Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
M WADAMS ORANGE COUNTY ENVRIONMENTAIL ASSESSMENT>SPEC-18025 <br /> eastern side of the project area, Most of the forested areas are dominated by mature hardwood tree species, <br /> including southern red oak(Quercus rubra),white oak(Quercus alba),red maple(Ater rubrum),tulip poplar <br /> (Llriodendron tuliplfera)and dogwood species(Cornus sp.).There are also a few forested areas dominated by <br /> mature pines with a hardwood understory. <br /> Approximately 60 acres of the project area encompassing the riparian buffers along tributaries to Sevenmile Creek <br /> are protected by a conservation easement held by the NC Division of Mitigation Services (Figure 3). Development is <br /> prohibited within the conservation easement. <br /> Federally Protected Species <br /> An assessment of threatened and endangered species was conducted for the project area.The assessment included <br /> a review of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC)online tool <br /> and the NC Natural Heritage Program online database. IPaC was used to generate an official list of federally <br /> protected species that could be found within the project area.The species identified by the IPaC tool are dwarf <br /> wedgemussel(Alosmidonta heterodon), Michaux's sumac(Rhos michauxii),and smooth coneflower(Echinacea <br /> laevigata). Both Michaux's sumac and smooth coneflower are found in areas that experience periodic disturbances, <br /> such as along roadsides and utility line rights of way. McAdams staff will conduct a survey for Michaux's sumac and <br /> smooth coneflower during the optimal survey windows for these species,which is late May through October. <br /> McAdams has consulted with the USFWS Raleigh Field Office regarding the presence of suitable habitat for the <br /> dwarf wedgemussel on the site,and whether a survey will be necessary to determine whether suitable habitat is <br /> present. In correspondence dated May 8,2018,the USFWS stated that based on their records there is not habitat <br /> for dwarf wedge mussel within the project area,and no additional surveys are required. <br /> Cultural Resources <br /> A cultural resource literature review of the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office(SHPO) National <br /> Registry records was conducted to determine if there are any recorded archeological sites,historic structures, <br /> cemeteries,or historic properties within the project area or within 0.25 miles of the project boundary.The term <br /> "cultural resources" refers to prehistoric or historic archaeological sites,architectural structures,or artifact deposits <br /> which are over 50 years old. "Significant" cultural resources are those sites that are eligible or potentially eligible for <br /> inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Evaluations of site significance are made with reference <br /> to the eligibility criteria of the National Register(33 CFR 60)and in consultation with the North Carolina State <br /> Historic Preservation Office(5HPO). <br /> The project area was traversed on foot to assess the potential presence of cultural resources. Based on a review of <br /> the SHPO's records for the subject property,there are no listed historic resources within the subject property,and <br /> no historic structures were observed during the on-site assessment. In a letter dated May 7,2018,the SHPO stated <br /> that they are not aware of any historic resources that would be affected by the project and,therefore,they have no <br /> comment on the proposed project. <br /> creating experiences through experience 3 04 <br /> 57 <br />