20190339 Ver 1_T&E Supplemental info for R134 ePCN Form_20190315

Supplemental Information
ePCN Form — NCDOT Division 10 — SR 1929 (Philadelphia Church Road) over Lanes
Creek
Project Number 17BP.10.R.134
G. SupplementalInformation
5. Endangered Species and Critical Habitat
STV conducted a protected species habitat assessment on September 28, 2017. As of June 27, 2018
the United States Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) lists three federally protected species, under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) far Union County (Table 1). For each species, a discussion of the
presence or absence of habitat is included below along with the Biological Conclusion rendered
based on survey results in the project study area (PSA).
Table 1. ESA federally protected species listed for Union County
Scientific Name Common Name Federal Habitat Biological
Status Present Conclusion
Helianthus schweinitzii Schweinitz's sunflower E Yes NE
Lasmi ona decorata Carolina heels litter E No NE
Rhus michauxii Michaux's sumac E Yes NE
E - Endangered
NE - No Effect
Schweinitz's sunflower
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: late August-October
Habitat Description: Schweinitz's sunflower is endemic to the Piedmont of North and South
Carolina. The few sites where this rhizomatous perennial herb occurs in relatively natural
vegetation are found in Xeric Hardpan Forests. The species is also found along roadside
rights-of-way, maintained power lines and other utility rights-of-way, edges of thickets and
old pastures, clearings and edges of upland oak-pine-hickory woods and Piedmont longleaf
pine forests, and other sunny or semi-sunny habitats where disturbances (e.g., mowing,
clearing, grazing, blow downs, storms, frequent fire) help create open or partially open
areas for sunlight. This sunflower is intolerant of full shade and excessive competition from
other vegetation. Schweinitz's sunflower occurs in a variety of soil series, including Badin,
Cecil, Cid, Enon, Gaston, Georgeville, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Misenheimer, Secrest,
Tatum, Uwharrie, and Zion, among others. This plant is generally found growing on
shallow sandy soils with high gravel content; shallow, poor, clayey hardpans; or shallow
rocky soils, especially those derived from mafic rocks.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
Suitable habitat for Schweinitz's sunflower is present in the PSA along roadside shoulders.
Plant by plant surveys were conducted by STV biologists Brandon Phillips, CHMM and
Joshua Kotheimer, WPIT, throughout areas of suitable habitat on September 28, 2017. No
individuals of Schweinitz's sunflower were observed and the September field survey was
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conducted during the flowering season. A review of NCNHP records on January 16, 2019
indicates no known occurrences within one mile of the PSA and no effect to Schweinitz's
sunflower is anticipated.
Carolina heelsplitter
USFWS Recommended Survey Window: year round
Habitat Description: The Carolina heelsplitter was historically known from several locations
within the Catawba and Pee Dee River systems in North Carolina and the Pee Dee and
Savannah River systems, and possibly the Saluda River system in South Carolina. In North
Carolina, the species is now known only from a handful of streams in the Pee Dee and
Catawba River systems. The Carolina heelsplitter exists in very low abundances, usually
within six feet of shorelines, throughout its known range. The general habitat requirements
for the Carolina heelsplitter are shaded areas in large rivers to small streams, often
burrowed into clay banks between the root systems of trees, or in runs along steep banks
with moderate current. The more recent habitat where the Carolina heelsplitter has been
found is in sections of streams containing bedrock with perpendicular crevices filled with
sand and gravel, and with wide riparian buffers.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
A mussel survey for the Carolina heelsplitter was not conducted. Suitable habitat for the
Carolina heelsplitter may be present in the PSA, however, Lanes Creek had low flow at the
time of the field review. A review of NCNHP records on January 16, 2019 indicates no
known occurrences within one mile of the PSA. Based on the lack of permanent impacts
to the creek and the proposed construction methods, no effect to Carolina heelsplitter is
anticipated.
Michaux's sumac
USFWS Optimal Survey Window: May-October
Habitat Description: Michaux's sumac, endemic to the inner Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont,
grows in sandy or rocky, open, upland woods on acidic ar circumneutral, well-drained
sands or sandy loam soils with low cation exchange capacities. The species is also found
on sandy or submesic loamy swales and depressions in the fall line Sandhills region as well
as in openings along the rim of Carolina bays; maintained railroad, roadside, power line,
and utility rights-of-way; areas where forest canopies have been opened up by blowdowns
and/or storm damage; small wildlife food plots; abandoned building sites; under sparse to
moderately dense pine ar pine/hardwood canopies; and in and along edges of other
artificially maintained clearings undergoing natural succession. In the central Piedmont, it
occurs on clayey soils derived from mafic rocks. The plant is shade intolerant and,
therefore, grows best where disturbance (e.g., mowing, clearing, grazing, periodic fire)
maintains its open habitat.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
No individuals of Michaux's sumac were observed within the PSA during the September
field review, and the September review was conducted inside the fruiting season. The PSA
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exhibits some habitat requirements preferred by this species but there are no known
populations within one mile of the PSA. MichauX's sumac is not listed as present within
the Marshville, NC USGS quadrangle. A review of NCNHP records on January 16, 2019
determined that no populations of Michaux's sumac were present within one mile of the
project study area. Based on the field review inside the fruiting season, the available
databases, and the limited area of proposed disturbance, it is determined that this project
will have no effect on Michaux's sumac.
Biological Conclusion: No Effect
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