Agenda - 10-14-1993 - D 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo 0 7 `l Page 2 June 16 , 1993 control and filtration functions on surface water draining from the quarry into Stone Quarry Reservoir and University Lake . The vegetated corridor along Phil ' s Creek provides a habitat connection for wildlife movements among otherwise isolated tracts of undisturbed land. The environmental document is generally well written and provides much of the information needed for our review of fish and wildlife habitat impacts . However, several specific points need clarification or revision. The NCWRC offers the following comments on the DEIS : 1) While the DEIS describes a literature review of known populations of protected species in Orange County, no field investigation is mentioned. The summary section (page S-3) states that " . . .no listed specles will be affected by the Expansion Alternative . " While it may be unlikely that such impacts will occur, the absolute statement that the project will have no effect seems unwarranted in the absence of field investigations . The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) should provide information on the extent and timing of species surveys (if any) as well as the qualifications of the individuals conducting the surveys . 2) The NCWRC supports the proposed 50 foot vegetated buffer to protect Phil ' s Creek. It is not clear if this buffer would be expanded to protect associated wetlands near existing SR 1104 . The FEIS should clarify the extent to which this wetland area will be retained and protected. The existing crossing of Phil ' s Creek -on SR 1104 could be retained for any necessary" stream crossing by construction equipment, since this would be less damaging than fording of the creek. If no equipment crossing is necessary, the culverts and pavement should be Yemoved, and the approach causeways should be restored to natural grade and revegetated. A detailed description of project needs and planned modifications in the vicinity of the Phil ' s Creek wetlands should be . developed in the FEIS . 3) The conclusion on page 4-12 that " . . .edge ecotone. . .will provide a much richer diversity of flora and fauna" is not particularly applicable to the project site, which consists of a mosaic of different vegetation types and successional stages . It is doubtful that complete removal of all interior vegetation will result in more edge habitat on the future project perimeter than presently exists on the site . While edge habitat may support a higher faunal and floral diversity than other habitat types, many species are vulnerable to competition or predation from edge species . Large blocks of forest habitat, particularly mature hardwoods, are becoming