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hdrinc.com
February 5, 2021
Mr. Byron Hamstead
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Subject: James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
Burke County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Hamstead
HDR, on behalf of our clients Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy), requests review and
comment on potential impacts to threatened and endangered species that may result from
construction activities associated with the James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
(Project) located in Burke County, North Carolina (Figures 1 and 2).
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy) is proposing to rebuild 5 miles of the existing
James 44kV Transmission Line corridor (Line Index 4131277) located between Morganton and
Lake James, North Carolina.
The proposed Project will require a 401 Water Quality Certification 4133 and the impacts will
be authorized under the Nationwide Permitting program, Nationwide Permit Number 57, and
the Wilmington District's Regional Conditions. Duke Energy proposes to install a 20-feet long
by 5-feet in diameter culvert in Stream 8. Duke Energy proposes to use temporary composite
matting in Wetland 1 resulting in 0.02 acre of temporary impacts.
The Study Area consists of an approximately 64-acres site comprised of maintained overhead
transmission line right-of-way (Figure 3 and 4). Land use in the vicinity of the proposed Project
consists of residential, industrial, commercial, agriculture, and undeveloped forested lands.
Updated species lists for Burke County
(https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/burke.html) was obtained from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) website (last updated on December 14, 2020). A summary of
federally protected species in Burke County is provided in Table 1.
440 S Church Street, Suites 900 & 1000, Charlotte, NC 28202-2075
[phone]

James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
February 4, 2021
Page 2
Table 1. Federally Protected Species for Burke County, North Carolina
Vertebrates
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Bog turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii
Northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis
Vascular Plants
Dwarf -flowered heartleaf
Hexastylis naniflora
Heller's blazing star
Liatris helled
Mountain golden heather
Hudsonia montana
Small whorled pogonia
Isotria medeoloides
White irisette
Sisyrinchium dichotomum
Lichens
Rock gnome lichen
Gymnoderma lineare
BGEPA
Current
T (S/A) Current
T Current
T Current
T Current
T Current
T Current
E Current
E Current
E = Endangered. A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
T = threatened. A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion
of its range."
T(S/A) = threatened due to similarity of appearance. A taxon that is threatened due to similarity of appearance with
another listed species and is listed for its protection. Taxa listed as T(S/A) are not biologically endangered or threatened
and are not subject to Section 7 consultation.
BGEPA =Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Current = the species has been observed in the county within the last 50 years.
The USFWS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) database was queried for the
Project Area. The IPaC database revealed that no critical habitat for the species in Table 1 was
located within the Study Area. Migratory bird presence was included in the query. The
database revealed the red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) as a Bird of
Conservation Concern (BCC). Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was returned in the
query due to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and is not a BCC. IPaC also showed
that no National Wildlife Refuge lands or fish hatcheries are located in the Study Area.
The USFWS's Critical Habitat GIS shapefiles were reviewed and a query of the North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program's (NCNHP) Data Explorer database for protected species
distribution and proximity to the Project Area was conducted (see attached Project Report
[NCNHDE-10133]). The NCNHP Project Report summarizes occurrences of federally and
state -protected species, critical habitat, and managed areas that have been documented within
a one -mile radius of the Project Area. The NCNHP Data Explorer query revealed that two
occurrences of a federally protected species dwarf -flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora)
have been documented within the Study Area and six occurrences within one -mile radius of
the Study Area. The query also revealed no natural areas and seven managed areas within
one mile of the Study Area.
HDR biologists consulted available reference materials and conducted on -site surveys on
September 21stand 22 nd, 2020, and November 30th, 2020. No habitat or individuals of dwarf -
flowered heartleaf were found within the Study Area. The field survey revealed that Suitable
habitat for dwarf -flowered heartleaf exists adjacent to the Study Area as well as habitat for bog

James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
February 4, 2021
Page 3
turtle, white irisette, and foraging habitat for bald eagle within the Study Area. No protected
species were observed during the field surveys.
We respectfully request that you review the Project Area and the attached information to
determine if there may be any adverse impacts to federally protected species. If you have any
questions or require additional information after your review of the enclosed materials, please
contact me at [phone] or Anthony. nardo(a-)hdrinc.com.
Respectfully,
Tony Nardo
Environmental Scientist
Attachments: Site Photographs
Figure 1. Project Location
Figure 2. USGS Topographic Quad maps
Figure 3. Soils Map
Figure 4. Aerial Map
IPaC Report
NCNHP Project Report
cc: James Shapard — HDR
Jeff Goto, P.E. — Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
February 4, 2021
Page 4

James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
February 4, 2021
Page 5
Photograph 3 — View of Study Area Looking West
Photograph 4 — View of Study Area Looking East

James 44kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
February 4, 2021
Page 6
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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/couMfr.html
In Reply Refer To:
Consultation Code: 04EN1000-2021-SLI-0028
Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Project Name: Duke - James 44 kV
e x
hSai k 4YYFJiYJft
October 09, 2020
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The attached species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. Although not required by
section 7, many agencies request species lists to start the informal consultation process and begin
their fulfillment of the requirements under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
This list, along with other helpful resources, is also available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) Asheville Field Office's (AFO) website: https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/
cntylist/nc counties.html. The AFO website list includes "species of concern" species that could
potentially be placed on the federal list of threatened and endangered species in the future. Also
available are:
Design and Construction Recommendations
https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project review/Recommendations.html
Optimal Survey Times for Federally Listed Plants
https://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/plant survey.html
Northern long-eared bat Guidance
https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project review/NLEB in WNC.html
Predictive Habitat Model for Aquatic Species
https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/Maxent/Maxent.html

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of
species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could require modifications of these lists.
Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act,
the accuracy of the species lists should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be
completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be
completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website or the AFO website (the AFO website dates each
county list with the day of the most recent update/change) at regular intervals during project
planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be
requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the
enclosed list or by going to the AFO website.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having
similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)
(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a Biological
Evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may
affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended
contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12 and on our office's website
at https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project review/assessment guidance.html.
If a Federal agency (or their non-federal representative) determines, based on the Biological
Assessment or Biological Evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be
affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to
50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species, and
proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the
regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license
applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: h=.//
www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF.
Though the bald eagle is no longer protected under the Endangered Species Act, please be aware
that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16
U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require additional consultation (see
https://www.fws.gov/southeast/our-services/permits/eagles/). Wind energy projects should follow
the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to
migratory birds (including bald and golden eagles) and bats.
Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications
towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http://
www. fws. gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdlssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm;

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 3
http://www.towerkill.com; andhttp://www.fws.gov/migrator3birds/CurrentBirdlssues/Hazards/
towers/comtow.html.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages
Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project
planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in
the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project
that you submit to our office.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
• Migratory Birds
• Wetlands

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Official Species List
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 2
Project Summary
Consultation Code: 04EN1000-2021-SLI-0028
Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Project Name: Duke - James 44 kV
Project Type: TRANSMISSION LINE
Project Description: A rebuild of the Duke James 44kV transmission line in Burke County.
Project Location:
Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:
www.google.com/maps/place/35.73734146683515N81.8237932864194W
Irmo
%rk
Counties: Burke, NC

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 3
Endangered Species Act Species
There is a total of 8 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheriesi, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
Mammals
NAM L
STATUS
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis
Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045
Reptiles
NAME
STATUS
Bog Turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii
Similarity of
Population: U.S.A. (GA, NC, SC, TN, VA)
Appearance
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
(Threatened)
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6962

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Flowering Plants
NAME STATUS
Dwarf -flowered Heartleaf Hexastylis nani flora Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2458
Heller's Blazingstar Liatris helleri Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5962
Mountain Golden Heather Hudsonia montana Threatened
There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/131
Small Whorled Pogonia Isotria medeoloides Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1890
White Irisette Sisyrinchium dichotomum Endangered
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8097
Lichens
NAME STATUS
Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma lineare Endangered
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile: https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3933
Critical habitats
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.
0

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Migratory Birds
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act! and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Actz.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider
implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.
1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the USFWS
Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your project location.
To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this list is generated, see
the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location, nor a guarantee that
every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact locations of where birders
and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project area, visit the E-bird data
mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species on your list). For
projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing the relative
occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to additional
information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your migratory
bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be found
below.
For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures
to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE
SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and
breeding in your project area.
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Sep 1 to
This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention Jul 31
because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types
of development or activities.
https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA to Sep 10
and Alaska.

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Probability Of Presence Summary
The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be
present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project
activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read and understand the
FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting
to interpret this report.
Probability of Presence ( ')
Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your
project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week
months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see
below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher
confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.
How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps:
The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in
the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for
that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee
was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is
0.25.
2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of
presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum
probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence
in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12
(0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on
week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.
3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical
conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the
probability of presence score.
Breeding Season( )
Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across
its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project
area.
Survey Effort (1)
Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys
performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of
surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.
No Data (—)
A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.
Survey Timeframe

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 3
Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant
information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on
all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.
■ probability of presence breeding season I survey effort — no data
SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Bald Eagle
Non -BCC Vulnerable on 11111111 Bill 1111
Red-headed
Woodpecker
BCC Rangewide (COI)
Additional information can be found using the following links:
Birds of Conservation Concern http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/
birds-of-conservation-concern.DhD
• Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds http://www.fws.gov/birds/
management/project-assessment-tools-and-guidance/
conservation-measures.php
• Nationwide conservation measures for birds http://www.fws. ov/mi rato bry irds/pdf/
management/nationwidestandardconservationmeasures. pdf
Migratory Birds FAQ
Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts
to migratory birds.
Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize
impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly
important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in
the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very
helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding
in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures and/or
permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of
infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.
What does IPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified
location?
The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern
BCC and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location.

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 4
The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian
Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding,
and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as
occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as
warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act
requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or
development.
Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your
project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list
of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the AKN Phenology Tool.
What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds
potentially occurring in my specified location?
The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data
provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing
collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets .
Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information
becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and
how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me
about these graphs" link.
How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering, migrating or present year-round in my
project area?
To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding,
wintering, migrating or year-round), you may refer to the following resources: The Cornell Lab
of Ornithology All About Birds Bird Guide, or (if you are unsuccessful in locating the bird of
interest there), the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Neotropical Birds guide. If a bird on your
migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it, if that bird does occur in your
project area, there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds
elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area.
What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?
Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:
1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern
throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);
2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation
Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and
3. "Non -BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on
your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non -eagles)
potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities
(e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060 5
Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made,
in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC
species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can
implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles,
please see the FAQs for these topics.
Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects
For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species
and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the
Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides
birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird
model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical
Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic
Outer Continental Shelf project webpage.
Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use
throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this
information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study
and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Lorin.
What if I have eagles on my list?
If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid
violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.
Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report
The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of
birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for
identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC
use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be
aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that
overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look
carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no
data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey
effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In
contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of
certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for
identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might
be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you
know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement
conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities,
should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell
me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory
birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.

10/09/2020 Event Code: 04EN1000-2021-E-00060
Wetlands
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
RIVERINE
• R4SBC
• R5UBH
• R2UBH

a ■■N Roy Cooper. Governor
00 i NC DEPARTMENT OF Susi Hamilton, Secretary
notan NATUPAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
E sow Walter Clark, Director, Land and Water Stewardship
NCNHDE-13037
October 9. 2020
Jessica Tisdale
HDR
555 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
RE. Duke - James 44kV Rebuild
Dear Jessica Tisdale.
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide
information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above.
A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural
communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project
boundary. These results are presented in the attached `Documented Occurrences' tables and map.
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 documented within the project area or 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.
Also please note that 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 an occurrence of a Federally -listed species is 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 rodney.butlerLncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
1:1 W. JONES STREET, PALE01_ P<_ 27603 - 16S1 MAIL SERVICE CENTER. RALEiGH. NC 276"
OFC !J19 707.9120 • FAX [phone]

Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area
Duke
- James 44kV Rebuild
October 9, 2020
NCNHDE-13037
Element Occurrences Documented
Within Project Area
axono
O ID
Scientific Nam Name
Last Element
Accuracy
Federal
State
Global
State
Group
X
Observation Occurrence
Status
Status
Rank
Rank
JW
Date Rank
L
Crustacean
33278
Cambarus johni Carolina Foothills
1977-10-05 H
3-Medium
---
Significantly
G3
S3
Crayfish
Rare
Vascular Plant
38033
Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered
2017-03-28 BC
2-High
Threatened
Threatened
G3
S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant
6412
Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered
2005-05 D
2-High
Threatened
Threatened
G3
S3
Heartleaf
No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area
No Managed Areas Documented within the Project Area
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at httr)s://ncnhde.natureserve.org/helr). Data query generated on October 9, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q3 July 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 5

Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Duke - James 44kV Rebuild
October 9, 2020
NCNHDE-13037
Element Occurrences Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Taxonomic EO ID Scientific Name Common Name,N Last Element Accuracy Federal State Global State
Group servation Occurrence Status tatus Rank Rank
Date a Rank
Crustacean 33278 Cambarus johni Carolina Foothills 1977-10-05 H 3-Medium --- Significantly G3 S3
Crayfish Rare
Dragonfly or 35163 Boyeria grafiana Ocellated Darner 2014-05-13 E 4-Low --- Significantly G5 S2?
Damselfly Rare
Freshwater Fish32440 Carpiodes sp. cf. "Carolina" Quillback 2007-03-30 E 3-Medium --- Significantly GNP S2
cyprinus Rare
Vascular Plant 38033 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2017-03-28 BC 2-High Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant 22281 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2017-03-28 CD 2-High Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant 22283 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2017-03-28 BC 1-Very Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf High
Vascular Plant 22282 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2006-10-25 X 2-High Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant 22284 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2017-03-28 A 2-High Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant 6412 Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered 2005-05 D 2-High Threatened Threatened G3 S3
Heartleaf
Vascular Plant 38786 Polygala senega Seneca Snakeroot 1965-05-01 H 4-Low --- Significantly G4G5 S2
Rare Disjunct
Vascular Plant 14184 Trillium simile Sweet White Trillium 1938-04-15 H 4-Low --- Threatened G3 S2
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 Nam Owner Type
Lake James State Park NC DNCR, Division of Parks and Recreation, State
Duke Energy
Page 3 of 5

Managed Areas Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name
Owner
wner Type
Lake James State Park
NC DNCR, Division of Parks and Recreation,
State
Duke Energy
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Easement
Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina
Private
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund Funded
NC DNCR, Clean Water Management Trust
State
Project
Fund
Lake James State Park Dedicated Nature Preserve
NC DNCR, Division of Parks and Recreation
State
Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina
Historic Preservation Foundation of North
Private
Easement
Carolina
Burke County Open Space
Burke County
Local Government
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at httr)s://ncnhde.natureserve.ora/heir). Data query generated on October 9, 2020; source: NCNHP, Q3 July 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 4 of 5

NCNHDE-13037: Duke - James 44kV Rebuild
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❑ Project Boundary
❑ Buffered Project Boundary
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Sources: Esri. HERE, Garmin. Ini—p, in—nnenl P Corp., GERCO, USGS,
FAO, NPS, NRCAN, C' Elase. IG N, Kadester NL, Ordnance Survey, E swi .Japan.
MEYI. Eui China (Hong Korg), (Q) apenKIA eeNAap w.trbutprs, and the GIS
User Cu nuniry
Page 5 of 5