Agenda - 09-01-2009 - 6a - Laserfiche WebLink

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North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Natural Resources Planning and Conservation Beverly Eaves Perdue Linda Pearsall Dee Freeman Governor Director Secretary March 18, 2009 MEMORANDUM TO: Melba McGee,, DENR Environmental Coordinator FROM: Katie Armstrong, NC Natural Heritage Program SUBJECT: EA — Proposed baste Transfer station, orange County REFERENCE: Project No. 09-0 228 The NC Natural Heritage Program (N H P) has reviewed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed waste transfer station in southern orange County. The NHP recognizes that this project has the potential to impact several federally and state listed species and at least one Aquatic Significant Natural Heritage Area SASNHA). According to N H P data, one population of the Federal Species of Concern and State Endangered brook floater lasmidonta varicosa) was found in Collins Creep one km upstream and one km downstream of Old Greensboro Road (SR 1005), downstrea of the proposed waste transfer site near NC-54 and orange Grove Road. We have no evidence that Collins Creep has been surveyed farther upstream, closer to NC-54. Additionally, the portion of Collins Creep that supports brook floater and the area downstream to the Haw River are considered part of the Haw River Aquatic Habitat Significant Natural Heritage Area, A significant natural heritage area (SNHA) is an area of land or water identified by NH P as being important for protection of the state's biodiversity. Significant Natural Heritage Areas contain one or more high- quality or rare natural communities, rare species, and /and special animal habitats. This Aquatic significant Natural Heritage Area (ASNHA) is considered to be of national significance because it contains one of just a few known sites for the endemic and Federally Endangered Cape Fear shiner (Notropis mek stocholas). The globally rare Septima's clubtail (Gomphus septima) is also present. Although it is within the extent of the neap of Pans and Natural Areas (Exhibit G of the EA), the neap neglected to include the portion of Collins Creep that has been designated Haw River Aquatic Habitat Significant Natural Heritage Area. This is a similar designation as Lower Cane Creek Slopes and Bottom SN HA (labeled Cane Creed. Reservoir) and Pickards Mountain SN HA which are included on the neap. All species listed above are expected to be sensitive to sedimentation, runoff, and changes in hydrology that night affect the flow of Collins Creek and its tributaries, at least two of which originate within the 1601 Mail Service Center, aiei h North CarolJna 27699 -1601 One , NofthCarolina Phone: 919-715-4195 \ FAX: 919-715-3060 Internet., www.oneNCNaturally.org Are Equal Opott-Unity � Affirmative ActiOR Empbyer olura! Res wces Planning and Cwsara%