20211069 Ver 1_Pre-Filing Meeting Request Attachment_20210706

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
DRAFT

Replacement of Bridge No. 730015 on SR 1565 (Grimesland Bridge Rd.) over
Chicod Creek
Pitt County, North Carolina

STIP No. BP2.R018.1
WBS Element No. BP2.R018.1

THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Environmental Coordination and Permitting

June 2021

Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................1
2.0 Methodology ................................................................................................................1
3.0 Terrestrial Communities ............................................................................................1
4.0 Protected Species .........................................................................................................2
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species ...................................................................... 2
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ............................................................................. 4
4.3 Essential Fish Habitat ......................................................................................................... 5
5.0 Water Resources .........................................................................................................5
6.0 Regulatory Considerations .........................................................................................5
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. ................................................................................. 5
6.2 Construction Moratoria ..................................................................................................... 6
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ........................................................................................... 6
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................... 6
6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern ................................ 6
6.6 Coastal Barrier Resource System ...................................................................................... 6
7.0 References ....................................................................................................................7

APPENDICES
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1. Project Location Map
Figure 2. Topographic Map
Figure 3 Terrestrial Communities Map
Figure 4. Jurisdictional Features Map
Appendix B Qualifications of Contributors

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Coverage of Terrestrial Communities in the Study Area...............................1
Table 2. ESA Federally Protected Species Listed for Pitt County ...............................2
Table 3. Potential Streams in the Study Area ................................................................5
Table 4. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Streams in the Study Area ........5
Table 5. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Wetlands in the Study Area ......6
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

1 June 2021

1.0 Introduction

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge
No. 730015 on State Road (SR) 1565 (Grimesland Bridge Road) over Chicod Creek
(STIP No. BP2.R018.1) in Pitt County, North Carolina (Appendix A, Figures 1 and 2).
The following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in
the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE), which will be prepared in accordance with
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and/or a Minimum Criteria Determination
Checklist for the purposes of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

2.0 Methodology

All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination and
Permitting’s (ECAP) Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure (NCDOT
2017) and the latest NRTR Template (November 2017). Wetland delineations were
performed by the NCDOT Division 2 Environmental Officer. A general field review was
conducted on May 18, 2021. Potential jurisdictional areas identified in the study area have
not been verified by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or the North
Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). It is anticipated that the USACE will
cover the potential features associated with this project under a Preliminary Jurisdictional
Determination (PJD). The principal personnel contributing to the field work and document
are provided in Appendix B.

3.0 Terrestrial Communities

Three terrestrial communities were identified in the study area. Appendix A, Figure 3
shows the location and extent of these terrestrial communities. Terrestrial community data
are presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 1).
The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) Guide to the Natural
Communities of North Carolina, Fourth Approximation, was used to classify upland
communities within the study area. The North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method
(NCWAM) was used to classify wetland community types within the study area.

Table 1. Coverage of Terrestrial Communities in the Study Area
Community Dominant Species (Scientific name) Coverage
(ac.)
Maintained/Disturbed
Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
Lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata)
White clover (Trifolium repens)
3.9
Basic Mesic Forest (Coastal
Plain Subtype
American elm (Ulmus americana)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Water oak (Quercus nigra)
0.8
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
Water tupelo (Nyssa aquatic)
Pignut hickory (Carya glabra)
1.9
Total 6.6
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

2 June 2021

4.0 Protected Species

4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species

As of July 17, 2020, the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists six federally
protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), for Pitt County (Table 2).
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) also lists the Atlantic sturgeon as
potentially occurring in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin in Pitt County. For each species, a
discussion of the presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological
Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the study area.

Table 2. ESA Federally Protected Species Listed for Pitt County
Scientific Name Common Name Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Alligator mississippiensis American alligator T(S/A) Yes Not Required
Picoides borealis* Red-cockaded
woodpecker E No No Effect
Trichechus manatus West Indian manatee E No No Effect
Acipenser oxyrinchus
oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon E No No Effect
Alasmidonta heterodon Dwarf wedgemussel E Yes Unresolved
Elliptio steinstansana* Tar River spinymussel E Yes Unresolved
Elliptio lanceolata Yellow lance T No No Effect
E – Endangered; T – Threatened; T(S/A) – Threatened due to similarity of appearance
* - Historic record (the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago)

American alligator
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year-round (only warm days in winter)

Biological Conclusion: Not Required
In North Carolina, alligators have been recorded in nearly every coastal county, and
many inland counties to the fall line. The alligator is found in rivers, streams,
canals, lakes, swamps, and coastal marshes. Adult animals are highly tolerant of
salt water, but the young are more sensitive, with salinities greater than 5 parts per
thousand considered harmful. The American alligator remains on the protected
species list due to its similarity in appearance to the Endangered American
crocodile. Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require
Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. Habitat for American alligator is present
in Chicod Creek within the study area. The riparian system may be deep enough in
several parts of the study area for the alligator to migrate. None were observed at
the time of the field investigation. A review of the March 2021 North Carolina
National Heritage Program (NCNHP) database identified no known occurrences of
this species within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

3 June 2021

Red-cockaded woodpecker
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round; November – early March (optimal)

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) typically occupies open, mature stands of
southern pines, particularly longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), for foraging and
nesting/roosting habitat. The RCW excavates cavities for nesting and roosting in
living pine trees, aged 60 years or older, which are contiguous with pine stands at
least 30 years of age to provide foraging habitat. The project study area is
predominantly comprised of maintained/disturbed habitat or coastal plain mesic
forested areas. Mature loblolly pines are scattered throughout the study area and a
small pine stand is present near the southern limits of the study area. However, the
understory within the forested area is too dense and does not provide suitable
nesting or foraging habitat for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database identified no known
occurrences of RCW within 1.0 mile of the study area.
West Indian manatee
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
West Indian manatees can be found in canals, sluggish rivers, estuarine habitats,
salt water bays, and off shore. The subject project does not offer suitable habitat for
the West Indian manatee due to its distance from coastal waters. Additionally,
within the study area, the majority of Chicod Creek is densely vegetated and does
not appear to maintain sufficient water depths for the species. A review of the
March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species
within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Atlantic sturgeon
USFWS/ NMFS Recommended Survey Window: surveys not required; assume presence
in appropriate waters

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Designated Critical Habitat for Atlantic sturgeon is not present within the project
study area. Atlantic sturgeon habitat consists of moderately flowing, deep, large
rivers during spawning, and shallow nearshore areas of coastal waters and estuaries
when not spawning. Chicod Creek is not large enough, too slow-moving, and too
far from coastal waters to support this species. A review of the March 2021 NCNHP
database identified no known occurrences of Atlantic sturgeon within 1.0 mile of
the study area.

Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

4 June 2021

Dwarf wedgemussel
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round

Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Dwarf wedgemussel is designated as a “range by basin” species and this project is
within this species’ range. Therefore, habitat evaluations and a Biological
Conclusion will be provided in a forthcoming aquatic species survey report by the
NCDOT – Biological Surveys Group (BSG). A review of the March 2021 NCNHP
database identified no known occurrences of Dwarf wedgemussel within 1.0 mile
of the study area.
Tar River spinymussel
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round

Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Tar River spinymussel is designated as a “range by basin” species and this project
is within this species’ range. Therefore, habitat evaluations and a Biological
Conclusion will be provided in a forthcoming aquatic species survey report by the
NCDOT – BSG. A review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified historic
occurrences (1936) of Tar River spinymussel within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Yellow Lance
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round

Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Yellow lance is designated as a “range by basin” species and this project is outside
of this species’ range. Therefore, surveys are not required. Additionally, a review
of the March 2021 NCNHP database indicates no known yellow lance occurrences
within 1.0 mile of the study area.

4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

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

A desktop-GIS assessment of the study area, as well as the area within a 1.0 mile radius of
the project limits, was performed on March 3, 2021, using the most currently-available
orthoimagery. Water bodies large and sufficiently open enough to be considered potential
feeding sources were not identified. Since foraging habitat was not present within the
review area, a survey of the study area and the area within 660 feet of the project limits
was not required. Additionally, no bald eagle individuals or nests were observed during
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

5 June 2021

the May 18, 2021 field visit. A review of the March 2021 NCNHP database revealed no
known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area.

4.3 Essential Fish Habitat

There is no NMFS designated Essential Fish Habitat within the study area.

5.0 Water Resources

The study area is part of the Tar-Pamlico River Basin (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Hydrologic Unit [HUC] 03020103). One potential stream was identified in the study area
(Table 3). The location of this stream is shown on Figures 3 and 4.

Table 3. Potential Streams in the Study Area
Stream Name Map
ID
NCDWR
Index
Number
Best Usage
Classification
Bank
Height
(ft.)
Bankfull
width
(ft.)
Depth
(in.)
Chicod Creek Chicod
Creek 28-101 C; NSW 1.5 120 42

There are no Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HQW), or water
supply watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. Based
on North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) mapping, no designated
anadromous fish waters are within the project study area. Additionally, during the Field
Scoping Meeting for the project, the North Carlina Division of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ) did not identify any such waters associated with the project. The North Carolina
2018 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters identifies no impaired waters within 1.0 mile
downstream of the study area.

No potential surface waters (i.e., ponds, tributaries, or basins) were identified within the
study area.

6.0 Regulatory Considerations

6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.

One potential jurisdictional stream was identified in the study area (Table 4). The location
of this stream is shown on Figures 3 and 4.

Table 4. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Streams in the Study Area
Map ID Length
(ft.)
Area
(ac.) Classification
Compensatory
Mitigation
Required
River Basin
Buffer
Chicod Creek 510 1.9 Perennial Yes Subject
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

6 June 2021

One contiguous jurisdictional wetland surrounding Chicod Creek was delineated using four
distinct wetland line segments within the study area (Figure 4). Wetland lines were
delineated to just outside the project footprint and aerially interpreted for the remainder of
the study area. Delineations were performed by the NCDOT Division 2 Environmental
Officer. The locations of the wetlands are shown on Figures 3 and 4. All wetlands within
the study area are within the Tar-Pamlico River Basin (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
Hydrologic Unit [HUC] 03020103).

Table 5. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Wetlands in the Study Area
Map ID NCWAM
Classification
Hydrologic
Classification Area (ac.)
Chicod Creek
(WA, WB, WC, WD)
Bottomland Hardwood
Forest Riparian 1.9

6.2 Construction Moratoria

Due to the absence of designated anadromous fish waters or Atlantic sturgeon habitat, no
moratoria are recommended for this project at this time.

6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules

This project is located in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin (USGS HUC 03020103). Potential
jurisdictional features within the study area are therefore subject to streamside riparian
zones protected under provisions administered by NCDEQ. Table 4 lists which potential
streams are subject to these rules.

6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters

The USACE has designated 2.0 miles of Chicod Creek as navigable. However, Chicod
Creek within the study area is not within these 2.0 miles and is not considered navigable.
Potential Section 10 jurisdictional areas have not been verified by the USACE. It is
anticipated that the USACE will make a determination if the study area has Section 10
Navigable Waters under a PJD.

6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern

There are no designated Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Areas of Environmental
Concern within the study area. Pitt County is not a designated CAMA county.

6.6 Coastal Barrier Resource System

There are no designated Coastal Barrier Resource System units within the study area.
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

7 June 2021

7.0 References
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. 2021. Atlantic
sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) species profile.
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/atlantic-sturgeon. (Accessed: June 9,
2021).
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of Marine
Fisheries (DMF). Anadromous Fish Spawning Area Maps.
http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/afsa-maps.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) - Division of Water
Resources. 2018. Final 2018 North Carolina 303(d) List.
https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/303d/2018/2018-
NC-303-d--List-Final.pdf
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). 2017. Preparing Natural
Resource Technical Reports. Environmental Analysis Unit, Environmental
Coordination and Permitting Group. Version 3.0 (interim). Approved December
1, 2017.
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2021. Natural Heritage Data
Explorer [Web Application]. NCDNCR, Raleigh, NC.
http://ncnhde.natureserve.org. (Accessed: May 1, 2021).
Schafale, M.P. 2012. Guide to the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Fourth
Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, North Carolina
Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Raleigh, North Carolina. 208
pp.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS). 1974. Soil Survey of Pitt County, North Carolina.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2017. Threatened and Endangered
Species in North Carolina: Pitt County. Updated July 17, 2020.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/pitt.html
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Red-cockaded Woodpecker
(Picoides borealis) species profile. http://www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/rcw.html.
(Accessed: May 1, 2021).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Dwarf Wedgemussel.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_dwarf_wedgemussel.html. (Accessed:
May 1, 2021).
Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R018.1, Pitt County, N.C.

8 June 2021

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Tar River spinymussel.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_tar_spinymussel.html. (Accessed: May
1, 2021).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Yellow Lance.
https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?sId=4511. (Accessed: May 1,
2021).

Appendix A
Figures

!A
Pitt County
Beaufort
County SR-1565SR-1780 Chicod Creekµ300 0 300150 Feet
Legend
Study Area
County Boundary Replacement of Bridge No. 730015 on SR 1565
(Grimesland Bridge Rd.) over Chicod Creek
BP2.R018.1
Pitt County, North Carolina
Project Location Map
Figure 1
µ500 0 500250 Feet
Replacement of Bridge No. 730015 on SR 1565
(Grimesland Bridge Rd.) over Chicod Creek
BP2.R018.1
Pitt County, North Carolina
Topographic Map
Figure 2
Legend
Study Area
SR-1565SR-1780
µ200 0 200100 Feet
Replacement of Bridge No. 730015 on SR 1565
(Grimesland Bridge Rd.) over Chicod Creek
BP2.R018.1
Pitt County, North Carolina
Terrestrial Communities Map
Figure 3
Legend
Study Area
Potential Wetland WOTUS
Potential Non-Wetland WOTUS (Perennial Stream)
Basic Mesic Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype)
Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Maintained/Disturbed
Chicod Creek
SR-1565SR-1780
µ200 0 200100 Feet
Replacement of Bridge No. 730015 on SR 1565
(Grimesland Bridge Rd.) over Chicod Creek
BP2.R018.1
Pitt County, North Carolina
Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 4
Legend
Study Area
Potential Wetland WOTUS
Potential Non-Wetland WOTUS (Perennial Stream)
Chicod Creek

Appendix B
Qualifications of Contributors

Investigator Jay Johnson
Education: Associates Degree, Recreation and Wildlife Mgt, Hocking
Technical College, 1981
B.S. Environmental Geography, Ohio University, 1991
Experience: Professional Wetland Scientist 1997-Present
Environmental Manager, Outer Banks Contractors 1991-1994
Environmental Consultant, Environmental Professionals Inc. 1994-
1999
Division Environmental Officer, Division 2 NCDOT, 1999-Present
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, T&E surveys, Permitting and
Compliance, Project Review

Investigator: Ashley Abdel-Hadi
Education: B.S. Biology, University of Central Florida, 2010
M.S. Ecological Restoration, University of Florida, 2017
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, Kisinger Campo & Associates,
September 2019-Present
Ecologist/Environmental Scientist, Private Sector, August 2010-
September 2019
Responsibilities: Field review, Document review

Investigator: Megan Nicely
Education: B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida,
2015
Experience: Environmental Scientist, Kisinger Campo & Associates, May 2019-
Present
Environmental Specialist, Public Sector, August 2017-May2019
Responsibilities: Field review, Document preparation

Investigator: John McNulty
Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University
Master of Biological and Agricultural Engineering candidate, North
Carolina State University (Anticipated Completion Fall 2022)
Experience: Hydraulics Engineer, Kisinger Campo & Associates, December
2019-Present
Responsibilities: GIS mapping and analyses

Investigator: Andrea Gordon
Education: B.S. Civil Engineering, University of Alabama, 2019
Experience: Roadway Engineer, Kisinger Campo & Associates, May 2018-
Present
Responsibilities: Document preparation, NCNHP Data Explorer review