Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 Resource Identification Enclosure C Description of Aquatic Habitat

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1 Environmental Assessment Form Part 1 Resource Identification Enclosure C Description of Aquatic Habitat 8. Provide a written narrative, identified and labeled as Enclosure C Description of Aquatic Habitat, describing the following ecological functions. A. Aquatic habitats including: One watercourse has been identified in the project area vicinity. Approximately 300 linear feet of Flaugherty Creek flows through the bridge replacement project area. Flaugherty Creek is listed by 25 Pa. Code 93.9v Water Quality Standards as a fifth order Cold Water Fishery (CWF) draining to the Casselman River. Flaugherty Creek, upstream of the project area, is stocked by the PaFBC both preseason and in-season; however, the section of the stream in the project area is not an Approved Trout Water. No wetlands have been identified in the project area. (1) Food chain production Within the project area, food chain production will be limited to Flaugherty Creek. Benthic organisms, macroinvertebrates, and fish are expected to thrive in this aquatic habitat. In-stream vegetation is non-existent. Life requisites will be limited to the streambed substrate and habitats created by the stream s rifles and pools. Although the project is located in a residential area along a roadway without a riparian area, the upstream and downstream riparian areas may provide a source of food and shelter for both predator and prey species. Organic matter from the upstream wooded area may also provide food chain support to the aquatic habitats of Flaugherty Creek in the project area. (2) General Habitat A stream characterization and aquatic resources report was prepared for this project (McCormick Taylor, Inc., Stream characterization and Aquatic Resources Report, Flaugherty Creek Bridge Replacement Project, Summit Township, S.R over Flaugherty Creek). The physical stream characteristics documented in that report are as follows: Flaugherty Creek was identified as a perennial stream and is a tributary to the Casselman River. A sample point for this stream was established at the stream crossing within the project area. All physical parameters were considered at and within the stream reach at the bridge replacement project area. Average stream width was approximately 9.1 m (30 ft). Average depth was approximately 0.30 m (1 ft) while the stream flow was 1

2 considered normal. Riffle/Run ratio was determined to be nearly 0:1. No stream pools are noted within the project area. The stream bed substrate was observed as being 50% sand, 40% cobble, and 10% bedrock. The larger substrate was noted as not significantly buried within the sand. No algae or attached vegetation was noted growing on the substrate. Flaugherty Creek had very little to no vegetative canopy cover. Placed rip-rap covered the southeast quadrant of the bridge, while the other embankment areas grew mostly herbaceous vegetation on its slopes. Surrounding land use was noted as residential. Watershed characteristics included flat, rolling, and open surroundings. Flaugherty Creek is managed as a Cold Water Fishery (CWF) waterway according to the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25. Environmental Protection: Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 93, Water Quality Standards. No water odor was detected in the stream. No water surface oils were detected or observed. The water appeared clear, no turbidity was noted. No known sources of direct pollutants were identified within or immediately upstream of the project area. The Stream Characterization and Aquatic Resources Report concluded, The water quality of Flaugherty Creek is considered good. The macroinvertebrates that were identified are known to be pollution tolerant and pollution sensitive. The caddis fly and stone fly are considered indications of a high water quality stream. Flaugherty Creek also has sub-optimal macroinvertebrate habitat. The presence of a salamander hatching is an ideal indication of good water quality and habitat. While a lack of aquatic vegetation and woody debris within the stream may indicate a lack in habitat, the substrate surfaces in the water provide habitat and protection for aquatic wildlife. The high diversity of macroinvertebrates found within the project area is an indication of the ability to support an amphibious and aquatic community. Specific habitat information was also required by and submitted to the PaFBC (SIR # 14384) for areas immediately upstream, under, and downstream of the existing bridge due to the presence of the longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), a state endangered fish species, for this project. It should also be noted that an extensive gravel bar exists along the eastern bank of the stream. As noted above, the value of the aquatic habitat is considered good indicating Flaugherty Creek provides adequate habitat to aquatic species to sustaining life functions. Nesting, rearing and escape cover areas for species requiring aquatic resources are limited to the stream itself. Adjacent upland and riparian areas may also serve as additional areas to satisfy the basic functions of life. Food chain production in relation to feeding is discussed above under section 8.A.1. (3) Habitat for threatened and endangered plant and animal species (Discuss results of Supplement Form #1) A Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Supplement No. 1 Form was submitted to the applicable agencies on January 29, That round of correspondence recommended coordination with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PaFBC) 2

3 due to the close proximity of the project to species of special concern. Correspondence with the PaFBC dated March 2, 2004 stated the longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), a PA endangered fish species is known to inhabit the vicinity of the proposed project site. The letter requested additional information relating to the project. The additional information was provided to the PaFBC on October 25, The PaFBC responded on February 28, 2006 stating the project area of impact appears to provide suitable habitat for the longnose sucker. Due to this, the PaFBC requests that all instream activity be avoided from April 1 st to July 1 st in order to avoid adverse impacts during the spawning season for this fish species. In addition, the PaFBC requested that an approved Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plan be fully implemented and maintained during project construction to minimize adverse impacts form siltation. The PaFBC further requested that any fuel storage tanks used for equipment re-fueling during construction be located a minimum of 100 feet away from any waterways and wetlands. An update using the online Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) conducted on June 20, 2006 returned a receipt noting one (1) potential impact under the PaFBC jurisdiction. A PaFBC response letter dated July 26, 2006 stated that the longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), a state endangered fish species, is known to inhabit the area in the vicinity of the bridge. The PaFBC stated that all in-stream activity must be avoided from April 1 to July 1 to avoid adverse impacts during the spawning season. The PaFBC stated that work should be done from the stream bank to the extent possible and during low flow periods. An approved Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plan must be fully implemented and maintained during construction. Any fuel storage tanks for equipment re-fueling must be at least 100 feet away from the stream and any project area tributaries. No other known species or habitat of federal or state special concern, threatened, or endangered status exist within the project area. (4) Environmental Study Areas There are no known environmental sanctuaries or refuge study areas near the project area. (5) If the project proposes a stream relocation, a stream enclosure, or dredging, provide a description of the instream macroinvertebrate community. The proposed project consists of replacing, and shifting the current alignment of the existing structure carrying S.R over Flaugherty Creek. The existing structure will be replaced with a two span, prestressed concrete spread box beam bridge having clear spans normal to the abutments and pier of /8. This project will include about 250 of approach roadway work on both sides of the proposed structure. In-stream temporary diversion devices will be required for the demolition of the existing pier and abutment on the west bank of Flaugherty Creek, and the construction of the new western bank abutment and the new in-stream pier. 3

4 The biological stream characteristics documented in the Stream Characterization and Aquatic Resources Report are as follows: Six species of macroinvertebrate were found and identified to order within the project area of Flaugherty Creek: caddisfly (Tricoptera), flatworm (Planaria), water penny (Coleoptera), crane fly (Coleoptera), and stonefly (Plecoptera). Many caddisfly were found; while the flatworm and stone fly were considered common in comparison. Only a few individuals of the water penny and crane fly were found. A hatch of salamander juveniles was found within the project area. Many individuals were seen but were too small to identify. No fish were observed within or near the project area. (B) Water Quantity and Streamflow (1) Natural drainage patterns Natural surface runoff in the project area flows to Flaugherty Creek. Flaugherty Creek flows in a north south direction through the project area. (2) Flushing characteristics There are no in stream obstructions within Flaugherty Creek to impede channel flushing in the project area. Although water levels were low at the time of the site visit (October 2005), the surrounding floodplain indicates higher water levels in wetter times of the year. Flushing at this location appears to be normal for this watercourse. (3) Current patterns Flaugherty Creek flows in a north south direction through the project area. (4) Groundwater discharge for baseflow No springs or seeps were located in the project area. (5) Natural recharge area for groundwater and surface waters Flaugherty Creek flows through the project area unobstructed and does not have a constricted outlet thereby limiting natural recharge for groundwater and surface waters. (6) Storm and floodwater storage and control Surface water flow through the project area is confined to the channel and is not detained. A wide gravel bar/floodplain exists within the immediate vicinity of the existing bridge. This widened area has the potential to contain higher levels of storm and floodwaters. 4

5 (C) Water Quality Flaugherty Creek is classified in the Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Environmental Resources, Chapter 93 Water Quality Standards as a Cold Water Fishery (CWF). As a cold-water fishery, the protected use of Flaugherty Creek is for the maintenance or propagation, or both, of fish species including the family Salmonidae and additional flora and fauna that are indigenous to a cold-water habitat. In addition, as noted under Section A.2., the Stream Characterization and Aquatic Resources Report concluded, The water quality of Flaugherty Creek is considered good. (1) Preventing Pollution Within the project area, Flaugherty Creek is limited in its potential for preventing pollution. The watercourse flows unobstructed through the project area and there is limited riparian vegetation in this area. (2) Sedimentation Control and Patterns Flaugherty Creek flows in a north south direction through the project area. Due to the meander of the stream upstream of the project area, sediment is deposited along the eastern bank of the stream in the vicinity of the existing bridge as evidenced by the existing gravel bar. (3) Salinity Distribution Not applicable. (4) Natural Water Filtration The watercourse flows unobstructed through the project area and there is limited riparian vegetation in this area. The potential for natural water filtration is low. (D) Recreation A review of the Meyersdale, Pennsylvania U.S.G.S. Quadrangle Map and a field reconnaissance revealed no parks or recreational facilities within or adjacent to the project area. 5

6 (1) Game Species & (2) Non Game Species Terrestrial Species Flaugherty Creek Bridge Replacement Project Given the location of the project (along an existing road and right-of-way), game and non-game species are not expected to inhabit this area. However, transient species may pass through this area at any given time. Aquatic Species Several minnow species were observed in Flaugherty Creek during site visits but these were not identified. The Stream Characterization and Aquatic Resources Report also documents macroinvertebrates and salamanders as inhabiting the area. Flaugherty Creek is listed by 25 Pa. Code 93.9v Water Quality Standards as a fifth order Cold Water Fishery (CWF). As a cold-water fishery, the protected use of Flaugherty Creek is for the maintenance or propagation, or both, of fish species including the family Salmonidae and additional flora and fauna that are indigenous to a cold-water habitat. Flaugherty Creek, upstream of the project area, is stocked by the PaFBC both preseason and in-season; however, the section of the stream in the project area is not an Approved Trout Water. In addition, coordination with the PaFBC has indicated that a state endangered fish species, the longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), is present in Flaugherty Creek. (3) Fishing Flaugherty Creek is listed by 25 Pa. Code 93.9v Water Quality Standards as a fifth order Cold Water Fishery (CWF). As a cold-water fishery, the protected use of Flaugherty Creek is for the maintenance or propagation, or both, of fish species including the family Salmonidae and additional flora and fauna that are indigenous to a cold-water habitat and as such, provides the opportunity for fishing. Flaugherty Creek, upstream of the project area, is stocked by the PaFBC both preseason and in-season; however, the section of the stream in the project area is not an Approved Trout Water. It should be noted that the stream does flow through private property. (4) Hiking Hiking may occur within vicinity of the project area. However, adjacent property is private and the allowance for this type of activity is unknown. (5) Observation (plant/wildlife) Plant and wildlife observation may occur from the existing roadway and bridge at the project area. It should be noted that adjacent property is private and the allowance for this type of activity is unknown. 6

7 (6) Other Not Applicable. (E) Upstream and Downstream Property Private properties are currently located upstream and downstream along Flaugherty Creek. Surrounding land use is primarily residential. (F) Other Environmental Factors Determined by Site Investigation No other environmental factors were identified during site investigations. 7