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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221768 Ver 1_Attachment C - PETS Report_20221214CAROLINA WETLAND SERVICES, INC. 550 E. Westinghouse Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273 704-527-1177 (office) 704-527-1133 (fax) November 10, 2022 Rebecca Hutchinson Merrick & Company 301 S. McDowell St., Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28204 Subject: Dear Ms. Hutchinson, Protected Species Assessment Report Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Morganton, North Carolina CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Merrick & Company has contracted Carolina Wetland Services, Inc. (CWS) to provide a protected species habitat assessment and targeted survey for the Bost Rd Sewer Improvements project. The Bost Rd Sewer Improvements is an approximately 50-100-foot wide sewerline corridor that begins at the N. Green Street and St. Marys Church Road intersection and runs east/northeast to the Catawba Meadows Drive and Sanford Drive intersection in Burke County, North Carolina (Figure 1, attached). Methods In -office Desktop Review To determine which protected species are listed as occurring or potentially occurring within the project vicinity and prior to conducting the on -site field investigation, CWS consulted the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Concern by County for North Carolina online database for Burke County'. In addition, CWS performed a data review using the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) Data Explorer2 and Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC) database3 on November 7, 2022 to determine if any record occurrences of federally -listed, candidate endangered, threatened species, or critical habitat are located within the project limits. Typical habitat requirements for listed species was discerned from multiple USFWS4 and NCNHP5 online resources including, but not limited to, specific USFWS species profiles, recovery plans, NCNHP's Guide to Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species of United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Field Office. Accessed November 7, 2022. Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Concern by County for North Carolina. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/mecklenburg.html 2 North Carolina Natural Heritage Data Explorer. Accessed November 7, 2022. https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/ 3 Information for Planning and Consultation (IPAC). https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ 4 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina's Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/fact-sheet/north-caroling-optimal-survey-windows-for-at-risk-and-listed-plants.pdf Accessed November 7, 2022. 5 Buchanan, M.F. and J.T. Finnegan. 2010. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. NC Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC. Accessed from https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc_counties.html NORTH CAROLINA - SOUTH CAROLINA WWW.CWS-INC.NET Page 1 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 North Carolina, and List of the Rare Plant Species of North Carolina. United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Web Soil Survey of Burke County6 and aerial imagery were also reviewed for potential habitat of listed species within the project vicinity (Figures 2 and 3). Field Survey CWS scientists Megan Bollero, WPIT7, Amie Hoy, WPIT, and June Blankenship, Natural Resource Technician, conducted a pedestrian habitat assessment on January 5, February 22, May 16, and October 17 of the project area. Potential habitats for potentially occurring federally -protected species that were identified during the desktop review were assessed in the field for the quality of physical and/or biological features essential to the conservation of the applicable species. Additionally, during the pedestrian habitat assessment areas were reviewed for applicable federally protected species. Identification references for natural communities include the National Land Cover Database (2011)8. Results Based on the NCNHP data explorer review, there are no current occurrences of federally protected species within a one -mile radius of the project limits (Attachment A). The USFVVS lists seven federally protected species for Burke County (Table 1). Additionally, bald eagle is protected under Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, An official species list has not been obtained from the USFVVS Asheville Field Office. Table 1. Unofficial List of Federally -Protected Species Potentially Occurring within the Bost Rd Sewer Improvements, Burke County, NC. Major Group Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status* Record Status Plant Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered heartleaf T Current Plant Isotria medeoloides Small whorled pogonia T Current Nonvascular Plant Gymnoderma lineare Rock gnome lichen E Current Animal Myotis grisescens Gray Bat E Probably/Potential Animal Myotis septentrionalis Northern -long-eared bat T Current Animal Perimyotis subflavus Tricolored bat PE Proposed Animal Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle BGPA Current * E - Endangered, T - Threatened, PE - Proposed Endangered, BGPA - Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act Four terrestrial community types were identified within the project area during the field survey. These community types consist of undeveloped forested areas, open herbaceous areas, 6 United States Department of Agriculture, 2021. Web Soil Survey of Burke County, North Carolina. Accessed November 7, 2022. Source: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm Wetland Professional in Training, The Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification 8 MLRC. National Land Cover Database, 2011. https://www.mrlc.gov/nlcdll_leg.php Page 2 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 maintained grassy areas, and low intensity development (Figure 3). Of the identified on -site community types, the forested areas and herbaceous areas are considered potential habitat for federally threatened or endangered species that could potentially occur within the project limits. A brief description of each species habitat requirements and determination of effect findings are listed below by species. Dwarf -flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora) Habitat Description: Dwarf -flowered heartleaf is endemic to the western Piedmont and foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in moist to rather dry forests along bluffs; boggy areas next to streams and creek heads; and adjacent hillsides, slopes, and ravines. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, the species is found in soil series such as Pacolet, Madison, and Musella, among others. Occurrences are generally found on a north facing slope. Undisturbed natural communities such as Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest hold the most viable occurrences. However, less viable remnant occurrences are found in disturbed habitats, including logged, grazed, mown, and residential/commercial developed lands; areas converted to pasture, orchards, and tree plantations; roadside rights -of -way; and on upland slopes surrounding man-made ponds or lakes.9 Biological Analysis: The desktop review and field survey assessment determined that the Pacolet, Madison, and Musellas soils series associated with the dwarf -flowered heartleaf are not found within the project limits. The project area is flat, mowed frequently, and lacks the hillside areas associated with dwarf -flowered heartleaf. Hexastylis species can be observed year round. Species commonly associated with the dwarf -flowered heartleaf, such as mountain -laurel (Kalmia latifolia), were not observed on -site. Additionally, the sides of the Catawba River are heavily covered by invasives such as Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and English ivy (Hedera helix). No individuals of dwarf -flowered heartleaf were observed during the site visit. Additionally, no individuals of any Hexastylis species were observed within the study area. Since no individuals of dwarf -flowered heartleaf or potential habitat were observed within the project limits during the optimal survey window, CWS concludes that the project will have no effect on the dwarf -flowered heartleaf. Small whorled pogonia (lsotria medeoloides) Habitat Description: Small whorled pogonia occurs in young as well as maturing (second to third successional growth) mixed -deciduous or mixed-deciduous/coniferous forests. It does not appear to exhibit strong affinities for a particular aspect, soil type, or underlying geologic substrate. In North Carolina, the perennial orchid is typically found in open, dry deciduous woods and is often associated with white pine and rhododendron. The species may also be found on dry, rocky, wooded slopes; moist slopes; ravines lacking 9 North Carolina Department of Transportation NRTR Guidelines for Consultants. T&E Animal and Plant Habitat Descriptions. https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/environmental/pages/environmental-compliance-guides.aspx Page 3 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 stream channels; or slope bases near braided channels of vernal streams. The orchid, often limited by shade, requires small light gaps or canopy breaks, and typically grows under canopies that are relatively open or near features like logging roads or streams that create long -persisting breaks in the forest canopy. Biological Analysis: The desktop review and field survey assessment determined that the eastern portion of the project limits is an open deciduous forest next to Stream K (Catawba River), and provides marginal habitat for this species (Photograph 4). Species commonly associated with the Small whorled pogonia, such as white pine (Pinus strobus) and rhododendron (Rhododendron ferrugineum), were not observed on -site. A survey was conducted during the flowering window on May 16, 2022 and no individuals of small whorled pogonia were observed during the site visit. Since no individuals of small whorled pogonia were observed within the potential habitat during the optimal survey window, CWS concludes that this project will have no effect on small whorled pogonia. Rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) Habitat Description: Rock gnome lichen occurs in high elevation coniferous forests (particularly those dominated by red spruce and Fraser fir) usually on rocky outcrop or cliff habitats. This squamulose lichen only grows in areas with a great deal of humidity, such as high elevations above 5,000 feet mean sea level where there is often fog, or on boulders and large outcrops in deep river gorges at lower elevations. Habitat is primarily limited to vertical rock faces where seepage water from forest soils above flows only at very wet times. The species requires a moderate amount of sunlight, but cannot tolerate high -intensity solar radiation. The lichen does well on moist, generally open sites with northern exposures, but requires at least partial canopy coverage on southern or western aspects because of its intolerance to high solar radiation. Biological Analysis: The desktop review and field survey assessment determined that the high elevations above 5,000 feet mean sea level associated with rock gnome lichen are not present within the project limits. Coniferous forests dominated by red spruce and Fraser fir with rocky outcrops or cliffs that are conducive to rock gnome lichen habitat were not found within the project area. As the study area lacks optimal habitat, CWS concludes that the project will have no effect on the Rock gnome lichen. Page 4 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) Gray bats are known mainly from the cave regions of the Southeast and Midwest. They live in colonies in caves, utilizing different caves for summer roosting and winter hibernating. Summer caves are usually within one half mile of a river or reservoir, which provides foraging habitat. During the summer, females give birth and rear the young in maternity caves, while males and yearlings roost in separate bachelor caves10. Caves preferred for hibernation are typically deep, vertical caves with a temperature between 42 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Gray bats are highly selective in choosing suitable caves, and nine known caves are thought to provide hibernation space for 95 percent of the population. Migration from summer to winter caves begins in September and is mainly complete by the beginning of November. The gray bat was listed as Endangered (E) on April 28, 1976. No caves were observed within the study area. Therefore, CWS concludes that the project will have no effect on the Gray bat. Northern long-eared bat (Mvotis septentrionalis) The northern long-eared bat (NLEB) is one of the species of bats most impacted by the white -nose syndrome disease. Summer habitat (roosting habitat) of the NLEB includes forests and woodlots containing live trees and/or dead snags greater than three inches diameter at breast height with cavities or crevices. Winter habitat (hibernacula) of the NLEB includes caves, mines, rocky areas, or structures that mimic similar conditions such as culverts greater than 48-inch in diameter.11 The NLEB was listed as Threatened (T) on April 2, 2015. The forested areas within the property are potential habitats for the NLEB. No culverts greater and 48-inch were observed within the study area. The Bost Rd Sewer Improvements project area is within range of the NLEB,12. However, there are no known hibernaculum within 0.25 miles from a site and no known occupied maternity roost within 150 feet. Note: The NLEB is proposed to be uplisted as Endangered in Fall 2022. Tree clearing Moratorium may apply for this project. Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) On September 14, 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) published a proposal in the Federal Register to list the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) as endangered under the Act.13 The Service has up to 12-months from the date the proposal published to make a final determination, either to list the tricolored bat under the Act or to withdraw the proposal. The Service determined the bat faces extinction primarily due to the range -wide impacts of white -nose syndrome (WNS), a deadly fungal 10 United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Gray Bat in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/graybat.html. 11 United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2016. 4(d) Rule for the Northern Long -Eared Bat; Final rule. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-01-14/pdf/2016-00617.pdf 12 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2016. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/pdf/WNSZone.pdf 13 https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-09-14/pdf/2022-18852.pdf#page=13 Page 5 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 disease affecting cave -dwelling bats across North America. Because tricolored bat populations have been greatly reduced due to VVNS, surviving bat populations are now more vulnerable to other stressors such as human disturbance and habitat loss. Species proposed for listing are not afforded protection under the Act; however, as soon as a listing becomes effective (typically 30 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register), the prohibitions against jeopardizing its continued existence and "take" will apply. Therefore, if a future or existing project may affect tricolored bats after the potential new listing goes into effect, USFWS recommends analyzing possible effects of the project on tricolored bats and their habitat to determine whether consultation under section 7 of the Act is necessary. Conferencing procedures can be followed prior to listing to ensure the project does not jeopardize the existence of a species or adversely modify critical habitat. Projects with an existing section 7 biological opinion may require reinitiation of consultation to provide uninterrupted authorization for covered activities. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,14 enacted in 1940, prohibits anyone without a permit issued, from "taking" bald eagles, including their parts, nests, or eggs. Habitat for the bald eagle includes cliffs and forested areas typically within 1.0 mile of estuaries, large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, seacoast, and as they become more abundant, stands of undisturbed forest. A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as, the area within a 1 mile radius of the project limits, was performed on November 7, 2022 using 2021 color aerials. The Catawba River is located on the eastern portion of the project limits and is large enough to be considered a potential feeding source. However, the majority of the project area is within a golf course and urban area, and no bald eagles or bald eagle nests were observed during the pedestrian site assessment on January 5, February 22, May 16, or October 17, 2022. As no bald eagles or bald eagle nests were observed within the review area, CWS concludes that this project will have no effect on this species. However, if bald eagle nests are observed within the review area at any time during the construction activities, coordination with USFWS is required. Summary Based on the literature search and the results of the on -site assessment for suitable habitat of federally -protected endangered, and threatened species, suitable habitat was not observed within the project limits for dwarf -flowered heartleaf, rock gnome lichen, or gray bat, CVVS has concluded that activities within the project area will not directly or indirectly jeopardize the continued existence of dwarf -flowered heartleaf, rock gnome lichen, or gray bat. Marginal habitat was observed within the project limits for small whorled pogonia. These areas were scrutinized during the optimal survey window, and no individuals of small whorled pogonia were observed. CVVS concludes that this project will have no effect on the small whorled pogonia. 14 https://www.fws.gov/midwest/MidwestBird/eaglepermits/bagepa.html Page 6 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Protected Species Assessment Report CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Habitat was observed for bald eagle, but the site is located within an urban setting and no bald eagles or bald eagle nests were observed during the site visit. While section 7 of the Endangered Species Act review is not required now for the tricolored bat, it would be required after a final effective date of listing if one occurs. Based on the project area location, no tree removal activities will occur within a 150-foot radius of a known, occupied NLEB maternity roost from June 1-July 31 and no trees will be removed within 0.25 miles of a known hibernaculum at any time of year. Biological determinations requirements for federally protected species are summarized in Table 2. Table 2. Biological Determination Requirements Summary Table for Federally Protected Species Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status* Effect on Listed Species Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered heartleaf T No Effect Isotria medeoloides Small whorled pogonia T No Effect Gymnoderma lineare Rock gnome lichen E No Effect Myotis grisescens Gray Bat E No Effect Myotis septentrionalis Northern -long-eared bat T Exempt Perimyotis subflavus Tricolored bat PE TBD** Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald eagle BGPA No Effect *E - Endangered, T - Threatened, PE - Proposed Endangered, BGPA- Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ** Consultation with USFWS may be equired if species is listed A biological assessment was not conducted for this project. All biological determinations of effect represent the best professional opinion of CWS and are not official determinations of effect. It is the responsibility of the lead federal agency to render an official determination of effect. Page 7 of 8 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Protected Species Assessment Report November 10, 2022 CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Thank you for the opportunity to provide these services on this important project. Please do not hesitate to contact Megan Bollero at 757-576-6433 or megan@cws-inc.net should you have any questions or comments regarding this report. Sincerely, Megan Bollero, VVPIT Project Scientist Aliisa Harjuniemi, PVVS Senior Project Manager Attachments: Figure 1: USGS Topographic Map Figure 2: USDA-NRCS Web Soil Map of Burke County Figure 3: Aerial Map Attachment A: NCNHP Data Review Report Attachment B: Representative Photographs (1-4) Page 8 of 8 H:SM Jn aN'ba River REFERENCE: USGS 7.5 MINUTE TOPOGRAPHIC QUADRANGLE(S): MORGANTON NORTH, NC (2019). SCALE 1 inch = 2,000 feet CVVS PROJECT NO: 2021-0145 COORDINATES: 35.75812, -81.713497 DATE 11/7/2022 DRAWN BY: CHECKED BY: AVH (L l CARO LI NA WETLAND SERVICES 2,000 1,000 l OWE ST EAST, Morganton Legend Project Limits (8 ac.) 0 USGS Topographic Map Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Burke County Morganton, North Carolina G:\Shared drives\Consulting Team Drive\2021\2021 Consulting Projects\2021-0145 Morganton Pump Station\FINAL PETS 11.7.2022\Figurel_USGS.mxd 2,000 Feet FIGURE NO. 1 illh=i''/ -' Q �Q V \_ / Soil Unit d Description T Hydric Coverage (%) BaB Banister loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded No 26.5 BvB Brevard fine sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded No 6.5 CvA Colvard sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded Yes 34.6 RhE Rhodhiss sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes No 0.3 UnB Unison fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes Yes 20.5 UnC Unison fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes Yes 10.1 W Water N/A 1.4 Total Coverage 00 REFERENCE: USDA-NRCS WEB SOIL SURVEY OF BURKE COUNTY, NC, DATED 2021. FOX ST Legend Q Project Limits (8 ac.) — Roads 1,000 Feet SCALE: DATE: 1 inch = 1,000 feet CWS PROJECT NO 2021-0145 COORDINATES: 35.75812, -81.713497 11/7/2022 DRAWN BY: ALH CHECKED BY: AVH ik‘ CARO LI NA WETLAND SERVICES USDA-NRCS Web Soil Survey of Burke County Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Burke County Morganton, North Carolina G:\Shared drives\Consulting Team Drive \2021\2021 Consulting Projects \2021-0145 Morganton Pump Station\FINAL PETS 11.7.2022\Figure2_Current.mxd FIGURE NO. 2 Ma 9, r REFERENCE: BACKGROUND AERIAL IMAGERY PROVIDED BY ESRI, DATED 2021. BACKGROUND GIS LAYER(S) PROVIDED BY BURKE COUNTY GIS DEPARTMENT, DATED 2021. NOTE: CWS CONDUCTED THE HABITAT ASSESMENT AND DELINEATION ON JANUARY 5, FEBRUARY 22, MAY 16, AND OCTOBER 17, 2022. JURISDICTIONAL FEATURES HAVE NOT BEEN VERIFIED BY THE USACE. SCALE: 1 inch = 700 feet CWS PROJECT NO: 2021-0145 COORDINATES: 35.75812, -81.713497 DATE: 11/8/2022 DRAWN BY: MLB CHECKED BY: AVH ik‘ CARO LI NA WETLAND SERVICES 700 // Ae-wi N -� Legend Project Limits (8 ac.) Intermittent Stream - Perennial Stream Catawba River r771 Herbaceous Wetland ----- Culverts — Roads Tax Parcels N Photo Location and Direction i s \-_\ \ 350 0 700 Feet _1lia.—Jd Aerial Map Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Burke County Morganton, North Carolina FIGURE NO. 3 G:\Shared drives\Consulting Team Drive \2021\2021 Consulting Projects\2021-0145 Morganton Pump Station\FINAL PETS 11.7.2022\Figures\Figure3_Aerial.mxd Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Attachments CWS Project No. 2021-0145 ATTACHMENT A: NCNHP Data Review Report • ■■■ ■■ • NC DEPARTMENT OF ■ ■•■E NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES • ■■■ November 7, 2022 Amie Hoy Carolina Wetland Services 550 East Westinghouse Blvd Charlotte, NC 28273 RE: Bost Rd Sewer Improvements; 2021-0145 Dear Amie Hoy: Roy Cooper, Governor D. Reid Wilson, Secretary Misty Buchanan Deputy Director, Natural Heritage Program NCNHDE-19885 The North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) appreciates the opportunity to provide information about natural heritage resources for the project referenced above. A query of the NCNHP database indicates that there are records for rare species, important natural communities, natural areas, and/or conservation/managed areas within the proposed project boundary. These results are presented in the attached `Documented Occurrences' tables and map. The attached `Potential Occurrences' table summarizes rare species and natural communities that have been documented within a one -mile radius of the property boundary. The proximity of these records suggests that these natural heritage elements may potentially be present in the project area if suitable habitat exists. Tables of natural areas and conservation/managed areas within a one -mile radius of the project area, if any, are also included in this report. If a Federally -listed species is documented within the project area or indicated within a one -mile radius of the project area, the NCNHP recommends contacting the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for guidance. Contact information for USFWS offices in North Carolina is found here: https://www.fws.gov/offices/Directory/ListOffices.cfm?statecode=37. Please note that natural heritage element data are maintained for the purposes of conservation planning, project review, and scientific research, and are not intended for use as the primary criteria for regulatory decisions. Information provided by the NCNHP database may not be published without prior written notification to the NCNHP, and the NCNHP must be credited as an information source in these publications. Maps of NCNHP data may not be redistributed without permission. Also please note that the NC Natural Heritage Program may follow this letter with additional correspondence if a Dedicated Nature Preserve, Registered Heritage Area, Land and Water Fund easement, or an occurrence of a Federally -listed species is documented near the project area. If you have questions regarding the information provided in this letter or need additional assistance, please contact Rodney A. Butler at rodney.butler@ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603. Sincerely, NC Natural Heritage Program DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOVRCES Q 121 W. JONES STREET. RALEIGH. NC 27603 • 16S1 MAIL SERVICE CENTER. RALEIGH. NC 27699 OFC 'M9.707.9120 • FAX 919.707.9121 Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Project No. 2021-0145 November 7, 2022 NCNHDE-19885 No Element Occurrences are Documented within the Project Area There are no documented element occurrences (of medium to very high accuracy) that intersect with the project area. Please note, however, that although the NCNHP database does not show records for rare species within the project area, it does not necessarily mean that they are not present; it may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. The use of Natural Heritage Program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys if needed, particularly if the project area contains suitable habitat for rare species. If rare species are found, the NCNHP would appreciate receiving this information so that we may update our database. No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area Managed Areas Documented Within Project Area* Managed Area Name Ilrwner Owner Type City of Morganton - Catawba Meadows Park City of Morganton Local Government NC Land and Water Fund Conservation Agreement NC DNCR, NC Land and Water Fund State NOTE: If the proposed project intersects with a conservation/managed area, please contact the landowner directly for additional information. If the project intersects with a Dedicated Nature Preserve (DNP), Registered Natural Heritage Area (RHA), or Federally -listed species, NCNHP staff may provide additional correspondence regarding the project. Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.ora/help. Data query generated on November 7, 2022; source: NCNHP, Q2, July 2022. Please resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. Page 2 of 4 Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Project No. 2021-0145 November 7, 2022 NCNHDE-19885 Element Occurrences Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Taxonomic EO ID cientific Name Group Common Name Observation Date Element Accuracy Occurrence Rank Federal State Status Status - i Global State Rank Rank I Freshwater 29542 Villosa delumbis Eastern Creekshell 2021-06-22 E 3-Medium Bivalve Freshwater Fish18605 Moxostoma robustum Robust Redhorse 1869 X 3-Medium Candidate No Natural Areas are Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Areas Documented Within a One -mile Radius of the Project Area Managed Area Name City of Morganton - Catawba Meadows Park City of Morganton - Catawba River Greenway City of Morganton - Catawba River Greenway City of Morganton Open Space City of Morganton Open Space City of Morganton Open Space City of Morganton Open Space City of Morganton Open Space City of Morganton Open Space North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Preserve City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton City of Morganton The North Carolina Inc. NC Land and Water Fund Conservation Agreement NC DNCR, NC Land and Water Fund State North Carolina Agricultural Foundation Easement The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation,Private Inc. Owner Type Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Local Government Agricultural Foundation,Private Significantly G4 S4 Rare Endangered G1 S1 Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.ora/help. Data query generated on November 7, 2022 resubmit your information request if more than one year elapses before project initiation as new information is continually added to the NCNHP database. source NCNHP, Q2, July 2022. Please Page 3 of 4 NCNHDE-19885: Bost Rd Sewer Improvements PP7 sre a 0 m N CrPst ea Freedom Park -Morganton a . Morganton 18 cata 1240 ft s 0 0.28° 0.55 0� /rz09 1.1 Miles I I I I dd Jrl I le I November 7, 2022 Managed Area (MAREA) ❑ Buffered Project Boundary ❑ Project Boundary Sources. Esri, Airbus DS. USGS. NGA. NASA, CGIAR. N Robinson. NCEAS. NLS. OS, NMA. Geodatastyrelsen,, Rijkswaterstaat GSA, Geoland FEMA, Intermap and the GIS user community Sources. Esri, HERE. Garmin. FAO. NOAA, USGS. © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community Page 4 of 4 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements November 10, 2022 Attachments CWS Project No. 2021-0145 ATTACHMENT B: Photopage (Photographs 1-4) Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Attachment B: Photopage November 10, 2022 CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Photograph 1. View of unsuitable habitat for any terrestrial species, facing south. Photograph 2. View of unsuitable habitat for any terrestrial species, facing west-southwest. Photopage 1 of 2 Bost Rd Sewer Improvements Attachment B: Photopage November 10, 2022 CWS Project No. 2021-0145 Photograph 3. View of unsuitable habitat for any terrestrial species, facing southwest. Photograph 4. View of marginal habitat for small whorled pogonia, facing northeast. (Dated May 2022) Photopage 2 of 2