Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAdd Info Received 20240411 Additional Info following pcnUPDATEDPCN Form Additional Information Section B.3a Project Description – Existing Conditions The project site is a forested tract between Thomas Valley Road and Barkers Creek. The site is currently undeveloped with the exemption of a pre-existing gravel road and culvert that leads to the peak hill within the boundary. General land use in the project vicinity is a low density residential area. Section B.3e Project Description – Details The project involves the installation of a new culvert (Impact S1) for access to upland areas. Permanent stream impact S1 includes 98.0 LF (0.014 Ac) of permanent stream impact with the associated temporary impacts S2 and S3 (each are 5 LF [0.001 Ac]) for the pump around disturbance. They propose temporarily dewatering UT to Barkers Creek (stream SB on the delineation map, CW 2.8.23) 5 LF above and below the culvert installation area. The existing culvert on site is not of sufficient length to provide wide enough access for construction vehicles. The existing road consists of a narrow turn that is not suitable for construction or other large vehicles (delivery, etc). The existing driveway on to Thomas Valley rd is in a blind turn. Moving the driveway entrance allows for a more perpendicular connection to Thomas Valley Rd, providing a better line of sight for safety. The existing culvert will not be utilized nor removed. Section D.1a Avoidance and Minimization The proposed culvert location was chosen to minimize stream impacts to only 98 Lf of the unnamed tributary to Barkers Creek while still allowing safe and practical upland access. The pre- existing culvert on site is not of sufficient length to provide wide enough access for construction vehicles. The existing culvert is not proposed to be removed at this time. Additionally, all construction and heavy machinery equipment will be operated from high ground and all temporary impacts will be put back to their conditions prior to construction. Section F.5a. Endangered Species and Designated Critical Habitat – Habitat The USFWS IPaC “Official Species List” (Appendix B) lists eight (8) species as potentially occurring within the project boundary: Common Name Scientific Name Status Tricolored bat Perimyotis subflavus Proposed Endangered Indiana Bat Myotis Sodalis Endangered Rock Gnome Lichen Gymnoderma Lineare Endangered Gray bat Myotis grisescens Endangered Appalachian Elktoe Alasmidonta raveneliana Endangered Northern long-eared bat Myotis septentrionalis Endangered Small Whorled Pogonia Isotria medeoloides Threatened Swamp Pink Helonias bullata Threatened Tricolored Bat Potentially suitable summer habitat for the tricolored bat is present in the forested areas; however, this species is not formally listed at this time and no formal management guidelines are in place. Due to the limited tree clearing on-site (former timber road already established, minimal additional tree clearing), it is the opinion of ClearWater that development of this site may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the tricolored bat. ClearWater recommends that tree clearing at this site be conducted between October 15 – March 31 to minimize impacts to the tricolored bat. Indiana Bat No naturally occurring suitable habitat (caves or underground mines) for the Indiana bat were observed within the project area. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project is not likely to adversely affect the Indiana bat. Rock Gnome Lichen No naturally occurring suitable habitat (rock outcrops above 5,000 ft above sea level) for Rock Gnome Lichen was observed within the project area. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project is not likely to adversely affect the Rock Gnome Lichen. Gray Bat No naturally occurring suitable habitat (caves) for the gray bat were observed within the project area. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project is not likely to adversely affect the gray bat. Appalachian Elktoe Suitable habitat for Appalachian Elktoe is present within the project area. Stream SA (Barkers Creek [C;Tr]) connects to the Tuckasegee River off site. The Natural Heritage Program report (see attachment B) shows an “A” ranking element occurrence of Appalachian Elktoe within a mile of the project area, more specifically referring to the Tuckasegee River. The stream onsite (Stream SA [Barkers Creek]) is the only potentially suitable habitat for the species due to stream substrate, step pools, temperature, width, and depth. Stream SA is not proposed for any impacts. The smaller unnamed tributary SB is the only stream proposed for impacts. Stream SB does not contain suitable habitat for Appalachian Elktoe due to narrow channelization and lack of deep step pools. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Appalachian Elktoe. Northern Long-eared Bat No naturally occurring suitable wintering habitat for Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) exists within the project area. Potential suitable summer habitat for the NLEB exists within the forested area of the project area in the form of snags and mature shaggy trees. ClearWater recommends conducting tree clearing between October 15 through April 1 to minimize impacts to NLEB. The area within the proposed stream crossing contains a few mature trees, but predominately rhododendron and shrub species. We request the US Army Corps of Engineers only apply the tree cutting moratorium to the proposed action area which is the one access driveway stream crossing. Please see the photolog (photos 5-8) for view of proposed trees for clearing. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project may affect but is not likely to adversely affect the Northern Long-eared Bat. Small Whorled Pogonia No potentially suitable habitat for Small Whorled Pogonia exists within the project area. While the project area is a mixed-deciduous forest, the understory is too dense. Small Whorled Pogonia requires an open understory within a mixed-deciduous forest, as well as highly acidic and nutrient poor soils. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project would have no effect on the Small Whorled Pogonia. Swamp Pink Swamp pink is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including mountain bogs, swampy forested wetlands bordering small streams, wet meadows, and spring seepage areas. Potentially suitable habitat for swamp pink does not occur within the project site. Wetland areas within the project boundary are too small and are forested with dense canopy coverage. It is the opinion of ClearWater that this project would have no effect on the swamp pink. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database on December 11, 2023, revealed one element occurrences (EO) of the endangered species Appalachian Elktoe within a one-mile radius of the project boundary. While the last species observation date was reported in October of 2022, no Appalachian Elktoe species were observed inside the project boundary. Suitable habitat for Appalachian Elktoe is present within the project area. Stream SA (Barkers Creek [C;Tr]) connects to the Tuckasegee River off site. The NHP report (see attachment C) shows an “A” ranking element occurrence of Appalachian Elktoe within a mile of the project area, more specifically referring to the Tuckasegee River. The stream onsite (Stream SA [Barkers Creek]) is the only potentially suitable habitat for the species due to stream substrate, step pools, temperature, width, and depth. Stream SA is not proposed for any impacts. The smaller unnamed tributary SB is the only stream proposed for impacts. Stream SB does not contain suitable habitat for Appalachian Elktoe due to narrow channelization and lack of deep step pools. It is not likely that the development of this project will adversely affect the Appalachian Elktoe species. See Attachment C. Section F.7b. Historic or Prehistoric Cultural Resources – Sources One historic site is located within a 0.5-mile radius of the project site. The site, the Lee Nations House is listed as surveyed only (site ID JK0250). This site is approximately 0.40 miles from the project area. It is the opinion of ClearWater that the proposed project will have no effect on the historical site listed above or any other historical properties. Data gathered from NCHPO's HPOWEB 2.0 for General Audience. Accessed December 12, 2023.