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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA D4 ?4?) /Vol/ W ?00 ,C??gTFR 8 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 4Z4 MICHAEL F EASLEY LYNDO TIPPETT GOVERNOR SECRETARY November 18, 2008 Mr John Hennessy DENR-Division of Water Quality 1650 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 Dear Mr Hennessy, SUBJECT TIP Project No B-4835 Replacement of Bridge No 124 on SR 1510 (Mat Nelson Road) over Reedy Pond Creek in Warren County The Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch has begun project development, including environmental studies and engineering studies, for the replacement of Bridge No 124 in Warren County This project is included in the North Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and is scheduled for construction in fiscal year 2012 I would like to provide you with a copy of the Executive Summary of the Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) for this project I am requesting you provide any applicable information concerning this project that may be used in the preparation of a federally funded categorical exclusion Please respond by January 18, 2009 For any questions or comments concerning this protect, please contact Hank Schwab at hschwab(,ncdot gov or by mail at NCDOT, Bridge Project Development Unit, 1551 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1551 Please include the TIP Project Number in all correspondence Thank you for your consideration Since ly H Sc ab Bridge Project Planning Engineer Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch MAILING ADDRESS NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRIDGE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT UNIT 1551 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1551 TELEPHONE 919-715-1500 FAX 919-715-1501 WEBSITE WWW NCDOT ORG LOCATION PARKER LINCOLN BLDG 2728 CAPITOL BLVD - SUITE 168 RALEIGH NC 27604 lmblo 1510 - 1_507 155 Q -? 150! 17 r? + 6/ 1511 ` $9 8 A _? 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I I ..1, r _ f ?s 1 11 11 t(r^ J o° /i? t . ? ?. ?e ,^ y - /,. .^ - , ,I ,< <- '{ I h-? - / e• fs? _ - , . I a r 1 1 ''?!f%,_ z.e<_. ? -„J`? \, b//: ?/ '_ fJl ???, ?'''? :JaS• 'I f ,f `z'? ? ?,\.i?\ {s' _ _'7? 1 r( f` ' ? _7B3 43 Copyright (C) 1998 Maptech, Inc C7 .p 00 w CJ1 I v I I 0 0 0 0 O Q (a 7 0 N N O O O NATURAL RESOURCE TECHNICAL REPO o? Np?2 Q6 Replacement of Bridge No. 124 on SR 1510 over Reedy Pond Creek Warren County, North Carolina TIP B-4835 F.A. Project No. BRZ1510(3) WBS Element 38605.1.1 OFTR THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Project Development and Environmental Analysis Branch Natural Environment Unit March 2008 ORTfJ TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................:.................................. I 2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ...................................................................................................1 3.1 Soils ...................................................................................................................................... l 3.2 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 2 4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES ........................................................................................................... 2 4.1 Terrestrial Communities .................................................................................................... 2 4 1 1 Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest 3 4 1 2 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) 3 4 1 3 Loblolly Dominant 3 4 1 4 Successional Land 3 4 1 5 Maintained/Disturbed Land 4 16 Terrestrial Community Impacts 4 4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ............................................................................................................ 4 4.3 Aquatic Communities ........................................................................................................ 4 4.4 Invasive Species .................................................................................................................. 4 5.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS ............................................................................................... 5 5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the United States .................................................................. 5 5.2 Clean Water Act Permits .................................................................................................... 5 5.3 Construction Moratoria ...................................................................................................... 6 5.4 River Basin Buffer Rules .................................................................................................... 6 5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................... 6 5.6 Mitigation ............................................................................................................................. 6 5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts 6 5 6 2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts 6 5.7 Endangered Species Act Federally Protected Species ..................................................... 6 5.8 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act ................................................................... 7 5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species ..................................................................... 7 6.0 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................... 7 List of Tables Table 1 Soils in the project study area 2 Table 2 Water Resources in the project study area 2 Table 3 Physical characteristics of water resources in the project study area 2 Table 4 Coverage of terrestrial communities in the project study area 4 Table 5 Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area 5 Table 6 Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the project study area 5 Table 7 Federally protected species listed for Warren County 7 Appendix A: Figures Figure 1 Vicmty Map Figure 2 Project Study Area Map Figure 3 Jurisdictional Features Map Figure 4 Natural Communities Map Appendix B: Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report Appendix C: Wetland and Stream Forms Appendix D: Qualifications of Contributors Appendix E: Mussel Reports Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4835, Warren County NC 1.0 INTRODUCTION The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No 124 on State Road (SR) 1510 over Reedy Pond Creek in Warren County, North Carolina (Figure 1) The following Natural Resource Technical Report (NRTR) has been prepared to assist in the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) document 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 July 26, August 14, and November 27, 2007 Jurisdictional areas were not verified at the time of this report Personnel contributing to this document were Principle Investigator James Pflaum Education B S , Biology, Elon College M S, Biology, Appalachian State University Experience Environmental Specialist, NC DOT, Jan 2007 - Present Environmental Specialist, NC Emergency Management, March 2006 - Jan 2007 Biological Technician, US Forest Service, Petersburg, AK, May 2005 - Oct 2005 Project Leader, International Student Volunteers, Australia, May 2004 - Aug 2004 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, protected species surveys, wetland/stream delineation, technical report writing Other personnel contributing to this document can be found in Appendix D 3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES The project study area is located in the piedmont physiographic province of North Carolina (Figure 2) The topography in the project study area is generally characterized as gently sloping to nearly level Elevations in the project study area range from 220 to 250 feet above sea level The project vicinity is rural in nature and surrounding land use includes a mixture of residential, agricultural, and silviculture use 3.1 Soils The Soil Survey of Warren County identifies four soil series that occur within the study area (Table 1) March 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4835, Warren County NC Table 1. Soils in the project study area. Soil Series Mapping Unit Drainage Class Hydric Status Chewacla and Wehadkee Cwf Poorly drained Yes Pacolet sandy loam PaE Well drained No HyB Helena Sandy loam HyB Well drained No 3.2 Water Resources Water resources in the study area are part of the Tar-Pamlico river basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03020102) There was one stream identified within the project study area (Table 2) The physical characteristics of this stream are provided in Table 3 and shown in Figure 3 Table 2. Water Resources in the project stud area. Stream Map ID DWQ Index Number Best Usage Name Classification Reedy Pond S1 28-79-25-5 C, NSW Creek Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the ro'ect stud area. Map ID Bank Bankful Water Channel Flow Clarity Height (ft.) Width Depth Substrate (ft.) (ft.) Reedy Pond 2-5 35-40 2-6 sand and silt slow low Creek No Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters (HQW), WS I, or WS-II Waters occur within 1 0 mile upstream or downstream of the project study area Reedy Pond Creek is not designated as a North Carolina Natural and Scenic River, nor as a national Wild and Scenic River Reedy Pond Creek is not listed on the 2006 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters nor are any waters within 1 0 mile of the project study area There have been no benthic or fish samples taken within 10 mile up or downstream of the project study area 4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES 4.1 Terrestrial Communities Five terrestrial communities were identified in the project study area Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest, Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont subtype), Loblolly Dominant, Successional Land, and Maintained/Disturbed Figure 4 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 2 March 2008 Technical Report TIP B-4835, Warren County NC 4 1 1 Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest This plant community is associated with floodplains of smaller streams and is seasonally or intermittently flooded This plant community type borders both sides of Reedy Pond Creek throughout the project study area The tree strata is dominated by river birch, American sycamore, iron wood, green ash, and shagbark hickory The shrub strata is dominated by chinese privet, painted buckeye, and box elder Groundcover species consist of Japanese honeysuckle, crossvine, microstegium, river oats, and common greenbrier 4 12 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) The Mesic mixed hardwood forest occurs on lower slopes, ravines and occasionally well-drained stream bottoms, and on well drained acidic soils This plant community type is located on both sides of Matt Nelson Road and south of Reedy Pond Creek as the landscape beings to slope up and out of the floodplain The tree strata is dominated by American beech, northern red oak, southern sugar maple, and swamp chestnut oak The shrub strata is dominated by chinese privet, iron wood, and arrowwood Groundcover species consist of Japanese honeysuckle and Christmas fern 4 13 Loblolly Dominant Tree strata is dominated by loblolly pine Other tree species observed included white oak and mochernut hickory Shrub species consist of red maple, American elm, sourwood, American holly, and winged elm Herbaceous and vine species consist of common greenbrier, poison ivy, blackberry, and Japanese honeysuckle 4 14 Successional Land The successional land consists of two cutovers located in the northwestern and northestern portion of the project study area The cutover in the northwestern portion of the project study area consists of planted loblolly pines, eastern red cedar, river birch, sweetgum, Japanese honeysuckle, and blackberry The cutover in the northeastern portion of the project study area consists of mockernut hickory, northern red oak, white oak, pokeberry, and fireweed 4 1 5 Maintained/Disturbed Land Maintained/disturbed land includes roadways, roadsides, maintained residential yards, powerline nght-of-way corridors, and areas where other human related activities dominate the landscape Roadsides and powerline right-of-ways are typically maintained by mowing and/or herbicides Species observed within the road right-of-way include blackberry, Japanese honeysuckle, sweetgum saplings, and various maintained roadside grasses March 2008 i Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4835, Warren County NC 4 1 6 Terrestrial Community Impacts Terrestrial communities in the project study area may be impacted by project construction as a result of grading and paving 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 type within the study area (Table 4) Once a final alignment and preliminary design have been determined, probable impacts to each community type will be calculated Table 4. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the pro_lect study area. Community Coverage (ac.) Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest 21 Mixed Mesic Hardwood Forest 15 Loblolly Dominant 50 Successional Land 69 Maintained/Disturbed Land 23 Total 178 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 Mammal species that commonly exploit forested habitats and stream corridors found within the project study area include species such as white-tailed deer, raccoon, and gray squirrel Avian species directly observed within the project study area include American crow and downy woodpecker Reptile and amphibian species that may use terrestrial communities located in the project study area include marbled salamander, eastern box turtle, rat snake, and the southern leopard frog 4.3 Aquatic Communities Aquatic communities in the project study area consist of one perennial stream The perennial stream in the project study area could support the American eel, eastern mosquitofish, bluehead chub, pirate perch, white shiner, white sucker, chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, rosyside dace, mudminnow, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, pumpkinseed, and Johnny darter 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, Japanese grass (Severe Threat to 4 March 2008 Natural Resource Techni, Habitat and Natural Areas), and Japanese honeysuckle (Threat to Habitat and Natural Areas) NCDOT will follow the Department's BMPs for the management of invasive plant species 5.0 JURISDICTIONAL TOPICS 5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the United States One Jurisdictional stream was identified in the project study area (Table 5) The location of this stream is shown on Figure 3 United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and North Carolina Division of Water Quality (NCDWQ) stream forms are included in Appendix C The physical characteristics and water quality designations of the jurisdictional stream are detailed in Section 3 2 The jurisdictional stream in the project study area has been designated as a Warm water stream for the purpose of stream mitigation Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the project study area Site ID Length (ft.) Classification Compensatory Mitigation Buffer Reedy Pond Creek 425 Perennial Yes Subject One jurisdictional wetland was identified within the project study area (Figure 3) Wetland classification and quality rating data are presented in Table 6 All wetlands in the study area are within the Tar-Pamlico River basin (USGS Hydrologic Unit 03020102) USACE wetland delineation forms and NCDWQ wetland rating forms for this site are presented in Appendix C Wetland WA is included within the Successional Land and Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest community Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the project study area Map ID Cowardin Classification Classification DWQ Wetland Rating Area (ac) Wetland WA PSS1J Riverme 53 05 5.2 Clean Water Act Permits The proposed project has been designated as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the purpose of NEPA documentation As a result, a Nationwide Permit (NWP) 23 will likely be applicable Other permits that may be applicable include NWP 13 for bank stabilization or NWP 33 for temporary construction activities such as work bridges, dewatering, or temporary causeways 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 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 3366 for temporary construction access and dewatering March 2008 Resource 5.3 Construction Moratoria arren G There are no trout or anadramous fish habitat located within the project study area No construction moratorium is anticipated at this time 5.4 River Basin Buffer Rules Streamside riparian zones within the project study area are protected under provisions of the Tar- Pamlico Buffer Rules administered by the NCDWQ Reedy Pond Creek is the only stream subject to buffer rule protection Potential impacts to the protected stream buffer will be determined once a final alignment and design have been determined 5.5 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters There are no waters designated as Navigable Waters under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act located within the project study area 5.6 Mitigation 5 6 1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts NCDOT's Best Management Practices (BMP's) will be implemented during project construction The NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and wetlands 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 The NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream and wetland 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 the 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 compensatory mitigation requirements for this project 5.7 Endangered Species Act Federally Protected Species As of January 31, 2008 the USFWS lists two federally protected species for Warren County (Table 7) A brief description of each species' habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion rendered based on survey results in the project study area 6 March 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4835, Warren County NC Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Warren County Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological Status Present Conclusion Alasmadonta heterodon Dwarf-wedge mussel E Yes No Effect Elliptio stemstansana Tar spinymussel E No No Effect E- Endangered Dwarf-wedge mussel A description of the habitat requirements for the dwarf-wedge mussel are included in Appendix E, along with the survey results and the biological conclusion rendered Tar spinymussel A description of the habitat requirements for the Tar spinymussel are included in Appendix E, along with the survey results and the biological conclusion rendered 5.8 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest in close proximity to large bodies of open water for foraging Large, dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically within 10 mile of open water Suitable habitat for the bald eagle does not exist within the project study area, nor does it exist upstream or downstream of Reedy Pond Creek There are no large bodies of water within 10 mile of the project study area 5.9 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species As of January 31, 2008 there are no Candidate species listed for Warren County 7 March 2008 Natural Resource Technical Report TIP B-4835 Warren Counter NC i 6.0 REFERENCES Aardema, J et al 1999 Amphibians and Reptiles of North Carolina Davidson College http //www herpsofnc org/ Cowardin, L M , V Carter, F C Golet, and E T LaRoe 1979 Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States FWS/OBS-79/31 Fish and Wildlife Service, U S Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 103 pp Department of the Army (DOA) 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual Tech Rpt Y-87-1 US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS 100 pp Division of Water Quality (DWQ) 1999 Tar-Pamlico River Basmwide Water Quality Plan N C Department of Environment and Natural Resources http //h2o enr state nc us/basmwide/tarpam2004 html Menhimck, E F 1991 The Freshwater Fishes of North Carolina The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh 227 p Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) 2007 Personal Communication with the Warren County NRCS office Warrenton, NC Radford, A E, H E Ahles, and C R Bell 1968 Manual of the Vascular Flora of The Carolinas The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC 1182 pp Schafale, M P and A S Weakley 1990 Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina Third Approximation Natural Heritage Program, Division of Parks and Recreation, N C Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources Raleigh 325 pp U S Geologic Survey (USGS) 1971 Hollis, North Carolina 7 5-minute series topographic Quadrangle United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4 Southeast Region, North Carolina Ecological Services 2007 Threatened and Endangered Species in North Carolina Warren County Updated November 5, 2007 http //www fws gov/nc-es/es/countyfr html 8 March 2008 1500 ` `C fi I 1531 , } `? 1525 Cm6m 1510 _ M 1• 71 15 1509 1507 7Sq$ s S 1509 1?e pFaH 1. 7 am' ! L ` r 7 1$13 ?-'`. -3 -? = ` 124 1309 +- oftu ' "?^_-' '• /1- 1510 1521 L fliammc4+los , ?' ? 1Bt? 7? 151, -?? `?A 101 14 69 ? 1507 ? 1633 Grow HIS ? 1$3s ' - 1515 L ? ? r! 1513 1 f 1 2 1 3 f ?.- '? • 5 '? 1 1516 ?b ? p 1517 } 73 15]2 - 1515 1507 1518 1517 ' l f 112 1513 ' ll17 ` r581 . 1 ? ,, ,? _ ~'f 'l 1641 163D • - i63M1 Amic ?'• "5 519 ' r . ' ` _ , / _ _ ? `? _ • \ 1536.2 ? ,y ) 1636 n ' / ' 129 -} - 75 76 , 1636 ,? ~ 1900 j /?°f tiDN7H ??O\ NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION N i 9 DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & s P Of r?AQ/ ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH WARREN COUNTY REPLACE BRIDGE NO 124 ON SR 1510 OVER REEDY POND CREEK B-4835 Figure I gp o- Study P i y d P d' N 0 50 100 200 300 400 Meters 6-4835 Warren County 'Air, Figure 2 Bridge No 124 on SR 1510 Over Reedy Pond Creek v-,/ Inez Quadrangle OF ?yOHTH C4 tiQ? 9? ti y 9 o z 0 y ?P 9T???TOF TANN?'QO4 Legend {- -- Wetland WA Study Area Streams OF yOH7H C,y9 Arl tiP 2 H ? q O '9 AP QO F?OFTRPN?' TIP Project B-4835 Natural Resources Technical Report Warren County, North Carolina Figure 3 Jurisdictional Features North Carolina 0 115 230 460 690 920 Feet Department of Transportation Legend Study Area Communities Type Loblolly Dominant Maintained Disturbed Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest Successional Land 1.1114 pF N? N C,ggo v 9p?F?'T OF TRPNS??P TIP Project 6-4835 Natural Resources Technical Report Warren County, North Carolina Figure 4 Natural Communities 0 120 240 480 720 960 North Carolina Feet Department of Transportation Appendix B Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report Plants Common Name Scientific Name American beech Fagus grandafolaa American elm Ulmus ameracana American holly flex opaca American sycamore Platanus occadentalas Arrowwood Viburnum rafinesquaanum blackberry Rubus sp Box elder Acer negundo Chinese Privet Lagustrum sanense Christmas fern Polystachaum acrostachoades Common greenbner Smilax rotundafoha Crossvine Bagnonma capreolata Fireweed Erechtates sp Green ash Fraxanus pennsylvanaca Iron wood Carpinus carohnaana Japanese honeysuckle Lonacerajaponaca Loblolly pine Panus taeda Mochernut hickory Carya alba Microstegium Microstegaum vamaneum Northern red oak Quercus rubra Painted buckeye Aesculus sylvataca Pokeberry Phytolacca ameracana Poison Ivy Toxacodendron radacans Red maple Acer rubrum River birch Betula nagra River oats Chasmanthaum latafoha Shagbark hickory Carya ovata Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum Southern sugar maple Acer floradanum Swamp chestnut oak Quercus machauxaa White oak Quercus alba Winged elm Ulmus alata 0 Animals Common Name Scientific Name American crow Corvus brachyrhynchos American eel Anguilla rostrata Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bluegill Lepomzs macrochirus Bluehead chub Nocomis leptocephalus Chain pickerel Esox roger Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbroola Gray squirrel Sciurus caroknensis Johnny darter Etheostoma nigrum Marbled salamander Ambystoma opacum Mudminnow Umbra pygmaea Pirate perch Aphredodrus sayanus Pumpkinseed Lepois gibbosus Rat snake Elaphe obsoleta Raccoon Procyon lotor Redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus Redfin pickerel Esox americanus Rosyside dace Clinostomus funduloides Southern leopard frog Rana utricularia White shiner Notropis albeolus Wlute-tailed deer Odocoileus vzrginianus White sucker Catostomus commersoni WETLAND RATING WORKSHEET Fourth Version I Project Name ' `j<? , S? Nearest Road Ar- '?, ,V-,0_/ 5 c n County gyre-, Wetland area -' 2 acres Name of evaluator "Meg P_F /Li w Wetland width- 1 Dc' feet Date a 1 ??? r D Wetland location on pond or lake on perennial stream _ on intermittent stream within interstream divide other Adjacent land use (within 1/i mile upstream, upslope, or radius) forested/natural vegetation 70 agriculture, urban/suburban IG , % _ Impervious surface 170 Soil series: Dominant vegetation - predominantly organic - humus, muck, or (1) Sc r j-) t,t peat predominantly mineral - non-sandy (2) `I in c- c-t 5 (s a _ predominantly sandy (3) /?/h i G& rq ? r, ,Op n', L A Hydraulic factors steep topography ?c ditched or channelized total wetland width > 100 feet Flooding and wetness - semlpermanently to permanently flooded or inundated - seasonally flooded or mundated _,?,mtermlttently flooded or temporary surface water _ no evidence of flooding or surface water Wetland type (select one)* '>e Bottomland hardwood forest _ Headwater forest _ Swamp forest _ Wet flat _ Pocosln Bog forest . The rating system cannot be applied to salt or brackish marshes or stream channels R Water storage t_l x400 = i ? -_u--- __--_^--- _- - ?A Bank/Shoreline stabilization 3 x 4 00 = Wetland T Pollutant removal ** x 5 00 = J b rating I Wildlife habitat 3 x 2 _00 = I N Aquatic life value 2 x 4 00 = G Recreation/Education x 1 00 = 0 **Add 1 point if insensitive watershed and >iO % nonpomt source disturbance within 1/2 mile upstream, upslope, or radius _ Pine savanna _ Freshwater marsh _ Bog/fen - Ephemeral wetland _ Carolina bay Other d DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION (1987 COE Wetlands Determination Manual) Project / Site is - 6-1f -? I? Date P12 o Applicant / Owner )v ?- ) & County 1 'r r rC? r Investigator F+-k- - rti State Al C- Do normal circumstances exist on the site? Yes Nox, Community ID Is the site significantly disturbed (Atypical situation)? Yes >` No Transect ID Is the area a potential problem area? Yes V_ No Plot ID WA (explain on reverse if needed) VEGETATION Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator Dominant Plant Species Stratum Indicator 1 Sc_ , ir jo u 5 sP H PA-r-W -} g 2 L4A,Lrera 'iapon,Cc? y f-Ac- 10 3 L Irn5'retA m s e) e ?s e 5 FAC. 11 4 J L, n C Lt 5 ( 5 P) 1) f qC 1 ?1+ 12 5 L?cI?.,1,R airh,?ilorg 5 C) y! 13 6 mace-u C 5P) FA,:?W 14 7 5 rr, , 1a * rc°hu rid, 4d . a V FAC 15 8 16 Percent of Dominant Species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC excluding FAC-) 5 ??a Remarks C I ??r c k4? hQ v; V r hed r,eV2.? -f- ef ra?n t J J HYDROLOGY Recorded Data (Describe In Remarks) Wetland Hydrology Indicators _ Stream, Lake, or Tide Gauge Aerial Photographs Primary Indicators Other _ Inundated -Saturated in Upper 12" _ No Recorded Data Available _ Water Marks Drift Lines Field Observations Depth of Surface Water Depth to Free Water in Pit Gn) 4) Z (in Sediment Deposits .,? Drainage Patterns in Wetlands Secondary Indicators Oxidized Roots Channels in Upper 12" Water-Stained Leaves Depth to Saturated Soil 3 (in) Local Soil Survey Data FAC-Neutral Test Other (Explain in Remarks) Remarks SOILS Map Unit Name (Series and Phase) Drainage Class Taxonomy (Subgroup) Confirm Mapped Type? Yes_ No_ Profile Description Depth Matrix Colors (inches) Horizon (Munsell Moist) Mottle Colors Mottle Texture, Concretions, (Munsell Moist) Abundance/Contrast Structure, etc J- - la+ 6Y I 0 V 111-4 ? cl-ylv C - Hydric Soil Indicators _ Histosol _ Concretions Histic Epipedon _ High Organic Content in Surface Layer in Sandy Soils Sulfidic Odor Organic Streaking in Sandy Soils - Aquic Moisture Regime Listed On Local Hydric Soils List _ Reducing Conditions Gleyed or Low-Chroma Colors Listed on National Hydric Soils List Oth E _ er ( xplain in Remarks) Remarks wt l LAND E TERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetation Present) Yes k No Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No Hydric Soils Present? Yes No Remarks Is the Sampling Point Within a Wetland? Yes No /1rE- hS5 bee, L/e'r, . C- 4-\. ? ;.cr -4-",,,? ?? he-, uI?V /Q/ ? 5 L4L4 '6e? Appendix D Qualifications of Contributors Investigator Ashley B Cox, Jr Education B S , Natural Resources-Mann and Coastal, North Carolina State University Experience Environmental Senior Technician, NCDOT, November 2006 - Present Environmental Technician, NCDOT, August 2003 - November 2006 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, protected species surveys, wetland/stream delineation Investigator Sara Easterly Education B A Biology, Carson Newman College Master of Environmental Health Science, East Tennessee State University Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, January 2006-Present Environmental, Health & Safety Compliance Specialist, ARCADIS, Durham, NC, May 2000-January 2006 Environmental Specialist, TH&P, Johnson City, TN October 1995-May 2000 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, protected species surveys, and wetland delineation Investigator James S Mason Education Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Colby College Master of Science, Biology/Ecology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC, June 2006 - Present Coastal Waterbird Monitor, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Westport, MA, April 2005 - August 2005 Osprey Monitor, Project Osprey Watch, Martha's Vineyard, MA, May 2002 - August 2002 Coastal Waterbird Monitor, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Barnstable, MA, April 2001 - August 2001 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, protected species surveys, wetland delineation Investigator Erica McLamb, Environmental Specialist Education University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 1998 Experience Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, July 2005-Present Biologist, H W Lochner, Inc March 2001-October 2001 Fisheries Biologist, Saltwater, Inc December 1999-March 2001 Fish and Wildlife Technician, Camp LeJuene MCB June 1999-October 1999 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, wetland delineations Investigator Gregory W Price Education B A Biology, Appalachian State University M S Biology, Appalachian State University Certification Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) Experience Environmental Supervisor, NCDOT, May 2006 to present Senior Biologist, Buck Engineering, December 2000 to May 2006 Water Quality Specialist, City of Durham Storm Water Services, July 1997 to December 2000 Environmental Biologist, NC Division of Water Quality, October 1991 to June 1997 Environmental Technician, NC Division of Environmental Management, May 1990 to September 1991 Responsibilities Natural resource investigations, wetland delineation d M y " STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MICHAEL F EASLEY GOVERNOR January 15, 2008 Memorandum to Hank Schwab, Project Planning Engineer PDEA Bridge Unit From Matt Haney, Environmental Specialist Natural Environment Unit, Biological Surveys Group LYNDo TIPPETT SECRETARY Subject Freshwater mussel survey report for proposed replacement of bridge No 124 over Reedy Pond Creek, Warren County on SR 1510 (Matt Nelson Road), TIP # B-4835 The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to replace Bridge No No 124 over Reedy Pond Creek in Warren County on SR 1510 (TIP B-4835) Reedy Pond Creek (listed as Reedy Creek on ArcMap) is located in the Tar-Pamlico River basin From the project site, Reedy Pond Creek flows 5 5 miles until the confluence with Little Fishing Creek The dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) and Tar River spinymussel (Ellzptio steinstansana), both federally endangered, are listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as potentially occurring in Warren County The dwarf wedgemussel and Tar River spinymussel occur in two river basins in NC the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River basins The dwarf wedge mussel inhabits creek and river areas with a slow to moderate current and a sand, gravel, or muddy bottom The Tar River spinymussel lives in relatively silt-free uncompacted gravel and/or coarse sand in fast-flowing, well oxygenated stream reaches Prior to conducting in-stream surveys, a review of the NC Natural Heritage Program database was conducted (January 9, 2008) to determine if there were any records of rare mussels within the proposed project study area or receiving waters Tlus review indicated that there are no known occurrences of the federally protected dwarf wedgemussel or Tar River spinymussel within the project study area or in Reedy Pond Creek. The closest occurrence of the dwarf wedgemussel is in tributaries to Fishing Creek, 34 river miles from the proposed project The closest occurrence of the Tar River spinymussel is in Fishing Creek, 42 river miles from the proposed project A mussel survey was conducted on December 3, 2007 by NCDOT biologists Jay Mays (Permit No NC-2007-ES-133), Matt Haney, and Lance Fontaine Mussel surveys MAILING ADDRESS TELEPHONE 919-715-1334 or LOCATION NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 919-715-1335 PARKER LINCOLN BUILDING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS 2728 CAPITAL BLVD SUITE 240 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT UNIT FAX 919-715-5501 RALEIGH NC 27604 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 WEBSITE WWW NCDOT ORG were conducted from a point approximately 400 meters downstream of the project crossing to a point approximately 100 meters upstream and totaled 15 person-hours The survey was conducted by wading in the creek while using visual (bahscope) and tactile methods to survey for mussels The Reedy Pond Creek crossing at SR 1510 was 5-6 meters wide Reedy Pond Creek contained runs, raffles and pool areas with unconsolidated substrate compactness The substrate above and below the bridge consisted of silt, sand, clay, cobble, gravel, and detritus The project crossing had a narrow buffer There was evidence of some erosion/undercutting of the stream banks and land use consisted of timber, active pasture, and rural land No mussels were found in 1.5-person hours of survey time. The invasive clam, Corbicula fluminea was abundant As a result of this survey as well as physical characteristics of the creek and a review of historical data, it appears that the dwarf wedgemussel and Tar River spinymussel do not exist in the project vicinity In summary, the biological conclusion for both the dwarf wedgemussel and Tar River spinymussel for B4835 in Reedy Pond Creek is "No Effect". cc James Pflaum, Environmental Specialist, NEPMG