20210451 Ver 1_Gatewood Rd T & E Survey_20210326

Aquatic Species Survey Report

Removal of Bridge No. 117 on SR 1780
Over Country Line Creek
Caswell County, North Carolina

WBS Element # 17BP.7.R.130

Prepared For:

NC Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina

Contact Person:

Jared Gray
Biological Surveys Group
North Carolina Department of Transportation
[e-mail]
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1598

January 27, 2020

Prepared by:

8601 Six Forks Road, Forum 1 Suite 700
Raleigh, NC 27615

Contact Person:

Neil Medlin
Manager, Natural Resources
[e-mail]
919-878-9560

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................................................1
2.0 Waters Affected ........................................................................................................1
2.1 NPDES Dischargers ............................................................................................1
2.2 303(d) Classification ...........................................................................................2
3.0 Target Species Descriptions ....................................................................................2
3.1 James Spinymussel (Parvaspina collina) ...........................................................2
3.1.1 Characteristics ......................................................................................2
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements ...............................................2
3.2 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) ...................................................................3
3.2.1 Characteristics ......................................................................................3
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements ...............................................3
3.3 Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)........................................................................3
3.3.1 Characteristics ......................................................................................3
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements ...............................................4
4.0 Survey Efforts...........................................................................................................4
4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Country Line Creek ...............................4
4.2 Methodology .......................................................................................................4
4.2.1 Mussel Survey ......................................................................................4
4.2.2 Fish Survey ..........................................................................................5
5.0 Results .......................................................................................................................5
5.1 Mussel Survey .....................................................................................................5
5.2 Fish Survey .........................................................................................................5
6.0 Critical Habitat ........................................................................................................6
7.0 Discussion/Conclusions ............................................................................................6
8.0 References .................................................................................................................7

Appendix A. Figures:
Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Location
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
Page 1
1.0 Introduction

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the removal of Bridge No.
117 over Country Line Creek on SR 1780 (South Gatewood Road) in Caswell County (Appendix
A, Figure 1). The project is within the Roanoke River Basin. As of January 23, 2020, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Raleigh Office webpage indicated that James Spinymussel
(Parvaspina collina) and Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) are currently listed as protected
species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Caswell County. In addition, Atlantic
Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) is known to occur in Caswell County and it has been proposed for
listing under the ESA. The Atlantic Pigtoe was proposed to be listed as Threatened under the
ESA on October 11, 2018. Critical Habitat was also proposed for the Atlantic Pigtoe.

A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last accessed January 23,
2020, indicated that no element occurrences (EO) exist for target species within a 5-mile buffer
of the project location (Figure 2). The closest occurrence for James Spinymussel (EO ID 37056)
is located approximately 23 stream miles away on the Dan River. This current EO was first
observed on November 17, 2016 and last observed on October 2, 2017. The closest occurrence
for Atlantic Pigtoe (EO ID 14511) is approximately 7.8 stream miles downstream from the
project location on Country Line Creek. This historical EO was first and last observed on July
14, 1998. The closest current occurrence for Atlantic Pigtoe (EO ID 34989) is >25 stream miles
away on Little Grassy Creek. This EO was first observed on August 25, 2003 and last observed
on September 28, 2018. The closest occurrence for Roanoke Logperch (EO ID 32523) is
approximately16 stream miles away on Wolf Island Creek. This current EO was first observed
on July 25, 2011 and last observed on July 26, 2011.

As part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project related
impacts to federally protected species, RK&K was contracted by NCDOT to conduct aquatic
surveys for James Spinymussel, Atlantic Pigtoe, and Roanoke Logperch.

2.0 Waters Affected

The stream potentially affected by the project is Country Line Creek within the Roanoke River
Basin HUC # 03010104. From the project location, Country Line Creek flows over 10 stream
miles before flowing into the Dan River in Halifax County, Virginia.

2.1 NPDES Dischargers

There are two NPDES permitted dischargers in locations that could directly affect the project
area within the 5-mile project area buffer (Figure 3). Town of Yanceyville WWTP (Permit No.
NC 0040011) is a minor discharge located approximately 2.5 stream miles upstream on Country
Line Creek. Yanceyville WTP (Permit No. NC0007323) is a minor discharge located
approximately 3 stream miles upstream on Fullers Creek.

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
Page 2
2.2 303(d) Classification

Country Line Creek at the project location is not on the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) - Division of Water Resources 2018 303(d) list of impaired
streams. However, Country Line Creek (Farmers Lake) is on the 303(d) list of impaired streams
outside of the 5-mile buffer, but upstream of the project survey location.

3.0 Target Species Descriptions

3.1 James Spinymussel (Parvaspina collina)

3.1.1 Characteristics

The James Spinymussel (Parvaspina collina (Conrad 1837)) is a small freshwater mussel that
rarely exceeds 76 mm in length. Young specimens have a shiny yellow periostracum and mature
individuals typically have a dark brown periostracum that exhibit pronounced growth rings.
Juveniles may have three or more spines on each valve; however, spines are typically absent or
reduced to bumps as the species matures. The shell is subrhomboidal in shape for juveniles, but
the shell becomes more ovate as the mussel grows. The left valve has two thick pseudocardinal
and two thin lateral teeth where the right valve contains one of each. Shells have a thicker
anterior end and thin towards the posterior. The foot and mantle tissue are orange and the nacre
is whitish to salmon colored.

Maximum age for the James Spinymussel is suspected to be greater than 19 years and it is a
short-term brooding (tachytictic) species. Specifically, the species becomes gravid and releases
glochidia multiple times between May and August. Host fish species include Central Stoneroller
(Campostoma anomalum), Mountain Redbelly Dace (Chrosomus oreas), Rosyside Dace
(Clinostomus funduloides), Satinfin Shiner (Cyprinella analostana), Rosefin Shiner (Lythrurus
ardens), Bluehead Chub (Nocomis leptocephalus), and Blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus).

3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements

The James Spinymussel was once found throughout the main stem of the James River and all of
its major tributaries upstream of Richmond, VA. The species has experienced a precipitous
decline over the past two decades and now exists only in small, headwater tributaries of the
upper James River Basin in Virginia and West Virginia and the upper Roanoke River drainage of
Virginia and North Carolina. Within the Craig Creek watershed in Virginia, sites include Craig
Creek, Johns Creek, Dicks Creek, and Patterson Creek in Craig and Botetourt counties. The
other sites within West Virginia and Virginia include Potts Creek in Monroe County, WV and
Craig and Alleghany counties, VA, Pedlar River in Amherst County, VA, Mechums River in
Albemarle County, VA, Moormans River in Albemarle County, VA, Rocky Run (Moormans
River) in Albemarle County, VA, and Catawba Creek in Botetourt County, VA. Within the Dan
River watershed in North Carolina, sites include the Dan River, Big Creek, and Mills Creek in
Stokes County, Dan River and Mayo River in Rockingham County, and Country Line Creek in
Caswell County.

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
Page 3
The James Spinymussel is found in waters with slow to moderate current and relatively hard
water on sand and mixed sand-gravel substrates that are free from silt. Current stream width at
these sites varies from 3 to 23 meters with a water depth of 0.15 to 1 meter. Historic sites on the
James River were much wider, up to 50 meters across.

3.2 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)

3.2.1 Characteristics

The Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni (Conrad 1834)) is a small, freshwater mussel that rarely
exceeds 60 mm in length. The shells are usually compressed and have a sub-rhomboid outline;
however, specimens from headwater streams tend to be more elongate than those found in larger
waterways. The umbo extends well above the dorsal margin and the posterior ridge is angular
and very distinct. The periostracum is yellowish brown or greenish brown with a parchment-like
texture. The nacre is somewhat shiny and can be white, salmon, orange or iridescent blue.

Maximum age for the Atlantic Pigtoe is approximately 58 years and it is a short-term brooding
(tachytictic) species. Specifically, the species becomes gravid and releases glochidia multiple
times between late June through early July. Identified fish hosts for this species include the
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and Shield Darter (Percina peltata).

3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements

The Atlantic Pigtoe is a southern Atlantic Slope species that is found from the James River Basin
in Virginia south to the Altamaha River Basin in Georgia. Within North Carolina, the Atlantic
Pigtoe historically inhabited the Roanoke, Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, Cape Fear, Yadkin-Pee Dee, and
Catawba River basins. It appears that this mussel may be extirpated from the North Carolina
portion of the Catawba River Basin and potentially some areas within all river basins.

The Atlantic Pigtoe occupies riffles and runs in medium to large streams. Specifically, it
typically inhabits moderately fast velocity areas that contain stable gravel, or sand and gravel
substrate.

3.3 Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)

3.3.1 Characteristics

The Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex (Jordan and Evermann 1889)) is a large darter
(approximately 165 mm long) with vertically elongate lateral blotches (8-11), dark
vermiculations interspersed between dorsal saddles, and an elongate, piglike snout. Most fins are
strongly speckled, and the first dorsal fin contains an orange band that tends to be vivid in males.
The Roanoke Logperch is a benthic insectivore and forages primarily on aquatic
macroinvertebrates that it dislodges from gravel by turning over the substrate with their piglike
snout.

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
Page 4
Maximum age for the Roanoke Logperch is suspected to be approximately 6 years. Sexually
mature individuals (2-3 years old) typically spawn during April through May in deep runs
containing gravel substrate. As with other darter species, downstream larval drift and juvenile
movement represents an essential dispersal and recolonization mechanism for Roanoke
Logperch.

3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements

Within North Carolina, the Roanoke Logperch is found in the Roanoke River Basin:
Rockingham County (Big Beaver Island Creek, Cascade Creek, Dan River, Mayo River, Smith
River, and Wolf Island Creek) and potentially portions of the Dan River and tributaries within
Stokes, Caswell, and Forsyth Counties.

Adult Roanoke Logperch typically inhabit large to medium sized waterways and occupy riffle,
run, and pool habitats that contain sand, gravel, or boulder substrate. In contrast, juveniles often
swim in mixed-species schools that occupy shallow, margin habitats underlain by sand and
gravel substrate.

4.0 Survey Efforts

Mussel and Roanoke Logperch surveys were conducted by RK&K personnel Tyler Black
(Permit # 19-ES00554), Neil Medlin (Permit # 17-ES00030), Hal Bain, Matt Haney (NCDOT),
and Anne Burroughs (Dewberry Engineering) on May 1, 2019.

4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Country Line Creek

At the survey location, County Line Creek is a moderately deep stream with run habitat. Wetted
width was approximately 13 meters and depth ranged from 0.25-1.75 meters but averaged
approximately 0.5 meters. The substrate was a mix of silt, sand, and gravel. The dominant
benthic substrate was sand, and gravel was the subdominant substrate. The bank height was
approximately 2.5 meters and some bank erosion/undercutting areas were observed. Evidence of
beaver activity was not observed at the time of the survey. A wide forested buffer was present
along the survey location.

4.2 Methodology

4.2.1 Mussel Survey

A mussel survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the bridge
crossing to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500
meters. Areas of appropriate habitat were searched, concentrating on the stable habitats
preferred by the target species. Visual surveys were conducted with and without view buckets
(bathyscopes) along with tactile methods that were employed where appropriate. All freshwater
bivalves were recorded and returned to the substrate. Timed survey efforts typically provide
Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data for each species.

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
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4.2.2 Fish Survey

A fish survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the bridge crossing
to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500 meters.
The survey was conducted using two Smith-Root Model LR-24 backpack electrofishing units
and dip nets. The stream was sampled with two biologists operating the electrofishing unit while
the other biologists collected the stunned fish with dip nets. All stunned fish were collected and
temporarily placed in a 5-gallon bucket containing freshwater. All fish were identified and
released onsite.

5.0 Results

5.1 Mussel Survey

Over 100 mussels were observed during the survey. No James Spinymussel or Atlantic Pigtoe
individuals were observed during the survey. A total of 3.33-person hours of survey time were
spent in the survey location with two freshwater mussel species observed.

Table 1. CPUE for Freshwater Bivalves in Country Line Creek, May 1, 2019.
Scientific Name Common Name No. of Live (Shell) CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
Elliptio complanata Eastern Elliptio 102(--) 30.6/hr
Strophitus undulatus Creeper 1(--) 0.3/hr
Freshwater Clams
Corbicula fluminea Asian Clam Rare --

5.2 Fish Survey

Nineteen fish species were identified during the survey of Country Line Creek with a total of 425
individuals observed (Table 1). No Roanoke Logperch individuals were observed during the
survey. A total of 4,282 electrofishing seconds were utilized during the survey.

Table 2. Fishes in Country Line Creek, May 1, 2019.
Scientific Name Common Name No. of Individuals
Ameiurus platycephalus Flat Bullhead 2
Catostomus commersonii White Sucker 1
Cyprinella analostana Satinfin Shiner 77
Etheostoma flabellare Fantail Darter 1
Etheostoma nigrum Johnny Darter 44
Etheostoma vitreum Glassy Darter 1
Gambusia holbrooki Eastern Mosquitofish 2
Lepisosteus osseus Longnose Gar 2
Lepomis auritus Redbreast Sunfish 84
Lepomis cyanellus Green Sunfish 41
Lepomis macrochirus Bluegill 3

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
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Scientific Name Common Name No. of Individuals
Luxilus albeolus White Shiner 1
Moxostoma collapsum Notchlip Redhorse 1
Moxostoma erythrurum Golden Redhorse 3
Nocomis leptocephalus Bluehead Chub 4
Notropis procne Swallowtail Shiner 149
Noturus insignis Margined Madtom 6
Percina nevisense Chainback Darter 1
Percina roanoka Roanoke Darter 2

Total Number of Individuals 425
Total Number of Species 19
Electrofishing Seconds 4,282

6.0 Critical Habitat

The project is not located within proposed Critical Habitat for Atlantic Pigtoe.

7.0 Discussion/Conclusions

The results indicate that the survey area supports limited native mussel diversity and a
moderately diverse freshwater fish community. The survey location has a patchy Eastern
Elliptio population, primarily located in stable areas along the banks. Based on survey results,
distance to known populations, instream habitat (i.e., stream bed composed of shifting sand) and
lack of prior Roanoke Logperch records within Country Line Creek, completion of the proposed
project will not affect the target species.

No James Spinymussel individuals were observed during the survey and the closest NCNHP EO
for the species is in the Dan River, 23 stream miles from the project location.

Biological Conclusion for James Spinymussel: No Effect

No Roanoke Logperch individuals were observed during the survey and the closest NCNHP EO
for the species is in Wolf Island Creek, 16 miles from the project location.

Biological Conclusion for Roanoke Logperch: No Effect

Based on the same rationale applied to the listed species above, if the Atlantic Pigtoe was to be
listed under the ESA it would have the following conclusion:

Biological Conclusion for Atlantic Pigtoe: No Effect

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
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8.0 References

Hove and Neves. 1994. Life history of the endangered James Spinymussel Pleurobema collina
(Conrad, 1837) (Mollusca: Unionidae). American Malacological Bulletin. 11(1): 29-40.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality - Division of Water Resources. 2018
North Carolina 303(d) List. Available:
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2018/2018-NC-303-
d--List-Final.pdf. (August 2019).

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. 2018. NPDES Wastewater Treatment
Facility Permits. Available: http://data-
ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/a86af4f7549343419b4c8177cedb3e4b_0. (August
2019).

North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 2020. nheo-2020-01. Natural Heritage Element
Occurrence polygon shapefile. (January 2020).

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2020. Atlantic Pigtoe Species Profile.
Available: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mollusks/Atlantic-Pigtoe.
(January 2020).

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2020. Roanoke Logperch Species Profile.
http://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Fish/Roanoke-Logperch#2521717-overview.
(January 2020).

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2020. Unpublished Aquatics Database.
(January 2020).

Roberts, J. H., P. L. Angermeier, E. M. Hallerman. 2014. Extensive dispersal of Roanoke
logperch (Percina rex) inferred from genetic marker data. Ecology of Freshwater Fish
25:1-16.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Recovery Plan.
Newton Corner, MA.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) Recovery Plan. Newton
Corner, MA.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. James Spinymussel fact sheet. Gloucester, VA.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) Species Profile.
Available: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/RoanokeLogperch.pdf. (January 2020).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Species Status Assessment Report for the Atlantic Pigtoe
(Fusconaia masoni). Version 1.2. Atlanta, GA.

Aquatic Species Survey Report, 17BP.7.R.130, Caswell County January 2020
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Threatened Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat Designation for
Atlantic Pigtoe. Federal Register 83:197 (11 October 2018):51570–51609.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2020. Atlantic pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) Species Profile,
Environmental Online System (ECOS). Available:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=F03K. (January 2020).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2020. Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of
Concern by County for North Carolina. Available:
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc_counties.html. (January 2020).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2020. James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Species Profile,
Environmental Online System (ECOS). Available:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=2212. (January 2020).

Wolf, E. D. 2012. Propagation, Culture, and Recovery of Species at Risk Atlantic pigtoe.
Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program, Project No. 11-108.

Appendix A

Figures
Country Line CreekNC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board
^_
Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed
Prepared For:Prepared By:Aquatics Species Survey
BRIDGE # 117 on SR 1780
OVER COUNTRY LINE CREEK
17BP.7.R.130
CASWELL COUNTY
Figure
1
Date:
Scale
Job No.
Drawn by:Checked by:
0 200Feet
January 2020
17BP.7.R.130
GSM KNM
USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle, Yanceyville, NC
Legend
Survey Location
AÍ
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K²
K²BR# 117
C oun tr y L in e C re e k
ReedyForkCreekM oonC ree k
BearBranchBur kes Creek
B y rds C re ekN o rth F o rkRattlesnak e Cr e ek
Benej
a
Cr
e
e
k
PensonCreekNats ForkJail BranchFullers CreekBu rk e sCreek
PensonCreek
Country LineCreek
Penson

C
r
e
e
kBear BranchSources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan,
METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community, NC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and
Analysis, NC 911 Board
Prepared For:Prepared By:
BRIDGE # 117 on SR 1780
OVER COUNTRY LINE CREEK
17BP.7.R.130
CASWELL COUNTY
Figure
2
Date:
Scale
Job No.
Drawn by:Checked by:
January 2020
17BP.7.R.130
GSM KNM
0 1Miles
Legend
Survey Location
5-Mile Buffer
Atlantic Pigtoe
NC NHP
Element Occurrence
!(
!(
!(
!(
AÍ
?v
?v
?ª
K²
K²BR# 117 Country LineCreek
ReedyForkCreekM oonC ree k
BearBranchB urkes Cr eek
B y rds C re ekN o rth F o rkRattlesnak e Cr e ek
Benej
a
Cr
e
e
k
PensonCreekNats ForkJail BranchFullers CreekBu rk e sCreek
PensonCreek
C oun tr y L in e C re e k
Penson

C
r
e
e
kBear BranchNC0086983
NC0040011
NC0030180
NC0007323
NC OneMap, NC Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, NC 911 Board
Prepared For:Prepared By:
BRIDGE # 117 on SR 1780
OVER COUNTRY LINE CREEK
17BP.7.R.130
CASWELL COUNTY
Figure
3
Date:
Scale
Job No.
Drawn by:Checked by:
January 2020
17BP.7.R.130
GSM KNM
0 1Miles
Legend
!(NPDES Sites
Survey Location
5-Mile Buffer
303(d) Listed Streams
NPDES Dischargers and
303(d) Listed Streams