20211409 Ver 1_U-6223 aquatics report_20210921

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J.ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
MAILING ADDRESS:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1598
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE:
HTTPS://CONNECT.NCDOT.GOV/RESOURCES/ENVIRON
MENTAL/PAGES/DEFAULT.ASPX
LOCATION:
CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING A
1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH NC 27610
Memorandum to:
From:
Subject:
December 4, 2020
Chad Coggins, Division 4 Environmental Officer
Matt Haney, Environmental Program Specialist,
Environmental Analysis Unit, Biological Surveys Group
Aquatic Species Survey Report for the Extension of NC 42
East to connect to SR 1563 (Little Creek Church Rd.) and
improvements of the intersection of SR 1563 and SR 1560
(Ranch Rd.) in Clayton, Johnston County. TIP # U-6223.
WBS # 48811.1.1
The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to extend NC 42 East
to connect to SR 1563 (Little Creek Church Rd.) and improve the intersection of SR 1563
and SR 1560 (Ranch Rd.) in Clayton, Johnston County. The project crosses unnamed
tributaries (UT) to Little Creek. These waterbodies are in the Neuse River Basin (United
States Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC] 03020201) and flow
approximately 1.8 river miles (RM) from the project location to their confluence with
Little Creek. As of November 10, 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) webpage listed Dwarf Wedgemussel
(Alasmidonta heterodon) as an Endangered species, Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata) as
a Threatened species, Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi) and Atlantic Pigtoe
(Fusconaia masoni) as Proposed Threatened species, and Carolina Madtom (Noturus
furiosus) as a Proposed Endangered species (under the Endangered Species Act [ESA])
that potentially occur at the project location. The IPaC webpage indicated that the project
location does not overlap with Critical Habitat for any of the above species.
Dwarf Wedgemussels are found in large rivers and small streams, often burrowed
into clay banks among the root systems of trees. They may also be found associated with
mixed substrates of cobble, gravel, and sand. Occasionally they may be found in very soft
silt substrates. Stream banks are stable with an extensive root system holding soils in
place. The associated landscape is largely wooded, especially near streams. Trees near the
stream are relatively mature and tend to form a closed canopy over smaller streams,
creeks, and headwater river habitats. Water quality is good to excellent.
The Yellow Lance is a sand-loving species often found buried deep in clean,
coarse to medium sand and sometimes migrating shifting sands, although it has also been
found in gravel substrates. Yellow Lances are often found in sand at the downstream end
of stable sand/gravel bars, and sometimes near the water’s edge within inches of exposed
substrate. The species is dependent on clean (i.e., not polluted), moderate flowing water
with high dissolved oxygen content in riverine or larger creek environments.
The Neuse River Waterdog is a fully aquatic salamander that is endemic to the
Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins in North Carolina. They inhabit small to large
flowing waterways and typically seek cover in leafy debris or under logs and rocks. The
Neuse River Waterdog typically forages at night and are most active when water
temperatures drop below 18℃. They are known to forage on crayfish, snails, worms,
spiders, and small fish.
The Atlantic Pigtoe has been found in multiple physiographic provinces, from the
foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, through the Piedmont and into the Coastal Plain,
in streams less than one meter wide to large rivers. The preferred habitat is a substrate
composed of gravel and coarse sand, usually at the base of riffles, however, it can be
found in a variety of other substrates and lotic habitat conditions.
The Carolina Madtom is typically associated with sand, gravel, cobble, and
detritus substrates in medium to large waterways with moderate flow. These areas often
contain abundant cover (e.g., cobble, boulder, woody debris, mussel shells, and beverage
containers), which may be used as cover or protection from predators (e.g., Flathead
Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris)). During daylight hours, the Carolina Madtom can be found
under or within cover materials.
Little Creek is on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(NCDEQ)-Division of Water Resources 2018 303(d) list of impaired streams (fair
bioclassification for benthos). The closest NPDES facility to the project is Little Creek
WWTP (Permit # NC0025453), which is located approximately 4.2 RM away from the
project along Little Creek.
A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database was conducted (November
10, 2020) to determine if there were any records of rare aquatic species within the
proposed project study area or receiving waters. Table 1 denotes the closest Element
Occurrence records to the project.
Table 1. Element Occurrence Records
Species Distance from
Project (RM)
Waterbody Last Observed
Dwarf
Wedgemussel
2 Little Creek 2018
Yellow Lance 5.5 Swift Creek 2002
Neuse River
Waterdog
3.9 Little Creek 2020
Atlantic Pigtoe 3.3 Little Creek 2020
Carolina Madtom 8.5 Swift Creek 1985
A habitat assessment was conducted on September 23, 2020 by NCDOT biologists
Jared Gray (Permit No. 20-ES00314) and Matt Haney, along with Dewberry biologist
Anne Burroughs. Two UT’s (denoted as SA and SB in the NRTR) were assessed. The
UT’s ranged in size from 2-5 feet wide and 0.25-1 foot deep. The substrate consisted of

sand, pebble, silt, and gravel. Land use adjacent to the stream consisted of residential,
forest and utility easement. There were signs of streambank erosion. No live mussels,
mussel shells or salamanders were observed in these UT’s. These waterbodies did not
provide suitable habitat for the target species.

Due to the size of the streams, this project being located too high in the watershed,
and the results of the habitat assessment, this project will have no effect on these species.

Biological Conclusion for Dwarf Wedgemussel and Yellow Lance: No Effect

While the following species are not currently federally protected and a biological
conclusion is not necessary at the time of the writing of this report, if these species were to
receive federal protection, the appropriate biological conclusion is as follows:

Biological Conclusion for Neuse River Waterdog, Atlantic Pigtoe and Carolina
Madtom: No Effect

120-604
June 2020 FigureEast NC 42 Extension to SR 1563
(Little Creek Church Rd) &
SR1563/SR 1560 (Ranch Rd)
Intersection Improvements
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NC Center for Geogr aphic Information & Analysis
Prepared For:Date:
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