20210145 Ver 1_B-5797 Aquatic Species Survey Report 2019_20210503

Aquatic Species Survey Report
Replace Bridge 329 on SR 1315 (New Town Rd)
Over an Unnamed Tributary to East Fork Twelve Mile Creek
Union County, North Carolina
TIP # B-5797
WBS # 17BP.10.R.141
Prepared For:
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North Carolina Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Jared Gray
Biological Surveys Group
North Carolina Department of Transportation
[e-mail]
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
July 18, 2019

Prepared by:
N V CALYX
ENGINEERS+CONSULTANTS
6750 Tryon Road
Cary, NC 27518
Contact Person:
Tom Fox
[e-mail]
919-858-1893

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Waters Impacted 1
2.1 NPDES Dischargers 1
2.2 303(d) Classification 1
3.0 Federally Protected Species Targeted 1
3.1 Carolina Heelsplitter(Lasmigona decorata) 1
3.1.1 Description 1
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements 2
3.1.3 Threats to Species 2
3.2 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) 3
3.2.1 Description 3
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements 3
3.2.3 Threats to Species 3
4.0 Surveys 4
4.1 Stream Conditions 4
4.2 Methodology 4
4.3 Results 4
5.0 Discussion/Conclusions 4
6.0 Literature Cited 5
Appendix A Figures:
Figure 1: Project Vicinity and Survey Location
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams

TIP No. B-5797 July 18, 2019
Aquatic Species Survey Report Page | 1
1.0 Introduction

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes the replacement of Bridge No. 329 on SR
1315 (New Town Rd) over an unnamed tributary to East Fork Twelve Mile Creek in Union County, North
Carolina, TIP No. B-5797, WBS No. 17BP.10.R.141 (Appendix A, Figure 1). This unnamed tributary to East Fork
Twelve Mile Creek is located in the Catawba River Basin. The federally endangered Carolina Heelsplitter
(Lasmigona decorata) and the proposed to be federally threatened Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) are listed
for Union County by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as protected under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA).
A review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last updated April 3, 2019, indicates
that the closest current element occurrence (EO) for the Carolina Heelsplitter in North Carolina (EO ID 28415) is
located approximately 21 river miles (RM) upstream of the study area in Six Mile Creek (Figure 2). The EO
(28415) is approximately 2.9 RM in length, with the first observation occurring on February 22, 2007 and the
most recent observation on June 7, 2011. There are no current Atlantic Pigtoe EOs in the Catawba River Basin.
As part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project-related impacts to
federally protected species, CALYX Engineers and Consultants, Inc. – An NV5 Company (CALYX) was contracted
by NCDOT to conduct the freshwater mussel survey targeting the Carolina Heelsplitter and Atlantic Pigtoe.
2.0 Waters Impacted
The unnamed tributary of East Fork Twelve Mile Creek is located in the Catawba River Basin, Lower Catawba
River sub-basin (HUC #03050103). It flows approximately 1.6 RM downstream of the study area until it reaches
its confluence with East Fork Twelve Mile Creek.

2.1 NPDES Dischargers

There is only one discharger permitted through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ) located within a five-mile buffer of the study area. Twelve Mile Creek WWTP (Permit # NC0085359) is
classified as a major discharger that is located approximately 6.3 RM downstream of the study area and
discharges into Twelve Mile Creek (Figure 3).

2.2 303(d) Classification
The closest stream within a five-mile buffer of the study area that is listed on the North Carolina Division of
Water Resources (NCDWR) 2016 303(d) list of impaired streams is a portion of Twelve Mile Creek located
approximately 5.6 RM downstream of the study area which is listed for poor fish community (Figure 3).

3.0 Federally Protected Species Targeted

3.1 Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata)

3.1.1 Description

The Carolina Heelsplitter was originally described as Unio decoratus by Lea (1852). Clark (1985) recognized the
Carolina Heelsplitter as a distinct species, Lasmigona decorata, and synonymized unio charlottensis (Lea 1863)
and Unio insolidus (Lea 1872) with Lasmigona decorata. Carolina Heelsplitters may grow to approximately 75
millimeters (mm) long and has an ovate-trapezoid shell shape, but can be highly variable (Bogan 2017). The
shell is thin and light in weight when compared to the common Elliptio and has a posterior ridge that is double
and ends bluntly with a noticeable wing often present (Kendig 2014). The periostracum is often yellow/brown
or greenish and may have greenish yellow rays on adults, with juveniles and smaller individuals often having
striking rays (Keferl 1991, Kendig 2014). Lateral teeth and pseudocardinal teeth include two in the left valve,
one in the right valve,with an additional interdental projection in the left valve (Kendig 2014).
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
Prior to 1987, Carolina Heelsplitter had not been found since the mid-19th century(Keferl and Shelly 1988, Keferl
1991). Historically, the species was collected from the Catawba River, several streams and ponds in the Catawba
River Basin, one small stream in the Pee Dee River Basin, one "pond" in the Pee Dee River Basin, and in both the
Saluda and Savannah River basins in South Carolina (Clark 1985, Keferl and Shelly 1988, Keferl 1991). There are
currently 11 known extant populations of Carolina Heelsplitters, occurring as listed in the following river
systems. In the Pee Dee River Basin,there is the Goose Creek/Duck Creek population (Union County, NC) and
the Flat Creek/Lynches River population (Lancaster, Kershaw, and Chesterfield Counties,SC). The Catawba River
Basin has the Waxhaw Creek population (Union County, NC and Lancaster County, SC), Sixmile Creek population
(Union and Mecklenburg Counties, NC and Lancaster County,SC),the Gills Creek/Cane Creek population
(Lancaster County, SC),the Fishing Creek/South Fork Fishing Creek population (Chester County, SC), and the Bull
Run Creek/unnamed tributary to Bull Run Creek/Beaverdam Creek population (Chester County, SC). The Saluda
River Basin has the Red Bank Creek population (Saluda County, SC) and the Halfway Swamp Creek population
(Greenwood and Saluda Counties, SC). Finally,the Savannah River basin has the Turkey Creek/Mountain
Creek/Beaverdam Creek/Sleepy Cree/Little Stevens Creek population (Edgefield and McCormick Counties, SC)
and the Cuffytown Creek population (Greenwood and McCormick Counties, SC). Although there are currently 11
known surviving populations of Carolina Heelsplitters, all of them are small to extremely small in size and their
genetic health and viability is, at best, highly questionable (USFWS 2012). On July 2, 2002, critical habitat for
Carolina Heelsplitters was designated. Critical habitat included 6 units encompassing a total of 92.2 RM in North
and South Carolina.
Carolina Heelsplitters are found in shallow waters,typically in sand, gravel and cobble substrate with little silt
load (Kendig 2014). Suitable habitat consists of extensive riparian buffer providing shade and cooler
temperatures and stable stream banks. Suitable habitat for Carolina Heelsplitters appear to be extremely
limited throughout the species' range, as evidenced by the low numbers of individuals within each populations.
3.1.3 Threats to Species
As with all aquatic species,there is a multitude of natural and anthropogenic factors that threaten the long-term
viability of Carolina Heelsplitters. Invasive species such as the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea), the Flathead
Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), and Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) can create competitive pressures on food resources
and habitat availability.These species can decrease oxygen availability, cause ammonia spikes, alter benthic
substrates, impact host fish communities, reduce stream flow, and increase sediment buildup (Belanger et al.
1991, Scheller 1997, NCANSMPC 2015, NCWRC 2015). Extinction and decline of North American unionid
bivalves can be traced to impoundment and inundation of riffle habitat throughout the United States. The loss
of obligate hosts, coupled with increased siltation, and various types of industrial and domestic pollution have
resulted in the rapid decline of the unionid bivalve fauna in North America (Bogan 1993, NCWRC 2015). Dams,
both manmade and natural (created by beavers), are a barrier to dispersal of host fish and attached glochidia.
Contaminants and water pollution are a significant threat to all aquatic species,especially mussels. Point source
TIP No.B-5797 July 18,2019
Aquatic Species Survey Report Page 12

discharges from municipal wastewater that contains monochloramine and unionized ammonia compounds are
acutely toxic to freshwater mussels and may be responsible for glochidial mortality that results in local
extirpation of mussels(Goudreau et al. 1993, Gangloff et al. 2009, NCWRC 2015). Impervious areas in urbanized
watersheds contribute to high water levels, even during short rainfall events,which can result in flash flooding.
These high or flashy flow events contribute to increased sediment loads,turbidity throughout the water column,
and stream bed movements that stress mussel populations (Gangloff et al. 2009, NCWRC 2015). Climate
change, mining, hydraulic fracturing, natural gas pipelines, and other energy developments will bring additional
stressors that need to be evaluated for mussels.
3.2 Atlantic Pigtoe(Fusconaia masoni)
3.2.1 Description
The Atlantic Pigtoe is a small freshwater mussel that rarely exceeds 50 mm in length. This species is tall relative
to its length, except in headwater stream reaches where specimens may be elongated. Valves are compressed
with the hinge ligament being relatively short and prominent and the posterior ridge being very distinct and
angular. The periostracum is usually yellow to dark brown,with a clothlike or parchmentlike texture with
greenish rays present in younger individuals (Fuller 1973). The shell has full dentition with two pseudocardinal
teeth in each valve and well developed lateral teeth as well as a broad and flat interdentium (Fuller 1973).
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Atlantic Pigtoe has been documented in all major river basins along the Atlantic slope from the James River
Basin in Virginia south to the Altamaha River Basin in Georgia. The current distribution in North Carolina is
limited to the Roanoke,Tar, Neuse, Cape Fear, and Yadkin-Pee Dee River Basins. The Species Status Assessment
Report divides populations into management units (MUs) defined as one or more HUC10 watershed that species
experts identified as most appropriate (USFWS 2017). The Roanoke River population is very small and consists
of the Dan River Subbasin MU and the Roanoke River MU. The Tar River population is the most robust in the
state and consists of the Upper/Middle Tar MU,the Fishing Creek Subbasin MU,the Sandy/Swift Creek MU and
the Lower Tar MU. The Neuse River population is divided into two MUs,the Upper Neuse and the Middle
Neuse. The Cape Fear River population has four MUs:the Deep River Basin MU, New Hope Creek MU, Cape
Fear Mainstem MU, and Black River MU, however individuals have only recently been observed in the Deep
River Subbassin and New Hope Creek MUs. The Pee Dee River population consists of the Muddy Creek MU,
Uwharrie/Little Rivers MU, and Goose/Lanes Creeks MU (USFWS 2017).
The Atlantic Pigtoe has been documented from multiple physiographic provinces,from the foothills of the
Appalachian Mountains through the Piedmont and into the Coastal Plain, in streams ranging from <1 m wide up
to some of the largest Atlantic Slope rivers. This mussel prefers moderate flowing water with high dissolved
oxygen content in creek and riverine environments. It is most often found in substrate composed of gravel and
coarse sand, usually at the base of riffles.
3.2.3 Threats to Species
Threats to the Atlantic Pigtoe are similar to those described for the Carolina Heelsplitter and have contributed to
the decline of this species throughout its range. All remaining Atlantic Pigtoe populations are generally small in
numbers with a restricted range which makes them vulnerable to extirpation from a single catastrophic event.
TIP No.B-5797 July 18,2019
Aquatic Species Survey Report Page 13

4.0 Surveys
A freshwater mussel survey was conducted in association with this project by CALYX biologists Tom Fox(NCWRC
Permit# 18-ES00543) and John Merritt on October 16, 2018.
4.1 Stream Conditions
This unnamed tributary to East Fork Twelve Mile Creek is a small piedmont stream with an average channel
width of 2.5 meters (m). The stream banks were very unstable and had a height of 1.5 m. There was no riparian
buffer zone present with the area surrounding the stream comprising of active pasture and cattle grazing land.
This stream was highly degraded with cobble and boulder present as the dominant substrate and
unconsolidated silt,sand, and gravel serving as the subdominant substrate. The water was shallow with an
average depth of 0.2 m, and slightly turbid with areas of riffle, slack, and pool flow regime. No beaver activity
was observed, however there were several access points for cattle to enter the stream and further degrade the
banks.
4.2 Methodology
A survey of an unnamed tributary to East Fork Twelve Mile Creek began 400 m downstream of the study area and
ended 100 m upstream of the study area. Biologists spread out into survey lanes and worked from downstream
to upstream, using a combination of visual searching via bathyscope and tactile searching to target the Carolina
Heelsplitter and Atlantic Pigtoe. All freshwater bivalves were recorded and immediately returned to the
substrate.
4.3 Results
A total of 3 person hours of survey time was spent sampling within the reach, and no bivalves were found during
the survey.
5.0 Discussion/Conclusions
The survey results indicate that the survey location either does not support, or supports a very limited
freshwater mussel population. The high silt load, unstable substrate, and cattle found in this highly degraded
stream does not support the Carolina Heelsplitter or Atlantic Pigtoe. The poor stream conditions coupled with
the large distance to the closest EO lead to the conclusion that this project will not affect the Carolina
Heelsplitter or Atlantic Pigtoe.
Biological Conclusion for Carolina Heelsplitter: No Effect
Biological Conclusion for Atlantic Pigtoe: No Effect
TIP No.B-5797 July 18,2019
Aquatic Species Survey Report Page 14

6.0 Literature Cited
Belanger, S. E. 1991.The effect of dissolved oxygen, sediment, and sewage treatment plant discharges upon
growth, survival and density of Asiatic clams. Hydrobiologia 218(2):113-126.
Bogan,A. E. 1993. Freshwater bivalve extinctions (Mollusca: Unionoida): a search for causes. American Zoologist
33(6):599-609.
Bogan,A. E. 2017. Workbook and Key to the Freshwater Bivalves of North Carolina. North Carolina Freshwater
Mussel Conservation Partnership, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Clark,A.H. 1985.The Tribe Alasmidontini (Unionidae: Anotoninae), Part II: Lasmigona and Simpsonaias.
Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, (399):57-60. Smithsonian Institution Press, 75 pp., 22 figures, 14
tables.
Gangloff, M. M., L. Siefferman,W. Seesock, and E. C. Webber. 2009. Influence of urban tributaries on freshwater
mussel populations in a biologically diverse piedmont (USA) stream. Hydrobiologia 636(1):191-201.
Goudreau, S. E., R.J. Neves, and R.J. Sheehan. 1993. Effects of wastewater treatment plant effluents on
freshwater mollusks in the upper Clinch River,Virginia, USA. Hydrobiologia 252(3):211-230.
Keferl, E.P. 1991. A Status Survey for the Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata), a Freshwater Mussel
Endemic to the Carolinas. Unpublished report to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service. 51pp.
Keferl, E.P., and R.M. Shelly. 1988. The Final Report on a Status Survey of the Carolina Heelsplitter, Lasmigona
decorata, and the Carolina elktoe,Alasmidonta robusta. Unpublished report to the U.S. Department of
the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service. 47pp.
Kendig, K. M. 2014. Freshwater Mussels of North Carolina (Atlantic Slope). North Carolina Department of
Transportation, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Lea, I. 1852. Description of New Species of the family Unionidae. Transactions of the American Philosophical
Society, 10:253-294. (Reprinted in 1852 in Observations on the Genus Unio, 5:9-50.)
Lea, I. 1863. Description of twenty-four New Species of Unionidae of the United States. Proceeding of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 15:191-194.
Lea, I. 1872. Description of twenty-nine New Species of Unionidae of the United States. Proceeding of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 24:155-161.
North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan Committee. 2015. North Carolina Aquatic Nuisance
Species Management Plan. Raleigh, North Carolina.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2015. North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan. Raleigh, North
Carolina.
Scheller,J. L. 1997.The effect of dieoffs of Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) on native freshwater mussels
(Unionidae). Master's Thesis,Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Carolina Heelsplitter Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Atlanta,
GA. 3Opp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) 5-Year Review: Summary and
Evaluation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,Asheville, NC. 32pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. Carolina Heelsplitter Species Profile.
https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/listed_species/Carolina_heelsplitter.html
TIP No.B-5797 July 18,2019
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Appendix A
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TIP No.B-5797 July 18,2019
Aquatic Species Survey Report Page 16

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