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Home My WebLink About20240538 Ver 1_Exhibit_B_Sweetwater Tap Relocation NCR Report_May 2023_20240408Natural &Cultural Resources Prepared by: Report Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W-100kV Relocation Catawba County, North Carolina May 2023 Project No. 70237263 Prepared for: Duke Energy Carolinas Charlotte, North Carolina rracon Terracon Consultants, Inc. Explore with us Raleigh, North Carolina Nationwide IVa}IQnW�CiE ■ Facilities V ll 11 YY G ■ Environmental w Geotechnical Terracon.com ■ Materiels Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC a �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 Table of Contents 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION & UNDERSTANDING.............................................1 2.0 BACKGROUND RESEARCH..........................................................................1 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES..............................................................................1 3.1 Topography.......................................................................................1 3.2 Soils.................................................................................................1 3.3 Water Resources................................................................................ 2 3.4 Floodplains........................................................................................ 2 4.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES..........................................................................2 4.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.......................................................2 4.1.1 Potential Wetlands Data.............................................................. 3 4.1.2 Potential Waters Data...............................................................4 4.2 Clean Water Act Permits.....................................................................4 4.3 Coastal Area Management Act.............................................................5 4.4 Construction Moratoria........................................................................5 4.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules............................................................... 5 4.5.1 Local and Municipal Buffers.......................................................6 4.6 Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act..............................................6 4.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species............................................6 4.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act(BGEPA).......................................9 4.9 Federal Species of Concern/At-Risk Species...........................................9 4.10 State Listed Species...........................................................................9 5.0 CULTURAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES.............................................10 6.0 SUMMARY................................................................................................10 Appendices Appendix A • Exhibits Appendix B • Representative Photos 2 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION & UNDERSTANDING Terracon has completed the natural and cultural resources due diligence investigation for Duke Energy Carolinas (Duke) for potential work on the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line in Catawba County, NC. The study area consists of 2,900 feet of existing line and approximately 2,800 feet of proposed, new right-of-way. The limits of the study area were provided by Duke as GIS data. The study area is depicted on a current U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map (Exhibit 1), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey of Catawba County (Exhibit 2), recent aerial photography depicting the delineation results titled Potential Wetlands/Waters (Exhibit 3), and a Flood Zone map (Exhibit 4). Terracon was tasked by Duke to provide the following services for the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line: • Wetland and waters delineation, • GPS data collection for any delineated wetlands and tributaries, • Preliminary protected species habitat assessments for federally Endangered and Threatened species, • Preliminary cultural resources assessment, and • Report, graphics, data, and KMZ file preparation 2.0 BACKGROUND RESEARCH Prior to the initiation of field efforts, available sources were reviewed, including the applicable USGS 7.5-minute topographic quadrangles of Hickory, NC (NGS/ESRI 2011), the NRCS Soil Survey for Catawba County, NC (USDA 1995), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain mapping (FEMA 2019). Additionally, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) data concerning any known occurrences of state and federally Threatened or Endangered species were reviewed in May 2023 on the Natural Heritage Data Explorer (NCNHP 2022). Field work was conducted by Terracon staff on May 1, 2023. 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES The study area is located within the piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina. Specifically, the study area is in the Biotite gneiss and schist and the Megacrystic biotite gneiss Formations (NCDENR 2018). 3.1 Topography Topography in the study area consists of slight slopes and drainages. Elevations appear to range from a high of approximately 1,160 feet above mean sea level (MSL) down to approximately 1,015 feet above MSL, based on a review of Exhibit 1 and other online data sources. 3.2 Soils The soil mapping units identified by NRCS as occurring in the study area include Clifford sandy loam, 2-6% slopes; Clifford sandy loam, 6-10% slopes; Codorus loam, 0-2% slopes, frequently flooded; Fairview clay loam, 10-25% slopes, severely eroded; Fairview gravelly fine sandy loam, 6-10% slopes; Fairview soils, 10-25% slopes, moderately eroded; and Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 Udorthents, loamy and clayey (Exhibit 2). The soil mapping unit Codorus loam, potentially occurring within the study area is considered a hydric (wetland) soil by NRCS or is known to have hydric inclusions. 3.3 Water Resources Water resources in the study area are located within the Catawba River Basin [USGS hydrologic unit 03050101 (NCDWR 2019)]. A Best Usage Classification (BUC) is assigned to waters of North Carolina based on the existing or contemplated best usage of various bodies of water. Table 1 contains the nearest named water resource associated with features located within the study area, its Stream Index Number (SIN), and BUC. This named stream represents the potential receiving waters of any wetlands and tributaries that are located inside the study area. Unnamed tributaries carry the same BUC as their receiving waters, unless otherwise indicated by North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR). Table 1. Named water resources and receiving waters (NCDWR 2019) Stream Name I SIN = BUC Basin Clark Creek (Shooks Lake) 1 11-129-5-(0.3) 1 C Catawba C are waters protected for uses such as aquatic life propagation, survival, and maintenance of biological integrity (including fishing and fish), wildlife, secondary contact recreation, and agriculture. Secondary contact recreation means wading, boating, other uses not involving human body contact with water, and activities involving human body contact with water where such activities take place on an infrequent, unorganized, or incidental basis. 3.4 Floodplains Portions of the study area associated with Clark Creek are designated as the 100-year floodplain (AE zone), which is defined as an area with a 1 percent annual chance of flooding and as a regulatory floodway (FEMA 2019). Under NWP 57, activities within the 100-year floodplain must comply with applicable FEMA-approved state or local floodplain management requirements. These requirements should be evaluated by Duke engineers or the applicable engineering consultant. 4.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES 4.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) requires regulation of discharges into waters of the U.S. (WOTUS). Although the principal administrative agency of the CWA is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has major responsibility for implementation, permitting, and enforcement of provisions of the CWA. Water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and streams are subject to jurisdictional consideration under the Section 404 program. However, by regulation, certain wetlands are also considered WOTUS. Currently WOTUS are assessed by the CWA's pre-2015 definition of WOTUS. This definition of WOTUS includes the implementation of rulemaking as decided in the Supreme Court's decision of the consolidated cases Rapanos v. United States and Carabeii v. United States. 2 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 Specifically, the following waters will be under federal jurisdiction pursuant to the CWA: • Traditional navigable waters (TNWs) • Wetlands adjacent to TNWs • Non -navigable tributaries of traditional navigable waters that are relatively permanent where the tributaries typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least seasonally (3 months) • Wetlands that directly abut such tributaries • Relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water "forming geographic features" that are described in ordinary parlance as "streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes". These are Relatively Permanent Waters (RPWs). The following waters will be considered jurisdictional if a significant nexus (contributes to the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of downstream TNWs) exists between these features and traditional navigable waters: • Non -navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent • Wetlands adjacent to non -navigable tributaries that are not relatively permanent • Wetlands adjacent to but that do not directly abut a relatively permanent non - navigable tributary The following waters will be considered non jurisdictional under the CWA: • Swales or Erosional features (gullies, small washes characterized by low volume, infrequent or short duration flows) • Ditches (including roadside ditches) excavated wholly in and draining only uplands and that do not carry a relatively permanent flow of water. However, wetlands and other waterbodies that do not fall under federal regulation per the CWA may be subject to jurisdiction by the N.0 Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) under the state's Isolated and Other Non-404 Jurisdictional Wetlands and Waters program. Our delineation methodology generally follows the guidance outlined in the Regional Supplement to the USACE Wetland Delineation Manual for the Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region, which states that areas must exhibit three distinct characteristics to be considered jurisdictional wetlands: 1) prevalence of hydrophytic (water tolerant) plants; 2) presence of hydric soils; and 3) sufficient wetland hydrology indicators within 12 inches of the ground surface. The study area was also reviewed for the presence of tributaries (stream channels) using criteria provided by the USACE and the NCDWR. When present, intermittent, and perennial tributaries, and certain other surface waters, are also considered jurisdictional by the USACE and/or NCDWR. 4.1.1 Potential Wetlands Data One (1) potential wetland was delineated within the study area. As such, this feature is reported for Dukes preliminary due diligence and planning purposes. This potential wetland feature was flagged with sequentially numbered orange and red - and -white striped flagging. Exhibit 3 depicts the approximate extent and approximate location of this feature. These graphics are not intended to be a 3 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 replacement for a traditional survey and are not intended to be used as such. Table 2 contains a summary of the specific wetland data collected for the wetland that occurred inside of the project study area. This wetland is classified as a Headwater Forest wetland. Headwater Forest wetlands are intermittently inundated to seasonally saturated, dominated by woody vegetation, and located in areas that have less than a second -order stream or are located within a topographic crenulation without a stream. Table 2. Potential wetlands data for the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Approximate Likely Wetland NCWAM Hydrologic Regime Size in Jurisdictional ID Classification project Authority Study Area Seasonally to semi - W1 Headwater Forest permanently inundated 1 0.01 USACE/DWR and/or only intermittently inundated. TOTAL t0.01 ac 1 Final decision regarding jurisdictional status lies with USACE. 4.1.2 Potential Waters Data Three (3) potential tributaries, Clark Creek and two unnamed tributaries to Clark Creek, were identified by Terracon staff within the project study area. These features are reported for Duke's preliminary due diligence and planning purposes and were delineated with sequentially numbered solid blue and orange flagging. A NCDWR stream identification form was completed for the potential tributaries in the study area to determine if the stream exhibits perennial or intermittent flow. Exhibit 3 depicts the approximate extent and approximate location of these features. This exhibit is not intended to be a replacement for a traditional survey and are not intended to be used as such. Table 3 contains the potential waters data collected as part of this project. Table 3. Potential waters data for the Sweetwater Ret Tap Line NCDWQ Approximate Likely Water Flow Length (ft) in Approximate Stream Jurisdictional s ID Regimes Width (ft) ID Form Study Area Authority Score T1 (Clark Perennial 228 15 >30 USACE/DWR Creek) T2 Intermittent 154 6 24 USACE/DWR T3 Intermittent 42 6 20 USACE/DWR TOTAL 424 LF 'Based on NCDWR score; USACE holds final decision 10 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 4.2 Clean Water Act Permits Dredge and fill activities in WOTUS must be authorized by USACE as a regulated discharge pursuant to Section 404 of the CWA and by NCDWR pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA. Activities authorized by the USACE are subject to further water quality requirements per Section 401 of the CWA. In North Carolina, the NCDWR administers the Section 401 Water Quality Certification process, which also must include plans on how the applicant proposes to manage stormwater. USACE authorizes many utility projects under the Nationwide Permit (NWP) program. NWP 57 will allow activities required for the construction, maintenance, repair, and removal of utility lines and associated facilities in WOTUS, provided the activity does not result in the loss of greater than 0.5 acre of WOTUS for each single and complete project. Compensatory mitigation can be required by USACE if the proposed project is determined to have an adverse effect on WOTUS, including wetlands, because of a regulated discharge. Mitigation can be required for wetland losses >_ 0.10 acre and/or the loss of >_ 0.02 acre of stream bed. Under NWP 57 activities within the 100-year floodplain must comply with applicable FEMA-approved state or local floodplain management requirements. Coordination is recommended with USACE and NCDWR to determine the applicable jurisdictional authority and the permitting requirements for this project, if any. Section 404 permitting may not be necessary if all wetland and stream impacts are avoided; however, concurrence from USACE and NCDWR should be obtained prior to beginning any activities. 4.3 Coastal Area Management Act North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (NCDCM) regulates certain wetlands and water bodies in the twenty coastal counties of North Carolina pursuant to the Coastal Area Management Act. Catawba County is not a coastal county and is not subject to NCDCM regulations. 4.4 Construction Moratoria No construction moratoria should apply to this project based on the lack of sensitive environmental resources that could trigger a moratorium. There are no Primary Nursery Areas (PNA) listed for Catawba County (NCDMF 2011). There are no Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas (AFSA) listed for Catawba County (NCDMF 2007). There are no waters/tributaries within the study area or receiving waters that are classified as Trout Waters (Tr) (NCDWR 2018). 4.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules The study area is within the Catawba River Basin. Per the Catawba River Basin riparian buffer rules, a 50-foot buffer applies to all shorelines along Catawba River mainstem below Lake James to the North Carolina/South Carolina border and all shorelines of the Catawba mainstem lakes. This buffer does not apply to any features identified within the study area. 5 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 rr Terracon 4.5.1 Local and Municipal Buffers The project study site is within Catawba County. There appear to be no local or municipal riparian buffer requirements in Catawba County. Terracon makes no definitive statement regarding buffers that are associated with landscaping, viewsheds, zoning, or any purpose other than for the protection of aquatic resources. 4.6 Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act requires authorization from the USACE for the excavation of material, alteration, obstruction, or construction of any structure in or over any "navigable water" of the United States (33 U.S.0 410 et seq.). "Navigable water" is defined as waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide shoreward to the mean high-water mark and/or waters that are presently used, have been used in the past, or are susceptible for use to transport interstate or foreign commerce (33 CFR part 329). There are no Section 10 waters within the study area. 4.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species Species with the federal classifications of Endangered (E) or Threatened (T) are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Species officially Proposed (P) for such listing are not protected under the ESA, but are recommended for inclusion in evaluations based on potential for status to be upgraded to official listing as E or T. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) online Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system (IPAC 2023) indicates that five (5) species are recommended for project consideration based on the location of the project study area. Three of these species, tricolored bat (listed as Proposed Endangered), bog turtle (listed as Threatened -Similar to Appearance), and monarch butterfly (listed as Candidate) do not currently require further consideration. A NCNHP database query was generated in April 2023 to determine if any of these species have been documented inside of or within 1.0 mile of the study area. Terracon conducted habitat assessments inside the study area in May 2023. Table 4. Federal listed species for Sweetwater Ret Tap Line (Catawba County) Potential Federal Habitat Biological Common Name Scientific Name Status (T/E) 1 Present conclusion Y/N May Affect - Northern long- Myotis Yes (summer Not Likely to eared bat septentrionaiis E habitat) Adversely Affectz Tricolored bat Perimyotis PE Yes Not Required subfia vus 2 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 May Affect - Dwarf -flowered Hexastylis T Yes Not Likely to heartleaf naniflora Adversely Affectz Bog turtle Glyptemys T(S/A) No Not Required muhlenbergii Monarch Danaus plexippus C No Not Required butterfly 1 E - Endangered, PE - Proposed Endangered, T-Threatened, T(S/A)-Threatened (Similarity of Appearance, C-Candidate z May require USFWS concurrence if Section 404 permitting is required Northern long-eared bat - During summer, the northern long-eared bat (NLEB) roosts singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices in both live and dead trees and/or snags (typically >3 inches diameter breast height). Males and non -reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. This bat seems opportunistic in selecting roosts, using tree species based on suitability to provide cavities or crevices or presence of peeling bark. It has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and sheds when suitable tree roosts are not available. During the summer, NLEB emerge at dusk to forage in upland and lowland woodlands and tree -lined corridors. It is reported that the NLEB hibernation season is October 15 - April 15. The bats spend winter hibernating in caves and mines, called hibernacula. They typically use large caves or mines with large passages and entrances; constant temperatures; and high humidity with no air currents. Specific areas where they hibernate have very high humidity, so much so that droplets of water are often seen on their fur. Within hibernacula, surveyors find them in small crevices or cracks, often with only the nose and ears visible (USFWS 2023). Habitat Present: Yes The project study area contains potential summer habitat for NLEB. The forested areas provide the necessary habitat requirements this species needs during the summer months. A review of April 2023 NCNHP records indicates no known occurrences of NLEB within 1.0 mile of the study area. If tree clearing or Section 404 permitting is needed for this project, further coordination with USFWS may be needed to maintain compliance with he ESA. Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Tricolored bat - The tricolored bat is a small native bat that can be found across the eastern and central United States. During the spring, summer, and fall - collectively referred to as the non -hibernating seasons - tricolored bats primarily roost among live and dead leaf clusters of live or recently dead deciduous hardwood trees. In addition, tricolored bats have been observed roosting during summer among pine needles, eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), within artificial roosts like barns, beneath porch roofs, bridges, concrete bunkers, and rarely within caves. During the winter, tricolored bats hibernate in caves and mines; although, in the southern United States, where caves are sparse, 7 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 tricolored bats often hibernate in road -associated culverts, as well as sometimes in tree cavities and abandoned water wells (IPAC 2023). Habitat Present: Yes Potential habitat for the tricolored bat does occur within the study area. The forested areas provide the necessary habitat requirements this species requires. NCNHP data reviewed in April 2023 indicates no known occurrences of the tricolored bat within 1.0 mile of the study area. Biological Conclusion: Not Currently Required This species is listed as Proposed Endangered. Any species the Service has determined is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and the Service has proposed a draft rule to list as endangered. Proposed endangered species are not protected by the take prohibitions of section 9 of the ESA until the rule to list is finalized. Under section 7(a)(4) of the ESA, Federal agencies must confer with the Service if their action will jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species. Dwarf -flowered heartleaf- Dwarf -flowered heartleaf is endemic to the western Piedmont and foothills of North and South Carolina. This herbaceous evergreen is found in moist to rather dry forests along bluffs; boggy areas next to streams and creek heads; and adjacent hillslopes, slopes, and ravines. Requiring acidic, sandy loam soils, the species is found in soil series such as Pacolet, Madison, and Musella, among others. Occurrences are generally found on a north facing slope. Undisturbed natural communities such as Piedmont/Coastal Plain Heath Bluff, Dry-Mesic Oak Hickory Forest, and Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest hold the most viable occurrences. However, less viable remnant occurrences are found in disturbed habitats, including logged, grazed, mown, and residential/commercial roadside rights -of -way; and on upland slopes surrounding manmade ponds or lakes (IPAC 2023). Habitat Present: Yes Potential habitat for dwarf -flowered heartleaf, although marginal, does occur in the study area. NCNHP data reviewed in April 2023 indicates one known occurrence of dwarf -flowered heartleaf within 1.0 mile of the study area and one occurrence within the study area. Terracon staff performed pedestrian surveys for this species within the maintained ROW that comprises the study area and found no evidence of the dwarf -flowered heartleaf. Although our survey did not identify the species inside the ROW, due to the proximity of the known locations of this species, Terracon cannot provide a No Effect determination. It is recommended that Duke consult with USFWS prior to land disturbance if Section 404 permitting is necessary for the project. Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect Bog turtle— The bog turtle is one of the smallest turtles in North America with a max length at about 4 inches. They typically inhabit herbaceous sedge meadows bordered by wooded areas. The meadows must contain pockets of dry land and pockets that are 9 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 frequently flooded. Bog Turtles also inhabit open shrub wetlands that contain muddy bottoms with dry pockets. They prefer areas that are dominated by low grasses and sedges. Bog Turtles feed on small worms and snails, and berries. They spend much of their time underwater, in shrubs, or buried in mud (USFWS 2023). Habitat Present: No Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. Suitable habitat for the bog turtle was not observed within the project study area. NCNHP data reviewed in April 2023 indicates no occurrences of the bog turtle within 1.0 mile of the study area. Biological Conclusion: Not Required 4.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) Bald eagles typically feed on fish but may also consume birds and small mammals. In the Carolinas, nesting season extends from December through May (Potter et a/. 1980). Bald eagles typically nest in tall, living trees in a conspicuous location near water and forage over large bodies of water with adjacent trees available for perching (Hamel 1992). The bald eagle was officially delisted and removed from the federal Endangered Species List on August 9, 2007, but they are still protected under the BGEPA (Guidelines) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The Guidelines prohibits disturbance to a bald eagle. The Guidelines defines disturb as "to agitate or bother a bald or golden eagle to a degree that causes, or is likely to cause, based on the best scientific information available: 1) injury to an eagle; 2) a decrease in its productivity, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior; or 3) nest abandonment, by substantially interfering with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior." The definition also covers impacts that result from human -caused alterations initiated around a previously used nest site during a time when eagles are not present, if, upon the eagle's return, such alterations agitate or bother an eagle to a degree that injures an eagle or interferes with normal breeding, feeding, or sheltering behavior. Under the current Guidelines, USFWS recommends the following measures for roads, trails, canals, power lines, and other linear utilities. If the eagle nest can be seen from the project site and there is no similar activity within 660 feet, then USFWS recommends that the project: 1) maintain a buffer of at least 660 feet between your activities and the nest; 2) maintain any established landscape buffers; and 3) if possible, create additional landscape buffers to screen the new activity from the nest. If these recommendations cannot be adopted for the project, then coordination is recommended with the local USFWS office. No habitat was identified within the project study area. A review of NCNHP records in April 2023 indicates no known occurrences of the bald eagle within 1.0 mile of the study area. 4.9 Federal Species of Concern/At-Risk Species USFWS also maintains a list of Federal Species of Concern (FSC) and At -Risk Species (ARS). Neither FSC or ARS are afforded federal protection under the Endangered Species Act and 0 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC Terracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7, until they are formally listed as P, T, or E under the ESA. However, the status of these species is subject to change, and a review of NCNHP data has been performed to determine if they have been documented in or near the study area. The NCNHP review concludes no FSC/ARS species have been documented within 1.0 mile of the study area based on a review of the April 2023 NCNHP data. 4.10 State Listed Species Some species that are listed as FSC or ARS by USFWS receive limited state protection if state -listed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission or N.C. Plant Conservation Service as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Special Concern (SC). These species receive limited protection under the North Carolina Endangered Species Act (G.S. 113-331 et seq.) and the North Carolina Plant Protection Act of 1979 (G.S. 106-202.12 et seq.). The April 2023 NCNHP review indicates two state -listed species have been documented within 1.0 mile of the study area. Dwarf threetooth (Triodopsis fulciden) was last documented in 1952.. No further coordination regarding these species is necessary pursuant to current regulations. 5.0 CULTURAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES Research conducted using the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) HPOWEB GIS service database on May 5, 2023, revealed that while no historical resources appear to be located directly within the project study area, two are mapped within a 0.5- mile radius (Table 5). Both resources have been destroyed and neither were evaluated for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Table 5: Historic -Age Resources within 0.5-Mile Radius of the Project Study Area Resource ID Description NRHP Status CT0462 Duke Power Relay Station Unassessed (Gone) CT0917 Cline Farm Unassessed (Gone) Research conducted by Terracon at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology (OSA) on May 12, 2023, revealed that no archaeological sites have been recorded within a 0.25- mile radius of the project study area. Review of aerial imagery suggests that much of the proposed new location has been previously disturbed by former residential development and subsequent demolition. Given this previous disturbance and that a portion of the proposed project is located within existing right-of-way, is unlikely that the project would adversely affect known cultural resources. However, if federal permitting triggers Section 106 compliance, it is recommended that SHPO be consulted to determine whether cultural resources surveys may be required. 6.0 SUMMARY One (1) potential wetland and three (3) potential tributaries were identified within the project study area. Wetland and tributary impacts should be avoided and minimized as 10 .......... Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC � Terracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 much as practicable. Unavoidable impacts resulting in a regulated discharge of dredge or fill material into wetlands and/or waters must be coordinated with the USACE and NCDWR and Section 404/401 permitting and compensatory mitigation could be required. A preliminary jurisdictional determination (PJD) is recommended if Section 404 permitting is anticipated. Potential habitat exists for three (3) of the federal -listed species identified for consideration in this portion of Catawba County: Northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, and dwarf - flowered heartleaf. Surveys for dwarf flowered heartleaf were conducted within the study area at the time of the site visit by Terracon. No evidence of dwarf -flowered heartleaf was identified within the study area. NCNHP does document this species as occurring inside the ROW; however, it is likely that this occurrence has previously been addressed by the quarry due to their expansion plans. Potential summer habitat for the northern long-eared bat and potential habitat for the tricolored bat occurs within the forested parts of the study area. Further consultation with USFWS regarding the impacts to these species is recommended if Section 404 permitting is required for the project. No recorded cultural or historic resources were identified within 0.25 mile of the study area. No archaeological sites have been recorded within 0.25 mile of the study area. If Section 404/401 permitting will be required for this project, further coordination with SHPO may be necessary. 11 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 References Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2020. FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer. https://fema.maps.arcais.com/home/webmap/viewer.html (Accessed May 2023). Hamel, P.B. 1992. Land Manager's Guide to the Birds of the South. The Nature Conservancy, Southeastern Region, Chapel Hill, NC. 437 pp. National Geographic Society/ESRI. 2011. I -cubed seamless USGS quadrangle (Hickory, NC). N. C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. 2022. Geologic Map of North Carolina 1985. https://ncdenr.mar)s.arcais.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a8281cbd24b 84239b29cd2a7984a10. N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. 2007. Anadromous Fish Spawning Areas. http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/mf/ (Accessed May 2023). N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. 2011. Primary Nursery Areas. http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/mf/ (Accessed May 2023). N.C. Division of Water Resources. 2020. NC Water Quality Classifications by NC River Basin. http://[)ortal.ncdenr.ora/web/wa/ps/csu/classifications (Accessed May 2023). N.C. Division of Water Resources. 2020. Find Your Hydrologic Unit. htt[)s://ncdenr.maps.arcais.com/apps/PublicInformation/index.html (Accessed May 2023). N.C. Natural Heritage Program. 2023. Natural Heritage Data Explorer [web application]. NCDNCR, Raleigh, NC. Available at.www.ncnhp.org. (Accessed April 2023). Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulings. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC. 408 pp. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2006. Digital Soil Survey of Catawba County, NC. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Regional Supplement to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0). U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. 179 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2023. Information for Planning and Consultation. httr)s://ecos.fws.aov/ir)ac/ (Accessed May 2023). 12 Sweetwater Ret Tap Relocation I Catawba County, NC �erracon May 2023 1 Terracon Project No. 70237263 Appendix A Exhibits 13 I Si t iu SE J^ B ! 's Legend Project Study Area 0 500 1,000 Source: USGS Latest Topographic Map 2022; Project Study Area Provided by Duke Energy 4 DUKE Feet ENERGY N NotaVetaton,emovaiorai�naonof oisdeimerThenoormeoonde tedonthifi forinformeoond nrhydmiogyafteriniftse pie figure guryosesony mis evalat on n affel,,risdlonal vea- and was notprepared for and is not su itsble for le gal or engineering purposes. Q Catawba Rivu Basb and may require reevaluation of wetlantl This information presented is not for regulatory review and is boundarie. intended for use only by a Professional Land Surveyor priorto regulatory review. Project: 70237263 Wbrracon USGS Topographic Date ��,..-- Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W -100kV Relocation May 2023 D nvn/Chkd: NR/JH 2401 balegh NC s5 Catawba County, NC 2211 —:(ssfe,�rrr Figure: 1 enoir-Rhyne v College so ` _ it _ _ 4 Zone AE, Sweetwater i y r q 4br —"V. no a AE irh Av a; ��;r cr eY%C \ Op Swee[wa[ anfX PYisorre oo e o f I r Fairbrook Zone AE . err fir, C t Zone AE Zone AE d et�`Se r o F Zone AE Legend CM Project Study Area 1 k Annual Chance Flood Hazard Regulatory Floodway F—bra Special Floodway 0.2 k Annual Chance Flood Hazard 0 500 1,000 Source: USGS Latest Topographic Map 2022; Project Study Area provided by Duke Energy DUKE Feet ENERGYo� V,g-t-r motel oral�roo� of olsdalmar Tha hfo�aoo, da tad o� fig— orhfo�aoo�al or hydrology aftar lnlfial sta pia s g—is purposas or mis naffecfjuristlicfi-1 stt- and was not prepared for, and is not shrabla for legal orr-rate eying purposes. Q CatawWba "_ tlasb and may require ri e_'tt o" of-13, This Information presented is not for regulatory review and is bo..darc, intendedfor use only bya Professional Land Surveyor prior to regulatory review. Project: 70237263 9Ibrracon FEMA Flood Plain Date Sweetwater Ret Tap Hickory B&W -100kV Relocation May 2023 D nvn/Chkd: NR/JH 2401 2s04 Catawba County, NC oaa 3d,8al Relagh,NC 8 f8739 Figure:5(REV by HDR Appendix B Representative Photos Project No. 70237263 ■r ierracon Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Relocation Project No. 70237263 ■r ierracon (D O ser�; I • R ' k. 00 mx IL Ui �. M s, Photograph I Proposed ROW facing South t r C) Co e C"" o 00 00 WJ O N t `i ti b RrWIA .'� Y V.fi �'' �j +.lair" k^{� ry 'X5', \'J { x �" � a y��a yr y •3'��- � J fiy r 6 2 'tt e d" z it a dh any W -urxys @r I "' t �s 7 1 g tM X r (4Y�hy N �h� ai nY af,,t i"Fd as ®IN �`.�Fr,n.`�..i,i Photograph 4- Proposed ROW facing North Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Relocation Project No. 70237263 ■r ierracon Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Relocation Project No. 70237263 ■r ierracon O d7 +I N lid O 00 Ln W y y _ r Sl �4 � I V l' Photograph 7- Tributary T2 f WS � a i C � � � �� .< 3�' w� '6 use � � ! ��,• :�a � t %'' lJ! / s M� CO 'S f e LJJ 11 L Photograph 8- Tributary T3 Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Relocation Project No. 70237263 ■r ierracon 'mac `L� • �.� � � .y, :f� �'��+, _ s � r �� • �# f.t _ f rig • 4 ``... • 2 3 .11t` i Ez" Sweetwater Ret Tap Line Relocation