20240180 Ver 1_U-5711_Aquatic_Species Survey_Report_20240129

Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
U-5711 (WBS: 50160.1.1)
Proposed Widening of Pineview Street from West of Sylvan Drive to U.S. 220 Business
Randolph County, North Carolina
View of UT to Haskets Creek downstream of Pineview Street
Prepared For:
F woerH
4
OF TR4
NC Department of Transportation
Raleigh, North Carolina
Contact Person:
Jared Gray
Biological Surveys Group -Environmental Analysis Unit
North Carolina Department of Transportation
[e-mail]
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
November 20, 2023

Prepared by:
TRANSYSTEMS
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......................................................................................................1
2.2
NPDES Discharges.........................................................................................................1
3.0
Target Federally Protected Species Description................................................................2
3.1
Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)................................................................................2
3.1.1
Species Characteristics...........................................................................................2
3.1.2
Distribution and Habitat Requirements..................................................................2
4.0
Survey Efforts...................................................................................................................2
4.1
Survey Methodology.....................................................................................................2
5.0
Results..............................................................................................................................3
6.0
Discussion/Conclusions....................................................................................................3
7.0
Literature Cited................................................................................................................4
Appendix A. Figures:
Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Locations
Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences
Figure 3: NPDES Discharges
Appendix B. Qualifications of Contributors

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to widen of Pineview
Street from West of Sylvan Drive to U.S. 220 Business over UT to Hasketts Creek in Randolph
County, North Carolina (Figure 1). According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) Information for planning and Consultation (IPaC) GIS planning tool (IPaC Access date:
October 20, 2023), the Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) is identified as protected species that
could be affected by this project. The Atlantic Pigtoe is listed as Threatened by the USFWS
under the Endangered Species Act and designated Critical Habitat has been established for both
species.
The nearest designated Critical Habitat for the Atlantic Pigtoe is in the Deep River of the Cape
Fear River Basin approximately 19 river miles (RM) away (Figure 2).
According to the NC Natural Heritage Program database (NCNHP, Access date: October 20,
2023), the nearest Atlantic Pigtoe element occurrence (EO) (ID # 22271; Last Observation Date -
June 2003) is in Cable Creek of the Yadkin -Pee Dee River Basin, approximately 11 miles away
from the project. The nearest EO in the Cape Fear River Basin in the Deep River (EO # 22274)
approximately 19 RM downstream, first observed July 2002 and last observed April 2010
(Figure 2).
TranSystems was contracted by the NCDOT Biological Surveys Group to conduct surveys
targeting the Atlantic Pigtoe as part of the federal permitting process that requires an
evaluation of potential project -related impacts to federally protected species.
2.0 WATERS IMPACTED
UT to Hasketts Creek is a tributary to Hasketts Creek within the Cape Fear River Basin (U.S.
Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrological Unit Code 03030003). "UT to Hasketts Creek flows into
Hasketts Creek, of the Deep River Basin, approximately two stream miles downstream of the
project.
2.1 303(d) Classification
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) 2022 Final 303(d) list was reviewed to
better understand water quality upstream of the project. UT to Hasketts Creek is not listed on
the 303(d) list within the project study area. Hasketts Creek is listed approximately 2 stream
miles downstream for exceeding benthos parameters (NCDEQ, 2022).
2.2 NPDES Discharges
There are no permitted discharges at the project site (NCDEQ, 2023b). The closest permitted
discharge is Moms Brands permitted for Food/Tobacco/Soaps/Cosmetics/ Public Warehousing
U-5711 UT to Hasketts Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
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Stormwater Discharge COC, located upstream approximately 0.25 miles (Permit # NCG060257).
The Asheville WWTP is permitted for Municipal Waste Discharge approximately 0.22 miles
downstream (Permit # NCG0026123)(Figure 3).
3.0 TARGET FEDERALLY PROTECTED SPECIES DESCRIPTION
3.1 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni)
3.1.1 Species Characteristics
The Atlantic Pigtoe is a freshwater mussel reaching up to 60mm in length. This species has 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 (Lepomis
macrochirus), Shield Darter (Percina peltata), Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), Rosefin
Shiner (Lythrurus ardens) and Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) (Watters and O'Dee 1997,
Wolf and Emrick 2011).
3.1.2 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, Yadkin -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.
4.0 SURVEY EFFORTS
Field efforts were conducted by TranSystems personnel Chris Sheats (ES Permit # 23-ES00558,
23-SF00249) and Tori Fowler on October 18, 2023.
4.1 Survey Methodology
A freshwater mussel survey extended from 100 meters upstream of the project to 400 meters
downstream, totaling 500 meters. Visual and tactile surveys were completed using
bathyscopes.
U-5711 UT to Hasketts Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
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5.0 RESULTS
UT to Hasketts Creek had a riffle/run/pool series throughout the survey reach downstream of
the culvert with a sand/gravel/cobble dominant substrate with some evidence of flow.
Throughout the survey reach, pool depths were less than 0.5 meters. The stream width ranged
from 1-3 meters. Riparian buffers were narrow to moderate with adjacent land use consisting
of industrial and residential use. The riparian buffer near the downstream end of the reach was
extensively forested. No freshwater mussels, clams, or snails were found within the survey
reach. The Atlantic Pigtoe was not observed during the survey efforts.
6.0 DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
Physical habitat conditions such as defined stream channel, substrate composition, and flow
regime that are associated with the target species were present. Survey efforts resulted in no
observations of the Atlantic Pigtoe in UT to Hasketts Creek. The survey efforts detailed in the
report serve to update species information with UT to Hasketts Creek.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Atlantic Pigtoe: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely
Affect
Although there were portions of the survey reach with appropriate habitat, there were no
Atlantic Pigtoe individuals found. Based on the presence of habitat, the project may affect, but
is not likely to adversely affect the Atlantic Pigtoe.
Recommended Biological Conclusion for Atlantic Pigtoe Designated Critical Habitat: No Effect
Designated Critical Habitat for the Atlantic Pigtoe is not identified in UT to Hasketts Creek. The
nearest designated Critical Habitat is located 19 RM away in the Deep River, of the Cape Fear
River Basin. The proposed project will have "No Effect" on the designated Critical Habitat for
this species.
The USFWS is the regulating authority for Section 7 Biological Conclusions and as such, it is
recommended that they be consulted regarding their concurrence with the finding of this
document. The federal action agency, or its nonfederal designee (NCDOT) must render a
biological conclusion for the species.
U-5711 UT to Hasketts Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
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7.0 LITERATURE CITED
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.
Fuller, SLH. 1973. Fusconaia masoni (Conrad 1834) (Bivalvia: Unionacea) in the Atlantic drainage
of the Southeastern United States. Malacological Review 6:105-117.
Johnson, R.I. 1970. The systematics and zoogeography of the Unionidae (Molluscs: Bivalvia) of
the southern Atlantic Slope region. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology
140(6):263-449.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)a. Division of Water Resources.
2023. 2022 North Carolina Final 303(d) List. https://deg.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-
resources/water-planning/modeling-assessment/water-quality-data-assessment/integrated-
report-files (Accessed October 20, 2023.)
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)b. Online GIS NPDES Stormwater
Permits, 2023b.
https://ncdenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8d3108c9364b4ef3966cO
7118f2cf4f (Accessed October 20, 2023.)
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Accessed October 18, 2023.).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service IPaC - Information for Planning and Consultation. Online Linkage:
https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/ (October 18, 2023).
Ward S, Augspurger T, Dwyer FJ, Kane C, Ingersoll CG (2007) Risk assessment of water quality in
three North Carolina, USA, streams supporting federally endangered freshwater mussels
(Unionidae). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 6:2075-85.
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.
Wolf, ED, and Emrick V. 2011. Propagation and Culture of Species at Risk Atlantic Pigtoe.
U-5711 UT to Hasketts Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report
November 2023
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APPENDIX A
Figures
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APPENDIX B
Qualifications of Contributors
Hamer Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report June 2023
Page 9

Principal
Investigator:
Chris Sheats, PWS
Education:
B.S. Botany, North Carolina State University, 2002
Experience:
Biological Surveys Lead, TranSystems, 2022-Present
Biological Surveys Lead, SEPI, 2019-2022
Natural Resources Manager, Water & Land Solutions, 2018
Senior Project Manager, Three Oaks Engineering, 2015-2018
Natural Resources Unit Head, The Catena Group 2005-2015
Staff Scientist, Arcadis G&M, 2003-2005
Permits:
USFWS Native Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Permit
(ESPER0037836); NCWRC Endangered Species Survey Permit (23-
ES00558)
Responsibilities:
Freshwater Mussel Surveys, Document Preparation and Review
Investigator: Victoria Fowler
Education: B.S. Biology- Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Studies, 2016
M.S. Biology- Ecology and Environmental Studies, (In progress/Summer
2023)
Experience: Environmental Scientist, TranSystems, 2022- Present
Environmental Scientist, SEPI, 2020- 2022
Responsibilities: Freshwater Mussel Surveys, Document Preparation
U-5711 UT to Hasketts Creek Freshwater Mussel Survey Report November 2023
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