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Home My WebLink About20211101 Ver 1_Pre-Filing Meeting Request Attachment_20210707 (3) NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT DRAFT Replacement of Bridge No. 150057 on SR 1391 (Ball Farm Rd.) over Harlowe Canal Carteret County, North Carolina STIP No. BP2.R005.1 WBS Element No. BP.2.R005.1 THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Environmental Coordination and Permitting June 2021 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 ............................................................................. 8 4.3 Essential Fish Habitat ......................................................................................................... 8 5.0 Water Resources .........................................................................................................9 6.0 Regulatory Considerations .......................................................................................10 6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. ............................................................................... 10 6.2 Construction Moratoria ................................................................................................... 10 6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ......................................................................................... 10 6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................. 11 7.0 References ..................................................................................................................12 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 Carteret County .......................2 Table 3. Managed Fish Species Reported to Occur in the Study Area ........................9 Table 4. Potential Streams in the Study Area ................................................................9 Table 5. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Streams in the Study Area ......10 Table 6. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Wetlands in the Study Area ....10 Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 1 June 2021 1.0 Introduction The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 150057 on State Road (SR) 1391 (Ball Farm Road) over Harlowe Creek (STIP No. BP.2.R005.1) in Carteret 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 jurisdictional 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 Pine (Pinus spp.) Hickory (Carya spp.) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 5.7 Basic Mesic Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) Privet (Ligustrum spp.) American elm (Ulmus americana) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 1.3 Salt/Brackish Marsh Unidentified grass <0.01 Total 7.0 Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 2 June 2021 4.0 Protected Species 4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species As of October 8, 2020, the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists 16 federally protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), for Carteret County (Table 2). 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 Carteret County Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Habitat Present Biological Conclusion Alligator mississippiensis American alligator T(S/A) Yes Not Required Laterallus jamaicensis Black rail T No No Effect Chelonia myadas Green sea turtle T No No Effect Eretmochelys imbricata* Hawksbill (carey) sea turtle E No No Effect Lepidochelys kempii Kemp’s (Atlantic) ridley sea turtle E No No Effect Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback sea turtle E No No Effect Caretta caretta Loggerhead sea turtle T No No Effect Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect1 Charadrius melodus Piping plover T No No Effect Picoides borealis Red-cockaded woodpecker E No No Effect Calidris canutus rufa Rufa red knot T No No Effect Sterna dougallii dougallii Roseate tern T No No Effect Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose sturgeon E Yes May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Trichechus manatus West Indian manatee E Yes May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Lysimachia asperulaefolia Rough-leaved loosestrife E No No Effect Amaranthus pumilus Seabeach amaranth 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) 1 - Project is covered under the NCDOT Program Effects on the Northern Long -eared Bat in Division 1-8 Programmatic Biological Opinion (USFWS 2020) Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 3 June 2021 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 Harlowe Canal 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. Black rail USFWS Recommended Survey Window: April - June Biological Conclusion: No Effect The black rail is typically found in saltwater and brackish marshes with dense cover but can also be found in adjacent upland areas. Though the project contains a small saltwater and brackish marsh area, this wetland is not of sufficient size and is too sparsely vegetated to adequately support the life history and ecology of the black rail. 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. Green sea turtle USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: April - August Biological Conclusion: No Effect Green sea turtles inhabit temperate and tropical oceans and can be found in lagoons, reefs, bays, mangrove swamps, and inlets where marine grasses are present for foraging. Green sea turtles are not known to nest in North Carolina. The subject project does not contain preferred habitat for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 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.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 4 June 2021 Hawksbill sea turtle USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: April - August Biological Conclusion: No Effect Hawksbill sea turtles inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans and can be found in coral reefs, rocky outcrops, shoals, mangrove bays, estuaries, and offshore on floating mats of seaweed. They have been documented as far north as Massachusetts but rarely are documented north of Florida. Hawksbill sea turtles are not known to nest in North Carolina. The subject project does not contain preferred habitat for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Kemp’s ridley sea turtle USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: April - August Biological Conclusion: No Effect Kemp’s ridley sea turtles prefer neritic areas of the ocean with sandy or muddy bottoms. While infrequent, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests haven been confirmed in North Carolina and sightings for this species exist for most coastal counties. This species prefers beach sections with a well-defined dune area, that back up to swamps or other large bodies of open water. The subject project does not contain preferred habitat or potential nesting areas for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Leatherback sea turtle USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: April - August Biological Conclusion: No Effect Leatherback sea turtles inhabit tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. They are typically found offshore in the open ocean; however, in northern waters they have been documented in bays, estuaries and other inland bodies of water. While infrequent, leatherback sea turtle nests have been confirmed in North Carolina. They typically nest on sandy beaches backed with vegetation in proximity to relatively deep waters. The subject project does not contain preferred habitat or potential nesting areas for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 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.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 5 June 2021 Loggerhead sea turtle USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: April - August Biological Conclusion: No Effect Loggerhead sea turtles inhabit the open ocean and can be found offshore in deepwater areas or nearshore in neritic area such as bays, lagoons, salt marshes, creeks, ship channels, and the mouth of large rivers. Loggerhead sea turtles are known to occasionally nest on the sandy beaches of the North Carolina coast. The subject project does not contain preferred habitat or potential nesting areas for the species. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Northern long-eared bat USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 – August 15 Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect The USFWS has developed a Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USACE, and NCDOT for the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) in eastern North Carolina (USFWS 2020). The PBO covers the entire NCDOT program in Divisions 1-8, including all NCDOT projects and activities. The programmatic determination for NLEB for the NCDOT program is May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect. The PBO provides incidental take coverage for NLEB and will ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years for all NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in Divisions 1-8, which includes Carteret County, where this project is located. This level of incidental take is authorized from the effective date of a final listing determination through December 31, 2030. Piping plover USFWS optimal survey window: year round Biological Conclusion: No Effect Piping plovers breed and winter in North Carolina. Suitable breeding and wintering habitat includes unvegetated coastal sandy beaches and sand and/or mudflats with little to no emergent vegetation. Suitable nesting (coastal sandy beach) or breeding habitat for the piping plover does not exist in the study area. The project study area is predominantly comprised of maintained/disturbed habitat or coastal plain mesic forested areas. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 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.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 6 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; 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 the RCW within 1.0 mile of the study area. Rufa Red knot USFWS optimal survey window: Year Round Biological Conclusion: No Effect Red knots are known to winter in North Carolina and to stop over during migration. Red knots are typically found along sandy, ravel, or cobble beaches, tidal mudflats, salt marshes, shallow coastal impoundments and lagoons, and peat banks. Suitable habitat for the red knot does not exist in the study area. The project study area is predominantly comprised of maintained/disturbed habitat or coastal plain mesic forested areas. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. Roseate tern USFWS optimal survey window: June – August Biological Conclusion: No Effect In North Carolina, the roseate tern is most commonly found on barrier islands as it travels through the area to and from breeding grounds. Suitable habitat for the roseate tern does not exist in the study area. The project study area is predominantly comprised of maintained/disturbed habitat or coastal plain mesic forested areas. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 North Carolina Natural 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.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 7 June 2021 Shortnose sturgeon USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: Survey not required; assume presence in appropriate waters Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Shortnose sturgeon prefer near shore marine, estuarine, and riverine habitat of large river systems. It is an anadromomous species that migrates to faster moving freshwater areas to spawn in the spring. The subject project provides potential habitat for the shortnose sturgeon; however, impacts will be minimal and limited to the installation of rip-rap, piling removal and piling installation. Additionally, a review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. West Indian manatee USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect West Indian manatees are found in canals, sluggish rivers, estuarine habitats, salt water bays, and off shore up to 3.7 miles out. They utilize freshwater and marine habitats with depths ranging from 5 feet to 20 feet. Additionally, they require a source of freshwater and aquatic vegetation. The subject project offers suitable habitat for the West Indian manatee within the canal. In-water work is limited to the installation of rip-rap, piling removal and piling installation. The proposed project will not impact the existing behavior or movement of manatees utilizing the canal. Additionally, a review of the May 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the study area. The NCDOT will follow the USFWS Guidelines for Avoiding Impacts to the West Indian Manatee, Precautionary Measures for Construction Activities in North Carolina Waters. Rough-leaved loosestrife USFWS Recommended Survey Window: mid May – June Biological Conclusion: No Effect Rough-leaved loosestrife generally occurs in the ecotones between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins in dense shrub and vine growth on moist to seasonally saturated sands and on shallow organic soils overlying sand. This species has been documented in disturbed habitats such as roadside depressions, utility right-of-way, firebreaks, and trails. No preferred habitat for the species was identified within the study area. A review of the March 2021 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.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 8 June 2021 Seabeach Amaranth USFWS Recommended Survey Window: July – October Biological Conclusion: No Effect Seabeach amaranth occurs on barrier island beaches where its primary habitat consists of overwash flats at accreting ends of islands, lower foredunes, and upper strands of noneroding beaches (landward of the wrack line). No preferred habitat for the species was identified within the study area. A review of the March 2021 NCNHP database identified no known occurrences of this species 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 2, 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 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 The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has identified Harlowe Creek/Harlowe Canal as an Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). The NMFS online EFH mapper was used to determine which species has designated EFH within the study area. According to the NMFS EFH online mapper, there are three species that have mapped EFH within the study area and six species that have the potential to occur where EFH spatial data does not exist. For these six species, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) descriptions of EFH by life stage was used to determine if their EFH is present in the study area (SAFMC 2016). Based on the NMFS EFH mapper and SAMFC EFH descriptions, it was determined that the study area contains EFH for the various life cycle stages of six species. Table 3 lists the fish species that may occur in the study area that are managed by the NMFS, including the life stages which are reported to occur. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 9 June 2021 Table 3. Managed Fish Species Reported to Occur in the Study Area Species Life Stage Bluefish Juvenile Atlantic butterfish Adult Summer flounder Larva, Juvenile, Adult White shrimp Larva (post), Juvenile Brown shrimp Larva (post), Juvenile Pink shrimp Larva (post), Juvenile Permanent impacts resulting from the proposed bridge replacement over Harlowe Canal will be limited to approximately 100 square feet from rip-rap and pile placement. Additionally, EFH may be temporarily impacted during removal of the existing pilings and from increased turbidity during construction operations. The NCDOT will install turbidity barriers around all in-water operations to reduce potential turbidity impacts. Due to the relatively minor impacts to EFH within its local surroundings, the proposed project will not have significant permanent impacts on EFH. As a result, it is anticipated that no managed species or life cycle stages of managed species will be significantly impacted. 5.0 Water Resources The study area is part of the White Oak River Basin (U.S. Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrologic Unit [HUC] 03020301). One potential stream was identified in the study area (Table 4). The location of this stream is shown on Figures 3 and 4. Table 4. Potential Streams in the Study Area Stream Name Map ID NCDWR Index Number Best Usage Classification Bank Height (ft.) Bankfull width (ft.) Depth (in.) Harlowe Creek Harlowe Canal 21-22-1 SA; HQW 2 70 66 The Harlowe Creek is channelized into a canal north of SR 101. Harlowe Canal is classified as Shellfish Waters (SA) and High Quality Waters (HQW). There are no Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) 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, the North Carolina Department 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. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 10 June 2021 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 5). The location of this stream is shown on Figures 3 and 4. Table 5. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Streams in the Study Area Map ID Length (ft.) Area (ac.) Classification Compensatory Mitigation Required River Basin Buffer Harlowe Canal 403 0.5 Perennial No Not Subject One potential jurisdictional wetland was identified and delineated along the bank of Harlowe Canal within the study area (Table 5). Delineations were performed by the NCDOT Division 2 Environmental Officer. The location of the wetland is shown on Figures 3 and 4. Table 6. Characteristics of Potential Jurisdictional Wetlands in the Study Area Map ID NCWAM Classification Hydrologic Classification Area (ac.) WA Salt/Brackish Marsh Riparian <0.01 6.2 Construction Moratoria The NCDEQ identified streams in the study area as an important marine fishery area (saltwater shell fishing) during the January 21, 2021 Field Scoping Meeting. Additionally, waters downstream of the project area are primary nursery areas. Therefore, a mandatory no ground disturbing activities construction moratorium is required from April 1 to September 30. 6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules This project is located in the White Oak River Basin (USGS HUC 03020301). Potential jurisdictional features at the project site are therefore not subject to streamside riparian zones protected under provisions administered by the NCDEQ. Within the study area, outside of the project limits, a portion of Harlowe Canal is located in the Neuse River Basin (USGS HUC 03020406); however, as discussed at the Field Scoping Meeting, the design will consider only the buffer requirements of the White Oak River Basin (not subject). Table 4 lists which potential streams are subject to these rules within the project area. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 11 June 2021 6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters The USACE has designated Harlowe Canal (Creek) as Navigable Waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 12 June 2021 7.0 References National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Essential Fish Habitat Mapper https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/. (Accessed: June 1, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) species profile https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/green- turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawksbill-turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/kemps-ridley-turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/leatherback-turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/loggerhead-turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/shortnose-sturgeon. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: May 1, 2021). North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). 2018. Anadromous Fish Spawning Area Maps. http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/afsa-maps. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 12 June 2021 7.0 References National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Essential Fish Habitat Mapper https://www.habitat.noaa.gov/protection/efh/efhmapper/. (Accessed: June 1, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) species profile https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/green- turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/hawksbill-turtle . (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/kemps-ridley-turtle . (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/leatherback-turtle. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/loggerhead-turtle . (Accessed: January 26, 2021). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) species profile. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/shortnose-sturgeon . (Accessed: January 26, 2021). NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: May 1, 2021). North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). 2018. Anadromous Fish Spawning Area Maps. http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/afsa-maps. Natural Resources Technical Report-DRAFT STIP No. BP2.R005.1, Carteret County, N.C. 14 June 2021 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Programmatic Biological Opinion for NCDOT Program Effects on the Northern Long-eared Bat in Divisions 1-8. https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Environmental/EAU/BSG/ Documents/NLEB%20Programmatic/PBO%20for%20NLEB%20in%20Divisions %201-8%2020210101.pdf. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) species profile. http://www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/rcw.html. (Accessed: January 25, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Roseate tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii). https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/pdfs/FS_Roseate%20tern.pdf. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Rough leaf loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia). https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_rough- leaf_loosestrife.html. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Seabeach amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus). https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_seabeach_amaranth.html. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Tar River spinymussel. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_tar_spinymussel.html. (Accessed: April 1, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. Threatened and Endangered Species in North Carolina: Carteret County. Updated October 8, 2020. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/carteret.html United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2020. West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_manatee.html. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2021. Rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa). https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot. (Accessed: January 26, 2021). Appendix A Figures Pitt County Beaufort County Har lo we Canal S R -1 3 9 1 NC-101µ300 0 300150 Feet Legend Study Area County Boundaries Replacement of Bridge No. 150057 on SR 1391 (Ball Farm Rd.) over Harlowe Canal BP2.R005.1 Carteret County, North Carolina Project Location Map Figure 1 µ500 0 500250 Feet Replacement of Bridge No. 150057 on SR 1391 (Ball Farm Rd.) over Harlowe Canal BP2.R005.1 Carteret County, North Carolina Topographic Map Figure 2 Legend Study Area S R -1 3 9 1 NC-101µ300 0 300150 Feet Replacement of Bridge No. 150057 on SR 1391 (Ball Farm Rd.) over Harlowe Canal BP2.R005.1 Carteret County, North Carolina Terrestrial Communities Map Figure 3Har l owe Canal Legend Study Area Potential Wetland WOTUS Potential Non-Wetland WOTUS (Perennial Stream) Basic Mesic Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) Salt/Brackish Marsh Maintained\Disturbed S R -1 3 9 1 NC-101µ300 0 300150 FeetLegend Study Area Potential Wetland WOTUS Potential Non-Wetland WOTUS (Perennial Stream) Replacement of Bridge No. 150057 on SR 1391 (Ball Farm Rd.) over Harlowe Canal BP2.R005.1 Carteret County, North Carolina Jurisdictional Features Map Figure 4Har l owe Canal 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