20090960 Ver 1_401 Application_20100810

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Post Office Box 1969
Manteo, North Carolina 27954
[phone] 473-1668 (fax)
August 19, 2010 c) q- Oq lp b o a,
N. C. Division of Coastal Management
ATTN: Mr. Stephen Rynas
400 Commerce Avenue
Morehead City, NC 28557-4321
Dear Mr. Rynas:
This Consistency Determination (CD) and supporting documentation to implement a climate change
adaptation project at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is submitted for review and comment. In
addition, we are submitting this to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for Nationwide Permit 3 and
Nationwide Permit 18. The application is also being sent to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality
for the Section 401 Water Quality Certification. We believe that this is a complete application package.
However, if required information is absent or if site visits need to be scheduled, please notify us as soon
as possible. For those who prefer conducting a review through the electronic medium, all files in this
package can be accessed through the internet. This site will be active beginning on Wednesday August
25, 2010 and the address will be forwarded to you electronically.
We believe the proposed climate change adaptation project is fully consistent with the policies and
guidelines of North Carolina's federally approved Coastal Management Program. By copy of this letter
and enclosures we are submitting this application to the Corps of Engineers for processing as a
Nationwide Permit application and to the N. C. Division of Water Quality for the Section 401 Water Quality
Certification. The check for $240.00 to the Division of Water Quality to cover the application fee is
enclosed in the package mailed to them.
If at all possible, we request an expeditious review as some funding could be lost if not used relatively
soon. Loss of funding would result in the project not being done during 2010 with a subsequent loss of
jobs in the local economy. The refuge staff is committed to working cooperatively with all State and
Federal agencies to ensure full compliance with law, regulation, and policy at all times. If you have
questions about the CD or the refuge, contact Mr. Dennis Stewart, Refuge Biologist at [phone] ext
231.
Sincerely,
44ax? 4??, &A? 4(uo &to?
Scott Lanier
Deputy Project Leader
Enclosures
cc: N. C. Division of Water Quality
Corps of Engineers
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Office Use Only:
Corps action ID no.
DWQ project no.
Form Version 1.3 Dec 10 2008
Pre-Construction Notification PC Form
A. Applicant Information -I
1. Processing
1a. Type(s) of approval sought from the
Corps:
®Section 404 Permit El Section 10 Permit -
1 b. Specify Nationwide Permit (NWP) number: NWP 3 & NWP 18 or General Permit (GP) number:
1 c. Has the NWP or GP number been verified by the Corps? ? Yes ® No
1 d. Type(s) of approval sought from the DWQ (check all that apply):
® 401 Water Quality Certification - Regular ? Non-404 Jurisdictional General Permit
? 401 Water Quality Certification - Express ? Riparian Buffer Authorization
le. Is this notification solely for the record
because written approval is not required? For the record only for DWQ 401
Certification:
? Yes ® No For the record only for Corps Permit:

? Yes ® No
1f. Is payment into a mitigation bank or in-lieu fee program proposed for mitigation
of impacts? If so, attach the acceptance letter from mitigation bank or in-lieu
fee program. ? Yes ® No
1 g. Is the project located in any of NC's twenty coastal counties. If yes, answer 1 h
below. ® Yes ? No
1h. Is the project located within a NC DCM Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)? N Yes ? No
2. Project Information
2a. Name of project: Point Peter Road Climate Change Adaptation Project
2b. County: Dare I'll
2c. Nearest municipality / town: Stumpy Point 21
U,
2d. Subdivision name: AUG
N/A
2e. NCDOT only, T.I.P. or state
project no: N/A DENR - WATERGUALITY
KfUNVBANDST0R?4'AA ERBRq,,CN
3. Owner Information
3a. Name(s) on Recorded Deed: United States Government - Department of the Interior - Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge
3b. Deed Book and Page No.
3c. Responsible Party (for LLC if
applicable):
Mike Bryant, Refuge Manager
3d. Street address: P. O. Box 1969 (Shipping: 708 N. Highway 64)
3e. City, state, zip: Manteo, NC 27954
3f. Telephone no.: [phone]
3g. Fax no.: [phone]
3h. Email address: [e-mail]
Page I of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
4. Applicant Information (if different from owner)
4a. Applicant is: ? Agent ? Other, specify:
4b. Name:
4c. Business name
(if applicable):
4d. Street address:
4e. City, state, zip:
4f. Telephone no.:
4g. Fax no.:
4h. Email address:
5. Agent/Consultant Information (if applicable)
5a. Name:
5b. Business name
(if applicable):
5c. Street address:
5d. City, state, zip:
5e. Telephone no.:
5f. Fax no.:
5g. Email address:
Page 2 of 14
PCN Form -Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
B. Project Information and Prior Project History
1. Property Identification
1a. Property identification no. (tax PIN or parcel ID): N/A
1 b. Site coordinates (in decimal degrees): Latitude: N35.7691 Longitude: - 75.7507
(DD.DDDDDD) (-DD.DDDDDD)
1c. Property size: 153,000 +/- acres
2. Surface Waters
2a. Name of nearest body of water (stream, river, etc.) to
proposed project: Pamlico Sound
2b. Water Quality Classification of nearest receiving water: SA-1 HQW, SIB
2c. River basin: Pasquotank
Page 3 of 14
PCN Form -Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
3. Project Description
3a. Describe the existing conditions on the site and the general land use in the vicinity of the project at the time of this
application:
General land use on the refuge would be considered "conservation" as this portion of the Dare County mainland is a
national wildlife refuge. A brief summary of the refuge mission and purpose is to conserve and protect unique wetland
ecosystems and provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife for present and future generations of Americans.
Existing conditions at the project site include a man-made canal and an access road. Material to build the road came
from the canal. The road was repaired and graveled several years ago through funding by the Federal Highway
Administration. Across the canal is a mosaic of marsh and shrub/pond pine pocosin. In most areas, the canal banks
have a fringe of mostly Spartina patens marsh.
3b. List the total estimated acreage of all existing wetlands on the property:
150,000
3c. List the total estimated linear feet of all existing streams (intermittent and perennial) on the property:
0 at the project site. Elsewhere on the refuge - approximately 35 miles or about 184,800 linear feet excluding man-made
canals.
3d. Explain the purpose of the proposed project:
Replace existing water control structures and build resilience into the landscape in the face of rising sea level through
incorporation of adaptive management strategies.
Page 4 of 14
PCN Form -Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
C. Proposed Impacts Inventory
1. Impacts Summary
1 a. Which sections were completed below for your project (check all that apply):
® Wetlands ? Streams - tributaries ? Buffers
® Open Waters ? Pond Construction
2. Wetland Impacts
If there are wetland impacts proposed on the site, then complete this question for each wetland area impacted.
2a. 2b. 2c. 2d. 2e. 2f.
Wetland impact Type of jurisdiction
number - Type of impact Type of wetland Forested (Corps - 404, 10 Area of impact
Permanent (P) or (if known) DWQ - non-404, other) (acres)
Temporary
Disturbance

W1 ? P ®T around existing
structure and coastal ® Yes ® Corps
0.05
installation of new marsh/pocosin ? No ®DWQ
structures

W2 ? P ®T
Cofferdam open water within

man-made canal ? Yes

® No ® Corps

® DWQ
0.04

W3 ®P ? T
Ditch plugs open water within ? Yes ® Corps
0.07
man-made canal ® No ® DWQ
W4 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W5 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
W6 ? P ? T ? Yes ? Corps
? No ? DWQ
2g. Total wetland impacts 0.16
2h. Comments: Total impacted area is 0.16 acres.
3. Stream Impacts
If there are perennial or intermittent stream impacts (including temporary impacts) proposed on the site, then complete this
question for all stream sites impacted.
3a. 3b. 3c. 3d. 3e. 3f. 3g.
Stream impact Type of impact Stream name Perennial Type of jurisdiction Average Impact
number - (PER) or (Corps - 404, 10 stream length
Permanent (P) or intermittent DWQ - non-404, width (linear
Temporary (T) (INT)? other) (feet) feet)
S1 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S2 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S3 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S4 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S5 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
S6 ? P ? T ? PER ? Corps
? INT ? DWQ
3h. Total stream and tributary impacts
3i. Comments:
Page 7 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
4. Open Water Impacts
If there are proposed impacts to lakes, ponds, estuaries, tributaries, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean, or any other open water of
the U.S. then individually list all open water impacts below.
4a. 4b. 4c. 4d. 4e.
Open water Name of waterbody
impact number- (if applicable) Type of impact Waterbody type Area of impact (acres)
Permanent (P) or
Temporary T
01 ? P ®T Pt. Peter Road Temporary fill for cofferdam canal 0.09
Canal
02 ®P ? T un-named man- ditch plugs canal 0.07
made canals
03 ?P?T
04 ?P?T
4E Total open water impacts 0.16
4g. Comments: all work is in man-made canals that are discharging into the Pamlico Sound
5. Pond or Lake Construction
If and or lake construction proposed, then complete the chart below.
5a. 5b. 5c. 5d. 5e.
Wetland Impacts (acres) Stream Impacts (feet) Upland
Pond ID Proposed use or purpose (acres)
number of pond
Flooded Filled Excavated Flooded Filled Excavated Flooded
P1
P2
5f. Total
5g. Comments:
5h. Is a dam high hazard permit required?
? Yes ? No if yes, permit ID no:
5i. Expected pond surface area (acres):
5j. Size of pond watershed (acres):
5k. Method of construction:
Page 8 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
6. Buffer Impacts (for DWQ)
If project will impact a protected riparian buffer, then complete the chart below. If yes, then individually list all buffer impacts
below. If an impacts require mitigation, then you MUST fill out Section D of this form.

6a. ? Neuse ? Tar-Pamlico ? Other:
Project is in which protected basin? ? Catawba ? Randleman
6b. 6c. 6d. 6e. 6f. 6g.
Buffer impact
number -
Reason
Buffer
Zone 1 impact
Zone 2 impact
Permanent (P) or for Stream name mitigation (square feet) (square feet)
Temporary T im act required?
?Yes
B1 ?P?T ? No
? Yes
B2 ? P ? T ? No
?Yes
B3 ?P?T ? No
6h. Total buffer impacts
6i. Comments:
D. Impact Justification and Mitigation
1. Avoidance and Minimization
1 a. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts in designing project.
The USFWS is replacing two existing water control structure with three new ones that will be better able to mimic natural water
movement in this wetland system. The addition of check valves will slow the movement of salt water and restore a more
natural sheet flow system for discharges from the land as well as wind tide flood events. Stringent use of sediment and
erosion control measures coupled with grading and re-vegetating the sites will minimize on and off-site impacts.
1b. Specifically describe measures taken to avoid or minimize the proposed impacts through construction techniques.
The USFWS hopes that this project can be started and completed during the fall and winter when biological activity is lower
and either before or after migratory waterfowl numbers peak. Some aspects of the project can be done off the actual
construction site. The water control structures and discharge pipes will be pre-fabricated off site and will be installed in
sections. Project specifications call for turbidity curtains in the water and silt fencing around the project site on the land.
Permanent plugs in the canals associated with the relict waterfowl impoundment at the project site and the need to relocate
the water control structure to a location further west will expand the footprint of the original water control structure. However,
this expansion should provide a net benefit to the wetland and estuarine resources of the area. The project site will be graded
and stabilized upon project completion. There should be few, if any, long-term adverse impacts.

2. Compensatory Mitigation for Impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State
2a. Does the project require Compensatory Mitigation for ? Yes ® No
impacts to Waters of the U.S. or Waters of the State?
2b. If yes, mitigation is required by (check all that apply): ? DWQ ? Corps
? Mitigation bank
2c. If yes, which mitigation option will be used for this
? Payment to in-lieu fee program

pro
project?
? Permittee Responsible Mitigation
3. Complete if Using a Mitigation Bank
3a. Name of Mitigation Bank:
3b. Credits Purchased (attach receipt and letter) Type Quantity
Page 9 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
E. Stormwater Management and Diffuse Flow Plan (required by DWQ)
1. Diffuse Flow Plan
1 a. Does the project include or is it adjacent to protected riparian buffers identified ? Yes ® No
within one of the NC Riparian Buffer Protection Rules?
1 b. If yes, then is a diffuse flow plan included? If no, explain why.
? Yes ? No
Comments:
2. Stormwater Management Plan
2a. What is the overall percent imperviousness of this project? 0%
2b. Does this project require a Stormwater Management Plan? ? Yes ® No
2c. If this project DOES NOT require a Stormwater Management Plan, explain why: This project meets the criteria for a Low
Density project because: i. The overall site plan contains less than 24% impervious surface area (actually 0%)
considering both current and future development; ii. All stormwater is transported primarily via natural vegetated
conveyances; and iii. Other than US Highway 264 there are no other areas within the project site with an impervious
surface.
2d. If this project DOES require a Stormwater Management Plan, then provide a brief, narrative description of the plan:
? Certified Local Government
2e. Who will be responsible for the review of the Stormwater Management Plan? ? DWQ Stormwater Program
? DWQ 401 Unit
3. Certified Local Government Stormwater Review
3a. In which local government's jurisdiction is this project?
? Phase 11
3b. Which of the following locally-implemented stormwater management programs ? NSW
? USMP
apply (check all that apply): ? Water Supply Watershed
? Other:
3c. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been ? Yes ? No
attached?
4. DWQ Stormwater Program Review
? Coastal counties

4a. Which of the following state-implemented stormwater management programs apply ? HQW
? ORW
(check all that apply):
? Session Law 2006-246
? Other:
4b. Has the approved Stormwater Management Plan with proof of approval been
attached? ? Yes ? No
5. DWQ 401 Unit Stormwater Review
5a. Does the Stormwater Management Plan meet the appropriate requirements? ? Yes ? No
5b. Have all of the 401 Unit submittal requirements been met? ? Yes ? No
Page 11 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
F. Supplementary Information
1. Environmental Documentation (DWQ Requirement)
1a. Does the project involve an expenditure of public (federal/state/local) funds or the ® Yes ? No
use of public (federal/state) land?
1 b. If you answered "yes" to the above, does the project require preparation of an
environmental document pursuant to the requirements of the National or State ? Yes ® No
(North Carolina) Environmental Policy Act (NEPA/SEPA)?
1 c. If you answered "yes" to the above, has the document review been finalized by the
State Clearing House? (If so, attach a copy of the NEPA or SEPA final approval
letter.) ? Yes ? No
Comments:
2. Violations (DWQ Requirement)
2a. Is the site in violation of DWQ Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .0500), Isolated
Wetland Rules (15A NCAC 2H .1300), DWQ Surface Water or Wetland Standards, ? Yes ® No
or Riparian Buffer Rules (15A NCAC 2B .0200)?
2b. Is this an after-the-fact permit application? ? Yes ® No
2c. If you answered "yes" to one or both of the above questions, provide an explanation of the violation(s):
3. Cumulative Impacts (DWQ Requirement)
3a. Will this project (based on past and reasonably anticipated future impacts) result in ? Yes ® No
additional development, which could impact nearby downstream water quality?
3b. If you answered "yes" to the above, submit a qualitative or quantitative cumulative impact analysis in accordance with the
most recent DWQ policy. If you answered "no," provide a short narrative description.
4. Sewage Disposal (DWQ Requirement)
4a. Clearly detail the ultimate treatment methods and disposition (non-discharge or discharge) of wastewater generated from
the proposed project, or available capacity of the subject facility.
No sewage or wastewater generated by any project component.
Page 12 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
5. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat (Corps Requirement)
5a. Will this project occur in or near an area with federally protected species or ® Yes ? No
habitat?
5b. Have you checked with the USFWS concerning Endangered Species Act ® Yes ? No
impacts?
®
Raleigh
5c. If yes, indicate the USFWS Field Office you have contacted.
? Asheville
5d. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Endangered Species or Designated Critical
Habitat?
Refuge surveys and databases; Section 7 Intra-Service Biological Evaluation
6. Essential Fish Habitat (Corps Requirement)
6a. Will this project occur in or near an area designated as essential fish habitat? TS Yes ? No
6b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact Essential Fish Habitat?
Mr. Ron Sechler, NMFS; Dr. Wilson Laney, USFWS
7. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources (Corps Requirement)
7a. Will this project occur in or near an area that the state, federal or tribal
governments have designated as having historic or cultural preservation ? Yes ® No
status (e.g., National Historic Trust designation or properties significant in
North Carolina history and archaeology)?
7b. What data sources did you use to determine whether your site would impact historic or archeological resources?
Mr. Richard Kanaski, Regional Historic Preservation Officer & Regional Archaeologist, Region 4, USFWS
8. Flood Zone Designation (Corps Requirement)
8a. Will this project occur in a FEMA-designated 100-year floodplain? ® Yes ? No
8b. If yes, explain how project meets FEMA requirements: Project constitutes replacing an existing structure that has been in
place since the mid 1980's. Changes in the footprint and the type of expansion will result in more natural conditions for
wetland and estuarine resources of the area, including wildlife inhabiting the habitat types present or in close proximity.
8c. What source(s) did you use to make the floodplain determination? FEMA FIRMs
U. S. Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Alligator River National Wildlife 8/12/10
Refuge
Mike Bryant, Refuge Manager Applicant/Agent's Signature
' Date
(Agent
s signature is valid only if an authorization letter from the applicant
is provided.)
Applicant/Agent's Printed Name
Page 13 of 14
PCN Form - Version 1.3 December 10, 2008 Version
Page 14 of 14
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?MENT OFT
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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Post Office Box 1969
Manteo, North Carolina 27954
[phone] 473-1668(fax)
August 19, 2010
Mr. Richard S. Kanaski
Region 4 HPO & Archaeologist
Savannah Coastal Refuges
694 Beech Hill Lane
Hardeeville, SC 29927
Dear Mr. Kanaski:
Enclosed is a description and location information for a climate change adaptation project on
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. As stated in the attached file, this is a joint project
with The Nature Conservancy. Although tree planting and oyster reef construction were initiated
prior to the refuge's request for permits and consultation, we have not discovered any cultural or
archaeological resources. Since the oyster reefs are being constructed off the refuge. The Nature
Conservancy applied for and received the necessary permits and approvals from the N. C.
Division of Coastal Management. Permitting is not required for tree planting. We have reached
a point with the project wherein we are applying for Nationwide Permits, Section 401 Water
Quality Certification, and concurrence with our Consistency Determination for water control
structures and ditch plugs. As you are aware a component of this process involves consultation
for cultural and archaeological resources that could be affected by the project.
Please consider this letter and the attached project description as a request for your consultation
on this project. If you need additional information, contact Mr. Dennis Stewart at (252) 473-
1131 ext 231 or dennis stewartgfws.gov at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Auu? *,owl Scott Lanier
Deputy Project Leader
Attachment
B. Explanation of actions to be implemented to reduce adverse effects:
SPECIES/ ACTIONS TO MITIGATE/MINIMIZE IMPACTS
CRITICAL HABITAT
Red wolf Denning season occurs from March through July. To prevent
impacts, work will be coordinated with the Red Wolf Program.
Most activities will occur in areas not presently inhabited by the
Red-cockaded woodpecker species. If cavity trees should be discovered, critical seasons or
zones will be avoided.
American alligator Activities with potential for affecting aquatic habitats will be done
with precautions to minimize disturbance in aquatic systems.
The species is not known to occur either on the refuge. In the
Sensitive joint vetch event that is located, the site will either be avoided or other
protective measures will be taken.
VII. Effect Determination and Response Requested:
SPECIES/ DETERMINATION' RESPONSE'
CRITICAL HABITAT NE NA AA REQUESTED
Red wolf x Concurrence
Red-cockaded woodpecker x Concurrence
American alligator x Concurrence
Sensitive joint vetch x Concurrence
' DETERMINATION/RESPONSE REQUESTED:
NE = no effect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action will not directly, indirectly or
cumulatively impact, either positively or negatively, any listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed
critical habitat. Response Requested is optional but A Concurrence@ is recommended for a complete Administrative
Record.
NA= not likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action is not likely to
adversely impact any listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat or there may be
beneficial effects to these resources. Response Requested is A Concurrence.
AA= likely to adversely affect. This determination is appropriate when the proposed action is likely to adversely
impact any listed, proposed, candidate species or designated/proposed critical habitat. Response Requested for listed
species is A Formal Consultation. Response Requested for proposed or candidate species is A Conference.
Signature (originating station) Date
Title
4
VIII. Reviewing Ecological Services Office Evaluation:
A. Concurrence Nonoccurrence
B. Formal consultation required
C. Conference required,
D. Informal conference required
E. Remarks (attach additional pages as needed):
Signature Date
Title
Office
5

Figure 1. Point Peter Road Climate Change Project location at Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, Dare County, North Carolina.

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550 FW 3
Exhibit 4
UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION STATEMENT
Within the spirit and intent of the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other statutes, orders, and policies that protect fish and
wildlife resources, I have established the following administrative record and have determined that the
action of (describe action):
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is working cooperatively with The Nature Conservancy
North Carolina Chapter on a project designed to evaluate management options for our landscape
on and adjacent to the refuge in the face of rising sea level. This cooperative partnership will
result in an initial project involving creation of oyster reefs offshore from the refuge, installing
water control structures and ditch plugs in man-made canals to regulate salt water intrusion into
the refuge and freshwater pulses off the refuge, planting tree species more tolerant of low salinity
levels to build habitat resilience into the ecosystem, removing Phragmites australis from a
marsh, and monitoring. Knowledge gained from this project may serve to facilitate other
adaptive management strategies on a local, regional, or global scale.
Oyster Reefs
Oyster reefs have been constructed approximately 100 feet offshore from the marsh shoreline
north of Point Peter Road. The reefs were constructed from marl and will provide habitat for
estuarine and marine invertebrates and vertebrates. From a climate change perspective these
reefs dissipate wave energy to reduce the rate of shoreline erosion and sequester carbon.
Permitting for this component of the overall project has been handled by The Nature
Conservancy in coordination with State and Federal agencies.
Point Peter Road Water Control Structure
The objective of this project is to restore a more natural hydrologic regime to the coastal
wetlands surrounding Point Peter Road, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County,
North Carolina to: 1) improve adjacent estuarine water quality, 2) restore the physical habitat for
interior wetland vegetation, and 3) increase ecosystem resilience to sea level rise.
To better restore the hydrology of this location, we propose to replace two currently existing
water control structures with three equipped with 48" diameter pipes, neoprene duckbill check
valves (seaward), and flashboard risers (landward). In addition, we propose to install three 80'
sections of 24" diameter drainage pipe upstream of the structure that will direct water under Point
Peter Road and diffuse it into existing lateral drainages. Lastly, we will strategically plug
interconnecting secondary ditches of an abandoned waterfowl impoundment north of Point Peter
Road with vinyl sheet piling reinforced by earthen material. Placement of appropriately sized
water control structures, use of periphery drainage pipes, and plugging of secondary ditches will
raise the water table, attenuate run-off, and encourage a more natural sheet flow in both
directions, thereby reducing channelized flow of freshwater with poor water quality into Pamlico
Sound and restoring a more natural hydrologic condition for over 41,540 acres of pocosin
vegetation. Additionally, the use of check valves will also prevent the intrusion of saltwater into
the interior wetlands, providing a stop-loss of peat-sequestered nutrients and heavy metals, and
reducing the outflow of organic material produced from saltwater-induced peat degradation that
may further degrade estuarine water quality due to increased biological oxygen demand.
Forested Wetland Resilience
Some effects of climate change are clearly visible on the Albemarle Peninsula: the area's peat
soils may be degrading more quickly due to the interaction of peat, saltwater, and certain
microbes and natural plant communities are undergoing changes in species composition from
woody trees and shrubs to marsh as a result of saltwater intrusion. As land managers, we can
take steps now to make this Peninsula's ecosystems more resilient to climate change. One of the
strategies that can be used is planting tree species that are more tolerant of early salinity changes
than the species present today. This will create a more resilient forested wetland ecosystem as
sea level rises and will add a few more years of habitat for those wildlife species dependent on
forested wetlands. This project involves preparing study plots by mowing three 20-acre cells in
selected locations on the north side of Point Peter Road as shown in Figure 1. Cypress, black
gum, and pond pine have been planted in 5-acre plots and each plot was replicated in the next 20-
acre cell. Treatments include mowed plots compared to plots that are not mowed. Seedling
survival and growth will be monitored.
Check One:
X is a categorical exclusion as provided by 516 DM 2 Appendix 2 and 516 DM 8.5 (6)(1),(2),(3). No
further NEPA documentation will therefore be made.
is found not to have significant environmental effects as determined by the attached
environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact.
is found to have significant effects and, therefore, further consideration of this action will require a
notice of intent to be published in the Federal Register announcing the decision to prepare an EIS.
is not approved because of unacceptable environmental damage, or violation of Fish and Wildlife
Service mandates, policy, regulations, or procedures.
is an emergency action within the context of 40 CFR 1506.11. Only those actions necessary to
control the immediate impacts of the emergency will be taken. Other related actions remain
subject to NEPA review.
Other supporting documents (list):
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Signature Approval:
&m?t 1
8?82?Yo O ZDo
(1) Originator D to (2) Project Leader ate
(3) AD/ARD Date .(4) EC/REC Date
NOTE: Signature requirements vary depending upon the type of action EA. EIS, of FONSI. Check file.
03/29/96 FWM 248 Environmental Quality
New
Q
Figure 1. Point Peter Road Climate Change Project location at Alligator River National Wildlife
Refuge, Dare County, North Carolina.
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