB:slwx
cc: W H. F. Vick
B. Church
T. Padgett

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JAMES B. HUNT J R,
GOVERNOR
P.O. BOX25201. RALEIGH. N.C. 27611-5201
03 February 1997
MEMORANDUM TO:
FROM:
Wayne Elliott, Unit Head
Project Planning Unit
GARLAND B. GARRETT JR.
SECRETARY
Mark Hartman, Environmental Biologist
Environmental Unit
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Investigation for proposed Replacement
of Bridge No. 58 over Black River, SR 1007, Sampson
County; TIP No. B-2625; State Project No. 8.2281001;
Federal Aid No. BRZ-1007(3).
ATTENTION: Jeff Ingham, Project Manager
Project Planning Unit
This document addresses four issues pertinent to the development of a
Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) for the proposed project: water resources,
biotic resources, wetlands, and federally protected species. The proposed project calls
for the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 58 over Black River, SR 1007, Sampson
County. There is only one alternate being considered for this project, That alternate
consists of replacement, in place, with a new bridge, and an off-site detour. Project
length is 168 m (550 ft), existing right- of-way (ROW) width is 18 m (60 ft) and
proposed ROW is 24 m (80 ft).
A field investigation was conducted on 21 June 1996 by NCDOT biologists
Logan Williams and Dale Suiter to assess natural resources at the project site. Water
resources were identified and described. Plant communities were surveyed, and
wildlife populations were predicted using general qualitative habitat assessments.
Water resource information was obtained from publications of the Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (1993). Information concerning
federally-protected species was obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) list of protected species (23 August 1996) and N.C. Natural Heritage
Program (NC-NHP) database of rare species and unique habitats.. Potential
jurisdictional wetlands were identified and evaluated based on criteria established in
?fnl;
the "Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual" (Environmental Laboratory,
1987).
WATER RESOURCES
One water resource, Black River, will be impacted by project construction. The
Black River is in the Cape Fear River drainage. The project is located approximately
19 km (12 mi), upstream of the confluence with the South River. Within the project
area the Black River is a typical coastal plain blackwater river. It is generally deep,
wide and relatively slow flowing, and the water is stained with tannins, but is rarely
turbid. In the project area, the Black River is approximately 15 m (50 ft) wide and 1.5-3
m (5-10 ft) deep. Because of its location and morphological characteristics, the Black
River is considered by the NC Department of Environment Health and Natural
Resources (DEHNR) to be anadromous fish spawning habitat.
Streams have been assigned a best usage classification by the Division of
Water Quality (DWQ)(formerly the Division of Environmental Management, or DEM).
The Best Usage Classification for the Black River (DWQ index 18-68) is C with the
supplemental classification of Sw, and ORW. Class C refers to waters suitable for
aquatic life propagation and survival, fishing, wildlife, secondary recreation and
agriculture. Sw (Swamp water) is a supplemental water classification and includes
waters which have low velocities and other natural characteristics which are different
from adjacent streams. ORW (Outstanding Resource Waters) refers to waters which
are unique and special waters of exceptional state or national recreational or ecological
significance which require special protection to maintain existing uses. ORWs are
present within the project area, necessitating the use of High Quality (HQW) Best
Management Practices (BMPs).
The Benthic Macroinvertebrate Ambient Network (BMAN) is managed by DWQ
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 macro invertebrate organisms at fixed monitoring sites.
Macro invertebrates are sensitive to very subtle changes in water quality; thus, the
species richness and overall biomass of these organisms are reflections of water
quality. No BMAN sites occur within the project vicinity.
Point source dischargers located throughout North Carolina are permitted
through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. All
dischargers are required to register for a permit. There are no NPDES permitted
dischargers in the project vicinity.
Potential impacts to water resources include increased sedimentation from
accelerated soil erosion, decreased dissolved oxygen, and temperature instability. The
latter two impacts are attributed to the removal of stream-side vegetation.
Sedimentation and substrate disturbance occurring during bridge construction can
significantly reduce water clarity. In order to minimize impacts to water resources in the
project area, NCDOT's Best Management Practices (BMP) for the Protection of
Surface Waters, .0024 NCAC Title 15A, Sedimentation Control Program, must be
strictly enforced throughout the life of the project. High Quality Water (HQW)
standards must be adhered to throughout the life of this project due to the
presence of ORWs within the project area. Provisions to preclude contamination
of ORWs by toxic substances should also be strictly enforced. BMP guidelines
include:
• reduction and elimination of direct and non-point discharges into the water bodies
and minimization of activities conducted in streams.
• installation of temporary silt fences, dikes, and earth berms to control runoff during
construction.
• placement of temporary ground cover or re-seeding of disturbed sites will reduce
runoff and decrease sediment loads.
elimination of construction staging areas in floodplains or adjacent to streams which
would reduce the potential of accidental discharge of toxins into water bodies.
Some degree of water quality degradation is probably inevitable from project
construction due to the necessity of streambank and substrate disturbance. However,
impacts can be minimized through adequate planning which emphasizes the reduction
of disturbed surface area and by protecting exposed areas from the kinetic energy of
falling and flowing waters. Use of BMPs will also help to ensure that impacts to water
quality are temporary and localized rather than long-term and extensive.
In addition, because the Black River is anadromous fish spawning habitat,
instream activities should be avoided during the spring migration period.
"Spring" in this case includes the months of March, April, and May.
BIOTIC RESOURCES
This section describes the ecosystems encountered and the relationships
between vegetative and faunal components within terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems.
Descriptions of the terrestrial systems are presented in the context of plant community
classifications (Schafale and Weakley, 1990).
Representative animal species which are likely to occur in these habitats are
cited, along with brief descriptions of their respective "roles" within that community.
Animals observed during the site visit are denoted by (") in the text. Sightings of spoor
evidence are equated with sightings of individuals. Scientific nomenclature and
common names (when applicable) are used for plant and animal species described.
Subsequent references to the same organism will include the common name only.
Terrestrial Communities
There are two distinct terrestrial communities identified within the project area,
maintained roadside and gum/cypress swamp. These two communities are separated
by an extremely sharp gradient where the change from disturbed roadside to
gum/cypress swamp is quite abrupt. Community composition is reflective of the
physiography, topography and current and prior land uses of the area. All community
types have had some degree of past, or continued human disturbance. As a result of
disturbances, changes in vegetative dominance often occur within the community
types.
Numerous terrestrial species are highly adaptive and populate a variety of
habitats, therefore many of the species mentioned may occur in any number of the
different community types described. Other animals are tolerant of a narrow range of
environmental conditions and may be limited to a particular habitat type. These
species are the most vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
Maintained Roadside Community
The disturbed community consists of areas along roadways which have been
heavily impacted and maintained by human development activities. Such areas extend
out approximately 5 m (15 ft) on both sides of the existing roadway. Significant soil
disturbance and compaction, along with frequent mowing or herbicide application, keep
this community in an early successional state. Common species in the project area
includes devil's walking stick (Aralia spinosa), crown grass (Paspa/um sp.), Johnson
grass (Sorghum ha/epense), Virginia buttonweed (Diodia virginica), panic grass
(Panicum sp. ), crab grass (Digitaria sp. ), bluet (Houstonia sp. ), grape (Vitis sp. ),
blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis), rabbit tobacco (Gnapthalium obtusifolium), trumpet
vine (Campsis radicans), Richardia (Richardia brasiliensis), Asiatic dayflower
(Commelina communis), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), poison ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans), greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia), and bracken fern (Pteridium
aquilinum).
Wildlife found in this community type is limited and consists primarily of wide-
ranging, adaptable species. Other animals may use this area as a corridor for travel
between less disturbed habitats, or as a foraging area. Reptiles commonly found in
disturbed habitats include the eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and black
racer (Coluber constrictor). Birds potentially found in disturbed habitats include
American robin (Turdus migratorius), Carolina chickadee (Parus carolinensis),
mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), rufous-sided towhee (Pipilo erythrophtha/mus),
European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), scarlet tanager (Piranga olivacea), yellow billed
cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), red-bellied woodpecker (Me/anerpes carolinus),
bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), common crow (Corvus brachyrynchos), prairie warbler
(Dendroica discolor), belted kingfisher (Megacery/e alcyon)*, and American kestrel
(Falco sparverius). Mammalian species likely to frequent disturbed habitats include
eastern cottontail (Sylvagus floridanus), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus),
and hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus).
Bottomland Hardwood Community
The bottomland hardwood forest community contains plants such as bald
cypress (Taxodium distichum), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), black gum (Nyssa
sylvatica), river birch (Betula nigra), red maple (Acerrubrum), American elm (Ulmus
americana), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana),
water ash (Fraxinus caroliniana), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), American holly (Ilex
opaca), possum haw (Ilex decidua), privet (Ligustrum sinense), rose mallow (Hibiscus
moscheutos), lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), greenbrier, partridgeberry (Mitchella
repens), Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), and sensitive fern (Onoc/ea
sensibilis). Aquatic and amphibious species take advantage of the semi-permanent
and shallow permanent waters associated with gum/cypress blackwater swamps. Many
crayfish species (Decapoda) are able to occupy ditches and depressions that are
seasonally de-watered by burrowing into moist soil near the temporary water source.
These areas also support amphibian reproduction and are likely used by southern
cricket frogs (Acris gryllus), and green tree frogs (Hyla cinerea). Some fish find suitable
habitat in these areas, and may even find refugia in the form of pools in which to wait
out low or no flow events. Piscine species such as the eastern mosquitofish
(Gambusia holbrooki), and the eastern mudminnow (Umbra pygmaea) are able to
survive the low oxygen conditions which accompany the warm, stagnant water which
occur in these areas. Avian species can take advantage of cypress/gum swamps as
both nesting and foraging habitat. Piscivores such as the belted kingfisher are likely to
use habitats with access to deeper water. Other birds found in this community include
prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea)*, northern parula (Parula americana), golden-
crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa), and ruby-crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula). The
cypress/gum swamp also provides habitat for many mammals such as marsh rabbit
(Sylvagus palustris), southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris), marsh rice rat (Oryzomys
palustris), and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus).
Aquatic Communities
The Black River is a coastal plain blackwater stream community which is
characterized by a sandy, silty substrate and warm, clear, tannin stained water. Flow
varies seasonally and with precipitation intensity. These streams are very low gradient
and are generally slow flowing. Scattered woody debris occurs within the channel and
along the shoreline. Dominant fauna found in these rivers or along the shoreline
includes a variety of aquatic and semiaquatic species. No fish were observed during
the site visit, but the river could provide habitat for resident species such as shiners
(Notropis spp.), darters (Etheostoma spp.), redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus), bluegill
(Lepomis macrochirus), pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus), green sunfish (Lepomis
cyanellus), yellow bullhead (Ameiurus nata/is), carp (Cyprinus carpio), and largemouth
bass (Micropterus salmoides). Other piscine inhabitants include species less sensitive
to low oxygen conditions such as longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), bowfin (Amia
calva), redfin pickerel (Esox americanus), and chain pickerel (Esox niger). Amphibians
and reptiles expected to occur in this community include dwarf mudpuppy (Necturus
punctatus), lesser siren (Siren intermedia), greater siren (Siren lacertina), two-toed
amphiuma (Amphiuma means), green frog (Rana clamitans), pickerel frog (Rana
palustris), two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), snapping turtle (Chelydra
serpentaria), queen snake (Regina septemvittata), and northern water snake (Nerodia
sipedon). Mammals known to use aquatic habitats include muskrat, beaver (Castor
canadensis), and river otter (Lutra canadensis).
Terrestrial Community Impacts
Construction of the subject project will have various impacts on the biotic
resources described. Any construction related activities in or near these resources
have the potential to impact biological functions. This section quantifies and qualifies
impacts to the natural resources in terms of area impacted and ecosystems affected.
Temporary and permanent impacts are considered here as well.
The plant communities found along the project alignment serve as shelter,
nesting and foraging habitat for numerous species of wildlife. Loss of habitat initially
displaces faunal organisms from the area, forcing them to concentrate into a smaller
area, which causes over-utilization and degradation of the habitat. This ultimately
lowers the carrying capacity of the remaining habitat and is manifested in some species
as becoming more susceptible to disease, predation and starvation.
Calculated impacts to terrestrial resources reflect the relative abundance of each
community present in the study area. Project construction will result in clearing and
degradation of portions of these communities. Estimated impacts are derived using the
entire proposed ROW width of 24 m (80 ft), and a total project length of 168 m (550 ft).
Often, project construction does not require the entire right of way; therefore, actual
impacts may be considerably less. Approximately 0.17 ha (0.42 ac) of disturbed
roadside and 0.27 ha (0.75 ac) of bottomland hardwood forest will be impacted by the
subject project. The disturbed roadside community will be replaced by an equivalent
community through re-vegetation at project completion.
Aquatic Community Impacts
The aquatic environment serves as a major food source for many terrestrial
organisms such as raccoons, various species of snakes, birds, turtles and amphibians.
It also serves as a means of predator avoidance for many animals.
Benthic non-mobile organisms, such as filter and deposit feeders, and macro
and micro alga, are particularly sensitive to construction activities such as dredging,
filling, pile driving operations and slope stabilization. These construction activities
physically disturb the substrate, resulting in loss of sessile benthic organisms. Many of
these aquatic organisms are slow to recover, or repopulate an area, because they
require a stabilized substrate for attachment. Substrate stability may take a long time
to develop, therefore, changes in community composition will occur.
Populations of photosynthetic species, the primary producers in the food chain,
can be greatly effected by siltation. The increased amount of suspended particles in the
water column reduces the photosynthetic ability, by absorbing available light. Clogging
of feeding apparati of suspension feeders and burial of newly settled larvae of these
organisms, are other effects of siltation. These species are often primary consumers in
the food chain, and are a major step in the aquatic food web. Impacts to these
organisms may directly effect organisms higher in the food chain, such as fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
Mobile aquatic organisms may escape some of the effects of siltation, however
gills of fish, crustaceans and larval amphibian and insect forms can become clogged
and dysfunctional as a result of sedimentation. Spawning habitats for these mobile
species may become filled with sediment, diminishing reproductive success and
inevitably reducing populations.
Habitat disturbance and sedimentation are extremely detrimental to aquatic
ecosystems. Best Management Practices (BMP's) for protection of surface waters,
and High Quality Water (HQW) standards must be strictly adhered to, to ensure the
biological integrity of the water bodies impacted by this project.
WETLANDS AND PERMITS
Surface waters and wetlands fall under the broad category of "Waters of the
United States," as defined in Section 33 of the Code of Federal Register (CFR) Part
328.3. Wetlands, defined in 33 CFR 328.3, are those areas that are inundated or
saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted to life in saturated conditions. Any action that proposes to place fill into these
areas falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344).
Waters of the United States will be impacted by the subject project. Field
surveys revealed that wetlands are present in the project area. Hydric soils and
hydrophytic vegetation are present in the project area, and there was evidence of
surface and subsurface saturated conditions. Indicators include obvious drainage
patterns and water stained leaves. Hydric soils are indicated by a soil color of 10yr 4/1
from the surface down to 10 in. The Cowardin classifications for this wetland are
PF01/2F and PF01/4A. The "P" indicates that this is a palustrine system. The FO
class indicates that it is forested. The sub classes indicate that dominant vegetation is
either broad-leaved deciduous and needle-leaved deciduous (1/2) or broad-leaved
deciduous and needle-leaved evergreen (1/4). The water regime is either temporarily
flooded (A), or semi-permanently flooded (F). Approximately 0.2 ha (0.4 ac) of
bottomland hardwood wetland will be impacted by project construction. In addition,
approximately 24 m (80 ft) of the Black River may be impacted by project construction,
based on the project length and ROW.
A North Carolina DWQ Section 401 Water Quality General Certification is also
required. A DWQ Section 401 Water Quality General Certification is a prerequisite to
issuance of a Section 404 Permit. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that the
state issue or deny water certification for any federally permitted or licensed activity
that may result in a discharge into waters of the United States.
A Nationwide Permit 33 CFR 330.5(a) (23) is likely to be applicable for all
impacts to Waters of the United States resulting from the proposed project. This permit
authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed in
whole, or part, by another Federal agency or department where that agency or
department has determined the pursuant to the council on environmental quality
regulation for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental
Policy Act:
(1) that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded from environmental
documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither
individually nor cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment,
and;
(2) that the office of the Chief of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency'
or department's application for the categorical exclusion and concurs with that
determination.
Rare and Protected Species
Threatened or endangered species are species whose populations are in
decline and which face probable extinction in the near future without strict conservation
management. Federal law under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as
amended, protects plant and animal species which have been classified as
Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), or Proposed Threatened
(PT). Provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the ESA require that any action which is
likely to adversely affect such federally classified species be subject to review by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Other potentially endangered species may
receive additional protection under separate state laws. In North Carolina, protection
of endangered species falls under the N.C. State Endangered Species Act and the N.C.
Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979, administered and enforced by the N.C.
Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and the N.C. Department of Agriculture,
respectively.
Federally-Protected Species
As of 23 August, the FWS lists the following federally-protected species for
Sampson County (Table 1). A brief description of the characteristics and habitat
requirements of each species follows Table 1, along with a conclusion regarding
potential project impacts.
Table 1. Federally-Protected Species for Sampson County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Picoides borealis red-cockaded woodpecker E
Lindera melissifolia pondberry E
Alligator mississippiensis American alligator T(S/A)
"E" Endangered species: a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a
-significant portion of its range.
"T" Threatened species: a species that is likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Picoides borealis (red-cockaded woodpecker) ENDANGERED
Family: Picidae
Date Listed: 13 October 1970
The adult red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) has a plumage that is entirely black
and white except for small red streaks on the sides of the nape in the male. The back
of the RCW is black and white with horizontal stripes. The breast and underside of this
woodpecker are white with streaked flanks. The RCW has a large white cheek patch
surrounded by the black cap, nape, and throat.
The RCW uses open old growth stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf
pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and nesting habitat. A forested stand must contain
at least 50% pine, lack a thick understory, and be contiguous with other stands to be
appropriate habitat for the RCW. These birds nest exclusively in trees that are ?60
years old and are contiguous with pine stands at least 30 years of age. The foraging
range of the RCW is up to 200 hectares (500 acres). This acreage must be contiguous
with suitable nesting sites.
These woodpeckers nest exclusively in living pine trees and usually in trees that
are infected with the fungus that causes red-heart disease. Cavities are located in
colonies from 3.6-30.3 m (12-100 ft) above the ground and average 9.1- 15.7 m (30-50
ft) high. They can be identified by a large incrustation of running sap that surrounds
the tree. The RCW lays its eggs in April, May, and June; the eggs hatch approximately
38 days later.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION
NO EFFECT
No nesting or foraging habitat, in the form of pine stands 30 years of age or older with
sparse undergrowth, was present within the project. The only forested habitat
potentially disturbed by this project is a gum/cypress blackwater swamp, and is not
suitable habitat for red-cockaded woodpeckers. In addition, the NCNHP database of
rare species and unique habitats was reviewed and revealed no records of red-
cockaded woodpeckers occurring within 0.8 km (0.5 mi). Therefore the subject project
will not affect this species.
Lindera melissifolia (pondberry) ENDANGERED
Family: Lauraceae
Date Listed: 31 July 1986
Flowers Present: March - early April
The pondberry is currently known from 19 populations in the southeastern
United States. North Carolina is home to only one known population; this population
occurs on private land in Bladen County.
Pondberry is a deciduous, aromatic shrub that has a distinct sassafras-like odor.
It grows approximately 2 meters tall and spreads through stolons. Leaves in the
pondberry are six to sixteen centimeters long and two to six centimeters wide, arranged
alternately, have rounded bases, and droop downward. It has small pale yellow flowers
that appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruit which matures in August or
September is a bright red drupe.
This plant grows in lowland habitats with hydric soils. These sites are generally
flooded at some time during the growing season. It is associated with the margins of
sinks, ponds, and other like depressions. The soils present are sandy with a high peat
content in the subsurface. Areas inhabited by this species show signs of past fire
maintenance and now have shrubby conditions. The plants generally grow in shady
areas but may also be found in areas that receive full sunlight.
BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION
NO EFFECT
A plant-by-plant survey was conducted of suitable habitat within the project area
on 21 June 1996 by NCDOT biologists Dale Suiter and Logan Williams. No pondberry
plants were observed during this survey. In addition, a search through the NCNHP
database of rare species and unique habitats revealed no records of pondberry within
the project area. The subject project will not affect this species.
Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) THREATENED (S/A)
The alligator is not biologically endangered or threatened and is not subject to
section 7 consultation. The similar species, the American crocodile, is not found in
North Carolina
4.2.2 FEDERAL CANDIDATE AND STATE LISTED SPECIES
Thirteen Federal Species of Concern (FSC) species are listed by the FWS for
Sampson County as of 23 August 1996 (Table 2). 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. FSC species are defined as taxa for which there is some
evidence of vulnerability, but for which there are not sufficient data to warrant a formal
federal listing of Endangered, Threatened, Proposed Endangered or Proposed
Threatened. However, the status of these species is subject to change, and so is
included for consideration.
In addition, organisms which are listed as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or
Special Concern (SC) by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program list of Rare Plant
and Animal Species are afforded limited state protection under the NC State
Endangered Species Act and the NC Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979.
Species listed under state laws may or may not be federally-protected. Species with
state designations of Candidate (C), Significantly Rare (SR), and Watch List (W) are
not protected under state laws; however, evidence suggests that populations of these
species are also in decline.
Table 2 lists federal candidate species, the state status of these species (if
afforded state protection), and the potential for suitable habitat in the project area for
each species. This species list is provided for information purposes as the protection
status of these species may be upgraded in the future.
Surveys for these species were not conducted during the site visit, nor were any
of these species observed. A review of the NCNHP data base of rare species and
unique habitats revealed no records of North Carolina rare and/or protected species in
or near the project study area.
Table 2. Federal Species of Concern, Sampson County
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME NC HABITAT
STATUS
Aimophila aestivalis Bachman's sparrow SC n
Corynorhinus rafinesquii Rafinesque's big-eared bat SC n
Heterodon simus southern hognose snake SR n
Ophisaurus mimicus mimic glass lizard SC n
Rana capito capito Carolina gopher frog SC y
Dolania americans American sand burrowing mayfly SR y _
Dionaea muscipula Venus flytrap C-SC n
Juglans cinerea butternut - n
Kalmia cuneata white wicky E-SC n
Litsea aestivalis pondspice C n
Macbridea caroliniana Carolina bogmint C y
Solidago verna spring-flowering goldenrod E/PT n
Cylindrocolea andersonii a liverwort C y
cc: V. Charles Bruton, Ph.D. Environmental Unit Head
Hal Bain, Environmental Supervisor
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