AQUATIC RESOURCES IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION REPORT S.R. 0522, Section 004 Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement

Transcription

1 AQUATIC RESOURCES IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION REPORT S.R. 0522, Section 004 Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Dublin and Todd Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania June 2007 Prepared for: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District North Juniata Street Hollidaysburg, PA Prepared by: A.D. Marble & Company 1000 Gamma Drive, Suite 203 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238

2 AQUATIC RESOURCES IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION REPORT Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 9-0 S.R. 0522, Section 004 Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project Dublin and Todd Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania Prepared for: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District North Juniata Street Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA Prepared by: A.D. Marble & Company 1000 Gamma Drive, Suite 203 Pittsburgh, PA June 2007

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents... i 1. INTRODUCTION Project Overview Project Area Description METHODOLOGY INVESTIGATION RESULTS Review of National Wetland Inventory Mapping Review of Soil Survey Mapping Wetland Field Investigation Surface Water Investigation Threatened and Endangered Species Coordination CONCLUSIONS...7 List Preparers...8 References...9 Figures Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4: Project Location Map Natural Resources Map NWI Wetlands Map NRCS Soil Survey Map APPENDICES Appendix A: Wetland Data Forms Appendix B: Photographs Appendix C: Stream Survey Data Forms Appendix D: PNDI Receipt Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section 004 Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report i

4 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Overview This report presents the methodology and results of the wetland and surface water investigation, conducted for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Engineering District 9-0, for the replacement of the S.R Bridge over Licking Creek. The proposed project is located in Dublin and Todd Townships, Fulton County (Figure 1) at Lat / Long / This project involves the replacement of the structure and minor approach work to the east and west of the bridge. The bridge carries S.R over Licking Creek. A temporary causeway will be utilized to re-route traffic around the existing structure during construction. The causeway will be located approximately 300 feet downstream of the existing structure. For purposes of this study the general study area is defined as approximately 100 feet on either side of the structure, approaches and temporary causeway. The project study area boundary is depicted on Figure 2. The environmental studies conducted within this area included the identification and delineation of palustrine wetlands, and the assessment of the physical characteristics and the functional analysis of the project area streams. Threatened and Endangered Species coordination was also conducted as part of this study. 1.2 Project Area Description The proposed project is located in Dublin and Todd Townships, Fulton County. The terrain is predominantly wooded rolling hills. The proposed project lies within the drainage basin of Licking Creek. The surrounding area is comprised of forested and residential properties along the length of S.R within the project limits. Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

5 2. METHODOLOGY The wetland investigation was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Technical Report Y-87-1), Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), Chapter 105 Regulations, Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act, and PennDOT Wetland Finding Procedures. The identification and delineation of jurisdictional wetland habitats was conducted through the use of existing information and field investigations. The existing information utilized for this investigation included: United States Geographic Survey (USGS), 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle of Burnt Cabins, PA; United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), 7.5 minute quadrangle Burnt Cabins, PA; and Natural Resource Conservation Service/Soil Conservation Service (NRCS/SCS), Fulton County Soil Survey mapping and the Hydric Soils Fulton County Pennsylvania list. Wetland habitats identified and surveyed during the field investigation were delineated utilizing the routine on-site determination method as described in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (Technical ReportY-87-1). Wetland habitats were classified according to the USFWS Classifications of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin, et al. 1979). Pertinent information, including dominant vegetation, Munsell soil color, signs of hydrology, and types of disturbance (if applicable) was recorded onto a routine on-site wetland data form for each wetland. The surface water investigation consisted of reviewing existing information, and field investigations. Existing information utilized for this study included; USGS, 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle of Burnt Cabins, PA, Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 87 Surface Mining of Coal and Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards and the 2007 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws. Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

6 Streams were classified in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 87 Surface Mining of Coal. The Pennsylvania Code Title 25, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards was used to identify stream management classifications. Sample point locations were established along the stream. The project area streams were analyzed through visual observation of physical characteristics as well as functional capabilities. Macroinvertebrates were sampled by physically overturning and examining substrate, woody debris, and detritus. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic classification, abundance, and diversity were recorded onto the surface water hydrology survey data form. The taxonomic classification was completed to the Order level, and the abundance and diversity of each order was detailed. Fin fish sampling was not conducted for this investigation but visual observation was documented. 3. INVESTIGATION RESULTS 3.1 Review of National Wetlands Inventory Mapping The NWI map identifies one wetland in the vicinity of the project study area. One large wetland complex is mapped along Licking Creek to the west of the S.R structure. This wetland complex is classified as PFO1A (Palustrine - Forested - Broad-Leaf Deciduous - Temporarily Flooded). The NWI wetland is depicted on Figure Review of Soil Survey Mapping The Soil Survey indicated that the soils within the project study area are identified as Melvin silt loam (Me), Laidig gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slope (LbD), and Hazelton and Dekalb soils, 25 to 75 percent slope (HRF). The Melvin silt loam is the only project study area soil included on the Hydric Soils list for Fulton County. It is listed as a major Hydric soil. Project area soils are depicted on Figure 4. Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

7 3.3 Wetland Field Investigation The field reconnaissance of the project study area was conducted on March 21, The field reconnaissance consisted of a visual inspection and sampling of habitats within the project study area. The wetland boundaries were marked with flagging and surveyed. Five wetland areas were delineated within the project study area. These five wetland areas are depicted on Figure 2 as Wetlands W1 - W5. The corresponding data sheets are included in Appendix A. Photographs are included in Appendix B. Wetland W1 is a fringe wetland located adjacent to the north bank of Licking Creek between the stream and Narrows Road to the east of S.R structure (Photograph 1). This wetland is classified as a palustrine emergent/palustrine scrub shrub (PEM/PSS) wetland comprised of 1762 square feet (0.040 Acres). The soils in the wetland displayed characteristics of hydric soils with a chroma of one with mottles. Primary signs of hydrology consisted of saturated soils, drift lines, and drainage patterns. Sources of hydrology included overbank flow, groundwater, and overland flow. Vegetation consisted of Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum, FACW), Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea, FACW+), Soft Rush (Juncus effuses, FACW+), and Speckled Alder (Alnus Rugosa, FACW+). Wetland W2 is a fringe wetland adjacent to the north bank of Licking Creek to the east of Wetland W1 (Photograph 2). This wetland is classified as a PEM/PSS wetland comprised of 604 square feet (0.020 Acres) within the project study area. Wetland W2 extends beyond the project study area to the east along Licking Creek. The soils in the wetland displayed characteristics of hydric soils with a chroma of two with mottles. Primary signs of hydrology consisted of saturated soil, drainage patterns and water marks. Sources of hydrology included overbank flow, surface water flow and groundwater. Vegetation consisted of Silky Dogwood, Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus, OBL), Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, FACW), and Speckled Alder. Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

8 Wetland W3 is a fringe wetland located west of the S.R structure along the north bank of Licking Creek (Photograph 3). The wetland is classified as a palustrine forested/palustrine scrub/shrub (PFO/PSS) wetland comprised of 436 square feet (0.010 acres). The soils in the wetland displayed characteristics of hydric soils with a chroma of one. Primary signs of hydrology consisted of saturated soils, sediment deposits and drainage patterns. Sources of hydrology included overbank flow and groundwater. Vegetation consisted of Skunk Cabbage and Green Ash. Wetland W4 is a floodplain wetland located west of the S.R structure along the south bank of Licking Creek (Photograph 4). The wetland is classified as a PSS/PFO wetland comprised of 324 square feet (0.010 acres) within the study limits. Wetland W4 extends beyond the project study area to the west along Licking Creek and an unnamed tributary. The soils in the wetland displayed characteristics of hydric soils with a Gley 1 matrix. The primary sign of wetland hydrology consisted of inundation and surface saturated soils. sources of hydrology consist of groundwater and spring seeps. Vegetation consisted of Speckled Alder, Skunk Cabbage, Purple- Leaf Willow-Herb (Epilobium coloratum, OBL), and Silky Dogwood. Wetland W5 is a fringe wetland located east of the S.R structure along the south bank of Licking Creek (Photograph 5). The wetland is classified as a PSS/PEM wetland comprised of 5,799 square feet (0.140 acres). The soils in the wetland displayed characteristics of hydric soils with a chroma of one. Primary signs of wetland hydrology consisted of saturated soils, sediment deposits and drainage patterns. The main source of hydrology is groundwater. Vegetation consisted of Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica, FAC-), Reed Canary Grass, and Silver Maple (Onoclea sensibilis, FACW). Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

9 3.4 Surface Water Investigation The S.R structure carries the roadway over Licking Creek. Chapter 93 designates Licking Creek as a cold water fishery (CWF). The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) list Licking Creek as an Approved Trout Water in the project area. Coordination with PFBC will be required to discuss construction issues such as stream disturbance restriction dates which typically run from March 1 st to June 15 th. The field reconnaissance of streams in the project study area was conducted on March 21, The field reconnaissance consisted of a visual inspection and sampling of macroinvertebrates within the stream. The stream banks were marked with flagging and surveyed. The stream bed consisted primarily of cobble and bedrock. The average water depth was 12 inches with an average width of 30 feet. Macroinvertebrates included mayfly, caddis fly, amphipod, decapod, hellgramite, and black fly. A stream data form was completed for the stream and is included in Appendix C. Photographs of the Licking Creek are included in Appendix B. The project area stream is depicted on Figure Threatened and Endangered Species Coordination Coordination with the PADCNR Bureau of Forestry, PNDI, PFBC, PGC, and USFWS was initiated using the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program s PNDI project planning and environmental review tool. Based on the project specific information provided no impacts to state or federally listed, proposed, or candidate species are anticipated. Therefore, no further consultation is required. The PNDI receipt is included in Appendix D. Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

10 4. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the field reconnaissance, a total of five jurisdictional wetland habitats totaling 8,925 square feet (0.20 acres) were delineated within the project study area. In addition, one perennial watercourse was identified. The following table is a summary of these resources. TABLE 1 Summary of Project Area Streams and Wetlands WETLANDS Wetland # Classification Size (square feet / acres) W1 PEM/PSS 1762 / W2 PEM/PSS 604 / W3 PFO/PSS 436 / W4 PSS/PFO 324 / W5 PSS/PEM 5,799 / TOTAL 8,925 / 0.22 STREAMS Stream ID Classification CHPT. 93 Designation Tributary to: Licking Creek Perennial Cold Water Fishery / Approved Trout Water Potomac River Bridge Over Licking Creek Replacement Project, S.R. 0522, Section Aquatic Resources Identification and Evaluation Report

11 List of Preparers Name: Education: Experience: Role in Project: Kenneth Stockert B.S. Environmental Resource Management 15 years Project Management Name: Education: Experience: Role in Project: Brook Gabel B.S. Environmental Resource Management 7 years Field Investigations Name: Education: Experience: Role in Project: Andrew Dzurko B.S. Environmental Science 10 years Field Investigations, Report Preparation Warrendale-Bayne Road Improvements, S.R. 4052, Section A05 8 Natural Resource Identification and Evaluation Report

12 References Natural Resources Conservation Service. Soil Survey of Fulton County, Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania. US Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, Report No. FWS/OBL- 79/31, U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC, Cowardin, L.M., Charter, V., Golet, F.D., and LaRoe, E.T., December Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual, Technical Report Y-87-1, Environmental Laboratory, Department of the Army, Waterways Experiment Station, Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Munsell Soil Color Charts, MacBeth Division of Kollmargen Instruments Corporation, New Windsor, New York, National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands, National Wetlands Inventory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. St. Petersburg, FL, Reed, Porter B., National Wetland Inventory Mapping, United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Burnt Cabins, PA. Pennsylvania Code Title 25. Environmental Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Chapter 93. Water Quality Standards, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Code Title 25. Environmental Resources, Department of Environmental Resources, Chapter 87. Surface Mining of Coal, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Wetland Finding Procedures, Strike-off Letter , Pennsylvania Department of Transportation January Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Warrendale-Bayne Road Improvements, S.R. 4052, Section A05 9 Natural Resource Identification and Evaluation Report

13 FIGURES

14 Figure 1 Project Location Map Knobsville (SR0522) Bridge Replacement Todd and Dublin Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania Project Location É Project Location 2, ,000 Feet Map Sources: USGS Brunt Cabins Quadrangle.

15 ( F 2 W2 PC 102 ( F 5 PT W5 PT 101 MH " PC BM PT PRC PC PC W ( F PC PT PC T ( F PRC 105 PT W BM-2 ( F 45 1 ( F W1 MH WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT ( F E 8 T BM-3 ( F PT Figure 2 Natural Resources Map Knobsville Bridge (SR0522) Replacement Todd and Dublin Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania ( F Photo Location Open Ended Wetland Wetlands Study Area Licking Creek ± Feet Licking Creek

16 Figure 3 NWI Map Knobsville Bridge (SR0522) Replacement Todd and Dublin Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania Project Location PFO1A Project Location Source: USFWS NWI Map and PAMap 2005 Lowlevel Aerials Feet ±

17 Figure 4 Project Soils Map Knobsville Bridge (SR0522) Replacement Todd and Dublin Townships, Fulton County, Pennsylvania HRD SSF SeD DEF LaC Project Location LbD HRF SrD BrB Me BuC BkC LaC LbD CsB HRF Project Location Feet ±

18 APPENDIX A: WETLAND DATA FORMS

19 MODIFIED DATA FORM ROUTINE WETLAND DETERMINATION Wetland Name: W4 Point Classification: PSS/PFO : Project/Site: SR 0522 Knobsville Bridge Date: 3/21/07 Applicant/Owner: PennDOT Dist. 9-0 County: Fulton State: PA Site Circumstances: Normal X Atypical Conditions Problem Area Investigator(s): Brook Gabel, Andrew Dzurko Has vegetation, soils and/or hydrology been significantly disturbed? Yes: No: X Comments: VEGETATION Common Name Scientific Name Stratum Indicator 1. Skunk Cabbage Symplocarpus foetidus H OBL 2. Purple Leaf Willow Herb Epilobium coloratum H OBL 3. Alder Alnus Rugosa S FACW+ 4. Beech Fagus grandifolia S FACU 5. Silky Dogwood Cornus Amomum S FACW Percent of dominant species that are OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-) >50% Hydrophytic Vegetative Community Present? Yes: X No: Vegetation Remarks: HYDROLOGY Field Observation Primary Indicators Secondary Indicators Surface water depth (in) -- Sat. in upper 12 in. X Water-stainned leaves X Free water Depth (in) 5 Inundated X Oxidized root channels Saturated soil depth (in) 1 Drift lines X FAC-Neutral Test Water Marks Other Sediment Deposits Drainage Patterns X Is the wetland hydrology criterion met? Yes: X No: Hydrology Remarks: Areas of surface water within wetlands

20 Wetland Name: W4 SOILS Series and Phase: Me - Melvin silt loam Profile Description: Horizon Depth (in) Matrix Color Mottle Color Mottle Abundance Texture O A YR 5/ Sandy Loam B 2-12 Gley 1 4/10Y Silt Loam C 12+ Rock Hydric Soil Indicators: Sulfidic Odor Concretions Reducing Conditions Listed as a Hydric Inclusion Soil Gleyed Soils X Listed as a Hydric Soil X High Organic Content Other (See Remarks) Is the hydric soil criterion met? Yes: X No: Soil Remarks: WETLAND DETERMINATION Hydrophytic Vegetative Community Present? Yes: X No: Flagged: 11 Wetland Hydrology Present? Yes: X No: O.E. Flags Hydric Soils Present? Yes: X No: Photos: All three wetland criteria met. Wetland Remarks: Open-ended between flags 1 and 11 Wetland type: PSS/PFO X Hydrology source(s): Delineation rationale: Groundwater, Spring seep Swale with free standing water that drains to stream bordered by pines