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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP-5740_NRTR_06162020 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. 2 [October 2020] 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 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 3 [October 2020] 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 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 10 [October 2020] 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 Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 11 [October 2020] 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. 12 [October 2020] Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 13 [October 2020] 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. 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[USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Waccamaw Silverside in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/fish/waccsilver.html. (Accessed: October 19, 2010). Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina: Third Approximation. Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, N.C. Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources. Raleigh, NC. 325 pp. [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Cooley’s Meadowrue Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA. 29 pp. [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995. Rough-leaved Loosestrife Recovery Plan. Atlanta, GA. 32 pp. [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1996. Recovery Plan for Seabeach Amaranth (Amaranthus pumilius) Rafinesque. Atlanta, Georgia. [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2002. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for Carex lutea (Golden Sedge). 67 FR 3120-3126. Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 15 [October 2020] [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina’s Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. http://www.fws.gov/nces/es/plant_survey.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010). [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North Carolina’s Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species. http://www.fws.gov/nces/es/plant_survey.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010). [USFWS]. 2014. Northern Long-Eared Bat Interim Conference and Planning Guidance. USFWS Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/pdf/NLEBinterimGuidanc e6Jan 2014.pdf. (Accessed: February 20, 2015.) [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) species profile. http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=C000. (Accessed: October 20, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. American alligators in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/alligat.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010). [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cooley’s Meadowrue (Thalictrum cooleyi). http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/coolmeadow.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Green Sea Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/greensea.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Hawksbill Sea Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/hawksbill.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010) [USFWS] http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/nlbaFactSheet.html. (Accessed: February 20, 2015.) [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/ridley.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Leatherback Sea Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/leather.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Loggerhead Sea Turtles in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/reptile/logger.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010) Natural Resources Technical Report STIP P-5740, Brunswick and New Hanover County, N.C. 16 [October 2020] United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, Brunswick County, North Carolina. Updated April 25, 2018. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/brunswick.html. United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal Species of Concern, and Candidate Species, New Hanover County, North Carolina. Updated December 2, 2019. https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/new_hanover.html. [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Piping plover (Charadrius melodus) Species Profile. http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=B079. (Accessed: October 18, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis). http://www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/rcw.html. (Accessed: October 18, 2010).Agency name. Year. Title of document referenced. Date updated (if appropriate). [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rough-leaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulifolia). http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/rllooses.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010). [USFWS] Rufa Red Knot Ecology and Abundance, Supplement to: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Threatened Status for the Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) http://www.fws.gov/northeast/redknot/pdf/20130923_REKN_PL_Supplement02_E colog y%20Abundance_Final.pdf. (Accessed: February 23, 2015.) [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Seabeach Amaranth (Amaranthus pumilus). http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/seabamaranth.html. (Accessed: December 14, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Waccamaw Silverside in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/fish/waccsilver.html. (Accessed: October 19, 2010). [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. West Indian Manatees in North Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/mammal/manatee.html. (Accessed: October 20, 2010) [USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Wood stork (Mycteria americana) Species Profile. http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=B06O. (Accessed: October 19, 2010). 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