20210751 Ver 1_P1505F_White_Oak_River_EFH_Assessment_20210425_20210426

ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT
ASSESSMENT
FOR THE P-1505F: WHITE OAK RIVER RAILROAD TRESTLE
REPLACEMENT PROJECT
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE
ONSLOW & CARTERET COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

A PRIL 2021
Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for P -1505F: White Oak River Railroad Trestle Replacement

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Contents
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.0 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Regulatory Environment ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Hydrography ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Sediment Characterization .................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Water Quality ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
3.4 Habitats .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4.1 Marine and Estuarine Water Column ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.4.2 Subtidal Soft Bottom Habitat ...................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.3 Nursery Areas ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.5 Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas ............................................................................................................................ 9
3.4.6 Estuarine Wetlands ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Biological Features ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
4.0 EFH AND SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Penaeid Shrimp .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.2 Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species ................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Snapper Grouper ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
4.4 Bluefish ................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
4.5 Summer Flounder ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.6 Other .................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.0 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION ................................................................................................................... 25
5.1 Estuarine Water Column Habitat ..................................................................................................................................... 26
5.2 Benthic Habitat ................................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.3 Managed Species ............................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.4 Proposed Measures to Avoid and Minimize Impacts ................................................................................................... 27
5.4.1 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan ................................................................................................................ 27
5.4.2 In-Water Work Schedule ................................................................................................................................... 27
6.0 SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT IMPACTS .......................................................................................................... 30
7.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................................................ 32

Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for P -1505F: White Oak River Railroad Trestle Replacement

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List of Figures
Figure 3-1. Impact Area at White Oak River Railroad Trestle
Figure 4-1. 10x10 Minute EFH Block Encompassing the Proposed Action Area
Figure 4-2. EFH for Penaeid Shrimp Species
Figure 4-3. EFH for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species
Figure 4-4. EFH for Snapper Grouper
Figure 4-5. EFH for Bluefish
Figure 4-6. EFH for Summer Flounder
Figure 5-1. Proposed Replacement Bridge In -Water Work Areas
Figure 5-2. Tentative In-Water Work Schedule

ACRNYMS AND ABBERVIATIONS
AFSA Anadromous Fish Spawing Area MHW Mean High Water
APNEP Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership MLLW Mean Lower-Low Water
BMPs best management practices MN Mean Range of Tide
CAMA Coastal Area Management Act MSFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act
CFR Code of Federal Regulations NCAC North Carolina Administrative Code
cfs cubic feet per second NCDMF North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
cm centimeters NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
E Endangered
NOAA
Fisheries NOAA Fisheries Service
EEZ U.S Exclusive Economic Zone PNA Primary Nursey Area
EFH Essential Fish Habitat ppt parts per thousand
ELMR Estuarine Living Marine Resources SA Market Shellfishing Salt Water
ºF degrees Fahrenheit SAFMC South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
FMP Fisheries Management Plan SAV submerged aquatic vegetation
FR Federal Register SNA Secondary Nursery Area
HAPC Habitat Area of Particular Concern STRACNET Strategic Rail Corridor Network
HQW High Quality Waters SWPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
HUC Hydrologic Unit Code T Threatened
MAFMC Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council TL total length
MCAS Marine Corps Air Station TMDL total maximum daily load
MCB Marine Corps Base USFWS U.S. Forest Service
MHHW Mean High-High Water USMC United States Marine Corps
1.0 BACKGROUND

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) proposes Project P -1505F, which includes the replacement of the existing White Oak
River Railroad Trestle (Bridge S882) located on the railroad route between Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune and Marine
Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point . The railroad line is 34 miles long, including sidetrack segments, and serves as the primary
heavy logistics supply route transporting heavy military freight between the two bases. The line is a low-density connector line
on the Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET) (SE&A and Dewberry, 2016). Bridge S882 is a railroad trestle spa nning the
White Oak River and its abutting wetlands between Onslow County and Carteret County near Stella, NC. The project’s restoration
effort includes the replacement of the entire trestle structure , which was damaged by Hurricane Florence. Rail traffic will be
terminated for the entire rail line during construction. Recr eational water vessel access through the White Oak River site will be
maintained in the deeper portions of the river and may be relocated to facilitate construction operations.

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Existing Conditions – White Oak River Trestle

Bridge S882 is a 194-span structure that carries a single railroad track of the CL -CP line over a tidally influenced portion of the
White Oak River. The bridge has 193 spans, each measuring about 12.5 feet , and a single navigable main span measuring
approximately 24 feet at Span 150. The overall bridge length is approximately 2,436.5 feet from center-to-center of end bents.
The out-to-out bridge width from curb to curb is about 9 feet. The bridge deck consists of open timber railroad ties (8 inches by
8 inches) placed approximately 1 f oot 2 inches on center. The superstructure consists of four, W16x50 simple-span steel stringers.
At the main span, the longitudinal members are W33x141 painted steel girders.

The substructure is comprised of two timber end bents with steel piling and 195 timber intermediate bents. Bents 150 and 151
are double bents located at the supports of the main ‘channel’ span. All the bents have five to seven 1 -foot diameter timber piles.
The piles at each bent are braced transversely and longitudinally by timber cross-bracing members.

The bridge was severely damaged during recent storm events and will be removed and replaced in its entirety except for portions
of the embedded piles , which are to be cut off at the streambed or 1 foot below the ground line on the channel banks.

1.1 Regulatory Environment
The USMC has prepared this Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Assessment in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) of 1976, as reauthorized in 2006 and signed into law in Janua ry of 2007. EFH, as
defined by the MSFCMA, includes “waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturit y.
For the purpose of interpreting the definition of EFH: ‘wat ers’ include aquatic areas and their associated p hysical, chemical, and
biological properties that are used by fish and may include aquatic areas historically used by fishes where appropriate; ‘sub strate’
includes sediment, hard bottom, structures underlyi ng the waters, and associated biological communit ies; ‘necessary’ means the
habitat required to support a sustainable fishery and the managed species' contribution to a healthy ecosystem; and ‘spawning ,
breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity’ covers a sp ecies’ full life cycle ,” see 50 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 600.10.

Under the MSFCMA, federal agencies are required to consult with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) when any of their proposed activities may have an adverse effect on EFH.

The MSFCMA defines an adverse effect as “any impact which reduces quality and/or quantity of EFH.” See 50 CFR 810(a). Adverse
effects may include direct or indirect physical, chemical, or biological altera tions of the waters or substrate and loss of, or injury
to, benthic organisms, prey species and their habitat, and other ecosystem components, if such modifications reduce the quali ty
and/or quantity of EFH. Adverse effects to EFH may result from actions occurring within EFH or outside of EFH and may include
site-specific or habitat -wide impacts, including individual or synergistic consequences of actions.

This EFH assessment has been prepared to describe how the Proposed Action may adversely affect EFH and Habitat Areas of
Particular Concern (HAPC), pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the MSFCMA and includes the following information:

1. Description of the Proposed Action;
2. Description of the affected environment within the action areas;
3. Identification of EFH and EFH species;
4. Analysis of the effects of the Proposed Action and proposed mitigation measures; and
5. USMC’s conclusions about the effects of the Proposed Action.

The objective of this EFH assessment is to describe how the Proposed Action may adversely af fect EFH designated within the
action area by NOAA Fisheries, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC), the Mid -Atlantic Fishery Management
Council (MAFMC), and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION

Proposed Replacement – White Oak River Trestle

The replacement of the White Oak River Railroad Trestle will first involve the removal of the existing structure. A temporary work
trestle, to access proposed piling locations , will be installed with temporary driven piers adjacent to the existing White Oak River
trestle. The trestle will be installed immediately upstream of the existing structure and span the White Oak River and associated
wetland complex. These temporary trestles will be used during the demolition and construction phases of the project and will be
removed in their entirety upon completion of the project.

Once the existing structure is removed, the construction of the replacement tres tle will involve spanning the White Oak River and
the associated wetland s that exist along both banks of the river. The permanent trestle support system will include driven 24-
inch square prestressed concrete piles for the pile bent substructure foundation s with an alternating layout of 5-pile and 10-pile
bents. Proposed spans for the trestle a re 37.5 feet and will provide 33 feet of horizontal clearance in the river channel.

The permanent trestle will be constructed with a concrete closed ballasted deck with ballast curbs, which is industry standard and
allows for better load distribution and better structure longevity. The proposed bridge deck is 20 feet wide with 10 feet draining
to each side (normal crown). Scuppers (slots in the ballast curb) will be spaced approximately 6 feet apart along the length of the
trestle (actual spacing will depend on the final location of bridge support beams and expansion joints). At this 6 -foot spacing, the
flow from each drain has been calculated to be 0.005 cubic feet per second (cfs); therefore, a very small amount of stormwater
will discharge from each scupper. The proposed bridge grade across the wetland s and White Oak River is 0% (flat) at approximate
elevation 14.3 f eet. Mean High Water (MHW) is at elevation 1.1 feet; therefore, deck drains will be approximately 13.2 feet above
MHW. This elevation combined with the low amount of stormwater drainage from each scupper would be considered diffuse
flow.

The replacement of the existing White Oak River railroad trestle will reduce the overall number of required spans from 194 in the
current st ructure to 67 in the proposed trestle. This will also reduce the number of support pilings needed for the structure and
allow for the increase in span distance between bents from 12 .5 feet to 37.5 feet. The existing navigational opening will be
increased f rom 24 feet to 37.5 feet .

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3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

This section presents a description of the EFH resources (species and habitat) and baseline conditions that may potentially be
adversely affected by implementing the Proposed Action. The affected environment includes the physical environment and
biological resources within the action area.

The proposed project area consists of wate rs within and adjacent to the White Oak River at the location of the proposed bridge
replacement , which is located on the railroad route between MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS Cherry Point. Bridge S882 is located
approximately 5.7 miles north of Swansboro, approximately 10 miles south of Maysville, and approximately 1,000 feet southwest
of Stella. The proposed action area crosses approximately 750 feet of wetlands and open water in the White Oak River estuary
(Figure 3-1). The project site is not located on MCB Camp Lejeune proper, but rather within the right of way for rail line between
MCB Camp L ejeune and MCAS Cherry Point .

The proposed project area is located in the Mulberry Creek -White Oak River subwatershed (12-Digit Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC]:
030203010203) which is within the Outlet White Oak River watershed (10-Digit HUC: 0302030102) located within the White Oak
River Basin (8-Digit HUC: 03020301).

The White Oak River is a 40-mile long, blackwater river, flowing from the pocosins of northern Onslow County to the Atlantic
Ocean at Bogue Sound. The river flows east, then south-southeast, along the border between Onslow and Carteret counties, and
forming the western boundary of U.S. Forest Service’s (USFWS’s) Croatan National Forest (NCDENR, 2007b). The White Oak River
also serves as the southern boundary of the Albemarle -Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP), a National Estuary
Program established by the Clean Water Act (A P NEP, 2012).

Wetland delineations were carried out on site September 15 – 16, 2020 and identif ied freshwater and coastal wetlands. This area
includes EFH, Primary Nursery Areas (PNAs), and coastal Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas (AFSAs) (NCDE NR, 2007a; 2011). In
the vicinity of the project, the White Oak River is classified by the state of North Carolina as High Quality Wate rs (HQW) and
Market Shellfishing, Salt Water (SA) (NCDEQ, 2020 c).

Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for P -1505F: White Oak River Railroad Trestle Replacement

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Figure 3-1. Impact Area at the White Oak River Railroad Trestle

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3.1 Hydrography

The water depth within the study area ranges from less than 1 foot near the shoreline to approximately 20 feet in the deepest
part of the White Oak River channel (Caitlin, 2019). Depths are impacted by two tides per day that vary the water surface level ..
Vegetation along the White Oak River varies and is largely composed of marsh vegetation, trees, and shrubs. The water is murky,
with underwater visibility of approximately 3 feet (Collins Engineers, Inc., 2018).

The closest accepted NOAA Tides and Currents station is located in Beaufort, NC at the Duke Marine L ab. Station number 8656483
records a Mean Lower-Low Water (MLLW) of –2.08 feet and Mean Higher-High Water (MHHW) of 1.46 f eet and a Mean Range
of Tide (MN) of 3.11 feet relative to the NAVD88 Datum (NOAA, 2020).

3.2 Sediment Characterization

Sediment sampling in the proposed project area was carried out during initial site investigations. Sampling has determined that
project area sediments are generally alluvial, very loose, moderately to highly organic silty sand and sand (Catlin, 2019).

3.3 Water Qua lity

The waters of the White Oak River in the proposed project area are classified as SA: Market Shellfishing, Salt Water. Class SA is
defined by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources as “Tidal salt waters tha t are
used for commercial shellfishing or marketing purposes and are also protected for all Class SC and Class SB uses . All SA waters
are also HQW by supplemental classification.” Class SB is defined as “Tidal salt waters protected for all SC uses in addit ion to
primary recreation. Primary recreational activities include swimming, skin diving, water skiing, and similar uses involving human
body contact with water where such activities take place in an organized manner or on a frequent basis.” Class SC is defined as
“All tidal salt waters protected for secondary recreation such as fishing, boating, and other activities involv ing minimal skin
contact; fish and noncommercial shellfish consumption; aquatic life propagation and survival; and wildlife.” HQW are defined as
“S upplemental classification intended to protect waters which are rated excellent based on biological and physi cal/chemical
characteristics through Division monitoring or special studies, primary nursery areas designated by the Marine Fisheries
Commission, and other functional nursery areas designated by the Marine Fisheries Commission ” (NCDEQ, 2020a). The White
Oa k River in the proposed project area is classified as a PNA and a coastal AFSA (NCDENR , 2007a; 2011; also see Section 3.4.3).

The Whit e Oak River in the proposed project area is included in the 2018 303(d) list of impaired waters due to dissolved oxygen
and pH levels (NCDEQ, 2019) This area is also covered by a total maximum daily load (TMDL) for fecal coliform and closed for
shellfish harvesting (NCDENR, 2010; NCDEQ, 202 1c).

3.4 Habitats

Habitat designated by the SAFMC can be classified by habitat type into several broad categories. The following sections describe
the habitat types designated by the SAFMC that occur in the proposed pr oject area.

3.4.1 Marine and Estuarine Water Column

Water column habitat is defined as “an aquatic environment and its physical, chemical, biological characteristics, and connectivity
to other habitats will determine which species use it.” (NCWRC, 2015). The water column extends from the surface to the substrate,
including physical, chemical, and biolog ical characteristics. Estuarine Water Column habitat traditionally comprises four salinity
categories: oligohaline (<8 parts per thousand [ppt]), mesohalin e (8-18 ppt), and polyhaline waters (18 -30 ppt) with some
euhaline water (>30 ppt) around inlets. Alt ernatively, a three-tier salinity classification is presented by Schreiber and Gill (1995)
in their prototype document developing approaches for identifying and assessing important fish habitats: tidal fresh (0 -0.5 ppt),
Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for P -1505F: White Oak River Railroad Trestle Replacement

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mixing (0.5-25 ppt), and seawater (>25 ppt). Saline environments have moving boundaries but are generally maintained by sea
water transported through inlets by tide and wind mixing with fres h water supplied by land runoff. Particulate materials settle
from these mixing waters and accumulate as bottom sediments. Coarser-grained sediments, saline waters, and migrating
organisms are introduced from the ocean, while finer grained sediments, nutri ents, organic matter, and fresh water are input
from rivers and tidal creeks. The sea water component stabilizes the system, with its abundant supply of inorganic chemicals and
its relatively conservative temperatures. Closer to the sea, rapid changes in variables such as temperature are moderate compared
to shallow upstream waters. Without periodic addit ions of sea water, seasonal thermal extremes would reduce the biological
capacity of the water column, as well as reduce the recruitment of fauna from the ocean. Although nearby wetlands contain some
assimilative capacity abating nutrient enrichment, freshwater inflow and tidal flushing are primarily important for circulation and
removal of nutrients and wastes from the estuary (SAFMC, 1998).

3.4.2 Subtidal Soft Bottom Habitat

Much of the proposed project area contains soft bottom habitat. Soft bottom habitat is uncovered, unvegetated sediment in
freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems and includes subtidal bottom and shallow intertidal flats. Soft bottom is utilized by
nearly every native fish species in North Carolina and is a critical habitat to species of fish that dig or bury themselves in substrat e.
Soft bottom habitats include places such as mud flats, beaches, shoals, holes, and sand bars. Although soft bottom habitat is
defined as “unvegetated” and lacks visible structural habitat, the surface sediments support an abundance of microscopic plants
called benthic microalage and numerous burrowing animals are hidden below the surface (NCDEQ, 2020b).

3.4.3 Nursery Areas

The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission adopted regulations in August 1977 to protect estuarine areas, known as nursery
areas. Nursery areas are defined in rule 15 North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 3I.0101(b)(20)(E) as: “…Those areas in
which for reasons such as food, cover, bottom type, salinity, temperature, and other factors, young finfish and crustaceans spend
the major portion of their initial growing season.” In the original 1977 rule (3B .1404) that described the Sc ope and Purpose of
Nursery areas, the following language was included: “Nursery areas are necessary for the early growth and development of
virtually all of North Carolina’s important seafood species.”

“Nursery areas need to be maintained, as much as poss ible, in their natural sta te, and the populations within them must be
permitted to develop in a normal manner with as little interference from man as possible.” The North Carolina Division of Mar ine
Fisheries (NCDMF) recognizes two types of nursery areas: PNAs and Secondary Nursery Areas (SNAs):

• PNAs are defined by rule 15 NCAC 3I .0101(b)(20)(E) as: “…. those areas in the estuarine system where initial post -larval
development takes place. These areas are usually located in the uppermost sections of a syst em where populations are
uniformly very early juveniles.” Populations of economically important species in these areas are composed almost
uniformly of early juveniles during the spring recruitment period from March to June. Rules protecting PNAs were
created with the establishment of the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA). CAMA provided rules for coastal
development, such as prohibiting new dredging of channels, canals, and boat basins in PNAs, and extending the area
of rule application from 75 feet landwa rd from the shoreline to 575 feet landward of the shoreline. Construction of
marinas that require dredging is also prohibited in PNAs.
• SNAs are defined by rule 15 NCAC 3N .0102(c) as: “…those areas in the estuarine system where later juvenile
development takes place. Populations are usually composed of developing sub –adults of similar size that have migrated
from an upstream primary nursery area to the secondary nursery area located in the middle portion of the estuarine
system.” These areas are located ad jacent to PNAs, are genera lly deeper and contain mixed populations of large
juveniles, sub -adults, and adults. Areas delineated as S pecial SNAs may be opened to shrimp and crab trawling at
designated times of the year.

The location of the proposed project along the White Oak River is classified as PNA (NCDENR, 2011).
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3.4.5 Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas

AFSAs are defined in North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission rule 15A NCAC 03N .0106 and North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission rule 15A 10C .0602 as those areas where evidence of spawning of anadromous fish has been documented
through direct observation of spawning, capture of running ripe females or capture of eggs or early larvae .
The location of the proposed project along the White Oak Rover is classified as am AFSA (NCDENR, 2007a).

3.4.6 Estuarine Wetlands

Wetlands are defined as those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil.

The subtidal and intertidal areas within the proposed project area, as well as the adjacent upland areas, contain palustrine and
estuarine wetlands.

3.4.6 .1 Palustrine Wetlands

The p alustrine system includes all nontidal wetlands dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergents, emergent mosses, or
lichens, and all such wetlands that occur in tidal areas where salinity due to ocean-derived salts is below 0.5 ppt. The system also
includes wetlands lacking such vegetation, but with all of the following four characteristics: (1) area less than 20 acres; (2) active
wave-formed or bedrock shoreline features lacking; (3) water depth in the deepest part of basin less than 8.2 f eet at low water;
and (4) salinity due to ocean-derived salts less than 0.5 ppt (FGDC, 2013). The proposed project area contains both forested and
scrub -shrub palustrine wetlands.

Emergent

Emergent wetlands occur within the project area . Erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens , are the
tallest life form in these communities . This vegetation is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands
are usually dominated by perennial plants (FGDC, 2013).

Forested

Forested wetlands that occur in the proposed project area are broad -leaved deciduous (PFO1) wetlands. These wetlands include
woody trees or shrubs with relatively wide, flat leaves that are shed during the cold or dry season (e.g., black ash [Fraxinus nigra])
(FGDC, 2013).

3.4.6 .2 Estuarine Wetlands

The estuarine system consists of deepwater tidal habitats and adjacent tidal wetlands that are usually semi -enclosed by land but
have open, partly obstructed, or sporadic access to the open ocean, and in which ocean water is at least occasionally diluted by
freshwater runoff from the land. The salinity may be periodically increased above that of the open ocean by evaporation. Along
some low-energy coastlines appreciable dilution of sea water occurs. Offshore areas with typical estuarine plants and animals,
such as smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora ) and eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica), are also included in the estuarine
system (FGDC, 2013). The proposed project area contains two kinds of estuarine wetlands: emergent, and unconsolidated bottom.

Emergent

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Emergent wetlands are characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens. This vegetation
is present for most of the growing season in most years. These wetlands are usually dominated by perennial plants (FGDC, 2013).
All of the emergent wetlands in the proposed project area are intertidal.

Unconsolidated Bottom

Estuarine wetlands with unconsolidated bottom include all wetlands and deepwater habitats with at least 2 5 percent cover of
particles smaller than stones (less t han 6-7 centimeters [cm]), and a vegetative cover less than 30 percent (FGDC, 2013). The
majority of the project area consisted of this type.

3.5 Biological Features

According to the White Oak Rive r Basinwide Water Quality Plan (NCDENR, 2007b), forest and wetlands —both privately and
publicly owned —cover almost half the White Oak River Basin. More than 80,000 acres of the Croatan National Forest lie within
the White Oak River Basin. This national forest hosts the largest population of carnivorous plants of any national forest and is the
second largest habitat for the endangered red -cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis).

The White Oak River Basin includes an area known as the Onslow Bight that stret ches from the lower Northeast Cape Fear River
to the Pamlico River. The bight is characterized by its unique landforms of barrier islands, marshes, riverine wetlands, poco sins,
longleaf pine savannas, and other coastal ecosystems. Camp Lejeune, which is located within the Onslow Bight, harbors some of
the highest quality longleaf pine and pocosin habitats (raised bogs with a thick layer of peat) remaining in North Carolina
(NCDENR, 2007b ).

Several federally protected rare, threatened (T), and endangered (E) species have been identified in Onslow and Carteret counties.
Terrestrial species include red-cockaded woodpecker (E), rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia ) (E), seabeach
amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus) (T), Cooley’s meadowrue (Thalictrum cooleyi) (E), golden sedge (Carex lutea ) (E), pondberry
(Lindera melissifolia) (E), p iping plover (Charadrius melodus) (T), red knot (Calidris canutus) (T), roseate tern (Sterna dougallii
dougallii ) (T), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) (protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act), black rail (Laterallus
jamaicensis) (T), northern long -eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) (T), and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis ) (T for
similarity of appearance). Aquatic species found in the vicinity include shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) (E),
leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) (E), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) (T), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
(T), Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) (E), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) (E), and West Indian manatee
(Trichechus manatus) (E) (USFWS, 2021). In addition, the following species have been identified on MCB Camp Lejuene: Atlantic
sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) (E), f in whale (Balaenoptera p hysalus) (E), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae ) (E),
northern right whale (Balaena glacialis) (E), sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) (E), and sperm whale (Physeter catodon) (E) (GMI
and AECOM, 2015).

Several commercially and recreationally importa nt fish species are known to occur in the rivers and estuaries of the White Oak
River Basin, as summarized in Table 3 -1. The closest oyster clutch planting site is located off the coast of Jones Island,
approximately 5.9 miles southeast of the proposed project area (NCDEQ, 2021a). No submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is
located within 3 miles of the proposed action area.

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Table 3-1. Commercially and Recreationally Important Fish Species in the White Oak River Basin

Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name
Freshwater Game Species
redfin pickerel Esox americanus americanus largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides
chain pickerel Esox niger mud sunfish Acantharchus pomotis
warmouth Lepomis gulosus b anded sunfish Enneacanthus obesus
bluegill Lepomis macrochirus pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus
p umpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus b luespotted sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus.
redbreast sunfish Lepomis cyanellus g olden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas
Marine Species
American shad Alosa sapidissima b lack drum Pogonias cromis
Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus red drum Sciaenops ocellata-
b luefish Pomatomus saltaltrix striped mullet Mugil cephalus
spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus summer flounder Paralichtys dentatus
spot Leiostomus xanthurus southern flounder Paralichtys lethostigma
Atlantic croaker Micropogon undulatus
Anadromous Species
striped bass Morone saxatilis b lueback herring Alosa aestivalis
American shad Alosa sapidissima alewife Alosa pseudoharengus
hickory shad Alosa mediocris Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrhynchus
Data from Henry von-Oesen and Associates, Inc., 1981
4.0 EFH AND SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS

The SAFMC is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the 200 -nautical mile exclusive economic
zone (EEZ) in the Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West. The
MAFMC manages fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean EEZ off the coasts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, and North Carolina. Both councils share jurisdiction across several different fishery management plans (FMPs) whose
species range overlaps the Proposed Action ar ea. The fishery management councils classify EFH for federally managed species
in terms of f ive basic life stages: eggs, larvae, juveniles, adult, and spawning adult.

NOAA Fisheries categorizes the life stages of managed highly migratory species somewhat differently, resulting in three
categories based on common habitat usage by all life stages in each group: 1) spawning adult, egg, and larvae; 2) juvenile and
subadult; and 3) adult. Additionally, NOAA Fisheries classifies EFH for sharks in terms of three life stages, based on the most
current research and the general habitat shifts that accompany each developmental stage: 1) neonate (primarily includes
newborns and only small young -of -the-year); 2) juvenile (includes all immature sharks from young to older /late juveniles); and
3) adult (sexually mature sharks; largest size class). NOAA Fisheries jurisdiction includes all federally managed waters of the
United States where highly migratory species occur, which is generally in pelagic waters of the open -ocean and nearshore waters.
EFH is separated into estuarine and marine components. The estuarine component is generally defined as all estuarine waters
and substrates including the subtidal vegetation and adjacent intertidal vegetation. Specific habitats includ ed in this definition
include, but are not limited to, emergent wetlands, estuarine scrub/sh rub wetlands, SAV, reefs and shell banks, intertidal flats,
aquatic beds, and the estuarine water column. The marine component is generally defined as all waters an d substrates from the
shoreline to the seaward limit of the EEZ. Specific habitats included in this definition are live/hard bottom, coral and coral reefs,
artificial and manmade reefs, sargassum, and the marine water column.

NOAA Fisheries designates EFH for most species in association with a grid of 10 x 10 minute squares, which cover all mari ne
habitats along the United States coastline. NOAA Fisheries also designates EFH for estuarine waters (including estuaries, bays,
Essential Fish Habitat Assessment for P -1505F: White Oak River Railroad Trestle Replacement

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and rivers). The proposed project area is located within the 10 x 10 minute EFH block with the following boundaries summarized
in Table 4-1 and depicted in Figure 4 -1. Table 4-2 shows EFH designated for the 10’ X 10’ quadrant inclusive of the project area.

Table 4-1. Coordinates for the EFH 10 x 10 Minute Square Quadrant Inclusive of the Proposed Project Area

Boundary North East South West
Coordinate 34° 50.0’ N 77° 0.0’ W 34° 40.0’ N 77° 10.0’ W

Table 4-2. Designated EFH By Species for the 10 x 10 Minute Square Quadrant Inclusive of the Proposed Project Area

Life Stage
Species Eggs Larvae Juveniles Adults HAPC
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)
Penaeid Shrimp X X X X X
Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species X X X X
Snapper Grouper X X X X X
Mid -Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)
Bluefish X X
Summer Flounder X X X

The following subsections provide designated EFH descriptions and general habitat parameters for each EFH species or species
units and lifestages applicable to the Proposed Action area. This information was compiled primarily from EFH source document s,
FMP s, and other technical reports/primary literature sources.

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Figure 4-1. 10 X 10 Minute EFH Block Encompassing the Proposed Action Area

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4.1 Penaeid Shrimp

4.1.1 Species Description

This group includes members of the shrimp family, Penaeidae, a large group that also contain s a few smaller species common in
this geographic area (SCDNR, 2015). The three species of penaeid shrimp in North Carolina are brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus
aztecus), white shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus), and pink shrimp (Litopenaeus duorarum ) (NCDEQ, 2021b ). These species are very
similar in appearance and have similar life cycles. In general, spawning occurs along the beaches and nearshore wa ters, with
brown shrimp spawning in October and November and white shrimp spawning in spring to early summer. The preferred nursery
habitat includes the tidal marshes and creeks with a salinity range of 25 -65 percent seawater. White and brown shrimp prefer
muddy bottoms, while pink shrimp prefer sand/shell substrate. They inhabit the nursery areas for two to three mon ths before
migrating towards the ocean. They often stage in the lower reaches of the rivers and bays and eventually move into the ocean
waters in late summer/early fall (SCDNR, 2015).

4.1.2 Essential Fish Habitat

For penaeid shrimp, EFH includes inshore estuarine nursery areas, offshore marine habitats used for spawning and growth to
maturity, and all interconnecting water. Inshore nursery are as include tidal freshwater (palustrine), estuarine, and marine
emergent wetlands (e.g., intertidal marshes); tida l palustrine forested areas; mangroves; tidal freshwater, estuarine, and marine
SAV (e.g., seagrass); and subtidal and intertidal non-vegetated flats. EFH extends from North Carolina through the Florida Keys
(SAFMC, 2016). EFH is designated in the proposed project area for all lifestages (Figure 4-2).

4.1.3 Habitat Areas of Particular Concern

Areas which meet the criteria for EFH-HAPC for penaeid shrimp include all coastal inlets, all state -designated nursery habitats of
particular importance to shrimp (f or example, in North Carolina this would include all PNAs and all SNAs), and state -identified
overwintering areas (SAFMC, 2016). HAPC is desig nated in the proposed project area for all lifestages (Figure 4-2).

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Figure 4-2. Penaeid Shrimp EFH

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4.2 Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species

4.2 .1 Species Description

The Coastal Migratory Pelagic (Mackerel) FMP for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic regions is a joint management plan
between the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and SAFMC. The FMP manages separate migratory groups of king
mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla ) and Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus ). Beginning in January 2012, the two
fishery management councils added separate migratory groups of cobia (Rachycentron canadum ) to the FMP ; however, the
Atlantic migratory group of cobia was removed from the plan in 2019 (84 Federal Register [FR] 4733; SAFM C, 2016).

4.2 .2 Essential Fish Habitat

SAFMC’s EFH designation for coastal migratory pelagic species applies to all waters from the EEZ to the landward -most influence
of the tide, from the Virginia/North Carolina border to the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys. The specific habitats and locat ions
designated as EFH are listed below (SAFMC, 2016).

EFH for coastal migratory pelagic species i ncludes sandy shoals of capes and offshore bars, high-profile rocky bottom and barrier
island ocean-side waters, from the surf to the shelf break zone, but from the Gulf Stream shoreward, including sargassum. In
addition, EFH includes all coastal inlets, a ll state-designated nursery habitats of particular importance to coastal migratory
pelagics (for example, in North Carolina this would include all PNAs and SNAs). Coastal inlets include the throat of the inle t, as
well as shoal complexes associated with the inlets. Shoals formed by waters moving landward through the inlet are referred to
as flood tidal shoals, and shoals formed by waters moving waterward through the inlet are referred to as ebb tidal shoals (SAFMC,
2016). EFH is designated in the proposed p roject area for all lifestages (Figure 4-3).

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Figure 4-3. Coastal Migratory Pelagic Species EFH

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4.3 Snapper Grouper

4.3 .1 Species Description

The Snapper Grouper FMP includes 55 species from 10 families of fish, inc luding the sea bass and grouper (Serranidae), wreckfish
(Polyproionidae), snapper (Lutjanidae), porgies (Sparidae), grunt (Haemulidae), jack (Carangidae), tilefish (Malacanthidae),
triggerfish (Balistidae), wrasses (Labridae), and spadefish (Eppiphidae) fa milies. Although species from eight of these families use
estuaries opportunistically, only five species are estuarine -dependent. These species include gag grouper (Mycteroperca
microlepis), goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus), gray snapper (L. griseus ), and dog
snapper (L. jocu). The lifecycles of these estuarine -dependent species differ, but during at least one stage they are restricted to
estuarine habitats. Therefore, the SAFMC FMP documents nearshore E FH to include estuarine emergent wetlands, ti dal creeks,
oyster reefs/shell banks, and unconsolidated bottom (SAFMC, 1983).

4.3 .2 Essential Fish Habitat

SAFMC’s EFH designation for snapper grouper species applies to all waters from the EEZ to the landwa rd -most influence of the
tide, from the Virginia/North Carolina border to the Dry Tortugas in the Florida Keys (SAFMC, 2016). The specific habitats and
locations that are EFH are listed below.

EFH for snapper grouper species includes coral reefs, live/har d bottom, SAV, artificial reefs, and medium t o high profile
outcroppings on and around the shelf break zone from shore to at least 600 feet (but to at least 2000 feet for wreckfish) whe re
the annual water temperature range is sufficiently warm to maintain adult populations of members of this largely tropical
complex. EFH includes the spawning area in the water column above the adult habitat and the additional pelagic environment,
including sargassum, required for larval survival and growth up to and includi ng settlement. In addition, the Gulf Stream i s EFH
because it provides a mechanism to disperse snapper grouper larvae (SAFMC, 2016).

For specific lifestages of estuarine -dependent and nearshore snapper grouper species, EFH includes areas inshore of the 10 0-
foot contour, such as attached macroalgae; submerged rooted vascular plants (seagrasses); estuarine emergent vegetated
wetlands (saltmarshes, brackish marsh); tidal creeks; estuarine scrub/shrub (mangrove fringe); oyster reefs and shell banks;
unconsolid ated bottom (soft sediments); artificial reef s; and coral reefs and live/hard bottom (SAFMC, 2016). EFH is designated
in the proposed project area for all lifestages (Figure 4-4).

4.3.3 Habitat Areas of Particular Concern

Areas in the estuarine waters of the proposed project area meet the criteria for HAPCs for species in the snapper grouper
management unit . These areas include localities of known or likely periodic spawning aggregations; nearshore hard bottom areas;
seagrass hab itat; oyster/shell habitat; all coastal inlets; all state -designated nursery habitats of particular importance to snapper
grouper (e.g ., PNAs and SNAs designated in North Carolina); and pelagic and benthic sargassum (SAFMC, 2016).

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Figure 4-4. Snapper Grouper EFH

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4.4 Bluefish

4.4 .1 Species Description

The bluefish is a fast -swimming , fast growing, schooling, pelagic species. Bluefish are widely distributed in the northwest Atlantic
from Nova Scotia and Bermuda south to Argentina, though rare between southern Florida and northern South America. Several
spawning groups are expected ; however, these groups mix throughout their entire range during their lives. Therefore, bluefish
in the United States are managed as a single stock. Bluefish travel in schools with individuals of similar size and make seas onal
migrations. Bluefish are managed under the Bluefish FMP administered by the MAFMC (MAFMC et al., 1990).

4.4 .2 Essential Fish Habitat

Juvenile and adult bluefish have EFH in the estuarine waters within the proposed project area (Figure 4 -5). EFH for juvenile and
adult bluef ish are described below.

EFH for juvenile bluefish includes (<35 cm total length [TL]) all major estuaries between Penobscot Bay, Maine and St. Johns
River, Florida. Generally, juvenile bluefish occur in North Atlantic estuaries from June through October, Mid -Atlantic estuaries
from May through October, and South Atlantic estuaries March through December, within the "mixing" and "seawater" zones
(MAFMC et al., 1999).

EFH for adult bluefish (≥35 cm TL ) includes all major estuaries between Penobscot Bay, Ma ine and St. Johns River, Florida. Adult
bluefish are found in North Atlantic estuaries from June through October, Mid -Atlantic estuaries from April through October, and
in South Atlantic estuaries from May through January in the "mixing" and "seawater" zones. Bluefish adults are highly migratory;
distribution varies seasonally and according to the size of the individuals comprising the schools. Bluefish are generally fo und in
normal shelf salinities (> 25 ppt) (MAFMC et al., 1999).

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Figure 4-5. Bluefish EF H

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4.5 Summer Flounder

4.5 .1 Species Description

Summer flounder is one of the most sought after commercial and recreational fish along the Atlantic coast. Summer flounder ar e
found in inshore and offshore waters from Nova Scotia, Canada to the east coast of Florida (Scarlett, 1982). In the United States,
they are most abundant in the Mid -Atlantic region from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to Cape Fear, North Carolina (ASMFC, 2021).

Summer flounder usually begin to spawn at age two or three, at lengths of about 10 inches. Spawning occurs in the fall while the
fish are moving offshore. Spawning migration is linked to sexual maturity, with the oldest and largest fish migrating first. As in
their seasonal mig rations, spawning summer flounder in the northern porti on of the geographic range spawn and move offshore
(depths of 120 to 600 feet) earlier than those in the southern part of the range. Larvae migrate to inshore coastal and estua rine
areas from October to May. The larvae, or fry, move to bottom waters upon r eaching the coast and spend their first year in bays
and other inshore areas. At the end of their first year, some juveniles join the adult offshore migration (ASMFC, 2021).

Adults spend most of their life on or near the sea bottom burrowing in the sandy substrate. Flounder lie in ambush and wait for
their prey. They are quick and efficient predators with well -developed teeth allowing them to capture small fish, squid, sea worms,
shrimp, and other crustaceans (ASMFC, 2021).

4.5 .2 Essential Fish Habitat

L arvae, juvenile, and adult summer flounder have EFH in the estuarine waters within the proposed project area (Figure 4 -6). EFH
in the proposed study area for the larvae, juvenile, and adult lifestages of summer flounder is described below.

EFH for summer flounder larvae is designated in all the estuaries where summer flounder were identified as being present (rare,
common, abundant, or highly abundant) in the Estuarine Living Marine Resources (ELMR) database, in the "mixing" (defined in
ELMR as 0.5 to 25.0 ppt) and "seawater" (defined in ELMR as greater than 25 ppt) salinity zones. In general, summer flounder
larvae are most abundant nearshore (12 -50 miles from shore) at depths between 30 to 230 feet. They are most frequently found
in the northern part of t he Mid -Atlantic Bight from September to February, and in the southern part from November to May
(MAFMC et al., 1998).

EFH for juvenile summer flounder (<28 cm TL) is designated in all of the estuaries where summer flounder were identified as
being present (rare, common, abundant, or highly abundant) in the ELMR database for the "mixing" and "seawater" salinity zones.
In general, juvenile s use several estuarine habitats as nursery areas, including salt marsh creeks, seagrass beds, mudflats, and
open bay areas in water temperatures greater than 37 °F and salinities from 10 to 30 ppt range (MAFMC et al., 1998).

EFH for adult summer flounders (≥28 cm TL ) is designated in the estuaries where summer flounder were identified as being
common, abundant, or highly abundant in the ELMR database for the "mixing" and "seawater" salinity zones. Generally, summer
flounder inhabit shallow coastal and est ua rine waters during warmer months and move offshore on the outer continental shelf
at depths of 500 feet in colder months (MAFMC et al., 1998).

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Figure 4-6. Summer Flounder EFH

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4.6 Other

The waters of the White Oak River and the surrounding area serve as nursery and forage habitat for other species including black
drum, red drum, striped bass, Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic croaker, spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli),
striped mullet, weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), eastern oyst er, and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) that serve as prey for other species
(e.g., mackerels, snappers, and groupers, billfishes, sharks). Blue crab and many finfish prey upon penaeid shrimp. Commercially
important larval fishes move through the estuarine waters in mid -winter to feed on plankton (Barrett et al., 2016).

Anadromous fishes within the White Oak River Basin include American shad, hickory shad, blueback herring, striped bass, alewife,
Atlantic sturgeon, and shortnose sturgeon (Sholar, 1975). The Endangered Species Act protects these sturgeon species, and NOAA
Fisheries and others have focused considerable resources on restoring the migration corridors used by anadromous fish in the
region.

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5.0 ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS AND MITIGATION

This section identifies the potential for the Proposed Action to reduce the quantity or quality of EFH in the proposed project area.
This section also describes the context, intensity, and duration of potential direct and indirect impacts of the Proposed A ction on
the relevant life history stages of EFH-designated species, their habitats, and their prey species. Table 5 -1 describes the activities
associated with the Proposed Action that may be a potential source for adverse impacts to EFH and EFH -designated species.
Temporary and highly localized direct impacts are possible within the footprint of the Proposed Action area on the habitat and
associated prey species for the duration of the proposed project. However, the proposed action includes the demolition, removal
and replacement of a bridge structure on existing location, the temporary and localized disturbances associated with the project
are consistent with the background conditions of the area.

Table 5-1 Potential Adverse Impacts to EFH for each Activity.

The Proposed Action has the potential to adversely affect EFH within the Proposed Action area and surrounding waters but would
have no permanent or long -term adverse effects to EFH. Most potential net impacts would be temporary in nature. As noted in
50 CFR 600.910(a), an “ad verse effect” on EFH includes any impact that reduces the quantity and/or quality of EFH. Potential
permanent effects on EFH within the proposed project area would be associated with the displacement of approximately 2,158
square feet of estuarine water column habitat, estuarine wetland, subtidal soft bottom habitat, and nursery areas associated with
the installation of 24-inch prestressed concrete piers for bridge installation. This permanent displacement would be offset by the
Description of Activities Area of Effect Potential Adverse Impacts to EFH
Widening of railroad base
near bridge end bents to
tie proposed trestle
replacement to existing
grade of railroad.
Palustrine Wetlands
Less than 0.1 Acre
No – Though potential impacts may occur to palustrine wetlands in the
vicinity of the proposed action resulting from the widening of the railroad
base, measures have been implemented during the planning process to
minimize impacts and efforts will be made during construction to minimize
effects to downstream waters.
Installation of Temporary
Work Trestl es
Estuarine Water Column No – Activities associated with the proposed action are temporary in
nature and not anticipated to result in adverse effects. The installation of
51, 3 -foot diameter pi les is anticipated in the open waters of the White Oak
River for the temporary work tres tles. The installation of another 128,
temporary 3 -foot diameter piles is anticipated in estuarine wetlands.
Estuarine Wetlands
Subtidal Soft Bottom Habitat
Nursery Areas
AFSAs
Managed Species Yes - Pile driving activities associated with the installation of temporary
work trestles have the potential for elevated turbidity and noise impacts
affecting managed species.
Demolition and Removal
of Existing Bri dge
Structure
Estuarine Water Column No – Activities associated with the demolition and removal of the existing
bridge structure will be temporary in nature and , once ceased, will not
result in long-term adverse effects to estuarine water column, estuarine
wetlands, subtidal soft bottom, or nursery area habitat.
Estuarine Wetlands
Subtidal Soft Bottom Habitat
Nursery Areas
AFSAs
Managed Species Yes – Demolition activities have the potential for temporary , increased
turbidity and noise impacts to managed species.
Installation of Permanent
Piers for Replacement
Bridge
Estuarine Water Column Yes – Pile driving activities associated with pier installation may cause
suspended sediment, resulting in temporary, increased turbidity of the
estuarine water column and nursery area habitats. The installation of 18,
4.5-foot diameter piers is anticipated in the open waters of the White Oak
River.
Nursery Areas
AFSAs
Subtidal Soft Bottom Habitat Yes – Pile driving installation activities associated with the replacement
trestle installation will result in the displacement of estuarine wetland and
subtidal soft bottomed habitat. There will be 350 24 -inch prestressed
concrete piles driven into estuarine wetlands and an additional 70 piles
driven into the White Oak River for the replacement trestle structure.
Estuarine Wetlands
Managed Species Yes - Pile driving installation activities have the potential for temporary,
increased turbidity and noise impacts to managed species.
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removal of approximately 910 square feet of existing support piers resulting in a net displacement of only 1 ,248 square feet of
habitat. F igure 5-1 shows the location of the proposed bridge alignment.

Activities associated with the propose d action that may result in temporary affects to EFH include pile driving for temporary work
trestles and activities associated with the demolition and r emoval of the existing bridge structure. These activities have the
potential to result temporarily in suspended sediments that may cause short -term increased turbidity in the vicinity of the
proposed action. The effects of these activities are assessed to determine their potential to adversely affect EFH, including
associated fish and invertebrate species.

No intrusive activities associated with the P roposed Action are proposed in any nearby tributaries to the White Oak River. No
effect is anticipated on EFH in these areas.

5.1 Estuarine Water Column Habitat

Impacts on the estuarine water column is anticipated to be localized to the area in and immediately surrounding pier and
temporary trestle installation areas , as well as around existing bridge pier re movals. Additionally, permanent displacement of
estuarine water column habitat would occur from the installation of support piers for the replacement railroad trestle . Additional
activities such as temporary and permanent pile driving and the demolition of the existing bridge structure are expected to cause
temporary increases in suspended sediments and levels of turbidity in the water column within the project area . These sediments
are expected to settle after the completion of activities.

5.2 Benthic Habitat

The benthic habitat (subtidal soft bottom habitat) within and adjacent to the Proposed Action are a has been characterized as
generally alluvial, very loose, moderately to highly organic silty sand and sand (see Section 3.2). Direct impacts on benthic habitat
and organisms would occur in the White Oak River from the installation of permanent bridge pie rs and temporary work trestles.
Driven piles, both permanent and temporary, would result in the displacement of benthic habitat. Additional te mporary impacts
would occur in the proposed project area and adjacent areas with higher levels of turbidity than t he surrounding area during
proposed activities; however, finer sediments would be suspended in the water column and could settle on the benthi c community
in adjacent, undisturbed areas. Suspension feeders (i.e., bivalves) and surface deposit feeders (i.e., polychaetes) would be the
most susceptible to burial. However, it is expected that these impacts would be minor and temporary. Benthic commun ities are
very resilient to habitat disturbance and would likely recover to pre -disturbance levels within two years or less (Brookset al., 2004;
Diaz et al., 2004).

5.3 Managed Species

Species that are present in the action areas would be temporarily dis placed from the area of activity. Direct mortality or temporary
displacement of egg and larval lifestages could re sult from burial in sediments induced by in-water activities, by the placement
of driven piles required for bridge piers or temporary work tre stles, or from the footing for the bascule pier. Juvenile and adult
species potentially present in the action area s are mobile and would be expected to avoid areas of in-water activity and use other
nearby habitats.

During proposed in-water activities, se diment disturbance would temporarily increase turbidity within the water column as
described in Section 5.1. Increased turbidity may impair the ability of sight -feeding fishes to forage in the area immediately
surrounding in-water action areas. Long -term exposure to increased suspended solids and turbidity in the water column may
alter the gill structure or impact the ability of some fishes to uptake oxygen through their gills. However, most juvenile and adult
fish species are capable of avoiding or moving away from discrete areas of increased turbidity and those same individuals would
likely move away from the disturb ance before any resulting increases in turbidity from in-water activities. Turbidity can also
decrease the dissolved oxygen concentration in t he water column, which could adversely affect egg and larval lifestages of
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managed species. These lifestages are unable to avoid areas where turbidity may be increased, and therefore, may be directly
affected by reduced dissolved oxygen levels.

Turbidity and in-water noise associated with pile driving would be temporary in nature. Most noise-related injury would be
constrained to within the immediate area of the proposed piers.

5.4 Proposed Measures to Avoid and Minimize Impacts

The USMC has designed proposed in-water activities to minimize their impacts on EFH and managed species to the extent
practicable, and the USMC will further develop and implement measures to avoid and minimize effects based on coordination
with federal agencies. Mitigation measures that have been integrated into the design of the project to date to avoid and minimize
impacts are listed in Ta ble 5-2.

Measure Description Impacts Reduced / Avoided
Erosion and
Sediment Control
Plan
An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be developed and implemented
prior to the commencement of the project cons truction
activities.
The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will
reduce the loss of sediment from within the
project area and will reduce impacts from
sedimentation to wetlands and open water
habitats.
Strict i n-w ater w ork
s chedule and
adherence to in-
water work
moratoria
An in-water work schedule will allow for the efficient and orderly
demolition and removal of the existing railroad trestle followed
by the construction of the replacement railroad trestle.
Adherence to in-water work moratoria will limit in-water work
to certai n times of the year.
A phased, in-water work schedule combined with
adherence to in-water work moratoria would
limit the possibility of adverse impacts to
managed species and their habitat to times when
species are less vulnerable.

5.4.1 Erosion and Sediment Control Plan

In order to minimize impacts to fish, several measures will be implemented prior to and during construction activities. An Erosion
and Sediment Control Plan will be developed, reviewed, and approved by state agen cies, and implemented prior to all activities
associated with the proposed action. The Erosion and Sediment Control Plan will help drastically reduce the loss of se diment
from the project area during construction and destruction activities and will help re duce potential impacts to nearby receiving
waters.

5.4.2 In-Water Work Schedule

Spans 46 – 62, 66, & 67 of the proposed replacement trestle cross the main channel of the W hite Oak River (Figure 5-1). A p ha sed
in-water work schedule for this area will be implement ed over the course of the project’s approximate 2-year timeframe. A
narrative of anticipated in-water work is provided below. Approximate anticipated timeframes for in-water work are listed below
in Figure 5-2.

The replacement railroad trestle will be constructed in place of the existing railroad trestle to be removed. As such, the existing
structure will be replaced in using procedural methods , span by span. Prior to the demolition of the existing railroad trestle spans,
temporary work trestles will be i nstalled adjacent to and along the existing trestle to provide equipment access and workspace.

Phase 1 (October 2021 – January 2022) will consist of the installation of the temporary work trestle on the up stream side of the
existing railroad trestle. In-water work for Phase 1 will occur around railroad trestle spans 46 – 67 (Figure 5-1) and will involve
the driving of temporary 3-foot diameter sup port piles and setting of the temporary trestle spans. These temporary work
trestles will need to be installed prior to the demolition and replacement of the existing railroad trestle spans. The installation
for these temporary work trestles is expected to take approximately 4 months.
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Figure 5-1. Proposed Replacement Bridge In-Water Work Areas

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Figure 5-2. Tentative In-Water Work Schedule
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Phase 2 (October 2022 – January 2023) will involve the demolition of the existing trestles and installation of driven piles for the
rep lacement trestle for bents 46 – 67. Access for necessary equipment will utilize the temporary trestles that were installed in
Phase 1. The installation of driven piles will occur as the existing trestle is demolished. The demolition of the existing bents and
installation of the replacement piles for spans 46 - 67 are expected to take approximately 4 months.

Phase 3 (October – November 2023) will involve the removal of the temporary work trestles that were installed in Phase 1. The
removal of these temporary trestles is expected to take approximately 2 months.

Adherence to In -Water work Moratoria

In North Carolina, in-water work moratoria are set to protect seasonal migrations of anadromous species as well as sensitive
lifestag es of estuarine-dependent species (Wickliffe et al, 2019). For the proposed action, in-water work will be limited to outside
of the standard fish moratorium period (1 April – 30 September) as well as the Anadromous fish moratorium period (1 February
– 30 June). The combined in-water work moratoria period will be 1 February – 30 September.
6.0 SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT IMPACTS

The EFH impact evaluation process for the proposed project area is summarized in Table 6-1. Impacts are listed by type and
nature (i.e., significance of effects). Impacts are considered direct, indirect, t emporary, short -term, long -term, or permanent. Most
of the effects are temporary and would be offset by best management practices (BMPs), environmental protection guidelines,
mitigation measures, or are negligible considering the localized effect of the ac tions compared to the area of the White Oak River
would be unaffected.

Table 6-1. Summary of Anticipated Impacts to EFH within the Proposed Action Area
Type of Impact All Lifestages
Elevated Turbidity Direct and indirect temporary impacts would be minor.
Open Water Habitat Disturbance Direct and indirect temporary impacts to fish species within the proposed project
area would be minor.
Benthic Habitat Disturbance Direct and indirect permanent net impacts to benthic species within the proposed
project area would be minor.
Pile Driving for Permanent Pier
Installation
Direct and indirect temporary impacts to fish species within the p roposed project
area would be minor.
Pile Driving for Temporary Trestles Direct and indirect temporary impacts to fish species within the proposed project
area would be minor.

For most EFH species impacted by the Proposed Action, those impacts would be limited to temporary displacement from benthic
or water column habitats, which are otherwise abundant within the White Oak River. The egg or larval stages of some species
may potentially be subjected to direct mortality by burial in sediment or lost during pile driving activities. Potential impacts to
EFH species are summarized in Table 6-2.

The overall potential for adverse impacts to EFH -designated species and EFH in the Propose d Action area would be highly
localized. Direct mortality to the benthic resources and certain egg/larval stages of EFH -designated species that occur on the
bottom substrate within the proposed project area would result from the installation of driven piles. As a result, impacts would
not be significant. Most EFH-designated species within the Proposed Action area feed on motile epifaunal organisms or small
forage fishes. Since the impacts to these prey resources would be limited to temporary displacement, the impact to the feeding
abilities of EFH-designated species is expected to be minimal. For bottom -feeding EFH species, the proposed activities would
temporarily disturb feeding habitat . While those benthic prey resources would be temporarily lost, a substantial amount of
undisturbed equivalent benthic prey resources of similar quality exist nearby.
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Table 6-2. Summary of Potential Impacts to EFH Species
Species Life Stage HAPC Impact Summary
Eggs Larvae Juveniles Adults
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)
Penaeid Shrimp X X X X X Eggs and larvae may be lost by burial in sedimentation. Adults
and juveniles would be displaced during project activities.
Disturbance of HAPC would be temporary.
Coastal Migratory
Pelagic Species
X X X X Eggs and larvae may be lost by burial in s edimentation. Adults
and juveniles would be displaced during project activities.
Snapper Grouper X X X X X Eggs and larvae may be lost by burial in sedimentation. Adults
and juveniles would be displaced during project activities.
Disturbance of HAPC woul d be temporary.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC)
Bluefish X X Adults and juveniles would be displaced during project
activities.
Summer Flounder X X X Larvae may be lost by burial in sedimentation. Adults and
juveniles would be displ aced during project activities.

In addition to the mitigation measures discussed in Section 5.5, BMPs would be implemented to further minimize potential
impacts to the White Oka River (Table 6-3). These BMPs are specifically designed to be protective of aquatic resources.

Table 6-3. Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Best Management
Practice
Description Impacts Reduced / Avoided
Sedimentation and
Erosion Control
Erosion control measures would be installed prior to any soil disturbing
activity, and a Soil and Erosion Control Plan would be implemented to
guide appropriate placement of control measures on the site. Investigative
activities would comply with the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution
Control Act of 1973.
Minimize direct and indirect adverse
impacts to water quality.
Spill Prevention and
Control measures
Proper housekeeping, maintenance of equipment, and containment of
fuels and other potentially hazardous materials would be implemented.
Spill control kits would be provided at the work site to facilitate spill
response.
Minimize the potential for accidental
releases of fuels and other potentially
hazardous materials.
General BMPs Water-based equipment would be cleaned and cleared of polluting
substances prior to use. Equipment would be subject to daily inspections
for cleanliness and leaks. If a leak is detected, the equipment would not
be used until the leak is repaired and equipment cleaned. Hydraulic fluids
would be vegetable based. Refueling of equipment would only be
permitted at approved fueling facilities. All trash would be secured to
ensure it does not enter adjacent surface waters. Any floating debris
generated would be retrieved. Retrieved debris would be disposed of at
an upland disposal site.
No petroleum products, chemicals, or other toxic or harmful materi als
shall be allowed to enter surface waters. Wash water resulting from
washdown of equipment or work areas shall be contained for proper
disposal and shall not be discharged unless authorized.
Equipment that enters surface waters shall be maintained to prevent any
visible sheen from petroleum products. No oil, fuels, or chemicals shall be
discharged to surface waters or onto land where a potential for re-entry
into surface waters exists. Fuel hoses, oil drums, oil or fuel transfer valves,
fittings, etc. shall be checked regularly for leaks. Materials would be
maintained and stored properly to prevent spills. No cleaning solvents or
chemicals used for tools or equipment cleaning shall be discharged to
ground or surface waters.
Minimize degradation of water
quality and impacts to fish and
marine resources.
Minimize the potential for accidental
releases of fuels and other potentially
hazardous materials that may pollute
soil, groundwater, and/or surface
water.
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