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

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2.3 Ecolo ical Surve As a part of their site evaluation, HDA performed an investigation to identify areas that contain habitat needed to support known endangered or threatened plant and animal species. As further explained in their report, dated April 29, 2449, HOA found that no occurrence of species listed by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program occurs within the white Cross Quadrangle, except for three species of mussels that are listed as species of concern or threatened. Of these three mussels, potential habitat was observed on the candidate property only for the Creeper Mussel. The Catena Group, Inc., a Hillsborough firm specializing in aquatic surveys, was retained to perform a mussel survey for the site and accessible areas of Collins Creek tributaries downstream of the site. A copy of this report is included in Appendix C. Briefly, their findings were that there are no mussel habitat on the site. An area just downstream of the stream crossing with Highway 54 was found to contain suitable habitat but without any mussels. At a crossing of Collins Creek with Old Greensboro Road over three miles to the south, several broad -based non - threatened mussel species were identified; but no Creeper Mussels or other threatened mussel species were identified. Based on these findings, the construction and operation of the proposed transfer station on the property should not present a threat to the Creeper Mussel or any other listed mussel species in the area. The results of these investigations will be coordinated with the Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department (ERCD). 2.4 Septic Drain Field Suitalailit The plans for the transfer station include provision for on -site restroorn facilities for four to six employees to be assigned to the facility. "Porta- Potties" are planned for the drivers of the collection trucks, as is done at the existing Eubanks Road Landfill. Therefore, the capacity needed for the septic system will be small, only needed to support the assigned personnel during work. hours. Based on the USDA Orange County Soil Survey, the major portion of the site consists of Lignum soils with a low to moderately law capacity to transmit water. There are limited areas of more water transmissive soils on the site. Previous investigations have indicated limited areas of suitable soils available for conventional drain. -field systems. Applications have been submitted to Environmental Health Services of the Orange County Health Department for evaluation of the site area for a conven- tional septic system. This evaluation will be conducted as soon as it can be scheduled. Once this evaluation has been completed, plans can be finalized for the location of the drain field or, if necessary, for the design of a low- pressure mounded surface or other alternative drain -field system. Septic system requirements should not prevent use of the site. 2.5 Enhanced Environmental Assessment In consideration of the BOCC's decision that further investigations be conducted of the identified environmental issues for Candidate Site 455, numerous additional investigative activities have been Orange County Transfer Station May 2009 3