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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20161086 Ver 1_Final Bridge 61 orange cty_20161103STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTIV�NT OF TRANSPORTATION PAT MCCRORY ANTHONY 7. TATA GOVERNOR SECRETARY January 17, 2014 Memorandum to: Pam Williams, Transportation Program Management Unit Jerry Parker, Division 7 Environmental Supervisor From: 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. 61 over UT Buckwater Creek on SR 1002; Orange County; Design Build Project; WBS 17BP.7.R.83. Proposed Bridge Replacement Project The proposed project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 61 on SR 1002 (St. Mary's Road) over UT Buckwater Creek, in Orange County. The federally endangered Dwarf Wedgemussel (DWM) is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Orange County. UT Buckwater Creek is located in the Neuse River Basin. From the project site, UT Buckwater Creek flows 0.33 mile before entering Buckwater 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. 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 MAILING ADDRESS: LOCATION: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TELEPHONE: 919-707-6000 CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B PROJECT DEVELOPMENT H� ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT FAX: 919-212-5785 1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 2761 O Ra,�Ei�H NC 27699-1548 wEBSITE:NCDOT.GOV of the federally protected DWM within the project area. The closest record of DWM is over 15.3 miles downstream from the project in the Eno River. Survey Methods and Habitat A survey was performed by NCDOT staff members Neil Medlin (Permit No. 13- ES00030) and Jared Gray (Permit No. 13-ES00314) for UT Buckwater Creek 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 UT Buckwater Creek for 0.3 man-hours with no signs of any mussels. Within the project area, UT Buckwater Creek is roughly 1.5 meters wide and had some undercutting and erosion of the banks and others that were unstable. The stream banks were 1.0 meter 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 common. The substrate above and below the bridge was generally dominated by sand, with some silt, bedrock, clay, gravel and a considerable amount of cobble. The riparian buffer width was narrow and the stream had 75% cover. The surrounding land use was rural and active pasture. This 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 UT Buckwater Creek at the project site. The closest record of DWNI in the Eno River is 15.3 stream miles downstream. The replacement of Bridge No. 61 over UT Buckwater Creek 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.org/explorer. (Accessed 12/31/2013) NCDWQ. 2010. North Carolina Division of Water Quality Assessment and Impaired waters 303 (d) list report http://portal.ncdenr.or�/c/document librar�get file?uuid=8ffl�bb29-62c2-4b33- 810o-2eee5afa75e9& rg_oupId=38364. (Accessed 12/31/2013) NC Natural Heritage Program. 2011. 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