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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180482 Ver 1_JD Form_20180405APPROVED JURISDICTIONAL DETERMINATION FORM U.S. Army Corps of Engineers This farm should be completed by following the instructions provided in Section IV of the JD Form Instructional Guidebook. SECTION I: BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. R�,PORT COMPLETION DAT�, FOR APPROV�D JURiSD1CTIONAL DET�RM1NATiON (JD): B. DISTRICT OFFICE, FILE NAME, AND NUMBCR: NCDOT, Division 12, 1-77 NB, Exit 33; 12.20491 1 C. PROJ�CT LOCATION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION: State: North Carolina County/parish/borough: h•edell City: Mooresville Center coordinates of site (laUlong in degree decimal format): -80.857474 35.556257 Latitude & L,ongitude in Decimal Degrees: Universal Transverse Mercator: 17S Name of nearest waterbody: Catawba River (Lake Norman) Name of nearest Traditional Navigable Water (TNW) into which the aquatic resource flows: Catawba River (Lake Norman) Nan�e of watershed or Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC): Catawba � Check if map/diagram of review area and/or potential jurisdictional areas is/are available upon request. ❑ Checl< if other sites (e.g., offsite mitigation sites, disposal sites, etc...) are associated with this action and are recarded on a different JD form. D. RCVIEW PERFORM�,D �OR SITE EVALUATTON (CH�,CK ALL THAT APPLY): ❑ Office (Desk) Detennination. Date: � Field Determination. Date(s): 02-22-18 SECTION II: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS A. RHA SECTION 10 DETERM[NATION OF JURISDICTION. There Appear to be no "navigable wnters of'tlae U.S." within Rivers and Harbois Act (RHA) jurisdiction (as defined by 33 CFR part 329) in the review area. [Requir•ecI] ❑ Waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide. ❑ Waters are presently used, ar have been used in the past, or may be susceptible far use to transport interstate ar fareign commerce. Explain: B. CWA SECTION 404 DETERMINATION OI' JURISDICTION. There Are "waters of�the U.S." within Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction (as defined by 33 CFR part 328) in the review area. [Required] 1. Waters of the U.S. a. Tndicate presence of waters of U.S. in review area (check all that apply): � ❑ TNWs, including territorial seas ❑ Wetlands adjacent to TNWs � Relatively permanent waters'- (RPWs) that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Non-RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands directly abutting RPWs tl�at flow directly or ii�directly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands adjacent to but not directly abutting RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs ❑ Wetlands adjacent to non-RPWs that flow directly ar indirectly into TNWs ❑ Impoundrnents of jurisdictional waters ❑ Isolated (interstate or intrastate) waters, induding isolated wetlands b. Identify (esdmate) size of waters of the U.S. in the review area: Ut to Catawba River (Lake Norman) - Non-wetland waters: 100 linear feet: 3 width (ft). Wetlands: 0 acres. c. Limits (boundaries) of jurisdiction based on: Established by OHWM. Elevation of established OHWM (if known): . 2. Non-regulated waters/wetlands (check if applicable):3 ❑ Potentially jurisdictional waters and/or wetlands were assessed within the review area and determined to be not jurisdictional. Explain: . A. TNWs AND WETLANDS ADJACENT TO TNWs ' Boxes chedced below shall be supported by completing the appropriate sections in Section Ili below. '- For purposes of this form, an RPW is detined as a tributary that is not a TN W and that typically flows year-round or has continuous flow at least "seasonally" (e.g., typically 3 months). j Supporting documentation is presented in Section iil.F. The agencies will assert jurisdiction over TNWs and wetlands adjacent to TNWs. If the aquatic resource is a TNW, complete Section III.A.l and Section III.D.1. only; if the aquatic resource is a wetland adjacent to a TNW, complete Sections III.A.1 and 2 and Section III.D.I.; otherwise, see Section III.B below. 1. TNW Identify TNW: Sumrnarize rationale supporting determination: 2. Wetlandadjacent to TNW Summarize rationale supporting conclusion that wetland is "adjacent": B. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIBUTARY (THAT IS NOT A TNV1') AND ITS ADJACENT WETLANDS (IF ANY): This section summarizes information regarding characteristics of the tributary and its adjacent wetlands, if any, and it helps determine whether or not the standards for jurisdiction established under Rapa��os have been met. The agencies will assert jurisdiction over non-navigable tributaries of TNWs where the tributaries are "relatively permanent waters" (RPWs), i.e. tributaries that typically flow year-round or have continuous flow at least seasonally (e.g., typically 3 months). A wetland that directly abuts an RPW is also jurisdictionaL If the aquatic resource is not a TNW, but has year-round (perennial) flow, skip to Section III.D.2. If the aquatic resource is a wetland directly abutting a tributary with perennial flow, skip to Section III.D.4. A wetland that is adjacent to but that does not directly abut an RPW requires a signi�cant nexus evaluation. Corps districts and EPA regions will include in the record any available information that documents the existence of a significant nexus between a relatively permanent tributary that is not perennial (and its adjacent wetlands if any) and a traditional navigable water, even though a significant nexus finding is not required as a matter of law. If the waterbody° is not an RPW, or a wetland directly abutting an RPW, a JD will require additional data to determine if the waterbody has a significant nexus with a TNW. If the tributary has adjacent wetlands, the significant nexus evaluation must consider the tributary in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands. This significant nexus evaluation that combines, for analytical purposes, the tributary and all of its adjacent wetlands is used whether the review area identified in the JD request is the tributary, or its adjacent wetlands, or both. If the JD covers a tributary with adjacent wetlands, complete Section III.B.1 for the tributary, Section III.B.2 for any onsite wetlands, and Section I11.B.3 for all wetlands adjacent to that tributary, both onsite and offsite. The determination whether a significant nexus exists is determined in Section III.0 below. 1. Characteristics of non-TNWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNW (i) General Area Conditions: Watershed size: 13 acres Drainage area: 13 acres Average annual rainfall: Average annual snowfall: (ii) Physical Characteristics: (a) Relationship with TNW: ❑ Tributary flows directly into TNW. � Tributary flows tlu�ough 1 tributaries before entering TNW. Project waters are 1(or less) river miles from TNW. Project waters are 1(or less) river miles from RPW. Project waters are 1(or less) aerial (strai�uht) miles from TNW. Project waters are 1(or less) aerial (straight) miles from RPW. Project waters cross ar serve as state boundaries. No Explain:. Identify flow route to TNWS: Project unnamed tributary to an unnamed tributary to Catawba River (Lake Norman) Tributary stream order, if known: (b) General Tributary Characteristics (check all that ap�lv): Tributary is: ❑ Natural ❑ Artificial (man-made). Explain:. ° Note th�rt the Instructional Guidebook contains additional information regarding swales, ditches, washes, and arosional features generally and in the arid West. ` Flow route can be described by identifying, e.g., tributary a, whicl� flows through the review area, to flow ii�to h�ibutary b, whicl� then flows into TNW. � Manipulated (man-altered). Explain: Tributary was moved and placed in a concrete ditch when 1-77 was built. aPP�Y)� Tributary properties with respect to top of bank (estimate): Average width: 3 feet Averagz depth: 1 foot Average side slopes: Vertical (1:1 or less} Primary tributary substrate composition (check all that apply): � Silts � Sands � Concrete � Cobbles � Gravel ❑ Muck ❑ Bedrock ❑ Vegetation. Type/% cover: ❑ Other. Explain: . Tributary condition/stability [Very unstable]. Explain: Failing banks, undermined concrete ditching Presence of run/riffle/poo] complexes. None Explain: Tributary geometry: Relatively straight Tributary gradient (approximate average slope): 5%� (c) Flow: Tributary provides far: Seasonal flow Estimate average number of flow events in review area/year: 20 (or greater) Describe flow regime: Othzr information on duration and volume: Surface flow is: Discrete and confined Characteristics: Subsurface flow: Unknown. Explain findings: ❑ Dye (ar other) test performed: . Tributary has (check all that apply): � Bed and banks � OHWM� (check all indicators that apply): ❑ clear, natural line impressed on the bank � � changes in the character of soil ❑ ❑ shelving � ❑ vegetation imatted down, bent, or absent ❑ � leaf litter dish�rbed or washed away ❑ � sediment deposition � ❑ water staining ❑ ❑ other (list): ❑ Discontinuous OHWM.� Explain: . the presence of litter and debris destruction of terrestrial vegetation the presence of wrack line sediment sorting scour multiple observed ar predicted flow events abrupt change in plant community If factors other than the OHWM were used to detern�ine lateral extent of CWA jurisdiction (checl< all that ❑ High Tide Line indicated by: ❑ ❑ oil or scum line along shore objects ❑ fine shell or debris deposits (foreshore) ❑ physical markings/characteristics ❑ tidal gauges ❑ other (list): Mean High Water Mark indicated by: ❑ survey to availablz datum; ❑ physical markings; ❑ vegetation lines/changes in vegetation types. (iii) Chemical Characteristics: Characterize tributary (e.g., water color is clear, discolored, oily film; water quality; general watershed characteristics, ete.). Explain: Identify specific pollutants, if known: . (iv) Biological Characteristics. Channel supports (check all that apply): ❑ Riparian corridar. Characteristics (type, average width): ❑ Wetland fi•inge. Characteristics: . ❑ Habitat for: ❑ Federally Listed species. Explain findings: . ❑ Fish/spawn areas. Explain findings: . ❑ Other environmentally-sensitive species. Explain findings: . �A natireal or m�n-made discontinuity in the OHWM does not necessarily sever jurisdiction (e.g., where the stream temporarily flows underground, or where the OHWM has been removed by development or agricultural practices). Where there is a breal< in the OHWM that is unrelated to the waterbody's flow regime (e.g., flow over a rocl< outerop or throuoh a culvert), the agencies will lool< far indicators of flow above �nd below the break. 'lbid. ❑ Aq�iatic/wildlife diversity. Explain findings:. 2. Characteristics of wetlands adjacent to non-TNW that flow directly or indirectly into TNW (i) Physical Characteristics: (a) General Wetland Cl�aracteristics: Properties: Wetland size: acres Wetland type. Explain: . Wetland quality. Explain: . Project wetlands cross or serve as state boundaries. Explain: (b) General Flow Relationship with Non-TNW: Flow is: Pick Lisk Explain: . Surface flow is: Pick List Characteristics: Subs�irface flow: Pick List Explain findings: ❑ Dye (or otl�er) test perfori��ed: . (c) Wetland Adjacency Detennination with Non-TNW: ❑ Directly abutting ❑ Not directly abutting ❑ Discrete wetland hydrologic connection. Explain: ❑ Ecological connection. Explain: . ❑ Separated by bern�/barrier. Explain: . (d) Proxiinitv (Relationship) to TNW Project wetlands are Pick List river miles from TNW. Project waters are Pick List aerial (straight) miles fi•om TNW. Flow is froi�n: Pick LisL Estimate approximate location of wetland as within the Piek List floodplain. (ii) Chemical Characteristics: Characterize wetland system (e.g., water color is clear, brown, oil film on surface; water quality; general watersl�ed cl�aracteristics; etc.). Explain: . Identify specific pollutants, if known: . (iii) Biological Characteristics. WeNand supports (check all that apply): ❑ Riparian buffer. Characteristics (type, average width): . ❑ Vegetation type/percent cover. Explain: . ❑ Habitat for: ❑ Federally Listed species. Explain findings: . ❑ Fish/spawn areas. Explain findings: . ❑ Other environmentally-sensitive species. Explain findings: ❑ Aqiiatic/wildlife diversity. Explain findings: . 3. Characteristics of all wetlands adjacent to the tributary (if any) All wetland(s) being considered in the cumulative analysis: Pick List Approximately ( ) acres in total are being considered in the cwnulative analysis. For each wetland, specify the following: Directly abuts? {Y/N) Size (in acres) Directly abuts? (Y/N) Size (in acres) Summarize overall biological, chemical and physical functions being perfonned: . C. SIGNIFICANT NEXUS DETERMINATION A significant nexus analysis will assess the flow characteristics and functions of the tributary itself and the functions performed by any wetlands adjacent to the tributary to determine if they significantly affect the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of a TNW. For each of the following situations, a significant nexus exists if the tributary, in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands, has more than a speculative or insubstantial effect on the chemical, physical and/or biological integrity of a TNW. Considerations when evaluating significant nexus include, but are not limited to the volume, duration, and frequency of the flow of water in the tributary and its proximity to a TNW, and the functions performed by the tributary and all its adjacent wetlands. It is not appropriate to determine significant nexus based solely on any specific threshold of distance (e.g. between a tributary and its adjacent wetland or between a tributary and the TNW). Similarly, the fact an adjacent wetland lies within or outside of a floodplain is not solely determinative of significant nexus. Draw connections between the features documented and the effects on the TNW, as identified in the Rapanos Guidance and discussed in the Instructional Guidebook. Factors to consider include, for example: • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), have the capacity to carry pollutants or flood waters to TNWs, or to reduce the amount of pollutants or flood waters reaching a TNW? • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), provide habitat and lifecycle support functions for fish and other species, such as feeding, nesting, spawning, or rearing young for species that are present in the TNW? • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), have the capacity to transfer nutrients and organic carbon that support downstream foodwebs'? • Does the tributary, in combination with its adjacent wetlands (if any), have other relationships to the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of the TNW? Note: the above list of considerations is not inclusive and other functions observed or known to occur should be documented below: 1. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW that has no adjacent wetlands and flows direcNy or indirectly into TNWs. Explain findings of presence ar absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary itself, then go to Section Iii.D: 2. Significant nexus findings for non-RPW and its adjacent wetlands, where the non-RPW flows directly or indirectly into TNWs. Explain 6ndings of presence or absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in combination witl� all of its adjacent wetlands, Yhen go Yo Section LII.D: . 3. Significant nexus findings for wetlands adjacent to an RPW but that do not directly abut the RPW. Explain findings of presence ar absence of significant nexus below, based on the tributary in combination with all of its adjacent wetlands, then go to Section IILD: . D. DCTERMINATIONS OI' JURISDICTIONAL FINDINGS. TH� SUBJECT WATERS/WCTLANDS AR� (CHCCK ALL THAT APPLY): 1. TNWs and Adjacent Wetlands. Check all that apply and provide size estimates in review area: ❑ TN Ws: linear feet width (ft), Or, acres. ❑ Wetlands adjacent to TNWs: acres. RPWs that flow direcNy or indirectly into TNWs. Ut to Catawba River (Lake Norman) ❑ Tributaries of TNWs where tributaries typically flow year-round are jurisdictional. Provide data and rationale indicating tliat tributary is perennial: � Tributaries of TNW where tributaries have continuous flow "seasonally" (e.g., typically three months each year) are jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section III.B. Provide rationale indicating that tributary flows seasonally: Multiple observed flow events, NCDWR Stream Identification Forn�s Provide estimates for jurisdictional waters in the review area (check all that apply): � Tributary waters: 100 linzar feet 3 width (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. Identify type(s) of waters: . 3. Non-RPWsB that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Waterbody that is not a TNW or an RPW, but flows directly or indirectly into a TNW, and it has a sib ificant nexus with a TNW is jurisdictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section IILC. Provide estimates for jurisdictional waters within the review area (check all that apply): ❑ Tributary waters: linear feet width (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. Identify type(s) of waters: . 4. Wetlands directly abutting an RPW that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. "See Footnote # 3. ❑ Wetlands directly abut RPW and fluis are jtiirisdictional as adjacent wetlands. ❑ Wetlands directly abutting an RPW where tributaries typically flow year-round. Provide data and rationale indicating that tributary is perennial in Section III.D.2, above. Provide rationale indicating that wetland is directly abutting an RPW: . ❑ Wetlands directly abutting an RPW where tributaries typically flow "seasonally." Provide data i��dicating that tributary is seasonal in Section III.B and rationale in Section III.D.2, above. Provide rationale indicating that wetland is directly abutting an RPW: . Provide acreage estimates far jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 5. Wetlands adjacent to but not directly abutting an RPW that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Wetlands tl�at do not directly abut an RPW, but when considered in combination witl� the riibutary to which they are adjacent and with similarly situated adjacent wetlands, have a significant nexus with a TNW are jurisidictional. Data supporting this conclusion is provided at Section III.C. Provide acreage estimates for jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 6. Wetlands adjacent to non-RPWs that flow directly or indirectly into TNWs. ❑ Wetlands adjacent to such waters, and have when considered in combination with the tributary to which they are adjacent and with similarly situated adjacent wetlands, have a significant nexus with a TNW are jurisdictional. Data supporting tl�is conclusion is provided at Section IILC. Provide estimates for jurisdictional wetlands in the review area: acres. 7. Impoundments of jurisdictional waters.9 As a general rule, tl�e impoundment of a jurisdictional tributary remains jurisdictional. ❑ Demonstrate that impoundment was created from "waters of the U.S.," or ❑ Demonstrate that water meets the criteria far one of the categories presented above (1-6), ar ❑ Demonstrate that water is isolated with a nexus to commerce (see E below). E. ISOLATED �INT�RSTATE OR INTRA-STATEJ WATERS, INCLUDING ISOLATED WETLANDS, THE USE, DCGRADATION OR DESTRUCTION OF WHICH COULD Ai'FECT INTCRSTATE COMMERCE, INCLUDING ANY SUCH WATCRS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):10 ❑ whidi are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other puiposes. ❑ from which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign commerce. ❑ which are ar could be used far industrial purposes by industries in inteistate commerce. ❑ Interstate isolated waters. Explain: . ❑ Other factors. Explain: . Identify water body and summarize rationale supporting determination: Provide estimates far jurisdictional waters in the review area (check all that apply): ❑ Tributary waters: linear feet widtl� (ft). ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. ldentify type(s) of waters: . ❑ Wetlands: acres. F. NON-JURISDICTIONAL WATERS, INCLUDING WETLANDS (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY): ❑ If potential wetlands were assessed within the review area, these areas did not meet the criteria in the ] 987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and/ar appropriate Regional Supplements. ❑ Review area included isolated waters with no substantial nexus to interstate (or foreign) commerce. ❑ Prior to tl�e Jan 2001 Suprerne Court decision in "SWANCC," the review area would have been reb lated based solelv on the "Migratory Bird Rule" (MBR). ❑ Waters do not ineet the "Significant Nexus" standard, where such a finding is required far jurisdiction. Explain: ❑ Other: (explain, if not covered above): . Provide acreage zstimates for non jurisdictional waters in the review area, where the solz potential basis of jurisdiction is the MBR factors (i.e., presence of mib atory birds, presence of endangered species, use of water for irrigated agriculture), using best professional judgment (check all that apply): ❑ Non-wetland waters (i.e., rivers, streams): linear feet width (ft). ' To complete the analysis refer to the I<ey in Section �Il.D.6 of the Instnictional Guidebook. 10 Prior to asscrting or declining CWA jurisdiction based solely on Chis category, Corps Districts will elevate the acHon to Corps and F,PA HQ for review consistent with the process described in the Corps/EPA Menaorandum Regnrding CWA Act Jurisdiction Following Rapanos. ❑ Lakes/ponds: acres. ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. List type of aquatic resource: ❑ Wetlands: acres. Provide acreage estimates for non jurisdictional waters in the review area that do not meet the "Significant Nexus" standard, where sudi a finding is required for jurisdiction (check all tl�at apply): ❑ Non-wetland waters (i.e., rivers, streai��s): linear feet, width (ft). ❑ Lakes/ponds: acres. ❑ Other non-wetland waters: acres. List type of aquatic resource: . ❑ Wetlands: acres. SECTION IV: DATA SOURCES. A. SUPPORTING DATA. Data reviewed for JD (check all that apply - checked items shall be included in case file and, where cliecked and requested, appropriately reference sources below): � Maps, plans, plots ar plat submitted by or on behalf of the applicanticonsultant: . ❑ Data sheets prepared/submitted by or on behalf of the applicant/consultant. ❑ Office concurs with data sheets/delineation repart. ❑ Office does not concur with data sheets/delineation report. ❑ Data sheets prepared by the Coips: . ❑ Corps navigable waters' study: . ❑ U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologic Atlas: . ❑ USGS NHD data. ❑ USGS 8 and 12 digit HUC maps. ❑ U.S. Geological Survey map(s). Cite scale & quad name:«Quad». � USDA Natura) Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey. Citation: . ❑ National wetlands inventory map(s). Cite name: . ❑ State/Local wetland inventory map(s): . � FEMA/FIRM maps:. ❑ 100-year Floodplain Elevation is: (Nationa] Geodectic Vertical Datum of 1929) ❑ Photographs: ❑ Aerial (Name & Date): . or ❑ Other (Name & Date): . ❑ Previous detennination(s). File no. and date of response letter: . ❑ Applicable(supporting case law: . ❑ Applicable/supporting scientific literature: . ❑ Other information (please specify): . B. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO SUPPORT JD: