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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20171650 Ver 1_B-5687 BA_Final_20171221Biological Assessment For Replaceinent of Bridge Nuinber 43 on SR 1620 Over Shocco Creelc Warren County, North Carolina TIP Number B-5687 WBS Element # 45641.1.1 Prepared For: oF WeftT// C 4,p yi ply 5 Qo- 9��fyT OF [PP�S40 NC Department of Transportation Raleigh, North Carolina Contact Person: J. Michael Sanderson Biological Surveys Group North Caroliva Departn�ent of Transportation jmsanderson� ncdot.gov 1598 Mail Service Cent�er Raleigh NC 27699-1598 Noveinber 10, 2017 Prepared by: 900 Ridgefield Drive, SLiite 350 Raleigh, NC 27609 Contact Person: Neil Medlin Senior Project Scientist nmedlin�rklc.coin 919-878-9560 Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................ l 2.0 Project Description .....................................................................................................1 2.1 Purpose and Need Statement ..............................................................................1 2.2 Construction ........................................................................................................1 2.3 Defined Action Area ...........................................................................................2 3.0 Environmental Baseline .............................................................................................3 3.1 DwarfWedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) ..................................................3 3.1.1 Characteristics ......................................................................................3 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements ...............................................4 3.1.3 Threats to Dwarf Wedgemussel ...........................................................4 4.0 Survey Information for the Proposed Action .............................................................5 5.0 Avoidance and Minimization Measures (Conservation Measures) ...........................6 6.0 Projects Effects on Dwarf Wedgemussel ...................................................................7 6.1 Direct Effects ......................................................................................................8 6.2 Indirect Effects ....................................................................................................8 6.3 Cumulative Effects ..............................................................................................8 6.4 Conclusion ..........................................................................................................8 7.0 Critical Habitat ...........................................................................................................9 8.0 Additional Species .....................................................................................................9 8.1 Tar River Spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana) .................................................9 8.2 Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata) ....................................................................10 8.3 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni) ...................................................................11 9.0 References ..................................................................................................................12 Appendix A. Figures: Figure 1: Project Vicinity & Survey Locations Figure 2: NCNHP Element Occurrences Figure 3: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams Appendix B. Design Plans Appendix C. Special Sediment Control Fence 1.0 Introduction The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 43 on SR 1620 (Lickskillet Road) over Shocco Creek in Warren County (Appendix A, Figure 1). This project is State funded and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the Federal Action Agency. The purpose of this Biological Assessment (BA) is to review the proposed project in sufficient detail to determine whether the proposed action may affect any of the Federally protected species listed below, and specifically the Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon). This BA is prepared in accordance with the legal requirements set forth under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536(c)). As of September 8, 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed 4 Federally protected species for Warren County (Table 1). Table 1. Federallv Listed Common Name Dwarf Wedgemussel Tar River Spinymussel Yellow Lance for Warren Count , North Carolina Scientific Name Alasmidonta heterodon Elliptio steinstansana Elliptio lanceolata Status sed In addition to the species listed above, the Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni), is currently being evaluated by USFWS and could be listed as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It too is known from Warren County. 2.0 Project Description NCDOT proposes to replace Bridge No. 43 on SR 1620 (Lickskillet Road) over Shocco Creek. Shocco Creek is located in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin (HUC# 03020102). The stream flows into Fishing Creek, just over 20 stream miles below the bridge crossing. 2.1 Purpose and Need Statement NCDOT Bridge Management Unit records indicate Bridge No. 43 has a sufficiency rating of 53.20. out of a possible 100 for a new structure. The bridge was constructed in 1951 and is considered functionally obsolete according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) standards. Components of both the superstructure and substructure have experienced an increasing degree of deterioration that can no longer be addressed by maintenance activities. The posted weight limit on the bridge is only 23 tons for single vehicles and 31 tons for truck- tractor semitrailers. The bridge is approaching the end of its useful life. Replacement of the bridge will result in safer traffic operations. 2.2 Construction Bridge No. 43 is an eight span (each span is approximately 15 feet in length) structure that consists of an asphalt overlay on a wooden deck on steel I-beams supported by creosote treated Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 1 wooden pilings. Four of the interior bents are located within Shocco Creek with two other interior bents along the banks. The existing bridge has an overall length (OAL) of 121 feet. The existing bridge will be replaced with a three-span cored slab structure having an OAL of 135 feet and 30 wide. Beginning from the northeast end of the bridge, the span configuration of the new structure will be 35 feet, 75 feet, and 25 feet. The new bridge will span Shocco Creek. Class II rip rap will be used to stabilize the stream banks in front of both interior bents extending into the adjacent stream. The rip rap will establish a more natural streambank by constructing a bench that ties to the adjacent floodplain elevation along both streambanks. The total distance of stream bank to be stabilized with rip rap is approximately 115 linear feet along the southwestern bank and approximately 99 feet along the northeastern bank. The roadway construction has a general northeast-southwest orientation and extends for a total distance of roughly 8001inear feet. An offsite detour will be utilized during project construction. The detour route will be via SR 1613 (Shocco Springs Road) and SR 1625 (Parktown Road). Utility relocations are required in association with this project and include the following: 1. Remove existing power poles throughout the project, 2. Install new overhead power lines and poles on the west side of the road and, 3. Install new phone cable by trenchless installation under Shocco Creek on the west side of the road. It is not anticipated that any necessary powerline relocation will involve activities within the banks of Shocco Creek. 2.3 Defined Action Area The project action area is defined as all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not merely the immediate area involved in the action [50 CFR §402.02]. The action area for this project includes not only the footprint of the fill in waters of the U.S., but also those areas of the waters downstream of the proposed fill that might reasonably be affected by the placement of that fill, as well as those segments of the proposed road whose alignment is dictated by the proposed �11, and those segments of the road that would have no independent utility apart from the proposed fill. As such, the ESA action area for this project is within the footprint of the regulated activities in the delineated water, in uplands immediately adjacent to those waters would be affected due to the authorized work in waters of the U.S., in waters downstream that would be expected to be impacted by the proposed activities in waters of the U.S. and the uplands noted above. For this bridge replacement, the limits of the effects are generally considered to include the limits of construction of the approach, approximately 386 feet (Station 15+64 to 19+50) to the northeast and 277 feet (Station 11+50 to 14+27) to the southwest from the bridge centerline, and any area receiving the runoff from the construction activity including the receiving stream extending 400 m(1314 ft) downstream and 100m (328 ft) upstream of the structure. The stream bank stabilization activities would be included within this stream segment. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 2 NCDOT has investigated for the presence of the Dwarf Wedgemussel extending 400 meters (1314 feet) downstream and 100 meters (328 feet) upstream ofthe bridge project, which covers the project action area. 3.0 Environmental Baseline This section briefly discusses the Shocco Creek watershed in general as well as characterizing portions of the Shocco Creek watershed directly affecting the project location in more detail. Also, discussed in this section are the characteristics and current status of the Dwarf Wedgemussel. The proposed bridge replacement proj ect on Shocco Creek is located in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin (HUC# 03020102). There are no NPDES dischargers on Shocco Creek (USEPA 2015). (Figure 3). Shocco Creek is not on the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ, formerly NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, NCDENR) - Division of Water Resources 2014 303(d) list of impaired streams or the 2016 draft list (Figure 3). A review of the NC Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP) records, last accessed August 28, 2017, indicated Bridge 43 is located within an element occurrence for Dwarf Wedgemussel (EO ID 20988). This EO was listed as being first observed on July 28, 1993 and last observed on August 31, 2011. The land use for the Shocco Creek watershed above the project is primarily largely forested, with limited residential and agricultural areas. From the project location, Shocco Creek flows 20 stream miles to its confluence with Fishing Creek. This area is also mostly forested as can be observed in Figures 1- 3. 3.1 Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) 3.1.1 Characteristics Isaac Lea described the Dwarf Wedgemussel in 1830. The Dwarf Wedgemussel is a small bivalve, rarely exceeding 45 mm in length. Clean young shells are usually greenish-brown with green rays. As the animal ages, the shell color becomes obscured by diatoms or mineral deposits and appears black or brown. The shell is thin but thickens somewhat with age, especially toward the anterior end. The anterior end is rounded while the posterior end is angular, forming a point near the posterio-ventral margin. The ventral margin is only slightly curved. The nacre is bluish-white, appearing whiter in the thicker anterior end. The most distinctive shell character of the Dwarf Wedgemussel is the arrangement of the lateral teeth. There two lateral teeth in the right valve and one in the left valve. The typical arrangement for most freshwater mussel species consists of two lateral teeth in the left valve and one in the right valve. The incurrent and excurrent apertures and their associated papillae are usually white. The foot and other organs are also white. Maximum age for the Dwarf Wedgemussel is approximately twelve years. Research has shown that three potential host fish for the Dwarf Wedgemussel are the Tessellated Darter Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 3 (Etheostoma olmstedi), Johnny Darter (Etheostoma nigrum), and Mottled Sculpin (Cottus bairdii) (Michaelson 1993). 3.1.2 Distribution and Habitat Requirements Historically, the Dwarf Wedgemussel was found from the Petitcodiac River in New Brunswick, Canada to the Neuse River in North Carolina, and was found in 15 major Atlantic slope river systems. It is now extinct in Canada, extirpated in the Neuse River proper, and present in low densities throughout much of its former range. It is known from 541ocations in 15 major watersheds, with the largest populations in the Connecticut River watershed. Former Dwarf Wedgemussel strongholds in the Neversink River, NY, and the Delaware River, PA, were impacted by heavy flooding in 2005. The total impact of these has been difficult to fully assess, but the populations appear to have been reduced. North Carolina supports the greatest number of known sites: Neuse River Basin: Orange County, Wake County, Johnston County, Wilson County, and Nash County; Tar River Basin: Person County, Granville County, Vance County, Franklin County, Warren County, Halifax County, and Nash County. Most of these populations are very small and isolated. One potential exception is the population in a Little Shocco Creek in Warren County. Over 40 individuals were documented from this stream during survey efforts in the fall of 2016 and spring 2017. The Dwarf Wedgemussel appears to be a generalist in terms of its preference for stream size, substrate and flow conditions. It inhabits small streams ranging from less than five meters wide to large rivers more than 100 meters wide and is found in a variety of substrate types including clay, sand, gravel and pebble. In addition, it is sometimes found in silt depositional areas near banks. It usually inhabits hydrologically stable areas, including very shallow water along streambanks and under root mats, but it has also been found at depths of 25 feet in the Connecticut River. Dwarf Wedgemussels are often patchily distributed in rivers. 3.1.3 Threats to Dwarf Wedgemussel The threats to Dwarf Wedgemussel are similar to many other imperiled mussel species and include sedimentation, point and nonpoint source dischargers, impoundments, and channelization. Siltation resulting from improper erosion control of various land uses, including agriculture, forestry, and development activities, has been recognized as a major contributing factor to degradation of mussel populations (USFSW 1996). Siltation has been documented to be harmful to mussel populations by degrading substrate and water quality, increasing potential exposure to other pollutants, and directly smothering mussels (Ellis 1936; Marking and Bills 1979). Sediment accumulations of less than one inch have been shown to cause high mortality in most species of mussels (Ellis 1936). Population isolation and habitat fragmentation can result from dam and reservoir construction. In addition to the potential genetic isolation, smaller, more isolated populations are more susceptible to stochastic events such as chemical spills. Toxic constituents of point and nonpoint are particularly impactful to the glochidia stage of the mussel life cycle and can have significant impacts on mussel populations below dischargers. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 4 Introduced nonnative species such as the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) and Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) have also been shown to be threats to native freshwater mussels. The Asian Clam has been documented in most of the river systems in the United States including streams that continue to have Dwarf Wedgemussel populations. Competition for space, food, and oxygen between this invasive species and native mussels appear to be the primary areas of concern. 4.0 Survey Information for the Proposed Action. A mussel survey was conducted in association with this project by RK&K personnel Neil Medlin (Permit # 17-ES00030) and John Merritt on March 29, 2017. Tyler Black and Tom Fox (North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission) along with Matt Haney and Mike Sanderson (NCDOT) also participated in this survey. Shocco Creek is a stream approximately 4-7 meters wide in the survey reach. The substrate was a mix of silt, sand, clay and gravel. Sand was the dominant substrate in the survey area with cobble as the subdominant. The maximum depth in the area surveyed was 3.5 meters with a minimum depth of 0.25 meter. Some erosion/undercutting of the stream bank existed at the time of the survey. Evidence of beaver activity in the form of gnawed sticks was noted at the time of the survey. While there was some rural land nearby, overall the stream had a moderate forested buffer throughout the reach surveyed. The mussel survey was conducted from approximately 400 meters downstream of the bridge crossing to approximately 100 meters upstream of the crossing for a total of approximately 500 meters. Areas of appropriate habitat were searched, concentrating on the stable habitats preferred by the target species. Visual surveys were conducted by snorkeling along with tactile methods that were employed where appropriate. The deep run from just above the bridge to �100 meters downstream was surveyed using a multiple diver supplied air apparatus (Hookah rig). All freshwater mussels were recorded and returned to the substrate. Timed survey efforts provided a Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) for each species. A total of 14 person hours of survey time were spent in the survey location, with two freshwater mussel species observed, including one Dwarf Wedgemussel individual collected at the upper end of the survey reach above the road crossing. The survey did also document one species of freshwater clam, the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea). Table 1. CPUE for Freshwater Mussels in the Shocco Creek Scientific Name Common Name # live #shells Abundance/ CPUE Freshwater Mussels CPUE lasmidonta heterodon Dwarf Wed emussel 1 0.07/hr. lli tio com lanata Eastern Elli tio 774 55.29/hr. Relative Freshwater Clams Abundance Corbicula uminea sian Clam � � A* *Abundant Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 5 5.0 Avoidance and Minimization Measures (Conservation Measures) The following "Design Standards in Sensitive Watersheds" [ 15A NCAC 04B.0124 (b) —(e)] are incorporated into NCDOT projects that occur within or upstream of water bodies that contain federally protected aquatic species. Within the Environmentally Sensitive Areas, the following shall apply: In areas identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas, the Contractor may perform clearing operations but not grubbing operation until immediately prior to beginning grading operations. Once grading operations begin in identified Environmentally Sensitive Areas, work shall progress in a continuous manner until complete. In areas identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas, erosion control devices shall be installed immediately following the clearing operation. In areas identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas, "Seeding Mulching" shall be performed on the areas disturbed by construction immediately following final grade establishment. In areas identified as Environmentally Sensitive Areas, seeding mulching shall be done in stages on cut and fill slopes that are greater than 20 feet in height measure along the slope or greater than two acres in area, whichever is less. The following are additional measures intended to further reduce deleterious construction related effects to the waterway: An offsite detour will be utilized for this project. No heavy equipment will be placed in Shocco Creek. Best Management Practices for bridge Demolition and Removal will be implemented during the removal of the existing bridge. The bridge will be removed from the top down, first removing the asphalt with containment measures in place to prevent asphalt from dropping into the stream. The method of containment will be proposed by the contractor and approved by the engineer. This will be followed by removal of the decking, girders, etc., and finally the wooden piles. An attempt will be made to remove the piles; however, if this cannot be accomplished with minimal substrate disturbance, the piles will be pinched off one foot below the mud line as directed by the engineer. The contractor will not be allowed to drag removed timber piles on or across the streambed. If still present at the time of construction, a fallen tree crossing the stream below the existing bridge will be completely removed to prevent potential bank erosion caused by the tree. The engineer will evaluate if the root ball can remain in place. The removal of the tree is considered incidental to clearing and grubbing. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 6 A new three-span bridge will be constructed at the site. No new bents will be constructed in the stream. New bents will be constructed at or beyond the top of bank. Existing timber abutments will be completely removed. Longer guardrail posts will be used to minimize shoulder and fill slope width. Deck drains will not be allowed to discharge directly into the stream. Special sediment control fence as indicated by NCDOT Standard No. 1606.01 (Appendix C) will be installed along the top of the stream bank. Standard silt fence will be installed along the toe of slope parallel to the stream. Once the disturbed areas of the project draining to the special sediment control fence have been stabilized, the special sediment control fence and all built up sediment adjacent to the fence will be removed to natural ground and stabilized with a native grass mix. All sedimentation and erosion control measures, throughout the project limits, will be cleaned out when '/z full with sediment, to ensure proper function of the measures. A Class II rip rap bench will be placed in such a manner as to reduce the width of the existing bridge pool. This will facilitate the stream banks to correct toward the natural channel width and will tie to the adjacent floodplain elevation along both streambanks. Coir fiber matting will be installed on the footprint of unclassified structure excavation near the streambanks. Embankment construction and grading shall be managed in such a manner as to prevent surface runoff/drainage from discharging untreated into the riparian buffer. Instead all interim surfaces will be graded to drain to temporary erosion control devices. Temporary berms, ditches, etc. will be incorporated, as necessary, to treat temporary runoff before discharging into the riparian buffer (as specified in the NCDOT BMP Manual). 6.0 Project Effects on Dwarf Wedgemussel Project related threats to the Dwarf Wedgemussel can be separated into direct, indirect, and cumulative effects. Direct effects refer to consequences that are directly attributed to the construction of the project, such as land clearing, stream channelization, and erosion. Indirect effects are those effects that are caused by or will result from the proposed action and are later in time, but are still reasonably certain to occur. Cumulative effects are those effects of future State or private activities, not involving Federal activities, that are reasonable certain to occur within the action area of the Federal action subject to consultation [50 CFR §402.20]. Potential direct, indirect, and cumulative effects to the Dwarf Wedgemussel which may result from the replacement of Bridge No. 43 are discussed here. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 7 6.1 Direct Effects Dwarf Wedgemussel has been documented to still be present in low numbers in Shocco Creek within the area of the project. The species may be directly impacted by increased sedimentation and erosion during and immediately after construction. The primary direct instream disturbance will be the result of removing the existing bridge bents from the stream and the placement of rip rap in the stream to stabilize and reshape the Shocco Creek banks. Enhanced sediment and erosion control measures during construction and the prescribed revegetation plan will decrease direct effects to the Dwarf Wedgemussel. The top-down removal of the existing bridge and adaptive removal plan of the existing bents will also decrease the direct effects from project construction. In addition to the potential direct effects on the mussels themselves, the increased sedimentation may have an effect on the host fish of Dwarf Wedgemussel. The placement of rip rap in the current stream channel of Shocco Creek adds the potential of burying or crushing a Dwarf Wedgemussel with the rip rap. The potential for this to occur is low given the poor habitat found in the bridge pool and the lack of any Dwarf Wedgemussels being found in the bridge pool (includes all of the area where rip rap will be placed) during the March 2017 mussel survey. 6.2 Indirect Effects Indirect effects of the bridge replacement are likely to be minor and temporary. Flow patterns may be altered slightly during construction and could cause a change in erosion and sedimentation levels in Shocco Creek. There are sufficient areas of stable habitat and sufficient flow velocities to transport any small amounts of sediment introduced due to project construction. There will be some limited tree removal associated with the project and in particular, the removal of a downed tree that completely spans Shocco Creek immediately downstream of the bridge. Removal of this tree may result in minor sediment being introduced into Shocco Creek, but will prevent long term scour at the ends of the tree during high flow events. 6.3 Cumulative Effects NCDOT is not aware of any other projects planned in the action area. There should be no cumulative effects of this project. 6.4 Conclusion Dwarf Wedgemussels have been documented to continue to be present in the project area. As such, NCDOT has committed to implement extra measures during construction in order to prevent the degradation of the downstream habitat. Impacts to Shocco Creek will be minimized to the greatest extent practicable; however, unavoidable adverse effects to this species are expected to occur. These adverse effects are expected to be minor in scope and duration and not expected to affect the long-term viability of this population or of the species. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 8 Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Likely to Adversely Affect 7.0 Critical Habitat No Critical Habitat for federally listed species has been designated on Shocco Creek. 8.0 Additional Species As of September 8, 2017 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the following Federally protected species for Warren County. 8.1 Tar River Spinymussel Elliptio steinstansana Endangered The Tar River Spinymussel was first described in 1983. The Tar River Spinymussel is a small fresh water mussel that can reach over 2.0 inches in length and the shell is subrhomboidal. Young specimens have an orange-brown periostracum with differing sized greenish rays. Adults are darker with rays that are diminished to absent. Juveniles may have up to six spines on each valve; however, these reduce as the species matures and adults may not have any spines. The umbo is faintly elevated above the hinge line. Both left and right valves contain two pseudocardinal teeth, the left are triangular shaped and the right has one triangular shaped and one serrate. Lateral teeth are small and straight with two in the left valve and one in the right. The shiny periostracum and pinkish anterior nacre with a luminous blue posterior can help distinguish this species which closely resembles the more common Elliptio complanata. This species is endemic to the Tar River (Tar-Pamlico River Basin) and the Little River, a Neuse River tributary (Neuse River Basin) in North Carolina. Initially this species was only found in the Tar River from Franklin County to Pitt County. Later surveys have documented the species in Swift Creek, Shocco Creek, Fishing Creek and Little Fishing Creek. Recent surveys have not found an occurrence of this species in the main stem of the Tar River since two individuals were observed in 2001. This mussel requires a stream with fast flowing, well-oxygenated, circumneutral pH water. The bottom should be composed of unconsolidated gravel and coarse sand. The water needs to be relatively silt-free, and stream banks should be stable, typically with many roots from adjacent riparian trees and shrubs. While habitat for the species is present at the project location, no Tar River Spinymussels have ever been documented in Shocco Creek within the project area. The closest NCNHP EO (EO ID 21415) for this species is located eight stream miles downstream of the project in Shocco Creek. The measures being implemented to reduce the impacts to the Dwarf Wedgemussel will also further reduce the potential for impacts to the Tar River Spinymussel. Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 9 8.2 Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata) The Yellow Lance was first described by Lea in 1828. This elongate freshwater mussel grows to approximately 86 mm long. Yellow Lance shells are over twice as long as they are wide. The periostracum is usually a waxy, bright yellow over the entire surface in younger individuals. Older individuals may have a brown discoloration on the posterior end of the shell. The nacre in this species may range from salmon to white to an iridescent blue. The posterior ridge on Yellow Lance is distinctly rounded and curves dorsally toward the posterior end. Rays on the exterior surface of the shell are usually never present; however, one individual has been observed with three wide, prominent green rays on the posterior third of the shell in the Tar River Drainage Basin. Brownish growth rests of this freshwater mussel are clearly evident on the periostracum. The pallial line and adductor muscle scars are distinct, while the posterior adductor muscle scars are less impressed than the anterior adductor muscle scars. The lateral teeth are long, with two on the left valve and one on the right valve. Two pseudocardinal teeth are on each valve. On the left valve, one is before the other with the posterior tooth tending to be vestigial. On the right valve, the two pseudocardinal teeth are parallel with the more anterior one rather vestigial. The soft parts of yellow lance including the incurrent and excurrent apertures and the foot are typically white. Little is known of the life history of this species. Gravid females have been observed during the spring in the James River, Virginia, and in the Tar River Basin in June. Yellow Lance glochidia are hookless. Host �sh have not been determined for this species. The Yellow Lance is known from the Rappahannock River Basin in Virginia south to the Neuse River Basin of North Carolina. Distribution by County in North Carolina: Neuse River Basin: Wake County (Swift Creek Subbasin), Johnston County (Middle, Swift, and Mill Creek subbasins), Tar River Basin: Granville County (Tar River Subbasin), Franklin County (Fox, Crooked, Sandy, Shocco Creek subbasins and Tar River), Vance County (Tabbs Creek Subbasin), Warren County (Fishing and Shocco Creek subbasins), Nash County (Stony and Swift Creek subbasins, Tar River), Edgecombe County (Swift Creek Subbasin). This species appears to have been recently extirpated from Ruin Creek in Vance County and the Tar River in Edgecombe County. The Yellow Lance prefers clean, coarse to medium sized sands as substrate. On occasion, specimens are also found in gravel substrates. This species is found in the main channels of drainages down to streams as small as a meter across. Although habitat for the species is present in the project area, no Yellow Lance have ever been documented in the project area. The closest NCNHP EO (EO ID 22025) for this species is located slightly over seven stream miles downstream in Shocco Creek. The measures being implemented to reduce the impacts to the Dwarf Wedgemussel will also further reduce the potential for impacts to the Yellow Lance. If the species were to be listed as a protected species under the ESA, the Biological Conclusion for the Yellow Lance is shown below. Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 10 8.3 Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masona� As previously mentioned, the Atlantic Pigtoe is not currently listed or formally proposed to be listed as a protected species under the Endangered Species Act. However, it is being evaluated to determine if listing is warranted and it is known from Warren County. The Atlantic Pigtoe was described by Conrad in 1834 from the Savannah River in Georgia. This species has a medium, sub-rhomboid shaped shell that rarely exceeds 60 mm in length. Individuals of this mussel from headwater streams tend to be more elongate than those found in larger streams. The posterior ridge is angular and very distinct. Its valves are usually compressed, but the umbos extend well above the dorsal margin. The periostracum generally is yellowish brown or greenish brown with a parchment-like texture. The nacre is somewhat shiny and can be white, salmon, orange or iridescent blue. There are two pseudocardinal and two lateral teeth in the left valve and one of each in the right valve. The anterior pseudocardinal tooth in the right valve is vestigial. This freshwater mussel is a southern Atlantic Slope species that is found from the Ogeechee River Basin in Georgia north to the James River Basin in Virginia. Historically, this species occurred in every Atlantic drainage in North Carolina except the Cooper-Santee and Waccamaw River basins. The Atlantic Pigtoe has declined across its range. It appears that this mussel has recently been extirpated from the Deep River in Moore County, Cape Fear River in Harnett and Cumberland counties, as well as the Black River in Sampson, Bladen, and Pender counties. The Atlantic Pigtoe inhabits mostly medium to large streams. It prefers clean, swift waters with stable gravel, or sand and gravel substrate. This species often is found at the downstream edge of riffle areas. The Atlantic Pigtoe is a tachytictic breeder. Gravid females of the freshwater mussel have been found from late June through early July. Identified fish hosts for this species include the Bluegill and Shield Darter. Although habitat for the species is present in the project area, no Atlantic Pigtoe have ever been documented in the project area. The closest NCNHP EO (EO ID 16027) for this species is located approximately nine stream miles downstream of the project in Shocco Creek. The measures being implemented to reduce the impacts to the Dwarf Wedgemussel will also further reduce the potential for impacts to the Atlantic Pigtoe. If the species were to be listed as a protected species under the ESA, the Biological conclusion for the Atlantic Pigtoe is shown below. Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 11 7.0 References Adams, W.F., J.M. Alderman, R.G. Biggins, A.G. Gerberich, E.P. Keferl, H.J. Porter, and A.S. Van Devender. 1990. A report on the conservation status of North Carolina's freshwater and terrestrial molluscan fauna. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, NC. 246 pp, Appendix A, 37 pp. LeGrand, Jr., H.E., J.T. Finnegan, S.E. McRae, S.P. Hall. 2010. Natural Heritage Program List of the Rare Animal Species of North Carolina. N.C. Natural Heritage Program, Raleigh, NC Michaelson, D.L. 1993. Life history of the endangered dwarf wedgemussel, Alasmidonta heterodon (Lea 1830) (Pelecypoda: Unionidae), in the Tar River, North Carolina and Aquia Creek, Virginia. MS Thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. 122 pp. Michaelson, D.L. and R.J. Neves. 1995. Life history and habitat of the endangered dwarf wedgemussel Alasmidonta heterodon (Bivalvia: Unionidae). Journal of the North American Benthological Society 14(2): 324-340. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) - Division of Water Resources. 2017. 2014 North Carolina 303(d) and Draft 2016 List. http://portal.ncdenr.or web/w /c�s/mtu/assessment North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). NPDES Wastewater Treatment Facility Permits. (Accessed 07/21/17). http://data- ncdenr.opendata.arc�is.com/datasets/a86af4f7549343419b4c8177cedb3 e4b_0 North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NCNHP). 2017. nheo-2017-04. Natural Heritage Element Occurrence polygon shapefile. April 12, 2017. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Unpublished Aquatics Database. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Dwarf Wedgemussel species profile. http://www.ncwildlife.or Learnin /�Species/Mollusk/Dwarf-Wed�emussel (Accessed 09/28/17). North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Yellow Lance species profile. http://www.ncwildlife.or Learnin�pecies/Mollusk/Yellow-Lance (Accessed 09/28/17). North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Atlantic Pigtoe species profile. http://www.ncwildlife.or Learning/Species/Mollusk/Atlantic-Pigtoe (Accessed 09/28/17). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) Recovery Plan. FWS Hadley, Massachusetts. 52 pp. Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 12 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2007. Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation, Susi vonOttingen, FWS Hadley, Massachusetts. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Profile for Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata). https://ecos.fws. o�p0/profile/speciesProfile?spcode=F031 (Accessed 07/21/17) Biological Assessment; Bridge No. 43, Warren County November 2017 Page 13 Appendix A Figures e ��.*; � �:, ,> � -�-� �!� �13t;' ' �r , _ 0 NPDES Sites � Survey Location 5 Mile Buffer 303(d) Listed Streams Prepared By: Prepared For: . �F�NORTI{-�,q,O H �P ;�/ • iy lo =) mq �I 9 Q�P/ ��~TOf TRPN2p0 � � �: � . . ' � � i k'rcx �y ^�Y ya '. � �s ti d.; as � ��.. � '� ,` � N�,o �ap� '�' _^Board,•. ., o�i: NPDES Dischargers and 303(d) Listed Streams BRIDGE # 43 ON SR 1620 OVER SHOCCO CREEK B-5687 WARREN COUNTY K -i�. 4�' �'�o. ��,�.��� P ... ; `�� � '2y� G� � , � ! oate: November 2017 Scale 0 1 Miles �� Job No. B-568� Drawn by: DCW Checked by: KNM ard �r• a6ysi,_ s.�=C� Figure 3 Appendix B Design Plans DETAIL � �sT�luu *oE xo e io ea oH ,�0�1 .ro.�o:��� sert i��u�� ��e, -- /�P o'�` �/�.�. �.��.���a � /l I NPo g � � ) E 3 HckPiS n aNrvc r Fi riais 0 �IJAIJTITY FOR EriCAVATInIJ LIMITi IS I�ICLiJL��� IPd IJIViLASSIFI[� STRUCYIJFC tXCAVAiION rvEa,K iL x *. i.ie � � � { � __� I , � V 1 �;, - ��/ � (z ) -L rlll �iQ ilr�ll.Ul� u55 � �� P G SNOMaE.lH aCE�iHER4 dA ES1i.5ioHGEO�EMl 1 �n ��' � � BM 2 \\ �� � � \ � \ � -�- �ci � n. �+ou. m � � � � � �� � � " �.�. ����� P�t .� � � �.> .,� � � Mi „� ��, e � ��� � � L �v �� z va i.- ..p, "� a\ a�� g .. 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