20190223 Ver 1_Bridge 080178 NRTR 20170929_20190219

NATURAL RESOURCES TECHNICAL REPORT
Replace Bridge 080178 on SR 1145 (Martin Luther King Drive) over Browns Creek
Bladen County, North Carolina
WBS Element No. 17BP.6.R.90
THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Environmental Analysis Unit
October 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS
lAINTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................1
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS ......................................................1
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 1
3.1 Soils ...................................................................................................................................... 2
3.2 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 2
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES .............................................................................................. 2
4.1 Terrestrial Communities .................................................................................................... 2
4.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed ................................................................................................ 3
4.1.2 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) .......................................... 3
4.1.3 Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype) ....................................... 3
4.1.4 Terrestrial Community Impacts ................................................................................. 3
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 4
4.3 Aquatic Communities ......................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Invasive Species ................................................................................................................... 4
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES .................................................................................... 4
5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S . ................................................................................. 4
5.2 Clean Water Act Permits ................................................................................................... 5
5.3 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern ................................ 5
5.4 Construction Moratoria ..................................................................................................... 5
5.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules ........................................................................................... 6
5.6 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters .................................................... 6
5.7 Wetland and Stream Mitigation ........................................................................................ 6
5.7.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts ................................................................... 6
5.7.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts ........................................................................ 6
5.8 Endangered Species Act Protected Species ...................................................................... 6
5.9 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act ................................................................. 11
5.10 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species ................................................................. 11
5.11 Essential Fish Habitat ..................................................................................................... 11
6.0 REFERENCES .........................................................................................................12
Appendix A
Figures
Figure 1. Vicinity Map
Figure 2. Project Study Area Map
Figure 3. Jurisdictional Features Map
Figure 4. Natural Communities Map
Appendix B. Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report
Appendix C. Stream and Wetland Forms
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Soils in the study area ....................................................................................... 2
Table2. Water resources in the study area ................................................................... 2
Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area ....................... 2
Table 4. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area .................................. 4
Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area ............. 5
Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area ......................... 5
Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Bladen County .................................... 7

Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes replace Bridge
080178 on SR 1145 (Martin Luther King Drive) over Browns Creek in Bladen County
(Figure 1). The following Natural Resources Technical Report (NRTR) has been
prepared to assist in the preparation of a Categorical Exclusion (CE) for the proposed
proj ect.
2.0 METHODOLOGY AND QUALIFICATIONS
All work was conducted in accordance with the NCDOT Environmental Analysis Unit
standard operating procedures and July 2012 NRTR template. Field work was conducted
on August 30, 2017. Jurisdictional areas identified in the study area have not been
verified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) or North Carolina Division of
Water Resources (NCDWR). The principal personnel contributing to this document
were:
Principal
Investigator: Timothy E. Black
Education: B.S. Biology, 1991
M.S. Environmental Health, 1996
Experience: Environmental Scientist, SEPI Engineering, 2016-present
Environmental Scientist, HSMM 2002-2005
Environmental Specialist, NCDOT, 1999-2002
Environmental Technician, NCDWQ, 1997-1999
Investigator:
Education:
Experience:
Responsibilities: Wetland and stream delineations, GPS, stream
assessment, T& E species assessment, natural communities assessment,
document preparation
Wendee Smith
B.S. Natural Resources: Ecosystem Assessment, 1999
Environmental Director, SEPI Engineering, 2015-Present
Environmental Group Manager, Mulkey, Inc. 2005-2015
Environmental Scientist, HSMM, 2001-2005
Environmental Scientist, LandMark Design Group, 1999-2001
Natural Systems Specialist, NCDOT, 1999
Responsibilities: Natural communities assessment, T&E species
assessment, GIS, and document preparation
3.0 PHYSICAL RESOURCES
The study area lies in the coastal plain physiographic region of North Carolina (Figure 2).
Topography in the project vicinity is comprised of gently rolling hills with level
floodplains along streams. Elevations in the study area range from 65 to 95 ft. above sea
level. Land use in the project vicinity consists primarily of agriculture, interspersed with
residential development along roadways and forestland along stream corridors.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
3.1 SO11S
The Bladen County Soil Survey identifies four soil types within the study area (Table 1).
Table 1. Soils in the study area
Soil Series Ma in Unit Draina e Class H dric Status
D strochre ts, stee D F Excessivel drained Non-H dric
Goldsboro-Ur�ban land GdA Moderately slow Hydric*
com lex, 0-3 /o slo es
Johnston muck loam JO Ver oorl drained H dric
Wagram fine sand, 0-6% slopes WaB Well drained Hydric*
*May have hydric soil inclusions.
3.2 Water Resources
Water resources in the study area are part of the Cape Fear River basin [U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03030005]. One stream was identified in the study area
(Table 2). The location of this water resource is shown on Figure 3. The physical
characteristics of this stream are provided in Table 3.
Table 2. Water resources in the study area
Stream Name Map ID NCDWR Index Best Usage
Number Classification
Browns Creek SA 18-45 C
Table 3. Physical characteristics of water resources in the study area
Map ID H ight Banl�ful Depth Channel Velocity Clarity
(ft) �'idth (ft) �ln� Substrate
SA 4-8 45 24-48 Silt, Sand slow clear
There are no designated Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), High Quality Waters
(HQW), or water supply watersheds (WS-I or WS-II) within 1.0 mile downstream of the
study area. There are no designated anadromous fish waters or Primary Nursery Areas
(PNA) present in the study area. Browns Creek does not appear on the North Carolina
2014 Fina1303(d) list of impaired waters.
4.0 BIOTIC RESOURCES
4.1 Terrestrial Communities
Three terrestrial communities were identified in the study area: maintained/disturbed,
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype), and Coastal Plain Small Stream
Swamp (Blackwater Subtype). Figure 4 shows the location and extent of these terrestrial
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
communities in the study area. A brief description of each community type follows.
Scientific names of all species identified are included in Appendix B.
4.1.1 Maintained/Disturbed
The maintained/disturbed community occurs throughout the study area in places where
the vegetation is periodically mowed or maintained, such as roadside shoulders,
residential lawns, and utility easements. Dominant vegetation in this community is
comprised of low growing grasses, herbs, and woody vines, including evening primrose,
Chinese lespedeza, Japanese knotweed, ragweed, crabgrass, bicolor lespedeza, morning
glory, muscadine grape, wooly mullein, fescue, passion flower, as well as mimosa,
mockernut hickory, and smooth sumac saplings.
4.1.2 Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype)
The Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) is found in mesic upland
areas protected from fires, primarily on north-facing river bluffs and ravine slopes, less
commonly on upland flats or islands surrounded by peatland or swamp communities.
This community exists in a portion of the northeast quadrant, and in the southeast and
southwest quadrants of the study area. Dominant species in this community include
white oak, tulip poplar, pignut hickory, and loblolly pine in the overstory. Ironwood,
horse sugar, sweetgum, beech, American holly, beauty berry, sassafras, and Chinese
privet comprise the midstory, while roundleaf greenbrier, muscadine grape, yellow
jessamine, Japanese honeysuckle, blueberry, and ebony spleenwort dominate the
understory.
4.1.3 Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype)
The Coastal Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype) is found in the floodplains
of small blackwater streams in which separate fluvial features and associated vegetation
are too small or poorly developed to distinguish. This community bisects the project area
into the northern and southern quadrants. Dominant species in this community include
river birch, red maple, swamp chestnut oak, water oak, tulip poplar, and swamp tupelo in
the overstory. Ironwood, titi, red bay, dog hobble, tag alder, buttonbush, and Chinese
privet comprise the midstory, while Japanese stiltgrass, orange jewelweed, wisteria,
netted chain fern, climbing hempvine, giant cane, roundleaf greenbrier, and tearthumb
dominate the understory. Wetland site WA is classified as a North Carolina Wetland
Assessment Method (NCWAM) Riverine Swamp Forest and is located within the Coastal
Plain Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype) community.
4.1.4 Terrestrial Community Impacts
Terrestrial communities in the study area may be impacted by project construction as a
result of grading and paving of portions of the study area. At this time, decisions
regarding the final location and design of the proposed bridge replacement have not been
made. Therefore, community data are presented in the context of total coverage of each
type within the study area (Table 4). Once a final alignment and preliminary design have
been determined, probable impacts to each community type will be calculated.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
Table 4. Coverage of terrestrial communities in the study area
Communit Covera e (ac.)
Maintained/Disturbed 2.2
Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest Coastal Plain Subt e 0.9
Coastal Plain Small Stream Swam (Blackwater Subt e 0.9
Total 4.0
4.2 Terrestrial Wildlife
Terrestrial communities in the study area are comprised of both natural and disturbed
habitats that may support a diversity of wildlife species (those species actually observed
are indicated with *). Mammal species that commonly exploit maintained/disturbed
habitats, forested habitats, wetlands, and stream corridors found within the study area
include species such as eastern gray squirrel, gray fox, striped skunk, white-footed
mouse, eastern cottontail, raccoon, Virginia opossum, beaver*, and white-tailed deer.
Birds common to the area include red-shouldered hawk*, white-breasted nuthatch*,
tufted titmouse*, barred owl*, northern cardinal*, fish crow*, American crow*, Carolina
wren*, and summer tanager*. Reptile and amphibian species that may use terrestrial
communities located in the study area include the rough green snake, green frog*,
copperhead snake, rat snake, eastern box turtle, eastern fence lizard, southern toad, green
anole, gray treefrog, and five-lined skink.
4.3 Aquatic Communities
The aquatic community in the study area consists of a large perennial stream. Species
that could be expected in Browns Creek include various shiners, white catfish, Eastern
mudminnow, various sunfish, and various darters.
4.4 Invasive Species
Eight species from the NCDOT Invasive Exotic Plant List for North Carolina were found
to occur in the study area. Mimosa (Moderate threat), Japanese knotweed (Threat),
Chinese lespedeza (Threat), Japanese honeysuckle (Moderate threat), and bicolor
lespedeza (Moderate threat) were observed in the maintained-disturbed community.
Chinese privet (Threat), Japanese stilt grass (Threat), and wisteria (Moderate threat) were
observed in the Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Coastal Plain Subtype) and Coastal Plain
Small Stream Swamp (Blackwater Subtype) communities. NCDOT will manage for
these invasive plant species as appropriate.
5.0 JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES
5.1 Clean Water Act Waters of the U.S.
One jurisdictional stream (Browns Creek) was identified in the study area (Table 5). The
location of this stream is shown on Figure 3. The physical characteristics and water
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Natural Resources Technical Report
Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
quality designations of Browns Creek are detailed in Section 3.2. Browns Creek has been
designated as a warm water stream for the purposes of stream mitigation.
Table 5. Jurisdictional characteristics of water resources in the study area
Map ID Length Classification Compensatory River Basin
(ft.) Miti ation Re uired Buffer
Browns Creek (SA) 200 Perennial Yes Not Sub�ect
Total 200
One jurisdictional wetland was identified within the study area (Figure 3). Wetland
classification and quality rating data are presented in Table 6. The single wetland
identified in the study area is located within the Cape Fear River basin (USGS
Hydrologic Unit 03030005). USACE wetland delineation and NCWAM wetland rating
forms are included in Appendix C. Descriptions of the terrestrial communities at each
wetland site are presented in Section 4.1.
Table 6. Jurisdictional characteristics of wetlands in the study area
NCWAM Hydrologic NCWAM Wetland
Map ID Classification Classification Rating Area (ac.)
WA I Riverine Swamn Forest
Total
0.6
0.6
5.2 Clean Water Act Permits
The proposed project has been designated as a CE for the purposes of National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation. As a result, a Nationwide Permit
(NWP) No. 23 will likely be applicable. A NWP No. 33 may also apply for temporary
construction activities such as stream dewatering, work bridges, or temporary
causeways that are often used during bridge construction or rehabilitation. The
USACE holds the final discretion as to what permit will be required to authorize project
construction. If a Section 404 permit is required then a Section 401 Water Quality
Certification (WQC) from the NCDWR will be needed.
5.3 Coastal Area Management Act Areas of Environmental Concern
Bladen County is not a designated coastal county in North Carolina; therefore, Coastal
Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations do not apply.
5.4 Construction Moratoria
As of September 29, 2017, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
(NCWRC) does not require an in-water construction moratorium for this project.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
5.5 N.C. River Basin Buffer Rules
There are no buffer rules in effect for the lower Cape Fear River Basin.
5.6 Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Navigable Waters
Browns Creek has not been designated by the USACE as a Navigable Water under
Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act.
5.7 Wetland and Stream Mitigation
5.7.1 Avoidance and Minimization of Impacts
The NCDOT will attempt to avoid and minimize impacts to streams and wetlands to the
greatest extent practicable in choosing a preferred alternative and during project design.
At this time, no final decisions have been made with regard to the location or design of
the preferred alternative.
5.7.2 Compensatory Mitigation of Impacts
The NCDOT will investigate potential on-site stream and wetland mitigation
opportunities once a final decision has been rendered on the location of the preferred
alternative. If on-site mitigation is not feasible, mitigation will be provided by North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Mitigation Services
(DMS).
5.8 Endangered Species Act Protected Species
As of July 21, 2016 (Bladen County), the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists
seven federally protected species for Bladen County (Table 7). A brief description of
each species' habitat requirements follows, along with the Biological Conclusion
rendered based on survey results in the study area. Habitat requirements for each species
are based on the current best available information from referenced literature andlor
USFWS.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
Table 7. Federally protected species listed for Bladen County
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habita Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Alligator American alligator T(S/A) N/A Not Required
mississi iensis
Picoides borealis Red-cockaded E No No Effect
wood ecker
Myotis septentrionalis Northern�lotng-eared T Yes MALAA
Mycteria americana Wood stork T Yes Unresolved
Schwalbea Americana American chaffseed E No No Effect
Lindera melissifolia Pondberry E Yes No Effect
Lysimachia Rough-leaved E Yes Unresolved
as erulae olia loosestrife
E - Endangered
T - Threatened
T(S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance
MALAA — May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect
American alligator
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year-round (only warm days in winter)
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, alligators have been recorded in nearly every coastal
county, and many inland counties to the fall line. The alligator is found in rivers,
streams, canals, lakes, swamps, and coastal marshes. Adult animals are highly
tolerant of salt water, but the young are apparently more sensitive, with salinities
greater than 5 parts per thousand considered harmful. The American alligator
remains on the protected species list due to its similarity in appearance to the
Endangered American crocodile.
Biological Conclusion: Not Required
Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section
7 consultation with the USFWS. However, an August 15, 2017 review of
NCNHP database indicates no known American alligator occurrence within 1.0
mile of the study area.
Red-cockaded woodpecker
USFWS optimal survey window: year-round; November-early March (optimal)
Habitat Description: The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) typically occupies open,
mature stands of southern pines, particularly longleaf pine, for foraging and
nesting/roosting habitat. The RCW excavates cavities for nesting and roosting in
living pine trees, aged 60 years or older, and which are contiguous with pine
stands at least 30 years of age to provide foraging habitat. The foraging range of
the RCW is normally no more than 0.5 miles.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat in the form of open, mature stands of southern pines used for
foraging, nesting, and roosting were not present in the study area. Additionally,
an August 15, 2017 review of NCNHP database indicates no known RCW
occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. Subsequently, the proposed project
will have No Effect on the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Northern long-eared bat
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1— August 15
Habitat Description: In North Carolina, the Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) occurs
in the mountains, with scattered records in the Piedmont and coastal plain. In
western North Carolina, NLEB spend winter hibernating in caves and mines.
Since this species is not known to be a long-distance migrant, and caves and
subterranean mines are extremely rare in eastern North Carolina, it is
uncertain whether or where NLEB hibernate in eastern North Carolina.
During the summer, NLEB roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in
cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees (typically >3 inches dbh).
Males and non-reproductive females may also roost in cooler places, like
caves and mines. This bat also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like
barns and sheds, under eaves of buildings, behind window shutters, in
bridges, and in bat houses. Foraging occurs on forested hillsides and ridges,
and occasionally over forest clearings, over water, and along tree-lined
corridors. Mature forests may be an important habitat type for foraging.
Biological Conclusion: May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a programmatic biological
opinion (PBO) in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and NCDOT for the
northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) in eastern North
Carolina. The PBO covers the entire NCDOT program in Divisions 1-8,
including all NCDOT projects and activities. The programmatic determination
for the NLEB for the NCDOT program is "May Affect, Likely to Adversely
AffecY'. The PBO provides incidental take coverage for the NLEB and will
ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years
for all NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in Division 1-8, which includes
Bladen County, where Bridge 080178 is located.
Wood stork
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June-September
Habitat Description: Wood storks are known to occur in several coastal North
Carolina counties, and records indicate that they have been breeding in North
Carolina since 2005. Wood storks typically construct their nests in medium to
tall trees that occur in stands located either in swamps or on islands
surrounded by relatively broad expanses of open water. In many areas, bald
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
cypress and red mangrove trees are preferred. During the nonbreeding season
or while foraging, wood storks occur in a wide variety of wetland habitats,
including freshwater marshes and stock ponds, shallow, seasonally flooded
roadside or agricultural ditches, narrow tidal creeks or shallow tidal pools,
managed impoundments, and depressions in cypress heads and swamp
sloughs. Because of their specialized feeding behavior, the most attractive
feeding areas are swamp or marsh depressions where fish become
concentrated during dry periods.
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Suitable habitat in the form of inedium to tall trees that occur in stands located
either in swamps or on islands surrounded by relatively broad expanses of open
water was present in the study area. However, an August 30, 2017 survey of the
project area revealed no individuals of wood stork. Additionally, an August 15,
2017 review of NCNHP database indicates no known wood stork occurrence
within 1.0 mile of the study area. Pending surveys by the NCDOT personnel
the biological conclusion for the wood stork remains unresolved.
American chaffseed
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: May-August (1-2 months after a fire)
Habitat Description: American chaffseed generally occurs in habitats described as open,
moist to dryish Mesic Pine Flatwoods and longleaf pine flatlands, Pine Savannas,
Pine/Scrub Oak Sandhills, Sandhill Seeps, and other open grass/sedge-dominated
communities. This herb also occurs in the ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands
and xeric sandy soils and on the upper ecotones of, or sites close, to Streamhead
Pocosins. The species prefers sandy peat or sandy loam, acidic, seasonally moist
to dry soils in sunny or partly sunny areas subject to frequent fires in the growing
season. The plant is dependent on factors such as fire, mowing, or fluctuating
water tables to maintain its required open to partly-open habitat. Most extant
occurrences, and all of the most vigorous occurrences, are in areas subject to
frequent fire. This species is also known to occur on road cuts and power line
rights-of-way that experience frequent mowing or clearing. Soil series that it is
found on include Blaney, Candor, Gelead, Fuquay, Lakeland, and Vaucluse.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat in the form of open, moist to dryish Mesic Pine Flatwoods and
longleaf pine flatlands, Pine Savannas, Pine/Scrub Oak Sandhills, Sandhill Seeps,
and other open grass/sedge-dominated communities was not present in the study
area. Additionally, an August 15, 2017 review of NCNHP database indicates no
known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Subsequently, the proposed
project will have No Effect on the American chaffseed.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
Pondberry
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: February-October
Habitat Description: Pondberry occurs in seasonally flooded wetlands, sandy sinks, pond
margins, and swampy depressions. This deciduous, aromatic shrub occurs in
bottomland hardwood forests with perched water tables along inland areas of the
southeastern United States. In the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas, the species
occurs at the margins of limestone sinks and ponds and in undrained, shallow
depressions of longleaf pine and pond pine forests. Known occurrences in North
Carolina occur in the Small Depression Pocosin natural community, grow in soils
with sandy sediments and high-water table, contain high peat content in the
subsurface, and include a prevalence of shrubs due to historically frequent or
intense fires. It generally grows in somewhat shaded areas, but can tolerate full
sun.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat in the form of seasonally flooded wetlands, sandy sinks, pond
margins, and/or swampy depressions was present in the study area. However, an
August 30, 2017 survey of the study area revealed no individuals of Lindera
species present. Additionally, an August 15, 2017 review of NCNHP database
indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile of the study area. Subsequently,
the proposed project will have No Effect on the Pondberry.
Rough-leaved loosestrife
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: mid-May-June
Habitat Description: Rough-leaved loosestrife, endemic to the Coastal Plain and
Sandhills of North and South Carolina, generally occurs in the ecotones or edges
between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins in dense shrub and vine
growth on moist to seasonally saturated sands and on shallow organic soils
overlaying sand (spodosolic soils). Occurrences are found in such disturbed
habitats as roadside depressions, maintained power and utility line rights-of-way,
firebreaks, and trails. The species prefers full sunlight, is shade intolerant, and
requires areas of disturbance (e.g., clearing, mowing, periodic burning) where the
overstory is minimal. It can, however, persist vegetatively for many years in
overgrown, fire-suppressed areas. Blaney, Gilead, Johnston, Kalmia, Leon,
Mandarin, Murville, Torhunta, and Vaucluse are some of the soil series that the
plant occurs on.
Biological Conclusion: Unresolved
Suitable habitat in the form of disturbed habitats as roadside depressions,
maintained power and utility line rights-of-way, firebreaks, and trails was present
in the study area. However, an August 30, 2017 survey of the study area revealed
no individuals of rough-leaved loosestrife present. Additionally, an August 15,
2017 review of NCNHP database indicates no known occurrences within 1.0 mile
of the study area. Pending surveys by the NCDOT personnel in the appropriate
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
survey window the biological conclusion for the rough-leaved loosestrife remains
unresolved.
5.9 Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Habitat for the bald eagle primarily consists of mature forest in proximity to large bodies
of open water for foraging. Large dominant trees are utilized for nesting sites, typically
within 1.0 mile of open water.
A desktop-GIS assessment of the project study area, as well as the area within a 1.0-mile
radius of the project limits, was performed on August 15, 2017 using 2014 color aerials.
There are two ponds > 2 acres in size located within 1 A miles of the project study area.
A visual survey for nest trees within 660 feet of the project study area was conducted on
August 30, 2017. No nest trees were observed. Additionally, a review of the NCNHP
database on August 15, 2017, revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0
mile of the project study area. The project is not expected to have any adverse effects on
the bald eagle.
5.10 Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
As of July 21, 2016, the USFWS lists no Candidate species for Bladen County.
5.11 Essential Fish Habitat
Bladen County is considered an inland county. No Essential Fish Habitat is present in or
within 1.0 mile of the study area.
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
6.0 REFERENCES
Burt, W.H. and R.P. Grossenheider. 1976. A Field Guide to the Mammals: North
America North of Mexico. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 255 pp.
Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians (Eastern
and Central North America). 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 450 pp.
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.
Technical Report Y-87-1, U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Environmental Laboratory. 1992. Clarification and Interpretation of the 1987 Manual,
memorandum from Major General Arthur E. Williams.
Environmental Laboratory. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers
Wetland Delineation Manual: Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region (Version
2.0). ERDC/EL TR-10-20, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and
Development Center. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Harrar, E.S. and J.G. Harrar. 1962. Guide to Southern Trees. New York: Dover
Publications. 2°d ed. 709 pp.
Martof, B.S., W.M. Palmer, J.R. Bailey, and J.R. Harrison IIL 1980. Amphibians and
Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. Chapel Hi1L• The University of North
Carolina Press. 264 pp.
National Geographic. 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America. 3rd ed.
Washington, D.C. National Geographic Society.
NatureServe. 2017. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web
application]. Version 7.1. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. Available
http: //explorer.natureserve. org.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
1995. Guidance for Rating the Values of Wetlands in North Carolina. Fourth
version.
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
2005. Basinwide Water Quality Plan, Cape Fear River Basin. Raleigh, North
Carolina. http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wq/ps/bpu/basin/capefear/2005
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Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
Water Quality Assessment and Impaired Waters List (2014 Final 303(d) list.)
https://files.nc.�ov/ncdeq/Water%20Quality/Plannin�/TMDL/303d/2014/2014 30
3dlist.pdf
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.
2004. Basinwide Information Management System: Water Body Reports.
http://h2o. enr. state.nc.us/bims/Reports/reportsWB.html
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program.
2001. Guide to Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species of North
Carolina. Raleigh, NC. 134 pp.
N.C. Department of Transportation. 2008. Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina.
N.C. Wetland Functional Assessment Team. 2010. N.C. Wetland Assessment Method
(NC WAM) User Manual, version 4.1.
Newcomb, L. 1977. Newcomb's Wildflower Guide. Boston: Little, Brown and
Company. 490 pp.
Peterson, R.T., editor. 1980. A Field Guide to the Birds of Eastern and Central North
America. 4th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 384 pp.
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the Vascular Flora of the
Carolinas. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. 1183 pp.
Rohde, F.C., R.G. Arndt, D.G. Lindquist, and J.F. Parnell. 1994. Freshwater Fishes of the
Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Chapel Hill: University of North
Carolina Press. 222 pp.
Schafale, M.P. and A.S. Weakley. 1990. Classification of the Natural Communities of
North Carolina: Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program,
Division of Parks and Recreation, NCDENR. Raleigh, North Carolina. 325 pp.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1990.
Soil Survey of Bladen County, North Carolina.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1998.
Hydrologic Units-North Carolina (metadata). Raleigh, North Carolina.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1993. Recovery Plan for Pondberry (Lindera
melissifolia). Atlanta, Georgia. 56 pp.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995a. American Chaffseed (Schwalbea
americana) Recovery Plan. Hadley, Massachusetts. 62 pp.
13 o�tobe� 2017

Natural Resources Technical Report Bridge 080178, Bladen County, NC
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 1995b. Rough-leaved Loosestrife Recovery
Plan. Atlanta, GA. 32 pp.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 4: Southeast Region, North Carolina
Ecological Services. 2010. Threatened and Endangered Species in North Carolina:
Bladen County. Updated July 21, 2016.
https://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/bladen.html (Accessed August 15,
2017).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2006. Optimal Survey Windows for North
Carolina's Federally Threatened and Endangered Plant Species.
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/plant/plant_survey.html. (Accessed: August 15, 2017).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. Northern Long-Eared Bat Interim
Conference and Planning Guidance. USFWS Regions 2, 3, 4, 5& 6.
http: //www. fws. gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nlba/pdf/NLEBinterimGuidance
6Jan 2014.pdf. (Accessed: February 20, 2015.)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. American Chaffseed in North Carolina.
http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_american_chaffseed.htmL (Accessed:
February 1, 2016).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Pondberry (Southern Spicebush) in North
Carolina. http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es�ondberry.html. (Accessed:
February l, 2016).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Rough-leaf Loosestrife (Lysimachia
asperulaefolia). http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_rough-
leaf loosestrife.html. (Accessed: February 1, 2016).
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Wood stork (Mycteria americana) Species
Profile.
http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=B060.
(Accessed: October 19, 2010).
United States Geological Survey. 2016. Abbottsburg, North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston: 1 sheet.
United States Geological Survey. 2016. Elizabethtown South, North Carolina, Topographic
Quadrangle (7.5-minute series). Reston: 1 sheet.
Webster, W.D., J.F. Parnell, and W.C. Biggs. 1985. Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia,
and Maryland. Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press. 255 pp.
14 october 2017

Appendix A
Figures

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E N G I N E E R I N G &
C 4 M 5 T R U C T I 0 N
Figure 1 -
Project Vicinity
Replace Bridge No. 080178
over Browns Creek
near Elizabethtown, NC
Bladen County, North Carolina
October 2017
.. s�
Legend
� Project Study Area
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This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and Project Study Area Map
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obtained from the sources listed below. Streams A� I�+
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This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and
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shown herein does not meet NC 47-30
Requirements and therefore is not for design,
construction, or recording or transfer of title. The oEN�Rt��Cqq�
Exhibit was compiled from available information Replace Bridge 080178 over Browns Creek �`. � G�v ��� I
obtained from the sources listed below. Streams A� I�+
and Wetlands: All features located in the field were Bladen County, I V lr * *
recorded using a survey grade TOPCON GRS-1 0, 2' E N C I N E E R I N G s
GPS with Glonass receiver with supposed sub-50
centimeter accuracy. 'v y pC' C O N 5 T R 0 C T I 0 N
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October 2017
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Figure 4
This Exhibit is for planning purposes only and Natural Communities Map
shown herein does not meet NC 47-30
Requirements and therefore is not for design,
construction, or recording or transfer of title. The oEN�Rt��Cqq�
Exhibit was compiled from available information Replace Bridge 080178 over Browns Creek �`. � G�v ��� I
obtained from the sources listed below. Streams A� I�+
and Wetlands: All features located in the field were Bladen County, I V lr * *
recorded using a survey grade TOPCON GRS-1 0, 2' E N C I N E E R I N G s
GPS with Glonass receiver with supposed sub-50
centimeter accuracy. 'v y pC' C O N 5 T R 0 C T I 0 N
9�. tr
�MrO! TRAKSeO�
Sources: ESRI Base Mapping � 'rj� � �0 200 Feet
October 2017 � I � I �

Appendix B
Scientific Names of Species Identified in Report

Plants
Common Name
American holly
Beech
Bicolorlespedeza
Beauty berry
Blueberry
Buttonbush
Chinese lespedeza
Chinese privet
Climbing hempvine
Crabgrass
Dog hobble
Ebony spleenwort
Evening primrose
Fescue
Giant cane
Horse sugar
Ironwood
Japanese honeysuckle
Japanese knotweed
Japanese stiltgrass
Loblolly pine
Mimosa
Mockernut hickory
Morning glory
Muscadine grape
Netted chain fern
Orange jewelweed
Passion flower
Pignut hickory
Ragweed
Red bay
Red maple
River birch
Roundleaf greenbrier
Sassafras
Smooth sumac
Swamp chestnut oak
Swamp tupelo
Scientific Name
Ilex opaca
Fagus grandifolia
Lespedeza bicolor
Callicarpa americana
Vaccinium sp.
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Lespedeza cuneata
Ligustrum sinense
Mikania scandens
Digitaria
Leucothoe axillaris
Asplenium platyneuron
Oenothera sp.
Festuca sp.
Arundinaria gigantea
Symplocos tinctoria
Carpinus caroliniana
Lonicera japonica
Fallopia japonica
Microstegium vimineum
Pinus taeda
Albizia julibrissin
Carya tomentosa
Ipomoea sp.
Vitis rotundifolia
Woodwardia areolata
Impatiens capensis
Passiflora sp.
Carya glabra
Ambrosia sp.
Persea palustris
Acer rubrum
Betula nigra
Smilax rotundifolia
Sassafi^as albidum
Rhus glabra
Quercus michauxii
Nyssa biflora

Plants
Common Name
Sweetgum
Tag alder
Tearthumb
Titi
Tulip poplar
Water oak
White oak
Wisteria
Wooly mullein
Yellow jessamine
Animals
Common Name
American crow
Barred owl
Beaver
Carolina wren
Copperhead snake
Darters
Eastern box turtle
Eastern cottontail
Eastern fence lizard
Eastern gray squirrel
Eastern mudminnow
Fish crow
Five-lined skink
Gray fox
Gray treefrog
Green anole
Green frog
Northern cardinal
Northern long-eared bat
Raccoon
Rat snake
Red-shoulder hawk
Rough green snake
Shiners
Scientific Name
Liquidambar styraciflua
Alnus serrulata
Polygonum sagittatum
Cyrilla racemiflora
Liriodendron tulipifera
Quercus nigra
Quercus alba
Wisteria sp.
Verbascum thapsus
Gelsemium sempervirens
Scientific Name
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Strix nebulosa
Castor canadensis
Thryothorus ludovicianus
Agkistrodon contortrix
Percina sp.
Terrapene carolina carolina
Sylvilagus floridanus
Sceloporus undulates
Sciurus carolinensis
Umbra pygmaea
Corvus ossifragus
Plestiodon inexpectatus
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Hyla versicolor
Anolis carolinensis
Rana clamitans
Cardinalis cardinalis
Myotis septentrionalis
Procyon lotor
Elaphe sp.
Buteo lineatus
Opheodrys aestivus
Notropis sp.

Animals
Common Name
Southern toad
Striped skunk
Summer tanager
Sunfish
Tufted titmouse
Virginia opossum
White-breasted nuthatch
White catfish
White-footed mouse
White-tailed deer
Scientific Name
Bufo terrestris
Mephitis mephitis
Piranga rubra
Centrarchidae
Baeolophus bicolor
Didelphis virginiana
Sitta carolinesnsis
Ictalurus catus
Peromyscus leucopus
Odocoileus virginianus

Appendix C
Stream and Wetland Forms

WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region
Project/Site: Bridge 080178 City/County: Bladen Sampling Date: 30-Aug-17
Applicant/Owner: NCDOT State: NC Sampling Point: yyp Up
Investigator(s): E. Black, W. Smith Section, Township, Range: S T R Upper
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Lowland Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: p,p %/ p,p °
Subregion (LRR or MLRA): LRR P Lat.: 34.610345 Long.: -7$.624829 Datum: NAD83
Soil Map Unit Name: �O-Johnston mucky loam NWI classification: None
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes � No � (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes � No �
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes � No �
Is the Sampled Area
Hydric Soil Present? Yes � No � Yes � No �
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes � No � W�thin a wetland?
Remarks:
Sample point not within wetland.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators (minimum of 2 required)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) ❑ Sur�ace soil Cracks (g6)
❑ Surface Water (Al) ❑ Aquatic Fauna (B13) ❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
❑ High Water Table (A2) ❑ Marl Deposits (B15) (LRR U) ❑ Drainage Patterns (B10)
❑ Saturation (A3) ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl) ❑ Moss Trim Lines (B16)
❑ Water Marks (Bl) ❑ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ❑ Dry Season Water Table (C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits (B2) ❑ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ❑ Crayfish Burrows (C8)
❑ Drift Deposits (B3) ❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ❑ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
❑ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ❑ Thin Muck Surface (C7) ❑ Geomorphic Position (D2)
❑ Iron Deposits (BS) ❑ Other (Explain in Remarks) ❑ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
❑ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) ❑d FAC-Neutral Test (DS)
❑ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) ❑ Sphagnum moss (D8) (LRR T, U)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes � No � Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes � NO � Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Y@S � NO �
(includes capillary frinqe) Yes � No � Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Hydrology does not meet wetland criteria.
US Army Corps of Engineers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

VEGETATION (Five/Four Strata) - Use scientific names of plants.
Dominant
Species? _
Absolute Rel.Strat.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' Linear ) % Cover Cover
�, Acer rubrum 25 �❑ 55.6%
2. Nyssa biflora 10 ❑� 22.2%
3, Betula nigra lo ❑� 22.2%
4. 0 ❑ 0.0%
rj. 0 ❑ 0.0%
(j. 0 ❑ 0.0%
], 0 ❑ 0.0%
$, 0 ❑ 0.0%
50% of Total Cover: 22.5 20% of Total Cover: 9 45 = Total Cover
Sapling or Sapling/Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 30' Linear )
� , Acer rubrum 5
2, 0
3. o
4. o
5. o
6. o
7, o
$, 0
50% of Total Cover: 2.5 20%a of Total Cover: 1 5
Shrub Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
50% of Total Cover: 0 20%a of Total Cover: 0
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' )
� , Digitaria sanguinalis
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
$.
9.
10.
11.
12.
50% of Total Cover: 30 20% of Total Cover: 12
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
60
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
60
Woodv Vine Stratum (Plot size: 15' )
� , Campsis radicans 10
2, 0
3. o
4. o
5. o
50% of Total Cover: 5 20% of Total Cover: 2 10
Remarks: (If observed, list morphological adaptations below).
Vegetation meets wetland criteria.
Sampling Point: WA UP
Indicator pominance Test worksheet:
FAC
OBL
FACW
Number of Dominant Species
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across AIl Strata:
5 (A)
6 (B)
�❑ 100.0% FAC
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�re
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
= Total Cover
❑�/ 100.0% FACU
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
0 100.0% FAC
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�re
❑ o.o�ro _
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
833% (A/g)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiplv bv:
OBL species 10 X 1= 10
FAGW species 10 x 2= 20
Fac species 40 x 3= 120
FAGU species 60 X 4= 240
UPL species � x 5= �
column Totals: 120 CA) 390 <g�
Prevalence Index = B/A = 3.250
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
❑ 1- Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
❑d 2- Dominance Test is > 50%
❑ 3- Prevalence Index is <_3.0 1
❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation 1 (Explain)
1 Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definition of Vegetation Strata:
Tree - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 20 ft(6 m) or more in height and 3 in.
(7.6 cm) or larger in diameter at breast height (DBH).
Sapling - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 20 ft(6 m) or more in height and less
than 3 in. (7.6 cm) DBH.
Sapling/Shrub - Woody plants, excluding vines, less
than 3 in. DBH and greater than 3.28 ft(1 m) tall.
Shrub - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 3 to 20 ft (1 to 6 m) in height.
Herb - All herbaceous (non-woody) plants, including
herbaceous vines, regardless of size, and woody
plants, except woody vines, less than approximately
3 ft(1 m) in height.
Woody vine - All woody vines, regardless of height.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes � NO �
I*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
US Army Corps of Engineers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

SOIL Sampling Point: WA UP
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Tvoe 1 Locz Texture Remarks
0-1 lOYR 3/1 100 Sand 60% coated sand
1-12+ lOYR 5/8 100 Sand
1Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains zLocation: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
❑ Histosol (Al) ❑ Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR S, T, U) ❑ 1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR O)
❑ Histic Epipedon (A2) ❑ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR S, T, U) ❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR S)
❑ Black Histic (A3) ❑ Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl) (LRR 0) ❑ Reduced Vertic (F18) (outside MLRA 150A,B)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) ❑ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) ❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (LRR P, S, �
❑ Stratified Layers (AS) ❑ Depleted Matrix (F3) ❑ Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 153B)
❑ Organic Bodies (A6) (LRR P, T, U) ❑ Redox Dark Surface (F6) ❑ Red Parent Material (TF2)
❑ 5 cm Mucky Mineral (A7) (LRR P, T, U) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface (F7) ❑ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
❑ Muck Presence (A8) (LRR U) ❑ Redox Depressions (F8)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
❑ 1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR P, T) ❑ Marl (F10) (LRR U)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface (All) ❑ Depleted Ochric (Fll) (MLRA 151)
❑ Thick Dark Surface (Al2) ❑ Iron-Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR O, P, T)
❑ Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (MLRA 150A) ❑ Umbric Surface (F13) (LRR P, T, U)
❑ Sandy Muck Mineral (Sl) (LRR 0, S) ❑ Delta Ochric (F17) (MLRA 151)
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ❑ Reduced Vertic (F18) (MLRA 150A, 150B) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
❑ Sandy Redox (SS) ❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149A) unless disturbed or problematic.
❑ Stripped Matrix (S6) ❑ Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 149A, 153C, 153D)
❑ Dark Surface (S7) (LRR P, S, T, U)
Restrictive Layer (if observed):
Type:
Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes � NO �
Remarks:
Soil does not meet hydric criteria.
US Army Corps of Engineers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region
Project/Site: Bridge 080178 City/County: Bladen Sampling Date: 30-Aug-17
Applicant/Owner: NCDOT State: NC Sampling Point: yyp yyet
Investigator(s): E. Black, W. Smith Section, Township, Range: S T R
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): Lowland Local relief (concave, convex, none): concave Slope: p,p %/ p,p °
Subregion (LRR or MLRA): LRR P Lat.: 34.610345 Long.: -7$.624829 Datum: NAD83
Soil Map Unit Name: �O-Johnston mucky loam NWI classification: PFO
Are climatic/hydrologic conditions on the site typical for this time of year? Yes � No � (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes � No �
Are Vegetation ❑ , Soil ❑ , or Hydrology ❑ naturally problematic? (If needed, explain any answers in Remarks.)
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS - Attach site map showing sampling point locations, transects, important features, etc.
Hydrophytic Vegetation Present? Yes � No �
Is the Sampled Area
Hydric Soil Present? Yes � No � Yes � No �
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes � No � W�thin a wetland?
Remarks:
Sample point within wetland.
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators: Secondary Indicators (minimum of 2 required)
Primary Indicators (minimum of one required; check all that apply) ❑ Sur�ace soil Cracks (g6)
❑ Surface Water (Al) ❑ Aquatic Fauna (B13) ❑ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
❑ High Water Table (A2) ❑ Marl Deposits (B15) (LRR U) ❑ Drainage Patterns (B10)
❑ Saturation (A3) ❑ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (Cl) ❑ Moss Trim Lines (B16)
❑ Water Marks (Bl) ❑ Oxidized Rhizospheres along Living Roots (C3) ❑ Dry Season Water Table (C2)
❑ Sediment Deposits (B2) ❑ Presence of Reduced Iron (C4) ❑ Crayfish Burrows (C8)
❑ Drift Deposits (B3) ❑ Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6) ❑ Saturation Visible on Aerial Imagery (C9)
❑ Algal Mat or Crust (B4) ❑ Thin Muck Surface (C7) ❑d Geomorphic Position (D2)
❑ Iron Deposits (BS) ❑ Other (Explain in Remarks) ❑ Shallow Aquitard (D3)
❑ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7) ❑d FAC-Neutral Test (DS)
�❑ Water-Stained Leaves (B9) ❑ Sphagnum moss (D8) (LRR T, U)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes � No � Depth (inches):
Water Table Present? Yes � NO � Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Wetland Hydrology Present? Y@5 � NO �
(includes capillary frinqe) Yes � No � Depth (inches):
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well, aerial photos, previous inspections), if available:
Remarks:
Hydrology meets wetland criteria.
US Army Corps of Engineers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

VEGETATION (Five/Four Strata) - Use scientific names of plants.
Dominant
Species? _
Absolute Rel.Strat.
Tree Stratum (Plot size: 30' Linear ) % Cover Cover
�, Liquidambar styraciflua 20 �❑ 50.0%
2, Betula nigra 20 ❑� 50.0%
3. 0 ❑ 0.0%
4. 0 ❑ 0.0%
rj. 0 ❑ 0.0%
(j. 0 ❑ 0.0%
], 0 ❑ 0.0%
$, 0 ❑ 0.0%
50% of Total Cover: 20 20% of Total Cover: 8 40 = Total Cover
Saplinq or Saplinq/Shrub Stratum (Plot size:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
50% of Total Cover: 0 20%a of Total Cover: 0
Shrub Stratum (Plot size: 30' Linear )
� , Carpinus caroliniana
2, Acer rubrum
3.
4.
5.
6.
50% of Total Cover: 7.5 20%a of Total Cover: 3
Herb Stratum (Plot size: 5' linear )
� , Arundinaria gigantea
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
$.
9.
10.
11.
12.
50% of Total Cover: 40 20% of Total Cover: 16
Woodv Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
50% of Total Cover: 0 20% of Total Cover: 0
Remarks: (If observed, list morphological adaptations below).
Vegetation meets wetland criteria.
)
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
5
0
0
0
0
15
80
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
80
0
0
0
0
0
0
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
Sampling Point: WA Wet
Indicator pominance Test worksheet:
FAC
FACW
Number of Dominant Species
That are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
5 (A)
❑� 66.7% FAC
❑� 33.3% FAC
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�ro
= Total Cover
❑�/ 100.0% FACw
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
❑ 0.0%
❑ o.o�ro
❑ o.o�re
❑ o.o�ro
❑ 0.0%
= Total Cover
I*Indicator suffix = National status or professional decision assigned because Regional status not defined by FWS.
US Army Corps of Engineers
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across AIl Strata:
Percent of dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:
5 (B)
100.0% (A/g)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: Multiplv bv:
OBL species p x 1= p
FAGW species 100 x 2= 200
Fac species 35 x 3= 105
FAGU species � x 4= �
UPL species � x 5= �
column Totals: 135 CA) 305 <g�
Prevalence Index = B/A = 2.259
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
❑ 1- Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
❑d 2- Dominance Test is > 50%
❑� 3- Prevalence Index is <_3.0 1
❑ Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation 1 (Explain)
1 Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definition of Vegetation Strata:
Tree - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 20 ft(6 m) or more in height and 3 in.
(7.6 cm) or larger in diameter at breast height (DBH).
Sapling - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 20 ft(6 m) or more in height and less
than 3 in. (7.6 cm) DBH.
Sapling/Shrub - Woody plants, excluding vines, less
than 3 in. DBH and greater than 3.28 ft(1 m) tall.
Shrub - Woody plants, excluding woody vines,
approximately 3 to 20 ft (1 to 6 m) in height.
Herb - All herbaceous (non-woody) plants, including
herbaceous vines, regardless of size, and woody
plants, except woody vines, less than approximately
3 ft(1 m) in height.
Woody vine - All woody vines, regardless of height.
Hydrophytic
Vegetation
Present? Yes � NO �
Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

SOIL Sampling Point: WA Wet
Profile Description: (Describe to the depth needed to document the indicator or confirm the absence of indicators.)
Depth Matrix Redox Features
(inches) Color (moist) % Color (moist) % Tvoe 1 Locz Texture Remarks
0-7 lOYR 3/1 98 lOYR 4/6 2 C M Sandy Loam
7-12+ lOYR 4/1 80 lOYR 5/8 20 C M Sand
1Type: C=Concentration. D=Depletion. RM=Reduced Matrix, CS=Covered or Coated Sand Grains zLocation: PL=Pore Lining. M=Matrix
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric Soils3:
❑ Histosol (Al) ❑ Polyvalue Below Surface (S8) (LRR S, T, U) ❑ 1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR O)
❑ Histic Epipedon (A2) ❑ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (LRR S, T, U) ❑ 2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR S)
❑ Black Histic (A3) ❑ Loamy Mucky Mineral (Fl) (LRR 0) ❑ Reduced Vertic (F18) (outside MLRA 150A,B)
❑ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) ❑ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) ❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (LRR P, S, �
❑ Stratified Layers (AS) ❑ Depleted Matrix (F3) ❑ Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 153B)
❑ Organic Bodies (A6) (LRR P, T, U) ❑ Redox Dark Surface (F6) ❑ Red Parent Material (TF2)
❑ 5 cm Mucky Mineral (A7) (LRR P, T, U) ❑ Depleted Dark Surface (F7) ❑ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
❑ Muck Presence (A8) (LRR U) ❑ Redox Depressions (F8)
❑ Other (Explain in Remarks)
❑ 1 cm Muck (A9) (LRR P, T) ❑ Marl (F10) (LRR U)
❑ Depleted Below Dark Surface (All) ❑ Depleted Ochric (Fll) (MLRA 151)
❑ Thick Dark Surface (Al2) ❑ Iron-Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR O, P, T)
❑ Coast Prairie Redox (A16) (MLRA 150A) ❑ Umbric Surface (F13) (LRR P, T, U)
❑ Sandy Muck Mineral (Sl) (LRR 0, S) ❑ Delta Ochric (F17) (MLRA 151)
❑ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) ❑ Reduced Vertic (F18) (MLRA 150A, 150B) 3Indicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
wetland hydrology must be present,
❑� Sandy Redox (SS) ❑ Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 149A) unless disturbed or problematic.
❑ Stripped Matrix (S6) ❑ Anomalous Bright Loamy Soils (F20) (MLRA 149A, 153C, 153D)
❑ Dark Surface (S7) (LRR P, S, T, U)
Restrictive Layer (if observed):
Type:
Depth (inches): Hydric Soil Present? Yes � NO 0
Remarks:
Soil meets hydric criteria.
US Army Corps of Engineers Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain Region - Version 2.0

NC WAM WETLAND ASSESSMENT FORM
Accompanies User Manual Version 4.1
Rating Calculator Version 4.1
Wetland Site Name Bridge 080178 in Bladen County (Wetland WA) Date 08/30/2017
Wetland Type I�verine Snrarrp Forest � Assessor Name/Organization Eric Black, SEPI
Level III Ecoregion Southeastern Plains � Nearest Named Water Body Browns Creek
River Basin Cape Fear � USGS 8-Digit Catalogue Unit 03030005
f+ Yes i No Precipitation within 48 hrs? Latitude/Longitude (deci-degrees) 34.610345/-78.624829
Evidence of stressors affecting the assessment area (may not be within the assessment area)
Please circle and/or make note on last page if evidence of stressors is apparent. Consider departure from reference, if
appropriate, in recent past (for instance, approximately within 10 years). Noteworthy stressors include, but are not limited
to the following.
• Hydrological modifications (examples: ditches, dams, beaver dams, dikes, berms, ponds, etc.)
• Surface and sub-surface discharges into the wetland (examples: discharges containing obvious pollutants, presence of nearby
septic tanks, underground storage tanks (USTs), hog lagoons, etc.)
• Signs of vegetation stress (examples: vegetation mortality, insect damage, disease, storm damage, salt intrusion, etc.)
• Habitat/plant community alteration (examples: mowing, clear-cutting, exotics, etc.)
Is the assessment area intensively managed? �' Yes f" No
Regulatory Considerations (select all that apply to the assessment area)
� Anadromous fish
� Federally protected species or State endangered or threatened species
� NCDWQ riparian buffer rule in effect
� Abuts a Primary Nursery Area (PNA)
� Publicly owned property
� N.C. Division of Coastal Management Area of Environmental Concern (AEC) (including buffer)
� Abuts a stream with a NCDWQ classification of SA or supplemental classifications of HQW, ORW, or Trout
� Designated NCNHP reference community
� Abuts a 303(d)-listed stream or a tributary to a 303(d)-listed stream
What type of natural stream is associated with the wetland, if any? (check all that apply)
�' Blackwater
(" Brownwater
� Tidal (if tidal, check one of the following boxes) f" Lunar (" Wind f" Both
Is the assessment area on a coastal island? f" Yes �' No
Is the assessment area's surface water storage capacity or duration substantially altered by beaver? (" Yes �' No
Does the assessment area experience overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions? �' Yes f"' No
1. Ground Surface ConditionNegetation Condition — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider alteration to the ground surface (GS) in the assessment area and vegetation structure
(VS) in the assessment area. Compare to reference wetland if applicable (see User Manual). If a reference is not applicable,
then rate the assessment area based on evidence of an effect.
GS VS
C: A f" A Not severely altered
C` B �' B Severely altered over a majority of the assessment area (ground surface alteration examples: vehicle tracks, excessive
sedimentation, fire-plow lanes, skidder tracks, bedding, fill, soil compaction, obvious pollutants) (vegetation structure
alteration examples: mechanical disturbance, herbicides, salt intrusion [where appropriate], exotic species, grazing,
less diversity [if appropriate], hydrologic alteration)
2. Surface and Sub-Surface Storage Capacity and Duration — assessment area condition metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface storage capacity and duration (Surf) and sub-surFace storage capacity and
duration (Sub). Consider both increase and decrease in hydrology. Refer to the current NRCS lateral effect of ditching guidance for
North Carolina hydric soils (see USACE Wilmington District website) for the zone of influence of ditches in hydric soils. A ditch
<_ 1 foot deep is considered to affect surface water only, while a ditch > 1 foot deep is expected to affect both surface and ditch
sub-surface water. Consider tidal flooding regime, if applicable.
Surf Sub
C: A �' A Water storage capacity and duration are not altered.
C` B f" B Water storage capacity or duration are altered, but not substantially (typically, not sufficient to change vegetation).
C` C f" C Water storage capacity or duration are substantially altered (typically, alteration sufficient to result in vegetation
change) (examples: draining, flooding, soil compaction, filling, excessive sedimentation, underground utility lines).
3. Water Storage/Surface Relief — assessment area/wetland type condition metric (answer for non-marsh wetlands only)
Check a box in each column for each group below. Select the appropriate storage for the assessment area (AA) and the wetland
type (WT).
AA WT
3a. �' A �' A Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water > 1 foot deep
C` B f" B Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 6 inches to 1 foot deep
C` C f" C Majority of wetland with depressions able to pond water 3 to 6 inches deep
C` D f" D Depressions able to pond water < 3 inches deep
3b. C` A Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is greater than 2 feet
�' B Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is between 1 and 2 feet

C` C Evidence that maximum depth of inundation is less than 1 foot

4. Soil Texture/Structure - assessment area condition metric
Check a box from each of the three soil property groups below. Dig soil profile in the dominant assessment area landscape
feature. Make soil observations within the 12 inches. Use most recent National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils guidance for
regional indicators.
4a. C+` A Sandy soil
C` B Loamy or clayey soils exhibiting redoximorphic features (concentrations, depletions, or rhizospheres)
C` C Loamy or clayey soils not exhibiting redoximorphic features
C` D Loamy or clayey gleyed soil
C` E Histosol or histic epipedon
4b. �' A Soil ribbon < 1 inch
C` B Soil ribbon >_ 1 inch
4c. C+` A No peat or muck presence
C` B A peat or muck presence
5. Discharge into Wetland - opportunity metric
Check a box in each column. Consider surface pollutants or discharges (Surf) and sub-surface pollutants or discharges (Sub).
Examples of sub-surface discharges include presence of nearby septic tank, underground storage tank (UST), etc.
Surf Sub
�' A �' A Little or no evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the assessment area
C` B f" B Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges entering the wetland and stressing, but not overwhelming the
treatment capacity of the assessment area
C` C f" C Noticeable evidence of pollutants or discharges (pathogen, particulate, or soluble) entering the assessment area and
potentially overwhelming the treatment capacity of the wetland (water discoloration, dead vegetation, excessive
sedimentation, odor)
6. Land Use - opportunity metric
Check all that apply (at least one box in each column). Evaluation involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. Consider sources
draining to assessment area within entire upstream watershed (WS), within 5 miles and within the watershed draining to the
assessment area (5M), and within 2 miles and within the watershed draining to the assessment area (2M). Effective riparian buffers
are considered to be 50 feet wide in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont ecoregions and 30 feet wide in the Blue Ridge Mountains ecoregion.
WS 5M 2M
� A � A � A >_ 10% impervious surfaces
� B � B � B < 10% impervious surfaces
� C � C � C Confined animal operations (or other local, concentrated source of pollutants)
� D � D � D >_ 20% coverage of pasture
� E � E � E >_ 20% coverage of agricultural land (regularly plowed land)
� F � F � F >_ 20% coverage of maintained grass/herb
� G � G � G >_ 20% coverage of clear-cut land
� H � H � H Little or no opportunity to improve water quality. Lack of opportunity may result from hydrologic alterations
that prevent drainage or overbank flow from affecting the assessment area.
Wetland Acting as Vegetated Buffer - assessment area/wetland complex condition metric
7a. Is assessment area within 50 feet of a tributary or other open water?
�' Yes f-' No If Yes, continue to 7b. If No, skip to Metric 8.
Wetland buffer need only be present on one side of the water body. Make buffer judgment based on the average width of the wetland.
Record a note if a portion of the buffer has been removed or disturbed.
7b. How much of the first 50 feet from the bank is weltand? Descriptor E should be selected if ditches effectively bypass the buffer.
�' A >_ 50 feet
f" B From 30 to < 50 feet
f" C From 15 to < 30 feet
f" D From 5 to < 15 feet
("' E < 5 feet or buffer bypassed by ditches
7c. Tributary width. If the tributary is anastomosed, combine widths of channels/braids for a total width.
i<- 15-feet wide �' > 15-feet wide i Other open water (no tributary present)
7d. Do roots of assessment area vegetation extend into the bank of the tributary/open water?
�' Yes i No
7e. Is tributary or other open water sheltered or exposed?
�' Sheltered - adjacent open water with width < 2500 feet and no regular boat traffic.
("' Exposed - adjacent open water with width >_ 2500 feet or regular boat traffic.
Wetland Width at the Assessment Area - wetland type/wetland complex metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands only)
Check a box in each column. Select the average width for the wetland type at the assessment area (WT)
and the wetland complex at the assessment areas (WC). See User Manual for WT and WC boundaries.
WT WC
�' A �' A >_ 100 feet
C` B i B From 80 to < 100 feet
C` C i C From 50 to < 80 feet
C` D f" D From 40 to < 50 feet
C` E f" E From 30 to < 40 feet
C` F f" F From 15 to < 30 feet
C` G i G From 5 to < 15 feet
C` H f" H < 5 feet

9. Inundation Duration — assessment area condition metric
Answer for assessment area dominant landform.
C` A Evidence of short-duration inundation (< 7 consecutive days)
C` B Evidence of saturation, without evidence of inundation
�' C Evidence of long-duration inundation or very long-duration inundation (7 to 30 consecutive days or more)
10. Indicators of Deposition — assessment area condition metric
Consider recent deposition only (no plant growth since deposition).
C` A Sediment deposition is not excessive, but at approximately natural levels.
�' B Sediment deposition is excessive, but not overwhelming the wetland.
C` C Sediment deposition is excessive and is overwhelming the wetland.
11. Wetland Size — wetland type/wetland complex condition metric
Check a box in each column. Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This metric evaluates three aspects of the wetland area: the
size of the wetland type (WT), the size of the wetland complex (WC), and the size of the forested wetland (FW) (if applicable, see User
Manual). See the User Manual for boundaries of these evaluation areas. If assessment area is clear-cut, select "K" for the FW column.
WT WC FW (if applicable)
C` A f" A C` A >_ 500 acres
C` B �' B C` B From 100 to < 500 acres
C` C f" C C` C From 50 to < 100 acres
C` D f" D C` D From 25 to < 50 acres
C` E f" E C` E From 10 to < 25 acres
C` F f" F C` F From 5 to < 10 acres
�' G f" G �' G From 1 to < 5 acres
C` H f" H C` H From 0.5 to < 1 acre
C` I f" I C` I From 0.1 to < 0.5 acre
C` J f" J C` J From 0.01 to < 0.1 acre
C` K f" K C` K < 0.01 acre or assessment area is clear-cut
12. Wetland Intactness — wetland type condition metric (evaluate for Pocosins only)
C` A Pocosin is the full extent (>_ 90%) of its natural landscape size.
C` B Pocosin is < 90% of the full extent of its natural landscape size.
13. Connectivity to Other Natural Areas — landscape condition metric
13a. Check appropriate box(es) (a box may be checked in each column). Involves a GIS effort with field adjustment. This
evaluates whether the wetland is well connected (Well) and/or loosely connected (Loosely) to the landscape patch, the contiguous
metric naturally vegetated area and open water (if appropriate). Boundaries are formed by four-lane roads, regularly maintained utility
line corridors the width of a four-lane road or wider, urban landscapes, fields (pasture open and agriculture), or water > 300 feet wide.
Well Loosely
C` A f" A >_ 500 acres
�' B f" B From 100 to < 500 acres
C` C f" C From 50 to < 100 acres
C` D f" D From 10 to < 50 acres
C` E f" E < 10 acres
C` F f" F Wetland type has a poor or no connection to other natural habitats
13b. Evaluate for marshes only.
C` Yes f" No Wetland type has a surface hydrology connection to open waters/stream or tidal wetlands.
14. Edge Effect — wetland type condition metric (skip for all marshes)
May involve a GIS effort with field adjustment. Estimate distance from wetland type boundary to artificial edges. Artificial edges include
non-forested areas >_ 40 feet wide such as fields, development, roads, regularly maintained utility line corridors and clear-cuts.
Consider the eight main points of the compass.
C" A No artificial edge within 150 feet in all directions
C: B No artificial edge within 150 feet in four (4) to seven (7) directions
C` C An artificial edge occurs within 150 feet in more than four (4) directions or assessment area is clear-cut
15. Vegetative Composition — assessment area condition metric (skip for all marshes and Pine Flat)
C" A Vegetation is close to reference condition in species present and their proportions. Lower strata composed of appropriate
species, with exotic plants absent or sparse within the assessment area.
C: B Vegetation is different from reference condition in species diversity or proportions, but still largely composed of native species
characteristic of the wetland type. This may include communities of weedy native species that develop after clearcutting or
clearing. It also includes communities with exotics present, but not dominant, over a large portion of the expected strata.
C` C Vegetation severely altered from reference in composition. Expected species are unnaturally absent (planted stands of non-
characteristic species or at least one stratum inappropriately composed of a single species). Exotic species are dominant in
at least one stratum.
16. Vegetative Diversity— assessment area condition metric (evaluate for Non-tidal Freshwater Marsh only)
C: A Vegetation diversity is high and is composed primarily of native species (<10% cover of exotics).
C` B Vegetation diversity is low or has > 10% to 50% cover of exotics.
C` C Vegetation is dominated by exotic species (>50% cover of exotics).

17. Vegetative Structure — assessment area/wetland type condition metric
17a. Is vegetation present?
�' Yes f" No If Yes, continue to 17b. If No, skip to Metric 18.
17b. Evaluate percent coverage of assessment area vegetation for all marshes only. Skip to 17c for non-marsh wetlands.
C` A >_ 25% coverage of vegetation
C` B < 25% coverage of vegetation
17c. Check a box in each column for each stratum. Evaluate this portion of the metric for non-marsh wetlands. Consider structure
in airspace above the assessment area (AA) and the wetland type (WT) separately.
AA WT
o(" A (" A Canopy closed, or nearly closed, with natural gaps associated with natural processes
� C: B �' B Canopy present, but opened more than natural gaps
v C` C i C Canopy sparse or absent
o C` A f" A Dense mid-story/sapling layer
� �' B �' B Moderate density mid-story/sapling layer
� C` C f" C Mid-story/sapling layer sparse or absent
�
� C" A (" A Dense shrub layer
� �' B �' B Moderate density shrub layer
� C` C i C Shrub layer sparse or absent
� C` A f" A Dense herb layer
a� �' B �' B Moderate density herb layer
= C` C f" C Herb layer sparse or absent
18. Snags — wetland type condition metric
C` A Large snags (more than one) are visible (> 12-inches DBH, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
�' B Not A
19. Diameter Class Distribution — wetland type condition metric
�' A Majority of canopy trees have stems > 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH); many large trees (> 12 inches DBH) are
present.
C` B Majority of canopy trees have stems between 6 and 12 inches DBH, few are > 12-inch DBH.
C` C Majority of canopy trees are < 6 inches DBH or no trees.
20. Large Woody Debris — wetland type condition metric
Include both natural debris and man-placed natural debris.
C` A Large logs (more than one) are visible (> 12 inches in diameter, or large relative to species present and landscape stability).
f�' B Not A
21. Vegetation/Open Water Dispersion — wetland type/open water condition metric (evaluate for Non-Tidal Freshwater
Marsh only)
Select the figure that best describes the amount of interspersion between vegetation and open water in the growing season. Patterned
areas indicate vegetated areas, while solid white areas indicate open water.
C` A f" B C` C f" D
,��^'*�,�� i , ��'"+J ��
���I'�� � � %� � ��Y �' ! i� �, y � ;`r, +
� �'� % � y � � *` .j k 'fi' �,
� � 3i� �� S yr,��, � 1' il'y�yl� k�' ,�Wu' �
�+ J}Y�. S ,� i � w �
��� ��� �� , �k � ���' �� �, �r����� ��
,�, � � � � �, ;, � , "``t����
22. Hydrologic Connectivity— assessment area condition metric (evaluate for riparian wetlands only)
Examples of activities that may severely alter hydrologic connectivity include intensive
ditching, fill, sedimentation, channelization, diversion, man-made berms, beaver dams, and stream incision.
C: A Overbank and overland flow are not severely altered in the assessment area.
C` B Overbank flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C` C Overland flow is severely altered in the assessment area.
C` D Both overbank and overland flow are severely altered in the assessment area.
Notes
Small stream swamp system. Downstream wetland system on eastern side of bridge severely impacted by mechanized clearing. Upstream
wetland system more open than would be normal. Historic aerial photos show extensive logging in past.

NC WAM Wetland Rating Sheet
Accompanies User Manual Version 4.1
Rating Calculator Version 4.1
Wetland Site Name Bridge 080178 in Bladen County (Wetland WA) Date 08/30/2017
Wetland Type Riverine Swamp Forest Assessor Name/Organization Eric Black, SEPI
Notes on Field Assessment Form (Y/N)
Presence of regulatory considerations (Y/N)
Wetland is intensively managed (Y/N)
Assessment area is located within 50 feet of a natural tributary or other open water (Y/N)
Assessment area is substantially altered by beaver (Y/N)
Assessment area experiences overbank flooding during normal rainfall conditions (Y/N)
Assessment area is on a coastal island (Y/N)
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
NO
Sub-function Rating Summary
Function Sub-function Metrics Rating
Hydrology Surface Storage and Retention Condition HIGH
Sub-Surface Storage and Retention Condition HIGH
Water Quality Pathogen Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) YES
Particulate Change Condition MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) YES
Soluble Change Condition MEDIUM
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) YES
Physical Change Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) NO
Pollution Change Condition NA
Condition/Opportunity NA
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) NA
Habitat Physical Structure Condition HIGH
Landscape Patch Structure Condition LOW
Vegetation Composition Condition MEDIUM
Function Rating Summary
Function Metrics/Notes Rating
Hydrology Condition HIGH
Water Quality Condition HIGH
Condition/Opportunity HIGH
Opportunity Presence? (Y/N) YES
Habitat Conditon MEDIUM
Overall Wetland Rating HIGH