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Home My WebLink About20211251 Ver 1_survey report Collinstown Road_20210819 Aquatic Species Survey Report Structure Replacement on SR 1432 (Collinstown Road) Over an Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River Stokes County,North Carolina WBS Element#DF171092085013 Prepared For: • NC Department of Transportation Raleigh, North Carolina Contact Person: Jared Gray Biological Surveys Group North Carolina Department of Transportation j grayAncdot.gov 1598 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1598 July 21, 2021 Prepared by: RK%, 8601 Six Forks Road,Forum 1 Suite 700 Raleigh, NC 27615 Contact Person: Neil Medlin Manager, Natural Resources nmedlin@rkk.com 919-878-9560 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Waters Affected 1 2.1 NPDES Dischargers 1 2.2 303(d) Classification 1 3.0 Target Species Descriptions 1 3.1 James Spinymussel (Parvaspina collina) 2 3.1.1 Characteristics 2 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements 2 3.2 Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) 2 3.2.1 Characteristics 2 3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements 3 4.0 Survey Efforts 3 4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Survey: Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River 3 4.2 Methodology 3 4.2.1 Mussel Survey 3 4.2.2 Fish Survey 4 5.0 Results 4 5.1 Mussel Survey 4 5.2 Fish Survey 4 6.0 Critical Habitat 4 7.0 Discussion/Conclusions 5 8.0 References 6 Appendix A. Figures: Figure 1: Project Vicinity and Survey Location Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams 1.0 Introduction The North Carolina Department of Transportation(NCDOT)proposes the replacement of a structure on SR 1432 (Collinstown Road) over an Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River in Stokes County(Appendix A,Figure 1). The project is within the Roanoke River Basin. As of June 1, 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS)Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC)webpage listed James Spinymussel (Parvaspina collina) as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act(ESA)that potentially occurs at the project location. The Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)was also formerly listed by the USFWS Raleigh Office webpage as a protected species under the ESA for Stokes County. The IPaC webpage indicated that there are no critical habitats that overlap with the project location. A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program(NCNHP)records,last accessed on June 3,2021, indicated that an element occurrence(EO) exists for target species within a 5-mile buffer of the project location(Table 1; Figure 2). Table 1. NC Natural Heritage Program Element Occurrence records and approximate distance from the project location (i.e., river miles (RM)). Species LO1D EO Waterway First Last RNI Status Observation Observation James Spinymussel 17365 Current Dan River October 2000 September 2 1 2019 Roanoke Logperch 26357 Current Dan River July 2008 October 2019 >25 As part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of potential project related impacts to federally protected species, RK&K was contracted by NCDOT to conduct aquatic surveys for James Spinymussel and Roanoke Logperch. 2.0 Waters Affected The stream potentially affected by the project is an Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River within the Roanoke River Basin HUC#03010103. From the project location,the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River flows approximately 2.1 stream miles to its confluence with the Dan River. 2.1 NPDES Dischargers There are no NPDES permitted dischargers in locations that could directly affect the project area within the 5-mile project area buffer(Figure 3). 2.2 303(d) Classification Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River is not on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality(NCDEQ)-Division of Water Resources 2018 303(d) list of impaired streams (Figure 3). However,the Dan River upstream and downstream of the confluence with the Unnamed Tributary is on the list due to high turbidity levels. Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 1 3.0 Target Species Description 3.1 James Spinymussel(Parvaspina collina) 3.1.1 Characteristics The James Spinymussel(Parvaspina collina(Conrad 1837)) is a small freshwater mussel that rarely exceeds 76 mm in length. Young specimens have a shiny yellow periostracum and mature individuals typically have a dark brown periostracum that exhibit pronounced growth rings. Juveniles may have three or more spines on each valve;however, spines are typically absent or reduced to bumps as the species matures. The shell is subrhomboidal in shape for juveniles,but the shell becomes more ovate as the mussel grows. The left valve has two thick pseudocardinal and two thin lateral teeth where the right valve contains one of each. Shells have a thicker anterior end and thin towards the posterior. The foot and mantle tissue are orange and the nacre is whitish to salmon colored. Maximum age for the James Spinymussel is suspected to be greater than 19 years and it is a short-term brooding (tachytictic) species. Specifically,the species becomes gravid and releases glochidia multiple times between May and August. Host fish species include Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum),Mountain Redbelly Dace(Chrosomus oreas),Rosyside Dace (Clinostomus funduloides), Satinfin Shiner(Cyprinella analostana),Rosefin Shiner(Lythrurus ardens), Bluehead Chub(Nocomis leptocephalus), and Blacknose dace(Rhinichthys atratulus). 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements The James Spinymussel was once found throughout the main stem of the James River and all of its major tributaries upstream of Richmond, VA. The species has experienced a precipitous decline over the past two decades and now exists only in small,headwater tributaries of the upper James River Basin in Virginia and West Virginia and the upper Roanoke River drainage of Virginia and North Carolina. Within the Craig Creek watershed in Virginia, sites include Craig Creek, Johns Creek, Dicks Creek, and Patterson Creek in Craig and Botetourt counties. The other sites within West Virginia and Virginia include Potts Creek in Monroe County, WV and Craig and Alleghany counties,VA,Pedlar River in Amherst County,VA, Mechums River in Albemarle County,VA,Moormans River in Albemarle County,VA,Rocky Run(Moormans River)in Albemarle County,VA, and Catawba Creek in Botetourt County,VA. Within the Dan River watershed in North Carolina, sites include the Dan River,Big Creek, and Mills Creek in Stokes County,Dan River and Mayo River in Rockingham County, and Country Line Creek in Caswell County. The James Spinymussel is found in waters with slow to moderate current and relatively hard water on sand and mixed sand-gravel substrates that are free from silt. Current stream width at these sites varies from 3 to 23 meters with a water depth of 0.15 to 1 meter. Historic sites on the James River were much wider,up to 50 meters across. Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 2 3.2 Roanoke Logperch (Percina Rex) 3.2.1 Characteristics The Roanoke Logperch(Percina rex(Jordan and Evermann 1889))is a large darter (approximately 165 nun long)with vertically elongate lateral blotches(8-11),dark vermiculations interspersed between dorsal saddles, and an elongate,piglike snout. Most fins are strongly speckled, and the first dorsal fin contains an orange band that tends to be vivid in males. The Roanoke Logperch is a benthic insectivore and forages primarily on aquatic macroinvertebrates that it dislodges from gravel by turning over the substrate with their piglike snout. Maximum age for the Roanoke Logperch is suspected to be approximately 6 years. Sexually mature individuals(2-3 years old)typically spawn during April through May in deep runs containing gravel substrate. As with other darter species, downstream larval drift and juvenile movement represents an essential dispersal and recolonization mechanism for Roanoke Logperch. 3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements Within North Carolina,the Roanoke Logperch is found in the Roanoke River Basin: Rockingham County(Big Beaver Island Creek, Cascade Creek,Dan River,Mayo River, Smith River, and Wolf Island Creek) and potentially portions of the Dan River and tributaries within Stokes, Caswell, and Forsyth Counties. Adult Roanoke Logperch typically inhabit large to medium sized waterways and occupy riffle, run, and pool habitats that contain sand, gravel, or boulder substrate. In contrast,juveniles often swim in mixed-species schools that occupy shallow,margin habitats underlain by sand and gravel substrate. 4.0 Survey Efforts James Spinymussel and Roanoke Logperch surveys were conducted by RK&K personnel Tyler Black(Permit#21-ES00554),Neil Medlin(Permit#21-ES00030),Anne Burroughs (Dewberry Engineering), and Matt Haney(NCDOT)on June 3,2021. 4.1 Stream Conditions at Time of Assessment: Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River At the survey location, the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River was a shallow, clear stream with a riffle,run, and pool flow regime. Wetted width was approximately 1-4 meters and depth ranged from 0.25-1.25 meters but averaged approximately 0.5 meters. The substrate was a mix of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and cobble. The dominant benthic substrate was sand,and clay was the subdominant substrate. The bank height was approximately 1.0-2.0 meters and banks were unstable. Evidence of beaver activity was not observed at the time of the survey. A narrow, forested and grass buffer was present along the survey location. Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 3 4.2 Methodology 4.2.1 Mussel Survey A mussel survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the road crossing to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500 meters. Visual surveys were conducted due to the lack of relic shell material. 4.2.2 Fish Survey A fish survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the road crossing to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500 meters. The survey was conducted using a Smith-Root Model LR-24 backpack electrofishing unit and dip nets. The stream was sampled with one biologist operating the electrofishing unit while the other biologists collected the stunned fish with dip nets. All stunned fish were collected and temporarily placed in a 5-gallon bucket containing freshwater. All fish were identified and released onsite. 5.0 Results 5.1 Mussel Survey Visual surveys were conducted in conjunction with fish surveys. Evidence of native bivalves or any mollusk was not observed within the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River. No James Spinymussel individuals were observed during the survey. 5.2 Fish Survey Seven fish species were identified during the survey of Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River with a total of 501 individuals observed(Table 2). No Roanoke Logperch individuals were observed during the survey. A total of 2,109 electrofishing seconds were utilized during the survey. Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 4 Table 2. Fishes in the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River, June 2, 2021. Scientific Name Common Name No. Individuals Chrosomus oreas Mountain Redbelly Dace 11 Clinostomus funduloides Rosyside Dace 182 Etheostoma flabellare Fantail Darter 73 Hypentelium roanokense Roanoke Hogsucker 2 Nocomis leptocephalus Bluehead Chub 54 Notropis chiliticus Redlip Shiner 170 Semotilus atromaculatus Creek Chub 9 Total Number of Individuals 501 Total Number of Species 7 Electrofishing Seconds 2,109 6.0 Critical Habitat The project is not located within Critical Habitat for James Spinymussel or Roanoke Logperch. 7.0 Discussion/Conclusions At the project location, the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River is a small stream with unstable banks and substantial sand and silt depositional areas. The watershed upstream of the survey location is rural with agricultural production and a forested buffer along the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River. The survey results indicate that the survey location contains potential habitat for all target species. Although no James Spinymussel individuals were detected during the survey, given the presence of degraded habitat, the short distance to known James Spinymussel populations and/or historic NCNHP EOs (i.e., < 2.2 river miles), and mobility of host fish species, completion of this project may affect James Spinymussel. No Roanoke Logperch individuals were detected during the survey. Due to the degraded habitat within the Unnamed Tributary to the Dan River and that the nearest known population and/or historic NCNHP EOs is >25 river miles, completion of the project should not affect Roanoke Logperch. Recommended Biological Conclusion for James Spinymussel: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Recommended Biological Conclusion for Roanoke Logperch: May Affect,Not Likely to Adversely Affect The federal action agency, or its nonfederal designee (NCDOT),must render a biological conclusion for each species. Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013, Stokes County July 2021 Page 5 8.0 References Hove and Neves. 1994. Life history of the endangered James Spinymussel,Pleurobema collina, (Conrad, 1837) (Mollusca: Unionidae). American Malacological Bulletin. 11(1): 29-40. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality -Division of Water Resources. 2018 North Carolina 303(d) List. Available: https://files.nc.gov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Planning/TMDL/303 d/2018/2018-NC-303- d--List-Final.pdf. (May 2021). North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. 2021. NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permits. Available: https://data-ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/npdes-wastewater- discharge-permits?geometry=-87.493%2C33.635%2C-72.200%2C36.776. (May 2021). North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. 2021. nheo-2021-05. Natural Heritage Element Occurrence polygon shapefile. (May 2021). North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2021. Unpublished Aquatics Database. (March 2021). North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2021. Roanoke Logperch Species Profile. http://www.ncwildli fe.org/Learning/S pecies/Fish/Roanoke-Logperch#2521717-overview. (June 2021). Roberts, J. H., P. L. Angermeier, E. M. Hallerman. 2014. Extensive dispersal of Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) inferred from genetic marker data. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 25:1-16. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1990. James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina)Recovery Plan. Newton Corner, MA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) Recovery Plan. Newton Corner, MA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2003. James Spinymussel fact sheet. Gloucester, VA. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex) Species Profile. Available: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/pdf/RoanokeLogperch.pdf. (June 2021) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2019. James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) Species Profile, Environmental Online System (ECOS). Available: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp0/profile/speciesProfile?s1d=2212. (March 2019). Aquatic Species Survey Report; DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 6 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2021. Information for Planning and Consultation(IPaC). Available: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/. (June 2021). Aquatic Species Survey Report;DF17109.2085013,Stokes County July 2021 Page 7 Appendix A Figures r .-I i .--. :.. - • . i 1 Y a iy` r `' F i I ' J USGS 7.5 Minute Quadrangle,Stuart SE,NC live •' ! , '41 ... ,-, f' t .. Ait ' Ni, 4 l l/ SR 1� 3? CaI nsto'� n Rd) / ._ , of , t4011114 r i=ig Legend Survey Location ' Prepared By: Prepared For: Aquatics Species Survey D`"` July 2021 o~�NonrH='t, STRUCTURE REPLACEMENT Scala 0 100 200 Feet Figure RKX on COLLINGSTOWN RD. I OVER UT DAN RIVER lob No. OF17109.2085013 DF17109.2085013 a` Drawn by. Checked by: ''=""" STOKES COUNTY GSM KNM 4 . • , .. .i. 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