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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20160728 Ver 1_More Info Received_20160822 Wrenn, Brian L From:Thomson, Nicole J Sent:Monday, August 22, 2016 12:00 PM To:David.E.Bailey2@usace.army.mil; Wrenn, Brian L; Gary_Jordan@FWS.gov; Wilson, Travis W. Cc:Powers, Tim; Parker, Jerry A Subject:FW: 670132 670221 Attachments:Final Bridge 221 Orange Cty.pdf; Bridge 132 UT South Hyco Creek.pdf; 20140106 _letter_Service to NCDOT_Division 7 bridge replacements.pdf Good morning team! Please see the attached documents that were just given to me. These should address the concerns related to the aquatic species for both bridges. With respect to the terrestrial species, Laura called Jim Mason to see if he was the one that did them. He’s out until Wednesday so I’ll follow up again mid week. Thank you so much for your patience! Nikki From: Sutton, Laura E Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 10:47 AM To: Thomson, Nicole J Subject: 670132 670221 Attached are the mussel survey letters and the original response from US Fish and Wildlife. I’ll call you in a few minutes after I get off another call. Laura E. Sutton, PE, CPM Project Executive Priority Projects Unit NCDOT Technical Services 919 707 6607 office lsutton@ncdot.gov 1020 Birch Ridge Drive Raleigh, NC 27610 Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties. 1 Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties. 2 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh. North Carolina 27636-3726 Januaiy 6, 2014 Pamela Williams North Carolina Department of Transportation TPMU-Priority Projects Unit 1020 Birch Ridge Drive Raleigh, North Carolina 27610 Dear Ms. Williams: This letter is in i•esponse to your request for comments fi•om the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) on the potential envir•onmental effects of the following proposed bridge replacements in Division 7. County Sti•ucture Number Route Stream Guilford 400183 SR 2710 Prong Haw River Guilfoi•d 400254 SR 3121 Unnamed Ci•eek Guilford 400271 SR 3343 Stinking Quai•ter Creek Guilford 400314 SR 3121 Branch South Prong Stinking Quarter Creek Guilford 400379 SR 2715 Prong Reedy Fork Guilfoi�d 400427 SR 2704 Branch of Haw River Rockingham 780121 SR 2150 Branch Creek Rockingham 780122 SR 2150 Prong Jacobs Creek Rocicingham 780130 SR 2153 Unnamed Creelc Orange 670023 SR 1508 South Fork Little River Orange 670061 SR 1002 Unnamed Creek Orange 670075 SR ll27 New Hope Creek Orange 670077 SR 1113 New Hope Creek Orange 670126 SR 1526 Unnamed Creek Orange 670132 SR 1500 Unnamed Creek Orange 670173 SR 1353 Prong Eno River Orange 670221 SR 1135 Unnamed Creek These comments provide information in accordance with provisions of the National Envii•onmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)) and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). The Service will not be attending the scheduled field scoping meetings. Specific Comments Rockin�ham County Bridge No. 122 and No. 130 The federally endangered Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) is known to occur in the Dan River and some of its tributaries. Both Bridge No. 122 and 130 are located on tributaries that flow directly into the Dan River. Although it is unknown if the Roanoke logperch occurs in these tributaries, surveys for the species should be conducted if suitable habitat occurs at or immediately downstream of the bridge crossings. General Comments For bridge replacement projects, the Service recommends the following general conservation measures to avoid or minimize impacts to fish and wildlife resources: 1. Wetland, forest and designated riparian buffer impacts should be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practical; 2. If unavoidable wetland or stream impacts are proposed, a plan for compensatory mitigation to offset unavoidable impacts should be provided early in the planning process; 3. Off-site detours should be used rather than construction of temporary, on-site bridges. For projects requiring an on-site detour in wetlands or open water, such detours should be aligned along the side of the existing structure which has the least and/or least quality of fish and wildlife habitat. At the completion of construction, the detour area should be entirely removed and the impacted areas be replanted with appropriate tree species; 4. In streams utilized by anadromous fish, the NCDOT policy entitled "Stream Crossing Guidelines for Anadromous Fish Passage" should be implemented; 5. New bridges should be long enough to allow for sufficient wildlife passage along stream corridors; 6. On each side of the stream bank underneath bridges, at least 10 feet of the bank should remain clear of riprap; 7. "Best Management Practices (BMP) for Construction and Maintenance Activities" should be implemented; 8. Bridge designs should include provisions for roadbed and deck drainage to flow through a vegetated buffer prior to reaching the affected stream. This buffer should be large enough to alleviate any potential effects from run-off of storm water and pollutants; 9. Bridge designs should not alter the natural stream and stream-bank morphology or impede fish passage. To the extent possible, piers and bents should be placed outside the bank-full width of the stream; and 10. Bridges and approaches should be designed to avoid any fill that will result in damming or constriction of the channel or flood plain. If spanning the flood plain is not feasible, culverts should be installed in the flood plain portion of the approach to restore some of the hydrological functions of the flood plain and reduce high velocities of flood waters within the affected area. Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that all federal action agencies (or their designated non-federal representatives), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action federally authorized, funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any federally threatened or endangered species. To assist you, a county- by-county list of federally protected species known to occur in North Carolina and information on their life histories and habitats can be found on our web page at http•//www fws.�ov/ralei�pecies/cnt li�st/nc counties.html . Although the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) database does not indicate any known occurrences of listed species near the project vicinities, use of the NCNHP data should not be substituted for actual field surveys if suitable habitat occurs near the project sites. The NCNHP database only indicates the presence of known occurrences of listed species and does not necessarily mean that such species are not present. It may simply mean that the area has not been surveyed. If suitable habitat occurs within the project vicinities for any listed species, surveys should be conducted to determine presence or absence of the species. If you determine that the proposed actions may affect (i.e. likely to adversely affect or not likely to adversely affect) a listed species, you should notify this office with your determination, the results of your surveys, survey methodologies and an analysis of the effects of the actions on listed species, including consideration of direct, indirect and cumulative effects, before conducting any activities that might affect the species. If you determine that the proposed actions will have no effect (i.e. no beneficial or adverse, direct or indirect effect) on listed species, then you are not required to contact our office for concurrence. The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on these projects. If you have any questions regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at (919) 856-4520, ext. 32. Sincerely, �- Pete Benjamin � Field Supervisor Electronic copy: Andy Williarns, USACE, Wake Forest, NC Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PAT MCCRORY GOVF.RNOR Memorandum to From: Subject: ANTHONY J. TATA SF,CRETARY January 13, 2014 Pam Williams, Transportation Program Management Unit Jerry Parker, Division 7 Environmental Supervisor Jared Gray, Environmenta] Program Supervisor Natural Environment Section, Biological Surveys Group Protected species screening memo for the Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 132 over UT South Hyco Creek on SR 1500; Orange County; Design Build Project; WBS 17BP.7.R.85. Proposed Bridge Replacement Project The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 132 on SR 1500 (Hensley Road) over UT South Hyco Creek, in Orange County. The federally endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Orange County. UT South Hyco Creek is located in the Roanoke River Basin. From the project site, UT South Hyco Creek flows 0.4 mile before entering South Hyco Creek. A map of the project site is attached. NCDOT Biologist Jared Gray from the Biological Surveys Group did a review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database on December 31, 2013, to determine if there were any records of listed mussels within the proposed project study area or receiving waters. This review indicated that there are no known occurrences of the federally protected Dwarf Wedgemussel within the project area. Furthermore, there are no known records of Dwarf Wedgemussel for the Roanoke River Basin. Therefore the biological conclusion for the replacement of Bridge No. 132 over UT South Hyco Creek is No Effect for Dwarf Wedgemussel. File: 17BP.7.R.85 MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER Rn�eicH NC 27699-1548 TELEPHONE: 919-707-6000 FAX: 919-212-5785 WEBSITE: NCDOT. GOV LOCATION: CENTURYCENTER, BUILDING B 1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRNE Rn�eicr+ NC 27610 PAT MCCRORY GOVERNOR Memorandum to From: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTIV�NT OF TRANSPORTATION ANTHONY 7. TATA SECRETARY January 17, 2014 Pam Williams, Transportation Program Management Unit Jerry Parker, Division 7 Environmental Supervisor Jared Gray, Environmental Program Supervisor Natural Environment Section, Biological Surveys Group Subject: Protected species report for the Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 221 over Rocky Run on SR 1135; Orange County; Design Build Project; WBS 17BP.7.R.84. Proposed Bridge Replacement Project The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 221 on SR 1135 (Moorefields Road) over Rocky Run, in Orange County. The federally endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel (DWM) is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Orange County. Rocky Run is located in the Neuse River Basin. From the project site, Rocky Run flows 2.3 miles before entering Sevenmile Creek. A map of the project site is attached. Background In North Carolina, the DWM is known from the Neuse and Tar River drainages. The mussel inhabits creek and river areas with a slow to moderate current and sand, gravel, or firm silt bottoms. Water in these areas must be well oxygenated. Stream banks in these areas are generally stable with extensive root systems holding soils in place. Water pollution and impoundments are the primary causes of this species' decline, and persist as threats today. Poor land use practices, urbanization, and toxic effects from industrial, domestic and agricultural pollution are the leading causes of water pollution. In addition, the low density of individuals in many of the remaining populations is proving to be problematic for reproduction. Competition from the exotic Asiatic Clam (Corbicula fluminea) continues to be a problem as this species expands its range. MAILING ADDRESS: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Ha ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT "I598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER Rn�eicH NC 27699-1548 T ELEPHON E: 919-707-6000 FAX: 919-212-5785 WEBSITE:NCDOT.GOV LOCATION: CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B � 020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH NC 2761 O NCDOT Biologist Jared Gray from the Biological Surveys Group did a review of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) database on December 31, 2013, to determine if there were any records of listed mussels within the proposed project study area or receiving waters. This review indicated that there are no known occurrences of the federally protected DWM within the project area. The closest record of DWM is over 7.4 miles downstream from the project in the Eno River. Survey Methods and Habitat A survey was performed by NCDOT staff inembers Neil Medlin (Permit No. 13- ES00030) and Jared Gray (Permit No. 13-ES00314) for Rocky Run on December 20, 2013. The survey was conducted using batiscopes from approximately 400 meters downstream and 100 meters upstream of the project crossing. NCDOT biologist's assessed Rocky Run for 0.5 man- hours with no signs of any mussels. Within the project area, Rocky Run is roughly 1.0 meters wide and had some undercutting and erosion of the banks. The stream banks were 0.5 meters high. On the day of the site visit, the overall water depth was very shallow; with 100% of the stream reach less than 2 feet in depth. The creek contained small riffles and long runs and pool areas with normal substrate compactness. Sand and gravel bars were abundant. The substrate above and below the bridge was generally dominated by cobble, with some silt, boulder, gravel and a considerable amount of sand. The riparian buffer width was wide and the stream had 90% cover. The surrounding land use was rural and natural. Stream is too small for mussels, with no habitat for DWM. Dwarf Wedgemussel As a result of this survey, as well as the review of GIS and NHP data, it appears that the DWM does not exist in the project vicinity. No habitat for the DWM occurs in Rocky Run at the project site. The closest record of DWM in the Eno River is 7.4 stream miles downstream. The replacement of Bridge No. 221 over Rocky Run with the current stream conditions will have No Effect on the DWM. References: NatureServe. 2007. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 6.2. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available http://www.natureserve.or�plorer. (Accessed 12/31/2013) NCDWQ. 2012. North Carolina Division of Water Quality Assessment and Impaired waters 303 (d) list report http://portal.ncdenr.or�,/c/document_librar�get file?uuid=41297d6f-4ab1-4225-b218- ec507aa2435a& rg,�oupId=38364. (Accessed 12/31/2013) NC Natural Heritage Program. 2011. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program database (Accessed 12/31/2013). Raleigh, N.C. 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't�Vl '{ �l"�V R+��td �y � .� �! i>, . p' `�" �� f ��f YF � ��` �' p?� , fy � I �. . 1Y j "� Y�; E� i �'�. . . r. ��rj: .S� h"':. �r '° i�"' N � t,rt�� "�r � ;F � � � i : � �'� �1�. y �. � p� � . a � �+ � � y„Ir � . . , 1�i'�.5,. 6, � � C1y f ',�r .�$ , 1 ���Yf ��k�� '• ' � ' ��' �� � R ' ?ti �'. � ' � ��i � r � ��� � _ � B� ����� � 13�. �i . , � � - , . � . , 0 0.275 0.55 1.1 Miles N I i i i I i i � I Design Build Bridge 221 Orange County Replace Bridge No. 221 on SR 1135 over Rocky Run �`*+����� ��/�L. +►�M.�,� 1 �► � 1 i1�1*i� � �I 1� il��� ,�"'�`t,�`i:1i:{��a ��►�fj•���� r-_.�'1r '�r�►t�� �#r''L� �►,�Ir