20210204 Ver 1_CrabtreeValleyInterceptorAquaticsSurveyReportApril2020_20230711

Aquatic Surveys Report
Crabtree Valley Interceptor
Crabtree Creek
Wake County, North Carolina
Crabtree Creek in the project study area
Prepared For:
46 N
McKim & Creed
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Nisha Thuruthy, PE, PMP
1730 Varsity Drive, Venture IV Building, Suite 500
Raleigh, NC 27606-2689
April 2020

Prepared by:
1 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 600
Raleigh, NC 27603
Contact Person:
Chris Sheats
[e-mail]
919-417-2732

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Waters Impacted.................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 303(d) Classification......................................................................................................... 2
2.2 NPDES Discharges............................................................................................................. 2
3.0 Target Federally Protected Species Description.................................................................. 2
3.1 Necturus lewisi (Neuse River Waterdog)......................................................................... 2
3.1.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 2
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 2
3.2 Noturus furiosus (Carolina Madtom)............................................................................... 3
3.2.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 3
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 3
3.3 Alasmidonta heterodon (Dwarf Wedgemussel)............................................................... 3
3.3.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 3
3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 4
3.4 Parvaspina steinstansana (Tar River Spinymussel).......................................................... 4
3.4.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 4
3.4.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 4
3.5 Elliptio lanceolata (Yellow Lance).................................................................................... 4
3.5.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 4
3.5.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 5
3.6 Fusconia masoni (Atlantic Pigtoe).................................................................................... 5
3.6.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 5
3.6.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 5
3.7 Lasmigona subviridis (Green Floater).............................................................................. 6
3.7.1 Species Characteristics.............................................................................................. 6
3.7.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements.................................................................... 6
4.0 Survey Efforts....................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 Methodology....................................................................................................................6
4.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog.............................................................................................. 6
4.1.2 Freshwater Mussels and Carolina Madtom.............................................................. 7
4.1.3 Habitat Assessments................................................................................................. 7
5.0 Results..................................................................................................................................7
5.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog.............................................................................................. 7
5.1.2 Freshwater Mussel and Carolina Madtom............................................................... 8
6.0 Discussion/Conclusions......................................................................................................11
7.0 Literature Cited.................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix A. Figures:
Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Locations
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: NPDES Discharges

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The City of Raleigh proposes to replace existing sewer interceptors along Crabtree Creek with
new gravity interceptors between 1-440 to approximately 700 meters upstream of Creedmoor
Road (Figure 1). Four open cut sewer conveyance crossings of Crabtree Creek are proposed
along with streambank stabilization activities throughout the project study corridor. Seven
aquatic species known in the Neuse River Basin are federally listed or are proposed for
protection by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for Wake County. Two freshwater
mussel species are listed as federally endangered (dwarf wedgemussel, Tar River spinymussel),
one as federally threatened (yellow lance), and two as "At Risk Species" ((ARS) (Atlantic pigtoe,
green floater)). Additionally, one fish species (Carolina madtom), and one aquatic amphibian
species (Neuse River waterdog) are listed as ARS.
According to the NC Natural Heritage Program database (NCNHP, Access date: February 21,
2020), there is one element occurrence (EO) record for the Neuse River waterdog (NRWD) in
Crabtree Creek approximately 1.2 miles upstream of Reach 1 (EO #12593). There is one EO in
Crabtree Creek for the Atlantic pigtoe approximately 1.6 miles upstream of Reach 1 (EO #
14599). There is one EO for Carolina madtom (CMT) (EO #10676) and a historic dwarf
wedgemussel EO (EO #7699) approximately 10 miles downstream in the Neuse River. There is
an EO for yellow lance (EO # 21894) and an EO for green floater (EO #28706) approximately 15
miles away in Swift Creek. There is an EO for Tar River spinymussel in the Little River
approximately 29 miles away (EO #21411) (Figure 2).
According to the US Fish and Wildlife Services Threatened and Endangered Species Active
Critical Habitat Report (USFWS, Update date: March 27, 2020), there is proposed critical habitat
for Neuse River waterdog, Carolina madtom, Atlantic pigtoe, and yellow lance. However, no
critical habitat is proposed within the vicinity of the project study area. Proposed critical habitat
for Neuse River waterdog and Atlantic pigtoe occurs in Middle Creek in southern Wake County.
Proposed critical habitat for yellow lance occurs to the south in Swift Creek. Proposed critical
habitat for Carolina madtom is located in eastern Wake County in mainstem of the Little River.
SEPI was contracted by McKim & Creed to conduct surveys targeting the Neuse River waterdog,
Carolina madtom, dwarf wedge mussel, Tar River spinymussel, yellow lance, Atlantic pigtoe,
and green floater as part of the federal permitting process that requires an evaluation of
potential project -related impacts to federally protected species.
2.0 WATERS IMPACTED
Crabtree Creek is in the Upper Neuse River sub -basin of the Neuse River basin (U.S. Geological
Survey [USGS] Hydrological Unit Code 03020201).
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 1

2.1 303(d) Classification
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) 2018 Final 303(d) list was reviewed to
better understand water quality upstream of the study area. A 2.5-mile portion of Hare Snipe
Creek from the Lake Lynn dam to Crabtree Creek [(NC 27-33-12-(2))] is listed due to poor
benthos ratings (NCDEQ, 2020). A portion of Mine Creek from Shelly Lake to Crabtree Creek
[(NC 27-33-14b)] is listed due to fair benthos ratings (NCDEQ, 2020).
2.2 NPDES Discharges
The closest active permitted NPDES discharge to Crabtree Creek is approximately five miles
upstream of the study area (NCDEQ, 2020b); North Cary Wastewater Reclamation Facility
(NPDES Permit # NC0048879) is located along Crabtree Creek (Figure 3).
3.0 TARGET FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES DESCRIPTION
3.1 Necturus lewisi (Neuse River Waterdog)
3.1.1 Species Characteristics
The NRWD is a fully aquatic salamander that ranges in size from six to nine inches in length,
with a maximum record length of 11 inches. It has a stocky, cylindrical body, small limbs,
smooth skin, and a flattened, elongate head with a square ended nose. The tail is keeled on
both the top and bottom. It has four toes on each foot and is a rusty brown color on the dorsal
side and dull brown or slate colored on the ventral side. Both sides are strongly spotted, but
the ventral side tends to have fewer and smaller dark bluish to black spots. They have a dark
line running through the eye. Adults are neotenous and retain three bushy, dark red external
gills. Male and females are similar in appearance and can be distinguished by differences in the
cloaca (Amphibiaweb 2019; Brimley, 1924; Conant and Collins, 1998).
NWRD become sexually mature at approximately five to six years, breeding typically occurs in
the spring. The male deposits a spermatophore that is picked up by the female and used to
fertilize between 30 and 50 eggs that are attached to the underside of flat rocks or other large
objects. The female guards them until they hatch in June or July (Conant and Collins, 1998).
3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The NRWD is found only in the Neuse and Tar River basins of North Carolina, inhabiting rivers
and larger streams, where it prefers leaf beds in quiet waters. This species needs high levels of
dissolved oxygen and good water quality. The NRWD is generally found in backwaters off the
main current, in areas with sandy or muddy substrate. Adults construct retreats on the
downstream side of rocks or in the stream bank where they remain during the day. This species
is active during the night, leaving these retreats to feed. The NRWD is carnivorous, feeding on
invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion. It is most active during winter months even when
temperatures are below freezing. During summer months, it will burrow into deep leaf beds
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 2

and is rarely found. Inactivity in the summer may be an adaptation to avoid fish predators,
which are more active at these times. In addition, the NRWD produces a defensive, toxic skin
secretion that is assumed to be distasteful to predators (AmphibiaWeb 2019; Conant and
Collins, 1998).
3.2 Noturus furiosus (Carolina Madtom)
3.2.1 Species Characteristics
The CMT is a freshwater fish reaching up to five inches in length. The body is short and chunky
with a distinct pattern of three dark saddles starting at the dorsal fin and ending at the caudal
fin. These dark saddles connect a wide, black stripe along the side which extends from the
snout to the base of the tail (Menhinick 1991). The adipose fin is connected to the caudal and
has a dark blotch that ends slightly below the fins edge. The belly is not speckled, and crescent
shaped brown bands are present at the edge of the caudal. Its pectoral spines have serrated
projections along both margins (USFWS 2018).
The CMT feeds on larval midges, mayflies, caddisflies, dragon flies and beetles. They are most
active during dawn and dusk. Individuals reach reproductive maturity by 2 years and spawn
from May to July in moderate to slow flowing areas, often using mussel shells, woody debris
and trash as cover. Females produce up to 300 eggs per breeding season and the male guards
the nest until eggs are hatched (Burr et al. 1989).
3.2.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The CMT is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River basins in North Carolina, and currently exists in
fragmented populations. Streams harboring the CMT often have sand, gravel and detritus
bottoms with free -flowing conditions (USFWS 2018a). This species tends to avoid areas with
large submerged plants however specimens have been found in small patches of vegetation.
During warm months, adults occupy areas with a swift current and a maximum depth of about
one meter. Juveniles inhabit shallow riffles and runs with slower currents.
3.3 Alasmidonta heterodon (Dwarf Wedgemussel)
3.3.1 Species Characteristics
The dwarf wedgemussel is a freshwater mussel reaching up to 56mm in length but is mostly
found under 45mm (Beans and Niles 2003). Shell shape is classified as trapezoid to ovate.
Individuals possess a small, thin shell that is somewhat inflated and thickens anteriorly. The
anterior margin is sharply curved, while the ventral margin is broadly curved to straight; the
posterior region is roundly pointed near the base. Lateral teeth are a defining characteristic of
this species, two are present on the right valve and one on the left valve (Bogan 2002, Ortmann
1919).
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 3

3.3.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The dwarf wedgemussel is endemic Atlantic Slope basins from New Brunswick to North
Carolina, with populations being historically located in the Neuse and Pamlico River basins in
North Carolina. This species is thought to be a habitat generalist, as it has been found in small
streams to large rivers with slow to moderate flows and occupies a variety of substrates to
include sand, gravel and firm silt (Fuller 1977).
3.4 Parvaspina steinstansana (Tar River Spinymussel)
3.4.1 Species Characteristics
Young individuals are often a shiny yellowish -brown color with greenish rays streaking outward
from the hinge area, while older individuals tend to have a brown color and rays are absent
from the shell. Short spines reaching a maximum length of 5mm are on the anterior region of
the shell and curve ventrally. Spines can be in one or two rows with up to six spines on each
valve that are symmetrical to the other valve. Shells are thicker toward the anterior end while
the posterior end is thinner, and the nacre usually fades from pink to bluish white (Johnson and
Clarke 1983, USFWS 2014).
This species is a tachytictic breeder with gravid females occurring from April to August (Widlak
1987). Fish host for this species include bluehead chub, pinewoods shiner, satinfin shiner and
white shiner (Eads and Levine 2008). Like other mussel species, these individuals are filter
feeders and forage by siphoning and filtering small food particles that are suspended in the
water.
3.4.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Tar River spinymussel is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River basins in North Carolina, and
can only be found in Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Pitt, and Warren Counties.
This species lives in fast flowing streams with silt -free unconsolidated beds composed of coarse
sand and gravel.
3.5 Elliptio lanceolata (Yellow Lance)
3.5.1 Species Characteristics
The yellow lance is characterized by having shells twice as long as they are tall, with elongate
shells reaching up to 86mm in length. A bright yellow and waxy periostracum without rays is
present, however older individuals may have a brownish color at the posterior end. The
posterior ridge is round and curves dorsally towards the posterior end. The periostracum has
brown growth rings. Two long lateral teeth are present on the left valve and one is present on
the right, while two pseudocardinal teeth are present on each valve. The nacre is normally an
iridescent blue color shifting to white or salmon on the anterior region (USFWS 2017).
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 4

Historically many species were synonymized with yellow lance (E. lanceolata) as a part of the
lanceolate Elliptio complex, but in 2009 the yellow lance was recognized as its own species
(Bogan et al. 2009). The yellow lance is a short-term brooder that spawns in the spring. Lab
studies found that white shiners and pinewood shiners are acceptable host fish for this species,
while other members of the minnow family are also believed to serve in this role. Like other
mussels, the yellow lance is a filter feeder that has a diet consisting of phytoplankton,
zooplankton, bacteria, detritus and dissolved organic matter. (Haag 2012).
3.5.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
Historically, this species was found from the Patuxent River Basin in Maryland to the Neuse
River Basin in North Carolina, ranging from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains through
the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. In the last 10 years, individuals have only been found in the
Patuxent, Rappahannock, York, Chowan, Tar, and Neuse River Basins (USFWS 2017).
Yellow lance can be found in clean rivers or streams with moderate flows and high dissolved
oxygen concentrations. Individuals are often found buried in coarse to medium sand, however
they have also been found in gravel substrates. Individuals tend to aggregate to sand substrates
downstream of stable sand and gravel bars.
3.6 Fusconia masoni (Atlantic Pigtoe)
3.6.1 Species Characteristics
The Atlantic pigtoe is a freshwater mussel reaching up to 60mm in length. This species is
characterized by having a sub -rhomboidal shaped shell with a distinct posterior ridge. The
umbo is elevated well above the dorsal margin and the beak cavity is shallow. The periostracum
is yellow to dark brown and has a parchment- like texture (Bogan 2002, Bogan and Alderman
2008). Pseudocardinal and lateral teeth are well developed except for the anterior
pseudocardinal tooth in the right valve, while the interdental tooth is absent in the left valve
(USFWS 2018b).
The Atlantic pigtoe is a tachytictic breeder, gravid females have been found from late June to
early July (Fuller 1973). Fish hosts for this species include bluegill sunfish, shield darter,
longnose dace, rosefin shiner and creek chub (Watters and O'Dee 1997, Wolf and Emrick 2011).
3.6.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Atlantic pigtoe is endemic to the southern Atlantic Slope and is found from the Ogeechee
River Basin in Georgia to the James River Basin in Virginia. In North Carolina, this species is
known from the Catawba, Pee Dee, Cape Fear, Neuse, Pamlico and Roanoke River basins
(Johnson 1970, Bogan 2002). This species can be found in medium to large streams with clean,
swift waters and a stable gravel or sand and gravel substrate. Individuals are often found on the
downstream edge of riffle areas.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 5

3.7 Lasmigona subviridis (Green Floater)
3.7.1 Species Characteristics
The green floater is a small, thin shelled freshwater mussel that reaches a maximum length of
55mm. Individuals have a subovate shaped shell with depressed beaks that only project slightly
above the hinge line. A double -looped sculpture is present on the beak. The lateral teeth are
long, straight and thin; two lamellate pseudocardinal teeth are present on the left valve while
one is present on the right, both are directed forward of the beak and parallel with the hinge
line. The dorsal margin forms a blunt angle with the posterior margin (Bogan 2002).
The green floater is a bradytictic breeder, with a reproductive season from August to May.
Interestingly, this species is also hermaphroditic, meaning individuals contain both male and
gemale gonadal tissues. Host fish for this species are currently unknown.
3.7.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The green floater spans across the Atlantic slope and Interior basins, with a historical range
spanning from the Savannah River in Georgia to the Hudson River in New York, as well as in the
New, Kanawah, and Watauga Rivers. In North Carolina, this animal occurs in the Watauga, New,
Neuse, and Tar River basins. Individuals can be found in small to medium sized streams in low
flow areas, specifically in pool or eddy habitats with gravel and sand substrates.
4.0 SURVEY EFFORTS
A habitat assessment was conducted within the study area to identify rare aquatic species
habitat potential where open cut creek crossings were proposed. Crabtree Creek was identified
and three reaches (Reach 1-3) were identified and surveyed. Survey efforts were conducted by
SEPI personnel Chris Sheats (Permit # 19-ES00558), Bob Lepsic, Rachel Quindlen, Anna Reusche
and Ashley Gallaugher. Freshwater mussel and Carolina madtom surveys were completed in
Crabtree Creek on November 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2019. A short reach of Hare Snipe Creek at the
confluence of Crabtree Creek was surveyed on October 17, 2019 for freshwater mussels and
Carolina madtom. Neuse River waterdog traps were deployed to soak overnight within Reaches
1-3 of Crabtree Creek on December 2, 2019, and checked on December 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2019.
4.1 Methodology
4.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog
35 minnow traps were set to soak in Crabtree Creek for four consecutive nights. 15 traps (Traps
1-15) were deployed within Reach 1. Ten traps (1-10) were deployed within Reach 2, and ten
traps (1-10) were deployed within Reach 3. Traps were checked daily during the soaking period.
Trap sites were selected based on habitat conditions and accessibility. Traps were baited with a
combination of chicken livers and chicken hotdogs. Traps were checked daily and rebaited as
needed, and all species observed were recorded. Water temperature was recorded each day.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 6

4.1.2 Freshwater Mussels and Carolina Madtom
Freshwater mussel and Carolina madtom surveys were completed using visual and tactile
survey methods. Water quality and habitat conditions were recorded at each location.
4.1.3 Habitat Assessments
Where proposed activities were proposed, habitat assessments for rare aquatic species were
completed within the tributaries to Crabtree Creek. No evidence of rare species habitat was
observed.
5.0 RESULTS
5.1.1 Neuse River Waterdog
The Neuse River waterdog was not found during the trapping survey efforts. Species observed
in the traps include bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, redbreast sunfish, bluehead chub, satinfin
shiner, white shiner, yellow bullhead and crayfish species (Table 1). Water temperature ranged
from 7-8 degree Celsius.
Table 1. Species observed during NRWD trapping surveys
Trap
#
Day 1
(12/3/2019)
Day 2
(12/4/2019)
Day 3
(12/5/2019)
Day 4
(12/6/2019)
Crabtree Creek (Reach 1)
1
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
1 yellow bullhead
(Ameiurus natalis)
2
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
3
4
5
6
7
1 crayfish
8
9
10
1 crayfish
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
1 yellow bullhead (Ameiurus
natalis); 1 crayfish
11
1 yellow bullhead (Ameiurus
natalis)
12
13
2 yellow bullheads
(Ameiurus natalis)
14
15
Crabtree Creek (Reach 2)
1
1 yellow bullhead (Ameiurus
natalis); 1 channel catfish
(Ictalurus punctatus)
2
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 7

Trap
#
Day 1
(12/3/2019)
Day 2
(12/4/2019)
Day 3
(12/5/2019)
Day 4
(12/6/2019)
3
5 bluehead chubs (Nocomis
leptocephalus); 1 white
shiner (Luxilus albeolus)
4
5
2 crayfish
6
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
1 bluehead chub (Nocomis
leptocephalus)
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
7
1 satinfin shiner
(Cyprinella analostana)
1 crayfish
8
1 bluehead chub
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
2 bluehead chubs
(Nocomis leptocephalus)
9
1 crayfish
10
2 crayfish
Crabtree Creek (Reach 3)
1
2
3
1 channel catfish
(Ictalurus punctatus)
4
1 crayfish
5
1 bluegill (Lepomis
macrochirus)
2 crayfish
1 bluegill (Lepomis
macrochirus)
6
1 crayfish
1 crayfish
7
8
1crayfish-
9
10
5.1.2 Freshwater Mussel and Carolina Madtom
Surveys were conducted for a total of 50.25 person hours within Reaches 1-3. Dwarf
wedgemussel, Tar River spinymussel, yellow lance, Atlantic pigtoe, green floater, and Carolina
madtom were not observed during survey efforts. Freshwater mussel species observed include
Eastern elliptio, creeper, and paper pondshell (Table 2-5). Asian clams were also observed. Fish
species observed include Roanoke darter, tessellated darter, northern hogsucker, redbreast
sunfish, bluegill sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, swallowtail shiner, rosyside dace,
American eel, margined madtom, bluehead chub, fantail darter, flathead catfish, and yellow
bullhead (Table 2- 5).
Table 2. Species observed in Reach 1(191003.2cros, 191004.1cros) 15 hrs total time
Scientific Name
Common Name # Live
Abundance/CPUE
Survey 191003.2cros (6.0 total time)
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptio complanata
eastern elliptio
130
21.66/hr
Strophitus undulatus
creeper
0 (1 shell only)
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative
Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
common
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 8

Scientific Name
Common Name
# Live
Abundance/CPUE
Notropis procne
swallowtail shiner
—
uncommon
Ictalurus punctatus
channel catfish
—
uncommon
Etheostoma olmstedi
tessellated darter
—
uncommon
Percina roanoka
Roanoke darter
—
uncommon
Lepomis macrochirus
I bluegill sunfish
common
Survey 191004.1cros (9.0 total time)
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptio complanata
eastern elliptio
121
13.44/hr
Strophitus undulatus
creeper
3
0.33/hr
Utterbackia imbecillis
paper pondshell
1
0.11/hr
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative
Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
—
common
Lepomis auritus
redbreast sunfish
—
common
Hypentelium nigricans
northern
hogsucker
—
uncommon
Notropis procne
swallowtail shiner
—
common
Lepomis macrochirus
bluegill sunfish
—
common
Percina roanoka
Roanoke darter
—
common
Anguilla rostrata
American eel
—
uncommon
Micropterus
salmoides
largemouth bass
—
uncommon
CPUE-Catch per unit effort
Reach 1 on Crabtree Creek was approximately 700 meters upstream of Creedmoor Road. The
stream was six meters wide with minimum and maximum depths of 0.25 meters and one
meter, respectably. Substrate was dominated by sand particles while gravel was the
subdominant type. Evidence of beaver activity was noted by the presence of gnawed branches.
Within this reach run and pool habitats were present. Water levels were normal, and visibility
was clear during surveys. This site had 90% forest cover with narrow, wooded buffers and a
surrounding natural, urban, and sub -urban land -use with a road corridor.
Table 3. Species observed in Reach 2 (191002.1cros and 191003.1cros) 21.9 hrs Total Time
Scientific Name Common Name I # Live
I Abundance/CPUE
Survey 191002.1cros (15.0 total time)
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptio complanata
eastern elliptio 83
5.53/hr
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
—
common
Orconectes sp.
N/A
—
common
Clinostomus funduloides
rosyside dace
—
uncommon
Lepomis macrochirus
bluegill sunfish
—
common
Anguilla rostrata
American eel
—
uncommon
Ictalurus punctatus
channel catfish
—
uncommon
Noturus insignis
margined madtom
—
uncommon
Nocomis leptocephalus
bluehead chub
—
uncommon
Lepomis auritus
redbreast sunfish
—
common
Etheostoma flabellare
fantail darter
—
uncommon
Percina roanoka
Roanoke darter
—
common
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 9

Scientific Name
Common Name
# Live
Abundance/CPUE
Notropis procne
swallowtail shiner
common
Ameiurus natalis
yellow bullhead
uncommon
Micropterus salmoides
largemouth bass
uncommon
Survey 191003.1cros (6.9 total time)
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptio complanata
eastern elliptio
55
7.9/hr
Strophitus undulatus
creeper
3
0.43/hr
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian Clam
-
common
Orconectes sp.
N/A
-
common
Lepomis macrochirus
bluegill sunfish
-
common
Nocomis leptocephalus
bluehead chub
-
uncommon
Lepomis auritus
redbreast sunfish
-
common
Percina roanoka
Roanoke darter
-
common
Etheostoma flabellare
fantail darter
-
uncommon
Notropis procne
swallowtail shiner
-
common
Reach 2 was in the vicinity of Creedmoor Road. The stream was six meters wide with minimum
and maximum depths of 0.25 meters and one meter, respectably. Substrate was dominated by
gravel particles while sand was the subdominant type. Evidence of beaver activity was noted by
the presence of gnawed branches. Within this reach riffle, run and pool habitats were present.
Water levels were normal, and visibility was clear during surveys. This site had 90% forest cover
with narrow, wooded buffers and a surrounding natural, urban, and sub -urban land -use with a
road corridor.
Table 4. Species observed in Reach 3 (191001.1cros) 13.35 total time
Scientific Name I Common Name F# Live
Abundance/CPUE
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
Elliptio complanata
eastern elliptio 35
2.62/hr
Freshwater Clams and Fish
Relative Abundance
Corbicula fluminea
Asian clam
-
patchy/common
Orconectes sp.
crayfish
-
uncommon
Percina roanoka
Roanoke darter
-
common
Etheostoma olmstedi
tessellated darter
-
uncommon
Hypentelium nigricans
northern hogsucker
-
common
Lepomis auritus
redbreast sunfish
-
common
Lepomis macrochirus
bluegill sunfish
-
common
Micropterus salmoides
largemouth bass
-
uncommon
Ictalurus puncatus
channel catfish
-
uncommon
Notropis procne
swallowtail shiner
-
common
Reach 3 on Crabtree Creek at Glenwood Avenue was 6 meters wide with minimum and
maximum depths of 0.25 meters and 1 meter, respectably. Substrate was unconsolidated,
consisting of sand and gravel. Riffle, run and pool habitats were found at this site, evidence of
beavers was noted via gnawed branches. This site had 90% forest cover with narrow, wooded
buffers and a surrounding natural, urban, and sub -urban land -use with a road corridor.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 10

Table 5. Species observed in Hare Snipe Creek (191017.1cros) 1.5 total time
Scientific Name Common Name # Live
Abundance
Freshwater Mussels
CPUE
0
0/hr
Freshwater Fish
Relative Abundance
Nocomis leptocephalus
bluehead chub
-
common
Lepomis macrochirus
bluegill sunfish
common
The Hare Snipe Creek site on Glenwood Avenue was six meters wide with minimum and
maximum depths of 0.25 meters and 1.25 meters, respectably. Substrate was dominated by
gravel particles while sand was the subdominant type. No evidence of beaver activity was
found. Within this reach run and pool habitats were present. Water levels were normal, and
visibility was clear during surveys. This site had 90% forest cover with narrow, wooded buffers
and a surrounding natural, urban, and sub -urban land -use with a road corridor.
6.0 DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
The survey efforts resulted in no observations of Neuse River waterdog, Carolina madtom,
dwarf wedgemussel, Tar River spinymussel, yellow lance, Atlantic pigtoe or green floater
individuals within Crabtree Creek or Hare Snipe Creek. Mussel species observed include eastern
elliptio, creeper, and the paper pondshell. One clam species, the Asian clam, was observed
throughout Crabtree Creek. Fish species observed include Roanoke darter, tessellated darter,
northern hogsucker, redbreast sunfish, satinfin shiner, white shiner, bluegill sunfish,
largemouth bass, channel catfish, swallowtail shiner, rosyside dace, American eel, margined
madtom, bluehead chub, fantail darter, flathead catfish, channel catfish, and yellow bullhead
catfish. Based on the distances to known occurrences of all seven target species and the results
of these surveys, negative impacts to the target species are not anticipated to occur as a result
of this project. However, due to the presence of habitat, the presence of the target species
within the project study area cannot be completely discounted, therefore, completion of the
project may affect the target species resulting in a biological conclusion of "May Affect; Not
Likely to Adversely Affect". The survey efforts detailed in the report serve to update species
information within the surveyed portions of Crabtree Creek and Hare Snipe Creek.
Neuse River Waterdog
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Proposed Critical Habitat: No Effect
Proposed critical habitat for Neuse River waterdog is not located in the study area, suggesting
that the proposed project will have no effect on proposed critical habitat for this species.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 11

Carolina Madtom
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion Proposed Critical Habitat: No Effect
Proposed critical habitat for the Carolina madtom is not located within the study area,
suggesting that the proposed project will have no effect on proposed critical habitat for this
species.
Dwarf Wedgemussel
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Atlantic Pigtoe
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion Proposed Critical Habitat: No Effect
Proposed critical habitat for Atlantic pigtoe is not located within the study area, suggesting that
the proposed project will have no effect on proposed critical habitat for this species.
Green Floater
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Tar River Spinymussel
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 12

Yellow Lance
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Habitat for the species was observed but no individuals were found within the surveyed
reaches.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Proposed Critical Habitat: No Effect
Proposed critical habitat for yellow lance is not located within the study area, suggesting that
the proposed project will have no effect on proposed critical habitat for this species.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 13

7.0 LITERATURE CITED
AmphibiaWeb. 2019. <nttp://amphibiaweb.org> University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
Accessed 10 Apr 2019. https://amphibiaweb.org/search/index.html
Beans, BE and Niles, L. 2003. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey. Rutgers
University Press. 303pp.
Bogan, AE. 2002. Workbook and Key to the Freshwater Bivalves of North Carolina. North
Carolina Freshwater Mussel Conservation Partnership, Raleigh, NC 101 pp, 10 color
plates.
Bogan, AE and Alderman, J. 2008. Workbook and key to the freshwater bivalves of South
Carolina. Revised Second Edition.
Bogan, A.E., J.Levine, and M.Raley. 2009. Determination of the systematic position and
relationships of the lanceolate Elliptio complex (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae) from six
river basins in Virginia. NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC. 37pp.
Brimley, CS. 1924. The waterdogs (Necturus) of North Carolina. Journal of the Elisha Mitchell
Scientific Society 40: 166-168.
Burr, BM, Kuhajda, BR, Dimmick, WW, Grady, JM. 1989. Distribution, Biology, and Conservation
Status of the Carolina Madtom, Noturus furiosus, an Endemic North Carolina Catfish.
Brimleyana 15:57-86.
Conant, R and Collins, JT 1998. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and
Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston,
Massachusetts.
Eads, C.B. and J.F. Levine. 2008. Carolina Heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata) and Tar River
Spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) Conservation Research: July 2007-June 2008. Final
report submitted to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Raleigh, NC. 18 pp.
Fuller, SLH. 1973. Fusconaia masoni (Conrad 1834) (Bivalvia: Unionacea) in the Atlantic drainage
of the Southeastern United States. Malacological Review 6:105-117.
Fuller, SLH. 1977. Freshwater and terrestrial mollusks. In: John E. Cooper, Sarah S. Robinson,
John B. Fundeburg (eds.) Endangered and Threatened Plants and Animals of North
Carolina. North Carolina State Museum of Natural History, Raleigh.
Haag, W. 2012. North American Freshwater Mussels: Natural History, Ecology, and
Conservation. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, NY.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 14

Johnson, R.I. 1970. The systematics and zoogeography of the Unionidae (Mollusca: Bivalvia) of
the southern Atlantic Slope region. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology
140(6):263-449.
Johnson, R.I. and Clarke, A. H. 1983. A new spiny mussel, Elliptio (Canthyria) steinstansana
(Bivalvia: Unionidae), from the Tar River, North Carolina. Occasional Papers on Mollusks,
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, 4(61): 289-298.
Menhinick, EF. 1991. The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina. Raleigh, N.C.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) - Division of Water Resources.
2019. 2018 North Carolina Final 303(d) List. https://deg.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/planning/modeling-assessment/water-quality-data-assessment/integrated-
report-files
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). Online GIS NPDES Stormwater
Permits. Accessed February 4, 2020. https://data-
ncdenr.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/aec2efd4lf844be499db8adef43f9fd3 0
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2020. Natural Heritage Element
Occurrence. February 2020.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. 2007. Carolina madtom species profile. Raleigh,
NC.https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Conserving/documents/Carolina madtom fac
t sheet to res.pdf
Ortmann, A.E. 1919. A monograph of the naiades of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account
of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8(1):xvi-384, 21 pls.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Tar River Spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) 5-Year
Review: Summary and Evaluation. Raleigh, NC.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2017. Species status assessment report for the Yellow Lance
(Elliptio lanceolata). Version 1.2. March, 2017. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018a. Species status assessment report for the Carolina
Madtom (Noturus furiosus). Version 1.1. November 2018. Atlanta, GA.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2018b. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants;
Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat Designation for
Atlantic Pigtoe. 50 CFR 17: 83 FR 51570, 51570-51609 Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-
0046.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 15

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2019 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4 (d) Rule for Neuse River Waterdog and
Endangered Species Status for Carolina Madtom and Proposed Designation of Critical
Habitat. 50 CFR 17:84 FR 23644, 23644-23691 Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092.
Watters, G.T. and S.H. O'Dee 1997. Identification of potential host: Elliptio fisheriana (Lea,
1838), Fusconaia masoni (Conrad, 1834), Fusconaia flava (Rafinesque, 1820), and
Pleurobema clava (Lamarck, 1819). Triannual Unionid Report No. 13:38.
Widlak, J.C. 1987. Recovery Plan for the Tar River spiny mussel (Elliptio (Canthyria)
steinstansana) Johnson and Clarke. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Wolf, ED and Emrick V. 2011. Propagation and Culture of Species at Risk Atlantic Pigtoe.
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 16

APPENDIX A
Figures
Crabtree Valley Interceptor Report April 2020
Page 17

�y
Valpy Me i
s
!fl 1, 'y
�F
T 4
\ f
{ t • t
Glan
�rl
� Eden Pilot
.y y _ -tom !' j .�� •
� Pa rk '� • .
- Y-A 9--1 �mY �1f�a�VO O p ',}w.�iYJ�}p [ e O aA)���`. k�- I° �({�l�YnYm�7� �.�1w(�.�f
• 'rl'Ff ful fft, w "ru-% �C• n f! . , 0 - - [ Y - S72I 14.4iV v%a:M1.,�.J°"MI.J�I m,
�1 N-I*�wB + Dga ugm Uaw9 A ' " 0 01C `N. &bA* m war
Created By: Checked By
Figure
CMS TF

{
L
4
- � N
PuTn°!!Jp
n d
Durham, Rd
0
.
Wake Forest \ .,_ ❑8
v
Bunn
i . -d Rd
NOS
°Ra
RolesvilEe 1
e° 9tri c k I and�pa Rd Pb golesv 1\\e `1 /
E
\l\
o
- Lan tin
ik /
1459939
a a
z
JO
�� � � £ V1 a
• 3 l // ..r
4r�d/Oe \\
0 12592 a
LL Rd '%� � I
zebulo'n l ,
:� `b��� VI Gannon n,a
b=:• _
Cary = o
Raleigh
Knightdale Wendell
7699
{y ok, form I. New B 9m v
So N &
p
10676
` 6d
-6 eoole Rd a o b
a
rTY on Ra i.
°ck 04 ma�'f`°` bash aPPw Rd
E C
3 ~ 4
E Penn \i
} y Rd q d Gantef c
s
i
u T�.l°'n Aa ��1� �
b
= fC�ru /♦ �,` •.a/P bgridyeR
_' Pb Rar�,
s A m rmberDt
use {� ,7
3c R
' a
222
\
m : h r Rand t7d
�'R
ngs N
(J
2 a
Clayton . E
r -'�! 'pPu o O
.�' GoIclub 'py
Qn
e a
21894
Rd 21411
7k Proposed Open Cut Creek Crossings
W ilson's
.o Mills
p y \
Dwarf wedgemussel
mE V
Yellow lance
_ l Micro.
®
- dN
a,Pa
A Ij
Tar River spinymussel
l alma
Atlantic pigtoe
°
Green floater
Carolina
2'0 .q _--+Sn�i�1i pine Level
madtom
Neuse River waterdog
7
Aquatic Species Survey Reach
Sources:,It4i,fHERE; Garmin, USGS,,,Intermap, INCREMENT P, RCan, Esri'-
Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), I
yol, OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community
Prepared By:
Prepared For:
creased By:
Checked By
Figure
Crabtree Valley Interceptor
CMS
TF
NCNHP Element Occurrences
Scale
S -EP I
\dcK1N1&CI*".1-1)
0 t25 2.5
Crabtree Creek from the vicinity of
Miles
2--ij
Creedmoor Road to 1-440
Wake County, North Carolina
March 2'20