S.R. 2027, Section 02B PADEP Environmental Assessment Form. Enclosure C Description of Aquatic Habitat

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1 S.R. 2027, Section 02B PADEP Environmental Assessment Form Description of Aquatic Habitat Water resources that exist within the project area include Hosensack Creek and two palustrine emergent (PEM) wetlands. Also located within the project area is a man-made drainage ditch in the southeast quadrant of the project area. This ditch flows into Hosensack Creek 75.0 feet downstream of the S.R Bridge and was determined to not be federally jurisdictional. No disturbance to the PEM wetlands or drainage ditch is anticipated. Photographs of Hosensack Creek and the PEM wetlands are included in the attached Wetland Identification and Delineation Report (A.D. Marble & Company 2002). 8.A. AQUATIC HABITATS (1) Food Chain Production Title 25, Chapter 93 of the Pennsylvania Code classifies Hosensack Creek as a Cold Water Fishery (CWF). Information from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) indicates that the creek is not listed as a wild trout stream and it is not trout stocked. According to the United States Geological Service (USGS) topographic mapping for Milford Square and East Greenville, PA, and confirmed by field observations, Hosensack Creek is a perennial stream. Primary energy sources of food chain production in streams are based on the supply of surrounding riparian vegetation and in-stream aquatic plants (Plafkin et al. 1989). Leaf litter is essential for sustaining shredding and filtering macroinvertebrates and for providing nutrients to the stream. Vegetative cover around the waterway also provides cover and stabilizes the water temperature. Hosensack Creek offers food chain production support for a variety of aquatic organisms within the bridge replacement study area. Upstream of the S.R Bridge adjacent land is mainly composed of pasture land, which would supply only a limited amount of detritus material to the stream; however, two small wetland areas and a narrow shrub and tree line also exist along the upstream banks of the waterway and function to supply leaf litter and vegetative cover. Detrital material and moderate vegetative cover is also supplied to a greater degree by the wooded western stream bank of Hosensack Creek downstream of the S.R Bridge. The riparian vegetation provides the proper food sources and cover in which to provide a sustainable habitat for aquatic organisms within Hosensack Creek. No standard field studies of the fish community were completed within the waterway by A.D. Marble & Company; however, a field visit in March 2006 identified the presence of fish species within Hosensack Creek. A brief stream survey was completed by A.D. Marble & Company in March 2006 to assess the presence of benthic macroinvertebrates within the waterway. Dominant S.R. 2027, Section 02B 1

2 macroinvertebrate species found within the project area along Hosensack Creek included caddisflies, mayflies, scuds, and planaria. This 2006 qualitative survey is similar to a quantitative benthic macroinvertebrate survey performed in 2005 by the Stroud Water Research Center just downstream of the S.R Bridge at Treichlers Road. This 2005 survey indicated that midge fly larvae, caddisflies, mayflies, and planaria were dominant in Hosensack Creek. (2) General Habitat Within the project study area, the banks of Hosensack Creek contain a mix of deciduous trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. The adjacent landscape of the waterway consists of wetland areas and upland old field within the power line right-of-way, upland pasture land north of the S.R Bridge, and upland forest and maintained lawn south of the S.R Bridge. All areas within the project area are mowed on a consistent basis except for the forested area downstream of the S.R Bridge. Organic detritus from the surrounding landscape and aquatic vegetation within the waterway was observed; these serve to support aquatic life within Hosensack Creek by providing food sources and escape cover. The waterway also functions to transport detritus and nutrients downstream. The substrate of the stream and degree of in-stream cover are also important in maintaining aquatic habitat. The banks and streambed of Hosensack Creek consist of a mix of sand/silt, gravel, and cobble. Fallen and submerged woody debris, along with roots that have been exposed along the banks by erosion, which provides habitat for both fish and macroinvertebrates within the project area. The type of substrate and degree of embeddedness observed within the main waterway provide potential suitable habitat for fish spawning and egg incubation. Six riffle/pool areas were observed within the project area both upstream and downstream of the S.R Bridge. The riffle areas will provide good spawning habitat for fish and the pool areas will provide optimum habitat for rearing. The presence of fish species within the pool areas of Hosensack Creek was verified during a field view. Two small palustrine emergent wetlands (Wetlands W1 and W2) north of the S.R Bride and the forested upland area downstream of the bridge provide nesting, rearing, and resting areas for mammals and bird species. Some of these species observed during the field evaluations include white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrel, Canada geese, and songbirds. (3) Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Plant and Animal Species The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PADCNR) have stated that there are no known threatened or endangered plant or animal species within the project study area. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the PFBC, the project area is located within the known range of the bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), a species that is federally listed as threatened. During the wetland delineation, which was performed by A.D. Marble & Company on October 18, 2001, wetlands were assessed for their potential suitability as bog turtle habitat. Both wetlands delineated within the project limits were S.R. 3016, Section 01B 2

3 determined unsuitably for bog turtle habitat; USFWS and PFBC concurred with this finding. Upon requesting updated information from the agencies in October 2004, USFWS stated that a bog turtle population had been documented in the proximity of the project area and recommended that mitigation measures be implemented to avoid killing or injuring bog turtles that may exist within the project area. (4) Environmental Study Area A field visit, in conjunction with examination of the USGS topographic map and county map of Lehigh County, indicates that there are no sanctuaries or refuges located within the project study area or surrounding vicinity. (5) Stream Related Impacts Permanent stream relocation or channel dredging will not be required for this project. Construction of the new single span reinforced concrete box culvert will require excavation during installation, but the waterway will be diverted around the work area using standard Erosion and Sediment Control measures. The removal of the existing bridge and the installation of the structure will cause temporary impacts to Hosensack Creek. No long-term impact is anticipated to the macroinvertebrate and fish communities of Hosensack Creek. Impacts to the waterway are described in detail in Enclosure D. 8.B. WATER QUANTITY AND STREAMFLOW (1) Natural Drainage Patterns Hosensack Creek and its associated wetlands are located within the Delaware River Basin. Measurements using USGS mapping show that Hosensack Creek has a drainage area of approximately 5.8 square miles at the project site. Hosensack Creek flows southwest through the project study area. Within the project study area, the main channel of Hosensack Creek is approximately 10.0 to 15.0 feet in width, and approximately 0.5 to 3.0 feet in depth. Two PEM wetlands are located within the project area comprising natural drainage patterns upstream of the existing bridge. The PEM wetlands are located directly adjacent to Hosensack Creek and primarily function in nutrient removal, sediment/toxicant removal, and production export. (2) Flushing Characteristics Field observations within the project study area noted moderate flow for Hosensack Creek. The following information on Hosensack Creek was provided in the Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) report prepared for this project: Hosensack Creek is a perennial flowing stream; ice formation is probable during the winter months, however there is no evidence that drift ice presents a problem within the project area; and site reconnaissance revealed that Hosensack Creek was free flowing with only minor evidence of debris and trash that would potentially affect conveyance of flow through the bridge structure (GEO-Technical Services, Inc. 2005). A PSU-IV and HEC-1 hydraulic analysis was performed to determine existing and proposed conditions for the project in accordance with USACE standards. It is the intent of this project to construct a structure that does not adversely impact the surrounding S.R. 3016, Section 01B 3

4 area. It is proposed to replace the existing structure with a single span reinforced concrete box culvert. (3) Current Patterns Hosensack Creek flows through upland pasture land, old field, and wetland areas upstream of the S.R Bridge, and deciduous woods and maintained lawn downstream of the S.R Bridge. The banks and streambed of the waterway are naturalized, with the exception of a small area along the upstream eastern bank which has been stabilized with gabions to protect the base of an electric tower from channel migration. The banks appear generally stable throughout the project area with only a moderate amount of erosion just upstream and downstream of the existing bridge structure. (4) Groundwater Discharge for Baseflow Groundwater discharge into Hosensack Creek does not appear to exist within the project area. No groundwater seeps were observed within the wetlands or in the vicinity of the waterway. (5) Natural Recharge Area for Ground and Surface Waters Two PEM wetlands (Wetlands W1 and W2) within the project area provide natural recharge. These wetland areas receive surface water flow during storm events and discharge flow into the waterway. (6) Storm and Floodwater Storage and Control During storm events, Hosensack Creek serves to transport and direct surface water flow. Wetland W2 provides storm and/or floodwater storage and control to a small degree due in part to the frictional resistance of the persistent emergent vegetation within the wetland. The forested area south of the S.R Bridge also contributes to floodwater control during storm events because it is comprised of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation that are able to withstand major flood events or erosive incidents and stabilize the shoreline on a large scale. The following information was provided in the H&H report prepared for this project: The 100-year floodplain within the project area averages approximately feet in width; there are no flood protection projects within or affecting the project area; the waterway is not influenced by high waters from other streams in the vicinity of the project area; and there was no information available on previous highwater marks, however interviews with local residents revealed that flooding was a problem during heavy rain events (GEO- Technical Services, Inc. 2005). 8.C. WATER QUALITY (1) Preventing Pollution Adjacent to the project area is a mix of maintained lawn, forested land, and pasture. The waterway is subject primarily to chemical contamination that has been applied to the roadway, lawn area, and pasture land. The waterway also receives high levels of nutrients that have been produced in the pasture land. Within the project area, the wetlands and forested area are able to function in S.R. 3016, Section 01B 4

5 trapping sediment and other contaminants and pollutants because of the presence of persistent, dense vegetation. (2) Sedimentation Control and Patterns The two PEM wetlands located within the project limits function in sedimentation control. The presence of persistent, dense emergent vegetation within the wetland areas offers frictional resistance to flowing water allowing the entrapment of sediments before they reach Hosensack Creek. The forested area south of the S.R Bridge also functions to allow the entrapment of sediments because of the presence of dense vegetation. (3) Salinity Distribution Salinity distribution of Hosensack Creek is typical of streams in this non-tidal region. (4) Natural Water Filtration Natural water filtration occurs within the project area during flood events due to the presence of vegetation along the banks of the waterway and within the two wetland areas adjacent to Hosensack Creek. Dense vegetation along the banks of Hosensack Creek enables filtration to occur by decreasing the velocity of the water through the project area. 8.D. RECREATION (1) Game Species Hosensack Creek is not stocked with game fish. Evidence of deer browse was observed within the project area indicating that deer are occasionally present in the vicinity. Other resident/transient game species may exist within the project area; however, all land surrounding the project area is privately owned, and is not open for fishing, hunting, hiking, or other recreational public use. (2) Non-Game Species Non-game species of fish, birds, and mammals common to rural environments are likely within the project area, including eastern gray squirrel, Canada geese, and songbirds. (3) Fishing Within the project vicinity, Hosensack Creek is not stocked with game fish. Natural reproduction of resident stream fishes may occur within the project area; however, all areas surrounding the project are privately owned and are not open for fishing. (4) Hiking All land surrounding the project area is privately owned; no hiking trails exist within the study area. (5) Observation (plant/wildlife) The land surrounding the project area offers limited wildlife observation opportunities to local residents due to private property and lack of public access. 8.E. UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PROPERTY S.R. 3016, Section 01B 5

6 The S.R Bridge is completely surrounded by privately owned land. Land upstream of the S.R Bridge consists of upland pasture land, and wetland and old field areas within a power line right-of-way. Land downstream of the bridge consists of deciduous woods, a residence, and maintained lawn. 8.F. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS DETERMINED BY SITE INVESTIGATION A wetland identification/delineation was completed in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (USACE 1987) on October 18, As mentioned previously, two palustrine emergent wetlands were identified within the S.R Bridge replacement project area totaling 0.06 acre. Wetland W1 is located in the northwest quadrant of the project area, within the powerline right-of-way, and directly outlets into Hosensack Creek. Wetland W2 is also located in the northwest quadrant of the project area directly adjacent to Hosensack Creek. The USACE conducted a Jurisdictional Determination (JD) in March 2003 to determine the extent of federal jurisdiction within the project area. The wetland and waterway boundaries were verified as accurate and the JD letter was issued on September 19, The JD letter is valid for a period of five years from that date. S.R. 3016, Section 01B 6

S.R. 4007, Section 14B PADEP Environmental Assessment Form. Enclosure C Description of Aquatic Habitat

S.R. 4007, Section 14B PADEP Environmental Assessment Form Description of Aquatic Habitat Cresheim Creek is the only water resource that exists within the project area. No jurisdictional wetlands were