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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20071519 Ver 1_Monitoring Reports_20020320 ~,-J ~ W.A-.~:,.-., MAR ~ zooz Natural Resources Technical Report y~ d A O ~~l .`P ~F~T OF TRANSQ~~ ~~~~~ ;~- f_. ~ `~-r -I_ Proposed Replacement of Bridge No. 117 Over the North Fork New River Ashe County, North Carolina State Project N0.8.2712201 NCDOT TIP NO. B-4012 REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE NO. 117 ON SR 1118 OVER NORTH FORK NEW RIVER ASHE COUNTY TIP PROJECT NO. B-4012 STATE PROJECT N0.8.2712201 FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO. BRZ -1118(3) NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT 8-4012 PREPARED FOR: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH BY: Stantec Consulting Services Inc. 801 Jones Franklin Road, Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27606 March 12, 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 METHODOLOGY ........................:........................................................................... 1-1 1.4 QUALIFICATIONS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR ........................................... 1-2 1.5 DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................... 1-3 2.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ................................................................................................ 2-1 2.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND SOILS ............................................................................... 2-1 2.2 WATER RESOURCES ........................................................................................... 2-1 2.2.1 Water Resource Characteristics ................................................................ 2-2 2.2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources .................................................. 2-3 3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ..................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES ............................................................................ 3-1 3.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed Community .............................................................. 3-1 3.1.2 Drv Oak-Hickory Forest Community .......................................................... 3-2 3.2 AQUATIC COMMUNITIES ..............~...............................................................:...... 3-2 3.3 SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED IMPACTS TO BIOTIC COMMUNITIES ............... 3-3 3.3.1 Terrestrial Communities ............................................................................. 3-3 3.3.2 Aquatic Communities ................................................................................. 3-3 4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS ..:......................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES: JURISDICIONAL ISSUES ........................ 4-1 4.2 PERMITS ................................................................................................................ 4-3 4 2 1 Brid4e Demolition ................................................... 4-3 4.2.2 Mitigation ....................................................................................................4-4 4.3 RARE AND PROTECTED SPECIES .....................................................................4-5 4.3.1 Federally Protected Species ...................................................................... 4-5 4.3.2 Federal Species of Concern .................................................................... 4-11 4.3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts ............................................................. 4-13 5.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................5-1 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following Natural Resources Technical Report is submitted to assist in the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) document. 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project involves the replacement of Bridge No. 117 over North Fork New River on SR 1118 in Ashe County, North Carolina (Exhibit 1.1.1). 1.2 PURPOSE The purpose of this technical report is to inventory and describe the various natural resources likely to be impacted by the proposed action. Assessments of the nature and severity of probable impacts to these natural resources are provided, along with recommendations for measures that will minimize resource impacts. This report identifies areas of particular concern that may affect the selection of a preferred alignment or may necessitate changes in design criteria. Such environmental concerns should be addressed during the preliminary planning stages of the proposed project in order to maintain environmental quality in the most efficient and effective manner. The analyses contained in this document are relevant only in the context of the existing preliminary project boundaries. It may become necessary to conduct additional field investigations should design parameters and criteria change. 1.3 METHODOLOGY The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) provided aerial photography detailing the proposed project study area (Exhibit 1.1.2). Prior to the field investigation published resource information pertaining to the project study area was gathered and reviewed. The information sources used to prepare this report include: • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map (Baldwin Gap); • Soil Survey of Ashe County, North Carolina (1985); 1-1 1.5 DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this document, the following terms are used concerning the limits of natural resources investigation: • Project study area -consists of an area approximately 1,600 feet (488 meters) long and ranging from 50 to 150 feet (15 to 46 meters) wide, as shown on Exhibit 1.1.2; • Project vicinity -includes an area extending 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) on all sides of the project study area; Project region -equals an area represented by a United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5- minute quadrangle map with the project study area occupying the central position. 1-3 J~ /, ~~.; ~```~ \ ~ ~ nx t ~ ~~ r a __'_ `lj y t'. ~ v rCe ~ .. ,..~ ~\ $ut er d r ~vx hem ~~l - ~\,` _/~ ~ ~~' ~ " . , ~~~ ~ ~ yr' "~ f-~ ~~`'~~~ ~" ~, a - ~ , ~~Vv~ U~. ~: , ".. ' Potter ~~d ~ ~ , - i i ~ ~ ~ ~ ,' .~ _ , + \ ~ ~ (`~~ l,% ~';~ ,~~, MC~+~'isa ~ . l t ~ :' J + ~~~ _ ~` =~ rl ~ ~. SR 1118 Replace Brid a No.117 over North Nor River B-4012 Ashe County, North Carolina Project Vicinity Not to Scale Exhibit 1.1.1 US Geological Survey April 12, 1993 Legend Maintoined-Disturbed Community - Oak-Hickory Forest Community Aquatic - - - Project Study Area ~~~' North Carolina Department of Transportation SR 1118 Replace Brid a No.117 over North New River B-4012 Ashe County, North Carolina Project Study Area Not to Scale Exhibit 1.1.2 2.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES 2.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY AND SOILS The project lies within the Blue Ridge Mountain Physiographic Province. The topography of the project vicinity is characterized as rolling hills with moderate to steeply sloping banks along the major streams. Elevations in the project vicinity range from approximately 3,120 to 3,800 feet (951 to 1,158 meters) above mean sea level (msl). The elevation in the project study area varies from approximately 3,120 to 3,160 feet (951 to 963 meters) above msl. According to the general soil map for Ashe County (USDA, 1985), the project study area is found within the Edneyville-Ashe soil association. The soils in this association are described as moderately steep to very steep, well-drained soils that have a loamy subsoil and are found on uplands at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet (914 to 1,219 meters). Soil series found within the project study area are described below. Toxaway loam is mapped along the river; however, soil samples taken during the site visit revealed that soils underlying the site correspond more closely to the typical pedon for Colvard soils than to the typical pedon for Toxaway soils, as described in the survey. Colvard fine sandy loam is a nearly level, well-drained soil found along the major streams in the county. Permeability is moderately rapid and surface runoff is slow. The seasonal high water table is below a depth of 48 inches (122 centimeters). This soil is subject to occasional flooding for very brief periods. This mapping unit is not listed on the hydric soils list. Watauga loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, is mapped along the hillside to the north of the river. This soil is a well drained, micaceous soil found on steep side slopes bordering the drainageways. Permeability is moderate and surface runoff is very rapid; the hazard of erosion is very severe on bare and exposed areas. This mapping unit is not listed on the hydric soils list. 2.2 WATER RESOURCES The proposed project falls within the New River Basin, with a subbasin designation of 05-07-02. Waters within the project study area include the North Fork New River. 2-1 sensitive to water quality conditions. Samples are evaluated on the number of taxa present of intolerant groups [Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera (EPT)] and a taxa richness value (EPT S) is calculated. A biotic index value is also calculated for the sample that summarizes tolerance data for all species in each collection. The two rankings are given equal weight in final site classification. The biotic index and taxa richness values primarily reflect the effects of chemical pollution and are a poor measure of the effects of such physical pollutants as sediment. Stream and river reaches are assigned a final bioclassification of either Excellent, Good, Good/Fair, Fair, or Poor. According to the information obtained from the New River Basinwide Water Quality Management Plan (NCDENR, 2000), the DWQ does not have a sampling station on North Fork New River at the project study area; the closest station is located approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) downstream of the project site. The station was last sampled in August 1998 and received a rating of Excellent. 2.2.2 Anticipated Impacts to Water Resources Impacts to water resources in the project study area are likely to result from activities associated with project construction, such as clearing and grubbing on streambanks, riparian canopy removal, instream construction, fertilizers and pesticides used in revegetation, and pavement construction. The following impacts to surface water resources are likely to result from the above mentioned construction activities: • Increased sedimentation and siltation downstream of the crossing and increased erosion in the project study area; • Changes in light incidence and water clarity due to increased sedimentation and vegetation removal; • Alteration of water levels and flows due to interruptions and/or additions to surface and ground water flow from construction; • Changes in and destabilization of water temperature due to vegetation removal; • Changes in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels; • Increased nutrient loading during construction via runoff from exposed areas; • Increased concentrations of toxic compounds in roadway runoff; • Increased potential for release of toxic compounds such as fuel and oil from construction equipment and other vehicles; and 2-3 3.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES Living systems described in the following sections include communities of associated plants and animals. These descriptions refer to the dominant flora and fauna in each community and the relationship of these biotic components. Classification of plant communities is based on a system used by the NCNHP (Schafale and Weakley, 1990). If a community is modified or otherwise disturbed such that it does not fit into an NCNHP classification, it is given a name that best describes current characteristics. Scientific nomenclature and common names (when applicable) are used for the plant and animal species described. Subsequent references to the same species include the common name only. 3.1 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES The predominant terrestrial communities found in the project study area are maintained/disturbed and dry oak-hickory forest. Dominant faunal components associated with these terrestrial areas are discussed in each community description. Many species are adapted to the entire range of habitats found within the project study area but may not be mentioned separately in each community description. 3.1.1 MaintainedlDisturbed Community The maintained/disturbed community includes the road shoulders, the dirt road along the north side of the creek, and the power line right-of-way. Many plant species are adapted to these disturbed and regularly maintained areas. The dominant species within the project study area include fescue (Festuca sp.), ryegrass (Lolium sp.), white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense), Queen Anne's lace (Daucus carota), thistle (Cirsium sp.), aster (Astersp.), tickseed (Coreopsis sp.), wild onion (Allium cemuum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), blackberry (Rubus sp.), and plantain (Plantago sp.). The animal species present in these disturbed habitats are opportunistic and capable of surviving on a variety of resources, ranging from vegetation (flowers, leaves, fruits, and seeds) to both living and dead faunal components. An American Robin (Turdus migratorius) and Red-tailed Hawk (euteo jamaicensis) were observed during the site visit. Other species such as Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), Eastem mole (Scalopus aquaticus), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Eastem 3-1 3.3 SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED IMPACTS TO BIOTIC COMMUNITIES Biotic community impacts resulting from project construction are addressed separately as terrestrial impacts and aquatic impacts. Impacts to terrestrial communities, particularly in locations exhibiting slopes, can result in the aquatic community receiving heavy sediment loads as a consequence of erosion. As a result, construction impacts may not be restricted to the communities in which the construction activity occurs. 3.3.1 Terrestrial Communities The dry oak-hickory forest and the maintained/disturbed communities serve. as nesting, foraging, and shelter habitat for fauna. Removal of plants and other construction related activities would result in the displacement and mortality of faunal species in residence. Individual mortalities are likely to occur to terrestrial animals from construction machinery used during clearing activities. Project construction will result in clearing and degradation of portions of these communities. Often, project construction does not require the use,of the entire right~f-way; therefore, actual impacts may be considerably less. 3.3.2 Aquatic Communities Impacts to the aquatic community of North Fork New River will result from the replacement of Bridge No. 117. Impacts are likely to result from the physical disturbance of aquatic habitat. Activities such as the removal of trees, as well as the construction of the bridge and approach work will likely result in an increase in sediment loads and water temperatures and a decrease in dissolved oxygen. Construction activities can also increase the possibility of toxins, such as engine fluids and particulate rubber, entering the waterways. The combination of these factors can potentially cause the displacement and mortality of fish and local populations of invertebrates which inhabit these areas. Impacts to aquatic communities can be minimized by strict adherence to BMPs. 3-3 4.0 SPECIAL TOPICS 4.1 WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES: JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES Wetlands and surface waters fall under the broad category of "Waters of the United States" as defined in 33 CFR 328.3 and in accordance with provisions of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344). Waters of the United States are regulated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE). Investigation into wetland occurrence in the project study area was conducted using methods outlined in the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory, 1987). A jurisdictional wetland was located along the southwest bank of Hoskin Fork Creek. The area appears to be a small floodplain formed by overbank deposits. The area had moist to saturated soils at the time of the field investigation. Vegetation included panic grass (Panicum sp.), aster (Aster sp.), an isolated clump of soft rush (Juncus effusus), and one each magnolia (Magnolia acuminata) and river birch (Betula nigra). Soils were sandy loam with a Munsell matrix color of 10YR 2/2 in the upper eight inches. This area was delineated and is shown on Exhibit 4.1.1. A larger wetland system is located southeast of the project study area. Since this area is adjacent to the project study area, the wetland was delineated and is shown on Exhibit 4.1.1. Project construction cannot be accomplished without infringing on jurisdictional surface waters. Anticipated surface water impacts fall under the jurisdiction of the USAGE. 4-1 Sn. t ~ -~ ~;~, € x~ ~ y ~.. ~ , ~ r, ~ ~ ,.1 .';" C~ K; T~ M ~' ~ ..'r" 1a~ ~~f k ~ d ~g. ~~r a - US Geological Survey April 12, 1993 `~;`'~ North Carolina ? Department of Transportation Aquatic - Jurisdictional Wetlands 4 SR 1118 Replace Brid a No.117 over North New River B-4012 Ache County, North Carol'ma Jurisdictional Wetlands Not to Scale Exhibit 4.1.1 4.2 PERMITS In accordance with Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1344), a permit is required from the USACE for projects of this type for the discharge of dredged or fill material into "Waters of the United States". A Nationwide Permit 23 is likely to be applicable for all impacts to Waters of the United States resulting from the proposed project. This permit authorizes activities undertaken, assisted, authorized, regulated, funded or financed, in whole or part, by another federal agency or department where that agency or department has determined, pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulation for the Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act: (1) that the activity, work, or discharge is categorically excluded from environmental documentation because it is included within a category of actions which neither individually nor cumulatively have a significant effect on the environment, and (2) the office of the Chief of Engineers has been furnished notice of the agency's or department's application for ~ the categorical exclusion and concurs with that determination. A Nationwide Permit 33 will be required if an on-site temporary detour is needed during construction of Bridge No. 117. This permit authorizes temporary structures, work and discharges, including cofferdams, necessary for construction activities or access fills or dewatering of construction sites; provided the associated primary activity is authorized by the USACE or the U.S. Coast Guard, or for other construction activities not subject to the USACE or U.S. Coast Guard regulations. A 401 Water Quality Certification, administered through the DWQ, will also be required. This certification is issued for any activity that may result in a discharge into waters for which a federal permit is required. 4.2.1 Bridge Demolition The removal of the substructure may create some disturbance in the streambed. Conditions in the stream will not raise sediment concerns since the substrate contains gravel, cobbles, and sand; therefore, a turbidity curtain is not recommended. 4-3 required. Compensatory actions often include restoration, creation and enhancement of Waters of the United States. Such actions should be undertaken in areas adjacent to or contiguous with the discharge site. Compensatory mitigation is required for those projects authorized under Section 404 Nationwide Permits that result in the fill or alteration of more than 0.5 acres (0.2 hectares) of wetlands and/or 300 linear feet (91.4 meters) of streams. 4.3 RARE AND PROTECTED SPECIES Some populations of plants and animals have been or are in the process of decline due to factors such as natural forces, competition from introduced species, or human related impacts such as destruction of habitat. Rare and protected species listed for Ashe County and any likely impacts to these species as a result of the proposed project construction are discussed in the following sections. 4.3.1 Federally Protected Species Plants and animals with federal classification of Endangered (E), Threatened (T), Proposed Endangered (PE), and Proposed Threatened (PT) are protected under provisions of Section 7 and Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists seven federally protected species for Ashe County as of the March 22, 2001 listing (Table 4.3.1). A review of the NCNHP database of rare species and unique habitats shows one recorded occurrence of a federally protected species in the project vicinity. A bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergiv) was found approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers) northeast of the project study area. 4-5 network of rivulets. Bog turtles inhabit damp grassy fields, bogs, and marshes in the mountains and upper Piedmont. The bog turtle is not biologically endangered or threatened and is not subject to Section 7 consultation. Geum radiatum (Spreading avens) Rosaceae E Family: Date Listed: April 5, 1990 Spreading avens is a perennial herb topped with an indefinite cyme of large, bright, yellow flowers. Its leaves are mostly basal with large terminal lobes and small laterals, and they arise from horizontal rhizomes. Plant stems grow eight to 20 inches (20 to 51 centimeters) tall. Flowering occurs from June to September, and the fruits are produced from August to October. Spreading avens inhabits high elevation cliffs, outcrops, and steep slopes which are exposed to full sun. It is also found in thin, gravelly soils or grassy balds near summit outcrops. The adjacent spruce/fir forests [generally found above 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) in elevation] are dominated by red spruce and Fraser fir. The substrate at all the population sites is composed of various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. No habitat is located in the ~ project study area for this species; the project study area is approximately 3,100 feet (945 meters) above msl, which is well below the elevation for suitable habitat. A search of the NCNHP database showed no recorded occurrences of this species within the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the construction of the proposed project will not impact spreading avens. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT 4-7 Roan mountain bluet inhabits high elevation [4,200 to 6,300 feet (1,280 to 1,920 meters)] cliffs, outcrops, and steep slopes which are exposed to full sunlight. No habitat is located in the project study area for Roan mountain bluets the project study area is located at approximately 3,100 feet (945 meters) above msl, which is well below the elevation for suitable habitat. A search of the NCNHP database showed no recorded occurrences of this species within the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the construction of the proposed project will not impact Roan mountain bluet. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT Liatris helleri (Heller's blazing star) T Family: Asteraceae Date Listed: November 19, 1987 Heller's blazing star is a perennial herb with one or more erect or arching stems which arise from a tuft of narrow pale green basal leaves. Its stems reach up to 16 inches (41 centimeters) in height and are topped by a showy spike of lavender flowers [three to eight inches (eight to 20 centimeters) long] which are present from July through September. Fruits are present from September through October. Heller's blazing star is endemic to the northern Blue Ridge Mountains where it occurs on high elevation rocky summits. It grows in shallow, acidic soils which are exposed to full sunlight. No habitat is located in the project study area for Heller's blazing star; the project study area is located at approximately 2,640 feet (805 meters) above msl, is well below the summit, and contains no rocky outcrops. A search of the NCNHP database showed no recorded occurrences of this species within the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the construction of the proposed project will not impact Heller's blazing star. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT 4-9 Gymnoderma lineare (Rock gnome lichen) E Family: Cladoniaceae Date Listed: January 18, 1995 Rock gnome lichen is a squamulose lichen in the reindeer moss family. It occurs in dense colonies of narrow straps (squamules) that are blue-grey on the upper surface and generally shiny- white on the lower surface; near the base they grade to black. The squamules are nearly parallel to the rock surface, but the tips curl away from the rock, approaching or reaching a perpendicular orientation to the rock surface. The fruiting bodies (found from July through September) are borne at the tips of the squamules and are black. Rock gnome lichen occurs only in areas of high humidity, either at high elevations, where it is frequently bathed in fog, or in deep river gorges at lower elevations. It is primarily limited to vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above the cliff flows at, and only at, very wet times. Most populations occur above an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,524 meters). Habitat does not exist in the project study area for this species; the project study area is approximately 3,100 feet (945 meters) above msl, which is located well below the elevation for suitable habitat. A search of the NCNHP database showed no recorded occurrences of this species within the project vicinity. It can be concluded that the construction of the proposed project will not impact rock gnome lichen. BIOLOGICAL CONCLUSION: NO EFFECT 4.3.2 Federal Species of Concern Federal Species of Concem (FSC) are not legally protected under the Endangered Species Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally proposed or listed as Threatened of Endangered. FSC are defined as species that are under consideration for listing for which there is insufficient information to support listing. Some of these species are listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern by the NCNHP list of Rare Plant and Animal Species and are afforded state protection under the State Endangered 4-11 Scientific Name North Carolina Habitat (Common Name} Status Present Saxifraga caroliniana C No Carolina saxifra e Euphorbia purpurea C No Glades ur e Lilium grayi T-SC No Gra 's lil Delphinium exaltatum E-SC No Tall larks ur Cladonia psoromica C No (Bluff Mountain reindeer lichen) NOTES: C Candidate (species for which population monitoring and conservation action is recommended). E Endangered (species which are afforded protection by state laws). T Threatened (species which are afforded protection by state laws). SC Special Concern (species which are afforded protection by state laws). SR Significantly Rare (species for which population monitoring and conservation action is recommended). W Watch list (any other species believed to be rare and of conservation concern in the state but not warranting active monitoring at this time) Historic record -the species was last observed in the county more than 50 years ago (USFWS) 4.3.3 Summary of Anticipated Impacts Habitat is present in the project study area for Virginia spiraea. A search for this plant was conducted in the project study area on July 24, 2001; no specimens were found. The field survey determined that no habitat is present for any other federally protected species. Additionally, there have been no recorded occurrences of any rare or protected species within the project vicinity according to the NCNHP. Therefore, no impacts to either federal or state listed species are anticipated. 4-13 5.0 REFERENCES Amoroso, J.L. 1999. Natural Heritage Program List of Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Conant, R. 1958. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Publishing, Boston, Massachusetts. Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Prepared for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington DC. Environmental Laboratory. 1987. United States Army Corps of Engineers. Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1. United States Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Farrand, J., Jr. 1993. Audubon Society Guide to Animal Tracks of North America. Chanticleer Press, New York, New York. Hemmeriy, Thomas E. 2000. Appalachian Wildflowers. University of Georgia Press, Athens, GA. Justice, W. S. and C.R. Bell. 1968. Wild Flowers of North Carolina. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. LeGrand, Jr., H.E. and S.P. Hall. 1999. Natural Heritage Program List of Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison III. 1980. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginias. University of Chapel Hill Press, Chapel Hill, NC. Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Little, Brown and Company, Boston, Massachusetts. North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality. 2000. 5-1 APPENDIX A Wetland Data Forms DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987) COE Wetlands Delineation Manual Project/Site: B-4012 Date: 12/17/01 Applicant/Owner: County: Ashe Investigator: MPE/KFC/LEM State: NC Do Normal Circumstances exist on the site: Yes No Community ID: Is the site significantly disturbed? Yes No Transect ID: Is the area a potential Problem Area? Yes No Plot ID: VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species/Stratum/Indicator Panicum sp./herbaceous/Unk 1. 5. 2 6. 3. 7. 4. 8. Percent of Dominant Species that is OBL, FACW or FAC (excluding FAC-) RPmarkSe A few scattered Juncus effusus plants were noted. HYDROLOGY Recorded Data (Describe in Remarks): Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Aerial Photograph Other x No Recorded Data Available Field Observations Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Primary Indicators: x Inundated x Saturated in Upper 12 Inches Water Marks Drift Lines Sediment Deposit Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Depth of Surface Water 0 (in.) Secondary Indicators (2 or more required): Depth to Saturated Soil 6 (in.) Oxidized Root Channels in Upper 12 Depth to Free Water in Pit 8 (in.) Water-Stained Leaves Local Soil Survey Data , FAC-Neutral Test Other (Explain in Remarks) Remarks: Area lies on small floodplain Gravel, sand and other deposits were noted. SOILS Soil Series: Toxaway loam Drainage Class: very poorly drained Soil Taxonomy: Cumulic Humaquepts Do Field Observations Confirm Mapped Type? Yes Depth/ Matrix color Mottle Colors Mottle Texture, Inches Horizon (Munsell Moist) (Munsell Moist) Abundance/ Concretions, Contrast Structure, Etc 0-18 lOYR 4/1 Fine sandy loam Hydric soil Indicators: Histosol Concretions Histic Epipedon High Organic Content in Surface Layer Sulfidic Odor Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils Aquic Moisture Regime x Listed on Local Hydric Soils List x Reducing Conditions x Listed on National Hydric Soils List Other (Explain in remarks) Remarks: Pooled water creating reducing conditions. WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Is this Sampling Point Within Hydric Soils Present Yes No A Wetland? Yes No Remarks: Small (200 sq. ft.) shelf along stream bank. :WETLAND RATING WORKSHEET FourthVersian- Project Name: 8-4012 County: Ashe Wetland area: 0.004 acres Name of Evaluator: Michael P. Eagan Nearest road: SR 1118 Wetland width: 8 feet Date: January 14, 2002 Wetland location on pond or lake X on perennial stream on intermittent stream within interstream divide other: Adjacent land use (within'/Z mile upstream, upslope or radius) X forested/natural vegetation 20 X agriculture, urban/suburban 75 X impervious surface 5 Dominant vegetation Soil series: Predominantly organic (humus, muck, or peat) Predominantly mineral (non-sandy) 1) Panicum sp. 2) Aster sp. 3) Juncus effusus Only a few individuals of the Aster and Juncus. Flooding and wetness X Predominantly sandy Hydraulic factors X steep topography ditched or channelized total riparian wetland width > 100 ft semipermanently to permanently flooded or inundated seasonally flooded or inundated X intermittently flooded or temporary surface water no evidence of flooding or surface water Wetland type (select one) Bottomland hardwood forest Headwater forest Swamp forest Wet flat Pocosin Bog forest Pine savanna Freshwater marsh Bog/fen Ephemeral wetland Carolina Bay X Other: Stream riparian buffer • The rating system cannot be applied to salt or brachish marshes or stream channels R Water storage 0 X A Bank/Shoreline stabilization 0 X T Pollutant removal 0 X I Low flow augmentation 0 X N Wildlife habitat 1 X G Aquatic life 1 X weight 4.00 = 0 4.00 = 0 5.00 = 5 Total Score 2.00 = 0 1 4.00' = 0 4 1.00 = 1 'Add 1 point if in sensitive watershed and > 10% nonpoint disturbance within'/z mile radius APPENDIX B Photographic Record B-4012 Photo #4: North Fork New River upstream from Photo #3. Photo #3: North Fork New River facing upstream (from bridge).