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NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
P-5740: Proposed Improvements to the CSX Railroad SE Line (the “Beltline”)
include Tie & Rail Rehabilitation, Curve Realignments, and Upgraded Switch
Operations. Improvements to Existing Highway Grade Crossings also include
Selected Closures, Signal Upgrades, and Crossing Surface Improvements from CSX
Davis Yard in Navassa to South Second Street in Wilmington,
Brunswick and New Hanover County, North Carolina
STIP P-5740
Federal Aid Project No. FR-CRS-18-004-062649
WBS Element No. 48156.1.1
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Environmental Coordination and Permitting
October 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1
2.0 METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................... 1
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES .......................................................................... 1
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES ........................................................................................... 2
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species .......................................................... 2
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ................................................................. 7
4.3 Essential Fish Habitat ............................................................................................ 8
5.0 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 8
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................... 9
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. ..................................................................... 9
6.2 Construction Moratoria ....................................................................................... 11
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ............................................................................. 11
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters ..................................... 11
6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern .................. 11
6.6 Coastal Barrier Resources System ...................................................................... 11
7.0 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 13
Appendix A Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 4. Terrestrial Communities Map
Appendix B Qualifications of Contributors
Appendix C Jurisdictional Determination Letter
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area.................................. 1
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Brunswick and New Hanover
Counties ............................................................................................................................. 2
Table 3. Streams in the study area ................................................................................. 8
Table 4. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area ........................... 9
Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area ....................... 10
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
1 [October 2020]
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes Improvements to
the CSX Railroad SE Line (the “Beltline”) include Tie & Rail Rehabilitation, Curve
Realignments, and Upgraded Switch Operations. Improvements to Existing
Highway Grade Crossings also include Selected Closures, Signal Upgrades, and
Crossing Surface Improvements from CSX Davis Yard in Navassa to South Second
Street in Wilmington (STIP P-5740) in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties (Figures
1 and 2). The following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared
to assist in the preparation of a document for the purposes of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) or the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Coordination
and Permitting’s Preparing Natural Resources Technical Reports Procedure and the latest
NRTR Template November 2017. Field work was conducted on June 24, 2019, and May
4, 2020. Jurisdictional areas identified in the study area were verified by the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE) on August 11, 2020. Documentation of this jurisdictional
determination is provided in Appendix C. The principal personnel contributing to the
field work and document is provided in Appendix B.
3.0 TERRESTRIAL COMMUNITIES
Four terrestrial communities were identified in the study area. Figure 4 shows the
location and extent of these terrestrial communities. Terrestrial community data are
presented in the context of total coverage of each type within the study area (Table 1).
Table 1. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Community Dominant Species (scientific name) Coverage
(ac.)
Maintained/Disturbed
Blackberry (Rubus sp.)
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
Various Grasses (Fescue sp.)
237.12
Salt/Brackish Marsh Cordgrass (Spartina sp.) 107.01
Floodplain Forest
Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis)
Lizard’s Tail (Saururus cerunus)
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
Netted Chain Fern (Woodwardia
areolata)
Rushes (Juncus sp.)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Three-way Sedge (Dulichium
arundinaceum)
50.95
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
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Mesic Mixed Forest Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera
japonica)
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia
grandiflora)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
88.73
Total 438.81
4.0 PROTECTED SPECIES
4.1 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of April 25, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists sixteen federally
protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Brunswick County and
New Hanover Counties (Table 2). For each species, a discussion of the presence or
absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based
on survey results in the study area.
Table 2. ESA federally protected species listed for Brunswick and New Hanover
Counties
Scientific Name Common Name Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological
Conclusion
Alligator mississippiensis American alligator T (S/A) No Not required
Acipenser oxyrinchus
oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon E Yes MA-NLAA
Chelonia mydas Green sea turtle T No NE
Eretmochelys imbricata Hawksbill sea turtle E No NE
Lepidochelys kempii Kemp’s ridley sea
turtle E No NE
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback sea turtle E No NE
Caretta caretta Loggerhead sea turtle T No NE
Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared
bat T No MA-NLAA
Charadrius melodus Piping plover T No NE
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded
woodpecker E No NE
Calidris canutus rufa Red knot T No NE
Acipenser brevirostrum Shortnose sturgeon E Yes MA-NLAA
Menidia extensa Waccamaw silverside T No NE
Trichechus manatus West Indian manatee E Yes MA-NLAA
Mycteria Americana Wood stork T Yes MA-NLAA
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Thalictrum cooleyi Cooley’s meadowrue E No NE
Carex lutea Golden sedge E No NE
Lysimachia
asperulaefolia
Rough-leaved
loosestrife E No NE
Amaranthus pumilus Seabeach amaranth T No NE
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
MA-NLAA - May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NE - No Effect
American alligator
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round (only warm days in winter)
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section
7 consultation with the USFWS. Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed
areas of potential habitat for American alligator. However, presence of the animal
was not observed. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track, and therefore will not affect this species or its habitat.
A review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates one known
occurrence (EO 3970, observed 2018-02-26, with low accuracy) within 1.0 mile
of the study area.
Atlantic sturgeon
USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: surveys not required; assume presence
in appropriate water
Biological Conclusion: May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed areas of potential habitat for
Atlantic sturgeon. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track. A review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020
indicates one known occurrence (EO 38937, observed on 2018-09, with low
accuracy) within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Green sea turtle
USFWS/NMFS optimal survey window: April-August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There are no lagoons, reefs, bays, mangrove swamps, or inlets in the study area.
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
Green sea turtle. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of
NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Hawksbill sea turtle
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
4 [October 2020]
USFWS/NMFS optimal survey window: April-August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There are no coral reefs, rocky outcrops, shoals, mangrove bays, or estuaries in
the study area. Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential
habitat for Hawksbill sea turtle. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project
will only be working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A
review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Kemp’s ridley sea turtle
USFWS/NMFS optimal survey window: April-August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There are no coral reefs, rocky outcrops, shoals, mangrove bays, or estuaries in
the study areas. Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of
potential habitat for Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Based on the proposed rail
upgrades, this project will only be working on existing track and therefore will not
affect this species. A review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020
indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Leatherback sea turtle
USFWS/NMFS optimal survey window: April-August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
There are no open oceans or beaches in the study area. Field work conducted June
24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for leatherback sea turtle. Based on
the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on existing track and
therefore will not affect this species. A review of NHP records on or updated
June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Loggerhead sea turtle
USFWS optimal survey window: April-August
Biological Conclusion: No Effect.
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
loggerhead sea turtle. No species were observed during field work. Based on the
proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on existing track. A
review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Northern long-eared bat
USFWS optimal survey window: June 1-August 15
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
5 [October 2020]
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a programmatic biological opinion
(PBO) in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the US Army
Corps of Engineers (USACE), and NCDOT for the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB)
(Myotis septentrionalis) in eastern North Carolina. The PBO covers the entire NCDOT
program in Divisions 1-8, including all NCDOT projects and activities. The
programmatic determination for NLEB for the NCDOT program is May Affect, Likely to
Adversely Affect. The PBO provides incidental take coverage for NLEB and will ensure
compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years for all NCDOT
projects with a federal nexus in Divisions 1-8, which includes Brunswick and New
Hanover Counties, where P-5740 is located. This level of incidental take is authorized
from the effective date of a final listing determination through April 30, 2020.
A review of NHP records on June 17, 2020 indicates one known occurrence (EO 32126,
observed in 1994, with a very low accuracy) with 1.0 mile of the study area.
Piping plover
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round
Biological Conclusion: No Effect.
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
piping plover. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of
NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Red-cockaded woodpecker
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round; November-early March (optimal)
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for red-
cockaded woodpecker. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only
be working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review
of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences
within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Red knot
USFWS optimal survey window: TBD
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for Red
knot. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on
existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of NHP records
on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of
the study area.
Shortnose sturgeon
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
6 [October 2020]
USFWS/NMFS Recommended Survey Window: surveys not required; assume presence
in appropriate waters
Biological Conclusion: May Affect – Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed areas of potential habitat for
Shortnose sturgeon. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track. A review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020
indicates one known occurrence (EO 12176, observed 2016-04-07 with a very
low accuracy) within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Waccamaw silverside (= skipjack or glass minnow)
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round
Biological Conclusion: No Effect.
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed areas of potential habitat for
Waccamaw silverside. No species were observed during field work. Based on the
proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on existing track. A
review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
West Indian manatee
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round
Biological Conclusion: May Affect-Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed areas of potential habitat for West
Indian manatee. No species were observed during field work. Based on the
proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on existing track. A
review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates one known
occurrence (EO 17664, observed 2019-11-14, with a very low confidence) within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Wood stork
USFWS optimal survey window: June-September
Biological Conclusion: May Affect- Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Field work conducted Jun 24, 2019 revealed areas of potential foraging and
nesting habitat for Wood stork. No species were observed during field work.
Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be working on existing
track. A review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Cooley’s meadowrue
USFWS optimal survey window: mid June-early July
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
7 [October 2020]
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
Cooley’s meadowrue. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only
be working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of
NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Golden sedge
USFWS optimal survey window: mid April-mid June
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
golden sedge. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of
NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
Rough-leaved loosestrife
USFWS optimal survey window: mid May-June
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
rough-leaved loosestrife. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will
only be working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A
review of NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known
occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Seabeach amaranth
USFWS optimal survey window: July-October
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Field work conducted June 24, 2019 revealed no areas of potential habitat for
seabeach amaranth. Based on the proposed rail upgrades, this project will only be
working on existing track and therefore will not affect this species. A review of
NHP records on or updated June 17, 2020 indicates no known occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area.
4.2 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and
enforced by the USFWS. Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forests
in proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized
for nesting sites, typically within 1.0 mile of open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on June 24, 2019 using color aerials. Trees
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
8 [October 2020]
large enough to support bald eagle nesting habitat were observed in the project vicinity.
Additionally, a review of the NHP database on June 17, 2020 indicates one known
occurrence (EO 27956, observed in 2010, with a high accuracy) of this species within 1.0
mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of known occurrences and minimal impact
anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this
species, despite the presence of potential habitat.
4.3 Essential Fish Habitat
No Essential Fish Habitat occurs in the study area, therefore, impacts to Essential Fish
Habitat are not anticipated.
5.0 WATER RESOURCES
Water resources in the study area are part of the Lower Cape Fear basin [U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03030005] and the Northeast Cape Fear basin [USGS
Hydrologic Unit 03030007]. Fifteen streams were identified in the study area (Table 3).
The location of each stream is shown in Figure 3.
Table 3. Streams in the study area
Stream Name Map ID
NCDWR
Index
Number
Best Usage
Classification
Bank
Height
(ft)
Bankfull
width
(ft)
Depth
(in)
Burnt Mill Creek Burnt Mill
Creek
18-74-63-
2 C;Sw N/A 45 N/A
Burnt Mill Creek Burnt Mill
Creek
18-74-63-
2 C;Sw N/A 35 N/A
Cape Fear River Cape Fear
River 18-(71) SC N/A 400 N/A
Northeast Cape Fear
River
Northeast Cape
Fear River 18-74-(61) SC;Sw N/A 664 N/A
Toomers Creek Toomers Creek 18-73-(2) WS-IV;CA N/A 100 N/A
UT to Toomer’s Creek SA 18-73-(2) WS-IV;CA N/A 20 N/A
UT to Cape Fear River SB 18-(71) SC N/A 15 N/A
UT to Smith Creek SC 18-74-63 C;Sw 0.5 3-8 2
UT to Smith Creek SD 18-74-63 C;Sw 1 4-10 6
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SE 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw 2-3 6-8 6
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SF 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw 2-3 6-8 6
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SG 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw 0.25 5 1
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SH 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw 3 15 1
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SI 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw N/A 13-26 N/A
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
9 [October 2020]
UT to Burnt Mill Creek SJ 18-74-63-
2 C;Sw 1 3 6
There are no areas designated as an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) within the
project vicinity. There are no designated High Quality Waters (HQW) or water supply
watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within or within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area. The
North Carolina 2018 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters identifies the Cape Fear River
and Burnt Mill Creek within the study area as an impaired water due to Chlorophyll-A,
Ecological/Biological Integrity Benthos, High pH, and Dissolved Oxygen Levels.
No other surface waters were found within the study area.
6.0 REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS
6.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
Fifteen jurisdictional streams were identified in the study area (Table 4). The location of
these streams is shown on Figure 3. North Carolina Stream Assessment Method
(NCSAM) and NCDWR stream identification forms are included in a separate
Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination (PJD) Package. All jurisdictional streams in the
study area have been designated as warm water streams for the purposes of stream
mitigation.
Table 4. Characteristics of jurisdictional streams in the study area
Map ID Length
(ft.) Classification Compensatory
Mitigation Required
River Basin
Buffer
Burnt Mill Creek 125.79 Perennial No Not subject
Burnt Mill Creek 52.50 Perennial No Not subject
Cape Fear River 216.51 Perennial No Not subject
Northeast Cape
Fear River 220.80 Perennial No Not subject
SA* 222.16 Tidal Marsh
Stream No Not subject
SB* 293.09 Tidal Marsh
Stream No Not subject
SC* 128.18 Intermittent No Not subject
SD* 438.55 Intermittent No Not subject
SE* 654.54 Perennial No Not subject
SF* 101.14 Ephemeral No Not subject
SG* 100.28 Ephemeral No Not subject
SH* 1082.03 Ephemeral No Not subject
SI* 103.68 Intermittent No Not subject
SJ* 105.47 Perennial No Not subject
SK 21.84 Ephemeral No Not subject
Toomers Creek 151.80 Perennial No Not subject
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Total 4,018.36
* NCSAM forms are available in the PJD package
Twenty-three jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the study area (Table 5). The
location of these wetlands is shown on Figure 3. All wetlands in the study area are
located within the Lower Cape Fear basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030005], and the
Northeast Cape Fear basin [USGS Hydrologic Unit 03030007]. USACE wetland
determination forms and NCWAM forms for each site are included in a separate
Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination Package.
Table 5. Characteristics of jurisdictional wetlands in the study area
Map ID NCWAM
Classification
NCWAM
Rating-
Hydrologic
Classification
Area (ac.) in
Study Area
WA Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 1.08
WB Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 2.01
WC Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 1.42
WD Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 1.27
WE Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 0.20
WF Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 3.26
WG Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 4.60
WH Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 0.03
WI Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 3.01
WJ Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 6.96
WK Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 1.32
WL Salt/Brackish
Marsh N/A Salt/Brackish
Marsh 3.14
WM Riverine Swamp
Forest Low Riparian 0.05
WN Non-tidal
Freshwater Marsh Medium Riparian 0.01
WO Non-tidal
Freshwater Marsh Medium Riparian 0.001
WP Non-tidal
Freshwater Marsh Medium Riparian 0.005
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WQ Non-tidal
Freshwater Marsh Low Riparian 0.12
WR Riverine Swamp
Forest Medium Riparian 1.17
WS Riverine Swamp
Forest Medium Riparian 0.41
WT Riverine Swamp
Forest Medium Riparian 0.53
WU Riverine Swamp
Forest Medium Riparian 0.04
WV Riverine Swamp
Forest Medium Riparian 0.09
Total 30.73
6.2 Construction Moratoria
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NC WRC) has identified streams in
the study area as anadromous fish spawning area, Atlantic sturgeon critical habitat, and
primary nursery waters, in a letter dated February 11, 2020. Therefore, a mandatory in-
water moratorium is required from February 1 to September 30.
6.3 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
There are locally-enforced 30’ buffers (from the high water line) adjacent to any
estuarine or public trust water in the area, however there are no rules from NCDWR in
the project area. Table 4 indicates which streams are subject to NCDWR buffer rule
protection. Potential impacts to protected stream buffers will be determined once a final
alignment and design have been determined.
6.4 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
Burnt Mill Creek, Cape Fear River, Northeast Cape Fear River, and Toomer’s Creek have
been designated by the USACE as Navigable Waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and
Harbors Act.
6.5 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern
There were 11 Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) Areas of Environmental Concern
(AEC) identified in the study area, located on Eagle Island. Burnt Mill Creek, Cape Fear
River, Northeast Cape Fear River, Toomer’s Creek, and SA-SD are designated Public
Trust Waters, and CAMA coastal marshes are present at wetland sites WA-WM (Figure
3).
6.6 Coastal Barrier Resources System
No Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) units exist within the study area.
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
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Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
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7.0 REFERENCES
NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http://www.natureserve.org/explorer. (Accessed: October 18, 2010).
NatureServe. 2015. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.0. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
http://explorer.natureserve.org. (Accessed: September 24, 2014.)
N.C. Stream Functional Assessment Team. 2015. N.C. Stream Assessment Method (NC
SAM) User Manual. Version 2.1, August 2015.
N.C. Wetland Functional Assessment Team. 2016. N.C. Wetland Assessment Method (NC
WAM) User Manual 5, February 2016.
[NMFS] Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/atlanticsturgeon.htm. (Accessed:
February 23, 2015.)
[NMFS] National Marine Fisheries Service. 1998. Recovery Plan for the Shortnose
Sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum). Prepared by the Shortnose Sturgeon Recovery
Team for the National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Maryland. 104
pages.
[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
Resources. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/green.htm. (Accessed: October 20,
2010).
[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
Resources. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/hawksbill.htm. (Accessed: October 20,
2010).
[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
Resources. Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/kempsridley.htm. (Accessed: October
20, 2010).
[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
Resources. Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/leatherback.htm. (Accessed: October
20, 2010).
Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
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[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
Resources. Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta).
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/loggerhead.htm. (Accessed: October
20, 2010)
[NOAA] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Fisheries, Office of Protected
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Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C.
17 [October 2020]
Appendix A
Figures
Appendix B
Qualifications of Contributors
Investigator: Cory Darnell, PWS
Education: B.S. Environmental Science, 2008; M.S. Marine Science, 2012, M.S.
GIS, 2012
Experience: Environmental Supervisor, Moffatt & Nichol, 2020-Present
Environmental Department Manager/Senior Scientist, Terracon
Consultants, 2018 - 2020
Environmental Project Manager, Engineering Consulting Services, 2013-
2018
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, wetland and stream functional
assessment, document quality assurance
Investigator: John Dorney
Education: M.S. Botany, 1981; M.S. Civil Engineering, 1991
Experience: Senior Environmental Scientist, Moffatt & Nichol, 2014-Present
Senior Environmental Scientist, Atkins, 2011-2014
Environmental Supervisor, NC Division of Water Quality, 1986-2011
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, wetland and stream functional
assessment, document quality assurance
Investigator: Rebeckah Hollowell
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, 2016; M.S. Plant and Environmental Sciences,
2017
Experience: Environmental Scientist, Moffatt & Nichol, 2017 - Present
Environmental Services Intern, SCDOT, Summers of 2013, 2014, 2015
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, NCWAM, NCSAM, GIS, natural
communities assessment
Investigator: Jackson Mathis
Education: B.S. Natural Resources, 2016; MBA Candidate, 2021
Experience: Environmental Planner, Moffatt & Nichol, 2018 - Present
Environmental Scientist, Carolina Ecosystems, June 2016 – 2018
Environmental Scientist, SEPI Engineering, December 2016 – June
2016
Environmental Intern, KCI Technologies, Summers 2013, 2014, 2015
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, NCWAM, GIS, natural communities
assessment, T & E species assessment, document preparation
Investigator: Annie Welch
Education: B.S. Natural Resources, 2020
Experience: Environmental Planning Intern, Moffatt & Nichol, 2019 - Present
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, GIS, document preparation
Appendix C
Jurisdictional Determination Letter