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:
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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
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BRIDGE # 43 ON SR 1620
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Appendix B
Design Plans
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