20201125 Ver 1_Cashiers WWTP TE Report_20200831

Proposed C ashIlei°s Wastewater T2-e2tment
?Dart
Appi°®m'm ateDy 15=Acre Tract
Jackson County, NC
Threatened and Endangered Specks Survey
and Hahttat Assessment
Prepared For
Tuckasegee Water and Sewer Authority
1246 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
Prepared By
CearWater Environmental Consultants, Inc.
224 South Grove Street, Suite F
Hendersonville, NC 28792
July 15, 2013

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The following report includes methods used and results for a threatened and endangered
(T&E) species survey and habitat assessment for the proposed Cashiers Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Jackson County, North Carolina. The threatened and endangered species
survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of or the potential for existence of
federally listed threatened and endangered animal and plant species on the proposed site.
Completion of this survey was directed by and complies with three current state and federal
regulations: the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 USC 1531-1543), the North
Carolina Endangered Species Act (N.C.G.S. Sect. 113 article 25), and the North Carolina
Plant Protection and Conservation Act of 1979 (N.C.G.S. Sect. 19b 106: 202.12-22).
The referenced site is located south of U.S. Highway 64 and east of N.C. Highway 107,
northeast of Cashiers in Jackson County, North Carolina (Figure 1). Coordinates for the
site are latitude: 35.129684 N; longitude:-83.067487 W, with an elevation ranging from
3,180 feet to 3,290 feet MSL.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
A T&E species survey was conducted on July 10, 2013 on the 15-acre site by Clearwater
Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) to determine potential for occurrences of animal and
plant species listed as endangered or threatened by current federal regulations.
A database search from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) dated June 18
2013, provided existing data concerning the presence or potential occurrence of threatened
or endangered species in Jackson County, North Carolina (Appendix A). The USFWS lists
the following eight federally threatened and endangered species as occurring or potentially
occurring in Jackson County, N.C. The species listed below were included in the surveys
and assessment.
Table L Federally listed species for Jackson County, North Carolina
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
Carolina northern flying squirrel
Glaucom s sabrinus coloratus
Endangered
Bog turtle
Clem n s muhlenber ii
Threatened
Indiana bat
LVIyAtis sodalis
Endangered
Appalachian elktoe
Alasmidonata raveneliana
Endangered
Spruce -fir moss spider
Michrohexura montiva a
Endan ered
Swamp pink
Helonias bullata
Threatened
Small -whorled pogonia
Isotria medeoloides
Threatened
Rock gnome lichen
G mnoderma lineare
Endan ered
CEC also conducted a file review of records maintained by the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program (NHP). The review involved a search of the NHP Element Occurrence
data on which NHP identifies current and historic occurrences of listed species for a
specific locale. The NHP database identifies 29 element occurrences (EO) within a 2-

mile radius of the project site; however, no EOs identified hold a federal status of
threatened or endangered. The EO list is included for review (Appendix A).
The ME species survey consisted of a pedestrian survey by CEC staff. During field
surveys, site habitats were identified and compared with recognized habitats for each of the
eight species potentially occurring in Jackson County. Potential flora were identified to the
taxonomic unit level necessary to determine if the observed specimen was a protected
species.
3.0 I- ABITAT CILASSIFICATION
During our site visit on July 10, 2013, four habitat types were identified on the property:
cleared floodplainlriparian forest, scrub -shrub wetland, disturbed hardwood forest, and
white pine forest. The following is a description of each of the four habitat types identified
on the referenced site.
3.1 Cleared FIoodplainl Riparian Forest
This habitat is adjacent to the Horsepasture River which flows through the
northern portion of the site. The overstory has been cleared and is now dominated
by a shrub and herbaceous layer. Trees observed in this community are limited to
red maple (Acer rubrum), white pine (Pinus strobus), black cherry (Prunus
serotina), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), northern red oak (Quercus rubra),
and tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Shrubs observed in this habitat include
tag alder (Alnus sermlata), spice bush (Lindera benzoin), and rhododendron
(Rhododendron sp.). The dense herbaceous layer is dominated by yellowroot
(Xanthorhiza simplicissima), joe pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), blackberry
(Rubus spp.), New York fern (Thelypterus Noveboracensis), spotted jewelweed
(Impatiens capensis), and agrimony (Agromonia spp.).
3.2 Scrub -Shrub Wetlands
These wetland areas are seepage and stream -flow driven systems adjacent to the
Horsepasture River. The dominant mid -story scrub -shrub stratum consists of
elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), tag alder, red maple, swamp rose (Rosa
palustris), and button bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). The herbaceous layer
includes jewelweed, common rush (Juncus effusus), seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia),
and golden club (Orontium aquaticum).
3.3 Disturbed Hardwood Forest
This disturbed habitat is on a north -facing slope containing a few canopy trees such
as black cherry, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), white pine, and northern red
oak. The herbaceous layer is dominated by blackberry, bittersweet (Celastrus
orbiculatus), and morning glory (Ipomea spp.).

3.4 White Pine Forest
This north -face sloping habitat contains a dominant evergreen canopy where white
pine was planted on previously disturbed land. The tree canopy consists of eastern
white pine (Pines strobus). The herb layer consists of poison ivy (Toxicodendron
radicans), jewelweed, and ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) but these
species are limited due to the dense overstory and lack of penetrable light.
4.0 LISTED SPECIES & ACKNOWLEDGED HABITATS
The following is a brief description of each listed species included in the survey, its
recognized habitat, and comments regarding survey results for that species:
4.1 Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
There are two species of flying squirrels in the Southern Appalachians — the
northern (Glaucomys sabrinus) and southern (Glaucomys volans). Northern
flying squirrels are about one-third larger than the very common southern species.
Also, northern flying squirrels are brown on their backs, and their fur fades to a
buff white on the belly. Southern flying squirrels are grayer on their backs with
bright white bellies, and a clearly defined (usually black) line separates the fie
colors. The endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel is a subspecies of the
northern flying squirrel.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and have large eyes to help them see at night. They
cannot actually fly, but glide by extending a fold of skin that stretches from their
wrists to their ankles. The flattened tail acts as a rudder. Carolina northern flying
squirrels are relicts of the last ice age. As the glaciers retreated northward and
temperatures rose, remnant populations remained in the suitable habitat left
behind on the high mountain tops along the ridges of the Southern Appalachian
Mountains.
Northern flying squirrels principally feed on certain fungi and lichens, though
they do occasionally eat some fruits and nuts. They're active year-round, but
more so in the warmer summer months. They nest in tree cavities in nests made
almost exclusively of yellow birch bark, where two to six young are born in early
spring. Groups of squirrels often occupy the same tree cavity, particularly in the
colder winter months.
Northern flying squirrels are typically found in areas where northern hardwoods,
such as yellow birch, are adjacent to the higher -elevation red spruce -Fraser fir forest.
These habitats are often moist and cool. Southern flying squirrels are most often
found in the warmer and drier mixed oak -pine forests of lower elevations.
Wooded habitats on site are disturbed and do not support northern hardwood
species suitable for the northern flying squirrel. This project is not likely to have
any effect on the Carolina northern flying squirrel.

4.2 Indiana Sat
Federally listed as an endangered species, the Indiana bat is a medium-sized
Myotis species, closely resembling the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) but
differing in coloration. Its fur is a dull grayish chestnut rather than bronze, with
the basal portion of the hairs of the back dull lead colored. This bat's underparts
are pinkish to cinnamon, and its feet smaller and more delicate than in M.
lucifugus. The calcar is strongly keeled.
This species uses limestone caves for winter hibernation. The preferred caves
have a temperature averaging 37 degrees to 43 degrees Fahrenheit in midwinter
and a relative humidity averaging 87 percent. Summer records are rather scarce.
A few individuals have been found under bridges and in old buildings, and several
maternity colonies have been found under loose bark and in the hollows of trees.
Summer foraging by females and juveniles is limited to riparian and floodplain
areas. Creeks are apparently not used if riparian trees have been removed. Males
forage over floodplain ridges and hillside forests and usually roost in caves.
Foraging areas average 11.2 acres per animal in midsummer. This bat has a
definite breeding period that usually occurs during the first 10 days of October.
Mating takes place at night on the ceilings of large rooms near cave entrances.
Limited mating may also occur in the spring before the hibernating colonies
disperse.
No naturally occurring suitable wintering habitat (large ceilinged caves) or
summer riparian habitat (mature trees) for the Indiana bat was observed on this
site. This project is not likely to have any effect on the Indiana bat.
4.3 Appalachian Elktoe
Federally listed as endangered, this mussel has a thin but not fragile, kidney -shape
shell, reaching up to about 3.2 inches in length, 1.4 inches in height, and 1.0 inch
wide (Clarke 1981). Juveniles generally have a yellowish -brown periostracum
(outer shell surface) while the periostracum of the adults is usually dark brown to
greenish -black in color. Although rays are prominent on some shells, particularly
in the posterior portion of the shell, many individuals have only obscure greenish
rays. The shell nacre (inside shell surface) is shiny, often white to bluish -white,
changing to a salmon, pinkish, or brownish color in the central and beak cavity
portions of the shell; some specimens may be marked with irregular brownish
blotches (adapted from Clarke 1981). Only two populations of the species are
known to survive. The healthiest of these populations exists in the main stem of
the Little Tennessee River between Emory Lake at Franklin, Macon County,
North Carolina, and Fontana Reservoir in Swain County, North Carolina. The
second population occurs in the Nolichucky River system. The Appalachian
elktoe has been reported from relatively shallow, medium-sized creeks and rivers
with cool, well -oxygenated, moderate- to fast -flowing water. It has been
observed in gravelly substrates often mixed with cobble and boulders, in cracks in

bedrock, and occasionally in relatively silt -free, coarse, sandy substrates
(Department of the Interior 1994).
Suitable habitat for Appalachian elktoe could exist within the survey area;
however, because of its known range, adjacent land use, and siltation, it is
unlikely that the Horsepasture River supports such a species. This project does
not have a direct impact on the Horsepasture River; therefore, the project is not
likely to have any effect on the Appalachian elktoe.
4.4 Spruce -fir Moss Spider
The spruce -fir moss spider is one of the smallest members of the primitive
suborder of spiders popularly referred to as "tarantulas." Adults of this species
measure only 0.10 to 0.15 inch (2.5 — 3.8 millimeters) (about the size of a BB).
Coloration of the spruce -fir moss spider ranges from light brown to yellow -brown
to a darker reddish brown, and there are no markings on its abdomen.
The spruce -fir moss spider only lives on the highest mountain peaks in the
Southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern
Tennessee. The high elevation forests where this spider is found are dominated
by Fraser fir with scattered red spruce. This forest type is commonly referred to
as spruce -fir forests. The typical habitat of this spider is damp, but well -drained
moss mats growing on rocks and boulders in well -shaded areas within these
forests. The moss mats cannot be too dry (the species is very sensitive to
desiccation) or too wet (large drops of water can also pose a threat to the spider).
The spruce -fir moss spider is limited to a handful of mountains in western North
Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
Spruce -fir forests were not identified on site. This project is not likely to have
any effect on the spruce -fir moss spider.
4.5 Swamp Piny
Federally listed as threatened, this species is found in wetlands that are saturated
but not flooded. This habitat includes southern Appalachian bogs and swamps.
Swamp pink would also be found in Atlantic white cedar swamps and swampy
forests bordering small streams, boggy meadows, and spring seepage areas. This
species is commonly associated with some evergreens, including white cedar,
pitch pine, American larch, and black spruce. The basal rosette of light green,
lance -shaped, and parallel -veined leaves with a hollow -stemmed flower stalk that
can grow 8-35 inches during flowering and up to 5 feet during seed maturation
distinguishes the swamp pink species. Flowering occurs March through May, and
flowers are clustered (30-50) at the tip of the stem in a bottlebrush shape.

in July. No swamp pink was observed during the pedestrian survey. This project
is not likely to have any effect on the swamp pink.
4.6 Small -whorled Pogonia
This plant, federally listed as an endangered species, occurs on upland sites in
mixed -deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forest that are generally in
second or third growth successional stages. Characteristics common to most sites
include sparse to moderate ground cover in the species' microhabitat, a relatively
open understory canopy, and proximity to features that create long persisting
breaks in the forest canopy. Soils at most sites are highly acidic and nutrient
poor, witb moderately high soil moisture values. Light availability could be a
limiting factor for this species. The stem is smooth, hollow pale green and 3.7-9.8
inches tall with a single whorl of 5 to 6 light green elliptical leaves 3 inches long
and 1.6 inches wide. A flower is borne at the top of the stem. It is distinguished
from the similar I verticillata by the latter's purplish stem and long, dark sepals.
Suitable habitat for this species was not observed on the site. The upland areas
are dominated by white pine with little to no understory due to the lack of
penetrable light. This project is not likely to have any effect on the small -whorled
pogonia.
4.7 Rock Gnome Lichen
Federally listed as an endangered species, rock gnome lichen occurs on rocks in
areas of high humidity either at high elevations (usually vertical cliff faces) or on
boulders and large rock outcrops in deep river gorges at lower elevations.
Distinguishing characteristics include dense colonies of narrow (.04 inch) straps
that are blue -grey on the upper surface and generally shiny -white on the lower
surface. Near the base they grade to black (the similar species of Squarnulose
cladonias are never blackened toward the base). Fruiting bodies are borne at the
tips of the straps and are black (similar Cladonia species have brown or red
fruiting bodies). Flowering occurs July through September.
Suitable habitat for this species was not observed in the project area. Rock
outcrops do not exist on the project site. This project is not likely to have any
effect on the rock gnome lichen.
4.8 Bog Turtle
The southern population of the bog turtle, ranging from southern Virginia to
northern Georgia, is protected with a threatened designation because its physical
appearance is similar to the northern population. The southern bog turtle
population is separated from the northern population by approximately 250 miles.
However, individual bog turtles in the southern population closely resemble
individuals in the northern bog turtle population, causing difficulty in enforcing

prohibitions protecting the northern population. Therefore, the FWS has
designated the southern population as "threatened due to similarity of
appearance". This designation prohibits collecting individual turtles from this
population and bans interstate and international commercial trade. It has no effect
on land management activities of private landowners in southern states where the
bog turtle lives.
Bog turtles are easily distinguished from other turtles by the large, conspicuous
bright orange, yellow, or red blotch found on each side of the head. Adult bog
turtle shells are 3 to 4.5 inches in length and range in color from light brown to
ebony. Habitat includes sunlit marshy meadows, spring seepages, wet cow
pastures, and bogs. The preferred habitat is narrow, shallow, and slow -moving
rivulets.
Species classified as "threatened due to similarity of appearance" are not subject to
Section 7 consultation.
5.0 CONCLUSION
During completion of threatened and endangered species assessments for the Cashiers
WWTP, potential habitats for listed species were observed for the swamp pink. The
pedestrian survey for the swamp pink did not identify any individuals, despite the presence
of potential habitat. As such, the proposed wastewater treatment plant is not likely to cause
an adverse impact to any federally listed threatened or endangered species.
Although no federally listed threatened and endangered species were identified during
these surveys, because of the transitory nature of some of the listed threatened and
endangered species and the particular flower/fruiting periods of some plants, it is possible
that endangered species populations and locations may change over time. Therefore, any
potential findings at a later date should be fully investigated and coordinated with
appropriate agencies to prevent potential adverse impacts.

Cashiers WWTP (+/- 15 AC)