20120977_Reports_20081029

y µ SiATp a
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F EASLEY
GOVERNOR
John Hennessy
DENR - Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699 -1621
Dear John Hennessy
October 28, 2008
4 a
14 6taeD
0IC /C9
z'0
LYNDo TIPPETT
SECRETARY
SUBJECT TIP Project No B-4733 Replacement of Bridge No 11 on NC 175 over Chatuge
Lake in Clay County
The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch is completing the project
development, environmental and engineering studies for the TIP Project B-4733 This project is
included in the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program and is scheduled
construction in fiscal year 2012
We have provided a copy of the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) for your
use We would appreciate any information you might have that would be helpful in evaluating
potential environmental impacts of the project Your comments will be used in the preparation
of a federally funded Categorical Exclusion This document will be prepared in accordance with
the National Environmental Policy Act If your agency desires to comment please have your
response in by January 30, 2009 so that your comments can be used in the preparation of this
document
If you have any questions concerning any of these projects, please contact Tracy Walter at
[phone] Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence and comments
Sincerely,
MAILING ADDRESS
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT
1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1551

Tracy A Walter
Bridge Project Planning Engineer
Project Development and Environmental
Analysis Branch
TELEPHONE [phone]
FAX [phone]
WEBSITE WWW NCDOT ORG
LOCATION
PARKER LINCOLN BLDG
2728 CAPITOL BLVD - SUITE 168
RALEIGH NC 27604

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Replace Bridge 11 on NC 175 over Chatuge Lake
Clay County, North Carolina
TIP B-4733
Federal Aid Project No. BRSTP-175(7)
WBS Element No. 38506.1.1
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch
Natural Environment Unit
March 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................1
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................1
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES .......................................................................................1
3.1 Soils .......................................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Water Resources ..................................................................................................... 2
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES .............................................................................................. 3
4.1 Terrestrial Communities ........................................................................................ 3
41 1 Maintained/Disturbed .........................................................................................3
4 12 Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest .......................................................... 3
4 1 3 Terrestrial Community Impacts ......................................................................... 3
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ................................................................................................. 4
4.3 Aquatic Communities ............................................................................................. 4
4.4 Invasive Species ....................................................................................................... 4
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES .................................................................................... 5
5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S ...................................................................... 5
5.2 Clean Water Act Permits ....................................................................................... 5
5.3 Construction Moratoria ......................................................................................... 5
5.4 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ............................................................................... 5
5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters ....................................... 6
5.6 Wetland and Stream Mitigation ............................................................................ 6
5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts ........................................................... 6
5 6 2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts ................................................................. 6
5.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species .......................................................... 6
5.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act ................................................................. 7
5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species ......................................................... 8
6.0 REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................9
List of Tables
Table 1 Soils in the project study area 2
Table 2 Water resources in the project study area 2
Table 3 Coverage of terrestrial communities in the project study area 4
Table 4 Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area 5
Table 5 Federally protected species listed for Clay County 6
Table 6 Candidate species listed for Clay County 8
Appendix A: Figures
Figure 1 Vicinity Map
Figure 2 Topographic Map
Figure 3 Jurisdictional Feautures / Communities Map
Appendix B: Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report
Appendix C: Qualifications of Contributors
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace bridge
number 11 on NC 175 over Chatuge Lake (TIP B-4733) in Clay County (Figure 1) The
following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the
preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the proposed project
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS
All work was conducted as per the NCDOT Natural Environment Unit standard operating
procedures dated January 1, 2007 Field work was conducted on May 22 and May 31,
2007 The principal personnel contributing to this document were
Principal
Investigator William A Barrett
Education B S Marine Science, University of South Carolina
Experience Environmental Supervisor, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, 1105 - present
Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, 11/04 -12/05
Environmental Specialist, Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, West Palm Beach, FL 10/97 - 11/04
Environmental Scientist, EnviroAssessments, Inc, Tampa, FL 8/91 -1/93
Environmental Technician, Pace Laboratories, Inc, Tampa, FL 3/90 - 8/91
Expertise Natural resource assessment, Section 404/401 permitting, wetland
delineation, submerged aquatic vegetation assessment, technical review,
and technical report writing
Investigator Brett M Feulner
Education B S Forest Management, North Carolina State University, May 2001
Experience Environmental Biologist, N C Dept of Transportation Feb 2003-present
Environmental Specialist, Landmark Design Group, Raleigh, NC, June
2001-December 2002
District Forester, Resource Management Service, New Bern, NC, January
1999-December 1999
Appendix C lists the qualifications of personnel who contributed to portions of the field
work and/or documentation for this project
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
The project study area lies in the Blue Ridge physiographic region of North Carolina
(Figure 2) Topography in the project vicinity is comprised of hills sloping toward
Chatuge Lake Elevations in the project study area range from 1,927 feet above sea level
(elevation of Chatuge Lake) to 1,950 feet above sea level Land use in the project
vicinity consists primarily of residential development and a public fishing area designated
by NC Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC)
March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report
3.1 Soils
TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
The Clay County Soil Survey identifies two (2) soil types within the study area (Table 1)
Table 1. Soils in the project study area.
Soil Series Mapping Unit ',,,Drainage Class H dric,Status
Evard-Cowee complex, EvC Well Drained Non-hydric
8%-15% slope
Evard-Cowee complex, EvD Well Drained No-hydnc
15%-30% slope
3.2 Water Resources
Water resources in the study area are part of the Hiwassee river basin (United States
Geological Survey [USGS] Hydrologic Unit 06020002) One (1) jurisdictional resource
was identified within the study area (Table 2) The location of the water resource is
shown in Figure 3
Table 2. Water resources in the project study area.
kStresinSame Maass}ID r DWQ> Tiidex Number Bes`t?Usa `e Classification on,
Chatuge Lake labeled 1-(1) B
Chatuge Lake was created by the impoundment of the Hiwassee River Within North
Carolina, the Hiwassee River runs from the North Carolina - Georgia border to the
Chatuge Dam The project study area is located at a narrow neck of a large embayment
created by Shooting Creek, a mayor tributary to Chatuge Lake, reaching the lake The
width of the reach within the project study area is approximately 270-300 feet, and the
water quality was good to slightly turbid
Chatuge Lake is not, nor is any stream located within one mile of the project study area,
included on the North Carolina 2006 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters Chatuge Lake
has not been designated an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW) There are no ORWs,
High Quality Waters (HQW), or water supply (WS-1 or WS-II) located within one mile
of the project study area Chatuge Lake is not an NCWRC designated Public Mountain
Trout water
There are three lake monitoring stations on Chatuge Lake The stations were monitored
by the DWQ in 2004 however, because of an insufficient number of samples, Chatuge
Lake is not rated for aquatic life support, nor is rated for recreation use There are no
ambient monitoring stations on Chatuge Lake or anywhere in this subbasin Chatuge
Lake is monitored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for five ecological
indicators (dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, fish, bottom life, and sediment quality) From
1998 to 2005, Chatuge Lake has rated poor every year with the exception of 2001, when
it rated fair due to improved dissolved oxygen conditions and lower average chlorophyll
concentrations
2 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report
TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
Shooting Creek, which creates the embayment in which the project study area is located,
has a fish monitoring and benthic monitoring station that has been sampled by the DWQ
The benthos have been sampled three times, with the a Good rating in 1994 and 1999,
which improved to Excellent in 2004 The fish community rated Good-Fair in 2004 due
to a mixed assemblage of cool and warm water species Shooting Creek is rated
Supporting from its source to Chatuge Lake
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES
4.1 Terrestrial Communities
Two terrestrial communities were identified in the project study area
maintained/disturbed and montane oak-hickory forest Figure 3 shows the location and
extent of these terrestrial communities in the project study area A brief description of
each community type follows Scientific names of all species identified are included in
Appendix B
41 1 Maintained/Disturbed
Maintained/disturbed areas are scattered throughout the project study area in places
where the vegetation is periodically mowed, such as roadside shoulders and residential
lawns The vegetation in this community is comprised of low growing grasses and herbs,
including fescue, ragweed, and Japanese honeysuckle There is a utility easement that is
maintained that traverses the montane oak-hickory forest in the northern section of the
project study area The NCWRC has recently cleared the lake edge and constructed three
fishing docks along the banks of Chatuge Lake in the northwestern portion of the project
study area (not depicted on Figure 3) The maintained/disturbed community is the
dominant terrestrial community within the project study area
4 12 Montane Oak-Hickory Forest
The montane oak-hickory forest community is located in the northern portion of the
project study area, north of Lake Chatuge White oak, northern red oak, post oak,
mockernut hickory, Virginia pine, shortleaf pine, white pine, tulip poplar, and dogwood
were the dominant canopy species In the portion of the montane oak-hickory forest
located south and west of NC 175, the canopy is more open, pine species are less
prevalent, and additional species such as American holly, sourwood, and black locust
become more prevalent The subcanopy is dominated by red maple, dogwood, tulip
poplar, Chinese privet, and sassafras The groundcover includes grasses, poison ivy,
greenbrier, and Virginia creeper
4 1 5 Terrestrial Community Impacts
Terrestrial communities in the project study area may be impacted by project construction
as a result of grading and paving of portions of the study area At this time, decisions
regarding the final location and design of the proposed bridge replacement have not been
made Therefore, community data are presented in the context of total coverage of each
3 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
type within the study area (Table 3) Once a final alignment and preliminary design have
been determined, probable impacts to each community type will be calculated
Table 3. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the project study area.
Community -iCoverag`e,(ac.)
Maintained/ Disturbed 11 23
Montane Oak-Hickory Forest 4 88
Total 16 11
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife
Many fauna species are highly adaptive and may populate or exploit the entire range of
biotic communities located within the project study area (those species actually observed
are indicated with *) Mammal species that commonly exploit forested habitat found
within the project study area include species such as Virginia opossum, masked shrew or
short-tailed shrew, eastern clupmunk, eastern spotted skunk or striped skunk, and white-
tailed deer* Key bird species for this part of the state include golden-winged warbler,
yellow-bellied sapsucker, black-throated blue warbler, rose-breasted grosbeak, winter
wren, red-breasted nuthatch, ovenbird, golden-crowned kinglet, and veery Reptile and
amphibian species that may use terrestrial communities located in the project study area
include the eastern milk snake, rat snake, northern water snake, queen snake, and eastern
garter snake, spring peeper, green frog, eastern red-spotted newt, northern dusky
salamander, two-lined salamander, and three-lined salamander
4.3 Aquatic Communities
Chatuge Lake is the only aquatic community in the project study area. Shooting Creek,
which feeds Chatuge Lake from the northeast, is a cool water stream As an
impoundment, both cool and warm water species can be found in Chatuge Lake
Approximately thirty-two species of fish inhabit Lake Chatuge, with smallmouth bass,
largemouth bass, spotted bass, sunfish, and white bass predominating Other species
include redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern hogsucker,
whitetail shiner, steelcolor shiner, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, white catfish, channel
catfish, white crappie, black crappie, and walleye
4.4 Invasive Species
Three species from the NCDOT Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina were found
to occur in the project study area The species identified were Chinese privet (threat
status 1), multiflora rose (threat status 1), and Japanese honeysuckle (threat status 2)
NCDOT will follow the Department's BMPs for the management of invasive plant
species
4 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report
TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
One surface water (Chatuge Lake) was identified in the project study area (Table 4) No
jurisdictional streams were identified in the project study area The location of Chatuge
Lake is shown on Figure 4 The water quality designation is detailed in Section 3 2
Table 4. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area.
n x LL

'Map ID ` `.

\ v ,, .„
-Area (acre)',

yT Y? T l ?
"-Classification
3$
s k ompensatory,
" ;_ - I ? - ,? , ?

'

uffer
, t =e _ R
Miti ation e uired
Chatuge Lake 5 01 impoundment No N/A
No jurisdictional wetlands were identified within the project study area
5.2 Clean Water Act Permits
The proposed project has been designated as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the
purposes of NEPA documentation As a result, a Nationwide Permit 23 will likely be
applicable Other permits that may apply include a NWP No 33 for temporary
construction activities such as dewatermg, work bridges, or temporary causeways that
are often used during bridge construction or rehabilitation The USACE holds the final
discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize project construction
In addition to the 404 permit, other required authorizations include the corresponding
Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) from the NCDWQ A NCDWQ Section
401 Water Quality General certification for a Categorical Exclusion may be required prior
to the issuance of a Section 404 Permit Other required 401 certifications may include a
GC 3388 for temporary construction access and dewatermg
5.3 Construction Moratoria
Pursuant to a February 11, 2008 WRC letter, Chatuge Lake is not expected to have
reproducing trout Therefore, there are no construction moratoria for this project
5.4 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
The Hiwassee river basin is not subject to NCDWQ riparian buffer rules
5 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
Within the state of North Carolina, Chatuge Lake, nor the Hiwassee River (river
downstream of the Chatuge Dam) are not included on the USACE current list of Section
10 Waters
5.6 Wetland and Stream Mitigation
5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
The NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to Chatuge Lake to the greatest
extent practicable in choosing a preferred alternative and during project design At this
time, no final decisions have been made with regard to the location or design of the
preferred alternative
5 6 2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
At this time, mitigation should not be required for impacts to Chatuge Lake
In the event that mitigation does become required for impacts to Chatuge Lake, the
NCDOT will investigate potential on-site mitigation opportunities once a final decision
has been rendered with regard to the location of the preferred alternative If on-site
mitigation is not feasible, mitigation will be provided by North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP) In
accordance with the "Memorandum of Agreement Among the North Carolina
Department of Transportation, and the U S Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington
District" (MOA), July 22, 2003, the EEP, will be requested to provide off-site mitigation
to satisfy the federal Clean Water Act compensatory mitigation requirements for this
project
5.7 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of January 31, 2008, the USFWS lists two (2) federally protected species for Clay
County (Table 5) A brief description of each species' habitat requirements follows,
along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the project
study area
Table 5. Federally protected species listed for Clay County.
'Federal- Ma6itat ` Biologicaf
Scientific Name "Common Name
Status
Present r
-Conclusion;
Glyptemys muhlenbergia Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required
Sarracenta oreophda Green pitcher plant E Marginal No Effect
E - Endangered , T(S/A) - Threatened due to sinulanty of appearance
6 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
Bog turtle
Habitat Requirements The bog turtle is typically found in bogs, freshwater marshes, and
wet pastures, usually in association with aquatic or semi-aquatic vegetation and
small, shallow streams over soft substrate Bog turtles are distributed throughout
the mountains and western piedmont of North Carolina The USFWS has listed
the bog turtle as threatened due to similarity of appearance to the northern
population, throughout the bog turtle's southern range
Biological Conclusion Not Required
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section
7 consultation with the USFWS However, this project is not expected to affect
the bog turtle because no suitable habitat is present within the project study area
Freshwater wetlands within the study area are forested riparian systems A
review of NCNHP records, updated February 13, 2008, indicates no known bog turtle
occurrence within 10 mile of the study area
Green pitcherplant
Survey Window late April - October
Habitat Requirements Favored habitat for the green pitcherplant includes mixed oak
or pine flatwoods, seepage bogs, and sandstone streambanks Forest soils may be
seasonally wet, poorly drained, and acidic, while streambank sites may be almost
pure sand Bog sites have moderate to steep slopes and are usually always moist This
species is dependent on some form of disturbance, often fire, to keep the habitat in an
early successional stage and reduce competition
Biological Conclusion No Effect
Marginal habitat for the green pitcherplant is present in the project study in the
montane oak-hickory community Surveys were conducted by NCDOT biologists
throughout areas of marginal habitat on May 22, 2007, witlun the survey window
No green pitcherplants were observed A review of NCNHP records, updated
February 13, 2008, indicates no known occurrences within 10 mile of the project
study area
5.8 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest in proximity to large bodies
of open water for foraging Large, dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically
within 10 mile of open water As the project includes a portion of Chatuge Lake,
suitable habitat for bald eagle does exist in the project study area A survey for nest trees
was conducted on March 22, 2007 within the study area and to a distance of 660 feet on
all sides outside of the study area No nests were observed
7 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report
TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of August 15, 2007 the USFWS lists one (1) Candidate species for Clay County
(Table 6) A review of NCNHP records, updated February 13, 2008, indicates no known
occurrence of sicklefin redhorse within 10 mile of the study area
Table 6. Candidate species listed for Clay County.
?.i`'t= t. rY'?r'^3?

'u
tifi
?Name,,
Sci

SCommonNanie
:
f c??c
HaPresent
O*
c
;
?
en .
Moxostoma sp Sicklefin redhorse No
8 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report
TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
6.0 REFERENCES
Audubon North Carolina, 2004 Important Bird Areas, Nantahala Mountains, NC
http //nc adubon org/IBA 2004IBAsOfNC html
Cowardin, L M, V Carter, F C Golet, and E T LaRoe 1979 Classification of
Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States U S Fish and Wildlife
Service U S Government Printing Office, Washington D C
Environmental Laboratory 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual
Technical Report Y-87-1, U S Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Environmental Laboratory 1992 Clarification and Interpretation of the 1987 Manual,
memorandum from Mayor General Arthur E Williams
Harrar, E S and J G Harrar 1962 Guide to Southern Trees New York Dover
Publications 2nd ed 709 pp
Martof, B S , W M Palmer, J R Bailey, and J R Harrison III 1980 Amphibians and
Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia Chapel Hill The University of North
Carolina Press 264 pp
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program List of Rare Plant and Animal Species in
North Carolina North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, Office of Conservation
and Community Affairs, N C, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Raleigh, North Carolina (updated February 13, 2008)
http //www ncsvarks net/nhp/elements2 fm
N C Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Division of
Environmental Management 1996 A Field Guide to North Carolina Wetlands
Report No 96-01 EPA 9048-94/001
N C Department of Environment and Natural Resource, Division of Water Quality
2005 Identification Methods for the Origins of Intermittent and Perennial
Streams
N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
2007 Basinwide Assessment Report Hiwassee River Basin
http //h2o enr state nc us/basinwide/Hiwassee2007 htm
N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
2007 Surface Waters and Wetland Standards 15 NCAC 02B 0100 & 0200
9 March 2008
Natural Resources Technical Report TIP B-4733, Clay County, N C
N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
North Carolina 2006 303(d) list
http //h2o enr state nc us/tmdl/documents/303d Report pdf
N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
2004 Basmwide Information Management System Water Body Reports
http //h2o enr state nc us/bims/Reports/reportsWB html
N C Department of Transportation 2007 Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina
Unpublished
N C Department of Transportation 1997 Best Management Practices for Protection of
Surface Waters
Radford, A E, H E Ahles, and C R Bell 1968 Manual of the Vascular Flora of the
Carolinas Chapel Hill University of North Carolina Press 1183 pp
Rhode, F C , R G Arndt, D G Lindquist, and J F Parnell 1994 Freshwater Fishes of
the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Chapel Hill University of
North Carolina Press 222 pp
Schafale, M P and A S Weakley 1990 Classification of the Natural Communities of
North Carolina Third Approximation North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDEHNR Raleigh, North Carolina 325 pp
Uruted States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Soil Data Mart, Clay County
http //soildatamart nres usda gov/Report aspx?Surve3ffNC043&UseState=NC
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species, Threatened Species, Federal
Species of Concern, Candidate Species, Clay County, NC Updated January 31,
2008
http //www fws gov/nc-es/es/countyfr html
United States Geological Survey Shooting Creek, North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7 5-minute series)
Webster, W D, J F Parnell, and W C Biggs 1985 Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia,
and Maryland Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press 255 pp
10 March 2008
pp,
r
f
i
1 m4
S
1330
S
•
f
c i .
? a
1
149 f
64
,331 {
of
L
11
? r
f
'??¦?.¦-??- 1159 ,fIl
GEORGIA ¦ '
?dF ATM NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &

oF?? ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH
CLAY COUNTY
REPLACE BRIDGE NO 11 ON NC 175
OVER CHATUGE LAKE
B-4733
,7e1
If w?` • ? p -
t?? ` 'its rT" l' • 'k! Tvt , ?b n ! ??? ? ? ? ,?
'Se
AX w
i`1 ' " •
r? z?r y ?. '?"`?x??? ;'x'f ?p ! • 0
{ 1 tr
Ill ?? °{??=ry ?`., im,?,? L`??j ^+ ?? ?.Yi'c??..Y ??.'S'. tl • ?M?µ f ? ? t
11
all
R
P "
j ,.
,??'a- ?. f F?`1 'At
^ -' '.rn`x" v?-' ?yr,Fa : x 3 - y" x3r # r ,uP w GntY' f ~= _
si z._ yra ,fc a ky" e IN 4R x
h7` {? * d ¢ 4? h syv M'31 .r rt °r ra
rrG?'
??a?* It J,? Fitt y, ? ?,?? ??` O?f4 • ??' ','y?-„'°?
` ii _'y'r r?l' dux 'Y{?pA? @ru`+'e':7} WWd? Tt
r x`i 'C k r r? Saks?sr"'r e u} ?.,'r2'tU.J' f
c 'x f 90,
a l J • r? a1-x ?? ?? x lam
11 r"' _ r
K F'"
/ , §'r?,?? • e T : r=rry';',+y, 4° `° y _' 4 Bridge No "Is; 1,
$ .,e
` ?,i-,r*„?u.. „ .? r, ?,,a qs ;Ka Lr•yr?r r fiv a s,?.f r• r'"' y.? , ?sv"f„`'S,
? ? ? `' r f', ?_'s?j..?r?r ? ? i y`?a 1xe?,?r?" ?-?•r ''r, ? "`y i ? r ,'? near ?r r ??° '?? ?'?R'`` ?,? ?,`?y rc , y ?.?'
n ??yy
? 4 1 f n r," rr r 1' r- n s s r
a F T' PfUJ@Ct .S'tudy Area
Ta, ' y'rr a ?.., t?? , <<- }rx , tak`y ? ?:2. • ??'? "?t ' m,. .?.ws ? ?;
' ?%. ' r?` °,'a ?J ? +`f7' ?J- i ? 'Tixr i ? A ? ` ? F„? 9i,^ • ,alb ?: ?
. ? r 1 (?;{':%.> S?D? ?, i?fd4 ?>i'" ? r-? , '., rF?v, • O fir.°,' ?..? P
,r } }Arl.?'+F}.- 'f rrr Jrr' f? 37 :F.,, " ??' t•J,???^- r?
/ "' •
M-, 13
? t'?,~'3{ nuf ?- ,tY ?' iF,??h, ,.,^ • ¦
?r?_ V .mil {r, VF •
? V +`f ? it 7i ?, , r'=• ' ., 11 i ?\ ? ''e'y r R ? kx , ',?, ? , ?
+'xy 41?i'
?'rrl?? ?'?'? .,y.{ f,VaY }K ;r ? dw ??{? ` •"!!,'` SaV • ,4 > ', u];? •? rt.',+{ 1 t? ',*?rrfr+Lr,
J%, i? Y? ? t(„ ,i ? r`'r:J- n rr? .?. ? , r. ? "c 9 a 'u'?? ii ?r ?' ,L' ` ~-?- +
A? ;? '._ •? . _ a x , F F
t+AftJ ,aa „ Jirtl?+?
°
-B M
I+ x 4. y, r hi?5 ,?' ys ? ??>a /';h` x rP ?: r bx 7 ? `?' ,.rrT ?i -?>!? f•: ?+ ,,,A ikr? `., ??, J?+' ,
?L,cC r , i` „?? ,a ,r , ';? •.-^?" gr ='va `'?r° df` ry, Ir f r', a`f, g i fir` ?
'J°?."`{'?- ?,?? n?`i ,``?, 4£?? pqaa?•?? ? _w??. ,? - ",s,i,r'' . s;'tir?aL+Y- r-'? ''''z' Ss -
?•x'yR s???`-,,,=,n"-:a z {r..? ? .??y r.?.+'11 s_„? - ? •+, r1 ,rx ?! ) _ =`?.?i?^^, -
4{,M1 yY,F'`? id ?r„^fu `gyms w;• .,.'v s9?r
.??? r • F K -v ? is • if ? .r r +?,. ,r'.... r ' '?? ? ? ? `
r?Y f'`.• =fc` r nFr '' t'u ?,? `tt?ra. \ ,` i,. {'-, ?!m v'Vr `? rtx "?-'n l ?4 L* ?4z V"?`
fi p''rat3`x'
A
`'?rf BM G
• ' Vic;, ,' 4? t'
' _ ?' t n-z2,`?.. # a r a p} .t?£ ?'0 25 ' p r
?F w -< 4GTbJ I J ? ZAw q -
e, A
N B-4733 Figure 2
Clay County
Replacement of Bndge No 11 on NC 175 over Chatuge Lake
WBS Element 38506 1 1 NC DEPARTMENT OFTRANSPORTATION
DrMIO DEVELOPMMENENT AND
Federal Aid No BRSTP-175(7) PROJECT EVELO
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS

Plants
Common Name
American holly
Black locust
Chinese privet
Dogwood
Fescue
Greenbrier
Japanese honeysuckle
Mockernut hickory
Multiflora rose
Northern red oak
Post oak
Poison ivy
Ragweed
Red maple
Sassafras
Shortleaf pine
Sourwood
Tulip poplar
Virginia creeper
Virginia pine
White oak
White pine
Animals
Common Name
Bald eagle
Black crappie
Black-throated blue warbler
Bluegill
-Bluehead chub
Brown trout
Catfish (white)
Channel catfish
Corn snake
Eastern chipmunk
Eastern garter snake
Eastern red-spotted newt
Eastern spotted skunk
Gizzard shad
Golden-crowned kinglet
Golden-winged warbler
Green frog
Scientific Name
flex opaca
Robinia pseudoacacia
Ligustrum sinese
Cornus florida
Festuca sp
Smilax rotundifoha
Lonicera japonica
Carya tomentosa
Rosa multiflora
Quercus rubra
Quercus stellata
Toxicodendron radicans
Ambrosia sp
Acer rubrum
Sassafras albidum
Pinus echinata
Oxydendrum arboreum
Liriodendon tulipifera
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Pinus virginiana
Quercus alba
Pinus strobus
Scientific Name
Hahaeetus leucocephalus
Promoxis nigromaculatus
Dendroica caerulescens
Lepomis macrochirus
Nocomis leptocephalus
Salmo trutta
Ameiurus catus
ktalurus punctatus
Elaphe guttata
Tamias striatus
Thamnophis sirtalis
Notophthalmus viridescens
Spilogale putorius
Dorosoma cepedianum
Regulus satrapa
Fermivora chrysoptera
Rana clamitans

Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus
Largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides
Masked shrew Sorex cinerus
Northern dusky salamander Desmognathus fuscus
Northern hog sucker Hypentehum nigricans
Northern water snake Nerodia sipedon
Ovenbird Selurus aurocapillus
Queen snake Regina septemvittata
Rainbow trout Oncorynchus mykiss
Rat snake Elaphe guttata
Redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus
Red-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicanus
Red-breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis
Short-tailed shrew Blarina brevicauda
Smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu
Spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus
Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer
Steelcolor shiner Cyprinella whipplei
Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis
Threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense
Three-lined salamander Eurycea longicauda guttolineata
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura
Two-lined salamander Eurycea wilderae
Veery Catharus f iscescens
Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana
Walleye Stizostedion vitreum
White bass Morone chrysops
White catfish Ameiurus catus
White crappie Pomoxis annularis
Whitetail shiner Cyprinella galactura
White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Winter wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius

Investigator William A Barrett
Education B S Marine Science, University of South Carolina
Experience Environmental Supervisor, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, 1/05 - present
Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, 11/04 -12/05
Environmental Specialist, Florida Department of Environmental
Protection, West Palm Beach, FL 10/97 - 11/04
Environmental Scientist, EnviroAssessments, Inc, Tampa, FL 8/91 -1/93
Environmental Technician, Pace Laboratories, Inc, Tampa, FL 3/90 - 8/91
Expertise Natural resource assessment, Section 404/401 permitting, wetland
delineation, submerged aquatic vegetation assessment, technical review,
and technical report writing
Investigator Brett M Feulner
Education B S Forest Management, North Carolina State University, May 2001
Experience Environmental Biologist, N C Dept of Transportation Feb 2003-present
Environmental Specialist, Landmark Design Group, Raleigh, NC, June
2001-December 2002
District Forester, Resource Management Service, New Bern, NC, January
1999-December 1999
Investigator Jason Dilday
Education B S Marine Biology, UNC - Wilmington, 1993
Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, July 2006 - Present
Fisheries Technician, NCWRC, July 2005 - June 2006
Fisheries Biologist, NCDMF, January 1999 - April 2005
Fisheries Technician, NCDMF, December 1994 - December 1998
]ir"t?.' .l z.-2 ' 48 i
?i }.. y a."1,;"t, ? F t '?' ?r- .•Y'..=1? F A ? y ? -.?.': ?'C',1 + j, to ?F ? ? ? ? .. ? F t r
'R, ? ? ,l.x .?r ?t:'I? •Y,._f :a 9 'Yl?. _??`r r i..F -- ?.:'?'? 5 _??i: .?.1?;, ?.:? ?'.',i;y?, ?, I. -,I ?j' jwi
4:.,
- # tt `•. ~* ?? ?t 9 S""il? 1 RiN??' ?-??• Y? !!.?- „? r." y l y,?? t 5.?. ..rC.? ?=,t'? ?r. 4? _1y. '? '4? ? ? H ' -S ;?. ?? :'? ? ?K ?* r_?i. i ";': ' ,? ?" t3- lk , t`y +? ?! Sr f+}t[ ?i'?',-t r _ ' 1?,»
i7A
,r .t?!:t r,f Y ,tea t. c »i A
* ?{ t, 41
?# ,' r 4: iC f '' .;•?? f?r?e ?_5 t? ; ,1 ?k yti «y# F c x#v? t fytf?. r'
,r k 1 3r { tsi' i q u ` 't? tit` ?ru1'6 tfi4 r{?F ii'r lr,
. .? ?! ,,a c,?c - 14, a•. t `x
} ?v !' ?'?.i4? ?y..k ?:. f 1 r { ?' ? U ?'S :. j?, _ y? I I?'?? _?... ? I ? .' C,? -r ? * n, ?'•:•o t ? r.Sr'+? ]`v ,F'
ti i%:} of aC? ,;kN` ? .wft ..+?.` ? lit. _ ? ? 1?i}?}???r?: z ?? ? i ` ?4. s ? _ •?y,_, ??#????'°
?*?'? ?• .?? .r':#?3?',.fi', ?.t .ft ', ?"'? I';^? `??k `l?. "?1'.: 'c' yy:?;?Ft??y ,?. 3y `.:* i ??
' ?` }? ".y'.i ''?i rs? .? ?4 wt ?ir• ?:n +? ,i A?, F•???.,
"K
?' ?4.?
-
s r R+W k r v'4 t r? dl sa3 t t}fit * 'rWr t
s kw
f Y?? ? .?C?? ?.:"' ?F R?y? $•? ?. ?n? ?` <. ? ? F?r R'' -^ •?.wF `t? Y.?c.'Y? ?? 7"?,^?,£` € ? r1 .r _
L * l i?lt?Y = - ?' vfld{ a t, /; ?7'} r ?. `+,: v J:. _`" «j•k
f s;
`NS

r ?
S
ti, r
r y
e i Nr
< i
44gg????'' ?' H. ? ? ?5 ??_•, Ei, _ ? r? -- [ _ '? a ? ?t...li J,, ? tG s?.?, iri7k ??
_ •? '`S}S?i?? dl ?` ;?' iY'W?•? - r f.-r'?,.1 ? Y r, ? 1 s, ? :,? ?)_ ,.7 ^4
• iI "'` ?' 1%
SR 13
53
T
I•
r. i
F ?.
i
Ivy
r
.3. J..
w ? r
v?
r
,
i
M
r?? I
C
v
4
1
crrr .VYf
?. C
N
{ w
f?^ A -! '?` ` '?
s ! t '
1
?• ? F ? ??? ?F"?. ` ss Y y , C `fit 1 ?f,ti??F ?•,
k-f#.
y 7
i r t Y;
' i + r 7 tj?' ?? v k
4 f
,.'?-
?~ 4 1
- .?` _ t, ti : ' r.. , r % l?';r . -' b s • 4 . c u1is
T I P No B-4733
Replacement of Bridge No I 1 on NC 175 over Chatuge Lake
WBS Element 38506 1 1
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aid No BRSTP-175(7)
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS Clay County
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Figure 3
Jurisdictional Features / Communities