20210404 Ver 1_Deep River Rd T & E Survey_20210326

Axiom Environmental, Inc. 218 Snow Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603 919-270-9306
September 17, 2019

Mr. Tim Jordan
Mott MacDonald
7621 Purfoy Road, Suite 115
Fuquay-Varina NC 27526

Re: B-5714 17BP.7.R.127 Bridge No. 67 over West Fork Deep River on
SR 1523 (Deep River Road) (B-5714), Guilford County 18-007.05
Summary of Environmental Findings

Dear Tim:

Enclosed you will find a revised summary of findings concerning the above-referenced project resulting
from an environmental investigation conducted by Axiom Environmental, Inc. (Axiom). Our goal with
this summary letter is to provide enough information to address environmental questions included on the
Categorical Exclusion Checklist.

We hope this information will be of assistance. If you have any questions about this information, please
feel free to give me or Allison Keith (423-400-8882) a call.

Yours truly,

AXIOM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.

Alexander P. (Sandy) Smith
Senior Project Manager

Attachments: Figures 1-4 & NCNHP report
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Mr. Tim Jordan
September 17, 2019
Page 2

SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
REPLACE BRIDGE NO. 67 OVER WEST FORK DEEP RIVER
ON SR 1523 (DEEP RIVER ROAD)
GUILFORD COUNTY
B-5714

Axiom biologists visited the study area (Figures 1-4) on October 31, 2018 and June 24, 2019. During
our site visits, a general environmental assessment was conducted including a jurisdictional area
determination and a federally protected species survey. Summaries of these investigations follow.

Jurisdictional Area Determination
The assessment area observed extends 100 feet both upstream and downstream of the existing bridge
over West Fork Deep River and to the junction with Hickswood Road north of the bridge and 350 feet
south of the bridge along Deep River Road. Water resources in the study area are part of the Cape Fear
River basin [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03030003] and are subject to the
Randleman Lake watershed riparian buffer rules. Any surface water depicted on either the most recent
version of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) county soil survey or the most recent
version of the USGS 7.5-minute quadrangle is potentially subject to the buffer requirements.

West Fork Deep River (Stream Index Number 17-3-(1.5)) is classified as WS-IV from the dam at Oak
Hollow Reservoir to Boulding Branch. This section of stream is also located in a designated Critical
Supply Watershed. No other stream features were identified in the study area.

One wetland, Wetland WA, <0.01 acre in size, was identified in the northwest quadrant of the study area
(Figure 3) within the floodplain of the West Fork Deep River. Wetland WA is a linear wetland
originating at a culvert that then drains to the river. Primary hydrology for this wetland is a roadside
ditch that carries storm water runoff from an adjacent subdivision on the east side of Deep River Road, as
well as occasional back flow and overbank events of the West Fork Deep River.

Federally Protected Species Survey
As of October 4, 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists five federally protected
species for Guilford County. According to the USFWS’s Information for Planning and Consultation
(IPaC) website, only three species are listed specifically for this site. Table 1 lists these species and
indicates if potential habitat exists within the study area. For each species, a discussion of the
presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered
based on survey results in the study area.

Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Mr. Tim Jordan
September 17, 2019
Page 3

Table 1. Federally protected species listed for Guilford County.
Common Name Scientific Name *Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus BGPA Yes No Effect
Schweinitz’s sunflower Helianthus schweinitzii E Yes No Effect;
Habitat Present
Small whorled pogonia Isotria medeoloides T Yes No Effect;
Habitat Present
*Federal Status: BGPA-Protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, E - Endangered, T - Threatened

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act that is enforced by the
USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests in proximity to large bodies
of open water for foraging. Large, dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically within 1.0
mile of open water.

A desktop-GIS assessment of the study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile radius of the project
limits, was performed on October 21, 2018 using 2014 color aerials. Oak Hollow Reservoir and High
Point Lake are both large enough and sufficiently open to be considered potential feeding and roosting
habitat. Therefore, a survey of the study area and the area within 660 feet of the study area was
conducted on October 31, 2018, and no eagles or eagle nests were identified. A review of NCNHP
records as of October 24, 2018 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Due to
the lack of evidence of bald eagles within the study area and lack of known occurrences, it has been
determined that this project will not affect this species.

Schweinitz’s sunflower
Suitable habitat for Schweinitz’s sunflower occurs within disturbed areas such as roadside edges and
utility line corridors. The USFWS has determined the optimal survey windows for the sunflower is May
to October (or the first frost). Systematic surveys of suitable habitat were conducted by Axiom biologists
on October 31, 2018 and identified no individuals. In addition, a review of NCNHP records dated
October 24, 2018, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Therefore, this
project will have No Effect; Habitat Present on Schweinitz’s sunflower.

Small whorled pogonia
Suitable habitat for small whorled pogonia occurs within wooded areas supporting moderate to sparse
ground cover and shaded areas with abundant light gaps. The USFWS has determined the optimal
survey window is mid-May through early-July. Systematic surveys of suitable habitat were conducted
on June 24, 2019 and identified no individuals. In addition, a review of NCNHP records dated October
24, 2018, indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Therefore, this project will
have No Effect; Habitat Present on small whorled pogonia.
Axiom Environmental, Inc.
Mr. Tim Jordan
September 17, 2019
Page 4

Categorical Exclusion Checklist
Categorical Exclusion items covered in total or in part by this summary letter include those found in
Appendix E: Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form, more specifically Part F. Project Impact
Criteria Checklist (approved January 27, 2017). Only checklist items that pertain to Axiom’s
environmental investigations are outlined below; Axiom’s responses are included for each item.

Type I - Ground Disturbing Actions Yes No
1. Does the project require formal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) or National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)?
☐ X
2. Does the project result in impacts subject to the conditions of the Bald and
Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGPA)?
☐ X

8.
Does the project result in a finding of “may affect not likely to adversely affect” or
less for listed species, or designated critical habitat under Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act (ESA)?
☐ X
9. Does the project impact anadromous fish? ☐ X

10.
Does the project impact waters classified as Outstanding Resource Water
(ORW), High Quality Water (HQW), Water Supply Watershed Critical Areas,
303(d) listed impaired water bodies, buffer rules, or Submerged Aquatic
Vegetation (SAV)?
X ☐
11. Does the project impact waters of the United States in any of the designated
mountain trout streams? ☐ X
12. Does the project require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Individual
Section 404 Permit? ☐ ☐
The answer to this item will not be known until design plans are completed and
impacts to jurisdictional areas are calculated.

17.
Is the project in a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) county and
substantially affects the coastal zone and/or any Area of Environmental
Concern (AEC)?
☐ X

18. Does the project require a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) permit? ☐ X

19. Does the project involve construction activities in, across, or adjacent to a
designated Wild and Scenic River present within the project area? ☐ X
20. Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) resources? ☐ X
21. Does the project impact federal lands (e.g. U.S. Forest Service (USFS),
USFWS, etc.) or Tribal Lands? ☐ X
Boulding BranchDEEP RIVERTriang
le
Lake
´
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
VICINITY MAP
Bridge No. 67 on Deep River Road
(SR 1523) over West Fork Deep River

DECEMBER 2018 FIGURE 1
GUILFORD COUNTY
Guilford
PROJECT
0 0.5 1 1.50.25 Miles
§¨¦40
§¨¦74
Forsyth
Oak Hollow Lake
RandolphDavidson
B-5714
WBS 17BP.7.R.127
UV68
De
e
p

R
i
v
e
r
§¨¦74 DeepRiverRoad§¨¦85
£¤220
G reesboroRoadHigh Point Lake
FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
2
Replace Bridge No. 67 on
Deep River Road
over West Fork Deep River
Project Study
Area
Background Imagery: High Point East, NC (2002)
7.5-minute topographic quadrangle provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.
AEK
Oct 2018
1:4800
18-007.05
Guilford County, NC
Project:Title:Prepared for:
³
300 0 300 600150
Feet
Legend
Study area
NCDOT roads
WBS 17BP.7.R.127
FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
3
Replace Bridge No. 67 on
Deep River Road
over West Fork Deep River
Potential
Jurisdictional
Areas
Background Imagery: 2014 aerial photography provided by the NC OneMap Program
(online, supported by the N.C. Geographic Information Coordination Council).
AEK
Oct 2018
1:1200
18-007.05
Guilford County, NC
Project:Title:Prepared for:Deep River RoadHickswood Roa
d
³
50 0 50 10025
Feet
Legend
Study area
Potential wetland waters
Potential non-wetland waters (perennial)
Direction of flow
Wetland data form location
Stream data form location
NCDOT roads
WBS 17BP.7.R.127 mWetland WA
West Fork Deep River
FIGURE
Drawn by:
Date:
Scale:
Project No.:
4
Replace Bridge No. 67 on
Deep River Road
over West Fork Deep River
NRCS
Soil Survey
Map
Background Imagery: Soil Survey of Guilford County (1977), map 31 and
map 37, provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
AEK
Oct 2018
1:3600
18-007.05
Guilford County, NC
Project:Title:Prepared for:Deep River RoadHickswood Ro
a
d
Northfork
T
e
r
r
a
c
e
³
150 0 150 30075
Feet
Legend
Study area
Potential wetland waters
Potential non-wetland waters (perennial)
Direction of flow
NCDOT roads
WBS 17BP.7.R.127mWetland WA
West Fork Deep River
NCNHDE-7365
October 24, 2018
Allison Keith
Axiom Environmental
218 Snow Ave
Raleigh, NC 27603
RE: B-5714 Bridge 67; 18.007.05
Dear Allison Keith:
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 [e-mail] or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area
B-5714 Bridge 67
Project No. 18.007.05
October 24, 2018
NCNHDE-7365
No Element Occurrences are Documented within the Project Area
There are no documented element occurrences (of medium to very high accuracy) that intersect with the project area. Please note, however, that although the
NCNHP database does not show records for rare species within the project area, it does not necessarily mean that they are not present; it may simply mean that
the area has not been surveyed. The use of Natural Heritage Program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys if needed, particularly if the project
area contains suitable habitat for rare species. If rare species are found, the NCNHP would appreciate receiving this information so that we may update our
database.
No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area
Managed Areas Documented Within Project Area*
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Guilford County Open Space Guilford County: multiple local government Local Government
*NOTE: If the proposed project intersects with a conservation/managed area, please contact the landowner directly for additional information. If the project intersects with a Dedicated Nature Preserve
(DNP), Registered Natural Heritage Area (RHA), or Federally-listed species, NCNHP staff may provide additional correspondence regarding the project.
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on October 24, 2018; source: NCNHP, Q4 Oct 2018.
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 4
Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
B-5714 Bridge 67
Project No. 18.007.05
October 24, 2018
NCNHDE-7365
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
Guilford County Open Space Guilford County: multiple local government Local Government
Piedmont Land Conservancy Easement Piedmont Land Conservancy Private
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help. Data query generated on October 24, 2018; source: NCNHP, Q4 Oct 2018.
Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database.
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