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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201318 Ver 1_LaBella Newport Biological Evaluation final 30Oct2020_20210423Coastal Environmental Partnership Newport Transfer Station Expansion Biological Evaluation/Biological Assessment Prepared by: VHB Engineering of NC, P.C. Prepared on behalf of: LaBella Associates, P.C. 1604 Ownby Lane Richmond, Virginia 23220 Prepared For: Coastal Environmental Partnership 7400 Old Hwy 70 West New Bern, NC 28562 and Croatan National Forest Croatan Ranger District 141 E. Fisher Avenue New Bern, North Carolina 28560 FINAL VERSION October 30, 2020 ABSTRACT: Based on the findings contained in this Biological Evaluation/Biological Assessment (BE/BA), the Coastal Environmental Partnership's proposed Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Expansion Project will affect one Region 8 Sensitive species, Asclepias pedicellata (stalked milkweed), and May Affect, but is Not Likely to Adversely Affect (MA-NLAA) the Myotis septentrionalis (northern long-eared bat) and Dryobates (Picoides) borealis (red -cockaded woodpecker). Two individuals of stalked milkweed were observed within the potential impact area. Although these individuals would be impacted, implementation of the project will not affect the viability of the overall population. Consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is not required for either stalked milkweed or the northern long-eared bat (NLEB); however, coordination (likely informal) will be required for the red -cockaded woodpecker as a result of the MA-NLAA finding. The NLEB Final 4(d) Rule requires the US Forest Service to notify the USFWS of the proposed action 30 days prior to implementation. In addition, this proposal may affect terrestrial habitat for Forest Concern species and birds of conservation concern; however, no impacts are anticipated to specific individuals or the overall population viability for these species as a result of project implementation. No other federally proposed, threatened, endangered, or at -risk species were observed within the project area. Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Location and Proposed Action 3 1.2 Species Considered 3 II. METHOD OF EVALUATION AND SURVEYS 4 2.1 Botanical Surveys 4 2.1.1 Federally Listed Plant Species 4 2.1.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species 7 2.1.3 Existing Botanical Condition and Natural Community Types 9 2.1.4 Non -Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) 10 2.2 Wildlife Vertebrate Surveys 10 2.2.1 Federally Listed Wildlife Vertebrate Species 11 2.2.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Vertebrate Species 15 2.2.3 Migratory Birds and Management Indicator Species 18 2.3 Wildlife Invertebrate Surveys 20 2.3.1 Federally Listed Wildlife Invertebrate Species 20 2.2.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Invertebrate Species 20 2.3 Aquatic Surveys (Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates) 23 2.3.1 Federally Listed Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species 24 2.3.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species 24 2.4 Effects to Rare Plant Species 24 2.4.1 Direct and Indirect Effects to Rare Plant Species 24 2.5 Effects to Wildlife Species 25 2.5.1 Direct and Indirect Effects to Wildlife Vertebrate Species 25 2.5.2 Direct and Indirect Effects to Wildlife Invertebrate Species 26 2.6 Effects to Aquatic Species 26 III. PROJECT DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS 27 IV. MITIGATIONS 27 V. WORKS CITED 28 CEP — Newport Solid Waste Facility Proposed Expansion Page i Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Figures Figure 1. Vicinity Map Figure 2. Proposed Expansion Area Figure 3. Location of Asclepias pedicellata Tables Table 1. Federally Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Plant Species, Carteret County, NC 4 Table 2. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species 7 Table 3. Federally Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Wildlife Vertebrate Species, Carteret County, NC 11 Table 4. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Vertebrate Species 16 Table 5. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Invertebrate Species 21 Appendices Appendix A. Appendix B. Appendix C. Appendix D. Appendix E. Plant Species Considered for Analysis Wildlife Vertebrate and Invertebrate Species Considered for Analysis Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species Considered for Analysis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC Report N.C. Natural Heritage Program Report CEP — Newport Solid Waste Facility Proposed Expansion Page ii Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Biological Evaluation/Biological Assessment (BE/BA) is to provide the US Forest Service with supplemental information pertaining to the Coastal Environmental Partnership's, or CEP's, request to amend permits CR0106703 and CR0558402 for its Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility expansion within the Croatan National Forest. It provides biological information as to the possible effects and impacts this proposal may have to rare (Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, At -Risk, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) plant and animal species. The US Department of Agriculture's (2079) policy states that any proposed use must "be consistent with the mission of the Forest Service to manage National Forest System lands and resources in a manner that will best meet the present and future needs of the American people, taking into account the needs of future generations for renewable and nonrenewable resources, including, but not limited to, recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish, and natural scenic, scientific, and historical values." 1.1 Location and Proposed Action The CEP has a long-term lease agreement with the Croatan Ranger District for its existing Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility in Carteret County, North Carolina. Specifically, this agreement pertains to the existing partnership's existing facility located north and west of Hibbs Road, at the terminus of Landfill Road, within the southern portion of the Croatan National Forest (Figure 1). The CEP is proposing to update and expand the facility which will require land conversion of approximately 11 acres from forest/semi-disturbed to disturbed status. This proposed action and expansion area is shown in Figure 2. Implementation efforts will include both temporary and permanent impacts to existing natural habitats at and immediately surrounding the project area. It will include the clearing of vegetation, placement of concrete and gravel, as well as reworking the existing on -site drainage network. Project specific information regarding the proposed expansion can be obtained from the CEP. According to USDA (2002a), the project area is situated within Management Area 4 of the Croatan National Forest. Management Area 4 includes much of the southern forest boundary and contains a very large, contiguous block of federally owned land. Although approximately half of this management area consists of private land holdings, several natural community types are more extensive in this vicinity than elsewhere in the Croatan National Forest. The topography is dominated by ridges and swales that reflect an old ocean shoreline and the overall landform pattern is highly variable, supporting 13 of the 14 landtypes described as occurring within the forest (USDA, 2002a). 1.2 Species Considered All federally Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, and At -Risk (petitioned, candidate, or species proposed for listing) species, Region 8 Sensitive (S) species, and National Forests in North Carolina Forest Concern (FC) species that occur or could occur on the Croatan National Forest were considered in this analysis. Species are identified herein by both their scientific and common names. Subsequent references to each species utilize the common name only. All species considered as part of this evaluation are listed in Appendices A, B, and C. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 3 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment II. METHOD OF EVALUATION AND SURVEYS 2.1 Botanical Surveys Potentially affected rare plant species are listed in Appendix A. They were identified and determined by: ➢ Reviewing the listings of rare (Endangered, Threatened, At -Risk, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) plant species of the Croatan National Forest and their habitat preferences; ➢ Evaluating element occurrence (EO) records of rare plants as maintained by the Croatan Ranger District (pers. comm. with Andy Walker, Croatan National Forest) and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP, 2020); and, ➢ Plant -by -plant botanical surveys throughout the project site on July 23 and 24, 2020. Botanical surveys were conducted at and immediately surrounding the project site by botanists Dr. Doug DeBerry and Caitlin Cyrus. As of August 21, 2020, the existing NC Natural Heritage Program's (NCNHP) database identifies one federally endangered plant species and one federal at -risk plant species as potentially occurring at or immediately adjacent to the project area. 2.1.1 Federally Listed Plant Species All federally threatened, endangered, or at -risk plant species that occur or could occur within the Croatan National Forest were initially considered in this analysis. Four species are identified by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as potentially occurring in Carteret County, North Carolina. These are identified in Table 1. Table 1. Federally Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Plant Species, Carteret County NC Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status' Record Status2 Amaranthus pumilus Dionaea muscipula Ludwigia ravenii Lysimachia asperulifolia seabeach amaranth Venus flytrap Raven's seedbox rough -leaved loosestrife Threatened At -Risk Species At -Risk Species Endangered Current Current Current Current 1 Federal Status: Endangered. A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened. A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." At -Risk. Species that are petitioned, Candidates, or Proposed for Listing under the Endangered Species Act. 2Record Status: Current — the species has been observed in the county within the last 50 years. Source: USFWS, 2020a An unofficial species list specific to the project location was also obtained from the USFWS' Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) website and includes species and critical habitat that should be considered under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (refer to Appendix D). Only two of the four plant species were noted: rough -leaved loosestrife and seabeach amaranth. However, based on current site conditions, suitable habitat exists for Raven's seedbox, rough -leaved loosestrife, and Venus flytrap and no habitat exists for seabeach amaranth. Therefore, on -site assessments were conducted for the CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 4 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment three applicable species. Seabeach amaranth is a coastal species and does not utilize any of the habitats at or immediately adjacent to the project site. USFWS (2020b) confirms there are no critical habitats associated with plant species at or near the project site. 2.1.1.1 Raven's Seedbox According to the USFWS (2020c), Raven's seedbox is identified as an At -Risk species (ARS), or species that has been petitioned, identified as a candidate, or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. NC State University (2020) compares the species with Ludwigia pilosa (hairy seedbox), stating that "Raven's seedbox exhibits ascending sepal tips whereas hairy seedbox has reflexed sepal tips." Furthermore, "it occurs in wet places, such as ditches, swamps, marshes, and wet savannahs" (NCSU, 2020). The USFWS Species Fact Sheet (2077) describes Raven's seedbox as a branched, leafy perennial herb, usually 30.5 to 90 centimeters (cm) tall, densely covered with short, somewhat coarse hairs. Its flowers exhibit only green sepals and no petals and are present mainly during mid to late summer. Fruit is present from August to October. The seeds are light brown, elliptic -oblong with slightly curved ends (USFWS, 2017). NatureServe Explorer (2020) states" this plant does not exhibit the aggressiveness of weedy plants. Its populations consist of scattered individuals instead of large colonies, which could result in low genetic diversity influencing the long-term survival of a species." It is known from the Coastal Plains of southeastern Virginia, eastern North Carolina, southeastern South Carolina, and northeastern Florida (USFWS, 2017). Although Raven's seedbox can be found in wet, peaty places, such as ditches and the margins of swamps, ponds, and bogs, it almost always occurs in wetlands under natural conditions, but may also rarely occur in non -wetlands (Peng, 1984; USFWS, 2017). The ditches and powerline rights - of -way occupied by this species are subject to a variety of threats, including herbicide use, ditch maintenance, and road widening (USFWS, 2017). Plant -by -plant surveys did not identify Raven's seedbox within the project area and the NCNHP (2020) does not list any documented occurrences of this species within one -mile of the project. 2.1.1.2 Rough -leaved Loosestrife The USFWS (2070) describes rough -leaf loosestrife as "a perennial herb that grows between 30 and 60 cm tall. The triangular shaped leaves are often opposite on shorter stems (less than 30 cm tall) and tend to be arranged in whorls of three or four encircling taller stems. The leaves are widest at the base (0.8 to 2.0 cm wide) and have three prominent veins. Contrary to the common name, the leaf surfaces are smooth to the touch. The yellow flowers are 1.5 cm across with yellow -orange anthers and occur on terminal racemes that are 3.0 to 10 cm long. Flowering occurs from mid -May through June, with fruits (capsules) present from July through October. Stipitate glands are usually present on most parts of the plant. This species is easily CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 5 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment distinguished from Lysimachia loomisii (Loomis' yellow loosestrife) a similar southeastern species by its broader, glandular leaves and much larger flowers" (USFWS, 2010). USFWS (2010) further describes the species' preferred habitat, stating: "this species generally occurs in the ecotones or edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins (areas of dense shrub and vine growth usually on a wet, peaty, poorly drained soil) on moist to seasonally saturated sands and on shallow organic soils overlaying sand. Rough -leaf loosestrife has also been found on deep peat in the low shrub community of large Carolina bays (shallow, elliptical, poorly drained depressions of unknown origin). The grass -shrub ecotone, where rough -leaf loosestrife is found, is fire -maintained, as are the adjacent plant communities (longleaf pine - scrub oak, savanna, flatwoods, and pocosin). Suppression of naturally occurring fire in these ecotones results in shrubs increasing in density and height and expanding to eliminate the open edges required by this plant. Several populations are known from roadsides and power line rights -of -way where regular maintenance mimics fire and maintains vegetation so that herbaceous species are open to sunlight" (USFWS, 2010). Rough -leaf loosestrife is endemic to the Coastal Plain and Sandhills physiographic provinces of North and South Carolina. Most of the populations are small, in both number of stems and total area. In addition to the current populations, there are historical populations documented in Beaufort, Columbus, Montgomery and Moore Counties, North Carolina, and Darlington County, South Carolina (USFWS, 2010). Fire suppression, wetland drainage, and residential and commercial development have altered and eliminated habitat for this species and continue to be the most significant threats to the continued existence of the species (USFWS, 2020d). The NCNHP (2020) and Croatan Ranger District (CRD) have more than 30 documented occurrences of this species within one mile of the project area. These observations do not necessarily depict individual populations, but rather observations by different individuals at different times. Plant -by -plant surveys throughout the areas of suitable habitat within the project site did not reveal the presence of rough -leaf loosestrife. 2.1.1.3 Venus Flytrap According to the USFWS (2020e), "The Venus flytrap is a small perennial herb and one of the most widely recognized plant species on Earth. It forms a basal rosette of distinct leaves that are attached to a short rhizome. The leaf blade consists of two kidney -shaped, hinged, sensitive lobes up to 2.5 cm long with stiff marginal hairs to 0.8 cm long. When trigger hairs are stimulated, the two lobes snap closed, trapping insects between them. The petioles are winged and 2.0 to 7.0 cm long. Flowers are borne in an umbelliform cyme (short flower stalks which spread from a common point, somewhat like umbrella ribs) at the top of a 10.0 to 30.0 cm tall scape, with five white petals that are 1.1 to 1.3 cm long. The monecious flowers (male and female plant parts in separate flowers on the same plant) contain one stigma and 10 to 20 CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 6 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment stamens. The capsule is 0.3 to 0.4 cm long. Venus flytrap flowers from May to June, and the fruits mature in June and July" (USFWS, 2020e). The Venus flytrap occurs in both the Coastal Plain and Sandhills physiographic regions in North Carolina. In the Coastal Plain where it is more common, Venus flytrap occurs in wet loamy pine savannas and sand pine savannas (USFWS, 2020e). Furthermore, USFWS (2020e) states "these sites are generally flat with wet or moist soils for much of the year. The species rarely occurs in seasonally flooded depressions, although it may occur along the edges of such sites. In the Sandhills region, it is limited to narrow, moist transitional areas between streamhead pocosins (linear, evergreen shrub bogs along small creeks and their headwaters) and longleaf pine/scrub oak/wiregrass uplands and along the similar ecotones between Sandhill seeps and longleaf pine uplands. Sandhill seeps are sphagnous, shrub -and -herb -dominated areas occurring in relatively steep places where local clay soils force seepage water to the surface. Soils in these ecotonal areas are usually highly acidic, loamy sand" (USFWS, 2020e). Population numbers and sizes of native flytraps have declined due to a variety of factors, including but not limited to, poaching, fire suppression, land use conversion, silviculture, and residential and commercial development. According to the NCNHP (2020), there are three documented occurrences of this species within one mile of the project area, and the CRD has approximately ten potential locations mapped. Plant -by -plant surveys were conducted in potentially suitable habitat throughout the project area. Venus flytrap was not observed. 2.1.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species All Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern plant species that occur or could occur within the Croatan National Forest were also considered in this analysis. The initial list included more than 100 Sensitive and Forest Concern plants known from Carteret County (Appendix A). Approximately one-third of these species were excluded from further analysis due to the absence of suitable habitat and no known individual occurrences at or immediately adjacent to the project site. Areas exhibiting suitable habitat (from the initial desktop review) were visually surveyed using a plant -by -plant approach and determination. Habitat was deemed suitable for 70 of the Sensitive or Forest Concern plant species that occur or could potentially occur in Carteret County. These species are listed in Table along with their attributes. Table 2. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species Scientific Name Common Name Forest Status1 Habitat Agafinis virgata Agrostis aftissima Andropogon mohrii Anzio ornata Arnogfossum ovatum var. fanceofatum Asclepias pedicellata branched gerardia tall bentgrass bog bluestem a black -foam lichen savanna Indian -plantain stalked or savannah milkweed FC FC FC FC FC FC Savannas Savannas wet savannas Savannahs & bottomlands Savannas Savannas & flatwoods CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 7 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Table 2. Region 8 Sensitive and Scientific Name Forest Concern Plant Species Continued Common Name Forest Status1 Habitat Asplenium heteroresiliens Calopogon multiflorus Campylopus carolinae Carex basiantha Carex calcifugens Carex emmonsii Carex godfreyi Carex lupuliformis Carex wildenowii var. megarrhyncha Cirsium lecontei Cleistesiopsis oricamporum Coreopsis helianthoides Crocanthemum carolinianum Cylindrocolea rhizantha Cystopteris tennesseensis Dichanthelium fusiforme Dichanthelium hirstii Dichanthelium sp. 9 Dichanthelium spretum Dionaea muscipula Eurybia spectabilis Fissidens hallii Helenium pinnatifidum Hibiscus aculeatus Kalmia cuneata Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Leersia lenticularis Lejeunea bermudiana Lobelia boykinii Oplismenus hirtellus ssp. setarius Oxypolis ternata Panicum tenerum Parnassia caroliniana Paspalum dissectum Peltandra sagittifolia Pinguicula pumila Plantago sparsiflora Platanthera integra Platanthera nivea Polygala hookeri Ponthieva racemosa Pycnanthemum setosum Quercus austrina Quercus minima Rhynchospora alba Rhynchospora galleana Rhynchospora oligantha Carolina spleenwort many -flower grass pink savanna campylopus widow sedge calcium -fleeing sedge Emmon's sedge Godfrey's sedge hop -like sedge southern Willdenow's sedge Leconte's thistle small spreading pogonia Beadle's coreopsis Carolina sunrose a liverwort Tennessee bladder -fern spindle -fruited witch grass Hirst's panic grass hidden -flowered witch grass Eaton's witch grass Venus flytrap showy aster Hall's pocket moss dissected sneezeweed comfortroot white wicky southern bogbutton catchfly cutgrass a liverwort Boykin's lobelia shortleaf basket grass piedmont cowbane southeastern panic grass Carolina grass of parnassus mudbank crown grass spoonflower small butterwort pineland plantain yellow fringeless orchid snowy orchid Hooker's milkwort shadow -witch awned mountain -mint bluff oak dwarf live oak northern white beaksedge short -bristled beaksedge feather -bristle beakrush Marl Savannahs Savannahs Marl Maritime & moist woods Moist woods Swamps Mesic bottomlands Marl Savannahs Savannahs & dry meadows Swamps & peaty wetlands Sandhills & dry savannahs Marl Marl Sandy pine or pine -oak forests Savannahs Pocosins & wet meadows Bogs & savannahs Savannahs Pine barrens & woodlands Swamps Savannahs Bay forests & sand ridges Pocosins Sandhills Moist woods Swamps Savannas Bottomlands Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Ditches Pocosins Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Swamps Swamps Mesic forest Pine flatwoods Pocosins Disturbed areas Savannahs CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 8 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Table 2. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Plant Species Continued Scientific Name Common Name Forest Status1 Habitat Rhynchospora thornei Scirpus lineatus Scleria baldwinii Scleria georgiana Solidago gracillima Solidago leavenworthii Solidago pulchra Solidago tortifolia Solidago verna Sphagnum fitzgeraldii Spiranthes eatonii Spiranthes longilabris Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii Tofieldia glabra Tridens chapmanii Xyris floridana Xyris stricta Thorne's beaksedge drooping bulrush Baldwin's nutrush Georgia nutrush graceful goldenrod Leavenworth's goldenrod Carolina goldenrod twisted -leaf goldenrod spring -flowering goldenrod Fitzgerald's peatmoss Eaton's ladies' -tresses giant spiral orchid Pickering's dawnflower Carolina asphodel Chapman's redtop Florida yellow -eyed -grass a yellow -eyed -grass FC FC FC FC FC FC S FC S S FC S FC S FC FC FC Savannahs Marl Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs & flatwoods Pinelands Pocosins Savannahs Savannahs Road banks Savannahs Roadsides Savannahs Savannahs 1 Forest Status Listings: (S) Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2018 (Walker, 2020) (FC) Forest Concern/ Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest Plant -by -plant surveys were conducted for each of these species. Two individuals of Asclepias pedicellata (stalked or savannah milkweed) were observed in the project area and the NCNHP reports one occurrence of this species documented within one mile of the site. The CRD has at least three documented locations. Specific locations of stalked or savannah milkweed within the project area are provided on Figure 3. The exact locations will be forwarded to both the NCNHP and CRD for inclusion into their databases. In addition, the NCNHP (2020) and CRD IistAgalinis virgata (branched gerardia), Platanthera integra (yellow fringeless orchid), and Rhynchospora macro (southern white beaksedge) as occurring within one mile of the project area. None of these three species, nor any other Region 8 Sensitive or FC species, were observed at the project site. 2.1.3 Existing Botanical Condition and Natural Community Types The limited natural areas present at the project site consist of variations of semi -disturbed forest. These areas have been influenced by current land use activities. As previously mentioned, the project area is utilized by the Town of Newport for the storage and transfer of solid waste. Some areas have been completely manipulated from the previous natural community type while others have been, or continue to be, disturbed on a periodic basis. As a result, the overall botanical condition is considered poor due to current human -influenced activities, the suppression of fire, and introduction of non-native and potentially invasive plant and wildlife species. Marginal habitat was observed for a variety of rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species; however, the overall likelihood for any of these species to be present is considered very low. The existence of anthropogenic (man-made) habitats does not usually discount the presence of RTE species. In fact, periodic maintenance of the landscape can sometimes mimic recurring natural disturbances such as fire regimes that some species depend on to thrive. This maintenance is likely performed by a variety of physical and chemical control. All areas within the CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 9 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment project site were visually assessed using plant -by -plant survey methodologies. Stalked or savannah milkweed was the only plant RTE species observed. As previously mentioned, the project site is within the Croatan National Forest, which is owned by the US Forest Service. The project site is maintained under a long-term lease by the Town of Newport. The Wilderness Act of 1964 designated portions of federally owned land as Wilderness. By law, these lands are affected primarily by the forces of nature, where biological and physical processes can proceed with little to no human intervention (TWS, 2020). The Croatan National Forest has four designated Wilderness Areas. The project site is not within or immediately adjacent to any Wilderness Areas. The project site is located between two State Natural Areas listed by the NCNHP (2020). These two areas are identified as the Nine Foot Road/ Roberts Road Limesink Ponds and Hibbs Road Pine Ridges and are both located on property owned and managed by the US Forest Service. Otherwise, there are no additional State Natural Areas, Research Natural Areas, or botanical Special Interest Areas recognized by the current Forest Plan (USDA, 2002a) at or immediately adjacent to the solid waste transfer facility. Since the property is under a long-term lease with the Town of Newport and proposed impacts are within the footprint of the area that has been set aside for current and future manipulation, this proposal will have no effect on any significant natural areas. 2.1.4 Non -Native Invasive Plants (NNIP) The USDA maintains a listing of NNIP for each Region. According to the USDA (2020), there are nine species of trees, 21 species of shrubs, 11 species of vines, 14 species of herbs, ten species of grasses, and eight aquatic plant species identified as potentially occurring in Region 8, including the Croatan National Forest. Several populations of high priority NNIP were found within or immediately adjacent to the project site. These included Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed), Perilla frutescens (Perilla), Murdannia keisak (marsh dewflower), Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree), Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet), Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza), and Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle). Treatment of these populations is encouraged, if feasible, during project implementation. 2.2 Wildlife Vertebrate Surveys Potentially affected vertebrate species and habitats were identified and determined by: ➢ Reviewing the list of rare (Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, At -Risk, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) terrestrial wildlife species of the Croatan National Forest and their habitat preferences; ➢ Evaluating EO records of rare terrestrial wildlife as maintained by the CRD and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP, 2020); CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 10 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Conducting surveys within and immediately adjacent to the project site for suitable habitat; and, Surveys for individual specimens if habitat is present. Wildlife Vertebrate species considered herein include all amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Fish -related information is provided in Section 2.3 of this report. Wildlife surveys were conducted at and immediately surrounding the project site by Senior Scientist and Herpetologist David Cooper. 2.2.1 Federally Listed Wildlife Vertebrate Species As of March 9, 2020, the USFWS identifies 17 wildlife vertebrate species as potentially occurring in Carteret County, NC (Table 3 and a full listing of wildlife vertebrate species, including both federal and National Forest Service in Appendix B). Table 3. Federally Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Wildlife Vertebrate Species, Carteret County, NC Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status' Record Status2 Acipenser brevirostrum3 Alligator mississippiensis Calidris canutus rufa Caretta caretta Charadrius melodus Chelonia mydas Dermochelys coriacea Dryobates (Picoides) borealis Eretmochelys kempii Haliaeetus leucocephalus Heterodon simus Laterallus jamaicensis spp. jamaicensis Lepidochelys kempii Myotis septentrionalis Rana capito capito Sterna dougallii dougallii Trichechus manatus shortnose sturgeon American alligator red knot loggerhead sea turtle piping plover green sea turtle leatherback sea turtle red -cockaded woodpecker hawksbill sea turtle bald eagle southern hognose snake black rail Kemp's Ridley sea turtle northern long-eared bat Carolina gopher frog roseate tern West Indian manatee Endangered Threatened (S/A) Threatened Threatened Threatened Threatened Endangered Endangered Endangered BGPA At -Risk Species At -Risk Species Endangered Threatened At -Risk Species Threatened Endangered Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Current Historical Current Obscure Current Current Current Current Current Current 1 Federal Status: Endangered. A taxon "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." Threatened (S/A). Threatened due to similarity of appearance with another listed species and is listed for its protection. Such taxa are not biologically endangered or threatened and are not subject to Section 7 Consultation. Threatened. A taxon "likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." BGPA. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) At -Risk. Species that are petitioned, Candidates, or Proposed for Listing under the Endangered Species Act. 2Record Status: Current — the species has been observed in the county within the last 50 years. Historical — unsurveyed occurrences are regarded historical after 20-40 years, the number of years depending on the species and the amount of habitat alteration in the area. Obscure — the date and/or location of observation is uncertain. 3Acipenser brevirostrum is a fish species, which is further discussed in Section 2.3 of this document. Source: USFWS, 2020a CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 11 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment An unofficial list was also requested from the USFWS IPaC website, which includes species and critical habitat that should be considered under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act at or immediately adjacent to the project site. Animal species on that list were Myotis septentrionalis (northern long-eared bat, NLEB), Trichechus manatus (West Indian manatee), Laterallus jamaicensis ssp.jamaicensis (eastern black rail), Charadrius melodus (piping plover), Calidris canutus rufa (red knot), Dryobates (Picoides) borealis (red -cockaded woodpecker), Sterna dougallii dougallii (roseate tern), Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator), Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle), Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp's Ridley sea turtle), Dermochelys coriacea (leatherback sea turtle), and Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle). The IPaC report did not include the following species which are on the County list: Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle), Rana capito capito (Carolina gopher frog), Eretmochelys kempii (hawksbill sea turtle), Acipenser brevirostrum (shortnose sturgeon), Laterallus jamaicensis spp.jamaicensis (black rail), or Heterodon simus (southern hognose snake). All species listed in Appendix B were assessed. Critical habitats for piping plover and loggerhead sea turtle are identified in Carteret County; however, there are no designated critical habitats for these federally listed animal species within or immediately adjacent to the project site. During the field reconnaissance it was determined that the project area only provides suitable habitat for the northern long-eared bat and marginal habitat for the red -cockaded woodpecker, Carolina gopher frog, and southern hognose snake. The remaining species are associated with either marsh or coastal environments, which are not present at or adjacent to the project area. The existing NCNHP database and CRD's database identify only one federally listed species (red - cockaded woodpecker) as occurring within one mile of the project area. 2.2.2.1 Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) The USFWS, Midwest Region describes the NLEB as "a medium-sized bat with a body length of 3.0 to 3.7 in but a wingspan of 9.0 to 10.0 inches. Its fur color can be medium to dark brown on the back and tawny to pale -brown on the underside. As its name suggests, this bat is distinguished by its long ears, particularly as compared to other bats in its genus, Myotis" (USFWS, 2020f). Northern long-eared bats roost either individually or in small colonies in tree cavities, crevices, and underneath bark in both living and dead trees. In winter throughout the Coastal Plain, they have been found utilizing similar roosts, usually in more protected locations as the temperature nears freezing. These bats emerge at dusk and again before daylight to feed. They eat a varied diet of living organisms including moths, flies, leafhoppers, caddisflies, and beetles, which they catch while in flight using echolocation or by gleaning motionless insects from vegetation (USFWS, 2020f). Based on available occurrence records from the Croatan Ranger District and NCNHP, the NLEB is not known to occur at or within one mile of the project area; however, it is possible that the species occurs in low numbers within the project area as there is suitable summer habitat nearby. Northern long-eared bats occur in low numbers naturally, even before White -Nose Syndrome led to steep declines in cave -associated bat populations in western North Carolina CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 12 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment (USFWS, 2020f). Surveys (acoustic and/or mist -net) were not conducted for this species as part of this assessment. It is anticipated that the CRD, USFWS, and NC Wildlife Resources Commission has data to determine this species likely absence or presence within the project area. As part of the 4(d) determination by the USFWS, the Forest Service is required to ensure that the proposed activity is excepted from incidental take. This project is excepted from incidental take, as it is not within 0.25 mile of a known NLEB hibernaculum, and it does not involve removal of known, occupied maternity roost trees. Although not required by the range -wide Biological Opinion (USFWS, 2076) or the Final 4(d) Rule (FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024) for this species, any trees that need to be removed should be assessed for NLEB habitat. Trees suitable for summer roosting habitat (i.e., those with naturally exfoliating bark or snags in the early stages of decay and trees over four inches in diameter at breast height (DBH)) occur within the project area. Timing tree clearing between October 15 and April 15 is expected to avoid the possibility of affecting summer roosting NLEB (USFWS, 2020f). 2.2.2.2 Red -cockaded woodpecker The red -cockaded woodpecker (RCW) is a medium-sized woodpecker which excavates nest cavities in live pine trees greater than 60 years in age and 10 inches in DBH. Considered a primarily cavity nester, this woodpecker may spend from one to six years constructing a cavity (USFWS, 2020g). Generally, this species foraging habitats include pine stands with trees typically over 30 years in age and with an open understory and relatively dense herb layer including Aristida stricta (wiregrass). Red -cockaded woodpeckers are communal, and a family group occupies a "cluster" of nest trees in proximity to one another, with multiple family members aiding in nest cavity building and rearing of young (USFWS, 2020g). Foraging typically occurs within one half mile of the nest cluster, and birds do not generally cross large water bodies, large areas containing dense hardwood stands, or wide roads when foraging (USFWS, 2020g). Since this species listing under the Endangered Species Act, RCW populations have improved in both size and number. The Croatan National Forest is among many public and private lands managed to benefit this species, and multiple nest clusters are documented within the forest. According to NCNHP (2020) and location data provided by Andy Walker (pers. communication, there are two documented occurrences of this species within one mile of the project site. An on -site habitat evaluation of pine stands at the project site was conducted on July 7, 2020. This on -site evaluation was combined with historic aerial orthophotograph interpretation to determine whether suitable nesting habitat occurs at or adjacent to the project site. Pine stands within one-half mile of the project site are under 50 years in age. RCW colonies documented within one mile of the project site are not located within one-half mile of the project, which is the generally accepted foraging distance for the RCW. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 13 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Two pine stands exist within the project site. Stand 1, along the western site boundary, is approximately 7.62 acres in size and consists of loblolly pines between approximately 8 and 12 inches DBH. The understory is tall and includes many vines and invasive Chinese privet, and the herb layer is sparse. The largest of the loblolly pine trees in this stand was cored and aged at 39 years. Stand 2, along the northeastern site boundary, is approximately 0.67 acres in size and consists of fire -maintained loblolly and longleaf pines between approximately 6 and 9 inches DBH. The understory of Stand 2 is low, and the herb layer is moderately dense and includes some wiregrass. The largest of the longleaf pine trees in this stand on -site was cored and aged at 47 years. Based on the evaluation of pine stands on -site, foraging habitat exists within the site boundary, but nesting habitat does not. Stand 1 is considered low quality foraging habitat and Stand 2 is considered moderate to high quality foraging habitat. 2.2.2.3 Carolina gopher frog The Carolina gopher frog is a large frog in the family Ranidae. This species is infrequently encountered outside of its breeding and tadpole season, which in North Carolina typically extends from February through June. Breeding habitat for this species is typified by large, shallow, clay -based, fish -free, open -canopied Carolina Bays, but can also include borrow pits and artificial ponds which remain generally fish -free. Outside of the breeding season, adults take shelter in stump holes or other underground refugia in upland areas and have been documented to travel multiple miles between breeding and upland sites (pers. comm. with Jeff Hall, NC Wildlife Resources Commission). The Croatan National Forest harbors one of the few remaining populations of this species in the state. Documented occurrences of this species exist within approximately 3.5 miles of the proposed Newport transfer facility expansion site (NCNHP 2020). Based on an aerial interpretation, an on -site habitat evaluation of apparent ponds within 0.6 mile of the site was conducted on July 7, 2020. Of the nine ponds evaluated, predatory fish (sunfish species) were documented in seven, and seven ponds were observed to be likely permanent in nature. Adult and larval anurans including Acris gryllus (southern cricket frog), Hyla femoralis (pinewoods treefrog), Hyla squirella (squirrel treefrog), Hyla cinerea (green treefrog), Anaxyrus terrestris (southern toad), Lithobates catesbeianus (bullfrog), Lithobates sphenocephalus (southern leopard frog), and Lithobates virgatipes (carpenter frog) were documented in the vicinity. It is possible that Carolina gopher frogs may breed in one or more of the evaluated ponds within 0.6 miles of the site. It is unlikely that the project site harbors any Carolina gopher frogs. No breeding habitat is located on the site. Upland habitat within the proposed expansion area was evaluated on July 7, 2020 and found to generally lack the fire -maintained longleaf pine/wiregrass sandhill habitat this species typically inhabits. A very narrow strip of a stand of fire -maintained mixed longleaf and loblolly pine abuts the northeastern site boundary (approx. 0.67 ac.). The remaining forested portions of the site are comprised of swamp/riparian wetlands (approx. 2.69 ac.) and a loblolly pine stand lacking stump holes and a vigorous herb layer (approx. 7.62 ac.). CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 14 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment 2.2.2.4 Southern Hognose Snake Hognose snakes are identified by their sharply upturned snouts and their defense displays when threatened. The NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NCPARC) (2020) describes the southern hognose snake as "very stocky and having patterns of large, dark brown blotches on a tan or light gray background." The specialized upturned snout is used to dig out buried prey, including frogs and toads (USFWS, 2020h). They occur in both the Coastal Plain and Sandhills physiographic provinces of North Carolina. A range map by the USFWS depicts the project area within a portion of Carteret County as one of the locations that this reptile is extirpated (USFWS, 2018). Southern hognose snakes favor open canopy habitats within Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) ecosystems (USFWS, 2020h). Due to the fire regime associated with these systems, the understory consists primarily of grasses. Although pines with well drained, sandy soils exist within the project area, it is unlikely that this species is present because of ongoing anthropogenic influences. Upland habitat within the proposed expansion area was evaluated on July 7, 2020 and found to generally lack the fire -maintained longleaf pine/wiregrass sandhill habitat this species typically inhabits. A very narrow strip of a stand of fire -maintained mixed longleaf and loblolly pine abuts the northeastern site boundary (approx. 0.67 ac.). The remaining forested portions of the site are comprised of swamp/riparian wetlands (approx. 2.69 ac.) and a loblolly pine stand lacking a vigorous herb layer (approx. 7.62 ac.). Unfortunately, presence of this species is commonly determined by evidence of mortality along roadways. The USFWS (2020h) notes that "their cryptic coloration, small size, slow movement, and behavior of remaining motionless when threatened, makes them particularly susceptible to road mortality." No hognose snakes were observed. In addition, there are no documented occurrences of this species by either the NCNHP or the CRD within one mile of the project area. 2.2.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Vertebrate Species All Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern wildlife vertebrate species that occur or could occur on the Croatan National Forest were considered in this analysis (Appendix B). There are no known occurrences of Region 8 Sensitive or Forest Concern wildlife vertebrate species in the project area; however, habitat does occur. A total of 22 wildlife vertebrate species met the desktop habitat criterion requiring further review. These species are listed below in Table 4. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 15 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Table 4. Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Vertebrate Species. Scientific Name Common Name Forest Status1 Habitat Amphibians Eurycea quadridigitata Rana capito capito* Birds Aimophila aestivalis Ammodramus henslowii Falco sparverius Haliaeetus leucocephalus lctinia mississippiensis Lanius ludovicianus migrans Mammals Corynorhinus rafinesquii Myotis austroriparius Myotis lucifugus Neotoma floridana pop. 1 Perimyotis subflavus Synaptomys cooperi helaletes Reptiles Crotalus adamanteus Crotalus horridus Heterodon simus* Ophisaurus attenuatus Ophisaurus mimicus dwarf salamander Carolina gopher frog Bachman's sparrow Henslow's sparrow American kestrel bald eagle Mississippi kite migrant loggerhead shrike Rafinesque's big -eared bat southeastern bat little brown bat eastern woodrat-coastal population tricolored bat Dismal Swamp s. bog lemming eastern diamondback rattlesnake timber rattlesnake southern hognose snake slender glass lizard mimic glass lizard FC S S FC FC BGPA FC S S S FC FC S FC S S S FC FC Swamps and wooded areas Savannahs Savannahs Pocosins Fields and roadsides Wooded areas Bottomlands Fields Variable Variable Variable Forests Variable Pocosins Savannahs Variable Sandhills Fields Savannahs 1 Forest Status Listings: (S) Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2020 (USDA, 2020c) (FC) Forest Concern/ Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest (USDA, 2020c) (BGPA) — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668c) * Denotes species addressed in a previous section of this document. It is unlikely that the project site harbors any of the abovementioned species. Data from the NC Natural Heritage Program and the Croatan Ranger District denotes occurrences of Bachman's sparrow within one mile both west and east of the project site in habitats more conducive to this species. These observations are within natural areas with active forest management. Only one other rare wildlife vertebrate species was documented within one mile of the project site, Hemidactylium scutatum (four - toed salamander). This species is identified as state -special concern. No other Region 8 Sensitive or FC wildlife vertebrate species are known to occur at or immediately adjacent to the project site. Upland habitat within the proposed expansion area was evaluated on July 7, 2020 and found to generally lack the fire -maintained longleaf pine/wiregrass sandhill habitat that Bachman's sparrow, Henslow's sparrow, eastern diamondback, and mimic glass lizard typically inhabit aside from a very narrow strip of a stand of fire -maintained mixed longleaf and loblolly pine which abuts the northeastern site boundary (approximately 0.7 acres). The remaining forested portions of the site are comprised of swamp/riparian wetlands (approximately 2.7 acres) and a loblolly pine stand (approximately 7.6 acres). CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 16 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Other bird species such as the bald eagle, Mississippi kite, and migrant loggerhead shrike may forage throughout the open areas; however, based on the overall amount of daily disturbance by vehicular traffic, loud noises, military helicopters, etc., it is unlikely these species would utilize the area for nesting habitat. No large or dominant trees suitable for bald eagle nesting are present. Dwarf salamanders are some of the smallest salamanders in the southeastern United States, commonly found along the margins of ponded areas in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Habitats consist of pine forests and savannahs and may also include swamps and bottomland hardwood forests (NCPARC, 2020). Small invertebrates appear to be the main food source. Little is known about their terrestrial habitat characteristics. Only marginal habitat exists for this species within the study area. According to The Cornell Lab (2020), "the American kestrel is roughly the size and shape of a mourning dove, although it has a larger head; longer, narrow wings; and long, square -tipped tail. In flight, the wings are often bent, and the wingtips swept back. These falcons occupy habitats ranging from deserts and grasslands to alpine meadows and are most likely observed perching on telephone wires along roadsides, in open country with short vegetation and few trees" (The Cornell Lab, 2020). Areas with continuous human disturbance are not preferred and kestrels may only utilize the project site when the potential for human interference is low, likely only during closed facility times. This species is a year- round resident of the Coastal Plain physiographic province of North Carolina. Rafinesque's big -eared bat is best recognized by its large ears. The ears, when curved backwards, resemble a ram's horns (NCBWG, 2020). They roost in a variety of habitats including trees and buildings. The NCBWG (2020) describes the bats as "moth specialists, whose incredible agility allows them to skim or glean insects from the surface of foliage." They also are very capable of taking prey in flight. Summer roosting habitat within the project area may include existing buildings and mature vegetation. The southeastern bat occurs in bottomland habitats throughout the Coastal Plains of southeastern states and along the Mississippi River (NCBWG, 2020). They roost in hollow Nyssa aquatica (tupelo), Nyssa sylvatica (black gum), or Taxodium spp. (cypress) trees in bottomland forests as well as, buildings, bridges, culverts, and other man-made structures (NCBWG, 2020). Habitat degradation and loss is one of the main factors leading to reduced population numbers. These small, brown bats prefer habitats near a water source (NCBWG, 2020). Summer roosting habitat is available within the project area. Little brown bats are a well known species of bat, not territorial, and may live in colonies numbering the hundreds of thousands of individuals (NWF, 2020). Their roost sites are variable, including a variety of man-made structures and trees, all tending to be near swamplands and a source of water. These bats exhibit glossy fur and range in colors from dark brown to bronze (NCBWG, 2020). They forage on insects, with moths, caddisflies, and possibly midges (NCBWG, 2020). Summer roosting habitat is available for this species within the project area. The eastern woodrat (Coastal Plain population) favors floodplains and other moist hardwood forests, especially sites that contain Saba( minor (dwarf palmetto) (LeGrand, et.al., 2020). Abandoned buildings or man-made structures may be used as nest habitats, as well as any other natural structures providing CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 17 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment protection. These nocturnal rats are scavengers, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter. They are highly mobile and can survive in a variety of habitat conditions. Tricolored bats (formerly known as eastern pipistrelles) are small bats with yellowish -brown pelage (NCBWG, 2020). They tend to hibernate in areas exhibiting constant temperatures such as caves, rock crevices, and mines but during the summer, can be observed in forested areas. According to NCBWG (2020), tricolored bats often forage over waterways and forest edges, feeding on moths, midges, bugs, ants, mosquitos, and other insects. The project area exhibits summer habitat for this species. LeGrand et.al. (2020) denotes that the Dismal Swamp southern bog lemming is very rare and its characteristics are poorly known from Jones and Craven Counties, NC. The NC Natural Heritage Program considers this species as significantly rare. Its habitats in Coastal Plain resemble damp, weedy fields and recent clearcuts, canebrakes, and marshy areas (LeGrand et.al, 2020). Furthermore, this species tends to favor areas that receive sunlight. Based on available database records, LeGrand, et.al. (2020) does not list any records or potential observations of this species in Carteret County. Timber rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats including, but not limited to savannahs, forests, road and powerline rights -of -way. They are described as heavy -bodied snakes characterized by dark crossbands or chevrons on a lighter background (NCPARC, 2020). Their main food source appears to be rodents; however, as an ambush predator, they likely also forage on other small mammals, birds, etc. Timber rattlesnakes hibernate primarily in stumps holes in the Coastal Plain. The project site offers foraging and limited winter habitat for this species. The overall amount of human activity present though likely reduces the potential for human encounters at or near the project area. Although glass lizards share similarities with snakes, their eyelids are not static, and their jaws cannot detach to allow the consumption of larger prey. The slender glass lizard's coloration varies between brown and yellow and the species generally exhibits a dark stripe down the center of their back. According to the University of Georgia (2020), these lizards tend to prefer drier habitats as compared with eastern glass lizards. They are best observed under some type of debris or cover. Glass lizards eat a variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, as well as small reptiles and young rodents (University of Georgia, 2020). Habitat exists for these species outside of the areas currently utilized by the transfer station for day-to-day activities. No lizards were observed during the field surveys. Based on NCNHP records, no occurrences of these species are documented within one mile of the project site. No wildlife vertebrate individuals were observed during the site visits. 2.2.3 Migratory Birds and Management Indicator Species The USFWS has identified birds of conservation concern (BCC) potentially occurring near the project site. These include Falco sparverius paulus (southeastern American kestrel), Aimophila aestivalis (Bachman's sparrow), Haliaeetus leucocephalus (bald eagle), Rynchops niger (black skimmer), Rallus crepitans (clapper rail), Antrostomus vociferus (eastern whip -poor -will), Gelochelidon nilotica (gull -billed tern), Ammodramus henslowii (Henslow's sparrow), Rallus elegans (king rail), Sterna antillarum (least tern), Setophaga discolor (prairie warbler), Protonotaria citrea (prothonotary warbler), Melanerpes CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 18 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment erythrocephalus (red-headed woodpecker), Gavia stellata (red -throated loon), Arenaria interpres morinelia (ruddy turnstone), Numenius phaeopus (whimbrel), Tringa semipalmata (willet), and Hylocichla mustelina (wood thrush). Based on suitable habitat and current operations occurring within the project area, only seven of these species may occur at varying times throughout the year. Species -specific details are provided below except for the American kestrel, which was previously discussed in Section 2.2.2. Bachman's sparrows occupy the same habitat types as red -cockaded woodpeckers. They are larger sparrows, exhibiting a large, round bill and a long, rounded tail (The Cornell Lab, 2020). Habitat areas may include pine forests with grassy understories, trees spaced well apart, and little to no shrubs. They are dependent on fire or other anthropogenic-related maintenance to maintain suitable habitat areas. Marginal habitat may exist within the project area; however, due to the overall amount of continuous human disturbance and lack of open understory areas it is unlikely that this species nests at or near the project site. The USFWS (2020i) describes the bald eagle as powerful, brown birds exhibiting wingspans up to eight feet and weighing up to 14 pounds. These birds are brown until they reach four to five years in age, and then easily recognized by the white head and white tail feathers. Bald eagles are known to feed on carrion and steal food from other birds of prey. They generally live near water, eating fish, small birds, mammals, and reptiles (USFWS, 2020i). Nests are very large and often reused. They are often located in tall, dominant trees near estuaries, large lakes, and rivers. Human -related activities, disturbance, and lack of suitable nest trees are obvious detriments to bald eagle nesting at or near the project site. No eagles or large nests were observed during the site reconnaissance. Henslow's sparrow is a small bird preferring thick, weedy grasslands and wetlands (The Cornell Lab, 2020). Its diet consists of both insects and seeds (Audubon, 2020). In the summer, this sparrow can be observed foraging mainly on insects while its winter diet is seeds of weeds, grasses, and sedges (Audubon, 2020). Nest sites are low and not easily seen by the common eye. They may be in a clump of grass, a slight depression in the ground, and occasionally above the ground on a stem. Local populations vary from year to year and the project site is considered within its winter range. No individuals of Henslow's sparrow or nests similar to those described were observed within the project area. Audubon (2020) describes the prairie warbler as "a bird utilizing young second growth scrub and densely overgrown fields in eastern North America, rather than open prairies. It states that such habitats are often temporary, and colonies may shift around from year to year" (Audubon, 2020b). This species forages mainly on insects. Their nests are usually placed within a tree (pine or hardwood) ranging up to 45 feet above the ground (Audubon, 2020). Land use changes and nest parasitism by Molothrus ater (brown -headed cowbirds) appear to be the main factors leading to the decline in overall population numbers. Suitable habitat exists within the project area; however, no prairie warblers were observed during the field reconnaissance. The Cornell Lab (2020) describes the red-headed woodpecker as a fairly large bird, with a rounded head, short tail, and powerful spike -like bill. These birds occupy groves, farm country, orchards, shade CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 19 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment trees in towns, and large scattered trees (Audubon, 2020). They avoid heavily forested areas. This woodpecker was once a very common bird in eastern North America; however, it is now considered uncommon in many regions (Audubon, 2020). Red-headed woodpeckers are considered opportunistic feeders, utilizing the active capture of insects and gathering various nuts. Audubon (2020) explains "they are considered the most omnivorous of woodpeckers with a diet ranging from a wide variety of insects, spiders, earthworms, nuts, seeds, berries, and both wild and cultivated fruit. They sometimes prey upon eggs and nestlings of other birds" (Audubon, 2020). Red-headed woodpeckers nest in dead trees. Only marginal habitat exists in the project area for this species. No red-headed woodpeckers were observed during field surveys. The Cornell Lab (2020) claims the wood thrush fits the profile of a scaled -down Turdus migratorius (American robin). They exhibit bold, black spots on their chest and underparts. The head is reddish - brown on top. Foraging and nesting occur in mainly deciduous woodlands (Audubon, 2020). Their diet consists of mostly insects and berries, including beetles, caterpillars, ants, crickets, moths, spiders, earthworms, and snails (Audubon, 2020). Cowbird parasitism has contributed to the decline in wood thrush population numbers. Only marginally suitable foraging habitat exists onsite for this species. No individuals were observed during field surveys. 2.3 Wildlife Invertebrate Surveys Potentially affected wildlife invertebrate species and habitat were identified and determined by: ➢ Reviewing the list of rare (Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, At -Risk, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) terrestrial wildlife species of the Croatan National Forest and their habitat preferences; ➢ Evaluating element occurrence (EO) records of rare terrestrial wildlife as maintained by the Croatan Ranger District and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (2020); and, • Conducting surveys for suitable plant host species within and immediately adjacent to the project site for suitable habitat. Due to the mobility and secretive nature of many invertebrates, assessments concentrated on the absence/ presence of host plants. These assessments were conducted by botanists Dr. Doug DeBerry and Caitlin Cyrus. 2.3.1 Federally Listed Wildlife Invertebrate Species There are no federally listed terrestrial invertebrate species potentially occurring in Carteret County or the Croatan National Forest. 2.2.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Wildlife Invertebrate Species All Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern terrestrial wildlife invertebrate species that occur or could occur on the Croatan National Forest were considered in this analysis (Appendix B). There are no known occurrences of Region 8 Sensitive or Forest Concern wildlife species in the project area; however, CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 20 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment habitat does occur for 13 of the 20 species noted in Appendix B. These species are listed in Table 5 and briefly described in the text following the table. Table 5. Region 8 Sensitive and Scientific Name Atrytone arogos arogos Danaus plexippus Erynnis martialis Hemipachnobia subporphyrea Hesperia attalus slossonae Lithacodia sp. Lithophane lemmeri Melanoplus attenuatus Melanoplus nubilus Papilio cresphontes Phragmitiphila interrogans Ptichodis bistrigata Spariniphaga carterae Forest Concern Wildlife Invertebrate Species Common Name Arogos skipper monarch butterfly mottled duskywing Venus flytrap cutworm moth dotted skipper a bird -dropping moth Lemmer's pinion slender -bodied melanoplus a short -winged melanoplus giant swallowtail an owlet moth southern ptichodis Carter's spariniphaga Forest Status1 S S S S S FC FC S S FC FC S S Habitat Savannahs Fields Fields Savannahs Savannahs Pocosins Wetlands Wet swales Savannahs Fields Canebrakes Savannahs Savannahs 1 Forest Status Listings: (S) Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2020 (USDA, 2020c) (FC) Forest Concern/ Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest (USDA, 2020c) The presence or likelihood of the existence of wildlife invertebrate species, including skippers, moths, pinions, and grasshoppers are generally best determined if their host plant species are present. Several host plants listed by Robinson et.al. (2070) were documented in the project area. They were Salix spp. (willows), Cirsium spp. (thistles), and Andropogon virginicus (bluestem or broomsedge). There are no records of any Region 8 Sensitive or Forest Concern wildlife invertebrate species documented at or immediately adjacent to the project site. Data from the NCNHP (2020) and CRD denote that four state - significantly rare species (one butterfly, two dragonflies or damselflies, and one moth) are documented within one mile of the project area. They are Calephelis virginiensis (little metalmark), Coryphaeschna ingens (regal darner), Triacanthagyna trifida (phantom darner), and Argyrostrotis quadrifilaris (four -lined chocolate moth), respectively. Arogos skippers are one of the rarest butterflies in North Carolina (Carolina Nature, 2020). The undersides are a dull orange with pale veining and the wings are orangish contrasting with a tan hindwing fringe (Carolina Nature, 2020). They are known to inhabit undisturbed grasslands, prairies, sand prairies, and serpentine barrens and in North Carolina, only known from longleaf pine savannahs. According to Carolina Nature (2020), "they are often seen sitting on top of flowers of Balduina uniflora (yellow Balduina) which is the most common nectar source in their habitat." Other known host plants include Andropogon gerardi (big bluestem) and other native grasses as hosts while adult food consists of nectar from flowers of Vicia americana (purple vetch), Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle), Apocynum cannabinum (dogbane), Coreopsis palmata (stiff coreopsis), Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower), Asclepias viridiflora (green milkweed), and Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy) (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognized butterfly species in the southeast. Although mimics do exist, these bright orange and black specimens are easy to identify. Butterflies and Moths of CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 21 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment North America (2020) states that these butterflies utilize "many open habitats including fields, meadows, weedy areas, marshes, and roadsides." Their food source is primarily nectar from milkweeds, although other plants may be utilized when milkweeds are not present or soon to bloom. They also use a variety of milkweeds as host plants. Suitable summer habitat is available within the project area for this species. The mottled duskywing is known to inhabit open woodlands, barrens, prairie hills, open brushy fields, and chaparral (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). These butterflies may exhibit a purplish color upon emergence. Food consists of nectar from flowers of bush Houstonia, Lithospermum spp. (gromwell), Verbena stricta (hoary vervain), and other plants while caterpillar host plants include those of the buckthorn family, wild Syringa spp. (lilacs), and Ceanothus spp. (redroot) (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). Marginal summer habitat for this species appears to be within the project area. The Venus flytrap cutworm moth is associated with the Venus flytrap, which occurs in longleaf pine savannahs and flatwoods. According to Hall et.al. (2020a), the species is briefly described as "a medium-sized, purplish to reddish brown Noctuid. Head and thorax are concolorous with the ground color of the forewings" (Hall et.al., 2020a). It is believed that with fire suppression and poaching, many populations of Venus flytrap no longer exist in the natural environment. Unfortunately, little further detail is known about this species at the current time. Butterflies and Moths of North America (2020) states that "dotted skippers are variable in color and rarely seen. They inhabit short -grass prairies, pine barrens, and woodland meadows. The forewing is pointed, particularly in males and the upperside is dull brownish orange with wide dark borders. The stigma on the forewing has black felt. In females, the upperside is dark brown with pale spots and the underside is greenish -brown to dull orange with or without small pale spots" (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). Known caterpillar host plants include Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) and Leptoloma cognatum (fall witchgrass) while adult food consists of nectar from flowers of Opuntia sp. (prickly pear cactus), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), thistles, and purple coneflower. Very little, if any information is known regarding this species of bird -dropping moth. Its name is derived by the similarity of appearance with bird droppings (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). This camouflage tactic is very useful with evading predators (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). Habitat types and preferred forage items are not currently described. Lemmer's pinion is a moth that utilizes host species including willow and Thuja occidentalis (arborvitae) (Robinson, et.al., 2020). According to Butterflies and Moths of North America (2020), Lemmer's pinion is found "more widely in the southeastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain" regions; however, there is very little information available regarding identification, description, or life history. The slender -bodied melanoplus, or locust, is a grasshopper inhibiting coastal evergreen shrub communities feeding on a variety of shrubs, forbs, and grasses. According to Hall et.al. (2020b), "this species has apparently not been recorded in North Carolina since the type specimens were collected in CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 22 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment the 1890's." It also states that "although the immediate vicinity of Southport, NC has not been searched, extensive grasshopper collections were made by Hall in other areas of Brunswick and Columbus Counties and all specimens were Melanoplus nubilus" (Hall et.al., 2020b). There are no records indicating the presence of the short -winged melanoplus at or near Carteret County. According to Hall et.al. (2020b), specimens have only been observed in the Sandhills physiographic province and Brunswick and Columbus Counties. This species is highly associated with wet savannahs and sandhill seeps, where fire is still frequent (Hall et.al., 2020b). The giant swallowtail exhibits a forewing with a diagonal band of yellow spots (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). Common host plants may include citrus species, Fraxinus spp. (ash), Ptelea trifoliata (hop tree), and Ruta graveolens (common rue) while adults feed on nectar from Lantana spp., Azalea spp., Bougainvillea spp., Solidago spp. (goldenrod), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), and swamp milkweed (Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020). Summer habitat is available for this species within the project area. Little to no information is available about Phragmitiphila interrogans (an owlet moth) and NatureServe Explorer (2020) identifies this moth as Franclemontia interrogans. Habitat preferences are not well known; however, continued occurrence and/or regular reoccurrence potentials are high in and around areas of cane, more specifically, the genus Arundinaria (NatureServe Explorer, 2020). The southern ptichodis' habitat requirements are not well understood, since it is known to occur in all four of the physiographic regions of North Carolina. Hall et.al. (2020a) notes that it is still considered a dry woodlands and barrens specialist, although more information is needed to discern its host plants and habitat relationships. The species has not been observed in Carteret County, but has been documented in two adjacent counties. Carter's spariniphaga is identified by the scientific name Photedes carterae in North Carolina, which translates into a common name of Carter's noctuid moth. Hall et.al. (2020a) denotes that all species records in NC are from the southern half of the Coastal Plain, including the Sandhills physiographic province. It is assumed this species feeds on Calamovilfa brevipilis (pinebarrens reedgrass). The host plant of this moth is highly dependent on fire, flowering and extensively sprouting only after a burn and becoming completely extirpated from a site following periods of fire suppression of close to 10 years (Hall et.al., 2020a). There are no recorded sightings of this species from Carteret County. 2.3 Aquatic Surveys (Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates) Appendix C details fish and aquatic invertebrate species that may occur at or near the project site. A total of ten fish types and 13 invertebrates are listed. Potentially affected fish and aquatic invertebrate species and habitats were identified and determined by: ➢ Reviewing the list of rare (Proposed, Endangered, Threatened, Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern) terrestrial wildlife species of the Croatan National Forest and their habitat preferences; CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 23 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment ➢ Evaluating EO records of rare fish and aquatic invertebrates as maintained by the Croatan Ranger District and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (2020); ➢ Conducting surveys for suitable suitable habitat within and immediately adjacent to the project site. 2.3.1 Federally Listed Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species Two fish species, Acipenser brevirostrum (shortnose sturgeon) and Acipenser oxyrinchus (Atlantic sturgeon) are listed as federally endangered for Carteret County. Suitable habitat is not present for either of these species at or immediately adjacent to project area. 2.3.2 Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species All Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern fish and aquatic invertebrate wildlife species that occur or could occur on the Croatan National Forest were considered in this analysis. There are no known occurrences of Region 8 Sensitive or Forest Concern wildlife species in the project area. Suitable habitat occurs for only Procambarus plumimanus (Croatan crayfish). Otherwise, there is no habitat for any of the identified fish and aquatic invertebrate species. The NC Natural Heritage Program has an occurrence of Notropsis chalybaeus (ironcolor shiner) within one mile of the project site. This species is identified as state -significantly rare. According to Hobbs Jr. (7989), the Croatan crayfish occurs in Carteret, Craven, Duplin, and Jones Counties, North Carolina. Adults habitats consist of temporary ponds, pools, and burrows (Hobbs Jr., 1989). Cooper and Braswell (7995) stated that this North Carolina endemic may be expanding its range into the lower Neuse Basin via canals. 2.4 Effects to Rare Plant Species Given the disturbed condition of the proposed project area and the proposed project, implementation will have no effect on any federally listed, sensitive, or forest concern plant species, aside from two individuals of stalked, or savannah, milkweed. Plant -by -plant surveys were conducted for those species noted in Section 2.1 and revealed only stalked, or savannah, milkweed, a Forest Concern or locally rare species. According to NatureServe (available from: explorer.natureserve.org), stalked, or savannah, milkweed is identified as a Vulnerable (S3) species in North Carolina. However, its global status is apparently secure, or G4. Incidental take resulting from project implementation will not jeopardize the existence or density of the overall populations of this species. 2.4.1 Direct and Indirect Effects to Rare Plant Species Direct effects to stalked, or savannah, milkweed where these proposed activities overlap with known occurrences may include crushing, trampling, or uprooting, resulting in death of individual plants. Indirect effects to plants may include partial shading, increasing and/or decreasing the amount of moisture available to the plants, and introduction of additional early successional plant species and CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 24 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment non-native species resulting in increased competition. Considering all direct and indirect effects, it is highly likely that a viable population of stalked, or savannah, milkweed would remain within the Forest. Cumulative Effects: Impacts to stalked, or savannah, milkweed caused by past forest management projects during last 25 years are unknown. Currently, there are no other known projects affecting this species across the Croatan National Forest. Determination of Effect: The Newport Solid Waste Transfer Station Project may impact individuals of stalked, or savannah, milkweed but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability either locally or forest -wide. 2.5 Effects to Wildlife Species Adverse effects resulting from project implication may occur to the NLEB and red cockaded woodpecker. Otherwise, project implication will have no effect to federally listed wildlife species. The project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect both the NLEB and red -cockaded woodpecker. Consultation with the USFWS is not required for the NLEB; however, the Forest Service must notify the USFWS of the proposed action 30 days prior to implementation. Consultation with the USFWS is not likely required for the RCW; however, the Forest Service will confirm the amount of foraging habitat adversely impacted by the proposed action. Furthermore, proposed implementation is not anticipated to affect any Region 8 Sensitive or Forest Concern terrestrial wildlife species since these species are not known to occur within the proposed activity areas. Several host plants for wildlife invertebrate species exist at or adjacent to the project area. In the event impacts to these plants occur, nearby seed sources will continue to be available ultimately serving for future host opportunities. Migratory birds of conservation concern may also occur at or immediately adjacent to the project site; however, since these species are relatively mobile, they would not likely be impacted by project activities, and there would be no change to forest -wide population trends. 2.5.1 Direct and Indirect Effects to Wildlife Vertebrate Species Direct effects to the NLEB and other bat species where proposed activities overlap with suitable roosting habitat may include total loss of habitat. Avoiding project implementation during the active bat season (April 15 through October 15) will significantly reduce the potential to harm NLEB individuals and other bat species. Cumulative Effects: Impacts to NLEBs and other bat species caused by past forest management projects during last 25 years are unknown. Currently, there are no other projects potentially affecting this type of habitat for these species across the Croatan National Forest. With the disease white -nose syndrome known as the main reason for overall population declines and the variability of habitats utilized by most bat species, removal of trees at and around the project site will not impact its overall viability. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 25 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Determination of Effect: The Newport Solid Waste Transfer Station Project may impact habitat utilized by the NLEB and other bat species, but is not likely to cause a trend to individual federal listing or a loss of viability either locally or forest -wide. Direct effects to the RCW where proposed activities overlap with suitable foraging habitat may include total loss of foraging habitat. Based on current designs, approximately 8.4 acres of foraging habitat may be impacted as a result of the proposed action. Cumulative Effects: Impacts to RCWs caused by past forest management projects during last 25 years are unknown. Currently, there are no other projects potentially affecting foraging habitat for this species across the Croatan National Forest. Determination of Effect: The Newport Solid Waste Transfer Station Project may impact foraging habitat utilized by the RCW, but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability either locally or forest -wide. 2.5.2 Direct and Indirect Effects to Wildlife Invertebrate Species Direct effects to wildlife invertebrate species where these proposed activities overlap with known occurrences may include crushing, trampling, or uprooting, resulting in death of individual host plants. Indirect effects to plants may include partial shading, increasing and/or decreasing the amount of moisture available to the plants, and introduction of additional early successional plant species and non-native species resulting in increased competition. Considering all direct and indirect effects, it is highly likely that viable populations of suitable host plants would remain within the Forest. Cumulative Effects: Impacts to suitable host plants caused by past forest management projects during last 25 years are unknown. Currently, there are no other known projects affecting this these invertebrate species across the Croatan National Forest. Determination of Effect: The Newport Solid Waste Transfer Station Project may impact host plants utilized by wildlife invertebrates but is not likely to cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability either locally or forest -wide. 2.6 Effects to Aquatic Species The proposed action will have no effect to federally listed aquatic species. The proposed action will not affect any Region 8 Sensitive and Forest Concern aquatic species. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 26 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment III. PROJECT DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS Based on existing background information and the potential for impacts to plant and wildlife species, it is recommended that implementation of the project occur outside of the maternity season for bats and birds and outside of the flowering season for plants and wildlife that depend on seeds for sustenance. A standard recommended timeline would be the six-month period from October 15 through April 15. Since it is likely that a Section 404 and 401 environmental permit application will be needed for unavoidable impacts to wetlands and other surface waters as part of project implementation, the USFWS may recommend a moratorium period similar or consistent with the abovementioned dates. If it is determined that implementation must occur between April 15 and October 15, the following recommendations will apply: 1. Avoid clearing trees with exfoliating bark or snags in the early stages of decay to minimize the risk of disturbing roosting bats and to protect suitable roosting habitat. 2. Avoid clearing trees with visible nests to minimize the risk of disturbing breeding birds. 3. Dispose of any debris and/or remnants from site clearing activities within a reasonable period of time to prohibit wildlife from re -inhabiting or re -occupying these areas. This specifically relates to piles of brush and other materials that may provide cover or offer areas of protection for certain wildlife individuals. An additional recommendation is the utilization of herbicide treatments prior to, during, and/or immediately after project implementation to eradicate the existing populations of NNIP occurring at and immediately adjacent to the project area. These species are identified in Section 2.1.4 of this document. Any vegetation treatments should be performed by an individual(s) adequately licensed to apply herbicides within the Croatan National Forest. IV. MITIGATIONS No mitigative measures are recommended to offset implementation activities of the project. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 27 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment V. WORKS CITED Audubon, 2020. Guide to North American Birds. Available from: www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/. Butterflies and Moths of North America, 2020. Collecting and Sharing Data about Lepidoptera. Available from: www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species. Carolina Nature, 2020. Arogos Skipper. Available from: www.carolinanature.com/butterflies/ arogosskipper.html. Cooper, J.E. and A.L. Braswell, 1995. Observations on North Carolina crayfishes (Decapoda: Cambaridae). Brimleyana 22:87-132. Hall, J., 2020. Personal Communication with Lane Sauls, VHB, during NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Nongame Wildlife Advisory Committee Meetings, January and April 2020. Hall, S.P., J.B. Sullivan, P. Backstrom, J.W. Petranka, and T. Howard, 2020a. The Moths of North Carolina (Internet). Raleigh, NC. NC Diversity Project and NC State Parks. Available from: https://dpr.ncparks.gov/moths. Hall, S., E. Corey, and T. Howard, 2020b. Orthoptera of North Carolina (Internet). Raleigh, NC: North Carolina Biodiversity Project and North Carolina State Parks. Available from: https://dpr.ncparks.gov. Hobbs, H.H. Jr., 1989. An illustrated checklist of the American crayfishes (Decapoda: Astacidae, Cambaridae, and Parastacidae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology no. 480. 236 pp. LeGrand, L., L. Gatens, E. Corey, and T. Howard, 2020. Mammals of North Carolina: their Distribution and Abundance [Internet]. Raleigh (NC): North Carolina Biodiversity Project and North Carolina State Parks. Available from: https://autho1.dpr.ncparks.gov/mammals/accounts.php. National Wildlife Federation (NWF), 2020. Species Descriptions. Available from: nwf.org/Educational- Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Bats. NatureServe Explorer, 2020. Conservation Status, Taxonomy, Distribution, and Life History Information. Available from: www.explorer.natureserve.org. North Carolina Bat Working Group (NCBWG), 2020. Species Information. Available from: ncbwg.org. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2020. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. Biological Conservation Data. NC: Digital Database. Report to Heather Smith, VHB, dated August 21, 2020. Reference No. NCNHDE-12711. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 28 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment NC Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NCPARC), 2020. Amphibians and Reptiles of North Carolina. Available from: www.herpsofnc.org. North Carolina State University (NCSU), 2020. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Plant and Microbial Biology webpage. Available from: https://projects.ncsu.edu/cals/plantbiology/ncsc. Peng, C. 1984. Ludwigia ravenii (Onograceae), a new species from the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. Systematic Botany 9:129-132. Robinson, G.S., P.R. Ackery, I.J. Kitching, G.W. Beccaloni, and L.M. Hernandez., 2010. HOSTS — A Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants. Natural History Museum, London. Available from: www.nhm.ac.uk/hosts. The Cornell Lab, 2020. All About Birds: Species Descriptions. Available from: www.allaboutbirds.org/ guide/. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2020a. Forest Service: The Southern Region. Available from: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r8. University of Georgia, 2020. Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus) Description. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Herpetology Program. Available from: srelherp.uga.edu/lizards/ophatt.htm. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2020b. Wilderness Areas in North Carolina. Available from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd561546. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2020c. National Forests in North Carolina, Federally -listed (PET), Region 8 Sensitive, and Forest Concern Animal Species Lists. Updated January 8, 2020. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2019. Biennial Monitoring Evaluation Report for the Years 2016 and 2017, Uwharrie National Forest, Croatan National Forest, Uwharrie Ranger District, Croatan Ranger District. US Forest Service. 111 pp. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2002a. Croatan Land and Resource Management Plan, Forest Plan Appendices. US Forest Service, Southern Region. 121 pp. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2002b. Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the Croatan National Forest, Carteret, Craven, and Jones Counties of North Carolina. US Forest Service. 142 pp. US Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2019. US Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina Croatan Ranger District. Letter to Bobby Darden, Executive Director, Coastal Environmental Partnership. File Code 2710. April 23. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 29 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020a. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, Carteret County, NC. Updated March 9, 2020. Available from: www.fws.gov/Raleigh/species/cntylist/Carteret.html. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020b. Informal data inquiry via the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) resource listing. 17 pp. Available from: www.ecos.fws.gov/ipac. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020c. Species Information. Raleigh Ecological Service Field Office. Available from: www.fws.gov/raleigh. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020d. Fact Sheets. Available from: www.fws.gov/southeast/ wildlife. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020e. Southeastern Plant Information, Venus Flytrap. Available from: www.fws.gov/ southeast/wildlife/plants/venus-flytrap/. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020f. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region Endangered Species webpage. Available from: www.fws.gov/Midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/index.html. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020g. US Fish and Wildlife Service Red -cockaded Woodpecker Recovery. Available from: www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/rcw.html. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020h. US Fish and Wildlife Service Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) Species Profile. Available from: www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/reptiles/southern-hognose-snake/. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2020i. Bald and Golden Eagle Management Plan. Available from: www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/bald-and-golden-eagle-information.php. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2018. Map/Data for Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) SSA December 2018. Available from: www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/map/southern-hognose- sna ke-ssa-m a p-20190325 jpg. US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2017. Raven's Seedbox. Conserving South Carolina's At -Risk Species. Available from: www.fws.gov/Charleston. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2016. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, 50 CFR 17, Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024; 4500030113, RIN 1018-AY98, Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 4(d) Rule for the Northern Long -Eared Bat. Available from: www.fws.gov/Midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/FRnlebFinal4dRule14Jan2016. pdf. CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 30 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2010. Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office description of rough -leaf loosestrife. Originally described by M.F. Buchanan and J.T. Finnegan in the NC Natural Heritage Program's List of the Rare Species of North Carolina. Available from: www.fws.gov/Raleigh/es_rough-leaf_loosestrife.html. Walker, A., 2020a. National Forests in North Carolina, Updated Species List of PET, S, and FC Species. Provided via emails to Lane Sauls, VHB on May 29 and October 8, 2020. Walker, A., 2020b. Personal Communication with Lane Sauls, VHB, multiple dates between May and October, 2020. The Wilderness Society (TWS), 2020. Available from: www.wilderness.org This document was prepared by: „fiam/---4- G. Lane Sauls Jr., Natural Resources Manager VHB Engineering NC, PC with assistance from: David Cooper, Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB Doug DeBerry, Ph.D., Botanist, VHB Heather Smith, LSS, Soil Scientist, VHB Caitlin Cyrus, Environmental Scientist, VHB CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Page 31 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Circle P Farm Airport [ ROATAN'NATIONAL FO 4010:: -INNEw‘f Vicinity Map CEP - Newport Solid Waste Facility Proposed Expansion Carteret County, North Carolina September 2020 2013 USGS Quadrangle Masontown, NC Figure 1 • `�/f..„.:....vhb Proposed Expansion Area CEP - Newport Solid Waste Facility Proposed Expansion Carteret County, North Carolina September 2020 2016 NC Onemap NCDOT Carteret County Contours N Figure 3 Locations of Asclepias pedicellata CEP - Newport Solid Waste Facility Proposed Expansion Carteret County, North Carolina September 2020 2016 NC Onemap NCDOT Carteret County Contours N Figure 3 Appendix A — Plant Species Considered forAnalysis Species Aeschynomene virginica Agalinis virgata Agrostis altissima Amaranthus pumilus Andropogon mohrii Anzio ornata Arenaria lanuginosa ssp. lanuginosa Arnoglossum ovatum var. lanceolatum Asclepias pedicellata Asplenium heteroresiliens Calopogon multiflorus Campylopus carolinae Cardamine longii Carex basiantha Carex calcifugens Carex emmonsii Carex godfreyi Carex lupuliformis Carex willdenowii var. megarrhyncha Cirsium lecontei Cladium mariscoides Cleistesiopsis oricamporum Clematis catesbyana Corallorhiza wisteriana Common Name Sensitive jointvetch Branched gerardia Tall Bentgrass Seabeach amaranth Bog bluestem A black -foam Lichen Spreading Sandwort Savanna Indian - plantain Stalked milkweed Carolina spleenwort Many -flower grass pink Savanna campylopus Long's bittercress Widow Sedge Calcium -fleeing Sedge Emmon's Sedge Godfrey's Sedge Hop -like Sedge Southern Willdenow's sedge Leconte's Thistle Twig -rush Small spreading pogonia Coastal Virgin's -bower Spring coral -root Forest Status1 Threatened Locally Rare Locally Rare Threatened Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Habitat Marshes Savannas Savannas Coastal wet savannas Savannahs & bottomlands Maritime Savannahs Savannas & flatwoods Marl Savannahs Savannahs Marshes Marl Maritime & moist woods Moist woods Swamps Mesic bottomlands Marl Savannahs Bogs Savannahs & dry meadows Dunes & maritime forests Maritime forests CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix A - Page 1 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Coreopsis helianthoides Crocanthemum carolinianum Cylindrocolea rhizantha Cystopteris tennesseensis Dichanthelium fusiforme Dichanthelium hirstii Dichanthelium sp. 9 Dichanthelium spretum Dionaea muscipula Eleocharis parvula Eleocharis robbinsii Eleocharis rostellata Elymus virginicus var. halophilus Eriocaulon aquaticum Eurybia spectabilis Fissidens hallii Frullania donnellii Helenium pinnatifidum Hibiscus aculeatus lsoetes microvela Kalmia cuneata Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Leersia lenticularis Lejeunea bermudiana Lejeunea dimorphophylla Litsea aestivalis Common Name Beadle's Coreopsis Carolina Sunrose a liverwort Tennessee bladder -fern Spindle -fruited Witch Grass Hirst's panic grass Hidden -flowered Witch Grass Eaton's Witch Grass Venus flytrap Littlespike Spikerush Robbins's Spikerush Beaked Spikerush Terrell Grass Seven -angled Pipewort Showy Aster Hall's pocket moss a liverwort Dissected sneezeweed Comfortroot Qu i l lwo rt White wicky Southern bogbutton Catchfly Cutgrass a liverwort a liverwort Pondspice Forest Status1 Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare At -Risk Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Habitat Swamps & peaty wetlands Sandhills & dry savannahs Marl Marl Sandy pine or pine - oak forests Savannahs Pocosins & wet meadows Bogs & savannahs Savannahs Marshes Ponds & lakes Marshes Marshes & maritime forests Lake margins Pine barrens & woodlands Swamps Marshes Savannahs Bay forests & sand ridges Riverbanks Pocosins Sandhills Moist woods Swamps Maritime forests Ponds CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix A - Page 2 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Lobelia boykinii Ludwigia alata Ludwigia linifolia Ludwigia ravenii Ludwigia sphaerocarpa Lysimachia asperulifolia Macbridea caroliniana Malaxis spicata Metzgeria uncigera Mononeuria paludicola Myriophyllum laxum Nuphar sagittifolia Oplismenus hirtellus ssp. setarius Oxypolis ternata Panicum tenerum Parietaria praetermissa Parnassia caroliniana Paspalum dissectum Peltandra sagittifolia Persicaria hirsuta Pinguicula pumila Pfagiochila ludoviciana Pfagiochila miradorensis miradorensis Plantago sparsiflora Platanthera integra Platanthera nivea Common Name Boykin's lobelia Winged Seedbox Flaxleaf Seedbox Raven's seedbox Globe -fruit Seedbox Rough -leaf loosestrife Carolina Birds -in -a -nest Florida adder's mouth a liverwort Godfrey's sandwort Loose watermilfoil Narrowleaf cowlily Shortleaf Basket Grass Piedmont cowbane Southeastern panic grass Large -seed pellitory Carolina grass of parnassus Mudbank Crown Grass Spoonflower Hairy smartweed Small butterwort a Iiverwort a Iiverwort Pineland plantain Yellow fringeless orchid Snowy orchid Forest Status1 Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare At -Risk Locally Rare Endangered Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Yes No No Yes No Yes No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Habitat Savannas Marshes Ponds Savannahs Marshes Ecotones Swamps Swamps Maritime forests Marshes Ponds Water Bottomlands Savannahs Savannahs Maritime Savannahs Ditches Pocosins Water Savannahs Maritime Maritime Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix A - Page 3 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Polygala hookeri Ponthieva racemosa Pycnanthemum setosum Quercus austrina Quercus minima Rhexia aristosa Rhexia cubensis Rhynchospora alba Rhynchospora galleana Rhynchospora harperi Rhynchospora macro Rhynchospora microcarpa Rhynchospora oligantha Rhynchospora pleiantha Rhynchospora scirpoides Rhynchospora thornei Sagittaria chapmanii Sagittaria weatherbiana Schoenoplectus etuberculatus Scirpus lineatus Scleria baldwinii Scleria georgiana Solidago gracillima Solidago leavenworthii Solidago pulchra Common Name Hooker's milkwort Shadow -witch Awned Mountain -mint Bluff Oak Dwarf live oak Awned meadow -beauty West Indian meadow beauty Northern White Beaksedge Short -bristled Beaksedge Harper's Beaksedge Southern White Beaksedge Southern Beaksedge Feather -bristle beakrush Coastal beaksedge Long -beak bald -sedge Thorne's beaksedge Chapman's arrowhead Grassleaf arrowhead Canby's bulrush Drooping bulrush Baldwin's nutrush Georgia nutrush Graceful goldenrod Leavenworth's goldenrod Carolina goldenrod Forest Status1 Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No No No Yes No No Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Habitat Savannahs Swamps Swamps Mesic forest Pine flatwoods Ponds Ponds Pocosins Disturbed areas Ponds Bogs Ponds Savannahs Ponds Ponds Savannahs Ponds Marshes Ponds Marl Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs Savannahs CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix A - Page 4 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Solidago tortifolia Solidago verna Solidago villosicarpa Sphagnum fitzgeraldii Sphagnum torreyanum Spiranthes eatonii Spiranthes longilabris Stylisma pickeringii var. pickeringii Teloschistes flavicans Thalictrum macrostylum Tofieldia glabra Tridens chapmanii Utricularia olivacea Xyris floridana Xyris stricta 1 Forest Status Listings: Sources: Common Name Twisted -leaf goldenrod Spring -flowering goldenrod Coastal goldenrod Fitzgerald's peatmoss Giant peatmoss Eaton's Ladies' -tresses Giant spiral orchid Pickering's Dawnflower Sunrise lichen Piedmont meadowrue Carolina asphodel Chapman's Redtop Dwarf bladderwort Florida Yellow -eyed - grass A yellow -eyed -grass Forest Status1 Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Yes Threatened, Endangered, and At -Risk — Federally Listed Species Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2018 Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest Additional Abbreviations: BGPA — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act E-XN — Endangered with Experimental Population Croatan National Forest Rare Plant List 2018 Croatan Land and Resource Management Plan, USDA USFS, December 2002. USFS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), updated July 16, 2020 Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Habitat Savannahs & flatwoods Pinelands Maritime Pocosins Ponds Savannahs Savannahs Roadbanks Maritime Bogs Savannahs Roadsides Ponds Savannahs Savannahs CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix A - Page 5 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Appendix B — Wildlife Vertebrate and Invertebrate Species Considered for Analysis Species Amphibians Necturus lewisi Eurycea quadridigitata Rana capito capito Birds Aimophila aestivalis Ammodramus henslowii Anhinga anhinga Botaurus lentiginosus Calidris canutus rufa Charadrius melodus Circus hudsonius Coturnicops noveboracensis Falco peregrinus Falco sparverius Haliaeetus leucocephalus Himantopus mexicanus lctinia mississippiensis Lanius ludovicianus migrans Laterallus jamaicensis ssp.jamaicensis Phalacrocorax auritus Dryobates (Picoides) borealis Sterna dougallii dougallii Common Name Neuse River waterdog Dwarf salamander Carolina gopher frog Bachman's sparrow Henslow's sparrow Anhinga American bittern Red knot Piping plover Northern harrier Yellow rail Peregrine falcon American kestrel Bald eagle Black -necked stilt Mississippi kite Migrant loggerhead shrike Eastern black rail Double -crested cormorant Red -cockaded woodpecker Roseate tern Forest Status1 Locally Rare Forest Concern Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Locally Rare Threatened Threatened Locally Rare Locally Rare Forest Concern Forest Concern Forest Concern Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive At -Risk Locally Rare Endangered Endangered Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Habitat Only No Habitat Water Swamps, wooded areas Savannahs Savannahs Pocosins Water Water Coastal Coastal Marshes Marshes Open areas with high perch locations Fields Wooded areas Ponds Bottomlands Fields Marshes Lakes Savannahs Coastal CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix B - Page 1 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Insects Atrytone arogos arogos Baetisca laurentina Callophrys irus Danaus plexippus Erynnis martialis Euphyes berryi Euphyes bimacula Euphyes dukesi dukesi Hemipachnobia subporphyrea Hesperia attalus slossonae Lithacodia sp. Lithophane lemmeri Melanoplus attenuatus Melanoplus nubilus Meropleon diversicolor sullivani Papilio cresphontes Phragmitiphila interrogans Ptichodis bistrigata Pyreferra ceromatica Spariniphaga carterae Common Name Arogos skipper A mayfly Frosted elfin Monarch butterfly Mottled duskywing Berry's skipper Two -spotted skipper Duke's skipper Venus flytrap cutworm moth Dotted skipper A bird -dropping moth Lemmer's pinion Slender -bodied melanoplus A short -winged melanoplus An owlet moth Giant swallowtail An owlet moth Southern ptichodis Annointed sallow moth Carter's spariniphaga Forest Status1 Sensitive Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Sensitive Locally Rare Forest Concern Locally Rare Sensitive Locally Rare Sensitive Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Habitat Yes Savannahs No Water No Open woods Yes Fields Yes Fields No Ponds No Marshes No Marshes Yes Savannahs Yes Savannahs Yes Pocosins Yes Wetlands Yes Wet swales Yes Savannahs No Marshes Yes Fields Yes Canebrakes Yes Savannahs No Near streams Yes Savannahs CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix B - Page 2 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Mammals Canis rufus Corynorhinus rafinesquii Myotis austroriparius Myotis lucifugus Myotis septentrionalis Neotoma floridana pop. 1 Perimyotis subflavus Puma concolor couguar Synaptomys cooperi helaletes Trichechus manatus Reptiles Alligator mississippiensis Caretta caretta Chelonia mydas Crotalus adamanteus Crotalus horridus Dermochelys coriacea Heterodon simus Lepidochelys kempii Common Name Red wolf Rafinesque's big -eared bat Southeastern bat Little Brown bat Northern long-eared bat Eastern woodrat- coastal population Tricolored bat Eastern cougar Dismal Swamp S. bog lemming West Indian manatee American alligator Loggerhead sea turtle Green sea turtle Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Timber rattlesnake Leatherback sea turtle Southern hognose snake Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Forest Status' E-XN Sensitive Sensitive Forest Concern Threatened Locally Rare Sensitive Endangered Rare Endangered Threatened due to Similarity of Appearance Threatened Threatened Sensitive Forest Concern Endangered Sensitive Endangered Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required No Habitat Only Habitat Only Habitat Only Habitat Only Yes Habitat Only No Yes No No No No Yes Yes No Yes No Habitat Swamps Variable Forests Forests Forests Forests Forests Remote Locations Pocosins Maritime Water Coastal Coastal Savannahs Variable Coastal Sandhills Coastal CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix B - Page 3 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Nerodia sipedon williamengelsi Ophisaurus attenuatus Ophisaurus mimicus Seminatrix pygaea 1 Forest Status Listings: Sources: Common Name Carolina salt marsh snake Slender glass lizard Mimic glass lizard Black swampsnake Forest Status1 Sensitive Forest Concern Forest Concern Locally Rare Threatened & Endangered — Federally Listed Species Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2020 Forest Concern — Region 8 Forest Concern List, Revised 2020 Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest Additional Abbreviations: BGPA — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act E-XN — Endangered with Experimental Population PT — Proposed Threatened Croatan National Forest Rare Plant List 2020 Croatan Land and Resource Management Plan, USDA USFS, December 2002. National Forests in NC, Federally Listed (PET) Animal Species List, 2020 USFS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), updated July 16, 2020 Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required No Yes Yes No Habitat Marshes Fields Savannah Ponds CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix B - Page 4 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Appendix C — Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Species Considered for Analysis Species Fish Acipenser brevirostrum Acipenser oxyrinchus Eleotris pisonis Evorthodus lyricus Hypsoblennius ionthas Lampetra aepyptera Lythrurus matutinus Notropsis bifrenatus Noturus furiosus Semotilus lumbee Invertebrates Alasmidonta undulata Elliptio roanokensis Ferrissia hendersoni Fusconaia masoni Lampsilis radiata radiata Lampsilis species 2 Lasmigona subviridis Lynceus gracilicornis Orconectes carolinensis Panopea bitruncata Procambarus medialis Common Name Forest Status1 Shortnose sturgeon Endangered Atlantic sturgeon Endangered Spinycheek sleeper Locally Rare Lyre goby Locally Rare Freckled blenny Locally Rare Least brook lamprey Sensitive Pinewoods shiner Locally Rare Bridle shiner Sensitive Carolina madtom Sensitive Semotilus Sensitive Triangle floater Locally Rare Roanoke slabshell Sensitive Blackwater ancylid Locally Rare Atlantic pigtoe Sensitive Eastern lampmussel Locally Rare A bivalve Locally Rare Green floater Sensitive Graceful clam shrimp Locally Rare NC spiny crayfish Locally Rare Atlantic geoduck Locally Rare Tar River crayfish Sensitive Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required Habitat No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Water No Lake margins No Water No Water No Water No Water N o Water N o Water No Water No Water CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix C - Page 1 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Species Procambarus plumimanus Strophitus undulatus Toxolasma pullus Common Name Croatan crayfish Squawfoot Savannah Lilliput Forest Status1 Locally Rare Locally Rare Sensitive Suitable Habitat Determination and/or Survey Required No 1 Forest Status Listings: Threatened & Endangered — Federally Listed Species Sensitive — Region 8 Sensitive Species List, Revised 2020 Forest Concern — Region 8 Forest Concern List, Revised 2020 Locally Rare — List Maintained by the Croatan National Forest Additional Abbreviations: BGPA — Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act E-XN — Endangered with Experimental Population PT — Proposed Threatened Sources: Croatan National Forest Rare Plant List 2018 Croatan Land and Resource Management Plan, USDA USFS, December 2002. National Forests in NC, Federally Listed (PET) Animal Species List, 2020 USFS Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC), updated July 16, 2020 No No Habitat Water Water Water CEP - Newport Solid Waste Transfer Facility Proposed Expansion Appendix C - Page 2 Biological Evaluation/ Biological Assessment Appendix D — USFWS IPaC Report 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location IPaC U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service IPaC resource list This report is an automatically generated list of species and other resources such as critical habitat (collectively referred to as trust resources) under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) jurisdiction that are known or expected to be on or near the project area referenced below. The list may also include trust resources that occur outside of the project area, but that could potentially be directly or indirectly affected by activities in the project area. However, determining the likelihood and extent of effects a project may have on trust resources typically requires gathering additional site -specific (e.g., vegetation/species surveys) and project -specific (e.g., magriitucie and timing of proposed activities) information. Below is a summary of the project information you provided and contact information for the USFWS office(s) with jurisdiction in the defined project area. Please read the introduction to each section that follows (Endangered Species, Migratory Birds, USFWS Facilities, and NW Wetlands) for additional information applicable to the trust resources addressed in that section. Location Carteret County, North Carolina pn Local office Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office t. (919) 856-4520 I (919) 856-4556 MAILING ADDRESS Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 PHYSICAL ADDRESS 551 Pylon Drive, Suite F https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 1/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Raleigh, NC 27606-1487 F O� cp03 https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 2/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Endangered species This resource list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an analysis of project level impacts. The primary information used to generate this list is the known or expected range of each species. Additional areas of influence (AOI) for species are also considered. An AOI includes areas outside of the species range if the species could be indirectly affected by activities in that area (e.g., placing a dam upstream of a fish population, even if that fish does not occur at the dam site, may indirectly impact the species by reducing or eliminating water flow downstream). Because species can move, and site conditions can change, the species on this list are not guaranteed to be found on or near the project area. To fully determine any potential effects to species, additional site -specific and project -specific information is often required. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of such proposed action" for any project that is conducted, permitted, funded, or licensed by any Federal agency. A letter from the local office and a species list which fulfills this requirement can only be obtained by requesting an official species list from either the Regulatory Review section in IPaC (see directions below) or from the local field office directly. For project evaluations that require USFWS concurrence/review, please return to the iPaC website and request an official species list by doing the following: 1. Draw the project location and click CONTINUE. 2. Click DEFINE PROJECT. 3. Log in (if directed to do so). 4. Provide a name and description for your project. 5. Click REQUEST SPECIES LIST. Listed species1 and their critical habitats are managed by the Ecological Services Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the fisheries division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries``-'). Species and critical habitats under the sole responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list. Please contact NOAA Fisheries for species under their jurisdiction. 1. Species listed under the Endangered Species Act are threatened or endangered; IPaC also shows species that are candidates, or proposed, for listing. See the listing status page for more information. 2. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. The following species are potentially affected by activities in this location: Mammals NAME STATUS https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 3/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9o45 Threatened West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Threatened There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside Marine mammal the critical habitat. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469 Birds NAME Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. htttps://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/ pecies/10477 STATUS Proposed Threatened Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Threaten There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6039 \••)\... Red Knot Calidris canutus rufa No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fvvs.gov/ecp/species/1864 Red -cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecosfws.gov/ecp/species/7614 Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii dougailii No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2083 Reptiles NAME American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/776 Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199 Threatened Endangered Endangered STATUS SAT Threatened https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 4/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys kempii There is proposed critical habitat for this species. The location of the critical habitat is not available. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5523 Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1493 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecpipeci es/1110 Flowering Plants NAME Rough -leaved Loosestrife Lysimachia asperulaefolia No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws,gov/ecp/species/2747 5eabeach Amaranth Amaranthus pumilus No critical habitat has been designated for this species. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8549 Endangered Endangered Threatened STATUS Endangered Threatened a)N(4%. - Critical habitats Potential effects to critical habitat(s) in this location must be analyzed along with the endangered species themselves. THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS AT THIS LOCATION, Migratory birds Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act a and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act2. Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below. 1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918. 2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 5/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Additional information can be found using the following links: • Birds of Conservation Concern http://www.fws.gov/birds/management/managed-species/ birds-of-conservation-concern.php • Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds http://www.fws.gov/birds/ma nagement/project-assessment-tools-and-guidance/ conservation-measures.php • Nationwide conservation measures for birds http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/management/nationwidestandardconservationmeasures.pdf The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your project location. To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location, nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be found below. For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and breeding in your project area. NAME FOB American Kestrel Falco sparverius paulus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6177 BREEDING SEASON (IFA BREEDING SEASON IS INDICATED FOR A BIRD ON YOUR LIST, THE BIRD MAY BREED IN YOUR PROJECT AREA SOMETIME WITHIN THE TIMEFRAME SPECIFIED, WHICH 15 A VERY LIBERAL ESTIMATE OF THE DATES INSIDE WHICH THE BIRD BREEDS ACROSS ITS ENTIRE RANGE. "BREEDS ELSEWHERE" INDICATES THAT THE BIRD DOES NOT LIKELY BREED IN YOUR PROJECT AREA.) Breeds Apr 1 to Aug 31 Breeds May 1 to Sep 30 https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 6/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1626 Black Skimmer Rynchops niger This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5234 Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (SCRs) in the continental USA Eastern Whip -poor -will Antrostomus vociferus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Gull -billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9501 C)\‘ i Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowil This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3941 etaii King Rail Rallus elegans This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8936 Least Tern Sterna antillarum This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Breeds Sep 1 to Jul 31 Breeds May 20 to Sep 15 Breeds Apr 10 to Oct 31 r)\\ Breeds May 1 to Aug 20 Breeds May 1 to Jul 31 Breeds May 1 to Aug 31 Breeds May 1 to Sep 5 Breeds Apr 20 to Sep 10 Breeds May 1 to Jul 31 Breeds Apr 1 to Jul 31 https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 7/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Red -throated Loon Gavia stellata This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. RuddyTurnstone Arenaria interpres morinella This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA Breeds May 10 to Sep 10 Breeds elsewhere Breeds elsewhere Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Breeds elsewhere This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska, https:I/e cos .fws.govlecp/s peci e s19483 0\644 Wiilet Tringa semipalmata This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska. • Probability of Presence Summary The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds, Please make sure you read and understand the FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting to interpret this report. Breeds Apr 20 to Aug 5 Breeds May 10 to Aug 31 Probability of Presence ( ) Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week months.) A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort (see below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high. How is the probability of presence score calculated? The calculation is done in three steps: 1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is 0.25. 2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum probability of presence https://ecos.fws.gov/i pac/location/W36CC2V HYRDUTAUVY3RG RRIAC4/resources 8/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12 (0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2. 3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the probability of presence score. To see a bar's probability of presence score, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. Breeding Season ( ) Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time -frame inside which the bird breeds across its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project area. Survey Effort (I) Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys. To see a bar's survey effort range, simply hover your mouse cursor over the bar. No Data ( ) A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week. Survey Timeframe Ammo Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse. SPECIES JAN American Kestrel BCC - BCR (This is a Bird of Conservation_ Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (SCRs) in the continental USA) Bachman's Sparrow BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) icI, probability of presence breeding season I survey effort -- no data Arrr MAY )UN .1UL AUG =;=P OCT `J(TN E.,r-c 11- 1111 MI ail https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 9/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location 2:nBCCgiVulnerable 11111 1111 1111 1111 1111 1111 ++ —III 1111 1111 1111 (This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) in this area, but warrants attention because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities.) Black Skimmer BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) Clapper Rail BCC - BCR (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern {BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA) Eastern Whip - poor -will BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) Gull -billed Tern BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bir of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout,, range In the continental USA and Alaska.) Henslow's Sparrow BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) King Rail BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) P- - -+++ -II 1111 1111 1111 III- ---- -1-11 -o- 111 44 4. .-I. 4. — .4• -4 +++ 1111 Wu Pin slh -+++ 1111 1111 1111 1111 4-- https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 10/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Least Tern BCC - BCR (This is a -III It --+- Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA) Prairie Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) Prothonotary Warbler BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) SPECIES Red-headed Woodpecker BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) Red -throated Loon _III IN 1111 1_1_ PglIT 771 1111 +--- JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG 1>N NOV DEC -11_ ill II, I I 111 — _ BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its ran in the continental USA and Alaska.) Ruddy Turnstone BCC • BCR (This is a Bird o . Conservation Concern (BCC) oq.i.n particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA) Whimbrel BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) -r• I -I I- -I- -1- -i- 4-1 1 _,__,,__ _ I „ ___k_ __A ___ ____ ____ ____ ___k_ https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYROUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 11/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Willet BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) Wood Thrush BCC Rangewide (CON) (This is a Bird of Conservation Concern (BCC) throughout its range in the continental USA and Alaska.) ---- -1- ---- -'ll 1111 11111::-- -----++ E--- Tell me more about conservation measures 1 can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds. Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures and/or permits may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of infrastructure or bird species present on your project site. 1 What does iPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location? The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location. The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as occurring in the 10km grid cell(s) which your project intersects, and that have been identified as warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or development, Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the AKN Phenology Tool. What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location? The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data provided by the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN). This data is derived from a growing collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets . Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me about these graphs" link. How do I know if a bird is breeding, wintering, migrating or present year-round in my project area? To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding, wintering, migrating or year-round), you may refer to the following resources: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds Bird Guide, or (if you are unsuccessful in locating the bird of interest there), the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Neotropical Birds https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 12/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location guide. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not breed in your project area. What are the levels of concern for migratory birds? Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern: 1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) that are of concern throughout their range anywhere within the USA (including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands); 2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and 3. "Non -BCC - Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or (for non -eagles) potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities (e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing). Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made, in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles, please see the FAQs for these topics. Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides birds that may be helpful to you in your project review. Alternately, you may download the bird model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf project webpage. Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Loring. What if I have eagles on my list? If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur. Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s) that overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no data" indicator (a red horizontal bar). A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement conservation measures to avoid or https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 13/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location minimize potential impacts from your project activities, should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ 'Tell me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page. F O� cp03 https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 14/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Marine mammals Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some are also protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The responsibilities for the protection, conservation, and management of marine mammals are shared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [responsible for otters, walruses, polar bears, manatees, and dugongs] and NOAA Fisheries3 [responsible for seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and porpoises]. Marine mammals under the responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list; for additional information on those species please visit the Marine Mammals page of the NOAA Fisheries website. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the take (to harass, hunt, capture, kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture or kill) of marine mammals and further coordination may be necessary for project evaluation. Please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office shown. 1. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. -kAr 2. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty to ensure that international trade in plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild. 3. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. The following marine mammals under the responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are potentially affected by activities in this location: NAME West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus https:/lecos. fws.govlecpls peci es/4469 Facilities National Wildlife Refuge lands Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a 'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to discuss any questions or concerns. THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS AT THIS LOCATION. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 15/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Fish hatcheries THERE ARE NO FISH HATCHERIES AT THIS LOCATION. Wetlands in the National Wetlands Inventory Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes. For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District. Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine the actual extent of wetlands on site. This location overlaps the following wetlands: °\ 1):\ FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND \\\I\ PSS3/4Bd PFO3/4Bd PFO4/1 Ad CP FRESHWATER POND PUBHx PUSH RIVERINE R5UBH (:)4C A full description or each wetland code can be found at the National Wetlands Inventory website Data limitations The Service's objective of mapping wetlands and deepwater habitats is to produce reconnaissance level information on the location, type and size of these resources. The maps are prepared from the analysis of high altitude imagery. Wetlands are identified based on vegetation, visible hydrology and geography. A margin of error is inherent in the use of imagery; thus, detailed on -the -ground inspection of any particular site may result in revision of the wetland boundaries or classification established through image analysis. The accuracy of image interpretation depends on the quality of the imagery, the experience of the image analysts, the amount and quality of the collateral data and the amount of ground truth verification work conducted. Metadata should be consulted to determine the date of the source imagery used and any mapping problems. Wetlands or other mapped features may have changed since the date of the imagery or field work. There may be occasional differences in polygon boundaries or classifications between the information depicted on the map and the actual conditions on site. Data exclusions https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 16/17 7/16/2020 IPaC: Explore Location Certain wetland habitats are excluded from the National mapping program because of the limitations of aerial imagery as the primary data source used to detect wetlands. These habitats include seagrasses or submerged aquatic vegetation that are found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of estuaries and nearshore coastal waters. Some deepwater reef communities (coral or tuberficid worm reefs) have also been excluded from the inventory. These habitats, because of their depth, go undetected by aerial imagery. Data precautions Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands may define and describe wetlands in a different manner than that used in this inventory. There is no attempt, in either the design or products of this inventory, to define the limits of proprietary jurisdiction of any Federal, state, or local government or to establish the geographical scope of the regulatory programs of government agencies. Persons intending to engage in activities involving modifications within or adjacent to wetland areas should seek the advice of appropriate federal, state, or local agencies concerning specified agency regulatory programs and proprietary jurisdictions that may affect such activities. -c\O to\- Gp� �Ock https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/W36CC2VHYRDUTAUVY3RGRRIAC4/resources 17/17 Appendix E — NC Natural Heritage Program Report a Mall a� i NC DEPARTMENT OF ■ ■F:a11 NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES • Eon Heather Smith VHB 940 Main Campus Dr. Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27606 RE: Newport Transfer Facility; 39181.02 Dear Heather Smith: Roy Cooper. Governor Susi Hamilton. Secretary Walter Clark, Director, Land and Water Stewardship August 21, 2020 NCNHDE-12711 The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above. A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. These results are presented in the attached `Documented Occurrences' tables and map. The attached `Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report. If a Federally -listed species is documented within the project area or indicated within a one -mile radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here: https://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37. Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission. Also please note that the NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Clean Water Management Trust Fund easement, or an occurrence of a Federally -listed species is documented near the project area. If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance, please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodney.butler@ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603. Sincerely, NC Natural Heritage Program DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES 121 W. JONES STREET, RALEIGh i_ NC 27603 • 1651 MAIL SERVICE CENTER. RALEIOH, NC 27699 OFC Vi9 707.9120 • FAx 919.707.9121 \ cO 3 ± 0/ e / / 0 ± Taxonomic 1 .1 / /i 3 7 5 / / Cr) . 0 : \ > 9 9 a \ j 2 2013-04-15 2019-06-06 Venus Flytrap 2013-04-15 Nal ± ® ` 5 / \ \ « ( \ -C \ 7 z t \ o e e = c \ 2 ® ® / / « \ c % ± /z -0W a) %± z ` C(1)w /? o co o / & ©c ±± ® o / }\�\/ 0.D e CO C CO \ ± 2 \ /z 0 < ± 4 » \ / y / / 0 CO » 0 0) o g g / zz> 0a,a/ \�\\\ , CO / ` ` ` ƒ — ® 31.\2 / / \ / E c 2 0 » y < \ CL U \ / \ \ \ - E 3.6 » 6 c 3 ® 4 e \�\H/ \ E E�\\\ E 0 D e a co - $ / \ = 2 u o 0 & \ § 0 / / / L 7 % J \ e Zee /z / E \ � \ / /.20 \3 %\ \ » < < % 2 & % s z . 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CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) (7 (111 _0 c N N N M M M M M M M M M M M M _O ▪ W W W W WWWWWWWWWWWW all N N � 0 (111 W U N O N E co N U cc W U 0 Ob Scientific Name _N _N _N i co i co i i U N� C.)a)C.)4) U 4) Q O C Q O C Q O C Q O % % % 2007-05-17 As E E E 0 0 0 a) a) a) M M M 2019-06-06 Venus Flytrap Dionaea muscipula Vascular Plant 20371 2003-09-30 Venus Flytrap Dionaea muscipula Vascular Plant 13804 1989-07-30 Venus Flytrap Dionaea muscipula Vascular Plant 3-Medium Endangered _C _C _C _C _C _C _C C- D CD CD CD CD CD CD CD N N N N N N N N 2011-10-05 Rough -leaf Loosestrife CI CI CI U- M Oc OE OE OE OE OE OE OE OE OE OE 0 o o o o o o o o o o o o a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) a(J) Q J CO J (0 J CO J CO J CO J CO J c0 J c0 J c0 J c0 J c0 J c0 Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant co dr M rn LO 0 co uO O O c0 M O O O rn N N N M C\I N C\I C\I C\I Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant N U O 0 w O N 0 w E w c 0 c 0 O 0 • M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M M (O CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) CI) C!) CO O c M M fir) M M fir) M M fir) M M fir) M M fir) M M M _O cL U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U Endangered (0 C N 4 W U 0 W > O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 L -c O7 O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 O- 7 L _c L _c L _c L _c L _c N 07 - - - - - N N N N N CC) 1 = _ _ _ _ _ >f _ _ _ _ _ U N N N N N N N N N N N N Q N U E{Dm L CI CI U CI Q O O L MCI U m CI m m W 0 Scientific Name 0 W Taxonomic Observation N 2011-05-20 C9 C9 C9 O O O rn rn rn Rough -leaf Loosestrife Rough -leaf Loosestrife Rough -leaf Loosestrife Rough -leaf Loosestrife Rough -leaf Loosestrife 2011-10-05 Rough -leaf Loosestrife Rough -leaf Loosestrife 0 F Rough -leaf Loosestrife 0 0 Rough -leaf Loosestrife 0 0 Rough -leaf Loosestrife 2011-10-05 Rough -leaf Loosestrife 0 F Rough -leaf Loosestrife COCO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- CO .- c OE OE �O E �O E OE OE OE OE �O E OE �O E OE �O E �O E �-U-UO E �O E �-UO E �O U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U- U-U- a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a6 .E a0 C/1 Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q U Q J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J CO J (O O OM M M OO rn rn rn rn 00 dr dr dr dr dr NNNNN Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant CO h G) L(') N O O cO L() N 0 dr rr) 0 L() a) a) N O- o) o) o N N NNNNNNN Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Lc) Lc) rn rn rn N N N Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Vascular Plant \ \ 0 E / 0 0 / E \ 0 / 2 Element Occurrences Documented \ e E / Occurrence c / c 0 \ \ \ / 0 11 121 / / / / 0 ;i.J / \/ Endangered 1989-08-19 1999-09-07 2010-09-24 c , 2 � Jm c / 000c0'''' co / /2©© ///0 CD ® 6 ® \ \ \ \ 2 e z1e % / & / \ 0 3 \ � � 2 / / / / o 0 4 3 3 3 / o / / / ° / / \ 2 2 2 Ej 0 e = 9 » 0 / / / / / \ \ \ / \/ §\ 0 J // \\0 C / C\e / ® jc E \ K \ »\0 /» / J f \\ J \ e 2ye,3 // 0 = z 0 0 \\ 2 \ 0\ J\ ± 0 % 2 ± _ 4 4 0 f EI0 0 2 2®/\± ) 0 ///\ \\§\/4- = e 2 ® ®% fl e \ j c c o %/? Q e e/ 2 z c \ z 2 7 2± 2 2|U 7 2± 0 2 Vascular Plant Vascular Plant Rhynchospora macra Vascular Plant - : e Jort Trans er Facilit\ =T�1:�7si 0 0 CO ro 0_ Search Results find resources within a buffer Spatial filters O nly return features that intersect with the shape d rawn on the map Clear this shape after applying the qp erv. Apply a search distance I Miles Result layer name Fond resources within a buffer _Query res, 380000 FEET 370000 FEET 2630000 FEET 34°46'30"N 34°46'0"N 34°45'30"N 34°45'0"N 2630000 FEET 76°54'0"W 76°54'0"W 76°53'30"W 76°53'30"W 76°53'0"W 76°53'0"W 76°52'30"W 76°52'30"W 2640000 FEET 380000 FEET 34°46'30"N 34°46'0"N 34°45'30"N 34°45'0"N 370000 FEET 2640000 FEET Cooperating Technical State FEyIA'S COOPERWT,r IC, TEC HI eIcAL PARTWEA This digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was produced through a unique cooperative partnership between the State of North Carolina and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The State of North Carolina has implemented a long term approach to floodplain management to decrease the costs associated with flooding. This is demonstrated by the State's commitment to map flood hazard areas at the local level. As a part of this effort, the State of North Carolina has joined in a Cooperating Technical State agreement with FEMA to produce and maintain this digital FIRM. FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION SEE FIS REPORT FOR ZONE DESCRIPTIONS AND INDEX MAP THE INFORMATION DEPICTED ON THIS MAP AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN DIGITAL FORMAT AT HTTP://FRIS.NC.GOV/FRIS SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS r Without Base Flood Elevation (BFE) Zone A,V, A99 With BFE or Depth Zone AE, AO, AH, VE, AR Regulatory Floodway OTHER AREAS OF FLOOD HAZARD OTHER AREAS GENERAL STRUCTURES I I I I I I I I I I I I I BM5510 X BM5510® BM 5510<8> (012) 18-2- 0.2% Annual Chance Flood Hazard, Areas of 1% Annual Chance Flood with Average Depth Less Than One Foot or With Drainage Areas of Less Than One Square Mile zone x Future Conditions 1%Annual Chance Flood Hazard zone x Area with Reduced Flood Risk due to Levee See Notes zone x Areas Determined to be Outside the 0.2% Annual Chance Floodplain Zone X Channel, Culvert, or Storm Sewer Accredited or Provisionally Accredited Levee, Dike, or Floodwall Non -accredited Levee, Dike, or Floodwall North Carolina Geodetic Survey bench mark National Geodetic Survey bench mark Contractor Est. NCFMP Survey bench mark Cross Sections with 1% Annual Chance Water Surface Elevation (BFE) Coastal Transect NOTES TO USERS For information and questions about this map, available products associated with this FIRM including historic versions of this FIRM, how to order products or the National Flood Insurance Program in general, please call the FEMA Map Information eXchange at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or visit the FEMA Map Service Center website at http://msc.fema.gov. An accompanying Flood Insurance Study report, Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) or Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) revising portions of this panel, and digital versions of this FIRM may be available. Visit the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program website at http://www.ncfloodmaps.com or contact the FEMA Map Service Center. Communities annexing land on adjacent FIRM panels must obtain a current copy of the adjacent panel as well as the current FIRM Index. These may be ordered directly from the Map Service Center at the number listed above. For community and countywide map dates refer to the Flood Insurance Study report for this jurisdiction. To determine if flood insurance is available in the community, contact your Insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-638-6620. Base map information shown on this FIRM was provided in digital format by the North Carolina Floodplain Mapping Program (NCFMP). The source of this information can be determined from the metadata available in the digital FLOOD database and in the Technical Support Data Notebook (TSDN). ACCREDITED LEVEE NOTES TO USERS: If an accredited levee note appears on this panel check with your local community to obtain more information, such as the estimated level of protection provided (which may exceed the 1-percent-annual-chance level) and Emergency Action Plan, on the levee system(s) shown as providing protection. To mitigate flood risk in residual risk areas, property owners and residents are encouraged to consider flood insurance and floodproofing or other protective measures. For more information on flood insurance, interested parties should visit the FEMA Website at http://www.fema.gov/business/nflp/index.shtm. PROVISIONALLY ACCREDITED LEVEE NOTES TO USERS: If a Provisionally Accredited Levee (PAL) note appears on this panel, check with your local community to obtain more information, such as the estimated level of protection provided (which may exceed the 1-percent-annual-chance level) and Emergency Action Plan, on the levee system(s) shown as providing protection. To maintain accreditation, the levee owner or community is required to submit the data and documentation necessary to comply with Section 65.10 of the NFIP regulations. If the community or owner does not provide the necessary data and documentation or if the data and documentation provided indicates the levee system does not comply with Section 65.10 requirements, FEMA will revise the flood hazard and risk information for this area to reflect de -accreditation of the levee system. To mitigate flood risk in residual risk areas, property owners and residents are encouraged to consider flood insurance and floodproofing or other protective measures. For more information on flood insurance, interested parties should visit the FEMA Website at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/index.shtm. LIMIT OF MODERATE WAVE ACTION NOTES TO USERS: For some coastal flooding zones the AE Zone category has been divided by a Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA). The LiMWA represents the approximate landward limit of the 1.5-foot breaking wave. The effects of wave hazards between the VE Zone and the LiMWA (or between the shoreline and the LiMWA for areas where VE Zones are not identified) will be similar to, but less severe than those in the VE Zone. Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA) COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYSTEM (CBRS) NOTE This map may include approximate boundaries of the CBRS for informational purposes only. Flood insurance is not available within CBRS areas for structures that are newly built or substantially improved on or after the date(s) indicated on the map. For more information see http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/coastal_barrier.html, the FIS Report, or call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Customer Service Center at 1-800-344-WILD. SCALE Map Projection: North Carolina State Plane Projection Feet (Zone 3200) Datum: NAD 1983 (Horizontal), NAVD 1988 (Vertical) 1 inch = 500 feet 1:6,000 0 250 500 1,000 Feet Meters 0 75 150 300 PANEL LO CATO R t BEAUFORTCOUNTY �� N. N /r CRAVEN COUNTY ram- \-- — — — 5348 _ss ec 5346' 1 5368 5388 5366 5386 s. PAMLICO COUNTY HYDE COUNTY 7562 7582 8502 8522'- 8542 7439 7408 7428 74381 7407 7417 6486�7 s 648 \7404 6482'7402 74161 7426 7424 7422 7540 7448 v7560 7580 8500 8520 8540 8560 8580 7468 7488 8408 8428 8448 8469 8479 8489 8499 84 7446 7466 7486 8407 8417 8406 8416 8426 8447 8446 fie 8478 fi] 8477 7444 7464 7485 7495 7484 7494 43 8404 8414 8424 848444 7442 7462 6420 6440 6460 -6480 7400 7420 7440 7460 -6308 6306 6349 6359 fi328.6338 6327 fi376347 6357 6326.6336 6348 6358 6346 6356 5365 5375 5385 5395 6305 6315 63256335 5374 5384 5394 6304 6314 6324:6334 5363 5373 5383 53916303 5372 5364 6345 6355 6 6354 6368 6388 7308 6367 7328 377 638716397 7307 7317 7327 7337 6366 6376 6386I6396 7306 7316 7326 73361 63fi I637 j6385+fi395 7305 7315 7325 7335 7348 7346 7368 7367 7377 736,6�7376 7345 7355 7365 7304 7314 7324 7334 7344 7354 7323 ]333 7483 8403 8413 8423 8433 i 7482 8402 8412 8422 7481 7491 8401 8411 7480 7490 8400 7389 ] 99 7388 7493 7492 8488 0 0 L.L or Ca NORTH CAROLINA FLOODPLAIN MAPPING PROGRAM NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP NORTH CAROLINA PANEL 6337 FEMA Panel Contains: COMMUNITY CID PANEL SUFFIX CARTERET COUNTY NEWPORT, TOWN OF 370043 6337 J 370049 6337 J OTHER FEATURES Coastal Transect Baseline Profile Baseline Hydrographic Feature Limit of Study Jurisdiction Boundary CBRS Area \ ; Otherwise Protected Area 5362 7343 ]353 7332 7342 7331 7341 MAP NUMBER 3720633700J MAP REVISED 07/16/03 Auth ID: CR0106703 Contact ID: COASTAL REGION SOLID WASTE Expiration Date: 12/31/2032 Use Code: 753 r , k7 iL 2 U' 2G b2 FS-2700-4c (10/09) OMB No. 0596-0082 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE PRIVATE ROAD SPECIAL USE PERMIT AUTHORITY: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MGMT ACT, AS AMENDED October 21,1976 Coastal Regional Solid Waste Authority, ATTN: Bobby Darden P. O. Box 128 (the holder) COVE CITY, NC UNITED STATES 28523 (hereafter called the Holder) is hereby authorized to use National Forest lands for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use of a road within the National Forests in North Carolina for the following purposes: Use of an existing paved road to transfer station (permit # CR0558402) off Hibbs Rd. (NCSR 1141) Carteret Co NC. The lands covered by this permit are located in the County of Carteret, State of North Carolina and are described as follows: This permit covers an easement approximately 1.5 miles in length (5,600 ft.), 60 feet in width, containing approximately 7.71 acres, and is located upon the ground according to the survey line, figures, measurements, widths, and other references shown on the map or plat attached hereto as exhibit(s) (A) and made a part hereof. This permit is made subject to the following terms, provisions, and conditions: 1. This permit is subject to all existing easements and valid rights existing on this date. 2. The Holder in exercising the privileges granted by this permit shall comply with all applicable State and Federal laws, Executive Orders, and Federal rules and regulations, and shall comply with all State standards for public health and safety, environmental protection, and siting construction, operation, maintenance of or for rights -of -way for similar purposes if those standards are more stringent than applicable Federal standards. 3. The Holder shall cut no timber except as authorized by construction stipulations or maintenance agreements. 4. The Holder shall provide maintenance so that no damage occurs on adjacent National Forest land. The Holder shall construct and maintain lead-off drainage and water barriers as necessary to prevent erosion. 5. Holder shall pay the United States for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, in accordance with Federal and State laws. 6. Holder shall indemnify the United States for any and all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs the United States may suffer as a result of claims, demands, losses, or judgments caused by the Holder's use or occupancy under this permit. 7. Holder shall pay annually in advance a sum determined by the Forest Service to be the fair market value of the use authorized by this permit. The initial payment is set at $0.00 or the remainder of the calendar year. Payments for each subsequent calendar year shall be the amount of $ 768.57 adjusted using the Implicit Price Deflator -Gross National Product index (IPD-GNP), or other factor selected by the Forest Service , to reflect more nearly the current fair market value of the use. At intervals to be determined by certain changes in the indexes used to establish the linear rights -of -way fee schedule, the fee shall be reviewed and adjusted as necessary to assure that it is commensurate with the value of the rights and privileges authorized. Failure of the Holder to pay the annual payment, late charges, or other fees or charges shall cause the permit to terminate. 8. Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717, et seq., interest shall be charged on any fee amount not paid within 30 days from the date the fee or fee calculation financial statement specified in this authorization becomes due. The rate of interest assessed shall be the higher of the rate of the current value of funds to the U.S. Treasury {i.e., Treasury tax and loan account rate), as prescribed and published by the Secretary of the Treasury in the Federal Register and the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual Bulletins annually or quarterly or at the Prompt Payment Act rate. Interest on the principal shall accrue from the date the fee or fee calculation financial statement is due. In the event the account becomes delinquent, administrative costs to cover processing and handling of the delinquency will be assessed. A penalty of 6 percent per annum shall be assessed on the total amount delinquent in excess of 90 days and shall accrue from the same date on which interest charges begin to accrue. Payments will be credited on the date received by the designated collection officer or deposit location. If the due date for the fee or fee calculation statement falls on a non -workday, the charges shall not apply until the close of business on the next workday. Disputed fees are due and payable by the due date. No appeal of fees will be considered by the Forest Service without full payment of the disputed amount. Adjustments, if necessary, will be made in accordance with settlement terms or the appeal decision. If the fees become delinquent, the Forest Service will: Liquidate any security or collateral provided by the authorization. If no security or collateral is provided, the authorization will terminate and the holder will be responsible for delinquent fees as well as any other costs of restoring the site to its original condition including hazardous waste cleanup. Upon termination or revocation of the authorization, delinquent fees and other charges associated with the authorization will be subject to all rights and remedies afforded the United States pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711 et seq. Delinquencies may be subject to any or all of the following conditions: Administrative offset of payments due the holder from the Forest Service. Delinquencies in excess of 60 days shall be referred to United States Department of Treasury for appropriate collection action as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3711 (g), (1). The Secretary of the Treasury may offset an amount due the debtor for any delinquency as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3720, et seq.) 9. All construction or reconstruction of the road shall be in accordance with plans, specifications, and written stipulations approved by the Forest Service prior to beginning such construction or reconstruction. 10. The Holder shall repair fully all damage to National Forest roads and trails caused by the exercise of the privileges granted by this permit. 11. The United States may use the roads without cost for all purposes deemed necessary or desirable in connection with the protection and administration of the lands or resources of the United States, provided that it will use the road for commercial hauling purposes, other than the removal of timber cut in construction or maintenance of the road or other occasional incidental use, only after arranging to pay or perform its pro rata share of road maintenance. 12. The Forest Service alone may extend rights and privileges for use of the road constructed on the premises to other non -Federal users provided that such users shall pay a fair share of the current replacement cost less depreciation of the road to the holder, and reconstruct the road as necessary to accommodate their use. 13. The Forest Service retains the right to occupy and use the right-of-way and to issue or grant rights -of -way for land uses, for other than road purposes, upon, over, under, and through the permit area provided that the occupancy and use do not interfere unreasonably with the rights granted herein. 14. The Forest Service shall have the right to cross and re -cross the premises and road at any place by any reasonable means and for any purpose in. such manner as does not interfere unreasonably with use of the road. 15. The Holder shall maintain the right-of-way clearing by means of chemicals only after the Forest Supervisor has given specific written approval. Application for such approval must be in writing and must specify the time, method, chemicals, and the exact portion of the right-of-way to be chemically treated. 16. Unless sooner terminated, or revoked by the Regional Forester, this permit shall expire and terminate on 12/31/2032. At that time, if the holder still needs the road for the purposes for which this permit is granted, the permit will be reissued for a period of 10 years. At the time of reissuance, the terms and conditions may be modified and new conditions or stipulations added at the discretion of the Forest Service. 17. This permit may be terminated or suspended upon breach of any of the conditions herein, or revoked at the discretion of the Issuing Officer. 18. Upon termination or revocation of this special -use authorization, the Holder shall remove within a reasonable time the structures and improvements and shall restore the site to a condition satisfactory to the authorized officer, unless otherwise waived in writing or in the authorization. If the Holder fails to remove the structures or improvements within a reasonable period, as determined by the authorized officer, they shall become the property of the United States, but this does not relieve the Holder from liability for the removal and site restoration costs. 19. Nonexclusive Use and Public Access. Unless expressly provided for in additional terms, use of the permit area is not exclusive. The Forest Service reserves the right to use or allow others to use any part of the permit area, including roads, for any purpose, provided, such use does not materially interfere with the holder's authorized use. A final determination of conflicting uses is reserved to the Forest Service. 20. Forest Service Right of Entry and Inspection. The Forest Service has the right of unrestricted access of the permitted area or facility to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances and the terms and conditions of this permit. 21. Liability. For purposes of this section, "holder" includes the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, and contractors. A. The holder assumes all risk of loss to the authorized improvements. B. The holder shall indemnify, defend, and hold the United States harmless for any violations incurred under any such laws and regulations or for judgments, claims, or demands assessed against the United States in connection with the holder's use or occupancy of the property. The holder's indemnification of the United States shall include any loss by personal injury, loss of life or damage to property in connection with the occupancy or use of the property during the term of this permit. Indemnification shall include, but is not limited to, the value of resources damaged or destroyed; the costs of restoration, cleanup, or other mitigation; fire suppression or other types of abatement costs; third party claims and judgments; and all administrative, interest, and other legal costs. This paragraph shall survive the termination or revocation of this authorization, regardless of cause. C. The holder has an affirmative duty to protect from damage the land, property, and interests of the United States. D. In the event of any breach of the conditions of this authorization by the holder, the Authorized Officer may, on reasonable notice, cure the breach for the account at the expense of the holder. If the Forest Service at any time pays any sum of money or does any act which will require payment of money, or incurs any expense, including reasonable attorney's fees, in instituting, prosecuting, and/or defending any action or proceeding to enforce the United States rights hereunder, the sum or sums so paid by the United States, with all interests, costs and damages shall, at the election of the Forest Service, be deemed to be additional fees hereunder and shall be due from the holder to the Forest Service on the first day of the month following such election. E. With respect to roads, the holder shall be proportionally liable for damages to all roads and trails of the United States open to public use caused by the holder's use to the same extent as provided above, except that liability shall not include reasonable and ordinary wear and tear. F. The Forest Service has no duty to inspect the permit area or to warn of hazards and, if the Forest Service does inspect the permit area, it shall incur no additional duty nor liability for identified or non -identified hazards. This covenant may be enforced by the United States in a court of competent jurisdiction. 22. Members of Congress. No Member of or Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner shall benefit from this permit either directly or indirectly, except when the authorized use provides a general benefit to a corporation. 23. Appeals and Remedies. Any discretionary decisions or determinations by the authorized officer are subject to the appeal regulations at 36 CFR 251, Subpart C, or revisions thereto. 24. Assignability. This authorization is not assignable or transferable. If Holder, through death, voluntary transfer, enforcement of contract, foreclosure, or other valid legal proceeding shall cease to be owner of the above -described real property accessed by the authorized road, this authorization will terminate. 25. Superior Clauses. In the event of any conflict between any of the preceding printed clauses or any provision thereof and any of the following clauses or any provision thereof, the preceding printed clauses shall control. Add Regional/Forest clauses here to address local conditions. In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have caused this authorization to be duly executed on this / 7 day of 2012. Holder By: dza,--- Coastal Regional Solid Waste Authority USDA - Forest Service y. ame stin M. Bail Fores upervisor National Forest According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0082. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average one (1) hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact SDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). SDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. U U The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service. uthorization ID: CR0558402 Contact ID: CR05584 Expiration Date: 12/31/2032 se Code: 345 FS-2700-4 (1 9) OMB --No. 0596-0082 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE SPECIAL USE PERMIT Authority: ORGANIC ADMINISTRATION ACT June 4,1897, PERMITS FOR PUBLIC BLDG AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS September 3, 1954 Coastal Regional Solid Waste Mgt. Auth. of P. O. Box 128 COVE CITY NC 28523 (hereinafter "the holder") is authorized to use or occupy National Forest System lands in the National Forests in North Carolina or Croatan unit of the National Forest System, subject to the terms and conditions of this special use permit (the permit). This permit covers 11.09 acres in the, ("the permit area"), as shown on the map attached as Appendix A. This permit issued for the purpose of: TRANSFER STATION at Closed Land Fill off Hibbs Rd., Carteret Co. Facility consisting of a 9,600 sq. ft. solid waste transfer station, a 250-400 sq. ft scale house and truck scale. A year round operation transferring municipal solid waste from local sources to transfer tractor trailers with eventual disposal at a regional landfill located in an adjacent county. In addition 2.0 Acres are added for the construction, operation and maintenance of a convenience site in accordance with the maps attached to and made part of the permit. Such site is located on USA Tract C-1 formally part of the permit issued to the County of Carteret for a landfill. TERMS AND CONDITIONS I. GENERAL TERMS A. AUTHORITY. This permit is issued pursuant to ORGANIC ADMINISTRATION ACT June 4, 1897, PERMITS FOR PUBLIC BLDG AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS September 3, 1954 and 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B, as amended, and is subject to their provisions. B. AUTHORIZED OFFICER. The authorized officer is the Forest or Grassland Supervisor or a subordinate officer with delegated authority. C. TERM. This permit shall expire at midnight on 12/31/2032, 20 years from the date of issuance. D. RENEWAL. This permit is not renewable. Prior to expiration of this permit, the holder may apply for a new permit that would renew the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. Applications for a new permit must be submitted at least 6 months prior to expiration of this permit. Renewal of the use and occupancy authorized by this permit shall be at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. At a hminimum, before renewing the use and occupancy authorized by this permit, the authorized officer shall require that (1) the use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit is consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable land management plan; (2) the type of use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit is the same as the type of use and occupancy authorized by this permit; and (3) the holder is in compliance with all the terms of this permit. The authorized officer may prescribe new terms and conditions when a new permit is issued. E. AMENDMENT. This permit may be amended in whole or in part by the Forest Service when, at the discretion of the authorized officer, such action is deemed necessary or desirable to incorporate new terms that may be required by law, regulation, directive, the applicable forest land and resource management plan, or projects and activities implementing a land management plan pursuant to 36 CFR Part 215. F. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. In exercising the rights and privileges granted by this permit, the holder shall comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities. G. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE. The use or occupancy authorized by this permit is not exclusive. The Forest Service reserves the right of access to the permit area, including a continuing right of physical entry to the permit area for inspection, monitoring, or any other purpose consistent with any right or obligation of the United States under any law or regulation. The Forest Service reserves the right to allow others to use the permit area in any way that is not inconsistent with the holder's rights and privileges under this permit, after consultation with all parties involved. Except for any restrictions that the holder and the authorized officer agree are necessary to protect the installation and operation of authorized temporary improvements, the lands and waters covered by this permit shall remain open to the public for all lawful purposes. H. ASSIGNABILITY. This permit is not assignable or transferable. I. TRANSFER OF TITLE TO THE IMPROVEMENTS. 1. Notification of Transfer. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when a transfer of title to all or part of the authorized improvements is contemplated. 2. Transfer of Title. Any transfer of title to the improvements covered by this permit shall result in termination of the permit. The party who acquires title to the improvements must submit an application for a permit. The Forest Service is not obligated to issue a new permit to the party who acquires title to the improvements. The authorized officer shall determine that the applicant meets requirements under applicable federal regulations. J. CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE BUSINESS ENTITY. 1. Notification of Change in Control. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when a change in control of the business entity that holds this permit is contemplated. a. In the case of a corporation, control is an interest, beneficial or otherwise, of sufficient outstanding voting securities or capital of the business so as to permit the exercise of managerial authority over the actions and operations of the corporation or election of a majority of the board of directors of the corporation. b. In the case of a partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, or individual entrepreneurship, control is a beneficial ownership of or interest in the entity or its capital so as to permit the exercise of managerial authority over the actions and operations of the entity. c. In other circumstances, control is any arrangement under which a third party has the ability to exercise management authority over the actions or operations of the business. 2. Effect of Change in Control. Any change in control of the business entity as defined in paragraph 1 of this clause shall result in termination of this permit. The party acquiring control must submit an application for a special use permit. The Forest Service is not obligated to issue a new permit to the party who acquires control. The authorized officer shall determine whether the applicant meets the requirements established by applicable federal regulations. H. IMPROVEMENTS A. LIMITATIONS ON USE. Nothing in this permit gives or implies permission to build or maintain any structure or facility or to conduct any activity, unless specifically authorized by this permit. Any use not specifically authorized by this permit must be proposed in accordance with 36 CFR 251.54. Approval of such a proposal through issuance of a new permit or permit amendment is at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. B. PLANS. All plans for development, layout, construction, reconstruction, or alteration of improvements in the permit area, as well as revisions to those plans must be prepared by a professional engineer, architect, landscape architect, or other qualified professional based on federal employment standards acceptable to the authorized officer. These plans and plan revisions must have written approval from the authorized officer before they are implemented. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish as -built plans, maps, or surveys upon completion of the work. III.OPERATIONS. A. PERIOD OF USE. Use or occupancy of the permit area shall be exercised at least 365 days each year. B. CONDITION OF OPERATIONS. The holder shall maintain the authorized improvements and permit area to standards of repair, orderliness, neatness, sanitation, and safety acceptable to the authorized officer and consistent with other provisions of this permit. Standards are subject to periodic change by the authorized officer when deemed necessary to meet statutory, regulatory, or policy requirements or to protect national forest resources. The holder shall comply with inspection requirements deemed appropriate by the authorized officer. C. INSPECTION BY THE FOREST SERVICE. The Forest Service shall monitor the holder's operations and reserves the right to inspect the permit area and transmission facilities at any time for compliance with the terms of this permit. The holder's obligations under this permit are not contingent upon any duty of the Forest Service to inspect the perrnit area or transmission facilities. A failure by the Forest Service or other governmental officials to inspect is not a justification for noncompliance with any of the terms and conditions of this permit. IV. RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES A. LEGAL EFFECT OF THE PERMIT. This permit, which is revocable and terminable, is not a contract or a lease, but rather a federal license. The benefits and requirements conferred by this authorization are reviewable solely under the procedures set forth in 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart C, and 5 U.S.C. 704. This permit does not constitute a contract for purposes of the Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 601. The permit is not real property, does not convey any interest in real property, and may not be used as collateral for a loan. B. VALID OUTSTANDING RIGHTS. This perruit is subject to all valid outstanding rights. Valid outstanding rights include those derived under mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. The United States is not liable to the holder for the exercise of any such right. C. ABSENCE OF THIRD -PARTY BENEFICIARY RIGHTS. The parties to this permit do not intend to confer any rights on any third party as a beneficiary under this permit. D. SERVICES NOT PROVIDED. This permit does not provide for the furnishing of road or trail maintenance, water, fire protection, search and rescue, or any other such service by a government agency, utility, association, or individual. E. RISK OF LOSS. The holder assumes all risk of loss associated with use or occupancy of the permit area, including but not limited to theft, vandalism, fire and any fire -fighting activities (including prescribed bums), avalanches, rising waters, winds, falling limbs or trees, and other forces of nature. If authorized temporary improvements in the permit area are destroyed or substantially damaged, the authorized officer shall conduct an analysis to determine whether the improvements can be safely occupied in the future and whether rebuilding should be allowed. If rebuilding is not allowed, the permit shall terminate. F. DAMAGE TO UNITED STATES PROPERTY. The holder has an affmnative duty to protect from damage the land, property, and other interests of the United States. Damage includes but is not limited to fire suppression costs, damage to government -owned improvements covered by this permit, and all costs and damages associated with or resulting from the release or threatened release of a hazardous material occurring during or as a result of activities of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees on, or related to, the lands, property, and other interests covered by this permit. For purposes of clause IV.F and section V, "hazardous material" shall mean (a) any hazardous substance under section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14); (b) any pollutant or contaminant under section 101(33) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(33); (c) any petroleum product or its derivative, including fuel oil, and waste oils; and (d) any hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste, ignitable, reactive or corrosive materials, pollutant, contaminant, element, compound, mixture, solution or substance that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment under any applicable environmental laws. 1. The holder shall avoid damaging or contaminating the environment, including but not limited to the soil, vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass), surface water, and groundwater, during the holder's use or occupancy of the permit area. If the environment or any government property covered by this permit becomes damaged during the holder's use or occupancy of the permit area, the holder shall immediately repair the damage or replace the damaged items to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the United States. 2. The holder shall be liable for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression, prevention and control of the spread of invasive species, or other costs in connection with rehabilitation or restoration of natural resources associated with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit. Compensation shall include but not be limited to the value of resources damaged or destroyed, the costs of restoration, cleanup, or other mitigation, fire suppression or other types of abatement costs, and all administrative, legal (including attorney's fees), and other costs. Such costs may be deducted from a performance bond required under clause IV.I. 3. The holder shall be liable for damage caused by use of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees to all roads and trails of the United States to the same extent as provided under clause IV.F.1, except that liability shall not include reasonable and ordinary wear and tear G. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. The holder shall promptly abate as completely as possible and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations any activity or condition arising out of or relating to the authorized use or occupancy that causes or threatens to cause a hazard to public health or the safety of the holder's employees or agents or harm to the environment (including areas of vegetation or timber, fish or other wildlife populations, their habitats, or any other natural resources). The holder shall prevent impacts to the environment and cultural resources by implementing actions identified in the operating plan to prevent establishment and spread of invasive species. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of all serious accidents that occur in connection with such activities. The responsibility to protect the health and safety of all persons affected by the use or occupancy authorized by this permit is solely that of the holder. The Forest Service has no duty under the terms of this peiiuit to inspect the permit area or operations and activities of the holder for hazardous conditions or compliance with health and safety standards. H. INDEMNIFICATION OF THE UNITED STATES. The holder shall indemnify, defend, and hold har-rnless the United States for any costs, damages, claims, liabilities, and judgments arising from past, present, and future acts or omissions of the holder in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit. This indemnification provision includes but is not limited to acts and omissions of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit which result in (1) violations of any laws and regulations which are now or which may in the future become applicable, and including but not limited to those environmental laws listed in clause V.A of this permit; (2) judgments, claims, demands, penalties, or fees assessed against the United States; (3) costs, expenses, and damages incurred by the United States; or (4) the release or threatened release of any solid waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, pollutant, contaminant, oil in any form, or petroleum product into the environment. The authorized officer may prescribe terms that allow the holder to replace, repair, restore, or otherwise undertake necessary curative actions to mitigate damages in addition to or as an alternative to monetary indetnnification. I. BONDING. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish a surety bond or other security for any of the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of this permit or any applicable law, regulation, or order. V. RESOURCE PROTECTION A. COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The holder shall in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to those established pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., CERCLA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., and the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. B. VANDALISM. The holder shall take reasonable measures to prevent and discourage vandalism and disorderly conduct and when necessary shall contact the appropriate law enforcement officer. C. PESTICIDE USE. Pesticides may not be used outside of buildings to control undesirable woody and herbaceous vegetation (including aquatic plants), insects, rodents, fish, and other pests and weeds without prior written approval from the authorized officer. A request for approval of planned uses of pesticides shall be submitted annually by the holder on the due date established by the authorized officer. The report shall cover a 12-month period of planned use beginning 3 months after the reporting date. Information essential for review shall be provided in the form specified. Exceptions to this schedule may be allowed, subject to emergency request and approval, only when unexpected outbreaks of pests or weeds require control measures that were not anticipated at the time an annual report was submitted. Only those materials registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the specific purpose planned shall be considered for use on National Forest System lands. Label instructions and all applicable laws and regulations shall be strictly followed in the application of pesticides and disposal of excess materials and containers. D. ARCHAEOLOGICAL -PALEONTOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of all antiquities or other objects of historic or scientific interest, including but not limited to historic or prehistoric ruins, fossils, or artifacts discovered in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder shall leave these discoveries intact and in place until directed otherwise by the authorized officer. Protective and mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer shall be the responsibility of the holder. E. NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION. In accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3002(d) and 43 CFR 10.4, if the holder inadvertently discovers human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony on National Forest System lands, the holder shall immediately cease work in the area of the discovery and shall make a reasonable effort to protect and secure the items. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer by telephone of the discovery and shall follow up with written confirmation of the discovery. The activity that resulted in the inadvertent discovery may not resume until 30 days after the authorized officer certifies receipt of the written confirmation, if resumption of the activity is otherwise lawful, or at any time if a binding written agreement has been executed between the Forest Service and the affiliated Indian tribes that adopts a recovery plan for the human remains and objects. F. PROTECTION OF HABITAT OF THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES. The location of sites within the permit area needing special measures for protection of plants or animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., as amended, or identified as sensitive or otherwise requiring special protection by the Regional Forester under Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670, pursuant to consultation conducted under section 7 of the ESA, may be shown on the ground or on a separate map. The map shall be attached to this permit as an appendix. The holder shall take any protective and mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer. If protective and mitigative measures prove inadequate, if other sites within the permit area containing threatened, endangered, or sensitive species or species otherwise requiring special protection are discovered, or if new species are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or identified as sensitive or otherwise requiring special protection by the Regional Forester under the FSM, the authorized officer may specify additional protective and mitigative measures. Discovery of these sites by the holder or the Forest Service shall be promptly reported to the other party. G. CONSENT TO STORE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The holder shall not store any hazardous materials at the site without prior written approval from the authorized officer. This approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the authorized officer provides approval, this permit shall include, or in the case of approval provided after this permit is issued, shall be amended to include specific terms addressing the storage of hazardous materials, including the specific type of materials to be stored, the volume, the type of storage, and a spill plan. Such terms shall be proposed by the holder and are subject to approval by the authorized officer. H. CLEANUP AND REMEDIATION 1. The holder shall immediately notify all appropriate response authorities, including the National Response Center and the authorized officer or the authorized officer's designated representative, of any oil discharge or of the release of a hazardous material in the permit area in an amount greater than or equal to its reportable quantity, in accordance with 33 CFR Part 153, Subpart B, and 40 CFR Part 302. For the purposes of this requirement, "oil" is as defined by section 311(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(1). The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer or the authorized officer's designated representative of any release or threatened release of any hazardous material in or near the permit area which may be harmful to public health or welfare or which may adversely affect natural resources on federal lands. 2. Except with respect to any federally permitted release as that term is defined under Section 101{10) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9601(10), the holder shall clean up or otherwise remediate any release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials that occurs either in the permit area or in connection with the holder's activities in the permit area, regardless of whether those activities are authorized under this permit. The holder shall perform cleanup or remediation immediately upon discovery of the release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials. The holder shall perform the cleanup or remediation to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the United States. Upon revocation or termination of this permit, the holder shall deliver the site to the Forest Service free and clear of contamination. I. CERTIFICATION UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION. If the holder uses or stores hazardous materials at the site, upon revocation or termination of this permit the holder shall provide the Forest Service with a report certified by a professional or professionals acceptable to the Forest Service that the permit area is uncontaminated by the presence of hazardous materials and that there has not been a release or discharge of hazardous materials upon the permit area, into surface water at or near the permit area, or into groundwater below the permit area during the term of the permit. This certification requirement may be waived by the authorized officer when the Forest Service determines that the risks posed by the hazardous material are minimal. If a release or discharge has occurred, the professional or professionals shall document and certify that the release or discharge has been fully remediated and that the permit area is in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. VI. LAND USE FEE AND ACCOUNTING ISSUES A. LAND USE FEES. The holder shall pay an initial annual land use fee of $905.73 for the period from 01/01/2013 to 12/31/2013, and thereafter on Jan 1, shall pay an annual land use fee of $922.91. The annual land use fee shall be adjusted annually using the BLM, North Carolina Linear Rent Schedule. B. MODIFICATION OF THE LAND USE FEE. The land use fee may be revised whenever necessary to reflect the market value of the authorized use or occupancy or when the fee system used to calculate the land use fee is modified or replaced. C. FEE PAYMENT ISSUES. 1. Crediting of Payments. Payments shall be credited on the date received by the deposit facility, except that if a payment is received on a non -workday, the payment shall not be credited until the next workday. 2. Disputed Fees. Fees are due and payable by the due date. Disputed fees must be paid in full. Adjustments will be made if dictated by an administrative appeal decision, a court decision, or settlement terms. 3. Late Payments (a) Interest. Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717 et seq., interest shall be charged on any fee amount not paid within 30 days from the date it became due. The rate of interest assessed shall be the higher of the Prompt Payment Act rate or the rate of the current value of funds to the Treasury (i.e., the Treasury tax and loan account rate), as prescribed and published annually or quarterly by the Secretary of the Treasury in the Federal Register and the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual Bulletins. Interest on the principal shall accrue from the date the fee amount is due. (b) Administrative Costs. If the account becomes delinquent, administrative costs to cover processing and handling the delinquency shall be assessed. (c) Penalties. A penalty of 6% per annum shall be assessed on the total amount that is more than 90 days delinquent and shall accrue from the same date on which interest charges begin to accrue. (d) Termination for Nonpayment. This permit shall terminate without the necessity of prior notice and opportunity to comply when any permit fee payment is 90 calendar days from the due date in arrears. The holder shall remain responsible for the delinquent fees. 4. Administrative Offset and Credit Reporting. Delinquent fees and other charges associated with the permit shall be subject to all rights and remedies afforded the United States pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711 et seq. and common law. Delinquencies are subject to any or all of the following: (a) Administrative offset of payments due the holder from the Forest Service. (b) If in excess of 60 days, referral to the Department of the Treasury for appropriate collection action as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3711(g)(1). (c) Offset by the Secretary of the Treasury of any amount due the holder, as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3720 et seq. (d) Disclosure to consumer or commercial credit reporting agencies. VII. REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, AND TERMINATION A. REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION. The authorized officer may revoke or suspend this permit in whole or in part: 1. For noncompliance with federal, state, or local law. 2. For noncompliance with the terms of this permit. 3. For abandonment or other failure of the holder to exercise the privileges granted. 4. With the consent of the holder. 5. For specific and compelling reasons in the public interest. Prior to revocation or suspension, other than immediate suspension under clause VI.B, the authorized officer shall give the holder written notice of the grounds for revocation or suspension. In the case of revocation or suspension based on clause VII.A.1, 2, or 3, the authorized officer shall give the holder a reasonable time, typically not to exceed 90 days, to cure any noncompliance. B. IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION. The authorized officer may immediately suspend this permit in whole or in part when necessary to protect public health or safety or the environment. The suspension decision shall be in writing. The holder may request an on -site review with the authorized officer's supervisor of the adverse conditions prompting the suspension. The authorized officer's supervisor shall grant this request within 48 hours. Following the on -site review, the authorized officer's supervisor shall promptly affirm, modify, or cancel the suspension. C. APPEALS AND REMEDIES. Written decisions by the authorized officer relating to administration of this permit are subject to administrative appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart C, as amended. Revocation or suspension of this permit shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service. D. TERMINATION. This permit shall terminate when by its terms a fixed or agreed upon condition, event, or time occurs without any action by the authorized officer. Examples include but are not limited to expiration of the permit by its terms on a specified date and termination upon change of control of the business entity. Termination of this permit shall not require notice, a decision document, or any environmental analysis or other documentation. Termination of this permit is not subject to administrative appeal and shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service. E. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION WITHOUT RENEWAL. Upon revocation or termination of this permit without renewal of the authorized use, the holder shall remove all structures and improvements, except those owned by the United States, within a reasonable period prescribed by the authorized officer and shall restore the site to the satisfaction of the authorized officer. If the holder fails to remove all structures and improvements within the prescribed period, they shall become the property of the United States and may be sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of without any liability to the United States. However, the holder shall remain liable for all costs associated with their removal, including costs of sale and impoundment, cleanup, and restoration of the site. VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS A. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. No member of or delegate to Congress or resident commissioner shall benefit from this permit either directly or indirectly, except to the extent the authorized use provides a general benefit to a corporation. B. CURRENT ADDRESSES. The holder and the Forest Service shall keep each other informed of current mailing addresses, including those necessary for billing and payment of land use fees. C. SUPERSEDED PERMIT. This permit supersedes a special use permit designated Coastal Regional Solid Waste Mgt. Auth., CR0558401, dated 07/27/1992. D. SUPERIOR CLAUSES. If there is a conflict between any of the preceding printed clauses and any of the following clauses, the preceding printed clauses shall control. This permit is accepted subject to the conditions set out above. HOLDER: Coastal Regional Solid Waste Mgt. Auth, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service By: By: (William Ritchie) (Kri 'n Bail) By: G Title: (Bobby Darden) _/(Forest Supervisorc ac__,e_. Date: G Z6/ Date /01/70/ 2- According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond, to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number, The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0082. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and, where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). TDD users can contact USDA through local relay or the Federal relay at (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service. Authorization ID: CR0108008 Contact Name: COUNTY OF CARTERET Expiration Date: 12/31/2037 Use Code: 341 FS-2700-4 (V. 01/2014) OMB 0596-0082 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE SPECIAL USE PERMIT Authority: ORGANIC ADMINISTRATION ACT June 4, 1897, PERMITS FOR PUBLIC BLDG AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS September 3,1954 COUNTY OF CARTERET of ATTN: COUNTY MANAGER 302 Courthouse Sq. BEAUFORT NC 28516 (hereinafter "the holder") is authorized to use or occupy National Forest System lands in the NATIONAL FORESTS IN NORTH CAROLINA or Croatan unit of the National Forest System, subject to the terms and conditions of this special use permit (the permit). This permit covers 122.39 acres, ("the permit area"), as shown on the map attached as Appendix A. This permit issued for the purpose of: Manage closed land fill. Care and Maintenance of the Carteret County Landfill in accordance with the post closure maintenance plan. This permit does not authorize the use of the site an active landfill, solid waste disposal or storage area. Post closure monitoring and maintenance guidance attached and made part of this permit. TERMS AND CONDITIONS I. GENERAL TERMS A. AUTHORITY. This permit is issued pursuant to ORGANIC ADMINISTRATION ACT June 4, 1897, PERMITS FOR PUBLIC BLDG AND OTHER PUBLIC WORKS September 3, 1954 and 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B, as amended, and is subject to their provisions. B. AUTHORIZED OFFICER. The authorized officer is the Forest or Grassland Supervisor or a subordinate officer with delegated authority. C. TERM. This permit shall expire at midnight on 12/31/2037, 20 years from the date of issuance. D. RENEWAL. This permit is not renewable. Prior to expiration of this permit, the holder may apply for a new permit that would renew the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. Applications for a new permit must be submitted at least 6 months prior to expiration of this permit. Renewal of the use and occupancy authorized by this permit shall be at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. At a minimum, before renewing the use and occupancy authorized by this permit, the authorized officer shall require that (1) the use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit is consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable land management plan; (2) the type of use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit is the same as the type of use and occupancy authorized by this permit; and (3) the holder is in compliance with all the terms of this permit. The authorized officer may prescribe new terms and conditions when a new permit is issued. E. AMENDMENT. This permit may be amended in whole or in part by the Forest Service when, at the discretion of the authorized officer, such action is deemed necessary or desirable to incorporate new terms that may be required by law, regulation, directive, the applicable forest land and resource management plan, or projects and activities implementing a land management plan pursuant to 36 CFR Part 215. F. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. In exercising the rights and privileges granted by this permit, the holder shall comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities. G. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE. The use or occupancy authorized by this permit is not exclusive. The Forest Service reserves the right of access to the permit area, including a continuing right of physical entry to the permit area for inspection, monitoring, or any other purpose consistent with any right or obligation of the United States under any law or regulation. The Forest Service reserves the right to allow others to use the permit area in any way that is not inconsistent with the holder's rights and privileges under this permit, after consultation with all parties involved. Except for any restrictions that the holder and the authorized officer agree are necessary to protect the installation and operation of authorized temporary improvements, the lands and waters covered by this permit shall remain open to the public for all lawful purposes. H. ASSIGNABILITY. This permit is not assignable or transferable. I. TRANSFER OF TITLE TO THE IMPROVEMENTS. 1. Notification of Transfer. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when a transfer of title to all or part of the authorized improvements is contemplated. 2. Transfer of Title. Any transfer of title to the improvements covered by this permit shall result in termination of the permit. The party who acquires title to the improvements must submit an application for a permit. The Forest Service is not obligated to issue a new permit to the party who acquires title to the improvements. The authorized officer shall determine that the applicant meets requirements under applicable federal regulations. ILIMPROVEMENTS A. LIMITATIONS ON USE. Nothing in this permit gives or implies permission to build or maintain any structure or facility or to conduct any activity, unless specifically authorized by this permit. Any use not specifically authorized by this permit must be proposed in accordance with 36 CFR 251.54. Approval of such a proposal through issuance of a new permit or permit amendment is at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. B. PLANS. All plans for development, layout, construction, reconstruction, or alteration of improvements in the permit area, as well as revisions to those plans must be prepared by a professional engineer, architect, landscape architect, or other qualified professional based on federal employment standards acceptable to the authorized officer. These plans and plan revisions must have written approval from the authorized officer before they are implemented. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish as -built plans, maps, or surveys upon completion of the work. HI. OPERATIONS. A. PERIOD OF USE. Use or occupancy of the permit area shall be exercised at least 365 days each year. B. CONDITION OF OPERATIONS. The holder shall maintain the authorized improvements and permit area to standards of repair, orderliness, neatness, sanitation, and safety acceptable to the authorized officer and consistent with other provisions of this permit. Standards are subject to periodic change by the authorized officer when deemed necessary to meet statutory, regulatory, or policy requirements or to protect national forest resources. The holder shall comply with inspection requirements deemed appropriate by the authorized officer. C. INSPECTION BY THE FOREST SERVICE. The Forest Service shall monitor the holder's operations and reserves the right to inspect the permit area and transmission facilities at any time for compliance with the terms of this permit. The holder's obligations under this permit are not contingent upon any duty of the Forest Service to inspect the permit area or transmission facilities. A failure by the Forest Service or other governmental officials to inspect is not a justification for noncompliance with any of the terms and conditions of this permit. IV. RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES A. LEGAL EFFECT OF THE PERMIT. This permit, which is revocable and terminable, is not a contract or a lease, but rather a federal license. The benefits and requirements conferred by this authorization are reviewable solely under the procedures set forth in 36 CFR 251, Subpart C and 5 U.S.C. 704. This permit does not constitute a contract for purposes of the Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 601. The permit is not real property, does not convey any interest in real property, and may not be used as collateral for a loan. B. VALID OUTSTANDING RIGHTS. This permit is subject to all valid outstanding rights. Valid outstanding rights include those derived under mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. The United States is not liable to the holder for the exercise of any such right. C. ABSENCE OF THIRD -PARTY BENEFICIARY RIGHTS. The parties to this permit do not intend to confer any rights on any third party as a beneficiary under this permit. D. SERVICES NOT PROVIDED. This permit does not provide for the furnishing of road or trail maintenance, water, fire protection, search and rescue, or any other such service by a government agency, utility, association, or individual. E. RISK OF LOSS. The holder assumes all risk of loss associated with use or occupancy of the permit area, including but not limited to theft, vandalism, fire and any fire -fighting activities (including prescribed burns), avalanches, rising waters, winds, falling limbs or trees, and other forces of nature. If authorized temporary improvements in the permit area are destroyed or substantially damaged, the authorized officer shall conduct an analysis to determine whether the improvements can be safely occupied in the future and whether rebuilding should be allowed. If rebuilding is not allowed, the permit shall terminate. F. DAMAGE TO UNITED STATES PROPERTY. The holder has an affirmative duty to protect from damage the land, property, and other interests of the United States. Damage includes but is not limited to fire suppression costs, damage to government -owned improvements covered by this permit, and all costs and damages associated with or resulting from the release or threatened release of a hazardous material occurring during or as a result of activities of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees on, or related to, the lands, property, and other interests covered by this permit. For purposes of clause IV.F and section V, "hazardous material" shall mean (a) any hazardous substance under section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14); (b) any pollutant or contaminant under section 101(33) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(33); (c) any petroleum product or its derivative, including fuel oil, and waste oils; and (d) any hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste, ignitable, reactive or corrosive materials, pollutant, contaminant, element, compound, mixture, solution or substance that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment under any applicable environmental laws. 1. The holder shall avoid damaging or contaminating the environment, including but not limited to the soil, vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass), surface water, and groundwater, during the holder's use or occupancy of the permit area. If the environment or any government property covered by this permit becomes damaged during the holder's use or occupancy of the permit area, the holder shall immediately repair the damage or replace the damaged items to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the United States. 2. The holder shall be liable for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression, prevention and control of the spread of invasive species, or other costs in connection with rehabilitation or restoration of natural resources associated with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit. Compensation shall include but not be limited to the value of resources damaged or destroyed, the costs of restoration, cleanup, or other mitigation, fire suppression or other types of abatement costs, and all administrative, legal (including attorney's fees), and other costs. Such costs may be deducted from a performance bond required under clause N.I. 3. The holder shall be liable for damage caused by use of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees to all roads and trails of the United States to the same extent as provided under clause IV.F.1, except that liability shall not include reasonable and ordinary wear and tear. G. HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. The holder shall promptly abate as completely as possible and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations any activity or condition arising out of or relating to the authorized use or occupancy that causes or threatens to cause a hazard to public health or the safety of the holder's employees or agents or harm to the environment (including areas of vegetation or timber, fish or other wildlife populations, their habitats, or any other natural resources). The holder shall prevent impacts to the environment and cultural resources by implementing actions identified in the operating plan to prevent establishment and spread of invasive species. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of all serious accidents that occur in connection with such activities. The responsibility to protect the health and safety of all persons affected by the use or occupancy authorized by this permit is solely that of the holder. The Forest Service has no duty under the terms of this permit to inspect the permit area or operations and activities of the holder for hazardous conditions or compliance with health and safety standards, H. INDEMNIFICATION OF THE UNITED STATES. The holder shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the United States for any costs, damages, claims, liabilities, and judgments arising from past, present, and future acts or omissions of the holder in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit. This indemnification provision includes but is not limited to acts and omissions of the holder or the holder's heirs, assigns, agents, employees, contractors, or lessees in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit which result in (1) violations of any laws and regulations which are now or which may in the future become applicable, and including but not limited to those environmental laws listed in clause V.A of this permit; (2) judgments, claims, demands, penalties, or fees assessed against the United States; (3) costs, expenses, and damages incurred by the United States; or (4) the release or threatened release of any solid waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials, pollutant, contaminant, oil in any form, or petroleum product into the environment. The authorized officer may prescribe terms that allow the holder to replace, repair, restore, or otherwise undertake necessary curative actions to mitigate damages in addition to or as an alternative to monetary indemnification. I. BONDING. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish a surety bond or other security for any of the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of this permit or any applicable law, regulation, or order. V. RESOURCE PROTECTION A. COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. The holder shall in connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to those established pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., CERCLA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., and the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq. B. VANDALISM. The holder shall take reasonable measures to prevent and discourage vandalism and disorderly conduct and when necessary shall contact the appropriate law enforcement officer. C. PESTICIDE USE. Pesticides may not be used outside of buildings to control undesirable woody and herbaceous vegetation (including aquatic plants), insects, rodents, fish, and other pests and weeds without prior written approval from the authorized officer. A request for approval of planned uses of pesticides shall be submitted annually by the holder on the due date established by the authorized officer. The report shall cover a 12-month period of planned use beginning 3 months after the reporting date. Information essential for review shall be provided in the form specified. Exceptions to this schedule may be allowed, subject to emergency request and approval, only when unexpected outbreaks of pests or weeds require control measures that were not anticipated at the time an annual report was submitted. Only those materials registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the specific purpose planned shall be considered for use on National Forest System lands. Label instructions and all applicable laws and regulations shall be strictly followed in the application of pesticides and disposal of excess materials and containers. D. ARCHAEOLOGICAL -PALEONTOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of all antiquities or other objects of historic or scientific interest, including but not limited to historic or prehistoric ruins, fossils, or artifacts discovered in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder shall leave these discoveries intact and in place until directed otherwise by the authorized officer. Protective and mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer shall be the responsibility of the holder. E. NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION. In accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3002(d) and 43 CFR 10.4, if the holder inadvertently discovers human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony on National Forest System lands, the holder shall immediately cease work in the area of the discovery and shall make a reasonable effort to protect and secure the items. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer by telephone of the discovery and shall follow up with written confirmation of the discovery. The activity that resulted in the inadvertent discovery may not resume until 30 days after the authorized officer certifies receipt of the written confirmation, if resumption of the activity is otherwise lawful, or at any time if a binding written agreement has been executed between the Forest Service and the affiliated Indian tribes that adopts a recovery plan for the human remains and objects. F. PROTECTION OF HABITAT OF THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE SPECIES. The location of sites within the permit area needing special measures for protection of plants or animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., as amended, or identified as sensitive or otherwise requiring special protection by the Regional Forester under Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670, pursuant to consultation conducted under section 7 of the ESA, may be shown on the ground or on a separate map. The map shall be attached to this permit as an appendix. The holder shall take any protective and mitigative measures specified by the authorized officer. If protective and mitigative measures prove inadequate, if other sites within the permit area containing threatened, endangered, or sensitive species or species otherwise requiring special protection are discovered, or if new species are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or identified as sensitive or otherwise requiring special protection by the Regional Forester under the FSM, the authorized officer may specify additional protective and mitigative measures. Discovery of these sites by the holder or the Forest Service shall be promptly reported to the other party. G. CONSENT TO STORE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The holder shall not store any hazardous materials at the site without prior written approval from the authorized officer. This approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the authorized officer provides approval, this permit shall include, or in the case of approval provided after this permit is issued, shall be amended to include specific terms addressing the storage of hazardous materials, including the specific type of materials to be stored, the volume, the type of storage, and a spill plan. Such terms shall be proposed by the holder and are subject to approval by the authorized officer. 1. If the holder receives consent to store hazardous material, the holder shall identify to the Forest Service any hazardous material to be stored at the site. Such identification information shall be consistent with column (1) of the table of hazardous materials and special provisions enumerated at 49 CFR 172.101 whenever the hazardous material appears in that table. For hazard communication purposes, the holder shall maintain Material Safety Data Sheets for any stored hazardous chemicals, consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200(c) and (g). In addition, all hazardous materials stored by the holder shall be used, labeled, stored, transported, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. 2. The holder shall not release any hazardous material as defined in clause IV,F. on to land or into rivers, streams, impoundments, or natural or man-made channels leading to them. All prudent and safe attempts must be made to contain any release of these materials. The authorized officer in charge may specify specific conditions that must be met, including conditions more stringent than federal, state, and local regulations, to prevent releases and protect natural resources. H. CLEANUP AND REMEDIATION 1. The holder shall immediately notify all appropriate response authorities, including the National Response Center and the authorized officer or the authorized officer's designated representative, of any oil discharge or of the release of a hazardous material in the permit area in an amount greater than or equal to its reportable quantity, in accordance with 33 CFR Part 153, Subpart B, and 40 CFR Part 302. For the purposes of this requirement, "oil" is as defined by section 311(a) (1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(1). The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer or the authorized officer's designated representative of any release or threatened release of any hazardous material in or near the permit area which may be harmful to public health or welfare or which may adversely affect natural resources on federal lands. 2. Except with respect to any federally permitted release as that term is defined under Section 101(10) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9601(10), the holder shall clean up or otherwise remediate any release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials that occurs either in the permit area or in connection with the holder's activities in the permit area, regardless of whether those activities are authorized under this permit. The holder shall perform cleanup or remediation immediately upon discovery of the release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials. The holder shall perform the cleanup or remediation to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the United States. Upon revocation or termination of this permit, the holder shall deliver the site to the Forest Service free and clear of contamination. I. CERTIFICATION UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION. If the holder uses or stores hazardous materials at the site, upon revocation or termination of this permit the holder shall provide the Forest Service with a report certified by a professional or professionals acceptable to the Forest Service that the permit area is uncontaminated by the presence of hazardous materials and that there has not been a release or discharge of hazardous materials upon the permit area, into surface water at or near the permit area, or into groundwater below the permit area during the term of the permit. This certification requirement may be waived by the authorized officer when the Forest Service determines that the risks posed by the hazardous material are minimal. If a release or discharge has occurred, the professional or professionals shall document and certify that the release or discharge has been fully remediated and that the permit area is in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. VI. LAND USE FEE AND ACCOUNTING ISSUES A. LAND USE FEES. All fees are waived for this use. B. MODIFICATION OF THE LAND USE FEE. The land use fee may be revised whenever necessary to reflect the market value of the authorized use or occupancy or when the fee system used to calculate the land use fee is modified or replaced. VII. REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, AND TERMINATION A. REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION. The authorized officer may revoke or suspend this permit in whole or in part: 1. For noncompliance with federal, state, or local law. 2. For noncompliance with the terms of this permit. 3. For abandonment or other failure of the holder to exercise the privileges granted. 4. With the consent of the holder. 5. For specific and compelling reasons in the public interest. Prior to revocation or suspension, other than immediate suspension under clause VII.B, the authorized officer shall give the holder written notice of the grounds for revocation or suspension. In the case of revocation or suspension based on clause VII.A.I, 2, or 3, the authorized officer shall give the holder a reasonable time, typically not to exceed 90 days, to cure any noncompliance. B. IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION. The authorized officer may immediately suspend this permit in whole or in part when necessary to protect public health or safety or the environment. The suspension decision shall be in writing. The holder may request an on -site review with the authorized officer's supervisor of the adverse conditions prompting the suspension. The authorized officer's supervisor shall grant this request within 48 hours. Following the on -site review, the authorized officer's supervisor shall promptly affirm, modify, or cancel the suspension. C. APPEALS AND REMEDIES. Written decisions by the authorized officer relating to administration of this permit are subject to administrative appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part 214 as amended. Revocation or suspension of this permit shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service. D. TERMINATION. This permit shall terminate when by its terms a fixed or agreed upon condition, event, or time occurs without any action by the authorized officer. Examples include but are not limited to expiration of the permit by its terms on a specified date and termination upon change of control of the business entity. Termination of this permit shall not require notice, a decision document, or any environmental analysis or other documentation. Termination of this permit is not subject to administrative appeal and shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service. E. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION WITHOUT RENEWAL. Upon revocation or termination of this permit without renewal of the authorized use, the holder shall remove all structures and improvements, except those owned by the United States, within a reasonable period prescribed by the authorized officer and shall restore the site to the satisfaction of the authorized officer. If the holder fails to remove all structures and improvements within the prescribed period, they shall become the property of the United States and may be sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of without any liability to the United States. However, the holder shall remain liable for all costs associated with their removal, including costs of sale and impoundment, cleanup, and restoration of the site. VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS A. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. No member of or delegate to Congress or resident commissioner shall benefit from this permit either directly or indirectly, except to the extent the authorized use provides a general benefit to a corporation. B. CURRENT ADDRESSES. The holder and the Forest Service shall keep each other informed of current mailing addresses, including those necessary for billing and payment of land use fees. C. SUPERSEDED PERMIT. This permit supersedes a special use permit designated COUNTY OF CARTERET, CR0108103, dated 10/21/1983. D. SUPERIOR CLAUSES. If there is a conflict between any of the preceding printed clauses and any of the following clauses, the preceding printed clauses shall control. THIS PERMIT IS ACCEPTED SUBJECT TO ALL ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. BEFORE ANY PERMIT IS ISSUED TO AN ENTITY, DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE AUTHORIZED OFFICER OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE SIGNATORY FOR THE ENTITY TO BIND IT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PERMIT. ACCEPTED: HOLDER NAME, PRECEDED BY NAME AND TITLE SIGNATURE DATE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF HOLDER, IF HOLDER IS AN ENTITY APPROVED: Ruston A. Nicholas NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED OFFICER SIGNATURE DATE According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0596-0082. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average one hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 975-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service.