20171022 Ver 2_Watauga Bio-wetlands report - final 9-18-15_20190319

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ASSESSMENT / WETLANDS AND
WATERWAY INVESTIGATION
Watauga County Site
Highway 421
2.5 Miles East of Boone, NC 28607
UCS Project No.: 16461-000 #00600
September 18, 2015
Prepared for:
L E fDGE
VtenCt04e MeRlbrr-Alf2
Blue Ridge Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
1216 Blowing Rock Blvd. NE
PO Box 112
Lenoir, NC 28645
Submitted by:
UC SYNERGETIC
123 N. White St.
Ft. Mill, SC 29715
,f
Micah Beard, MS
Environmental Scientist
Jason Brooks, MS
Wildlife Biologist

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................. 3
Biological Resources Assessment ................................................... 3
Habitat Assessment............................................................... 3
Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat Assessment............ 4
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel ................................. 5
Northern Long eared bat .............................................. 5
Virginia Big eared bat .................................................... 5
Spruce -Fir Moss Spider ............................................... 6
Blue Ridge Goldenrod ................................................. 6
Heller's Blazing star ................................................... 6
Roan Mountain Bluet...................................................... 6
SpreadingAvens......................................................... 6
SwampPink................................................................ 7
Virginiaspiraea............................................................ 7
RockGnome Lichen ...................................................... 7
Conclusions/Recommendations — Biological Resources/
Threatened and Endangered Species ............................................... 7
Wetlands and Waterway Investigation .............................................
8
Site Investigation..................................................................
8
Hydrophitic Vegetation..........................................................
9
HydricSoils.........................................................................
11
Hydrology...........................................................................
12
Floodplain Determination......................................................
13
Conclusions/Recommendations —
Wetland and Waterway Investigation..................................................
13
Statement of Limitations...................................................................
15

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Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 2
Tables
Table 1 — Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List for Watauga County
Table 2 — GPS Coordinates of Waterway Features on the Watauga County Site
Table 3 — Plant List Indicator Categories
Table 4 — Vegetation Identified at Watauga County Site
Figures
Figure 1
— Site Location Map
Figure 2
— Aerial Site Map
Figure 3
— Topographic Map
Figure 4
— NRCS Soil Survey Map
Figure 5
— NWI/FEMA Floodplain Map
Figure 6
— Areas of Concern
Figure 7
— NHP Element Occurrences Data
Figure 8
— NHP Natural Areas Map
Figure 9
— NHP Managed Areas Map
Appendices
Appendix 1 — USFWS Federally Threatened & Endangered Species List Watauga County
Appendix 2 — USFWS IPaC Trust Resources Report
Appendix 3 — Field Data Sheets
Appendix 4 - Photographic Documentation

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Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 3
1. Introduction
This Biological Resource Assessment and Wetlands/Waterway Investigation was prepared
for Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation by UC Synergetic (UCS) for the Watauga
County Site (Subject Property) located in Watauga County, North Carolina. The Subject
Property consists of one parcel of land totaling approximately 36 acres. The Subject
Property is approximately 1. 15 miles east of the intersection of County Road 1514 (Bamboo
Road) and Highway 421, on the south side of the Highway 421 roadway. See Figure 1 for
a Site Location Map and Figure 2 for a Site Map. UCS visited the site on August 6, 2015.
This report documents UCS's research and field observations.
Conditions during the field surveys were overcast, with temperatures in the lower 70s. A
significant storm causing Flash Flood Warnings passed through the area on the evening of
August 5t". Moderate to heavy rainfall totaling approximately 1.5 inches occurred at the site
the morning of the survey, making for wet and soggy field conditions.
2. Biological Resource Assessment
2.1 Habitat Assessment
The Project Area was reviewed using U.S. Geological Society (USGS) maps; aerial
photography; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Information for Planning and
Conservation (IPaC) report and North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission website; NC
Natural Heritage Program spatial data, FEMA Flood Zone Maps, and National Wetland
Inventory (NWI) maps prior to the field visit to assure thorough investigation for sensitive
habitats and potential wetlands.
The Subject Property consists of vacant, undeveloped land. The majority of the site is
forested, with approximately 9.9 acres of land cleared for pasture or transmission corridor.
Portions of overhead electric transmission lines traverse the center of the site from
southwest to northeast. The terrain is mountainous, with elevation ranging from 3,240 to
3,450 feet above sea level (Figure 3). The southern edge of the property traverses a high
ridge with the property sloping downward to the north, until it encounters an embankment
supporting Highway 421.
The forested areas are mixed old growth forest with yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera),
Maples (Acer spp.), White oak (Quercus alba), White pine (Pinus strobus), and Pignut
Hickory (Carya glabra). The areas underneath the overhead transmission lines have been
cleared, resulting in a patchwork of habitat types within the relatively small footprint of the
habitat area (36 acres). The majority of the cleared areas are dominated by mountain
goldenrod (Solidago curtisii var. flaccidifolia), with some areas consisting of dense stands.
Much of the cleared area north of the transmission line consists of pasture grasses recently
grazed by cattle.
UCS also reviewed NC Natural Heritage Program (NHP) datasets for sensitive species,
rare communities, management areas, conservation easements, and dedicated nature
preserve areas. There are no documented nature preserves on or near the Subject

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Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 4
Property. Figures 7 — 9 depict the Subject Property location in relation to nearby recordings
of diversity or management areas. No sightings or designations were documented on the
Subject Property, however reports of sensitive species are documented in the general area.
It is important to note that exact data points and plots are not provided by NHP for these
species sightings in order to protect resources from poaching or other impacts. According
to NHP data, the two closest elements reported to the Subject Property are listed below,
however, neither species was observed during the field survey:
Animal - Gray Comma (Butterfly)
Current
EO_ID: 28790
Rank: E
Obs. Date: 9/2008
Accuracy: 5 - very low
Plant - Bog Jack in the Pulpit
Historical
EO ID: 11295
Rank: H
Obs. Date: 07/1977
Accuracy: 3 - medium
NHP datasets depict two "managed areas" located near the site. The Rocky Knob
Mountain Bike Park is an approximately 185 -acre recreational area developed with
numerous hiking and biking trails. This site abuts the Subject Property to the
south/southwest. An easement owned by the Blue Ridge Conservancy is depicted to the
southwest of the Subject Property, but no other site specific data was available. Refer to
Figure 9 for a NHP Managed Areas Map.
3. Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat
Assessment
UCS conducted a threatened and endangered species habitat assessment in compliance
with Section 7 (a) (1) and (2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The USFWS,
which is responsible for enforcing the ESA, stated that they refrain from making any
comments regarding the impacts of projects outside their jurisdiction.
In order to complete the threatened and endangered species assessment, UCS obtained a
list of federally threatened and endangered species for Watauga County from the Asheville
Field Office of FWS. A total of three mammals, one arachnid, six vascular plants and one
lichen were identified threatened or endangered. The list is available in Table 1 and the
complete list supplied by FWS is located in Attachment 1.
Table 1 — Federal Threatened & Endangered Species f r Watauga Count
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
Carolina northern flying squirrel
Glaucomys sabrinus
coloratus
Federal - Endangered
Northern long-eared bat
M otis septentrionalis
Federal - Threatened
Virginia Big -eared bat
Corynorhinus
plecotus) townsendii
vir inianus
Federal - Endangered
Arachnids
Spruce -Fir Moss spider
Microhexura
montivaga
Federal - Endangered
Vascular Plants
Blue Ridge goldenrod
Solida o spithamaea
Federal - Threatened

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Heller's blazing star
Liatris helleri
Federal — Threatened
Roan mountain bluet
Hedyotis purpurea var.
montana
Federal — Endangered
Spreading avens
Geum radiatum
Federal — Endangered
Swamp pink
Helonias bullata
Federal — Threatened
Virginia spiraea
Spiraea vir iniana
Federal — Threatened
Nonvascular Plants
Rock gnome lichen
G mnoderma lineare
Federal — Endangered
3.1 Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel
The Carolina northern flying squirrel is a small nocturnal mammal native to the southern
Appalachian Mountains. Northern flying squirrels have bright cinnamon brown colored fur
along their backs with gray fur around the face and tip of the tail. The belly has bicolored
fur; individual hairs are gray at the base with a creamy white tip. This squirrel's get its name
from the cape of loose skin that stretches from its wrists to its ankles and forms the
membrane on which it glides from tree to tree. The tail is long, flat, and furred. They inhabit
boreal and mixed forests at high elevations, above 4,000 sea level. The Project Area is
located at an elevation not expected to provide habitat for the northern flying squirrel,
although southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) may be located onsite. Southern
flying squirrels are similar in color but decidedly smaller than their northern counterparts.
3.2 Northern Long-eared Bat
The northern long-eared bat is medium sized bat that ranges across half of the northern
United States and Canada. Its fur is variable from medium to dark brown on the back
and tawny to light brown on its undersize. It is distinguished by its large ears. They
spend winters in hibernacula, typically caves or mines, with constant temperatures, high
humidity, and no air currents. They emerge and migrate to summer areas where they
roost singularly or in small colonies. Roosts are variable, and include underneath bark,
in cracks, or crevices of live or dead trees. Some may roost in larger caves or even in
artificial structures. They are nocturnal and emerge at dark to feed on insects.
The bat is extremely vulnerable to white -nose syndrome, a fungal infection which is
causing serious declines in bat populations across the United States. The declines
caused by the disease and ongoing spread of the infection prompted the FWS to list the
northern long eared bat as threatened in 2013. Because these bats occupy a wide
range of habitat types, it is possible that they occur or pass through the Subject
Property. Construction should focus on areas that are already impacted (cleared areas)
to minimize impacts to potential habitat.
3.3 Virginia Big -eared Bat
The Virginia Big -eared Bat is a medium sized bat that is found in West Virginia, North
Carolina, and Kentucky. Fur is light to dark brown depending on age, and facial glands
on either side of the snout are distinctive. This species specifically utilizes limestone
caves for maternity and hibernation periods, and do not migrate in the winter. Preferred
habitat can usually be found in oak -hickory and/or beech -maple -hemlock forests. No
limestone caves were observed. However, it is possible that the species may utilize the

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area.
3.4 Spruce -Fir Moss Spider
The Spruce -Fir Moss Spider is one of the smallest members of the "tarantula" family of
spiders. Actual coloration of the spruce -fir moss spider ranges from light brown to yellow-
brown to a darker reddish brown, and there are no markings on its abdomen. This species
is only found in Fraser Fir and Red Spruce forest communities in the highest elevations
(above 5,400 feet) of the Southern Appalachians in North Carolina. Typical habitat for this
species is damp, moss mats on rocky outcrops and boulders in well shaded forested areas.
Suitable habitat for the Spruce -Fir Moss Spider was not identified on the Subject Property,
and the potential project should not impact this species.
3.5 Blue Ridge Goldenrod
The Blue Ridge Goldenrod (BRG) is a perennial herb endemic to two mountains in
North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain and Hanging Rock Mountain, as well as Roan
Mountain on the Carolina -Tennessee border. It has a solitary or tufted, erect,
unbranched stems from 4 to 12 inches tall. A cluster of yellow flower heads, each
containing 23-30 flowers, bloom in mid -late summer. It occurs on rocky outcrops,
ledges, and cliffs at elevations above 4000 feet. It prefers areas of full sun. BRG was
not identified onsite, no suitable habitat was identified and development is not expected
to impact BRG.
3.6 Heller's Blazing Star
Heller's Blazing Star (HBS) is a perennial herb found in approximately 5 counties in western
North Carolina. It has one or more erect stems that rise from pale green basal leaves.
Flowers are 3-8" spikes of lavender reaching a total heights of 16 inches. HBS blooms in
mid -late summer. It grows on shallow acidic soils. Like BRG, HBS occurs on rocky
outcrops, ledges, and cliffs at elevations above 4000 feet. It prefers areas of full sun. HBS
was not identified onsite, no suitable habitat was identified and development is not
expected to impact HBS.
3.7 Roan Mountain Bluet
Roan Mountain Bluet (RMB) is a perennial herb found in western North Carolina. It grows in
low, loose tufts from 4-6 inches tall. Flowers are funnel shaped and deep purple, and grow
in flat topped clusters containing 1-4 individual flowers. It occurs on rocky outcrops, ledges,
and cliffs at elevations above 4500 feet in areas of full sun. RMB was not identified onsite,
no suitable habitat was identified and development is not expected to impact RMB.
3.8 Spreading Avens
Spreading avens is a habitat specialist and geographically restricted to exposed northwest -
facing cliffs on a few isolated mountain tops of western North Carolina and eastern
Tennessee. It is a perennial herb that grows to 18-20 inches from a large basal rosette.
Stems are topped with bright yellow flowers. It is restricted to elevations above 4,000 sea
level. Spreading avens was not identified onsite, no suitable habitat was identified and
development is not expected to impact spreading avens.

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3.9 Swamp Pink
Swamp pink is a perennial herb with basal evergreen leaves up to 12 inches long. Flowers
occur as a dense terminal cluster on stems reaching from 12-36 inches. It is restricted to
forested wetlands with strict hydrologic requirements. Water tables should be located at or
near the surface and fluctuate very little during the spring and summer. For montane
habitats, it occurs primarily in mountain bogs. Two drainage areas were identified onsite,
but do not appear to meet the hydrologic requirements of swamp pink. Swamp pink was
not identified onsite and development is not expected to impact swamp pink.
3.10 Virginia Spiraea
Virginia spiraea occurs in the southern Appalachian Mountains. In North Carolina, it occurs
in seasonally saturated areas along rocky bars at river edges in alluvial deposits. It is a
dense colonial shrub up to 4 feet tall. The stems are sparsely branched primarily erect with
some arching to the ground. Flowers are cream colored and clustered in a flat to slightly
convex form. Virginia spiraea was not identified onsite, no suitable habitat was identified
and development is not expected to impact Virginia spiraea.
3.11 Rock Gnome Lichen
Rock Gnome lichen occurs in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It occurs on vertical
faces of shady rock or moss -covered shady rock in Frasier -fir forests. It grows in clusters
of strap like fingers up to three quarters of one inch long and about one millimeter across.
They are blue -gray on the upper parts, with white undersides at the tip, transitioning to
black towards the base. They are threatened by loss of Frasier -firs, which are declining
due to an introduced pest that kills mature trees. This loss changes local temperature and
hydrologic regimes to the detriment of the lichens. Rock gnome lichen was not identified
onsite, no suitable habitat was identified and development is not expected to impact HBS.
4. Conclusions and Recommendations - Biological
Resources / Threatened & Endangered Species
Biologists from UCS conducted pedestrian surveys for all the listed species above.
Biologists observed no areas of preferred habitat onsite for the above listed species. No
federally protected plants were documented or are expected to occur onsite. With the
exception of Swamp pink and Virginia spiraea, all plants are restricted to elevations
above the elevation of the Subject Property. Swamp pink, although not observed,
would be limited to wetland habitats which should be avoided to the extent possible.
Virginia spiraea is not expected to occur onsite at any point.
Biological diversity on the Subject Property is impacted by the existing transmission
right-of-way and US Highway 421 to the north. The existing network of transmission
lines located within the project area should allow development of a substation
without further habitat fragmentation. Limiting future development to areas
previously cleared for cattle grazing will minimize impacts to potential species that
may "pass-through" the Subject Property or utilize the area during certain times.
The only feature identified by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program is the
South Fork New River, which is > '/2 mile away. Managed areas in the vicinity

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include the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park and an easement owned by the Blue
Ridge Conservancy. Should this project be developed, no impacts to the river or
managed areas are anticipated. Overall, no biological impact is expected at the
landscape level.
5. Wetland and Waterways Investigation
The Subject Property was reviewed using U.S. Geological Society (USGS) topographic
maps, historical and current aerial photography, National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps,
FEMA Floodplain Maps, National Hydrography Datasets, NRCS Soil Survey Maps,
Datasets, and NC Natural Heritage Datasets data prior to the field visit to identify and
investigate potential water features. No wetlands, streams, water features, or flood zones
are currently documented on the Subject Property.
The Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern
Mountains and Piedmont Region (April 2012) was used to provide technical guidance and
procedures for identifying wetlands or water features on the Subject Property that may be
subject to regulatory jurisdiction under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344).
This supplement was developed to provide regional sensitivity of wetlands in the Central
and Eastern Mountains (LRR N) environment.
The Subject Property was surveyed by qualified professionals completing the 1987 USACE
Wetlands Delineation Manual Certification training. Field data were collected at
observation points to identify water features, which included a review of local soil data,
vegetation, and hydrology. According to the Manual, identification of wetlands is based on
a three -factor approach involving indicators of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soil and
wetland hydrology. The methodology used for determining wetlands is known as the triple
parameter approach. The premise of this approach is that the three essential
characteristics of wetlands (hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology)
must all be present to have a positive wetland determination.
5.1 Site Investigation
The site investigation on the Subject Property was conducted on August 6, 2015. UCS
used an existing dirt road to access the site and pedestrian surveyed transects of the
Subject Property. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the area the evening prior to the
site survey, while moderate to heavy rainfall occurred the morning of the survey. According
to available National Weather Service data for August 6, approximately 1.5 inches of rain
fell on the Subject Property, making conditions extremely wet and muddy.
The Subject Property is approximately 36 acres and consists primarily of undeveloped
forest land with approximately 9.9 acres of land cleared for pasture and electric
transmission right-of-way. According to property representatives, cattle had recently been
removed from the site. From 2000-2003 a large earthen embankment and roadway was
constructed immediately north of the Subject Property, and now operates as U.S. Highway

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421. This development appears to have modified the natural flow of runoff at the far
northern property boundary, where it now flows into a large culvert under U.S. 421. Flow
appears to continue under U.S. 421 to the north where it convenes with the Brown Branch
of the South Fork New River.
During the site survey, UCS observed two areas of concern. These areas appeared to be
small streams or drainage features that channel runoff from the upper elevations of the site
to the north. Refer to Figure 6 for a Site Map depicting the areas of concern. Runoff was
actively flowing through these areas at the time of the survey. UCS utilized a hand-held
geographic positioning system (GPS) unit to record the approximate location of accessible
onsite water features (Table 3, Figure 6). A comprehensive wetland delineation was not
conducted on these features, however data was collected at points to characterize
hydrology, vegetation, and soils.
Table 2. GPS Coordinates of Waterwav Features Watauaa Countv Site
Site
Identificatio
n
Latitude
Longitude
Comments
DP1
36° 13' 26.52"N
81° 37'4.46"W
Water feature on western portion of property
Obligate Wetland
OBL
Occurs with and estimated 99% probability in
flowing from south to north/northeast. More
wetlands
Facultative
defined drainage path visible in cleared areas.
Estimated 67%-99% probability of occurrence in
Wetland
Dominated by Yellow Poplar, Red Maple, Pignut
Hickory, Autumn Clemantis, E. Poison Ivy, Wand
Plant.
DP2
36° 13' 24.88"N
81° 36'54.44"W
Water feature on eastern portion of the property
flowing to the north and partially off the Subject
Property. Dominated by Yellow Poplar, Pignut
Hickory, Wand Plant, Pink Smartweed.
5.2 Hydrophytic Vegetation
Hydrophytic vegetation is defined as the sum total of macrophytic plant life that occurs in
areas where the frequency and duration of inundation or soil saturation produce
permanently or periodically saturated soils of sufficient duration to exert a controlling
influence on the plant species present. The predominate density of hydrophytic to upland
species communities were evaluated at these water features to make a characterization.
Plants identified in the field were categorized by the typical plant indicator status for the
Eastern Mountain and Piedmont Region 2014 Regional Wetland Plant List. Indicator
categories are listed below in Table 3.
able 3. Plant List Indicator Categories
Indicator
Indicator
Definition
Category
Symbol
Obligate Wetland
OBL
Occurs with and estimated 99% probability in
Plants
wetlands
Facultative
FACW
Estimated 67%-99% probability of occurrence in
Wetland
wetlands

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Facultative
FAC
Equally likely to occur in wetlands and non -
Scientific Name
National Key
wetlands (33%-66% probability)
Facultative
FACU
67%-99% probability in non -wetlands, 1%-33% in
Upland Plants
Red Maple.
wetlands
Obligate Upland
UPL
>99% non -wetlands in this region, may occur in
Plants
FAC U
wetlands in other regions
NA
NA
Regional panel not able to reach a unanimous
1-33%
Mountain Laurel
decision on wetland indicator status
Several indicators are used to determine whether hydrophytic vegetation is present
including visual observation of plant species and morphological adaptations. The vegetation
was considered a hydric parameter if it satisfied either the Dominance Test, Prevalence
Test or Additional field indicators were prevalent as detailed in the Manual. Table 4
presents the dominant species located in and around the designated wetlands areas on the
Property.
Table 4. Vegetation
Identified at Watauga County Site
Common Name
Scientific Name
National Key
Occurrence in
Wetland
White Oak
Auercus alba
FAC U
1-33%
Red Maple.
Acer rubrum
FAC
33-66%
Pignut Hickory
Carya glabra
FAC U
1-33%
Yellow Poplar
Liriodendron
tuli ifera
FAC U
1-33%
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
FAC
33-66%
Blackberry
Rubus
Alle heniensis
FAC U
1-33%
E. Poison Ivy
Toxicondendron
radicans
FAC
33-66%
Mountain Rosebay
Rodendron maximum
FAC U
1-33%
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
FAC U
1-33%
Joe Pye Weed
Eupatorium
fistulosum
FAC W
67-99%
Autumn Clemanis
Clemanits vir lana
FAC
33-66%
Wand Plant
Galax urceolata
FAC U
1-33%
Skunk Cabbage
Symplocarpus
foetidis
OBL
99%
Pink smartweed
Polygonum
pens lvanicum
FAC W
67
+/- symbols represent whether a species is near the wetter end of the spectrum (+) or the drier end of the spectrum (-)
Note: Not all species were observed in every wetland documented. A variation of the listed dominant species were
characterized at both areas of concern.
Data Point 1 — Western Water Feature
Site vegetation was documented and characterized along the water feature located on the
western portions of the Subject Property. Topography slopes from the southwest (upper
elevations) to the northwest (lower elevations) and leaves the site to the north through the
culvert under U.S. 421. This water feature is not documented on NWI maps, FEMA
Floodplain maps, or National Hydrography data, although there was active flow from recent
rainfall.

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The sample plot Data Point 1 was dominated by plants within the tree, sapling, and herb
stratum. Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera FAC U), Red Maple (Acerrubrum Fac), and
Pignut Hickory (Carya glabra Fac U) dominated the tree stratum, while Mountain Rosebay
(Rhodendron maximum Fac U), Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicondendron radicans Fac),
Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis Fac U) dominated the sapling/shrub stratum. Autumn
Clemantis (Clemantis viginiana Fac) and Wand Plant (Galax urceolate Fac U) were the
dominant herbs observed at data point P-1. What was thought to be Skunk Cabbage
(Symplocarpus foetidis OBL) was observed in a few areas around Data Point 1, but was not
a dominant species. The wetland indicator status for the dominant species within Data
Point ranged from FAC to FAC U, and the area does not meet the criteria for hydrophytic
vegetation.
Data Point 2 — Eastern Water Feature
Site vegetation was documented and characterized along the water feature located on the
western portions of the Subject Property. Topography slopes from the southwest (upper
elevations) to the northwest (lower elevations) and leaves the site to the north through the
culvert under U.S. 421. This water feature is not documented on NWI maps, FEMA
Floodplain maps, or National Hydrography data, although there was active flow from recent
rainfall. The western portions of the water feature appear to have been recently grazed by
cattle.
Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera FAC U), Red Maple (Acer rubrum Fac), and Pignut
Hickory (Carya glabra Fac U) dominated the tree and sapling stratum, Pink Smartweed
(Polygonum pensylvanicum Fac W), Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicondendron radicans Fac),
and Wand Plant (Galax urceolata Fac U) were the dominant herbs observed at Data Point
2. The wetland indicator status for the dominant species around Data Point 2 ranged from
FAC to FAC W, but did not pass the prevalence or dominance test. The area around Data
Point 2 did not meet the criteria for hydrophytic vegetation.
5.3 Hydric Soils
The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils defines a hydric soil as a soil that
formed under conditions of saturation, flooding, or ponding long enough during the growing
season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part (USDA Soil Conservation Service
1943). Hydric soils indicators are formed predominantly by the accumulation or loss of iron,
manganese, sulfur or carbon compounds. Indicators such as smell, low chroma colors
(Munsell Soil Color Charts), accumulation of matter resulting in dark organic -rich surface
mineral layers are typically used to evaluate the hydric condition of the soils.
Data Point 1 — Western Water Feature
According to the NRCS Soil Survey of Watauga County, soils at Data Point 1 are
primarily located on the Chandler find sandy loam, and border the Evard-Cowee
Complex. Both are moderately to well -drained and located on hillsides and backslopes.

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Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 12
In general, soils appeared to coincide with NRCS Soil Survey data. Refer to Figure 4
for the Soil Survey Map of the Subject Property.
Due to the recent heavy rainfall at the site, soils at the data points were highly saturated
during the field survey. Soils at data points are typically observed by digging a test pit
and analyzing soil color, texture, and moisture content. UCS attempted to dig a shallow
test pit, however soils were completely saturated and difficult to observe. From the
surface to approximately 5 inches, soils were brownish black (10YR 3/2), sludgy with a
mix of leaf litter, organic matter, shallow roots. No definitive redox concentration or
depleted layers could be identified. None of the hydric soil indicators where observed
during the field survey, however, conditions at the site were considered problematic.
UCS, therefore, cannot definitely conclude if the soil is considered "hydric".
Data Point 2 — Eastern Water Feature
According to the NRCS Soil Survey of Watauga County, soils at Data Point 2 are
located on the Sanouk loam. This series is well -drained and located on fans and toe
slopes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Soils generally appeared to coincide with Soil
Survey data. Refer to Figure 4 for the Soil Survey Map of the Subject Property.
Due to the recent heavy rainfall at the site, soils at the data point were highly saturated
during the field survey. Soils at the data points are typically observed by digging a test
pit and analyzing soil color, texture, and moisture content. UCS attempted to dig a
shallow test pit, however soils were completely saturated and difficult to observe. From
the surface to approximately 6 inches, soils were brownish black (10YR 3/3), sludgy
with a mix of leaf litter, organic matter, shallow roots. No definitive redox concentration
or depletion layers could be identified. None of the hydric soil indicators where
observed during the field survey, however, conditions at the site were considered
problematic. UCS, therefore, cannot definitively conclude if the soil is considered
"hydric".
5.4 Hydrology
Wetland hydrology encompasses all hydrologic characteristics of areas that are periodically
inundated or have soils saturated to the surface at some time during the growing season.
Test pits are typically inspected to confirm the presence of indicators below ground surface
(e.g., saturation, high water table, etc.). Primary indicators such as water marks, sediment
deposits, water stained leaves, or algal mat/crust, were gathered to make hydric
determinations. Secondary factors such as crayfish burrows, surface soil cracks, drainage
patterns and oxidized rhizospheres along living roots are used if hydrologic connections
were not easily identified for a combination of two to make an accurate determination.

BREMCO September 2015
Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 13
Data Point 1 — Western Water Feature
Runoff was actively flowing through this water feature due to the recent rainfall at the
site. Depth was less than 1 inch in the southern (elevated) portions of this feature and
was observed flowing in a mosaic -like pattern. The water feature exhibited more
defined banks and with depths ranging from 2-4 inches throughout the central and
northern portions of the water feature. Primary indicators observed include: flowing
surface water, saturated soils, water -stained leaves, and a thin muck surface were all
observed in the area around Data Point 1. Secondary hydrology observed indicators
include: drainage patterns (to the north/northeast), moss -trimmed lines, and geomorphic
position. Based on observations during the site survey, UCS considers this area
meeting the criteria for "wetland hydrology."
Data Point 2 — Eastern Water Feature
Runoff was actively flowing through this water feature due to the recent rainfall at the
site. Depth was approximately 1 inch through most of this water feature, and banks
were poorly defined, except at the most northern (elevated) portions of this feature.
Primary indicators include: flowing surface water, saturated soils, and water -stained
leaves were all observed in the area around Data Point 2. Secondary hydrology
observed indicators include: drainage patterns (to the north) and geomorphic position.
Based on observations during the site survey, UCS considers this area meeting the
criteria for "wetland hydrology."
6. Floodplain Information
The Subject Property is located in Watauga County in the southern portions of the Blue
Ridge Mountains east of the city of Boone, NC. The elevation ranges from 3,240 feet to
3,450 feet above sea level, with the upper elevations located on the southern property
boundary. According to National Weather Service historical data, the area averages
approximately 52 inches of rain and approximately 35 inches of snowfall a year. According
to The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the majority of the site is
located within FIRM Map Panel 3710292100J, while the southeastern portion is located
within Panel 3710292000J. According to FEMA, the site is located in Zone X, which is
outside the 0.2% chance annual floodplain. There are no floodplains documented on the
Subject Property. Refer to Figure 5 for a NWI / FEMA Floodplain Map.
7. Conclusions and Recommendations —
Wetlands/Waterway Investigation
The review of available aerial photography, topographic maps, NRCS Soil Survey maps,
NWI maps, FEMA Floodplain data, and National Hydrography data, produced no
evidence of wetlands, waterways, or floodplains on the Subject Property. However, two
areas of concern were identified as potential jurisdictional water features (see
Figure 6) during the field survey.

BREMCO September 2015
Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 14
Wetland hydrology indicators were observed at each of the data points on the site. Due
to the moderate to heavy rainfall in the hours prior to the survey, UCS experienced
difficulties observing soil conditions. No hydric soil indicators were observed at the data
points in the water features discussed. Dominant vegetation and either data point did
not meet the criteria for hydrophitic vegetation. Therefore, these points do not meet the
criteria to be considered a wetland. However, these water features could potentially be
considered jurisdictional by the USACE.
After a review of USACE regulations, UCS understands that if project infrastructure
is planned to impact a jurisdictional water feature, consultation and/or permitting
may be required through the USACE Wilmington District, Asheville Regulatory Field
Office. Since field surveys identified areas of concern, and there are no documented
water features on the site, UCS recommends submitting for a Preliminary Jurisdictional
Determination. Through this process, the USACE will provide written indication of
whether there are jurisdictional wetlands or water features on Subject Property, and will
provide the approximate location of these features. If considered jurisdictional, UCS
recommends developing a project layout that avoids and/or minimizes impacts to
these features. If it is determined that these areas are not considered jurisdictional,
there is no requirement to consult with the USACE.
If it appears that project infrastructure will impact a jurisdictional feature, UCS
recommends a comprehensive wetland delineation and subsequent professional
survey of the Subject Property and delineated boundaries. This process will
accurately define and plot the jurisdictional boundaries, and support an Approved
Jurisdictional Determination for the Subject Property. This data would also be
utilized in the process of determining whether a General, Individual, or Nationwide
Permit is applicable to the project.

BREMCO September 2015
Biological Resources Assessment / Wetlands & Waterway Investigation 15
8.0 Statement of Limitations
The findings and conclusions documented in this report have been prepared for
specific application to this project, and have been developed in a manner consistent
with the level of care and skill normally exercised by members of the environmental
and wildlife science professions. The conclusions and recommendations presented
in this report are professional opinions based on interpretation of information
currently available to UCS.
Because the report was based on available information provided by landowners,
local agencies, and regulatory databases not within the control of UCS, some of its
conclusions could be different if the information upon which it is based is determined
to be false, inaccurate, or contradicted by additional information.
UCS makes no representation concerning the legal significance of its findings or the
value of the property investigated. UCS has no contractual liability to third parties
for the information or opinions contained in this report. The use of this report or any
information contained therein by any third party shall be at such party's sole risk.
The findings of this report are limited to those specifically expressed in the report
and to the time of the report and no other representations or warranties are given by
UCS and no additional conclusions should be reached or representations relied on
other than those expressly stated in the report.

Figures
Figure 1
— Site Location Map
Figure 2
— Aerial Site Map
Figure 3
— Topographic Map
Figure 4
— NRCS Soil Survey Map
Figure 5
— NWI/FEMA Floodplain Map
Figure 6
— Areas of Concern
Figure 7
— NHP Element Occurrences Data
Figure 8
— NHP Natural Areas Map
Figure 9
— NHP Managed Areas Map

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Aerial Photograph
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13L UE
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Figure 3
Topographic Map
Deep Gap Quadrangle
Highway 421
2.5 Miles East of Boone, NC
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Biological Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
BLUE
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EvE - Evard-Cowee Complex
30-50% slope
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15-30% slope
SnC - Saunook loam
8-15% slope
SnD - Saunook loam
15-30% slope
Map Created By:
UC E EM
Figure 4
Soil Survey of Watauga County, NC
Highway 421
2.5 Miles East of Boone, NC
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Biological Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
BLUE
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electric
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Wetlands
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Estuarine and Marine Deepwater
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Freshwater Pond
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Map r4`Creeated By:
UC ■ reER ETI
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National Wetlands Inventory &
FEMA Floodplain Map
Highway 421
2.5 Miles East of Boone, NC
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Biological Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
BLUE
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member-1hi.p
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Location
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Copyright: ©2013 Esri,
Delo me �MAVTEQ
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Legend s
Eastern Area of Concern
Western Area of Concern
Subject Property
Note: Areas of Concern identified
during field survey on 8-6-2015.
Map depicts approximate boundaries
of water features recorded in the field
with handheld GPS device. Map confers
approximate boundaries only.
Map Created By:
UC SYNERGETIC
Figure 6
Areas of Concern
Observed Water Features
and Data Points
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Biological Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
BLUE
I?i�GE
electr1c
MerntPeralu p
corp.

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Element Occurances
NC Natural Heritage Program
Highway 421
East of Boone, NC
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Bioloical Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
13L UC
I?irZ E
electric
r»tc mberiki. p
Corp.

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Cinci nrtati
Richmond
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Map Created By:
UC IOE 1#
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Natural Areas
NC Natural Heritage Program
Highway 421
East of Boone, NC
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Bioloical Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
13L UC
I?irZ E
electric
r»tc mberiki. p
corp.

Vicinity Map
Cinci nrtati
Richmond
Location
Raleigh
Copy right:©2013 Esri,
DeLorme, NAVTEQ
Legend
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Map Created By:
UC IOE 1#
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Highway 421
East of Boone, NC
Watauga County Site
Approximately 36 Acres
Bioloical Resources Assessment
Prepared for:
13L UC
I?irZ E
electric
r»tc mberiki. p
corp.

Appendices
Appendix 1 — USFWS Federally Threatened & Endangered Species List Watauga County
Appendix 2 — USFWS IPaC Trust Resources Report
Appendix 3 — Field Data Sheets
Appendix 4 - Photographic Documentation

Appendix 1 — USFWS Threatened & Endangered Species List for Watauga County

United States Department of the Interior
vi
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
e Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
#crr a.iA 160 ZILLICOA STREET
ASHEVILLE, NC 28801
PHONE: [phone] FAX: [phone]
URL: www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/countyfr.html
Consultation Code: 04EN1000-2015-SLI-0515
Event Code: 04EN1000-2015-E-01646
Project Name: Watauga County Site
u:s.
FISK aR WILDLIFE
SERVICE
September 08, 2015
Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project
location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project
To Whom It May Concern:
The enclosed species list identifies threatehed, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as
well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of
your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills
the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the
Endangered
nd ered Species Act (Act) -of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
New inform to base updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of
species, Chan d habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to
contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to
federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical
habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of
the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can
be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be
completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and
implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested
through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed
list.
The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and
the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2)
of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq. ), Federal agencies are required
to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and
endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered
species and/or designated critical habitat.

A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having
similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the
human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)
(c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological
evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may
affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended
contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12.
If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation,
that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the
agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service
recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed
within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7
consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered
Species Consultation Handbook" at:
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF
W . ( I
Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require
development of an eagle conservation plan k
0
(http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/eagle_guidance._html). Additionally, wind energy projects
should follow the wind energy guidelines tt`I fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing
impacts to migratory birds and bats.
Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications
towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at:
http://www. fws. gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm;
http://www.towerkill.com; and
http://www. fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdlssues/Hazards/towers/comtow.html.
We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages
Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project
planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in
the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project
that you submit to our office.
Attachment
2

United States Department of Interior
x. �s Fish and Wildlife Service
g
Project name: Watauga County Site
Preliminary Species list
Provided by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 ZILLICOA STREET
ASHEVILLE, NC 28801
[phone]
http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/es/countyfr.html
Consultation Code: 04EN1000-2015-SLI-0515
Event Code: 04EN1000-2015-E-01646
Project Type: LAND - CLEARING
Project Name: Watauga County Site f I
Project Description: Review site for potential electrical substaat on
Please Note: The FWS office may have modified the Project Name and/or Project Description, so it
may be different from what was submitted in your previous request. If the Consultation Code
matches, the FWS considers this to be the same project. Contact the office in the 'Provided by'
section of your previous Official Species list if you have any questions or concerns.
http://ccos.fws.gov/ipac,09/08/2015 11:10 AM

United States Department of Interior
x. �s Fish and Wildlife Service
g
Project name: Watauga County Site
Project Location Map:
Project CoordinL-LTIPOLYGON (((-81.6205163957784 36.2247170378222, -
81.61405956561794 36.22487109728104, -81.6140608517162 36.222415636974105, -
81.62008294922998 36.221905320681856, -81.6205163957784 36.2247170378222)))
Project Counties: Watauga, NC
http://ccos.fws.gov/ipac,09/08/2015 11:10 AM
2

United States Department of Interior
x. �s Fish and Wildlife Service
g
Project name: Watauga County Site
Endangered Species Act Species List
There are a total of 8 threatened or endangered species on your species list. Species on this list should be considered in
an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain
fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. Critical habitats listed under the
Has Critical Habitat column may or may not lie within your project area. See the Critical habitats within your
project area section further below for critical habitat that lies within your project. Please contact the designated FWS
office if you have questions.
Arachnids
Status
Has Critical Habitat
Condition(s)
Spruce -Fir Moss spider (Microhexura
montivaga)
Endangered
Final designad
Flowering Plants
Blue Ridge goldenrod (Sohdaga
spithamaea).
Threatened
Heller's blazingstar (Liatris helleri) -
Threatened
Roan Mountain bluet (Hedyotis
purpurea var. montana)
Endangered
Spreading avens (Geum radiatum)
Endangered
Mammals
Carolina Northern Flying squirrel
(Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus)
Population: Entire
Endangered
Northern long-eared Bat (Myotis
septentrionalis)
Threatened
Virginia Big -Eared bat (Corynorhinus
plecotus) townsendii virginianus)
Endangered
Final designated
http://ccos.fws.gov/ipac,09/08/2015 11:10 AM
3

United States Department of Interior
x. �s Fish and Wildlife Service
3;
Project name: Watauga County Site
Population: Entire
http://ccos.fws.gov/ipac,09/08/2015 11:10 AM

United States Department of Interior
x. �s Fish and Wildlife Service
g
Project name: Watauga County Site
Critical habitats that lie within your project area
There are no critical habitats within your project area.
http://ccos.fws.gov/ipac,09/08/2015 11:10 AM
5

Appendix 2 — USFWS IPaC Trust Resources Report

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• fi «•
f

IPaC Trust Resource Report
US Fish & Wildlife Service
IPaC Trust Resource Report
Project Description
NAME
Watauga County Site
PROJECT CODE
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVMB-EBF7I-LISYEY
LOCATION
Watauga County, North Carolina
DESCRIPTION
Potential electric substation site
currently under review. Actual
disturbance for substation would by
less than 8 acres, once site is selected.
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVM B-EBF7I-LISYEY
x.
F'ILua aWIu,uPe
xixv x: R
Archie Carroll Rd
ti Diy i.lg��i
`ail
r
Pond R
RockyKnob
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Contact Information
Species in this report are managed by:
Asheville Ecological Services Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, NC 28801-1082
[phone]
07/31/2015 04:28 IPaC Information for Planning and Conservation
Version 2.1.0
01
i
Page 2

IPaC Trust Resource Report
Endangered Species
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVM B-EBF7I-LISYEY
Proposed, candidate, threatened, and endangered species that are managed by the
Endangered Species Program and should be considered as part of an effect analysis
for this project.
This unofficial species list is for informational purposes only and does not fulfill the
requirements under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, which states that Federal
agencies are required to "request of the Secretary of Interior information whether any
species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a
proposed action." This requirement applies to projects which are conducted, permitted
or licensed by any Federal agency.
A letter from the local office and a species list which fulfills this requirement can be
obtained by returning to this project on the IPaC website and requesting an Official
Species List from the regulatory documents section.
Arachnids
Spruce -fir MOSS Spider Microhexura montivaga Endangered
CRITICAL HABITAT
There is final critical habitat designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=J014
Flowering Plants
Blue Ridge Goldenrod Solidago spithamaea Threatened
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q2J7
Heller's BlaZingstar Liatris helleri Threatened
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q2CI
Roan Mountain Bluet Hedyotis purpurea var. montana Endangered
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https:Hecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q2B3
Spreading AvenS Geum radiatum Endangered
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q1 WM
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IPaC Trust Resource Report
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVM B-EBF7I-LISYEY
Mammals
Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus Endangered
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A09M
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Threatened
CRITICAL HABITAT
No critical habitat has been designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=AOJ E
Virginia Big -eared Bat Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii virginianus Endangered
CRITICAL HABITAT
There is final critical habitat designated for this species.
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A080
Critical Habitats
Potential effects to critical habitat(s) within the project area must be analyzed along with
the endangered species themselves.
There is no critical habitat within this project area
07/31/2015 04:28 Mac Information for Planning and Conservation
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IPaC Trust Resource Report
Migratory Birds
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVMB-EBF7I-LISYEY
Birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act.
Any activity which results in the take of migratory birds or eagles is prohibited unless
authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1). There are no provisions for
allowing the take of migratory birds that are unintentionally killed or injured.
You are responsible for complying with the appropriate regulations for the protection of
birds as part of this project. This involves analyzing potential impacts and implementing
appropriate conservation measures for all project activities.
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bird of conservation concern
Year-round
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=B008
Black -billed CUCKOO Coccyzus erythropthalmus Bird of conservation concern
Season: Breeding
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=BOH I
Blue -winged Warbler Vermivora pinus Bird of conservation concern
Season: Breeding
Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis Bird of conservation concern
Season: Breeding
FOX Sparrow Passerella iliaca
Season: Wintering
Golden -winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
Season: Breeding
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=BOG4
Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus
Season: Breeding
Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus
Year-round
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=BOFY
Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla
Season: Breeding
Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor
Season: Breeding
Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Year-round
https:Hecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=BOFS
Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus
Season: Wintering
Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii
Season: Breeding
Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
Season: Breeding
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
Bird of conservation concern
07/31/2015 04:28 IPaC Information for Planning and Conservation
Version 2.1.0
Page 5

IPaC Trust Resource Report SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVMB-EBF7I-LISYEY
Worm Eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Bird of conservation concern
Season: Breeding
Yellow -bellied Sapsucker sphyrapicus varius Bird of conservation concern
Season: Breeding
https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=BOFR
07/31/2015 04:28 Mac Information for Planning and Conservation
Version 2.1.0
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IPaC Trust Resource Report
Refuges
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVM B-EBF7I-LISYEY
Any activity proposed on National Wildlife Refuge lands must undergo a 'Compatibility
Determination' conducted by the Refuge. If your project overlaps or otherwise impacts a
Refuge, please contact that Refuge to discuss the authorization process.
There are no refuges within this project area
07/31/2015 04:28 IPaC Information for Planning and Conservation Page 7
Version 2.1.0

IPaC Trust Resource Report
Wetlands
SCGW5-KPXUJ-AXVM B-EBF7I-LISYEY
Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats from your project may be subject to
regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal Statutes.
Project proponents should discuss the relationship of these requirements to their project
with the Regulatory Program of the appropriate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District.
DATA LIMITATIONS
The Service's objective of mapping wetlands and deepwater habitats is to produce reconnaissance level information
on the location, type and size of these resources. The maps are prepared from the analysis of high altitude imagery.
Wetlands are identified based on vegetation, visible hydrology and geography. A margin of error is inherent in the use
of imagery; thus, detailed on -the -ground inspection of any particular site may result in revision of the wetland
boundaries or classification established through image analysis.
The accuracy of image interpretation depends on the quality of the imagery, the experience of the image analysts,
the amount and quality of the collateral data and the amount of ground truth verification work conducted. Metadata
should be consulted to determine the date of the source imagery used and any mapping problems.
Wetlands or other mapped features may have changed since the date of the imagery or field work. There may be
occasional differences in polygon boundaries or classifications between the information depicted on the map and the
actual conditions on site.
DATA EXCLUSIONS
Certain wetland habitats are excluded from the National mapping program because of the limitations of aerial
imagery as the primary data source used to detect wetlands. These habitats include seagrasses or submerged
aquatic vegetation that are found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of estuaries and nearshore coastal waters.
Some deepwater reef communities (coral or tuberficid worm reefs) have also been excluded from the inventory.
These habitats, because of their depth, go undetected by aerial imagery.
DATA PRECAUTIONS
Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over wetlands may define and describe wetlands in a
different manner than that used in this inventory. There is no attempt, in either the design or products of this
inventory, to define the limits of proprietary jurisdiction of any Federal, state, or local government or to establish the
geographical scope of the regulatory programs of government agencies. Persons intending to engage in activities
involving modifications within or adjacent to wetland areas should seek the advice of appropriate federal, state, or
local agencies concerning specified agency regulatory programs and proprietary jurisdictions that may affect such
activities.
There are no wetlands identified in this project area
07/31/2015 04:28 Mac Information for Planning and Conservation Page 8
Version 2.1.0

Appendix 3 — Field Data Forms

WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region
4 .w
ProjecUSite: A"_aA7ijA4rkr City/County: � it +&(.(42t; Sampling Date:
r
ApplicanUOwner: 1 _ State: �[Sampling Point: '�i -gam4_
Investigator(s); j%,()jQd_ej_ 1^�5 _ Section, Township, Range: !� J
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): ��n�}t tY1 �1i � /� f . Local relief (concave, convex, none): C'1 l V Slope (%): =,Jg- 0/0
): Lat: a v `� it
I V Long: t' r Datum:
Subregion (LRR or MLRA
Soil Map Unit Name:��'.� NWI classification:
Are climatic I hydrologic conditions on the site typical for is time of year? Yes �_ No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation dam_, Soil 0 or Hydrology t4 significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes No
Are Vegetation �, Soil , or Hydrology -L3— 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 r
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No within a Wetland? Yes No _�
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks: �i Dn d riov k
St4+` 65
41C i� r,tt. 11 cti jrY,1 rctLOiKI r� i� f� i �ti 5�A>'S ,
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Secondary Indicators minimum of two required)
Primary Indicators minimum of one is required: check all that apply)
_ Surface Soil Cracks (136)
./Surface Water (Al)
_ True Aquatic Plants (614)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
High Water Table (A2)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
_✓, Drainage Patterns (1310)
_
Saturation (A3)
_ Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
7Moss Trim Lines (B16)
Water Marks (131)
T Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (132)
— Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
— Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Drift Deposits (133)
_ Thin Muck Surface (C7)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial imagery (C9)
_ Algal Mat or Crust (134)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1)
_ Iron Deposits (B5)
—/Geomorphic Position (D2)
_ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
_ Shallow Aquitard (133)
✓ Water -Stained Leaves (139)
_ Microtopographic Relief (134)
_ Aquatic Fauna (1313)
_ FAC -Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes- V_/ Na
Depth (inches) :
Water Table Present? Yes -74 No
Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No
Depth (inches):61'"5
Wetland
Hydrology Present? Yes No
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well. aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: �t7x 6,00-lie_0,t,)5tC) 0�
No io�tic � �+ e
jrn -� ill et flay 1
i his
Remarks:
a
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
1�)

VEGETATION (Four Strata) - Use scientific names of plants.
f Absolute
Tree Stratum (Plot size: _" C ) %Cover
Dominant Indicator
S ecies?
�Status
9
f
4. °
5.
7.
= Total Cover
50% of totl_cover: r L � 20% of total cover:
Sa lin (Shrub Stratum (Plot size: II
1. ' 1. ' I S Jol.p_ �Ce.LL�
2. UL -u
4. ! t ro
5.
6.
7.
=Total Cover
0% of total cover: ori• ; 20% of total cover:_
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: �.
1.10 01 pitlu 1tP(1S�[t i
2. 5 + C�r�_.
3. Lt Y _ j'� Y+ c
4.� b0,�?�1�1
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11,
= Total Cover
50%9 of total cover: � 20% of total cover:_
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1. t i i\ t ,
Sampling Point: jt �b�& J—
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:, �' (AIB)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: _Multiply bv:
OBL species 1c;i x 1 = -,{L ,_
FACW species —5 x 2 = --AV
FAC species _ 125_ x 3 = _!15
FACU species _qs:— x 4 =�
UPL species _rte x 5 = _©C�
Column Totals: _ (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 3�
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
_ 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 553.0'
_ 4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definitions of Four Vegetation Strata:
Tree - Woody plants, excluding vines, 3 in. (7.6 cm) or
more in diameter at breast height (DBH), regardless of
height.
Sapling/Shrub - Woody plants, excluding vines, less
than 3 in. DBH and greater than or equal to 3.26 ft ('i
m) tall.
Herb - All herbaceous (non -woody) plants, regardless
of size, and woody plants less than 3.28 ft tall.
Woody vine - All woody vines greater than 3.28 ft in
3.
4. Hydrophytic
5 Vegetation
= Tota! Cover
Present? Yes No
50% of total cover: 20% of total cover:
Remarks: (include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.)
si�
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0

SOIL
Sampling Point:
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) % Type Loc Texture Remarks
'Type: C=Concentration, D=De letion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. 2Location: PL -Pore Lining, WMatrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric SoiW.
Histosol (Al) Dark Surface (57) _ 2 cm Muck (A10) (MLRA 147)
_ Histic Epipedon (A2) _ Polyvalue Below Surface (58) (MLRA 147, 148) _ Coast Prairie Redox (Al 6)
_ Black Histic (A3) _ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (MLRA 147, '148) (MLRA 147, 146)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) _ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) — Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19)
Stratified Layers (A5) Depleted Matrix (F3) (MLRA 136, 147)
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR N) Redox Dark Surface (F6) _ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (All) _ Depleted Dark Surface (F7) _ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Thick Dark Surface (Al 2) _ Redox Depressions (FS)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (Sl) (LRR N, _ Iron -Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR N,
MLRA 147, 148) MLRA 136)
_ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) _ Umbric Surface (Fl 3) (MLRA 136, 122) 3lndicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Redox (S5) Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 148) wetland hydrology must be present,
_ Stripped Matrix (56) Red Parent Material (F21) (MLRA 127, 147) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if oberved):
Type:
1
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
r CL
_ ��
e4s. S
US Army Corps of Engineers Fastem Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0

WETLAND DETERMINATION DATA FORM - Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region
4 .w
ProjecUSite: A"_aA7ijA4rkr City/County: � it +&(.(42t; Sampling Date:
r
ApplicanUOwner: 1 _ State: �[Sampling Point: '�i -gam4_
Investigator(s); j%,()jQd_ej_ 1^�5 _ Section, Township, Range: !� J
Landform (hillslope, terrace, etc.): ��n�}t tY1 �1i � /� f . Local relief (concave, convex, none): C'1 l V Slope (%): =,Jg- 0/0
): Lat: a v `� it
I V Long: t' r Datum:
Subregion (LRR or MLRA
Soil Map Unit Name:��'.� NWI classification:
Are climatic I hydrologic conditions on the site typical for is time of year? Yes �_ No (If no, explain in Remarks.)
Are Vegetation dam_, Soil 0 or Hydrology t4 significantly disturbed? Are "Normal Circumstances" present? Yes No
Are Vegetation �, Soil , or Hydrology -L3— 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 r
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No within a Wetland? Yes No _�
Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes No
Remarks: �i Dn d riov k
St4+` 65
41C i� r,tt. 11 cti jrY,1 rctLOiKI r� i� f� i �ti 5�A>'S ,
HYDROLOGY
Wetland Hydrology Indicators:
Secondary Indicators minimum of two required)
Primary Indicators minimum of one is required: check all that apply)
_ Surface Soil Cracks (136)
./Surface Water (Al)
_ True Aquatic Plants (614)
_ Sparsely Vegetated Concave Surface (B8)
High Water Table (A2)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide Odor (C1)
_✓, Drainage Patterns (1310)
_
Saturation (A3)
_ Oxidized Rhizospheres on Living Roots (C3)
7Moss Trim Lines (B16)
Water Marks (131)
T Presence of Reduced Iron (C4)
_ Dry -Season Water Table (C2)
Sediment Deposits (132)
— Recent Iron Reduction in Tilled Soils (C6)
— Crayfish Burrows (C8)
Drift Deposits (133)
_ Thin Muck Surface (C7)
_ Saturation Visible on Aerial imagery (C9)
_ Algal Mat or Crust (134)
_ Other (Explain in Remarks)
Stunted or Stressed Plants (D1)
_ Iron Deposits (B5)
—/Geomorphic Position (D2)
_ Inundation Visible on Aerial Imagery (B7)
_ Shallow Aquitard (133)
✓ Water -Stained Leaves (139)
_ Microtopographic Relief (134)
_ Aquatic Fauna (1313)
_ FAC -Neutral Test (D5)
Field Observations:
Surface Water Present? Yes- V_/ Na
Depth (inches) :
Water Table Present? Yes -74 No
Depth (inches):
Saturation Present? Yes No
Depth (inches):61'"5
Wetland
Hydrology Present? Yes No
(includes capillary fringe)
Describe Recorded Data (stream gauge, monitoring well. aerial photos, previous inspections), if available: �t7x 6,00-lie_0,t,)5tC) 0�
No io�tic � �+ e
jrn -� ill et flay 1
i his
Remarks:
a
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0
1�)

VEGETATION (Four Strata) - Use scientific names of plants.
f Absolute
Tree Stratum (Plot size: _" C ) %Cover
Dominant Indicator
S ecies?
�Status
9
f
4. °
5.
7.
= Total Cover
50% of totl_cover: r L � 20% of total cover:
Sa lin (Shrub Stratum (Plot size: II
1. ' 1. ' I S Jol.p_ �Ce.LL�
2. UL -u
4. ! t ro
5.
6.
7.
=Total Cover
0% of total cover: ori• ; 20% of total cover:_
Herb Stratum (Plot Size: �.
1.10 01 pitlu 1tP(1S�[t i
2. 5 + C�r�_.
3. Lt Y _ j'� Y+ c
4.� b0,�?�1�1
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11,
= Total Cover
50%9 of total cover: � 20% of total cover:_
Woody Vine Stratum (Plot size: )
1. t i i\ t ,
Sampling Point: jt �b�& J—
Dominance Test worksheet:
Number of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC: (A)
Total Number of Dominant
Species Across All Strata: (B)
Percent of Dominant Species
That Are OBL, FACW, or FAC:, �' (AIB)
Prevalence Index worksheet:
Total % Cover of: _Multiply bv:
OBL species 1c;i x 1 = -,{L ,_
FACW species —5 x 2 = --AV
FAC species _ 125_ x 3 = _!15
FACU species _qs:— x 4 =�
UPL species _rte x 5 = _©C�
Column Totals: _ (A) (B)
Prevalence Index = B/A = 3�
Hydrophytic Vegetation Indicators:
1 - Rapid Test for Hydrophytic Vegetation
_ 2 - Dominance Test is >50%
_ 3 - Prevalence Index is 553.0'
_ 4 - Morphological Adaptations' (Provide supporting
data in Remarks or on a separate sheet)
Problematic Hydrophytic Vegetation' (Explain)
'Indicators of hydric soil and wetland hydrology must
be present, unless disturbed or problematic.
Definitions of Four Vegetation Strata:
Tree - Woody plants, excluding vines, 3 in. (7.6 cm) or
more in diameter at breast height (DBH), regardless of
height.
Sapling/Shrub - Woody plants, excluding vines, less
than 3 in. DBH and greater than or equal to 3.26 ft ('i
m) tall.
Herb - All herbaceous (non -woody) plants, regardless
of size, and woody plants less than 3.28 ft tall.
Woody vine - All woody vines greater than 3.28 ft in
3.
4. Hydrophytic
5 Vegetation
= Tota! Cover
Present? Yes No
50% of total cover: 20% of total cover:
Remarks: (include photo numbers here or on a separate sheet.)
si�
US Army Corps of Engineers Eastern Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0

SOIL
Sampling Point:
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) % Type Loc Texture Remarks
'Type: C=Concentration, D=De letion, RM=Reduced Matrix, MS=Masked Sand Grains. 2Location: PL -Pore Lining, WMatrix.
Hydric Soil Indicators: Indicators for Problematic Hydric SoiW.
Histosol (Al) Dark Surface (57) _ 2 cm Muck (A10) (MLRA 147)
_ Histic Epipedon (A2) _ Polyvalue Below Surface (58) (MLRA 147, 148) _ Coast Prairie Redox (Al 6)
_ Black Histic (A3) _ Thin Dark Surface (S9) (MLRA 147, '148) (MLRA 147, 146)
_ Hydrogen Sulfide (A4) _ Loamy Gleyed Matrix (F2) — Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19)
Stratified Layers (A5) Depleted Matrix (F3) (MLRA 136, 147)
2 cm Muck (A10) (LRR N) Redox Dark Surface (F6) _ Very Shallow Dark Surface (TF12)
Depleted Below Dark Surface (All) _ Depleted Dark Surface (F7) _ Other (Explain in Remarks)
_ Thick Dark Surface (Al 2) _ Redox Depressions (FS)
Sandy Mucky Mineral (Sl) (LRR N, _ Iron -Manganese Masses (F12) (LRR N,
MLRA 147, 148) MLRA 136)
_ Sandy Gleyed Matrix (S4) _ Umbric Surface (Fl 3) (MLRA 136, 122) 3lndicators of hydrophytic vegetation and
Sandy Redox (S5) Piedmont Floodplain Soils (F19) (MLRA 148) wetland hydrology must be present,
_ Stripped Matrix (56) Red Parent Material (F21) (MLRA 127, 147) unless disturbed or problematic.
Restrictive Layer (if oberved):
Type:
1
Hydric Soil Present? Yes No
Depth (inches):
Remarks:
r CL
_ ��
e4s. S
US Army Corps of Engineers Fastem Mountains and Piedmont - Version 2.0

Appendix 4 — Photographic Documentation

Yc/ sYNE-QGETIC photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #1— A view of the western portion of the Subject Property (facing west from livestock pen). Note
Data Point 1 was collected northwest of the vehicle within the western drainage feature.
Photograph #2 — A view of the area surrounding Data Point 1 (western water feature). Surface water observed
flowing to the north/northeast in this area.

uc sYNE.RGffnc* photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #3 — A view of the thick herb stratum (primarily Autumn Clemantis) dominating areas along the
western water feature near Data Point 1.
Photograph #4 — A view of the area surrounding Data Point 2 (eastern water feature).
vf/

w SYNERGETIC photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #5 — A view of the herb stratum around Data Point 2 (eastern water feature).
jP
- ,.fit �•A;.. . n t '� �t� `'� r, �r. ' �'�1. I"AK.�
..00, ` ab ' �.' (' t.� s! �i ► 't
s '"y' r ,A.
IN -� '•� y'
-y �t
d
Photograph #6 — A view of the Pink Smartweed observed near Data Point 2 (eastern water feature)

Uc SYNE.RGETIc' photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #7 — A view of the center of the Subject Property facing south. The transmission line right-of-way is
visible along with the pasture land recently grazed by cattle.
Photograph #8 — A view of the forest area dominated by Yellow Poplar.

uc, SYNERGETIC photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #9 — A view of the center of the Subject Property facing north. Transmission lines are visible along
with the cleared pasture and US Highway 421.
Photograph #10 — A view of the transmission corridor on the eastern side of the Subject Property (facing east).

UC SYNE':IGETUC* photographic Documentation
Photograph #11— A view of a cardinal observed on the Subject Property.
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #12 — A view of a the understory near Data Point 1 dominated by Red Maple and Yellow Poplar.

uc sYNE.QIGffn * photographic Documentation
Client: Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp.
Location: Watauga Site - 36 Acres East of Boone, NC
Dates: August 6, 2015
Photographer: Micah Beard/Jason Brooks
Photograph #13 — A view of a dense stand of Mountain Goldenrod and Autumn Clemantis located near the
transmission line rieht-of-wav on the Subiect PCODerty.
Photograph #14 — A view of the transmission line right-of-way clearing (facing southwest).