HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201734 Ver 1_49-12430-A - Lane Street Industrial - Limited NEPA Report_20210127Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig ECS SOUTHEAST, LLP "Setting the Standard for Service"
� 1. Geotechnical • Construction Materials • Environmental • Facilities NC Registered Engineering Firm F-1078
INC Registered Geologists Firm C-406
SC Registered Engineering Firm 3239
November 17, 2020
Mr. Woody Coley
TC MidAtlantic Development V, Inc.
213 East Franklin Street #304
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
Re: Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
Dear Mr. Coley,
ECS Southeast, LLP (ECS) is pleased to provide our results of the Limited National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Database Review conducted for the above -referenced site.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The subject site is located at 2850 Lane Street in Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
According to Cabarrus County Online GIS the site is identified as a 95.45-acre portion of Parcel
Identification Numbers (PINs) 56336777140000, 56336772400000, 56335899760000, and
56336990190000. The site currently consists of a single-family residence, wooded land, and
densely vegetated open fields. The US Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map depicts a
stream on the northern portion of the site. Proposed development of this site consists of an
approximate 1,000,000 square foot e-commerce structure, associated paved areas, and a BMP
area.
PRELIMINARY THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES DETERMINATION
Congress passed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1973. The purpose of the ESA is to
protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. It is
administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Commerce Department's
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The USFWS has primary responsibility for terrestrial
and freshwater organisms, while the responsibilities of NMFS are mainly marine wildlife.
Under the ESA, species may be listed as either endangered or threatened. "Endangered"
means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
"Threatened" means a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. All
species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for listing as endangered or
threatened. For the purposes of the ESA, Congress defined species to include subspecies,
varieties, and, for vertebrates, distinct population segments.
ECS Capitol Services, PLLC • ECS Florida, LLC • ECS Mid -Atlantic, LLC • ECS Midwest, LLC • ECS Southeast, LLP • ECS Texas, LLP
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Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
SITE RECONNAISSANCE
ECS personnel conducted a site reconnaissance to identify and assess potential habitat for
threatened and endangered species on October 7, 2020. The site consists of wooded land,
densely vegetated open areas, and a cleared path that traverses the central portion of the site.
A stream was observed on the northern portion of the site. The wooded portions of the site
consist of pine and hardwoods approximately 10 to 80 years old with light understory
vegetation. The surrounding properties consist of private residences, maintained fields, wooded
land, and light industrial properties.
DATABASE REVIEW
ECS reviewed the USFWS Endangered Species Database to identify federally protected
threatened and endangered species in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. The following federally
protected Threatened and Endangered species were listed in Mecklenburg County, North
Carolina:
Common Name
Scientific name
Federal Status
Birds
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
BGPA
Mammals
Northern Long-eared Bat
Myotis septentrionalis
T
Clams
Carolina Heelsplitter
Lasmigona decorata
E
Flowering Plants
Schweinitz's Sunflower
Helianthus schweinitzii
E
BGPA = Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act E = Endangered T = Threatened
SPECIES/HABITAT DESCRIPTION
Bald Eagle
Description: Distinguished by a white head and white tail feathers, bald eagles are powerful,
brown birds that may weigh 14 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 feet. Male
eagles are smaller, weighing as much as 10 pounds and have a wingspan of 6
feet. Sometimes confused with Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles are mostly dark
brown until they are four to five years old and acquire their characteristic coloring.
Habitat: Bald Eagles live near rivers, lakes, and marshes where they can find fish, their
staple food. Bald Eagles will also feed on waterfowl, turtles, rabbits, snakes, and
other small animals and carrion. Bald Eagles require a good food base, perching
areas, and nesting sites. Their habitat includes estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs,
Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
rivers, and some seacoasts. In winter, the birds congregate near open water in
tall trees for spotting prey and night roosts for sheltering.
Conclusions: The site consists of undeveloped land with of pines and hardwoods ranging from
10 to 80 years old and light to dense understory vegetation. A stream was
observed on the northern portion of the site. There are no large water features
adjacent to or within the site; therefore, a steady food support base is not present
on the site. Additionally, bald eagles individuals or bald eagle nests have not
been observed within the site.
Based on our knowledge of the site, it is ECS's opinion that suitable habitat for
the bald eagle is not located within or immediately adjacent to the site, and the
bald eagle will not be impacted by the proposed project.
Northern Long-eared Bat
Description: The northern long-eared bat (NLEB) is a medium-sized bat about 3 to 3.7 inches
in length but with a wingspan of 9 to 10 inches. Their fur color can be medium to
dark brown on the back and tawny to pale -brown on the underside. As its name
suggests, this bat is distinguished by its long ears, particularly as compared to
other bats in its genus, Myotis, which are actually bats noted for their small ears
(Myotis means mouse -eared). The northern long-eared bat is found across much
of the eastern and north central United States and all Canadian provinces from
the Atlantic coast west to the southern Northwest Territories and eastern British
Columbia. The species range includes 37 states.
White -nose syndrome, a fungal disease known to affect bats, is currently the
predominant threat to this bat, especially throughout the Northeast where the
species has declined by up to 99 percent from pre -white -nose syndrome levels at
many hibernation sites. Although the disease has not yet spread throughout the
northern long-eared bats entire range (white -nose syndrome is currently found in
at least 25 of 37 states where the northern long-eared bat occurs), it continues to
spread. Experts expect that where it spreads, it will have the same impact as
seen in the Northeast.
Like most bats, northern long-eared bats emerge at dusk to feed. They primarily
fly through the understory of forested areas feeding on moths, flies, leafhoppers,
caddisflies, and beetles, which they catch while in flight using echolocation or by
gleaning motionless insects from vegetation.
Habitat: NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines, called hibernacula. They
use areas in various sized caves or mines with constant temperatures, high
humidity, and no air currents. Within hibernacula, surveyors find them
hibernating most often in small crevices or cracks, often with only the nose and
ears visible.
During the summer, northern long-eared bats roost singly or in colonies
underneath bark, in cavities or in crevices of both live trees and snags (dead
trees). Males and non -reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like
caves and mines. Northern long-eared bats seem to be flexible in selecting
Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
roosts, choosing roost trees based on suitability to retain bark or provide cavities
or crevices. This bat has also been found rarely roosting in structures, like barns
and sheds.
Conclusions: The site consists of undeveloped land with of pines and hardwoods ranging from
10 to 80 years old and light to dense understory vegetation. A stream was
observed on the northern portion of the site. There are no caves or hibernacula
located within the site.
The project will not include removing a NLEB known occupied maternity roost
tree or any trees within 150 feet of a known occupied maternity roost tree from
June 1 through July 31 or removing any trees within 0.25 miles of a NLEB
hibernaculum. Therefore, it is the opinion of ECS this species will not be
impacted by the proposed project.
According to the USFWS Key to Northern Long-eared Bat 4(d) Rule for Non -
Federal Activities (see attached), Incidental take (see Definitions below) from tree
removal activities is not prohibited unless it results from removing a known
occupied maternity roost tree or from tree removal activities within 150 feet of a
known occupied maternity roost tree from June 1 through July 31 or results from
tree removal activities within 0.25 mile of a hibernaculum at any time. You may
proceed with your activity, you do not need a permit and you do not need to
contact the USFWS. Incidental take is defined by the Endangered Species Act
as take that is "incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an
otherwise lawful activity."
Carolina Heelsplitter
Description: The Carolina heelsplitter was first described in 1852. It has an ovate, trapezoid -
shaped shell. The outer surface of the shell varies from greenish brown to dark
brown in color, and shells from younger specimens have faint greenish brown or
black rays. The nacre (inside surface) is often pearly white to bluish white,
grading to orange in the deepest part of the shell. However, in older specimens
the entire nacre may be a mottled pale orange.
Habitat: The Carolina heelsplitter requires cool, clean, well -oxygenated water. Stable, silt -
free stream bottoms appear to be critical to the species. Typically stable areas
occur where the stream banks are well -vegetated with trees and shrubs.
Conclusions: A stream was observed on the northern portion of the site. Proposed
development plans that intersect this stream consist of an entrance driveway. A
general assessment conducted in this area did not identify mussel species.
Moderate amounts of silt were observed on the stream bottom and in the water
column. Based on site observations, potential suitable habitat does not exist in
the on -site stream; additionally, individuals of any mussel species were not
identified within the proposed developed area. Therefore, ECS concludes that
the planned development of this property will have no effect on the Carolina
Heelsplitter.
Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
Schweinitz's Sunflower
Description: Schweinitz's Sunflower is a perennial herb that produces solitary stems, up to 2
m tall and bears yellow flower heads in late summer and early autumn.
Habitat: Schweinitz's Sunflower occurs in clearings, and edges of, upland oak -pine -
hickory woods and piedmont longleaf pine forests in moist to dryish sandy loams.
The sunflower requires full to partial sun of an open habitat, which was formerly
maintained over the species' range by wildfires and grazing by herds of bison
and elk. Now most occurrences are confined to roadsides and powerline
clearings.
Conclusions: The site consists of undeveloped land with of pines and hardwoods ranging from
10 to 80 years old and light to dense understory vegetation Open areas are
densely vegetated. The site does contain potentially suitable habitat for
Schweinitz's sunflower, including along the roadway right-of-ways and along the
cleared paths on the central portion of the site. ECS conducted a targeted survey
by thoroughly transecting and assessing each area of potential habitat.
Vegetation along the road right-of-ways and the cleared path on the central
portion of the site was moderately to extremely dense. ECS did not identify
individuals of Schweinitz's Sunflower during survey of these areas. Therefore,
ECS concludes that the planned development of this property will have no effect
on this species.
AGENCY CORRESPONDENCE
ECS composed letter requests addressed to the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) on
November 16, 2020, and the USFWS, and the State Historic Preservation office (SHPO) on
October 9, 2020 to determine if the PSA is located in the immediate vicinity of registered
sightings or habitats for endangered species.
ECS received a response from the NHP on November 16, 2020 which states that based on a
query of the NHP database, no records of rare species, important natural communities, natural
areas, or conservation areas are located within the PSA. A copy of this correspondence is
attached.
ECS received a response from Ms. Renee Gledhill -Earley, SHPO Representative, on November
10, 2020. The letter states that the SHPO has conducted a review of the project and are aware
of no potential resources which would be affected by the project. Therefore, SHPO has no
further comment on the project as proposed. A copy of this correspondence is attached.
ECS received a letter response from Janet Mizzi, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, with the USFWS
on November 16, 2020. Ms. Mizzi stated that the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect
any federally -listed endangered or threatened species, their formally designated critical habitat,
or species currently proposed for listing under the Act at these sites. Furthermore, the letter
stated, "Based on the information provided and other information available, it appears that the
proposed action is not likely to adversely affect any federally -listed endangered or threatened
species, their formally designated critical habitat, or species currently proposed for listing under
the Act at these sites. We believe that the requirements of section 7(a) (2) of the Act have been
satisfied for your project. Please remember that obligations under section 7 consultation must
Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect
listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered; (2) this action is
subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review; or, (3) a new species
is listed or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the identified action. However, the
Service is concerned about the potential impacts the proposed action might have on aquatic
species. Aquatic resources are highly susceptible to sedimentation. Therefore, we recommend
that all practicable measures be taken to avoid adverse impacts to aquatic species, including
implementing directional boring methods and stringent sediment and erosion control measures.
An erosion and sedimentation control plan should be submitted to and approved by the North
Carolina Division of Land Resources, Land Quality Section prior to construction. Erosion and
sedimentation controls should be installed and maintained between the construction site and
any nearby down -gradient surface waters. In addition, we recommend maintaining natural,
vegetated buffers on all streams and creeks adjacent to the project site." A copy of this
correspondence is attached.
Limited NEPA Report
Lane Street Industrial Site
2850 Lane Street
Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, North Carolina
ECS Project No. 49:12430-A
CONCLUSIONS
ECS has conducted a preliminary threatened and endangered species determination and a
preliminary historic and archaeological resources review for the site. Please note that our
services did not include detailed studies for threatened and endangered species or historic and
archaeological resources. Based on our knowledge, habitat description, and agency
concurrence from NCSHPO, NCNHP, and the USFWS, it appears that the proposed action will
not affect cultural or archaeological resources, and is not likely to adversely affect threatened
and endangered species, their formally designated critical habitat, or species currently proposed
for listing under the ACT at the site. It will also not effect cultural or archeological resources
either. Depending on the nature of the proposed project, additional assessments may be
required.
In order to protect aquatic resources, erosion and sedimentation controls should be installed
and maintained between the construction site and any nearby down gradient surface waters. In
addition, ECS recommends maintaining natural, vegetative buffers on all streams and surface
waters on site and adjacent to the PSA.
CLOSING
ECS appreciates the opportunity to provide our services to you. Please contact us at (704) 525-
5152 if you have questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
ECS Southeast, LLP
Jenna Dew
Assistant Staff Project Manager
Jdewa-ecslimited.com
Attachments: Figure 1 - Site Location Map
Figure 2 - USGS Topographic Map
Figure 3 — Aerial Map
Agency Correspondence
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Environmental Principal
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■ ■■■ Roy Cooper. Governor
00 0 NC DEPARTMENT OF Susi Hamilton, Secretary
■■L■■ NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
IN won Walter Clark, Director, Land and Water Stewardship
NCNHDE-13332
November 16, 2020
Jenna Dew
ECS Southeast, LLP
1812 Center Park Drive
Charlotte, NC 28217
RE. Lane Street Industrial, 12430-A
Dear Jenna Dew.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
Based on the project area mapped with your request, a query of the NCNHP database indicates that
there are no records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or
conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. Please note that although there
may be no documentation of natural heritage elements within the project boundary, it does not
imply or confirm their absence, the area may not have been surveyed. The results of this query
should not be substituted for field surveys where suitable habitat exists. In the event that rare
species are found within the project area, please contact the NCNHP so that we may update our
records.
The attached `Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that
have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these
records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area
if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile
radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report.
If a Federally -listed species is found within the project area or is indicated within a one -mile radius of
the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for
guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here:
https://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37.
Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation
planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria
for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published
without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information
source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission.
The NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a
Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Clean Water Management Trust Fund
easement, or Federally -listed species are documented near the project area.
If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance,
please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodnev.butlerWncdcr.aov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOVRCES
121 W. JONES STREET. RALEIGH. NC 27603 • 16S1 MAIL SERVICE CENTER, RALEIGH. NC 27699
& OFC g19.707.9120 • FAX 919.707.9121
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Lane Street Industrial
Project No. 12430-A
November 16, 2020
NCNHDE-13332
No Element Occurrences are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
No Natural Areas are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Areas Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Three Rivers Land Trust Easement Three Rivers Land Trust Private
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at httr)s://ncnhde.natureserve.ora/heir). Data query generated on November 16, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q3 October 2020.
Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
Page 2 of 3
NCNHDE-13332: Lane Street Industrial
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FAO, NIPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NIL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan,
METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS
User Community
Page 3 of 3
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
State Historic Preservation Office
Ramona M. Bartos, Administrator
Governor Roy Cooper
Secretary Susi H. Hamilton
November 10, 2020
Jenna N. Dew
Office of Archives and History
Deputy Secretary Kevin Cherry
jdew&ecslimited.com
ECS Southeast, LLP
1812 Center Park Drive, Suite D
Charlotte, NC 28217
Re: Construct industrial park, 2850 Lane Street, Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, ER 20-2217
Dear Ms. Dew:
Thank you for your email of October 9, 2020, regarding the above -referenced undertaking. We have
reviewed the submittal and offer the following comments.
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(cr�,ncdcr. og_v. In all future communication concerning this project, please cite the
above referenced tracking number.
Sincerely,
Ramona Bartos, Deputy
State Historic Preservation Officer
Location: 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Mailing Address: 4617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4617 Telephone/Fax: (919) 814-6570/814-6598
ua
United States Department of the Interior FSERVIUE
IFE
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
November 16, 2020
Jenna Dew
ECS Southeast
1812 Center Park Drive, Suite D
Charlotte, North Carolina 28217
JDew@ecslimited.com
Dear Jenna Dew:
Subject: Lane Street Industrial; Cabarrus County, North Carolina Log No. 4-2-21-031
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your
correspondence received October 13, 2020 wherein you solicit our comments regarding project -
mediated impacts to federally protected species. We submit the following comments in
accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended
(16 U.S.C. 661-667e); the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.); and
section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
Project Description
According to the information provided, the proposed project would likely entail the construction
of a (1,000,000 W) industrial building with associated paved areas on approximately 95 acres in
Kannapolis, North Carolina. Onsite habitats appear to consist of mixed successional forest,
riparian areas, agricultural fields, and transitional edge habitats. Your correspondence indicates
that jurisdictional waters of the U.S are present onsite, suggesting that the proposed development
may also require USACE authorization.
Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species
According to Service records, suitable summer roosting habitat may be present in the project
area for the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). However, the
final 4(d) rule (effective as of February 16, 2016), exempts incidental take of northern long-eared
bat associated with activities that occur greater than 0.25 miles from a known hibernation site,
and greater than 150 feet from a known, occupied maternity roost during the pup season (June 1
— July 31). Based on the information provided, the project (which mayor may not require tree
clearing) would occur at a location where any incidental take that may result from associated
activities is exempt under the 4(d) rule. Although not required, we encourage the Applicant
to avoid any associated tree clearing activities during the maternity roosting season from
May 15 — August 15.
According to the information provided, suitable habitat occurs onsite for the endangered
Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii). Your correspondence indicates that a targeted
survey of potential habitats was conducted within the optimal survey window for this species.
Based on the presence of its suitable habitat onsite, but negative survey results collected during
the optimal survey window, we would concur with a "may affect, not likely to adversely affect
determination" for this species from the applicable action agency.
Based on the information provided, suitable habitat is not present onsite for any other federally
protected species and we require no further information at this time. Please be aware that
obligations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act must be reconsidered if. (1) new
information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical
habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is subsequently modified in a
manner that was not considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat is
determined that may be affected by the identified action.
We offer the following general recommendations on behalf of natural resources:
Bald Eagle
Although the Service has no record of known occurrences in the immediate vicinity, the project
area lies within the range of the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and suitable nesting
habitat may be present onsite near Lake Fisher. The bald eagle has been removed from the
federal list of endangered and threatened species due to its recovery. However, this species is
afforded legal protection by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668d) and
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712). The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,
enacted in 1940, and amended several times, prohibits anyone without a permit issued by the
Secretary of the Interior from "taking" bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. "Take"
includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb (16
U.S.C. 668c; 50 CFR 22.3). "Disturb" means "To agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to the
degree that interferes with or interrupts normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering habits, causing
injury, death, or nest abandonment." In addition to immediate impacts, these definitions also
cover impacts that result from human -induced alterations around a previously used nest site
during a time when eagles are not present if, upon an eagle's return, such alterations agitate or
bother the eagle to a degree that interferes with or interrupts normal breeding, feeding, or
sheltering habits and causes injury, death, or nest abandonment.
If any active nests are located within a half mile of the project site, we request that work at the
site be restricted from mid -January through July in order to prevent adverse impacts to the bald
eagle. This will prevent disturbance of the eagles from the egg -laying period until the young
fledge, which encompasses their most vulnerable times.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Measures to control sediment and erosion should be installed before any ground -disturbing
activities occur. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and existing native vegetation
should be retained (if possible) to maintain riparian cover for fish and wildlife. Disturbed areas
should be revegetated with native vegetation as soon as the project is completed. Ground
disturbance should be limited to what will be stabilized quickly, preferably by the end of the
workday. Natural fiber matting (coir) should be used for erosion control as synthetic
netting can trap animals and persist in the environment beyond its intended purpose.
2
Low Impact Development
The Service is concerned about the potential stormwater-mediated impacts to streams and
wetlands onsite. Where detention ponds are used, storm -water outlets should drain through a
vegetated area prior to reaching any natural stream or wetland area. Detention structures should
be designed to allow for the slow discharge of storm water, attenuating the potential adverse
effects of storm -water surges; thermal spikes; and sediment, nutrient, and chemical discharges.
Since the purpose of storm -water -control is to protect streams and wetlands, no
storm -water -control measures or best management practices should be installed within any
stream (perennial or intermittent) or wetland. We recommend that retention ponds be located
at least 750 feet from small wetlands to minimize hydrologic disturbance and ecological
function.
Riparian Buffers
Natural, forested riparian buffers are critical to the health of aquatic ecosystems. They
accomplish the following:
1. catch and filter runoff, thereby helping to prevent nonpoint-source pollutants from
reaching streams;
2. enhance the in -stream processing of both point- and nonpoint-source pollutants;
3. act as "sponges" by absorbing runoff (which reduces the severity of floods) and by
allowing runoff to infiltrate and recharge groundwater levels (which maintains stream
flows during dry periods);
4. catch and help prevent excess woody debris from entering the stream and creating
logjams;
5. stabilize stream banks and maintain natural channel morphology;
6. provide coarse woody debris for habitat structure and most of the dissolved organic
carbon and other nutrients necessary for the aquatic food web; and
7. maintain air and water temperatures around the stream.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Mr. Byron
Hamstead of our staff at Byron_Hamstead@fws.gov, if you have any questions. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-21-031.
Sincerely,
- - original signed - -
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor
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