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Home My WebLink About20201434 Ver 2_JCWWTF Neuse River Aquatic Species Survey Report Final_20220815Aquatic Species Survey Report Johnston County Wastewater Treatment Facility Johnston County, North Carolina Neuse River Habitat in Survey Reach Prepared For: Johnston County Public Utilities 309 E. Market St. P.O. Box 2263 Smithfield, NC 27539 March 4, 2022 Prepared by: ,1llEERbre. 324 Blackwell Street, Suite 1200 Durham, NC 27701 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Survey Efforts 2 2.1 Survey Methodology 2 2.1.1. Mussels 2 2.1.2. Carolina Madtom 3 2.1.3. Neuse River Waterdog 3 3.0 Results 3 3.1 Neuse River Conditions 3 3.2 Aquatic Species Survey Results 4 3.2.1. Mussels 4 3.2.2. Carolina Madtom 4 3.2.3. Neuse River Waterdog 4 4.0 Discussion/Conclusions 5 5.0 Literature Cited 6 Appendix A: Figures Figure 1: Project Vicinity and Survey Reach Figure 2-1 to 2-5: NCNHP Element Occurrences and Designated Critical Habitats Appendix B: Select Photographs 1.0 INTRODUCTION Johnston County Public Utilities proposes a new outfall in the Neuse River as part of the Johnston County WWTF Force Main (JCWWTF) project (the Project). Figure 1 shows the approximate location of the new outfall and survey area for the Project (Appendix A: Figure 1). The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information, Planning, and Consultation (IPaC) system lists the Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon, DWM), Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni, AP), Carolina Madtom (Noturus furiosus, CMT), and Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi, NRWD) as federally protected aquatic species that could potentially be affected by activities in this location, as accessed in February 2022 (USFWS 2022). The Dwarf Wedgemussel is a Federally listed Endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and is known to occur near the Project area. The Atlantic Pigtoe is also known to occur near the Project area and was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a Threatened Species with Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat Designation on November 16, 2021 (USFWS 2021a). The Neuse River Waterdog and Carolina Madtom are likewise known to occur near the Project area. On June 8, 2021, these two species were granted protection under the ESA as a Threatened Species (Neuse River Waterdog) and an Endangered Species (Carolina Madtom) with Critical Habitat Designation proposed for both species and a Section 4(d) Rule granted for the Neuse River Waterdog (USFWS 2021b). The Green Floater (Lasmigona subviridis, GF) is being considered for listing by the USFWS and is known to occur in this portion of the Neuse River. When consulted on the project, the USFWS requested survey data for these species in the project area. Three Oaks Engineering, Inc. (Three Oaks) was contracted to perform these surveys targeting mussels, Carolina Madtom, and Neuse River Waterdog. Table 1 lists the nearest element occurrence (EO) in approximate river miles (RM) for these species relative to the Project, as well as the nearest Critical Habitat unit for each species that currently has defined Critical Habitat (USFWS 2021a, USFWS 2021b). Data is according to the NC Natural Heritage Program database (NCNHP 2022) last updated January 2022 (Appendix A, Figures 2-1 through 2-5). JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 1 Table 1—Element Occurrences and Critical Habitat Species Name EO ID EO Waterbody Distance from crossing (RM) First Observed Last Observed EO Status* Nearest Critical Habitat Unit** Distance from Crossing (RM) Figure DWM 13799 Swift Creek/Middle Creek 0.2 March 1991 March 2020 C N/A — 2-1 AP 11695 Swift Creek 1.3 March 1991 August 2020 C 14 .2 2-2 NRWD 1633 Swift and Middle Creek 0 2 April 1979 February 2021 C 11 .2 2-3 CMT 3858 Little River >50 June 1961 July 2005 C 5 >50 2-4 9621 Swift Creek/Middle Creek 1.0 June 1961 May 1985 H GF 28706 Neuse River 15.6 July 2010 May 2018 C N/A — 2-5 *: C — NCNHP Current; H —NCNHP Historic **: N/A — No Critical Habitat Defined, as of July 2022 2.0 SURVEY EFFORTS Surveys for target mussel species and Carolina Madtom were conducted by Three Oaks personnel Tom Dickinson (Permit 21-ES00343), Tim Savidge (Permit 21-ES0034), Nathan Howell, and Brian Watson on May 20, 2021. Neuse River Waterdog surveys were completed by Tom Dickinson, Tim Savidge, Kate Sevick, Trevor Hall, Lizzy Stokes -Cawley, and Nancy Oberle the week of February 14-18, 2022. 2.1 Survey Methodology Surveys for mussels, Carolina Madtom, and Neuse River Waterdog were conducted within the Neuse River as shown in the reach in Figure 1. 2.1.1. Mussels Areas of appropriate habitat were searched, concentrating on the stable habitats preferred by the target species. The survey team spread out across the creek into survey lanes. Visual surveys were conducted using mask and snorkel and SCUBA techniques in thalweg habitat over four feet deep. Tactile methods were employed, particularly in streambanks under submerged rootmats. All freshwater bivalves were recorded and returned to the substrate. Timed survey efforts JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 2 provided Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data for each species. Relative abundance for freshwater snails and freshwater clam species were estimated using the following criteria: ➢ (VA) Very abundant > 30 per square meter ➢ (A) Abundant 16-30 per square meter ➢ (C) Common 6-15 per square meter ➢ (U) Uncommon 3-5 per square meter ➢ (R) Rare 1-2 per square meter ➢ (P-) Ancillary adjective "Patchy" indicates an uneven distribution of the species within the sampled site. 2.1.2. Carolina Madtom During the mussel survey effort for the project, the presence of preferred habitats for the Carolina Madtom were assessed and targeted visual surveys were conducted by overturning rocks and debris in these areas. 2.1.3. Neuse River Waterdog Methods were developed by Three Oaks in consultation with the USFWS and NCWRC and were designed to replicate winter trapping efforts conducted as part of the recent species status assessment undertaken by these agencies and collaborators. The Neuse River Waterdog is more active when water temperatures are low, an adaptation that may help them avoid fish predation, thus, trapping is generally conducted late October through March. Trapping during this time of year also reduces the potential for unintended mortality (by drowning) of bycatch of small turtles and other reptiles, as they are generally not active during the winter months. A total of 10 trap sites were distributed upstream and downstream of the approximate outfall location. Trap sites were selected based on habitat conditions and accessibility. Undercut banks, with some accumulation of leaf pack, as well as back eddy areas within runs were the primary microhabitats selected; however, all of the microhabitats (pool, riffle, run, etc.) occurring at a site were sampled with at least one trap. Traps were baited with chicken livers and allowed to soak overnight. The traps were checked daily, all species found within the traps were recorded, and the traps were rebaited. 3.0 RESULTS 3.1 Neuse River Conditions The channel in this portion of the Neuse River was 45-55 meters wide, with banks up to 4 meters high that exhibited significant erosion and undercutting. Habitat in the majority of the reach consisted of run with a deeper thalweg to eight feet deep along the right descending side of the river. A large bar and deep sand accumulations were present along the left descending riverbank extending to midchannel. Substrates were dominated by unconsolidated shifting sands with a narrow area of cobble and gravel in the river's thalweg. Areas of hard packed clay and silt JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 3 accumulations were present along the river margins and a large volume of woody debris was present. A strong wastewater smell was noted during the efforts. 3.2 Aquatic Species Survey Results 3.2.1. Mussels A total of 15.3 person hours of mussel survey time were spent in the reach, with the eight mussel species in Table 2 being found. Other mollusk species located included the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea). Table 2. CPUE for Freshwater Mussels in Neuse River Scientific Name Common Name # live Abundance/ CPUE Freshwater Mussels CPUE Alasmidonta undulata Triangle Floater 1 0.06/hr Elliptio congaraea Carolina Slabshell 76 4.97/hr Elliptio complanata Eastern Elliptio 121 7.91/hr Elliptio fisheriana Northern Lance 1 0.06/hr Elliptio icterina Variable Spike 2 0.12/hr Elliptio sp. c.f. mediocris No common name 41 2.68/hr Elliptio roanokensis Roanoke Slabshell 240 15.69/hr Lampsilis radiata Eastern Lampmussel 5 0.33/hr Freshwater Snails and Clams Relative Abundance Corbicula fluminea Asian Clam — C 3.2.2. Carolina Madtom The Carolina Madtom was not observed, and appropriate habitat and cover is very limited within the Project study area due to the large volume of unconsolidated sand. Visual surveys in the area observed Tessellated Darter (Etheostoma olmstedi), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris). USFWS (2021c) identified the Flathead Catfish, an invasive predator in Atlantic Slope drainages, as a major factor influencing the viability of the Carolina Madtom, particularly in the Neuse River Basin. 3.2.3. Neuse River Waterdog The NRWD was not captured during the trapping efforts. Five fish species including the White Shiner (Luxilis albeolus), Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius), Satinfin Shiner (Cyprinella analostana), Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), and Bluespotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus) were trapped in low densities, as displayed in Table 3. Table 3. Neuse River Trauuina Surveys Suecies Found 02/14-18/2022 Trap Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 1 2 White Shiner (1) — — JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 4 3 4 — — Spottail Shiner (1) 5 — — — Bluespotted Sunfish (1), Channel Catfish (1) 6 — — — Satinfin Shiner (2) 7 8 9 10 — — Bluespotted Sunfish (1) 4.0 DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS These efforts provide updated aquatic species survey data and habitat assessment for the Johnston County WWTF Force Main Project. Target mussel species, the Carolina Madtom, and Neuse River Waterdog were not found. Mussel fauna consists of a fairly diverse assemblage typical of this portion of the mainstem Neuse River that includes the state Threatened Triangle Floater and Eastern Lampmussel. While other species were not found during these surveys, potential habitat is present; thus, the presence of additional species cannot be altogether ruled out. JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 5 5.0 LITERATURE CITED North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2022. Biotics Database. Division of Land and Water Stewardship. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. January 2022 version. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 2021a. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Threatened Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule and Designation of Critical Habitat for Atlantic Pigtoe. 50 CFR 17:86 FR 64000, 64000-64053. Docket Nos. FWS- R4-ES-2018-0046FF09E21000 FXES 1111090FEDR 223. USFWS 2021b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule for Neuse River Waterdog, Endangered Species Status for Carolina Madtom, and Designations of Critical Habitat. 50 CFR 17:86 FR 30688, 30688- 30751. Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092. USFWS 2021c. Species status assessment report for the Carolina Madtom (Noturus furiosus). Version 1.2. USFWS 2022. USFWS Information for Planning and Conservation (IPAC). Accessed February 2022. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 6 APPENDIX A Figures JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 7 AMA% P+.51W, f Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210 WWTF Force Main Project Vicinity and Survey Reach Johnston County, North Carolina " tt arch 2022 aka- 0 25 5a +.1,r-: 21-368 Drnafi by F9: TDH IChedied TE_: Figure 1 ock, QA Cry. e'0,5 4 skiff CseeK lime creek church ROM .. WI iO y HP�gh15 94s Bryn chi/ °b n, sra h; �rttle Poaar Cie ,,,i sa.p gPOb' 1CS s C A arreek {Pops a- EO ID: 13799 (Current) i R LJu r PIWO- d aryR, @ pltl FdrT Acres �r 5[ephenspn N19hly.y yc Sunrise AcreS �� SR 1010 1ns� r.1.3nn i Sn,: prwg roll, l We¢ Sr,dhlle!tl 7 11, C •.. aar,,, c1� cjeek SR 1010 8J NC210 NC21pre Neus a Riper/ffff cry : �a P ° mil,! Arters era,, noh p0aa 0 Approximate Outfall Location NCNHP Element Occurrence: Dwarf Wedgemussel , �� Streams r' lei _ — Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210 WWTF Force Main NCNHP Element Occurrences: Dwarf Wedgemussel Johnston County, North Carolina Date: March 2022 Figuret 2 Jot, No.: 21-308 Drawn By TDI- Checked Bv: TED N AC _. S )r Q EOID: 11695 (Current) f rP�WiiSn; orfq °'a - - SR 101 Cr ` � fit e pu oaC swift Creek @¢ erancp (4er74 ,, 0 nstan LCurr:nt) °Bcn irport f m EO ID: 37251 \aa+e� jp (Obscure) SR 1 NC i,ic z10 --- lyeuse River t: e (Salsa S J Arters g 4hYneR Approximate Outfall Location -NCNHP Element Occurrence: Atlantic Pigtoe Critical Habitat Unit 14: Atlantic Pigtoe — Streams ' j . 7 Gk195 NackeZdtsPond) , Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210 VWVTF Force Main NCNHP Element Occurrences and Habitat: Atlantic Pigtoe Johnston County, North Carolina Date: March 2022 Figure 2 Drawn By TDI- Checked ev: TED A. N. 11S 70 T . 70 ED ID: 1633 (Current) r EO ID:1fi33 {Current} N s C• elf 14 Sasxan* pi`'$m�� Unit n #11 SR !rot)a->Ar fl VJ dF vigkd Unit #10 , NC 110 ek 030g \°`fir 4 �1 WllsarhVAolis 'a. �l 1'p+t-Cr \4 A [:�ek r. ti t il fa IS 47arrr N. ".V Ss 1C.10 NL_1l r ��'r r3.t. . a Approximate Outfall Location NCNHP Element Occurrence: Neuse River Waterdog• Critical Habitat Units-' Neuse River Waterlog fr Prs ar.,}� • A ., 1 "— �' ' f Bk....,... r��e , P - .r Streams isigI3iEERJyel iiptt. 4.,....litsiN': ��3�11°' .J" . •�1�t' R. ; ., ` '�. Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210+� WWTF Force Main NCNHP Element Occurrences and Critical Habitat: Neuse River Waterdog Johnston County- North Carolina r,'X' March 2022 Figure 2 A v�. 21-308 TDHIy TEC• N o ` :z_ 1 � . m NC": ?" U 1 j * a l�9.6' 11 �. Lee s Cr w ' C 3ar t�1NO °~ � a.•- ;� t.owe-tit0, • O G'i ° 0 0,lt 2 J PeF i.VA . coV _ 1 US 301 q •- - Robin St, `son's Mills�y n -X EO ID: 13953 (Current) e ye - -'° Ju_,---,er amp / � 4' �/ aed � o� o b d f/1 Cre ` \ Big Branch P U5 70 ' 1 4,00c - �4 nth / al (2 �F / �bhR Cre (<4,,N. elaN - u i°1 N. �� '�✓r, _. c.) *f"°�' ' 195 47,.dab EO ID: 3858 (Current) /'/ / / 0 �� ' ° tyvnj O ID: 9621 (Historical) P e eP� --'1/' W °lrs' / Prt@ ch EOID:9621 {Historical) a �. odd o J Cti J=/� oc 1.5 161‘11111161 0• Y0;, r a YCrPP� $`k l'Z' • nch 0/er, • fah Cr - 9p,e- ... h/ S/P F L.'.1,D., tBrh \C1 CO di r.. `-. G U k'd / o UieR QSnk rry \ ` 57C� .. `y • NC 'eh, -e -' EO ID: 1744g' ' 7 ElApproximateOutfall Location o {Historical) . . -NCNHP Element Occurrence: Carolina Madtom Critical Habitat Unit 5: Carolina Madtom _ L- 1 County Boundary Streams gyp,,, ar lil Geex FIX i Milia ,' -' a' -� Hocsg aneh 6111EER/ �c� Prepared Far Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210 V V TF Force Main NCNHP Element Occurrences and Critical Habitat: Carolina Madtom Johnston County, North Carolina Date: March 2022 Figure �5�� W 1" �`, y ,l , ,fit, `74/43311 , - 0 Scale:0 1 2 Miles Job No.:21-308 Drawn s • TDH Checked Bv: TED N,- •,-/— N �P �5�° ��ti�°°tpx EO ID:28706 (Current) . ram' ♦ ♦ Limeer N. Claiytan 320320 313 • • 1 323 • Y ♦ N. N. • • • 326 LL %. 2 , n m r EO ID:15369 (Historical) i Ilso is Mills pep N718ranch { o Sw emek Q`' m ` % U5 70 ,,),so Rive' cry 0 ch U C 1 co a h 3as� ,aCr e'F C2rPPk �- o S a l�fUe �' el��h c'gek (Ao� � I1� SR 1 1 . • 1 r mod} Gteek'rcf' i Nal g$�O Lek Smithfieldm / 5q Approximate Outfall Location NCNHP Element Occurrence: Green Floater i County Boundary — Streams NC ?1 r P �s�re"' " U5 301 i �F93, /A` i„9r2n cfr 1,•93{.V / !-.' cA'� Y'`n _ Al r ❑G Aquatic Species Surveys Johnston County 210 VWVTF Force Main NCNHP Element Occurrences: Green Floater Johnston County, North Carolina Date: March 2022 Figure 2 Job Na.: 21-308 Drawn By:Checked TDH Bv: TED APPENDIX B Select Photographs JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 14 Neuse River Survey Reach During Mussel and Fish Surveys JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 15 Neuse River Survey Reach During NRWD Surveys JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 16 or s't'rr': • 1%►f; ,00ct to, tf Otitt ■ 'I Eastern Lampmussel found in survey reach 1ri vo " "1'47676 • ',I. 4.k AVOIN L % t. ,�. Triangle Floater found in survey reach JCWWTF Aquatic Surveys Three Oaks Job# 21-308 March 2022 Page 17