20201285 Ver 1_Pre-Filing Meeting Request_20200924

ID#* 20201285 Version* 1
Regional Office* Raleigh Regional Office - [phone]
Reviewer List* Stephanie Goss
Pre -Filing Meeting Request submitted 9/24/2020
.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Contact Name * Bob Lepsic
Contact Email Address* [e-mail]
Project Name* Arbor Creek Greenway Project
Project Owner* Town of Holly Springs
Project County* Wake
Owner Address: Street Address
Town of Holly Springs
Address Line 2
PO Box 8
aty State / Province / Fegion
Holly Springs NC
Postal / Zip Code Country
27540 United States
Is this a transportation project? * r Yes r No
Type(s) of approval sought from the DWR:
W 401 Water Quality Certification - F 401 Water Quality Certification -
Regular Express
r- Individual Permit F Modification
r- Shoreline Stabilization
Does this project have an existing project ID#?*
r Yes r No
Please list all existing project ID's associated with this projects.*
NBRRO#20-098; SAW-2020-00572
Do you know the name of the staff member you would like to request a meeting with?
No
Please give a brief project description below.*

The Town of Holly Springs wants to construct a greenway within the
easement south of Sunset Lake Road and north of Holly Springs Road.
The approximately 136-acre project study area consists of forested areas
along a large stream feature, Middle Creek, adjacent to a sewer -line
easement.
Please give a couple of dates you are available for a meeting.
Please attach the documentation you would like to have the meeting about.
20200423142712049.pdf 1.28MB
Arbor Creek NRTR.pdf 4.6MB
pdF only
By digitally signing below, I certify that I have read and understood that per the Federal Clean Water Act Section
401 Certification Rule the following statements:
• This form completes the requirement of the Pre -Filing Meeting Request in the Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification
Rule.
• I understand by signing this form that I cannot submit my application until 30 calendar days after this pre -filing
meeting request.
• I also understand that DWR is not required to respond or grant the meeting request.
Your project's thirty -day clock started upon receipt of this application. You will receive notification regarding meeting location
and time if a meeting is necessary. You will receive notification when the thirty -day clock has expired, and you can submit an
application.
Signature
z5p,&��4"dam
Submittal Date 9/24/2020
Reviewer Meeting Request Decision
Has a meeting been scheduled?* r Yes r No

ROY COOPER
Governor
MICAEL S. REGAIN
se'retary
S. DANIEL SMITH
Director
John Schifano, Town Attorney
Town of Holly Springs
PO Box 8
Holly Springs, NC 27540-0008
NORTH CAROLINA
Environmental Quality
April 16, 2020
Subject: Surface Water Determination Letter
NBRRO#20-098
Wake County
Determination Type:
Buffer Call
Isolated or EIP Call
® Neuse (15A NCAC 2B .0233)
❑ Tar -Pamlico (15A NCAC 2B .0259)
❑ Ephemeralllnterrnittent/Perenniai Determination
El Jordan (15A NCAC 2B .0267)
El Isolated Wetland Determination
Project Name: Arbor Creek Green
Location/Direct The projected area is at 4300 Sunset Lake Road in Holly Springs, Wake
ions: County (136-acre area between Sunset Lake Road and Holly Springs Road)
Subject Stream: UTs to Middle Creek
Determination Date: 4/16/2020
Staff: Cheng Zhang
Stream
E/I/P*
Not Subject
to Buffers
Subject to
Buffers
Start a
Stop@
Soil
Survey
USGS
To o
SA**
P
X
X
X
SB
I
X
X
Sc
I
X
X
SB2
I
X
Confluence of SB
and SC
DWR flag (SB2-
04)
X
SB2
I
DWR flag SB2-05
X
SD
P
X
X
SF
P
X
X
X
Pond A
X
X
X
SY
E
X
X
SG
P
X
X
X
SP
P
X
X
X
SI
I
X
X
S<I
P
X
X
X
SK
P
X
X
5Z
E
X
X
North Carolina Department ofEnv tronn€etital Qualitti I Divisio€i or water Resources
italeigh IIec3lonal Of `ise 13800 i3at rett Drive I Raleigh: North C<3r�lina �7�U9
i1FF i9 tifnr!:anti,vY.Y9:d.lo 919,79J,4200

*E111P = Ephemeral/,intermittent/Perennial
* *Middle Creek
***Features within the vicinity of the project area that are not evaluated in this letter are on the opposite
side of Middle Creek -with the proposed greenway and will not be impacted by the project.
Explanation: The feature(s) listed above has or have been located on the Soil Survey of Wake County, North
Carolina or the most recent copy of the USGS Topographic map at a 1:24,000 scale. Each feature that is checked
"Not Subject" has been determined not to be a stream or is not present on the property. Features that are checked
"Subject" have been located on the property and possess characteristics that qualify it to be a stream. There may be
other streams located on your property that do not show up on the maps referenced above but, still may be
considered jurisdictional according to the US Army Corps of Engineers and/or to the Division of Water Resources
(DWR).
This on -site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected
parties that dispute a determination made by the DWR or Delegated Local Authority may request a
determination by the Director, An appeal request must be made within sixty (60) days of date of this letter or
from the date the affected party (including downstream and/or adjacent owners) is notified of this letter. A
request for a determination by the Director shall be referred to the Director in writing If sending via US
Postal Service c/o Paul Wojoslti DWR — 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC
27699-1617. If sending via delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc.) Paul Wojos1tiD1VR — 401 & Buffer Permitting
Unit, 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604
This determination is final and binding unless, as detailed above, you ask for a hearing or appeal within sixty
(60) days.
The owner/future owners should notify the Division of Water Resources (including any other Local, State,
and Federal Agencies) of this decision concerning any future correspondences regarding the subject property
(stated above). This project may require a Section 404/401 Permit for the proposed activity. Any inquiries
should be directed to the Division of Water Resources (Central Office) at (919)-807-6300, and the US Army
Corp of Engineers (Raleigh Regulatory Field Office) at (919)-554-4884.
If you have questions regarding this determination, please feel free to contact Cheng Zhang at [phone].
Sincerely,
Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources
cc: RRO DWR File Copy
Bob Lepsic, SEPI (electronic copy only)

•
r
It
1
u
.. rC `,.-.

DRAFT
Natural Resources Memo
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
Wake County, North Carolina
Prepared for:
Town of Holly Springs
Prepared by:
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27603
June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION----------------------------------------------------------------------------2
2.0 WATER RESOURCES----------------------------------------------------------------------2
3.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES---------------------------------------------------------------4
3.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.---------------------------------------------------4
3.2 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern -------------- 5
3.3 Construction Moratoria------------------------------------------------------------------5
3.4 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ----------------------------------------------------------- 5
3.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters ----------------------------- 5
3,6 Wetland and Stream Mitigation--------------------------------------------------------5
3.6.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts ------------------------------------------- 5
3.6.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts ----------------------------------------------- 6
3.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species-------------------------------------------6
3.8 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act -------------------------------------- 10
3.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species ---------------------------------------- 11
3.10 Essential Fish Habitat------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
4.0 CULTURAL AND HISTORIC RESOURCES --------------------------------------- 11
5.0 REFERENCES
Appendix A
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 3. USGS Quad Map
Figure 4. Natural Communities Map
Appendix B
NCDWR Surface Water Determination Letter (NBRRO #20-098)
NCSHPO Review Letter (ER 20-0773)
Appendix C
Aquatic Survey Report
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Streams in the project study area ....................................................
Table 2. Surface waters in the study area .....................................................
Table 3. Jurisdictional characteristics of streams in the project study area..
Table 4. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the project study area
Table 5. Federally protected species listed for Wake County ......................
12
3
4
4
5
6
SEPI 1 June2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Town of Holly Springs plans to construct a greenway trail between Sunset Lake Road
and Holly Springs Road in Wake County, North Carolina (Figure 1). The following Natural
Resources Memorandum has been prepared to comply with federal and state environmental
regulations. The project study area is primarily composed of the wooded floodplain of
Middle Creek with a few maintained utility line crossings.
METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS
A wetland and stream delineation was completed by SEPI biologists Anna Reusche, PWS,
Robert Lepsic, PWS, and Rachel Quindlen on March 3-5, 9-12 and 16, 2020 for the
approximate 136-acre project study area. Potentially jurisdictional wetlands were identified
by using applicable methods as defined in the 1987 USACE manual and the USACE
Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern
Mountains and Piedmont Supplement (Version 2.0, November 2010). Stream
determinations were completed in accordance with the USACE Regulatory Guidance
Letter No. 05-05, Ordinary High Water Mark Identification for Streams and NCDWR's
Stream Identification Manual (Version 4.11, 2010). Jurisdictional streams and wetland
areas encountered during the site assessment were marked sequentially with flagging and
a GPS point with sub -meter accuracy was taken at each flag. A surface water determination
meeting with NCDWR was conducted on April 16, 2020 at the site. The Surface Water
Determination Letter (NBRRO #20-098) is attached. A field determination meeting with
the USACE was held on June 4, 2020. Streams and wetlands presented in this report reflect
the results of this meeting.
2.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the study area are part of the Neuse River basin [U. S. Geological Survey
(USGS) Hydrologic Unit Code 03020201]. Seventeen streams were identified in the
project study area (Figure 2). Middle Creek flows through or immediately adjacent to the
study area. All other tributaries are located within Middle Creek's floodplain and now into
Middle Creek. The streams and their physical characteristics are provided in Table 1.
Middle Creek is designated as a Class C and NSW water by the North Carolina Department
of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). There are no designated anadromous fish waters or
Primary Nursery Areas (PNA) present in the project study area. The NCDEQ 2018 Final
303(d) list of impaired waters lists Middle Creek 27-43-15-(1)bl and 27-43-15-(1)b2
which is within the study area for benthos and fecal coliform.
SEPI 2 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Table 1. Streams in the project study area
Stream
NCDEQ
Best Usage
Bank
Bankfull
Water
Name
Map ID
Index
Classification
Height
Width
Depth
Number
ft
ft
in
Middle Creek
Middle
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
6
10-15
2-36
Creek SA
UT to Middle
SB
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
3-4
4-6
8-16
Creek
UT to Middle
SB1
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-2
3-4
5-15
Creek
UT to Middle
SB2
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-3
3-5
5-20
Creek
UT to Middle
SC
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-1.5
4-6
3-8
Creek
UT to Middle
SD
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
2-5
3-8
3-20
Creek
UT to Middle
SE
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-1.5
1-3
1-8
Creek
UT to Middle
SF
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
2-4
6-10
5-25
Creek
UT to Middle
SG
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1
3-6
1-2
Creek
UT to Middle
SH
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
0.5-1.5
1-4
1-25
Creek
UT to Middle
SI
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
3-4
3-10
5-15
Creek
UT to Middle
SJ
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
4-6
5-10
1-24
Creek
UT to Middle
SK
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
2-4
3-6
2-30
Creek
UT to Middle
SL
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
2-3
3-4
2-12
Creek
UT to Middle
SM
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-2
2-3
1-15
Creek
UT to Middle
SN
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
0.5-1
2-5
1-6
Creek
UT to Middle
SO
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
1-2
4-5
2-10
Creek
UT to Middle
SP
27-43-15-(1)
C; NSW
0.5
2-5
1-12
Creek
One pond (PA) was identified within the project study area. The pond is an impoundment
of SF (Table 2).
SEPI 3 June2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Table 2. Surface waters in the study area
Map ID of
Area (ac) in
Surface Water
Jurisdictional
Connection
Study Area
PA
Yes
Stream SF
2.91
3.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
3.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Seventeen potentially jurisdictional streams were identified in the project study area (Table
3 and Figure 2). All streams in the project study area have been designated as warm water
streams for the purposes of stream mitigation. The study area is located in the Neuse River
basin, and therefore is subject to the Neuse River buffer rules administered by NCDWR.
Table 2. Jurisdictional characteristics of streams in the project study area
Map ID
Length (ft.)
Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation
Required
River Basin
Buffer*
SA
10,557
Perennial
Yes
Subject
SB
520
Intermittent
Yes
Subj ect
SB 1
299
Intermittent
Yes
Not Subject
SB2
843
Intermittent
Yes
Subj ect
SC
272
Intermittent
Yes
Sub' ect
SD
47
Perennial
Yes
Subj ect
SE
123
Intermittent
Yes
Not Subject
SF
867
Perennial
Yes
Subj ect
SG
587
Perennial
Yes
Subj ect
SH
226
Intermittent
Yes
Not Subject
SI
716
Intermittent
Yes
Sub' ect
Si
578
Perennial
Yes
Subj ect
SK
1,085
Perennial
Yes
Subj ect
SM
215
Perennial
Yes
Not Subject
SN
267
Intermittent
Yes
Not Subject
SO
313
Intermittent
Yes
Not Subject
SP
814
Perennial
Yes
Sub i ect
Total
18,329
*Based on NCDWR Surface Water Determination Letter, NBRRO#20-098
Eleven potentially jurisdictional wetland were identified within the project study area
(Figure 2). North Carolina Wetland Assessment Methodology (NCWAM) classification
and hydrologic classification data is presented in Table 4.
SEPI 4 June2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Table 3. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the nroiect studv area
Map ID
NCWAM Classification
Hydrologic
Classification
Area (ac.)
WA
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
2.75
WB
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
0.91
WC
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
0.37
WD
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
6.76
WE
Non -Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Riparian
0.11
WF
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
0.12
WG
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
0.02
WH
Headwater Forest
Riparian
2.11
WI
Headwater Forest
Riparian
0.12
WJ
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
1 47.19
WK
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Riparian
1 7.84
3.2 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern
Wake County is not subject to Coastal Area Management regulations.
3.3 Construction Moratoria
There will be no construction moratoria associated with the project. Wake County is not
one of the 25 designated trout counties of North Carolina. There are no designated inland
Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas (AFSA) within 25 miles of the study area. Middle
Creek at the confluence with the Neuse River is designated AFSA by the NC Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC).
3.4 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
Streamside riparian zones within the project study area are protected under provisions of
the Neuse River Buffer Rules administered by NCDWR. Table 3 indicates the streams
subject to buffer rule protection.
3.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
No features within the project study area have been designated by the USACE as a
Navigable Water under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
3.6 Wetland and Stream Mitigation
3.6.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
The Town of Holly Springs will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and
wetlands to the greatest extent practicable in choosing a preferred alternative and during
project design. At this time, no final decisions have been made regarding the location or
design of the preferred alternative.
SEPI 5 June2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
3.6.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
The Town of Holly Springs will investigate potential on -site stream and wetland mitigation
opportunities once a final decision has been rendered on the location of the preferred
alternative. If on -site mitigation is not feasible, mitigation could be purchased from an
approved mitigation bank to offset stream impacts. If no credits are available through an
existing mitigation bank, mitigation could be purchased through North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS).
3,7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of June 27, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists nine
federally protected species for Wake County (Table 5). A brief description of each species'
habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on
survey results in the study area. Habitat requirements for each species are based on the
current best available information from referenced literature and/or USFWS.
Table 4. Federally protected species listed for Wake Countv.
Scientific
Name
Common Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Notropis mekistocholas
Cape Fear shiner
E
N
No Effect
Picoides borealis
Red -cockaded woodpecker
E
Y
MA-NLAA
Noturus furiosus
Carolina madtom
PE
Y
MA-NLAA
Necturus lewisi
Neuse River waterdog
PT
Y
MA-NLAA
Fusconaia masoni
Atlantic pigtoe
PT
Y
MA-NLAA
Alasmidonta heterodon
Dwarf wedgemussel
E
Y
MA-NLAA
Parvaspina steinstansana
Tar River spinymussel
E
Y
MA-NLAA
Elliptio lanceolata
Yellow lance
T
Y
MA-NLAA
Rhus michauxii
Michaux's sumac
E
Y
No Effect
E Endangered
T Threatened
PE Proposed Endangered
PT Proposed Threatened
MA-NLAA May Affect -Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Cape Fear shiner
USFWS optimal survey window: April -June (tributaries); Year-round (large rivers)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The Cape Fear shiner lives in streams and rivers within the Cape Fear basin.
Streams consisting of gravel, cobble, and boulder substrates, as well as slow riffles
and pools, provide optimal habitat. The project study area is in the Neuse River
SEPI 6 June2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
basin; therefore, this project will have no effect on this species. Additionally, a
review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database on February 27, 2020
documented no occurrences of this species within one mile of the study area.
Red -cockaded woodpecker
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round; November -early March (optimal)
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
The red -cockaded woodpecker prefers mature, open pine stands at least 60 years
old for nesting, and open stands of pines at least 30 years old for foraging,
preferably with a slightly open understory. Mixed hardwood/pine forests with
loblolly pines at least 60 years old considered suitable nesting habitat were
observed within the project study area. Suitable foraging habitat of mixed
hardwood/pine forests at least 30 years of age were also observed within the study
area. Surveys conducted on March 5, 2020 identified no cavity trees or individual
red -cockaded woodpeckers. No cavity trees or individuals were identified during
other field surveys conducted within the study area. Additionally, NHP records
generated on February 27, 2020 documented no occurrences of the red -cockaded
woodpecker within one mile of the study area.
Carolina madtom
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
The Carolina madtom prefers shallow sand-, gravel-, and detritus -bottomed riffles
and runs with little or no current over fine to coarse sand bottom in small to medium
rivers. Middle Creek and its tributary provide suitable habitat for Carolina madtom.
An aquatic survey of the location of the proposed crossing was conducted on April
8 and 10, 2020. No individuals were identified. See attached Aquatic Survey
Report. Additionally, NHP records generated on February 27, 2020 document no
known occurrences of Carolina madtom within one mile of the study area.
Neuse River waterdog
USFWS optimal survey window: late fall to early spring
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
The Neuse River waterdog inhabits well oxygenated medium to large rivers and
streams with high water quality. They prefer eddies and backwaters with large
amounts of leaves and woody debris. Middle Creek provides suitable habitat for
Neuse River waterdog. Aquatic surveys for Neuse River waterdog were performed
within the project area March 3-7, 2020. No individuals were identified. See
attached Aquatic Survey Report. Additionally, NHP records generated on February
27, 2020 document no known occurrences of Neuse River waterdog within one
mile of the study area.
SEPI 7 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Critical Habitat Neuse River waterdog
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
USFWS has proposed critical habitat for the Neuse River waterdog within Wake
County. The nearest proposed critical habitat is on Middle Creek approximately 9
miles downstream of the study area.
Atlantic pigtoe
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
The Atlantic pigtoe requires fast flowing, well oxygenated high quality
riverine/large creek and is restricted to fairly pristine habitats. It is typically found
in headwaters or rural watersheds. The preferred habitat of the Atlantic pigtoe is
coarse sand and gravel at the downstream edge of riffles. Middle Creek provides
suitable habitat for Atlantic pigtoe. An aquatic survey of the location of the
proposed crossing was survey on April 8 and 10 2020. No individuals were
identified. See attached Aquatic Survey Report. Additionally, NHP records
generated on February 27, 2020 document no known occurrences of Atlantic pigtoe
within one mile of the study area.
Critical Habitat Atlantic pigtoe
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
USFWS has proposed critical habitat for the Atlantic pigtoe within Wake County.
The nearest proposed critical habitat is on Middle Creek approximately 9 miles
downstream of the study area.
Dwarf wedgemussel
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
In North Carolina, the dwarf wedgemussel is known from the Neuse and Tar River
drainages. The mussel inhabits creek and river areas with a slow to moderate
current and sand, gravel, or firm silt bottoms. Water in these areas must be well
oxygenated. Stream banks in these areas are generally stable with extensive root
systems holding soils in place. Middle Creek provides suitable habitat for dwarf
wedgemussel. An aquatic survey of the location of the proposed crossing was
survey on April 8 and 10 2020. No individuals were identified. See attached
Aquatic Survey Report. Additionally, NHP records generated on February 27, 2020
document no known occurrences of dwarf wedgemussel within one mile of the
study area.
SEPI 8 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Tar River spinymussel
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
The Tar spinymussel is endemic to the Tar and portions of Neuse River drainage
basins in North Carolina. This mussel requires a stream with fast flowing, well -
oxygenated, circumneutral pH water. The bottom should be composed of
unconsolidated gravel and coarse sand. The water needs to be relatively silt -free,
and stream banks should be stable, typically with many roots from adjacent riparian
trees and shrubs. An aquatic survey of the location of the proposed crossing was
survey on April 8 and 10 2020. No individuals were identified. See attached
Aquatic Survey Report. Given that no individuals were identified during the aquatic
survey and NHP records generated on February 27, 2020 documented no
occurrences of the Tar River spinymussel within one mile, this project will have no
effect on this species.
Yellow lance
USFWS optimal survey window: Year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Optimal habitat for the yellow lance consists of well oxygenated and flowing
streams with coarse gravel or sand. Excellent water quality is a requirement for the
yellow lance. Middle Creek provides suitable habitat for yellow lance. An aquatic
survey of the location of the proposed crossing was survey on April 8 and 10 2020.
No individuals were identified. See attached Aquatic Survey Report. Additionally,
NHP records generated on February 27, 2020 document no known occurrences of
yellow lance within one mile of the study area.
Michaux's sumac
USFWS optimal survey window: May —October
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Michaux's sumac most commonly grows on highway rights -of way, roadsides, or
on the edges of artificially maintained clearings. The majority of the study area is
located within the forested floodplain of Middle Creek. The only potential habitat
for Michaux's sumac is located at the southern end of the study area where it
follows a maintained powerline and Sunset Fairways Drive. Surveys for Michaux's
sumac were conducted on June 3, 2020 and no individuals were identified. NHP
records generated on February 27, 2020 document occurrences of Michaux's sumac
within one mile of the project study area.
SEPI 9 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
3.8 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest 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. Bodies of water typically need to be at least 2 acres or larger
to be able to support a bald eagle population.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on February 27, 2020, using 2010 color aerials.
Sunset Lake and Bass Lake are located approximately 1 mile south of the study area. Sunset
Lake is an impoundment of Middle Creek. Both are large enough to provide foraging
habitat for bald eagle. The mature trees within the study area in the floodplain of Middle
Creek provide nesting sites.
The bald eagle survey area designated by USFWS is a 660-foot buffer around the project
study area. Land use within and in the 660 feet surrounding the project study area is highly
urbanized. Surveys for bald eagle were performed on within the study area March 12, 2020
and 660 feet of the study area. No bald eagles or nests were identified. No bald eagles or
nests were identified during additional field assessments conducted within the study area.
Additionally, a review of the NCNHP database on February 27, 2020, revealed no known
occurrences of this species within one mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of
known occurrences, and no observation of individuals or nests, it has been determined that
this project will not affect this species.
3.9 Eastern Tiger Salamander
The eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) is a state threatened animal species
that has been documented within the study area. Tiger salamanders use ephemeral ponds
for breeding and moist upland area for their burrows. In the late -winter or early -spring,
they migrate from their burrows to the breeding sites. Tiger salamanders feed mostly at
night, catching prey in and around their burrows rather than foraging for food.
In an effort to reduce the potential impacts to the tiger salamander population, Section
10.05 of the Town's Engineering Design and Construction Standards will be implemented
during the construction of the project. These standards specifically address work that
occurs in the area upstream of Holly Springs Road. Other measures will include:
Land disturbance in habitat area will be minimized and carefully designed to avoid
impact to suitable breeding pools.
• Logs from construction in preserve shall be left on the ground to enhance habitat.
3.10 Virginia Least Trillium
Virginia least trillium (Trillium pusillum var. virginianum) is a state endangered plant
species identified within the study area by SEPI biologists. This is a new population for
Wake County, with only one other known population within the county.
SEPI 10 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
Virginia least trillium prefers mesic to swampy hardwood forests in low alluvial
woodlands. Flowering occurs in March -April. Seeds are disbursed mainly by ants and
yellow jackets and wasps. Seeds require two winters and one summer to break dormancy,
generally 1.5 — 2 years.
In an effort to reduce the potential impacts to Virginia least trillium populations, the land
disturbance and greenway path construction will be designed to avoid the identified
population.
3,11 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of June 27, 2018, the USFWS has no listed Candidate Species for Wake County.
3.12 Essential Fish Habitat
There is no Essential Fish Habitat located within the project study area. Essential Fish
Habitat will not be impacted or effected.
4.0 Cultural and Historic Resources
The North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) conducted a review of the
project and determined no historic resources would be affected by the project (ER 20-
0773). See attached letter.
SEPI 11 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.0
5.0 REFERENCES
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA): Essential Fish Mapper [web
application]. https://www.fisheries.noaa.�zov/resource/map/essential-fish-habitat-
mapper. (Accessed on February 27, 2020).
NatureServe. 2020. NatureServe Explorer 2.0: [web application]. NatureServe, Arlington,
Virginia. Available https:Hexplorer.natureserve.org/. (Accessed: February 27,
2020).
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water
Quality. Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2018 Final 303(d)
list.
https:Hfiles. nc. gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/3 03 d/2018/2018-
NC-303-d--List-Final.pdf (Accessed on February 27, 2020).
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality -Division of Water Resources. NC
Surface Water Classifications [web application].
https:Hncdenr.maps. arc�zi s. com/apps/webappviewer/index. html?id=6e 125 ad7628f
494694e259c80dd64265. (Accessed on February 27, 2020).
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources -State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO): HPOWEB 2.0 [web application].
https:Hnc.maps.arcgis.com/home/group.html?id=d56ec9c8aa77423b93 l f4d3 59f 1
03 ae6&view=li st& categori es=% 5B%22%2F Cate wri es%2FHPOWEB%22%5D#
content. (Accessed on March 23, 2020).
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (MRCS). 1970. Soil Survey of Wake County, North Carolina.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2012. Regional Supplement to the
Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and
Piedmont Region Version 2.0, ed. Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Regional
Working Group: U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (MRCS). 2018. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States,
Version 8.2 L.M. Vasilas, G.W. Hurt, and J.F. Berkowitz (eds.). USDA, NRCS,
in cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)
https:Hecos.fws. og v/ecpO/profile/speciesProfile?sId=5164 (Accessed: March 24,
2020).
SEPI 12 June 2020

Natural Resources Memorandum Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) https://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-
species/bald-and-golden-eagle-information.php. (Accessed: February 27, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Cape Fear shiner
(Notropis mekistocholas)
https://www.fws.Gov/ralei�zh/species/es_cape_fear_shiner.html. (February 27,
2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Carolina madtom (Noturus furiosus)
https:Hecos.fws. og v/ecpO/profile/speciesProfile?sId=528(Accessed: March 24,
2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta
heterodon) https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es dwarf wedgemussel.html.
(Accessed: February 27, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii)
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_michauxs_sumac.html (Accessed:
February 27, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Neuse river waterdog (Necturus
lewisi) https:Hecos.fws. og v/ecpO/profile/speciesProfile?sId=6772 (Accessed:
March 24, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Red -cockaded woodpecker
(Picoides borealis) https://www.fws.�zov/raleigh/species/es red -
cockaded woodpecker. html. (Accessed: February 27, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Tar River spinymussel
(Parvaspina steinstansana) https://www.fws.�zov/southeast/wildlife/mussels/tar-
river-spinymussel/. (Accessed: February 27, 2020).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Threatened and Endangered Species in
North Carolina: Wake County. Updated June 27, 2018.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cpiylist/wake.html
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Yellow lance (Elliptio lanceolata)
https:Hecos.fws. og v/ecpO/profile/speciesProfile?sId=4511. (Accessed: February
27, 2020).
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Eastern Tiger Salamander.
North Carolina Wildlife Profiles.
https://www.ncwildlife.or�zPortals/0/Learning/documentslProfileslAmphibianslE
astern Tiger Salamander FINAL 2018 l.pdf
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2019. Apex, North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series).
SEPI 13 June 2020

Appendix A
Figures

�6 R R'nny Rd
Project Vicinity
b
f(
y�
a �
rf drrn lid m
Hilly Sli ingi-
Crn rvi! (],
LProject Study Area
�
n!
� ar
t a.
vd Genlry L-
-
K°.cwa
f3
�
�
e
�
�r
a!L ❑
Or
i
c yyann�s
ct[arna pr �'' �
11a�,
sari
r t•
i V
O
0
[salon $! y
Rd
j 5Dnrts.anShrp way Anctl r Creea way
Arcllcfltdor
I r l ^
E �
r
S[eedrnvnl Qt �
�
Trayes,�p
HOLLY
" SPRINGS
h'nrrh Co rolln�
Figure 1
Project Vicinity
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
Town of Holly Springs
Wake County, Raleigh NC
June 2020
Goolsby Ct
c w"" -
aQ Cr�iq pr
g -f
❑_ u n
G me a
v i x EAwaLd c geLad
obQ i 'NaYysr - 4lyde OF
�Y C ioGkley R-
r v a
r s
e
�"r � v ❑ C
enk P1 � F O m
IF
g Op bCr eek to
Warn+ a
�. R dale Cr ❑ ❑ Croavn.�, Ln ri r•-
n
s
1
3urar
Q,
n
q�
C r° m P°
o
Creek'
rprin Qat �� g rCWdY
'yarn
- apt
Dr
- u` CIi 0, a4a
c
}
h'+y
N
y
x
Lc•r 6
S
H n c
0 11500
❑
-
xV
_
n+t 6 r
g
°oil Ar
�nrtoe
WAY,
Mally
S Rltr&
G FalryleW 51 0
4 D
W .4
�v C
eff� a
Rv ra
L
!l l�aC
Naw
(aJr
P
r�
Ra
e
�G
a

t .. rZ.—
.. '-SB2
e'
R
�,yt ►•,+:� WE
�nru SE
SIN WF
SF. �:• PA
SD WI SF
w
Project Study Area
• C!
;,i ► Potentially Jurisdictional Wetlands
--- Potentially Jurisdictional Streams - Intermittent
Potentially Jurisdictional Streams - Perennial
Ponds
d!
Creek (SA) � - ++►•,��
�Agh
Tr
�+ A � A
r� q - i
•. 044 1►
A
oft
- �; �. ems;►
WJ
SPA SJ ie ..
#-16 .3
$H SI
This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and shown
herein does not meet NC 47-30 Requirements and
Figure 2. Jurisdictional Features Map
therefore is not for design, construction, or recording or
transfer of title. The Exhibit was compiled from available
information obtained from the sources listed below.
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
OLLY
FIRING
Sources: N
NCDOTNC oneMap, ESRI
Town of Holly Springs
I
�sI'Riwcs
„�
Wake County, North Carolina
June 2020
June
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
Feet

r
N
a, -.i.
1
Agri rZOMMMOMMIL
A �rfr. ���I��
IM"ma-l-
rva
I
s
■

w
i6Li
%X
�.1 °t�F�
This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and shown
herein does not meet NC 47-30 Requirements and
therefore is not for design, construction, or recording or
transfer of title. The Exhibit was compiled from available
information obtained from the sources listed below.
Sources:
NCDOT, NC OneMap, ESRI N
June 2020
r
Project Study Area ;
Natural Community Type
Mesic Mixed Hardwood- Piedmont Subtype
Piedmont/Mountain Bottomland Forest
Maintained/Disturbed
Pond/Open Water
Ah pe
A
A
4
.� A "moo
a°Ak
Figure 4. Natural Communities Map
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
Town of Holly Springs
Wake County, North Carolina
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
Feet
SE
IHOLLY
PRING
14,
SBIlVGS

Appendix B
NCDWR Surface Water Determination Letter
(NBRRO #20-098)
NCSHPO Review Letter (ER 20-0773)

ROY COOPER
cn��rM
MICHAEL S. REGAN
seawary
S. DANIEL SMITH
❑itectw
John Schifano, Town Attorney
Town of Holly Springs
PO Box 8
Holly Springs, NC 27540-0008
NORTH CAROLINA
Envirann1e'n rat Qualify
April 16, 2020
Subject: Surface Water Determination Letter
NBRROY20-098
Wake County
Determination Type:
Buffer Call Isolated or EIP Call
® Neuse (15A NCAC 2B .0233)
❑ Tar -Pamlico (15A NCAC 2B .0259) ❑ Ephemeral/Intermittent/Perennial Determination
E] Jordan (15A NCAC 26 .0267) ElIsolated Wetland Determination
Project Name: Arbor Creek Greenwa
Location/Direct The projected area is at 4300 Sunset Lake Road in Holly Springs, Wake
ions: County (136-acre area between Sunset lake Road and Holly Springs Road)
Subject Stream: Ul's to Middle Creek
Determination Date: 4/16/2020
Staff: Cheng Zhang
Stream
E/l/P*
Not Subject
to Buffers
Subject to
Buffers
Start(r7
Stop rr
Soil
Survey
USGS
To o
SA**
P
X
X
X
SB
I
X
X
Sc
I
X
X
SB2
I
X
Confluence of SB
and SC
DWR flag {SB2-
04
X
SB2
I
DWR flag SB2-05)
X
SD
P
X
X
SF
P
X
X
X
Pond A
X
X
X
SY
E
X
X
Sc
P
X
X
X
SP
P
X
X
X
S1
1
X
X
Si
P
X
X
X
SK •
P
X
X
Sz
E
x
X
North Camiina Departrne:it of Envirunmen€al CZrtafity I Divhion of Wascr Resources
PwIckjh Rc4iranal Office 13600I3arrci: [h'1VC I R4e4911, North Carolina 27609
.31Q.741:1200

*E111P = Ephenrerralllnter njittentlPer•ennial
** Middle Creek
* �* Features within the vicinity of the project area that are not evaluated in this letter tyre on the opposite
side of Middle Creek with the proposed greenway and will not be impacted by the project.
Explanation: The feature(s) listed above has or have been located on the Soil Survey of Wake County, North
Carolina or the most recent copy of the USGS Topographic map at a 1:24,000 scale. Each feature that is checked
"Not Subject" has been determined not to be a stream or is not present on the property. Features that are checked
"Subject" have been located on the property and possess characteristics that qualify it to be a stream. There may be
other streams located on your property that do not show up on the maps referenced above but, still may be
considered jurisdictional according to the US Army Corps of Engineers and/or to the Division of Water Resources
(DWR).
This on -site determination shall expire five (5) years from the date of this letter. Landowners or affected
parties that dispute a determination made by the DWR or Delegated Local Authority may request a
determination by the Director. An appeal request must be made within sixty (60) days of date or this letter or
from the date the affected party (including downstream and/or adjacent owners) is notified of this letter. A
request for a determination by the Director shall be referred to the Director in writing Ifsending via US
Postal Service c/o Paul Wojoski DWR --- 401 & Buffer Permitting Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC
27699-1617. If sending via delivery service (UPS, FedEx, etc.) Paul Wojoski DWR — 401 & Buffer Permitting
Unit, 512 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604
This determination is final and binding unless, as detailed above, you ask for a hearing or appeal within sixty
(60) days.
Tire owner/future owners should notify the Division of Water Resources (including any other Local, State,
and Federal Agencies) of this decision concerning any future correspondences regarding the subject property
(stated above). This project may require a Section 404/401 Permit for the proposed activity. Any inquiries
should be directed to the Division of Water Resources (Central Office) at (919)-807-6300, and the US Army
Corp of Engineers (Raleigh Regulatory Field Office) at (919)-554-4884.
If you have questions regarding this determination, please feel free to contact Cheng Zhang at [phone].
Sincerely,
f Scott Vinson, Regional Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations Section
Raleigh Regional Office
Division of Water Resources
cc: RRO DWR File Copy
Bob Lepsic, SEPI (electronic copy only)

North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper
Secretary Susi H. Hamilton
May 13, 2020
Anna Reusche
SEPI, Inc.
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27603
AReus the &s epiinc. com
Re: Construct Arbor Creek Greenway, Holly Springs, ER 20-0773
Dear Ms. Reusche:
Thank you for your March 25, 2020 email concerning the above project.
Office of Archives and History
Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
We have conducted a review of the project and are aware of no historic resources which would be affected by
the project. Therefore, we have no comment on the project as proposed.
The above comments are made pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's Regulations for Compliance with Section 106 codified at 36 CFR
Part 800.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If you have questions concerning the above comment,
contact Renee Gledhill -Earley, environmental review coordinator, at 919-814-6579 or
environmental.review&ncdcr.gov. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the above
referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,
amona Bartos, Deputy
State Historic Preservation Officer
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1617 Telephone/Fax: [phone]-6599

Rau
Project Study Area r - t;n
CgC2
Hrc 34 �l
rti �
C962 'A
l+rG CgB2 IW2
_ - H rB �~ [!sB? ��� Aged -
Hr GZ
t '
' Geier z- A902
f Age _ r ., A V
Gin '� V.
Cg6:. 01 '
Ga825
CAS
H rB CgG
1 T GeC WV, j � j CgC
NU GeC � 1 CrB?
Wry
Hr Cgc CgC �.
Au GOC r
CeD f:- �C B 1 _ CBC C 8 e
;CgC2 CgB2
Hr82. Ge8 G
k
' Wh } °A C032
Go s Cg e
►C F - f Cg9 {
ApH
rt �3 Vvo f
� c3. CeD � r
�� cgr2
-CeD
ae i', fie❑
A Au
f •T I F' ��
OeF fiE
G e `• Wo `� f
D f nc \ Wn
GeQ. 99 GeC CeF rl y� - Q'�
GOIBD2 / .� 1 C CgC
2 Geti.-.
� � I• � � � 8 kEWIF
,
r f5
This Exhibh Is far plennbrg purposes only end shovm Figure 4. N RC 5 Soils Ma E]
herein does not meet NC i7.30 Re qulrem cols and
Ih.me ore Is not for deafen, wnshuetion, yr retar ar
transfer of tllfe. The Exhibit Wes oampi]ed ham available !'
infarttmetiorl oblafnEd Tram the saumes Paled h efcW. Arbor Creek Greenway Project _
Sources:
Town of Holly Springs
NCdOT, NO PnaMap. ESRI N Wake County, North Carolina
March 2O20 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 ri
Feet

r .4w7
�•rrf:All
if
III or r
r !
ak
WM4
•►ter

Appendix C
Aquatic Survey Report

Aquatic Survey Report
Arbor Creek Greenway
Middle Creek
Wake County, North Carolina
Upstream facing view of Middle Creek
Prepared For:
cR
¢ HGLLY
SPRINGS
Hersh Co -oilne
Town of Holly Springs
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Matt Beard, Park Planner
128 S. Main Street
Holly Springs, NC 27540
June 2020

Prepared by:
SEPI
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27603
Contact Person:
Chris Sheats
[e-mail]
919-417-2732

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 Waters Impacted...........................................................................................................
2
2.1 303(d) Classification........................................................................................................2
2.2 NPDES Discharges...........................................................................................................2
3.0 Target Protected Species Description............................................................................
2
3.1 Necturus lewisi (Neuse River Waterdog)........................................................................2
3.1.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................2
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................2
3.2 Noturus furiosus (Carolina Madtom)..............................................................................3
3.2.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................3
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................3
3.3 Alasmidonta heterodon (Dwarf Wedgemussel)..............................................................3
3.3.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................3
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................4
3.4 Fusconaia masoni (Atlantic Pigtoe).................................................................................4
3.4.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................4
3.4.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................4
3.5 Lasmigona subviridis (Green Floater).............................................................................4
3.5.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................4
3.5.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................5
3.6 Parvaspina steinstansana (Tar River Spinymussel).........................................................5
3.6.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................5
3.6.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................5
3.7 Elliptio lanceolate (Yellow Lance)...................................................................................6
3.7.1 Species Characteristics............................................................................................6
3.7.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements...................................................................6
4.0 Survey Efforts................................................................................................................
6
4.1 Methodology..................................................................................................................7
4.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog Surveys...............................................................................7
4.1.2 Freshwater Mussel and Carolina Madtom Surveys.................................................7
5.0 Results.......................................................................................................................... 7
5.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog.............................................................................................7
5.1.2 Freshwater Mussels and Carolina Madtom.............................................................9
6.0 Discussion/Conclusions...............................................................................................10
7.0 Literature Cited...........................................................................................................
13
Appendix A.
Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Locations
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figures 3-5: Proposed Critical Habitat
Figure 6: NPDES Discharges

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Town of Holly Springs (Town) proposes to extend its greenway network by constructing a 2-
mile hard surface trail along the Arbor Creek, Bridgewater, Woodcreek, and Sunset Ridge North
subdivisions. Bridges and boardwalks will be constructed to cross portions of Middle Creek, as
necessary. Seven aquatic species known in the Neuse River Basin are federally listed or are
proposed for protection by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Wake County. Two
federally endangered freshwater mussels (dwarf wedgemussel, Tar River spinymussel), one
federally threatened freshwater mussel (yellow lance), and four "At Risk Species" (ARS) are
known from the Neuse River basin in Wake County which includes two freshwater mussels
(Atlantic pigtoe, green floater), one fish (Carolina madtom), and one aquatic amphibian (Neuse
River waterdog). Atlantic pigtoe is proposed for listing as "Threatened", and the green floater is
petitioned for listing as threatened or endangered. Carolina madtom (CMT) is proposed
"Endangered", Neuse River waterdog (NRWD) is proposed "Threatened". ARS's are species that
are Petitioned, Candidates or Proposed for Listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Consultation under Section 7(a) (2) of the ESA is not required for Candidate or Proposed
species, although a Conference, as described under Section 7(a) (4) of the ESA is recommended
for actions affecting species proposed for listing.
According to the NC Natural Heritage Program database (NCNHP, Access date: March 23, 2020),
There is one element occurrence (EO) record for Atlantic pigtoe 2.3 miles downstream of the
survey area in Middle Creek (EO #34956). There is one EO in the Neuse River for CMT
approximately 15 miles upstream of the survey area (EO #10676). There is an EO for dwarf
wedgemussel (EO#13799) and yellow lance (EO#21894) 11.9 miles downstream from the
survey area in Swift Creek. There is an EO for green floater 16.5 miles upstream of the study
area in the Neuse River (EO #28706). The closest EO for NRWD is 1.3 miles from the study area
in Middle Creek (EO #8258). There is an EO for the Tar River spinymussel 38.5 miles away in the
Tar River (EO #21412).
According to the US Fish and Wildlife Services Threatened and Endangered Species Active
Critical Habitat Report (USFWS, Update date: March 27, 2020), proposed critical habitat for
NRWD, Atlantic pigtoe, and yellow lance occurs downstream of the project study area (Figure 3-
5). Proposed critical habitat for NRWD and Atlantic pigtoe occurs in Middle Creek
approximately 9 miles downstream of the study area. Proposed critical habitat for yellow lance
occurs 12 miles from the study area in Swift Creek.
SEPI was contracted by the Town to conduct surveys targeting the NRWD, Carolina madtom,
dwarf wedgemussel, Atlantic pigtoe, green floater, Tar River spinymussel, and yellow lance as
part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project -related
impacts to federally protected species.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 1

2.0 WATERS IMPACTED
Middle Creek is part of the Upper Neuse River sub -basin of the Neuse River basin (U.S.
Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrological Unit Code 03020201).
2.1 303(d) Classification
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) 2018 Final 303(d) list was reviewed to
better understand water quality upstream of the survey area. A 6 mile portion of Middle Creek
from 0.8 miles south of US 1 to the backwaters of Sunset Lake [(27-43-15-(1)b1),( 27-43-15-
(1)b2)] is listed for benthos, which starts approximately 6 miles upstream of the survey area
and flows through it (NCDEQ, 2020a).
2.2 NPDES Discharges
Several discharges are located throughout the Upper Neuse River basin. The closest active
permitted NPDES discharge to Middle Creek is approximately 1.75 miles upstream of the study
area (NCDEQ, 2020b); Wall Recycling LLC (NPDES Permit # NCG130099) is located along Middle
Creek (Figure 3).
3.0 TARGET PROTECTED SPECIES DESCRIPTION
3.1 Necturus lewisi (Neuse River Waterdog)
3.1.1 Species Characteristics
The NRWD is a fully aquatic salamander that ranges in size from six to nine inches in length,
with a maximum record length of 11 inches. It has a stocky, cylindrical body, small limbs,
smooth skin, and a flattened, elongate head with a square ended nose. The tail is keeled on
both the top and bottom. It has four toes on each foot and is a rusty brown color on the dorsal
side and dull brown or slate colored on the ventral side. Both sides are strongly spotted, but
the ventral side tends to have fewer and smaller dark bluish to black spots. They have a dark
line running through the eye. Adults are neotenous and retain three bushy, dark red external
gills. Male and females are similar in appearance and can be distinguished by differences in the
cloaca (Amphibiaweb 2019; Brimley, 1924; Conant and Collins, 1998).
NWRD become sexually mature at approximately five to six years, breeding typically occurs in
the spring. The male deposits a spermatophore that is picked up by the female and used to
fertilize between 30 and 50 eggs that are attached to the underside of flat rocks or other large
objects. The female guards them until they hatch in June or July (Conant and Collins, 1998).
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The NRWD is found only in the Neuse and Tar River basins of North Carolina, inhabiting rivers
and larger streams, where it prefers leaf beds in quiet waters. This species needs high levels of
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 2

dissolved oxygen and good water quality. The NRWD is generally found in backwaters off the
main current, in areas with sandy or muddy substrate. Adults construct retreats on the
downstream side of rocks or in the stream bank where they remain during the day. This species
is active during the night, leaving these retreats to feed. The NRWD is carnivorous, feeding on
invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. It is most active during winter months even when
temperatures are below freezing. During summer months, it will burrow into deep leaf beds
and is rarely found. Inactivity in the summer may be an adaptation to avoid fish predators,
which are more active at these times. In addition, the NRWD produces a defensive, toxic skin
secretion that is assumed to be distasteful to predators (AmphibiaWeb 2019; Conant and
Collins, 1998).
3.2 Noturus furiosus (Carolina Madtom)
3.2.1 Species Characteristics
The CMT is a freshwater fish reaching up to five inches in length. The body is short and chunky
with a distinct pattern of three dark saddles starting at the dorsal fin and ending at the caudal
fin. These dark saddles connect a wide, black stripe along the side which extends from the
snout to the base of the tail (Menhinick 1991). The adipose fin is connected to the caudal and
has a dark blotch that ends slightly below the fins edge. The belly is not speckled, and crescent
shaped brown bands are present at the edge of the caudal. Its pectoral spines have serrated
projections along both margins (USFWS 2018).
The CMT feeds on larval midges, mayflies, caddisflies, dragon flies and beetles. They are most
active during dawn and dusk. Individuals reach reproductive maturity by 2 years and spawn
from May to July in moderate to slow flowing areas, often using mussel shells, woody debris
and trash as cover. Females produce up to 300 eggs per breeding season and the male guards
the nest until eggs are hatched (Burr et al. 1989).
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The CMT is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River basins in North Carolina, and currently exists in
fragmented populations. Streams harboring the CMT often have sand, gravel and detritus
bottoms with free -flowing conditions (USFWS 2018a). This species tends to avoid areas with
large submerged plants, however specimens have been found in small patches of vegetation.
During warm months, adults occupy areas with a swift current and a maximum depth of about
one meter. Juveniles inhabit shallow riffles and runs with slower currents.
3.3 Alasmidonta heterodon (Dwarf Wedgemussel)
3.3.1 Species Characteristics
The Dwarf wedgemussel is a freshwater mussel reaching up to 56mm in length, but is mostly
found under 45mm (Beans and Niles 2003). Shell shape is classified as trapezoid to ovate.
Individuals possess a small, thin shell that is somewhat inflated and thickens anteriorly. The
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 3

anterior margin is sharply curved, while the ventral margin is broadly curved to straight; the
posterior region is roundly pointed near the base. Lateral teeth are a defining characteristic of
this species, two are present on the right valve and one on the left valve (Bogan 2002, Ortmann
1919).
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Dwarf wedgemussel is endemic to the Atlantic Slope basins from New Brunswick to North
Carolina, with populations being historically located in the Neuse and Pamlico River basins in
North Carolina. This species is thought to be a habitat generalist, as it has been found in small
streams to large rivers with slow to moderate flows and occupies a variety of substrates to
include sand, gravel and firm silt (Fuller 1977).
3.4 Fusconaia masoni (Atlantic Pigtoe)
3.4.1 Species Characteristics
The Atlantic pigtoe is a freshwater mussel reaching up to 60mm in length. This species is
characterized by having a sub -rhomboidal shaped shell with a distinct posterior ridge. The
umbo is elevated well above the dorsal margin and the beak cavity is shallow. The periostracum
is yellow to dark brown and has a parchment- like texture (Bogan 2002, Bogan and Alderman
2008). Pseudocardinal and lateral teeth are well developed except for the anterior
pseudocardinal tooth in the right valve, while the interdental tooth is absent in the left valve
(USFWS 2018b).
The Atlantic pigtoe is a tachytictic breeder, gravid females have been found from late June to
early July (Fuller 1973). Fish hosts for this species include bluegill sunfish, shield darter,
longnose dace, rosefin shiner and creek chub (Watters and O'Dee 1997, Wolf and Emrick 2011).
3.4.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Atlantic pigtoe is endemic to the southern Atlantic Slope, and is found from the Ogeechee
River Basin in Georgia to the James River Basin in Virginia. In North Carolina, this species is
known from the Catawba, Pee Dee, Cape Fear, Neuse, Pamlico and Roanoke River basins
(Johnson 1970, Bogan 2002). This species can be found in medium to large streams with clean,
swift waters and a stable gravel or sand and gravel substrate. Individuals are often found on the
downstream edge of riffle areas
3.5 Lasmigona subviridis (Green Floater)
3.5.1 Species Characteristics
The green floater is a small, thin shelled freshwater mussel that reaches a maximum length of
55mm. Individuals have a subovate shaped shell with depressed beaks that only project slightly
above the hinge line. A double -looped sculpture is present on the beak. The lateral teeth are
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 4

long, straight and thin; two lamellate pseudocardinal teeth are present on the left valve while
one is present on the right, both are directed forward of the beak and parallel with the hinge
line. The dorsal margin forms a blunt angle with the posterior margin (Bogan 2002).
The green floater is a bradytictic breeder, with a reproductive season from August to May.
Interestingly, this species is also hermaphroditic, meaning individuals contain both male and
female gonadal tissues. Host fish for this species are currently unknown.
3.5.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The green floater spans across the Atlantic slope and Interior basins, with a historical range
spanning from the Savannah River in Georgia to the Hudson River in New York, as well as in the
New, Kanawha , and Watauga Rivers. In North Carolina, this animal occurs in the Watauga,
New, Neuse, and Tar River basins. Individuals can be found in small to medium sized streams in
low flow areas, specifically in pool or eddy habitats with gravel and sand substrates.
3.6 Parvaspina steinstansana (Tar River Spinymussel)
3.6.1 Species Characteristics
Young individuals are often a shiny yellowish -brown color with greenish rays streaking outward
from the hinge area, while older individuals tend to have a brown color and rays are absent
from the shell. Short spines reaching a maximum length of 5mm are on the anterior region of
the shell and curve ventrally. Spines can be in one or two rows with up to six spines on each
valve that are symmetrical to the other valve. Shells are thicker toward the anterior end while
the posterior end is thinner, and the nacre usually fades from pink to bluish white (Johnson and
Clarke 1983, USFWS 2014).
This species is a tachytictic breeder with gravid females occurring from April to August (Widlak
1987). Fish host for this species include bluehead chub, pinewoods shiner, satinfin shiner and
white shiner (Eads and Levine 2008). Like other mussel species, these individuals are filter
feeders and forage by siphoning and filtering small food particles that are suspended in the
water.
3.6.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Tar River spinymussel is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River basins in North Carolina, and is
currently only found in Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Pitt, and Warren
Counties. This species lives in fast flowing streams with silt -free unconsolidated beds composed
of coarse sand and gravel.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 5

3.7 Elliptio lanceolata (Yellow Lance)
3.7.1 Species Characteristics
The yellow lance is characterized by having shells twice as long as they are tall, with elongate
shells reaching up to 86mm in length. A bright yellow and waxy periostracum without rays is
present, however older individuals may have a brownish color at the posterior end. The
posterior ridge is round and curves dorsally towards the posterior end. The periostracum has
brown growth rings. Two long lateral teeth are present on the left valve and one is present on
the right, while two pseudocardinal teeth are present on each valve. The nacre is normally an
iridescent blue color shifting to white or salmon on the anterior region (USFWS 2017).
Historically many species were synonymized with yellow lance (E. lanceolata) as a part of the
lanceolate Elliptio complex, but in 2009 the yellow lance was recognized as its own species
(Bogan et al. 2009). The yellow lance is a short-term brooder that spawns in the spring. Lab
studies found that white shiners and pinewood shiners are acceptable host fish for this species,
while other members of the minnow family are also believed to serve in this role. Like other
mussels, the yellow lance is a filter feeder that has a diet consisting of phytoplankton,
zooplankton, bacteria, detritus and dissolved organic matter. (Haag 2012).
3.7.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
Historically, this species was found from the Patuxent River Basin in Maryland to the Neuse
River Basin in North Carolina, ranging from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains through
the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. In the last 10 years, individuals have only been found in the
Patuxent, Rappahannock, York, Chowan, Tar, and Neuse River Basins (USFWS 2017).
Yellow Lance can be found in clean rivers or streams with moderate flows and high dissolved
oxygen concentrations. Individuals are often found buried in coarse to medium sand, however
they have also been found in gravel substrates. Individuals tend to aggregate to sand substrates
downstream of stable sand and gravel bars.
4.0 SURVEY EFFORTS
Field efforts were conducted by SEPI personnel Chris Sheats (Permit # 19-ES00558), Bob Lepsic
and Tori Fowler. NRWD traps were set in Middle Creek on March 2, 2020, and checked on
March 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2020. NRWD traps were set in the UT to Middle Creek on March 3, 2020,
and checked on March 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2020. Freshwater mussel and CMT surveys were
completed on April 8 and 10, 2020.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 6

4.1 Methodology
4.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog Surveys
Ten traps were set on March 2, 2020 to soak in Middle Creek for five consecutive nights. Traps
1-3 were deployed upstream of the powerline easement at Arctic Ridge Way in the Arbor Creek
neighborhood. Traps 4-6 were deployed within the easement and traps 7-10 were deployed
downstream of the easement. Eleven traps (Traps 1-11) were set on March 3, 2020 to soak in
an UT to Middle Creek for four consecutive nights. Traps 1-4 were deployed upstream of the
boardwalk area, traps 5-8 were deployed starting at the boardwalk going downstream to the
confluence with the pond, and traps 9-11 were deployed downstream of the pond area. Trap
sites were selected based on habitat conditions and accessibility. Traps were checked daily
during the soaking period and, were baited and refilled as needed with a combination of
chicken livers and chicken hotdogs. All species observed in traps were recorded.
4.1.2 Freshwater Mussels and Carolina Madtom Surveys
Freshwater mussel and CMT surveys were completed on April 8, in UT to Middle Creek and on
April 10, 2020 in Middle Creek. Visual and tactile surveys were completed at each location using
bathyscopes and hand dip nets. Habitat conditions were recorded at each location.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog
The NRWD was not found during the trapping survey efforts. Species observed in the traps
include bluehead chub, creek chub, bluegill sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, golden
shiner, pirate perch and snail bullhead (Table 1-2). Water temperature ranged from 7-8 degrees
Celsius.
Table 1. Species observed during NRWD trapping surveys in Middle Creek.
Trap
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
#
(3/3/2020)
(3/4/2020)
(3/5/2020)
(3/6/2020)
(3/7/2020)
1
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
2
1 pirate perch
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
1 crayfish sp.
1 pirate perch
(Aphredoderus
cyanellus)
(Aphredoderus
sayanus)
sayanus)
3
3 bluehead chub
1 bluehead chub
3 bluehead
2 crayfish sp.
(Nocomis
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
chub
leptocephalus)
(Nocomis
leptocephalus)
4
1 bluehead chub
8 bluehead chub
1 bluehead
(Nocomis
(Nocomis
chub
leptocephalus)
leptocephalus),
(Nocomis
1 pirate perch
leptocephalus)
(Aphredoderus
sayanus),
1 crayfish sp.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 7

Trap
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
#
(3/3/2020)
(3/4/2020)
(3/5/2020)
(3/6/2020)
(3/7/2020)
5
1 pumpkinseed
sunfish (Lepomis
gibbosus)
6
1 pumpkinseed
sunfish (Lepomis
gibbosus)
7
3 bluehead chub
8 bluehead chub
1 bluegill sunfish
1 bluehead
1 crayfish sp.
(Nocomis
(Nocomis
(Lepomis macrochirus),
chub
leptocephalus)
leptocephalus)
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
leptocephalus)
8
2 bluehead chub
1 golden
1 crayfish sp.
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
shiner
(Notemigonus
crysoleucas)
9
10
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis
leptocephalus)
Table 2. Species observed during NRWD trapping surveys in UT to Middle Creek.
Trap
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
#
(3/4/2020)
(3/5/2020)
(3/6/2020)
(3/7/2020)
1
ti
2
1 creek chub (Semotilus
3 green sunfish
1 pumpkinseed sunfish
atromaculatus),
(Lepomis cyanellus),
(Lepomis gibbosus)
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
1 pumpkinseed
cyanellus),
sunfish
2 crayfish sp.
(Lepomis gibbosus)
3
1 crayfish sp.
1 bluegill sunfish (Lepomis
macrochirus),
1 green sunfish
(Lepomis cyanellus)
4
1 pumpkinseed sunfish
1 green sunfish
1 green sunfish
1 bluehead chub
(Lepomis gibbosus)
(Lepomis cyanellus)
(Lepomis cyanellus),
(Nocomis
1 crayfish sp.
leptocephalus),
2 pumpkinseed sunfish
(Lepomis gibbosus),
1 green sunfish
(Lepomis cyanellus)
5
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
1 green sunfish
2 pumpkinseed sunfish
cyanellus)
(Lepomis cyanellus)
(Lepomis gibbosus)
6
1 bluegill sunfish
1 crayfish sp.
(Lepomis
macrochirus),
1 pumpkinseed
sunfish
(Lepomis gibbosus)
7
1 bluegill sunfish
1 snail bullhead
(Lepomis macrochirus)
(Ameiurus brunneus)
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 8

Trap
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
#
(3/4/2020)
(3/5/2020)
(3/6/2020)
(3/7/2020)
8
1 pumpkinseed
4 bluegill sunfish
1 bluegill sunfish
sunfish
(Lepomis macrochirus),
(Lepomis macrochirus)
(Lepomis gibbosus),
1 green sunfish
1 bluegill (Lepomis
(Lepomis cyanellus),
macrochirus)
3 pumpkinseed sunfish
(Lepomis gibbosus)
9
1 yellow bullhead
1 green sunfish
1 bluehead chub (Nocomis
(Ameiurus natalis)
(Lepomis cyanellus)
leptocephalus)
10
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
3 bluehead chub (Nocomis
cyanellus)
leptocephalus),
1 creek chub
(Semotilus atromaculatus),
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
cyanellus)
11
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
1 bluehead chub
1 green sunfish (Lepomis
cyanellus),
(Nocomis
cyanellus),
1 creek chub (Semotilus
leptocephalus)
1 pumpkinseed sunfish
atromaculatus)
(Lepomis gibbosus),
1 bluehead chub (Nocomis
leptocephalus)
5.1.2 Freshwater Mussel and Carolina Madtom
No dwarf wedgemussel, Tar River spinymussel, yellow lance, Atlantic pigtoe, green floater or
CMT individuals were located during our survey efforts. Mussel species observed include
Eastern elliptio, Eastern floater and the Paper pondshell (Table 3-4). Asian clam was the only
clam species observed. Other species observed include pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish,
largemouth bass, creek chubsucker, mosquitofish, tessellated darter, fantail darter, creek chub
and an unknown crayfish species (Table 3-4).
Table 3. Species observed in Middle Creek (200412.1cros) 10.5 hrs total time
Scientific Name Common Name # Live
Abundance/CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptic; complanata
Eastern elliptio 106
10.10/hr
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
-
common
Lepomis gibbosus
Pumpkinseed sunfish
-
common
Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill sunfish
-
common
Erimyzon oblongus
Creek chubsucker
-
common
Gambusia affinis
Mosquitofish
-
common
Etheostoma olmstedi
Tessellated darter
-
common
Etheostoma flabellare
Fantail darter
-
common
Semotilus atromaculatus
Creek chub
-
common
The surveyed area of Middle Creek started along Creekvista Drive and extended to 100 meters
above the powerline easement along Arctic Ridge Way. The stream was 5 meters wide with
majority of the reach having depths less than 1 meter. Substrate was dominated by silt, sand,
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 9

and cobble particles. Evidence of beaver activivty was noted by the presence of gnawed
branches. Within this reach run, riffle and pool habitats were present. Water levels were
normal and visibility was clear during surveys. This site had 80% forest cover with moderate
wooded buffers and a surrounding land -use being classified as natural and urban.
Table 4. Species observed in UT to Middle Creek (200408.1cros) 6.5 hrs total time
Scientific Name Common Name # Live
Abundance/CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptic; complanata
Eastern elliptio
99
15.23/hr
Pyganodon cataracts
Eastern floater
1
Utterbackia imbecillus
Paper pondshell
1
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
—
common
Lepomis gibbosus
Pumpkinseed sunfish
—
common
Lepomis macrochirus
Bluegill sunfish
—
common
Micropterus salmoides
Largemouth bass
—
common
Erimyzon oblongus
Creek chubsucker
—
common
Gambusia affinis
Mosquitofish
—
common
Etheostoma olmstedi
Tessellated darter
—
common
Etheostoma flabellare
Fantail darter
—
common
Semotilus atromaculatus
Creek chub
—
common
Surveys within UT to Middle Creek started at the confluence with Middle Creek and extended
to 100 meters above the current boardwalk crossing (Figure 1). The stream width was 2 meters
with majority of the reach having depths less than 0.5 meters within the reach downstream of
the pond. Substrate was dominated by silt, sand, cobble, and gravel. Evidence of beaver activity
was noted by the presence of gnawed branches. Run, riffle, and pool habitats were present
within this reach. The stream width ranged from 2-3 meters with majority of the reach having
depths less than 0.75 meters upstream of the pond and substrate was dominated by sand and
silt. Evidence of beaver activity was noted by the presence of gnawed branches. Run and pool
habitats were dominant within the upstream reach. Water levels were normal, and visibility
was clear during surveys. This site had 70% forest cover with moderate wooded buffers and a
surrounding land -use being classified as natural and urban.
6.0 DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
The survey efforts resulted in no observations of Neuse River waterdog, Carolina madtom,
dwarf wedgemussel, Atlantic pigtoe, green floater, Tar River spinymussel or yellow lance
individuals within Middle Creek or its unnamed tributary. Mussel species observed include
Eastern elliptio, Asian clam, Eastern floater and the paper pondshell. Fish species observed
include bluehead chub, creek chub, bluegill sunfish, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, golden
shiner, creek chubsucker, mosquitofish, tessellated darter, fantail darter, largemouth bass and
snail bullhead. Based on the distances to known occurrences of the target species and the
results of these surveys, the project may affect but will not adversely affect the target species.
The survey efforts detailed in the report serve to update species information within Middle
Creek and its unnamed tributary.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 10

Neuse River Waterdog
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Proposed Critical Habitat: May Affect, Not Likely to
Adversely Affect
Proposed critical habitat for Neuse River waterdog is located downstream of the study area,
suggesting that the proposed project may have an effect on proposed critical habitat for this
species.
Carolina Madtom
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Dwarf Wedgemussel
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Atlantic Pigtoe
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion Proposed Critical Habitat: May Affect, Not Likely to
Adversely Affect
Proposed critical habitat for Atlantic pigtoe is located downstream of the study area, suggesting
that the proposed project may have an effect on proposed critical habitat for this species.
Green Flnater
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 11

Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Tar River Spin ymussel
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Yellow Lance
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Proposed Critical Habitat: May Affect, Not Likely to
Adversely Affect
Proposed critical habitat for yellow lance is located downstream of the study area, suggesting
that the proposed project may have an effect on proposed critical habitat for this species.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 12

7.0 LITERATURE CITED
AmphibiaWeb. 2019. <http://amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Accessed 10 Apr 2019. https://amphibiaweb.org/search/index.html
Beans, BE and Niles, L. 2003. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey. Rutgers
University Press. 303pp.
Bogan, AE. 2002. Workbook and Key to the Freshwater Bivalves of North Carolina. North
Carolina Freshwater Mussel Conservation Partnership, Raleigh, NC 101 pp, 10 color
plates.
Bogan, AE and Alderman, J. 2008. Workbook and key to the freshwater bivalves of South
Carolina. Revised Second Edition.
Bogan, A.E., J.Levine, and M.Raley. 2009. Determination of the systematic position and
relationships of the lanceolate Elliptio complex (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae) from six
river basins in Virginia. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC. 37pp.
Brimley, CS. 1924. The waterdogs (Necturus) of North Carolina. Journal of the Elisha Mitchell
Scientific Society 40: 166-168.
Burr, BM, Kuhajda, BR, Dimmick, WW, Grady, JM. 1989. Distribution, Biology, and Conservation
Status of the Carolina Madtom, Noturus furiosus, an Endemic North Carolina Catfish.
Brimleyana 15:57-86.
Conant, R and Collins, JT. 1998. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and
Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston,
Massachusetts.
Eads, C.B. and J.F. Levine. 2008. Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) and Tar River
Spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) Conservation Research: July 2007-June 2008. Final
report submitted to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. 18
pp•
Fuller, SLH. 1973. Fusconaia masoni (Conrad 1834) (Bivalvia: Unionacea) in the Atlantic drainage
of the Southeastern United States. Malacological Review 6:105-117.
Fuller, SLH. 1977. Freshwater and terrestrial mollusks. In: John E. Cooper, Sarah S. Robinson,
John B. Fundeburg (eds.) Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North
Carolina. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh.
Haag, W. 2012. North American Freshwater Mussels: Natural History, Ecology, and
Conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, NY.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 13

Johnson, R.I. 1970. The systematics and zoogeography of the Unionidae (Mollusca: Bivalvia) of
the southern Atlantic Slope region. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology
140(6):263-449.
Johnson, R.I. and Clarke, A. H. 1983. A new spiny mussel, Elliptio (Canthyria) steinstansana
(Bivalvia: Unionidae), from the Tar River, North Carolina. Occasional Papers on Mollusks,
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, 4(61): 289-298.
Menhinick, EF. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. Raleigh, N.C.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)a. Division of Water Resources.
2019. 2018 North Carolina Final 303(d) List. https:Hdeq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/planning/modeling-assessment/water-quality-data-assessment/integrated-
report-files
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)b. Online GIS NPDES Stormwater
Permits. Accessed March 23, 2020. https://data-
ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/aec2efd4lf844be499db8adef43f9fd3_0
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2020. Natural Heritage Element
Occurrence. February 2020.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2007. Carolina madtom species profile. Raleigh,
NC.https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Conserving/documents/Carolina_madtom_fac
t_sheet_lo_res.pdf
Ortmann, A.E. 1919. A monograph of the naiades of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account
of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8(1):xvi-384, 21 pls.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Tar River Spinymussel (Elliptic, steinstansana) 5-Year
Review: Summary and Evaluation. Raleigh, NC.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Species status assessment report for the Yellow Lance
(Elliptic, lanceolata). Version 1.2. March, 2017. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018a. Species status assessment report for the Carolina
Madtom (Noturus furiosus). Version 1.1. November 2018. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat Designation for
Atlantic Pigtoe. 50 CFR 17: 83 FR 51570, 51570-51609 Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-
0046.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4 (d) Rule for Neuse River Waterdog and
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 14

Endangered Species Status for Carolina Madtom and Proposed Designation of Critical
Habitat. 50 CFR 17:84 FR 23644, 23644-23691 Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092.
Watters, G.T. and S.H. O'Dee 1997. Identification of potential host: Elliptio fisheriana (Lea,
1838), Fusconaia masoni (Conrad, 1834), Fusconaia flava (Rafinesque, 1820), and
Pleurobema clava (Lamarck, 1819). Triannual Unionid Report No. 13:38.
Widlak, J.C. 1987. Recovery Plan for the Tar River spiny mussel (Elliptio (Canthyria)
steinstansana) Johnson and Clarke. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Wolf, ED and Emrick V. 2011. Propagation and Culture of Species at Risk Atlantic Pigtoe.
Arbor Creek Greenway Aquatic Survey Report June 2020
Page 15

APPENDIX A
Figures

al
Holly springs
SvLrzj--, : Esr-i, HERE, Garmin,
x'CRENIE P.NRCan, Esri
} A;
A
y{-
�.
% ;
Imi
ti
-_
!4 -
do
A
• w F�
- `
Bridge #'I
M
Bridge #2
Project Stud Area
k-rf -
AquaticSurveysReach
Prepared By:
Prepared Far:
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
�ikcd By.
-
i -d By:
G,3
Figure
S _ I
� FIT T,1'
FCITtit P
Vicinity Map and Survey Locations
� J Y {' Y
F1iddle 'Cr-?k and UT rVl iddIe Creek
k.3u
0 225 4W
from the vicinity of SLin set Lake R.,,3c
Feet
to Lockley Read
t:
k&County, North Carolina
waymm

N
I,.�I�.� z*
C6N
A
A
X
ry' 4i' yMh,l�y,,
-.OtWF
} LM
t r *•
' Ry
e
EO #21412
0
r�4ndar G u � 1
r t
r"+ grc.l rr,Mr +ir#p' RW°arm ,
� 4
F
'M1.
-
v
EO 410676 1
}}�
loft
5
No QLA
q 4r r P
��r � Irrr �•
EO #8258._-
r'n: r.'bsd EO421MM
EO #3495fr "'¢
� �iti PL
t,ALQ
L
EO #13799
Jf
M N� �
- �1 115i1 ti ffn
C+•
Protect Studk .area Tar River spinymussel rp¢ Olt
Atlantic plgtoe
Yellow lance r
y��'-��
D'rvarf -'rvedge mLIssel � � � � �
z
He Rrver waterdog
eL
S{}LKC Esri, 1fEJ Ers GS' I w INCREMENT 1 'en, Esri
Green floater : �Fm�n�alf P.
C3r.Dlin3 m3dtom tiapan, M£rl, Esi?i China ; Ug �j Esri ea, Fsri :Thailand), NC r �
Op StfeetMa �artritwtars, and GIsUser Community, ESFi. iiERE.
w armin,[qOperfS eetMap ibutar5,and MeC1Susercomm unity
Prepared t3y:
Prepared F2r:
a�mday.
I —day
Figure
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
-
S I
VOT T.V
MCNHP Element Occurrences
Middle Greek and UT M iddle Creek
3 _
from the vicinity of Sunset Lake Road
to Lockley Road
v,x.
Wake County, North CaioHna
`= ` `-

Z
TW
� 7 L---00
41
Ail
91
MOD
eNAW 19mm V LF"
PK-P r
It;
,,4fr
'rtrb.1
Dr
k, LL
jrtr' Y"a PILL
woo ?P�
46
ti
Ai
Flack, g i1r114L*
four JL*s
P7,
P roi e ct Stu d re a BOLFCE-5: FSF i, HERE. C srmin. U Inter NCREMEN'r P, NRCLsn, ESFi
Japan,METI, alriCh a 'HonGJ. ESFi Kay ES Fi ;Thailand, N OCC. c�
g
�n
Atlantic pigtoe Proposed Critical Hwitat OpenStreLtNlap m but F5. and e GIS UBeF C m u n ity, EW i. HERE.
CaFM i n, r r� OpenStreet!Vla p onn, bufors, and the - seF cmmm u n ity
Prepared By:
Prepared FDf:
'acmred i3y
By
Figure
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
v--r
Ld
P ��ti
VOT T.%V
Proposed Critical Habitat
Middle Creek and UT Id iddle Creek
0 1 2
fromthe vicinity of Sunset Lal.e Road
MEN= Miles
to Lockley Road
Dom:
Mk&Couaty, North Carolina
May 2aM
I

.4 ,I �4{k4 fiih d MI x �gb _
{*k °'fad
-4kJ}
•Y� C
f i''
� �' � � '�°wa'n�
7�II�LO i9
:urt
-n K I _+ in nkl 4 0?
` � 1
Lr'A0
—o
a
Carywimp-
,'�rk•
arR x
r
I w y
R+
• A Qk
,S DI s
o-kI of
3 ; X14,
,4*r?
c: r'
HacA N!J 4-
AL3 �
Y
•
_ t
• b
I} F
riL 1 Zr
O
ik4
y�l Rd �8cian¢i1111iK'S
Vi c, jl 'S
P
FaurUakG
{
7 i C,� a
Project Stud} Area Souse's: Esri, WERE, Garmin, u Inter INC REM EWr P,, XRCa n, ES Fi
'
.fa pan,MET1. EsriChina :Hong Q),Esri Km ESFi ;Thailendj, aGCC, to?
Neuse Riverwaterdog Proposed Crltic3l H3Mit3t Open5treetfOep mn.tributm, a.nd eGISUser C munity, aFi, ffERE.
Garmin, (q OpenStreetMap con butors, and the ser community
Prepared By:
Prepared Far:
QmiedR
Ada.'
Figure
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
VCT
SP I
VOT T,I'
y sT RWT s
Proposed Critical Habitat
�,liddle Creek and UT rV1i'�dle Creek
scam.
o
from the vicinity of SLlnset Lake Road
to Lockley Road
max.
ak&County, North Carolina
'W
14

Q-4
d Ad
�qu N
qr
IP-11*0
I
kil Lk-.Dll*
1101
IL AV
mom-
.1h
010
Pr
if N.Rre *d A 2r
k
d(3:
t'61 11-1�'
b
r.C,41t.
Yi
F�hk H'rL'd Pill
33
wJ ZED
41 -
41 &
46
-e
&
IL
Ix
T.
IN%
fLO
LI
I=OUP-006
Am
Lr ;b
"X
'Y"
ELL
P roj e ct StLI -i -1. re a SoLruEs: Fsri, HERE, Garmin, U Inter NCREMENIT R r+ RGsn, FSFi
�a p 9 n, ME71, ESF i C h in a ;Hong gJ. ESFi KoF aFi :Thailend�, NOC C. '0�
Ye I lo'w I an ce Propose al Criti ca I Ha 3 it at OpenSteeLAN143p mr.Lributor5. and .e 4315 User G m Li n ity. F-Sri, HERE, 7
-
UMin, �* OrenStzaetr%lap mn, b utoFs, and the seF comm u n ity
U-
Prepared By:
Prepared For:
Figure
Arbor Creek Greenway Project
P I
VOT T.Y
Proposed Critical Habitat
Middle Creek and UT Middle Creek
0 1 2
from the vicinity of Sunset Lake Ro a d
MEN= M k!!s
to Lockley Road
D02!:
Ahke C-o u nty, North Carolina
May 2a2O
I

Pr�;ain+y{y�n n,{
NCGI . W99 r.: Dr
: xtinr 11
ti.Is t4s/," 1. r Z+il Tea RxJ
d 4ax
-��.I�� nl g' _ •fir
o-° e
Rd e' Y I
a 14d�;tla
1. 41
'r Rrk1�'7
h�tdR = C' k
gain.. Noy
Mu— 1-1 P:
•
z 4
'P- u
+ r r
rn
�*,ry O�swr4r
9
- E` iF*y 4�4svz l4i
TIti� r
"L,I
lil •:II�r:�Jr� �
O f` db�J} 3P v ir�Pl{,,,,1114n�
�r ,4
F
YlIOflVl .a � Iµ
LI +}, {fqY Ur :Y M41h 4JA
a�
rv} x W ,
J {1 W�,IiM1
Rog" I. i
i` �a til
�i L K Id I
K iiiih YJ>r l' -
{ 7 T
ie
np
o ; 4 4
- I'S:Irn SI t
L, T LI?
31
•f0
�tJ RA F#b� { �' sr
lvmznV"P we, hl'c"r{ryvk l'r{, Arrl,r v. _ 7 J17rG
�n
rr.,-,2.
''
Inn jIrAI'� yV •rc
-0,er •�
9rhu 61
.. r I. n"'
4
Project Stud l 5 E* x C s}
1 y Area = Esri
r o w° Soup: Esri, HERE',Parmin.dJ5GS, Inter map, INCREMEArFF,, NR4 En,
JrIpar., MEN I, Esri Chili {Hong }Gong), Esri Korea, Esri �T#Isilend?, H CC,
5
NPDES Discharges OpenStr dlip.pmntrit�d$ theGISUserConrriunity, Esri, WERE.
3 J n n Garmijj, {q Op%nStreatMa p mrtir itwtm , and the G IS user comumn ity
Prepared By:
Pirepared Far:
a6i d By
tad By:
Figure
Arbor Creekreenway Project
%,vr
cm3
S I
' y HOT T,1' s
s
NDPES Discharges
Middle Creek and UT Middle Creek
r a
D Bao 1.0010
�_P
from the vicinity of Sunset Lake Road
MOEN=Faet
to Lockley Road
1i'I�keCounty, North Carolina
11kim
�