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Home My WebLink About20190687 Ver 1_Natural Resources Evaluation_20190528STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Roy COOPER GOVERNOR February 4, 2019 MEMO TO: Trish Beam, Division 12 Environmental Supervisor FROM: Jeffrey Wyatt, Division 12 Environmental Specialist SUBJECT: Natural Resources Evaluation INTRODUCTION JAMES H. TRomoN, III SECRETARY The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to construct an access road into Alexander Industrial Park connecting to SR 1422 (White Plains Rd.) in Alexander County. The proposed road will be a 24 foot wide, 2- lane, 2-way, shoulder section on new alignment. PROTECTED SPECIES Endangered Species Act Protected Species As of June 26, 2018, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) list four federally protected species, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for Alexander 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 study area. Bald eagle will be discussed in a separate heading. Table 1. Federally protected species listed for Alexander County. Scientific Name Common Name Federal Status Habitat Present Biological Conclusion Hexastylis naniflora Dwarf -flowered heartleaf T No No Effect Glyptemys muhlenbergii Bog turtle T(S/A) No Not Required Myotis septentrionalis Northern long-eared bat T Yes MA;NLAA T — Threatened T (S/A) - Threatened due to similarity of appearance MA-NLAA — May Affect — Not Likely to Adversely Affect Dwarf -flowered heartleaf USFWS Optimal Survey Window: March -May Biological Conclusion: No Effect An on -site investigation on January 30, 2019 indicated there is no suitable habitat for the DFH. A review of NHP records on February 4, 2019 indicates no known occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area. Since the survey was conducted outside the optimum survey window multiple transects were walked but no species were observed. Due to the lack of habitat and no observed plants, this project will have no effect on the DFH. Bog turtle USFWS optimal survey window: April 1 — October 1 (visual surveys); April 1-June 15 (optimal for breeding/nesting); May 1-June 30 (trapping surveys) Biological Conclusion: Not Required Species listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance do not require Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. However, a January 30, 2019 survey of the study area found no suitable habitat and therefore this project is not expected to affect the bog turtle. A February 4, 2019 survey of the NCNHP database indicated there are no occurrences of the bog turtle within a one -mile radius of the project site. Northern long-eared bat USFWS Recommended Survey Window: June 1 — August 15 Biological Conclusion: May Affect; Not Likely to Adversely Affect During field investigations on January 30, 2019 the area was assessed for suitable bat habitat. The area being forested was found to provide suitable habitat. Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest Northern Long -Eared Bat location approximately 27 miles northwest of the proposed project area. The closest listed underground mine, per NHP database is the O F Patterson Mine, 2.7 miles southeast of the project. There are currently no known hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the minor tree clearing associated with this DOT project would be exempted from incidental take under the 4(d) Rule streamlined consultation form. Per guidance from USFWS personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30 day response period is waved. http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project_review/NLEB_ in WNC.html Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act The Bald Eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and enforced by the USFWS. Habitat for the Bald Eagle primarily consists of mature forests 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 January 30, 2019 using recent color aerials. No water bodies large enough or sufficiently open to be considered potential feeding sources were identified. Since there was no foraging habitat within the review area, a survey of just the project study area was conducted, but no nests were observed. Additionally, a review of the NHP database on February 4, 2019 revealed no known occurrences of this species within 1.0 mile of the project study area. Due to the lack of habitat, known occurrences, and minimal impact anticipated for this project, it has been determined that this project will not affect this species. WATER RESOURCES Water resources in the study area are part of the Yadkin River basin [U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Unit 03040102]. One stream was identified in the study area (Table 2). The location of the stream is shown in attached maps. Table 2. Streams in the study area NCDWR Bank Bankfull Best Usage Depth Stream Name Map ID Index Height Width Classification (in) Number (ft) (ft Ut to Bull Branch SA 12-108-5-2 WS-11 HQW 2.5 5 1-2 Ut to Bull Branch is designated as a water supply watershed (WS-II) from its headwaters to downstream of South Yadkin River. Ut to Bull Branch is also designated as High Quality Water (HQW) from its headwaters to South Yadkin River. Neither Ut to Bull Branch nor any streams within 1.0 mile downstream of the study area are listed on the North Carolina 2016 Final 303(d) list of impaired waters due to due to excessive sedimentation and/or turbidity. No other surface waters/wetlands were identified within the study area.