20230769 Ver 1_ePCN Combined Attachments_20230530

4021 Stirrup Creek Drive
Durham
NC 27703
. . ...•
May 30, 2023
Re: USACE Pre-Construction Notification (NWP 39) Submittal Package for
Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—Jetty Modification, Catawba County, North Carolina
To Whom It May Concern:
WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure, Inc. (WSP) is pleased to submit the enclosed supplemental
information for the electronic Pre-Construction Notification for Nationwide Permit 39 submittal for the Duke
Energy Oxford Hydro Station—Jetty Modification Project, Catawba County, North Carolina.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
[phone] or at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
James D. Cutler, PWS
Senior Scientist
Cc: Joe Arcella (Duke Energy)
Steve Cahoon (Duke Energy)
Randy Hawkins (Duke Energy)
David (Hooty)Johnson (Duke Energy)
Mike Reppucci (WSP)
Brendon Kelly(WSP)
Rick Hiner(WSP)

NX %% I )
Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station -Jetty Modification Project
Catawba County, North Carolina
USACE Pre-Construction Notification (NWP 39) Submittal Package
Attachments
Pre-Filing Meeting Request (email submitted to NCDEQ on April 24, 2023)
Narratives for Supplemental Comment Responses
Figure 1 —Site Location Map
Figure 2— USGS Topographic Map
Figure 3 — NRCS Soils Map
Figure 4— National Wetland Inventory Map
Figure 5 —Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 6— FEMA Floodplain Map
Figure 7— Known Cultural Resources Map
Plan View and Cross-Section Drawing
NC Natural Heritage Program Database Query Correspondence
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC Database Query Correspondence
Cultural Resource Literature and Records Review

From: Cahoon,Steve
To: Hawkins,Randv;Arcella,Joseph Louis
Cc: Gay,Jan;Reooucci,Michael;Cutler,James
Subject: FW: [External]401/Buffer Pre-filing Meeting Request
Date: Monday,April 24,2023 2:16:20 PM
FYI —see below.
From: 401PreFile<[e-mail]>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2023 2:12 PM
To: Cahoon, Steve<[e-mail]>
Subject:Automatic reply: [External] 401/Buffer Pre-filing Meeting Request
CAUTION! STOP. • expecting
email? Are grammar and spelling correct? Does the content make sense? Can you verify the
sender? If suspicious report it, then do not click links, open attachments or enter your ID or
password.
This email confirms receipt of your pre-filing meeting request. Please retain this email for
your records and submit this documentation as part of your 401 application(PCN Application)
as required by federal law. DWR will not be able to accept your application without this
federally required documentation. 401 applications received without documentation that a pre-
filing meeting request was submitted at least 30 days prior will be returned as incomplete.
Responses to this email are not monitored.
If you need to contact 401/Buffer Permitting Staff,please use the following link(s)to access of
staff contact list(s).
For Non-Transportation Central Staff:
htips://ded.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-duality-permitting/401-buffer-
permitting/40 I-buffer-permitting-contacts
For Non-Transportation Regional
Staff: htips://edocs.deq.nc.gov/WaterResources/DocView.asi2x?dbid=0&id=2162034&cr=1
For all Transportation Projects Including NCDOT Projects:
htips:Hdeq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/water-resources-permits/transportation-
permitting/staff-contacts

Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station-Jetty Modification Project "
Catawba County,North Carolina
NCDEQ DWR/USACE ePCN Application Form
Narrative Responses for Section Item Comments
Section Item C4a
The Oxford Hydro Station is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Hickory, North Carolina on the
south bank of the Catawba River in Catawba County. The facility has two generating units and the dam
that runs SSE to NNW and forms Lake Hickory. Commercial operation of the facility began in 1928 and it
currently has a peak power generation capacity(winter) of 40 megawatts. The Catawba River flows
through Lake Hickory and defines the boundary between Catawba County to the south and Alexander
County to the north. The general land use in the vicinity of the Oxford Hydro Station includes rural
single-family residential, light commercial, improved pasture, row crops, and mature woodland. Plant
communities that abut the project site include pine forest and mixed pine-hardwood forest. The
overstory is comprised of Virginia pine, loblolly pine, red maple, American beech, and white oak.
Section Item C4h
The purpose of the proposed project is to enlarge the existing jetty that primarily functions as the
transfer point from land to barges for stop logs, equipment, and materials used for maintaining and/or
repairing the Oxford Hydro Station Dam.The enlarged footprint will include three Vertical Storage Rack
(VSR) pads as well as a set location for a large crane to operate from.
The enlarged jetty will increase efficiency of ongoing dam maintenance in addition to serving as a critical
transfer point for materials, equipment, and stop logs needed throughout the Oxford Hydro Station Life
Extension project.This project will provide essential repairs to the dam structure necessary to extend
the facilities life by an additional 40 years.
It is noted that there are active gates in place that are used to control the water levels; as such, the stop
logs are utilized to facilitate downstream repairs/maintenance including, but not limited to,work on the
gates and piers.
Section Item C4i
The proposed permanent impact to Lake Hickory (jurisdictional open waters) is associated with the
enlargement of the existing gravel jetty at the shoreline of Lake Hickory and extending into lake open
waters. Three Vertical Storage Rack(VSR) pads and a crane pad will be constructed on the gravel pad
and the extended jetty will be confined by permanent sheet pile walls. The large crane that will operate
from the gravel pad will retrieve stop logs from delivery trucks. Stop logs that are stored on the VSRs
will be placed on barges via the crane. The barges will transport the stop logs to the dam for the
necessary maintenance or repairs. The crane will require a maximum 80-foot boom radius for
operations; i.e., for the afore-mentioned retrieval and delivery of the stop logs. For safe and efficient
operation of the crane, a total of ten (10)trees from the abutting forested upland will need to be cut
down; however, no de-stumping will occur. The equipment that will be used to construct the gravel
pads will include traditional grading equipment (backhoes, dozers, dump and/or pan trucks, compaction
rollers) and sheet pile installation equipment.
Section Item D6i
The large crane that will be erected on the enlarged gravel pad jetty will require a maximum 80-foot
boom radius for operations; i.e., for the retrieval (from trucks) and transport (to barges) of stop logs.
For safe and efficient operation of the crane, a total of ten (10)trees from the abutting forested upland
will need to be cut down; however, no de-stumping will occur. With regards to the Catawba River Basin
Buffer Rule (15A NCAC 02B .0614) and the Table of Uses, the proposed action would be Allowable Upon

Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station-Jetty Modification Project N
Catawba County,North Carolina %% I )
NCDEQ DWR/USACE ePCN Application Form
Authorization; i.e., dam maintenance activities that do cause additional riparian buffer disturbance
beyond the footprint of the existing dam.
Section Item Eta
The location of the project site incorporates an existing jetty and is adjacent to an existing recreational
boat launch. This location was selected to both minimize disturbance in the water way and the trees
within the riparian buffer zone. In designing the project,the intent was to position the majority of the
gravel pad (footprint) landward of the lake waters/shoreline and upstream of the recreational boat
launch location. The project design does not include the construction of new roadway or causeway.
Finally, the proposed construction will utilize sheet piles which will minimize the amount of fill material
that will be placed below the ordinary high water level (OHWL).
Section Item E1b
The VSR Pad and Grading Erosion &Sediment Control Design incorporates measures to avoid or
minimize impacts to downstream water quality. The proposed construction will utilize sheet piles which
will minimize the amount of fill material that will be placed below the ordinary high water level (OHWL).
Furthermore, as the sheet piles are vertical,there will be no fill slope extending into the water from the
proposed pad elevation down to the lake bottom.
Section Item G3b
The proposed project will singularly entail the enlargement of the existing jetty that primarily functions
as the transfer point from land to barges for stop logs, equipment, and materials used for maintaining
and/or repairing the Oxford Hydro Station Dam. No buildings, access roads, or other structures will be
constructed beyond the proposed project components as described in this ePCN form. No impacts to
waters of the US will be made beyond the proposed open water impacts (Lake Hickory) as described in
this ePCN form.
Section Item G50
Completed threatened and endangered species database queries with USFWS (including Designated
Critical Habitat) and NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) on March 30, 2023. USFWS IPaC (Asheville)
Project Code: 2023-0062852; NCNHP: NCNHDE-21465. USFWS and NCNHP letter responses are included
herein (see PDF document attachments).
Section Item G8b
The proposed action will require a Floodplain Development Permit from Catawba County, as the portion
of the project work area that occurs within Lake Hickory encompasses the 100-year floodplain. Unlike a
project on a flowing river,the floodplain level at this site is controlled by the dam and a hydraulic
analysis is not required to demonstrate a "No-Rise" condition. While the proposed project will protrude
into the lake, the lake level will not be affected due to any obstruction or constriction because there is
no flow, only ponded water.
Section Item G8c
FEMA Flood Map Service Center(online website). The flood map number is 3710374600K, effective on
12/18/2007. The mapped Regulatory Floodway is Zone AE (area inundated by the Base Flood with Base
Flood Elevations determined). Zone AE is essentially conterminous with the Lake Hickory shoreline in
the general area of the proposed project site.

West virginia
ky Richmorid
O
Norf
0
Knoxville
0
Charlotte
Atlanta
O
16
Georgia
e 0 40 80
Miles
Oxford Hydro Dam
. a
'f' X
k3 a
a
z
a
-d� a
F
� tr
a
O
O
W
W
Miles ""
Legend Figure 1. Site Location Map
DUKE = Project Area (1.12 acres)
ENERGY® Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
USGS NHD Stream Jetty Modification
Catawba County, North Carolina
The map shown here has been
Job No. 7818230062 created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: JC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.

West Virginia • • 1
ky Richmorid
Norf
o
oKnoxville
*Charlotte
oAtlanta ! •� 11
Georgia
e 0 40 80 }
Miles
' ' I
OxfordDo.0p
.
Qzzn_
`- ubsta - J
� �.
x
rt 11 ,
• lj� � i �I _ �
U
4
1 � z
♦ Sr � m
l�
a
C'
l• � U
i �' `� may' - \ • •
0 0.1 0-2'1 i � y!�/ _ - - 160�
Y
e Miles
f — _ • i r t
Legend Figure 2. USGS Topographic Map
DUKEProject Area (1.12 acres)
® ENERGY® Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
Jetty Modification
Catawba County, North Carolina
1 Job No. 7818230062 The map shown here has been
created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: JC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.

West Virginia
ky ORichmorid Soils Symbol Soil Description H dric Ratin
Norf
° TmD Tomlin loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes 0
Knoxville
0 *Charlotte W Water N/A
Atlanta
O
Georgia
e 0 40 80
Miles
W
s
a
U
�I
u�>l
N
U
Q
a
z
0
E
a
a
A �
O
•x. -
O
y O
0 75 150
Legend Figure 3. NRCS Soils Map
DUKE ® Project Area (1.12 acres)
ENERGY® Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
NRCS Soil Classification Jetty Modification
Non-Hydric Catawba County, North Carolina
Hydric
The map shown here has been
Job No. 7818230062 created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: JC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.

es irgi.�ia
ky ORichmorid NWI Code Wetland T e
Norf
° L1 UBHh Lake
Knoxville
0
*Charlotte
Atlanta
O
Georgia
N 0 40 80
Miles
ilk
LlUBHh
419
0
x
0
Q
a
Ui
>I
K
N
O
Q
a
z
0
E
a
a
2
O
*.
d
a
U
O
W
W
0 75 150 Y
0
Feet
Legend Figure 4. National Wetland Inventory Map
<cDUKE ® Project Area (1.12 acres)
n National Wetland Inventory Wetland Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
ENERGY® Type Jetty Modification
Catawba County, North Carolina
Lakes
The map shown here has been
Job No. 7818230062 created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: JC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.

es irgi.�ia
ky ORichmorid Feature S Ft
Norf
° Lake Hickor 24,116.70
Knoxville
0
Charlotte
Atlanta
O
Georgia
N 0 40 80
Miles
HickoryLake
X
Q
a
U
;I
�I
N
Q
a
z
0
•x.
' O
y O
Legend Figure 5. Jurisdictional Features Map
DUKE ® Project Area (1.12 acres)
Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
ENERGY® Jurisdictional Open Waters Jetty Modification
Catawba County, North Carolina
The map shown here has been
Job No. 7818230062 created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: JC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.

es irgivia
ky RicNmorid
O
Norf
0
Knoxville
*Charlotte _
Oxford Hydro Dam � _ ''
Atlanta �� �
Georgia �cA W
N 0 40 80
Miles
10
Lake Hickory
•
00
aD
Zone AE � 00
v,
w
16 �
O d
0
0
X
O
a
I
U
I
�I
N
y
C7
a
z
0
r
E
a
a
ti
Zone E
AE o
N
O
W
N
N
O
a`
U
O
w
w
0 0.05 0.1 x
0
Miles
Zon E
Legend Figure 6. FEMA Floodplain Map
®Project Area(1.12 acres)
DUKE - Cross-Sections
-- Transect Baselines Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
ENERGY® • River Mile Markers Jetty Modification
Flood Hazard Zones Catawba County, North Carolina
1%Annual Chance Flood Hazard
Regulatory Floodway
Job No. 7818230062 The map shown here has been
Special Floodway created with all due and
Area of Undetermined Flood Hazard reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
0.2%Annual Chance Flood Hazard &Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Future Conditions 1%Annual Chance number 7818230062.WSP
Flood Hazard Reviewed By: JC assumes no liability,direct or
Area with Reduced Risk Due to Levee indirect,whatsoever for any such
Area with Risk Due to Levee Date: 5/9/2023 third party or unintended use.
��j 11

West irgi iia
k y Richmorid
O
Norf
0
Knoxville
0
*Charlotte
Atlanta
O
Georgia
e ll 40 80,
Miles
16
Oxford Dam
31 AX0060
31 C�T0583
31 CT158 0
31 CT159 0
a
CT16101
t
s >
31 CT160
z
31 CT168
0
E
a
31 CT16,
•• 31CT171
0
4
ro
N
O
: y
�r
4
0 0.1 0.2 „ Y
Miles .-
y
k �
Legend Figure 7. Known Cultural Resources Map
DUKE ® Project Area (1.12 acres)
Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station—
ENERGY® Half Mile APE Jetty Modification
Archaeological Site Catawba County, North Carolina
Historic Resource
The map shown here has been
Historic Area Job No. 7818230062 created with all due and
reasonable care and is strictly for
Drawn By: MJC use with WSP USA Environment
&Infrastructure Inc.(WSP)project
Reviewed By: LC number 7818230062.WSP
assumes no liability,direct or
indirect,whatsoever for any such
Date: 5/18/2023 third party or unintended use.

2 3 4 5 6 7 I F-01 REV. 0
VSR PAD ALIGNMENT 1-1 / / / / / / / / \, - i // —
959 950 x0 / / / / / / DUKE BENCHMARK
ry OX1-BRASS CAP IN CONC. / / - } GRAVEL
945 12' 12' 12' 945 // / /m / / / / / / ELEV-955.94-FT(NAVD 88)
PROP 940OSED GRADE /, / Q- / / ELEV=956.62-FT(NGVD 29)
940
VSR PAD VSR PAD_VSR PAD
935 5' 3' 3' 3' — — 935
930 930
925 925 920 EXISTING GRADE
/
/
//... \•
✓ -FT CHAIN LINK FENCE
NORMAL FULLVOLUME OF FILL BELOW NORMAL 920 ds
915 ELEV=932.3 FULL POND ELEVATION=810 CU.VD. 915(NGVD29)A 1
A90 910 L,
0+00 0+50 1+00 1+50 2+00
EARTHWORK VOLUME SUMMARY(APPROXIMATE)* /I / / �� ) �/ I
NAME 2D AREA CUT FILL NET FILL BASE COMPARISON /� / / // 'xl I // I / l l l l / l / I I I I I
(ACRES) (CU.VD.) ICU.YD. (CU.YD.) / / m III r 5'
EXISTING GRADES VS.PROPOSED FINAL GRADES 0.2 0 1630 1630 REF.1 WSP DESIGN / I $ / N / °p' GATE
j,ll I I /N / , —zJ' g— _—x—x x - F 4
`THIS EARTHWORK VOLUME ESTIMATE DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SHRINKAGE OR J II
COMPACTION FACTORS. /,
�I I WOODS
II ( ��
TRANSFORMER ON \\
CONCRETE PAD \
IA
B e �2GaNpFezO I
\\ 1\ \ l I \
\
13
GRAVEL
EDGE OF WATER %/ / fT/
ELEV=932.3-FTt
NGVD29)/ I/I /\\ I ( 1 I\ I\\ \
am I 01> 1 11 I 1 1 \\ \ I \ \ \ \ \ \ \ WOODS PARCEL IEC LLC
D.875603005926
STOP LOGS
\\ 1 I LAKE HICKORI
0 \
/� \ AV v\ Av
II I AREA OFFILL BELOW I I I I / / / / - � 8 Y /'RM
1 ) (PERMANENT MPACTTO
ELEVATION-495 POND
WATER OF THE U.S.) \1 \\ \
RB zl RB \\ \� \��\ - \\ ;\\ \\ APPROXIMATE PROPERTY LINE /
\ \ \ \ I I I I I `x I GRAVEL \ \ / %`\ \\ \ \ \ \\ \ \, \ :GRAVEL
\ \ (TAKEN FROM CATAWBA COU7 )-
S)
\ O
/A A V I I 93600 GRAVEL CRANE AREA
F-01
v v �
SHEETPILE WALL
.(CONTRA CTORMAVTAPERTOCLASSB` y 4'" - \\ \\ \ \\ \ \\ C ` <I \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \\ LEGEND
RIP RAP AS NEEDED ALONG UPLAND - 2li
SIDES OF THE CRANE PAD) \ 936 03 ( \ \ \ Y \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ — EXISTING MAJOR CONTOUR(51) PROPOSED MAJOR CONTOUR IF)
A VSR PAD VSR PAD VSR PAD
\ \ \ \ \\ \\ ——————————— EXISTING MINOR CONTOUR(1') PROPOSED MINOR CONTOUR IV)
\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ PROPERTY LINE(APPROXIMATE) PROPOSED GRAVEL
\ \ \\ \ \ \ \ TEN TREES TO BEE PP
DOWN \ \ \. \
Q \ � \ WITHIN ZONE 1 OF THE RIPARIAN \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 1 � ' ' � ' ' � ' ' � ORDINARY OPERATING WATER LEVEL IMPACT TO WATERS OF THE U.S.
\ \ �� \ \ 'BUFFER FOR CRANE SWING
\ 150' \ \ \ \ \ ) \ RB Z1 RIPARIAN BUFFER-ZONE 1(30') O O TREE CLEARING AREA Q\ \ Q \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ t
\ 70 \
E V A \ \ A V A \ \ v v A \ \ \ �m�� \ Vm V A A V V A V A / v
/ \ \ ` \ \\ \ \ / RB Z2 RIPARIAN BUFFER-ZONE 2(20')
\ \ \\ \ \ \ \ D, \\ FO LOCATIONS
OF VSR PADS TO TOR \ \`l \\ \ \ \ �1� \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ / x x x x x x
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ I I 'O\ \ \ \ WOODS \ \ \ EXISTING FENCE
EXISTING TREE LINE
\ \ \ \ \! \a \ \ \ \ \ \ EXISTING GRAVEL
\ o \\ \\ \\\\s \\ \ \ \\\ ?o\ \ \ \ Nam( \ \ �l 1 m\ \ I I
\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \1 \ \ \ \ \ \ I Imo? \ \ \\ \ \\ \\ / / -� I / I \\ EXISTING RIP RAP
SURVEY BENCHMARK 20 0 20 40 FT
m I — TITLE JETTY MODIFICATION CONCEPTUAL
WOODS PLAN VIEW AND CROSS-SECTION
I 1 A I \ <
OXFORD HYDRO STATION F
12-INCH CLAY CULVERT
F ,/ I / 7 1 \ \ INN=
(END OF PIPE
NOT FOUND) WSP USA FINAL CONDITIONS
2801 VO RKMO NT ROAD,SUITE 10
CHARLOTTE, 205
FOR
0FAX:(ID 1NREBARFOUND LICENSURE:NCENG:F-1253 NCGEOLOGY:C-4] ISSU
ED FOR PERMIT REVIEW-NOT RELEASED FOR CONSTRUCTION
SEAL DUKE SCALE: SHOWN DES: CNB
TYPE:PE:E: DWG DFTR: CNB
NOTES/REFERENCES: JOB NO:7818-23-0062 CHKD: KPF
1. EXISTING TOPOGRAPHIC AND PLANIMETRIC INFORMATION FROM DECEMBER 29,2022 WSP SURVEY.EXISTING BATHVMETRIC DATA FROM MARCH 14,2023 NOT FOR �' E N E R Y® DATE: 5/1 712 0 2 3 ENGR: RLH
WSP SURVEY.THE HORIZONTAL AND DATUM FOR THIS PROJECT IS NAD83/2007.CONTOURS AND ELEVATIONS ARE REFERENCED TO THE VERTICAL DATUM
NGVD29(PER DUKE ENERGY INSTRUCTIONS} CONSTRUCTION FILENAME: F-01 FINAL CONDITIONSAWg APPD: RLH
2. VERTICAL STORAGE RACKS(VSR.)ARE FOR STORING UNIVERSAL STOP LOGS(USL.)
DWG SIZE DRAWING NO. REVISION
ANSI D
0 5/17/2023 7818-23-0062 JETTY MODIFICATION CNB CNB RLH RLH ISSUED FOR PERMIT 22"x34"" F-01 0
REV DATE JOB NO. PROJECT TYPE DES DFTR CHKD ENGRI DESCRIPTION
INCHES 1 2 3 TENTHS 10 20 30 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Plotted By:Brown, Chad Sheet Set:7818230062- OXFORD VSR PAD DESIGN L.yout:F-01 FINAL CONDITIONS May 17, 2023 01:45:40pm Q:\Duke\Oxford Dam\7818230062- Oxford VSR Pad\`Ia h..t.\F-01 FINAL CONDITIONS.dwg

Roy Cooper,Governor
■■■
■■ , NC DEPARTMENT OF D_Reid Wilson,Secretary
■■ ■■ NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
■ ■ I■ Misty Buchanan
Deputy Director,Natural Heritage Program
NCNHDE-21465
March 30, 2023
Julia Tillery
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions
4021 Stirrup Creek Dr. ste 100
Durham, NC 27703
RE: Oxford Hydro Plant; TBD
Dear Julia Tillery:
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/Di rectory/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 rod ney.butler(o-)ncdcr.gov or 919-707-8603.
Sincerely,
NC Natural Heritage Program
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
Qv 121 W.JONES STREET.RALEIGH.NC 27603 • 1651 MAIL SERVICE CENTER.RALEIGH.NC 27699
& OFC 919.707.9120 • FAX [phone]

Natural Heritage Element Occurrences, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas Intersecting the Project Area
Oxford Hydro Plant
Project No. TBD
March 30, 2023
NCNHDE-21465
Element Occurrences Documented Within Project Area
Taxonomic EO ID Scientific Na n Name LdbL Element Accuracy Federal State Global State
Group Observation Occurrence Status Status Rank Rank
1� ADate Rank
Freshwater 37337 Lampsilis splendida Rayed Pink Fatmucket 2021-07-14 E 3-Medium --- Significantly G3 S1
Bivalve Rare
Freshwater 41874 Lampsilis splendida Rayed Pink Fatmucket 2021-07-13 E 3-Medium --- Significantly G3 S1
Bivalve Rare
Freshwater 36766 Strophitus undulatus Creeper 2016-06-21 E 3-Medium --- Threatened G5 S3
Bivalve
Freshwater 41875 Strophitus undulatus Creeper 2021-07-13 E 3-Medium --- Threatened G5 S3
Bivalve
No Natural Areas are Documented within the Project Area
Managed Areas Documented Within Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Catawba County - Riverbend Park Catawba County Local Government
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.org/help. Data query generated on March 30,2023;source: NCNHP, Q4,Winter(January)
2023. 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
Oxford Hydro Plant
Project No. TBD
March 30, 2023
NCNHDE-21465
Element Occurrences Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Taxonomic EO ID Scientific Name Common Name Last Element Accuracy Federal State Global State
Group Observation Occurrence Status Status Rank Rank
Date I Rank �k-
Animal 38207 Waterbird Colony Waterbird Colony 2020-02-19 E 3-Medium --- --- GNR S3
Assemblage
Bird 40545 Haliaeetus Bald Eagle 2021-01-18 E 2-High Bald/Golden Threatened G5 S3B,S3
leucocephalus Eagle N
Protection
Act
Freshwater 37337 Lampsilis splendida Rayed Pink Fatmucket 2021-07-14 E 3-Medium --- Significantly G3 S1
Bivalve Rare
Freshwater 41874 Lampsilis splendida Rayed Pink Fatmucket 2021-07-13 E 3-Medium --- Significantly G3 S1
Bivalve Rare
Freshwater 36766 Strophitus undulatus Creeper 2016-06-21 E 3-Medium --- Threatened G5 S3
Bivalve
Freshwater 41875 Strophitus undulatus Creeper 2021-07-13 E 3-Medium --- Threatened G5 S3
Bivalve
Natural 19992 Low Elevation Seep --- 2001-08-03 C? 2-High --- --- G4 S2
Community (Floodplain Subtype)
Natural 11371 Piedmont Levee Forest--- 2010-05-26 C 2-High --- --- G3G4 S3S4
Community (Typic Subtype)
Natural Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Site Nam Representational Rating Collective Rating i
Catawba River Corridor R5 (General) C5 (General)
Managed Areas Documented Within a One-mile Radius of the Project Area
Managed Area Name Owner Owner Type
Catawba County - Riverbend Park Catawba County Local Government
City of Conover Open Space City of Conover Local Government
Definitions and an explanation of status designations and codes can be found at https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/help. Data query generated on March 30,2023;source: NCNHP, Q4,Winter(January)
2023. 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 3 of 4

NCNHDE-21465: Oxford Hydro Plant
a 16
0
N 2
Taylorsville
Beach
I
i
/ fake _
Hickory/Oxford
Da
001 i
/ P
i Ra
Lake' a
Hickory
/ o
0
N
P Z
n S
to ,c
N St
ters�rJ Z River
W+E i
1126ft 0.28 0.55 1.1 Miles
S I I t I I
March 30,2023
NHP Natural Area (NHNA)
I� Managed Area (MAREA)
Buffered Pro ect Bounda Sources:Esri,Airbus DS,USGS,NGA,NASA,CGIAR,N Robinson,NCEAS,
ry NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat. GSA, Geoland, FEMA,
Intennap and the GIS user community
Q Project Boundary Sources Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap
contributors,and the GIS User Community
Page 4 of 4

taEH�CF Ty 17
Q riwiv-m ru'i r•
a United States Department of the Interior
!, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE ,,, '
=RCH 3 �s Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville,NC 28801-1082
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
In Reply Refer To: March 30, 2023
Project Code: 2023-0062852
Project Name: Oxford Hydro Plant
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your
proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The enclosed species list
fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)under section 7(c) of the
Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Please note that new species information can change your official species list. Under 50 CFR
402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list
should be verified after 90 days. The Service recommends you visit the ECOS-IPaC website at
regular intervals during project planning and implementation to ensure your species list is
accurate or obtain an updated species list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the
ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the
Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to
utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered
species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or
designated critical habitat.
A biological assessment(BA) or biological evaluation (BE) should be completed for your
project.A BA is required for major construction activities (or other undertakings having similar
physical impacts) considered to be Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act(42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c))
(NEPA). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a BE be
prepared to determine effects of the action and whether those effects may affect listed species
and/or designated critical habitat. E?ects of the action are all consequences to listed species or
critical habitat that are caused by the proposed action, including the consequences of other

03/30/2023 2
activities that are caused by the proposed action.A consequence is caused by the proposed action
if it is reasonably certain to occur and would not occur "but for" the proposed action..
Recommended contents of a BABE are described at 50 CFR 402.12. More information and
resources about project review and preparing a BA/BE can be found at the following web link:
https://www.fws.gov/office/asheville-ecological-services/asheville-field-office-online-review-
process-overview.
If a Federal agency determines listed species and/or designated critical habitat maybe affected
by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR
402. The Service is not required to concur with "no effect" determinations from Federal action
agencies. If consultation is required, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed
species, proposed critical habitat, and at-risk species be addressed within the consultation. More
information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of
permit or licensed applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook"
at the following web link: https://www.fws.gov/media/endangered-species-consultation-
handbook.
Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species
under the Act, there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-
related impacts.Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds,
including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12
and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). More information about MBTA and BGEPA can be found at the
following web link: https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds.
We appreciate your consideration of Federally listed species. The Service encourages Federal
agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species in their project planning
to further the purposes of the Act. Please contact our staff at 828-258-3939, if you have any
questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference the
Consultation Code which can be found in the header of this letter.
Attachment(s):
• Official Species List
■ USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries
■ Migratory Birds
■ Wetlands

03/30/2023 1
OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST
This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the
requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed
action".
This species list is provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]

03/30/2023 2
PROJECT SUMMARY
Project Code: 2023-0062852
Project Name: Oxford Hydro Plant
Project Type: Dam - Maintenance/Modification
Project Description: Potential work near the Oxford dam.
Project Location:
The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https://
www.google.com/maps/(a)35.81913375,-81.19188254455423,14z
Counties: Catawba County, North Carolina

03/30/2023 3
ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES
There is a total of 5 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list.
Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include
species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species
list because a project could affect downstream species.
IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA
Fisheries1, as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the
Department of Commerce.
See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially
within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office
if you have questions.
1. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an
office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of
Commerce.
MAMMALS
NAME STATUS
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile:https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9045
Tricolored Bat Perimyotis sub flavus Proposed
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Endangered
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10515
REPTILES
NAME STATUS
Bog Turtle Glyptemys muhlenbergii Similarity of
Population:U.S.A.(GA,NC, SC,TN,VA) Appearance
No critical habitat has been designated for this species. (Threatened)
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6962
INSECTS
NAME STATUS
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Candidate
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743

03/30/2023 4
FLOWERING PLANTS
NAME STATUS
Dwarf-flowered Heartleaf Hexasrylis nani flora Threatened
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
Species profile:https:Hecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2458
CRITICAL HABITATS
THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S
JURISDICTION.

03/30/2023 1
USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS
AND FISH HATCHERIES
Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a
'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to
discuss any questions or concerns.
THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA.

03/30/2023
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Certain birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act!and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act2.
Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to
migratory birds, eagles, and their habitats should follow appropriate regulations and consider
implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described below.
1. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918.
2. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.
3. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)
The birds listed below are birds of particular concern either because they occur on the
USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) list or warrant special attention in your
project location.To learn more about the levels of concern for birds on your list and how this
list is generated, see the FAQ below. This is not a list of every bird you may find in this location,
nor a guarantee that every bird on this list will be found in your project area. To see exact
locations of where birders and the general public have sighted birds in and around your project
area, visit the E-bird data mapping tool (Tip: enter your location, desired date range and a species
on your list). For projects that occur off the Atlantic Coast, additional maps and models detailing
the relative occurrence and abundance of bird species on your list are available. Links to
additional information about Atlantic Coast birds, and other important information about your
migratory bird list, including how to properly interpret and use your migratory bird report, can be
found below.
For guidance on when to schedule activities or implement avoidance and minimization measures
to reduce impacts to migratory birds on your list, click on the PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE
SUMMARY at the top of your list to see when these birds are most likely to be present and
breeding in your project area.
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Breeds Sep 1 to
This is not a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)in this area,but warrants attention Jul 31
because of the Eagle Act or for potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types
of development or activities.
Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica Breeds Mar 15
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 25
and Alaska.
Eastern Whip-poor-will Antrostomus voci ferns Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 20
and Alaska.

03/30/2023 2
BREEDING
NAME SEASON
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Breeds May 1
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA to Jul 31
and Alaska.
Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Breeds Apr 1 to
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA Jul 31
and Alaska.
Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA to Sep 10
and Alaska.
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus Breeds
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)only in particular Bird Conservation Regions elsewhere
(BCRs)in the continental USA
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina Breeds May 10
This is a Bird of Conservation Concern(BCC)throughout its range in the continental USA to Aug 31
and Alaska.
PROBABILITY OF PRESENCE SUMMARY
The graphs below provide our best understanding of when birds of concern are most likely to be
present in your project area. This information can be used to tailor and schedule your project
activities to avoid or minimize impacts to birds. Please make sure you read and understand the
FAQ "Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report" before using or attempting
to interpret this report.
Probability of Presence (■)
Each green bar represents the bird's relative probability of presence in the 10km grid cell(s) your
project overlaps during a particular week of the year. (A year is represented as 12 4-week
months.)A taller bar indicates a higher probability of species presence. The survey effort(see
below) can be used to establish a level of confidence in the presence score. One can have higher
confidence in the presence score if the corresponding survey effort is also high.
How is the probability of presence score calculated?The calculation is done in three steps:
1. The probability of presence for each week is calculated as the number of survey events in
the week where the species was detected divided by the total number of survey events for
that week. For example, if in week 12 there were 20 survey events and the Spotted Towhee
was found in 5 of them, the probability of presence of the Spotted Towhee in week 12 is
0.25.
2. To properly present the pattern of presence across the year, the relative probability of
presence is calculated. This is the probability of presence divided by the maximum
probability of presence across all weeks. For example, imagine the probability of presence
in week 20 for the Spotted Towhee is 0.05, and that the probability of presence at week 12

03/30/2023 3
(0.25) is the maximum of any week of the year. The relative probability of presence on
week 12 is 0.25/0.25 = 1; at week 20 it is 0.05/0.25 = 0.2.
3. The relative probability of presence calculated in the previous step undergoes a statistical
conversion so that all possible values fall between 0 and 10, inclusive. This is the
probability of presence score.
Breeding Season ( )
Yellow bars denote a very liberal estimate of the time-frame inside which the bird breeds across
its entire range. If there are no yellow bars shown for a bird, it does not breed in your project
area.
Survey Effort (1)
Vertical black lines superimposed on probability of presence bars indicate the number of surveys
performed for that species in the 10km grid cell(s) your project area overlaps. The number of
surveys is expressed as a range, for example, 33 to 64 surveys.
No Data (—)
A week is marked as having no data if there were no survey events for that week.
Survey Timeframe
Surveys from only the last 10 years are used in order to ensure delivery of currently relevant
information. The exception to this is areas off the Atlantic coast, where bird returns are based on
all years of available data, since data in these areas is currently much more sparse.
■probability of presence breeding season 1 survey effort —no data
SPECIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Bald Eagle O . 1 IIII III ilk ��M M�111■■1
Non-BCC ���� ���� ���� ��� 1 11111111111111 +�
Vulnerable
Chimney Swift ++++ ++++ +++, +1�1 ��M"111 11 "" '""'++ ++++ ++++
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Eastwill ern Whip-Poor- ++++ ++++ ++++ + 100 i+++ ,++MI '��� ++++ ++++ ++++
BCC Rangewide mmmm MMM
(CON)
Prairie Warbler BCC Rangewide I I I 1 I +++ +*+,� �'++ 1111111-1 1 1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 I I 1 I 1 1 Jill
� I 1 1
(CON)
Prothonotary +1 ill IN
1111
Warbler ++++ ++++ ++++ +i1„ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++
BCC Rangewide --- M
(CON)

03/30/2023 4
Red-headed ++++ ++++ ++++ *A �+4 gill LE +�}+ +""'++ ++++ +++,
Woodpecker . ■`
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Rusty Blackbird ++++ 0+++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +++' ++++
BCC-BCR
Wood Thrush
BCC Rangewide
(CON)
Additional information can be found using the following links:
• Birds of Conservation Concern https://www.fws.gov/program/migratory-birds/species
■ Measures for avoiding and minimizing impacts to birds https://www.fws.gov/library-/
collections/avoiding-and-minimizing-incidental-take-migratory-birds
• Nationwide conservation measures for birds https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/
documents/nationwide-standard-conservation-measures.pdf
MIGRATORY BIRDS FAQ
Tell me more about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts
to migratory birds.
Nationwide Conservation Measures describes measures that can help avoid and minimize
impacts to all birds at any location year round. Implementation of these measures is particularly
important when birds are most likely to occur in the project area. When birds may be breeding in
the area, identifying the locations of any active nests and avoiding their destruction is a very
helpful impact minimization measure. To see when birds are most likely to occur and be breeding
in your project area, view the Probability of Presence Summary. Additional measures or permits
may be advisable depending on the type of activity you are conducting and the type of
infrastructure or bird species present on your project site.
What does IPaC use to generate the list of migratory birds that potentially occur in my
specified location?
The Migratory Bird Resource List is comprised of USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern
(BCQ and other species that may warrant special attention in your project location.
The migratory bird list generated for your project is derived from data provided by the Avian
Knowledge Network (AKN). The AKN data is based on a growing collection of survey, banding,
and citizen science datasets and is queried and filtered to return a list of those birds reported as
occurring in the 10km grid cell(s)which your project intersects, and that have been identified as
warranting special attention because they are a BCC species in that area, an eagle (Eagle Act
requirements may apply), or a species that has a particular vulnerability to offshore activities or
development.
Again, the Migratory Bird Resource list includes only a subset of birds that may occur in your
project area. It is not representative of all birds that may occur in your project area. To get a list

03/30/2023 5
of all birds potentially present in your project area, please visit the Rapid Avian Information
Locator(RAIL) Tool.
What does IPaC use to generate the probability of presence graphs for the migratory birds
potentially occurring in my specified location?
The probability of presence graphs associated with your migratory bird list are based on data
provided by the Avian Knowledge Network(AKN). This data is derived from a growing
collection of survey, banding, and citizen science datasets.
Probability of presence data is continuously being updated as new and better information
becomes available. To learn more about how the probability of presence graphs are produced and
how to interpret them, go the Probability of Presence Summary and then click on the "Tell me
about these graphs" link.
How do I know if a bird is breeding,wintering or migrating in my area?
To see what part of a particular bird's range your project area falls within (i.e. breeding,
wintering, migrating or year-round), you may query your location using the RAIL Tool and look
at the range maps provided for birds in your area at the bottom of the profiles provided for each
bird in your results. If a bird on your migratory bird species list has a breeding season associated
with it, if that bird does occur in your project area, there may be nests present at some point
within the timeframe specified. If "Breeds elsewhere" is indicated, then the bird likely does not
breed in your project area.
What are the levels of concern for migratory birds?
Migratory birds delivered through IPaC fall into the following distinct categories of concern:
1. "BCC Rangewide" birds are Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC)that are of concern
throughout their range anywhere within the USA(including Hawaii, the Pacific Islands,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands);
2. "BCC - BCR" birds are BCCs that are of concern only in particular Bird Conservation
Regions (BCRs) in the continental USA; and
3. "Non-BCC -Vulnerable" birds are not BCC species in your project area, but appear on
your list either because of the Eagle Act requirements (for eagles) or(for non-eagles)
potential susceptibilities in offshore areas from certain types of development or activities
(e.g. offshore energy development or longline fishing).
Although it is important to try to avoid and minimize impacts to all birds, efforts should be made,
in particular, to avoid and minimize impacts to the birds on this list, especially eagles and BCC
species of rangewide concern. For more information on conservation measures you can
implement to help avoid and minimize migratory bird impacts and requirements for eagles,
please see the FAQs for these topics.
Details about birds that are potentially affected by offshore projects
For additional details about the relative occurrence and abundance of both individual bird species
and groups of bird species within your project area off the Atlantic Coast, please visit the
Northeast Ocean Data Portal. The Portal also offers data and information about other taxa besides
birds that may be helpful to you in your project review.Alternately, you may download the bird
model results files underlying the portal maps through the NOAA NCCOS Integrative Statistical

03/30/2023 6
Modeling and Predictive Mapping of Marine Bird Distributions and Abundance on the Atlantic
Outer Continental Shelf project webpage.
Bird tracking data can also provide additional details about occurrence and habitat use
throughout the year, including migration. Models relying on survey data may not include this
information. For additional information on marine bird tracking data, see the Diving Bird Study
and the nanotag studies or contact Caleb Spiegel or Pam Lorin.
What if I have eagles on my list?
If your project has the potential to disturb or kill eagles, you may need to obtain a permit to avoid
violating the Eagle Act should such impacts occur.
Proper Interpretation and Use of Your Migratory Bird Report
The migratory bird list generated is not a list of all birds in your project area, only a subset of
birds of priority concern. To learn more about how your list is generated, and see options for
identifying what other birds may be in your project area, please see the FAQ "What does IPaC
use to generate the migratory birds potentially occurring in my specified location". Please be
aware this report provides the "probability of presence" of birds within the 10 km grid cell(s)that
overlap your project; not your exact project footprint. On the graphs provided, please also look
carefully at the survey effort (indicated by the black vertical bar) and for the existence of the "no
data" indicator (a red horizontal bar).A high survey effort is the key component. If the survey
effort is high, then the probability of presence score can be viewed as more dependable. In
contrast, a low survey effort bar or no data bar means a lack of data and, therefore, a lack of
certainty about presence of the species. This list is not perfect; it is simply a starting point for
identifying what birds of concern have the potential to be in your project area, when they might
be there, and if they might be breeding (which means nests might be present). The list helps you
know what to look for to confirm presence, and helps guide you in knowing when to implement
conservation measures to avoid or minimize potential impacts from your project activities,
should presence be confirmed. To learn more about conservation measures, visit the FAQ "Tell
me about conservation measures I can implement to avoid or minimize impacts to migratory
birds" at the bottom of your migratory bird trust resources page.

03/30/2023
WETLANDS
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section
404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes.
For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S.Army Corps of
Engineers District.
Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date.We are currently working to
update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine
the actual extent of wetlands on site.
LAKE
■ L1UBHh
RIVERINE
■ R4SBC

03/30/2023 2
IPAC USER CONTACT INFORMATION
Agency: WSP
Name: Laura Meyer
Address: 285 Davidson Avenue
Address Line 2: Suite 405
City: Somerset
State: NJ
Zip: 08873
Email [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

%N % I )
Cultural Resource Literature and Records Review for
The Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station
Jetty Modification Project
Catawba County, North Carolina
WSP USA Environment and Infrastructure, Inc. (WSP) conducted a cultural resources
literature and records review of known archaeological and historical resources for the
proposed Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station Jetty Modification project (Project Area) and a
half-mile radius area of potential effect (APE). The approximately 1.12-acre proposed Project
Area is located off Highway 16 next to the Oxford Hydro Station in Catawba County, North
Carolina (see Figure 7 in the attachments to the electronic Pre-Construction Notification).
Ground disturbance activity conducted for the Project is expected to occur within the
approximately 1.12-acre project boundary.The purpose of the proposed project is to enlarge the
existing jetty that primarily functions as the transfer point from land to barges for stop logs,
equipment, and materials used for maintaining and/or repairing the Oxford Hydro Station Dam.
The enlarged footprint will include three Vertical Storage Rack (VSR) pads as well as set a
location in which to operate a large crane.The project design does not include the construction
of a new roadway or causeway.
WSP consulted the Historic Preservation Office Web Service (HPOWEB) maintained by the
North Carolina Historic Preservation Office (NCHPO), and the data inventory and library
housed at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (NCOSA) in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For this review, the Project Area includes the proposed 1.12-mile Oxford Hydro Station Jetty
Modification Project Area and half-mile radius APE (Figure 7). Results of the cultural
resources research indicate that there are seven known archaeology sites and two historic
resources located within the half-mile APE.
A Review of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) File
According to records maintained by NCHPO and NCOSA,there are no archaeological or
historic resources listed in the NRHP within the Project Area and half-mile APE.
Archaeological Resources
Using the NCOSA site file records, WSP reviewed the information provided in the site forms
for any previously recorded archaeology sites within the Project Area and APE.Table 1
summarizes the relevant information, detailing the site numbers, site types, and National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility for each site.A site may be recommended not
eligible, undetermined, or eligible for listing in the NRHP. Undetermined means that
additional work is required to accurately evaluate the eligibility of the resource.
Results of the site files search show there are seven known archaeology sites within the half-
mile APE (Table 1).
May 17,2023 Page 1 of 4

%
Cultural Resouce Review NX )
Oxford Hydro Station Jetty Modification Project
Catawba County, North Carolina
Table 1. Previously recorded archaeology sites located in the vicinity of the Project Area.
Site No. Site Type NRHP Eligibility
31CT158 Historic Structure Not Eligible
31CT159 Unknown Prehistoric and Historic Scatter Not Eligible
31CT160 19'and 20'Century Historic Scatter Not Eligible
31CT161 Unknown Prehistoric and Historic Scatter Not Eligible
31CT167 19'and 20'Century Historic Scatter Not Eligible
31CT168 Unknown Prehistoric and Historic Scatter Not Eligible
31CT171 Unknown Historic Not Eligible
All seven known archaeological sites within the half-mile APE are considered not eligible for
the NRHP.According to the archaeology site forms,the sites were in poor condition due to
erosion, land clearing, and cultivation and were subject to commercial development. Sites
31CT159,31CT161, and 31CT168 consisted of multiple components.The prehistoric lithics
recovered from the sites were not diagnostic, but the historic components were dated
between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Site 31CT158 is the only archaeological site
with structural remains, consisting of concrete foundations that are the remnants of the
cement mixing plant used for the construction of the dam. Site 31CT171 suggested a home
site due to the landscaping, but shovel testing did not yield any artifacts.
The Project Area has not been previously surveyed for cultural resources.
Historic Architectural Resources
WSP reviewed the historic architectural information provided by the HPOWEB GIS webpage
maintained by the NCHPO to identify historical structures within the Project Area and APE.
Table 2 summarizes the relevant information, detailing the historic resource names,
description, temporal affiliation, and NRHP eligibility for each location.A historic resource
may be recommended as not eligible, undetermined, or eligible for listing in the NRHP.
Undetermined means that additional work is required to accurately evaluate the eligibility of
the resource.
A total of two historic structures are located within the half-mile APE (Table 2).
Table 2. Known historic architectural resources located in the vicinity of the Project Area.
County Site ID Resource Description Date NRHP
Eligibility
Alexander 31AX0060 Bridge#139 (Replacement) n.d. Undetermined
(Survey Only)
Catawba 31CT0583 Oxford Dam n.d. Determined
Eligible
Of the two historic structures, one is determined eligible for the NRHP and one will need
further work to determine its eligibility. Oxford Dam (31CT0583), located in Catawba County,
was constructed along with a hydroelectric power plant in 1928 by Duke Power. The dam
resulted in the creation of Lake Hickory. Bridge #139 (31AX0060) is located in Alexander
County and it is unclear whether the bridge was surveyed before or after it was replaced.
Additional work will need to be done to determine the bridge's eligibility for the NRHP.
May 17,2023 Page 2 of 4

%
Cultural Resouce Review NX )
Oxford Hydro Station Jetty Modification Project
Catawba County, North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Survey Status Report (2019), the last comprehensive historic
architectural survey of Alexander County was completed in 2001.The last architectural survey
in Catawba County was conducted in 2015.
Historic Map Research
In addition to reviewing the records held at the NCHPO and NCOSA, archival and historic
USGS topographic maps and historic aerials were also reviewed. The earliest archival map of
Catawba County, Robert Yoder's 1886 Map of Catawba County, North Carolina, indicates a
small unnamed community along the southern banks of the Catawba River. The community
consists of residences, a store with post office, a church, a ferry, and several mills clustered
along two roads leading to the river. Oxford's Ford is indicated in the area of Oxford Dam
(31CT0583). The 1895 Hickory, North Carolina USGS topography map names the community
as Oxford Ford and also shows either a bridge or ferry route connecting Catawba and
Alexander counties. By 1920, settlement had increased in the community of Oxford Ford,
primarily on the two main roads leading to the river (United States Post Office Department).
The 1936 North Carolina Road Survey of Catawba County map shows the construction of
Oxford Dam (31CT0583) and Highway 16 to the east of the Project Area. The construction of
the dam led to a decrease of population around the Project Area, only a few residences
remained, and the surrounding land was farmed, which is also indicated in the 1951 aerials.
However, in those same aerials five structures are visible on the eastern edge of the Project
Area and another residence is located on a small peninsula south of the Project Area. By 1966,
aerials show the structures on the eastern edge of the Project Area have been demolished.
Although the 1970 Millersville, NC topography map indicates the structure south of the
Project Area on the peninsula, the structure is no longer visible on 2006 aerials. The current
condition of the structure is unknown.
Summary
The cultural resources literature and records review indicate there are seven previously
recorded archaeological sites located within the half-mile APE, none of which are eligible for
the NRHP. Of the two historic resources within the half-mile APE, one is eligible for listing in
the NRHP and one will require additional work to determine its eligibility.
Based on the results of this cultural resources literature and records review,the proposed
Duke Energy Oxford Hydro Station Jetty Modification project is not expected to impact any
known archaeological sites or adversely affect any known historic structures. Due to the limited
number of cultural resources surveys in the area,the lack of previously recorded sites and
structures within the Project Area is not indicative of a complete absence of these resources;
however, ground disturbance and planned impacts will remain within the proposed Project
Area.This records search has been provided for planning purposes and consultation with the
NCOSA is advised to satisfy the full requirements for the Section 106 process.
May 17,2023 Page 3 of 4

Cultural Resouce Review NNSI )
Oxford Hydro Station Jetty Modification Project
Catawba County, North Carolina
References
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources. North Carolina Survey Status Report.
Accessed 5/16/23. https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/historic-preservation-
offi ce/P D Fs/N C_S u rvey_Stat u s_Re po rt_2019-03.pdf
North Carolina Historic Preservation Office (NCHPO). HPOWEB 2.0.Accessed 5/15/23
https://nc.ma ps.a rcg is.com/home/item.htm l?id=79ea67l ebdcc45639f0860257d5f5ed7.
North Carolina State Highway and Public Works Commission. 1936. North Carolina County
Road Survey of Catawba County. North Carolina Maps Digital Collection. North Carolina
Department of Cultural Resources.
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Maps. Hickory, NC1895 (1:125000)
Millersville, NC 1970 (1:24000)
United States Post Office Department. 1920. Rural Delivery Routes Catawba County, NC.
North Carolina Maps Digital Collection. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Yoder, Robert Anderson.1886. Map of Catawba County, North Carolina. North Carolina Maps
Digital Collection. North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
May 17,2023 Page 4 of 4