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OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1980 WEST BROAD STREET COLUMBUS, 43223 (614) 466-7100

Project C-R-S / Name: GAL-TR 752-0.29

Project Identification Number (PID): 93152 Report Type: Level One ESR (MOA)

Report Author(s): Curt Hatton Ohio Department of Affiliation: Transportation, District 9 Phone: 740-774-8979 Email: [email protected] 7/20/2012 (OES Revised Date of Submission: 8-24-12) LEVEL 1 ECOLOGICAL SURVEY

GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION

ODOT District: 9 County(ies): Gallia Township(s): Walnut Latitude: 38.7558 Study Area Area of Construction 0.5 ac 0.1 ac Longitude: -82.4584 Size (ac): Limits (ac): Date of Survey Work (mm/dd/yyyy): 5/15/2012, 6/8/2012 and 7/3/2012 HUC 14: 05090101090030 Project Description (include a detailed description of the construction activities): It is proposed to replace a bridge over Symmes Creek on TR 752 in Gallia County, Ohio. The bridge, located at GAL-TR 752-0.29, is a steel pony truss simple span with a corrugated steel plate deck. The current bridge will be replaced with a similar type of bridge. The project is design build. The existing structure (SFN 2743531) over Symmes Creek has a sufficiency rating of 21.7 SD and the general appraisal rating is 4.

No new right-of-way will be needed for the project. No homes or businesses will be removed by the project.

The project is located in a rural area in Walnut Township of Gallia County. Symmes Creek is a perennial stream that is in the . Within the project area the Symmes Creek has a drainage area of 194 mi². Some small trees and bushes will be removed as part of the project; however, none of the trees have the habitat for the federally endangered Indiana Bat.

The funding for the project is 80% Federal and 20% Local with a total cost of $948,200. The environmental commitment date is 5/15/2015. The project is currently expected to be awarded 11/3/2016.

VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES AND LAND COVER WITHIN CONSTRUCTION LIMITS (areas impacted by the project)

Vegetative Communities and Land Cover found Unique, Rare, or Degree of Man Induced Ecological Disturbance Impacted Acres within the Construction Limits: High Quality?

Intermediate Disturbance (dominated by plants Scrub/Shrub - SS - (true shrubs, and young trees that typify a stable phase of a native community NO 0.01 in an early successional stage) that persists under some disturbance)

Developed Open Space - DS - (mown right-of- way, large-lot single-family housing units, parks, High Disturbance (dominated by widespread taxa golf courses, and vegetation planted in NO 0.09 not typical of a particular community) developed settings for recreation, erosion control, or aesthetic purposes)

STREAMS Present? YES Impacts? YES

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Stream ID Photo # Receiving Waters Drainage Area (mi Stream Type Hydrology USACE Flow Characteristics* OEPA Use Designation** Scenic River Length within Area the Project (ft.) QHEI/HHEI SCORE (ft.) Impacts Symmes Creek 1-10 Ohio River 194 Perennial RPW WWH No 50 ft. N/A 30 ft. mi² *Subject to verification by the USACE (TNW=Traditional Navigable Water, RPW=Relatively Permanent Water Perennial or Seasonal, NRPW=Non-RPW) **May be provisional based on habitat assessment forms No QHEI assessment was performed as Symmes Creek has been designated WWH by Ohio EPA (OAC-3745-1-16). Additional Information: How the stream(s) connect to Traditional Navigable Water (TNW): Symmes Creek → Ohio River

WETLANDS Present? NO Impacts? NO DITCHES Present? NO Impacts? NO PONDS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS Present? NO Impacts? NO

MUSSEL BEDS Present? YES Impacts? YES Species Name: Threeridge (Amblema plicata) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 25 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Plain pocketbook (Lampsilis cardium) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 15 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Fat mucket (Lampsilis radiata luteola) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 15 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Pistolgrip (Tritogonia verrucosa) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 50 live individuals encountered. Species Name: White heelsplitter (Lasmigona complanata) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 5 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Wabash pigtoe (Fusconaia flava) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 10 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Fragile papershell (Leptodea fragilis) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 15 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Pink Heelsplitter (Potamilus alatus) Listing Status: Not listed Approximately 10 live individuals encountered. Species Name: Black sandshell (Ligumia recta) Listing Status: State Threatened 2 live individuals encountered (1 female and 1 male) encountered. The mussels were found in sandy substrates in approximately 3 inches of water. One individual was found approximately 150 feet downstream of the bridge, and one was observed approximately 20 feet upstream of the bridge. Both individuals were immediately returned to the stream at the location they were found. Additional Information: ODOT-OES biologists (Megan Michael, Matt Raymond, and Matt Perlik) conducted a qualitative presence/absence survey for mussels within Symmes Creek at the Gallia County, TR 752 bridge on 08/15/12. An area that extended 400 feet downstream to 100 feet upstream of the existing bridge was surveyed for mussels. Water clarity at the time of survey was egood, and water depths ranged from 1 inch to 3 feet within the wetted channel. Substrates within the channel were primarily gravel and cobble and sand. Much of the substrates were covered with large mats of attached algae. The entire area was found to have a dense mussel community, with some locations containing up to 20 mussels per m2. These mussels were found in riffle, pool, and run habitats in areas with and without large amount of attached algae. The mussel community was dominated by pistol grip mussels, followed by fat mucket and threeridge. Many young and juvenile mussels were observed within the stream, indicating a healthy reproducing population was present. The survey identified nine species of mussels within the proximity of the bridge. All mussels encountered during the survey were immediately returned to the stream substrates they were lifted from. No mussels were vouchered or removed from the survey area. The results of the survey are similar to those observed by Dr. Michael Hoggarth during an August 2004 survey, with the exception of two species. During Dr. Hoggarth’s survey, one subfossil of Quadrula quadrula was observed. The survey conducted 8/15/12 did not find any living or dead Q. quadrula. In fact, very few shells or fragments of deceased unionids were observed near the bridge during the survey. The 8/15/12 ODOT survey did, however, find two live individuals of the State Threatened black sandshell (Ligumia recta). This species was not identified by Dr. Hoggarth at the site in 2004. As proposed, this project will require in stream work to replace the existing bridge structure. Mussels located within construction limits of the project will likely be directly impacted, and those located within a close proximity downstream of the project area (400 feet) may be impacted as a result of increased sediment loads.

FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES Species Name: Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) Listing Status: Endangered Total amount of impact to forested areas as a result of the project (ac): <0.1 (mostly scrub shrub) The Indiana bat life cycle requires suitable summer roosting and brood rearing habitat (which includes living or standing dead trees or snags with exfoliating, peeling or loose bark, split trunks and/or branches, or cavities) and suitable hibernacula during the winter months (typically caves, or abandoned mines that provide cool, humid, stable conditions for hibernation). The project area is located within the southern management unit as defined by the Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) on the Ohio Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Program for the Federally-listed endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), dated January 26, 2007. A survey of the project study area did not identify any portals, openings, cracks, or crevices in rock outcrops that may be an entrance to a cave or mine that would be considered suitable winter hibernacula habitat for the bat. Additionally, no trees possessing potentially suitable roosting habitat for the Indiana bat will be removed for the project, and the project is located more than 10 miles from the nearest suspect hibernaculum

or capture record. Since no suitable habitat for the species will be impacted by the proposed project, the project should have no effect on the species. Species Name: Fanshell Mussel (Cyprogenia stegaria) Listing Status: Endangered This mussel is found in medium to large rivers. It buries itself in sand or gravel in deep water of moderate current, with only the edge of its shell and its feeding siphons exposed. Within Gallia County this species is known from the Ohio River, and no records of this species have been identified in Symmes Creek. At this location, base flows for Symmes Creek are somewhat low for what is typically considered preferred habitat for this species (a larger river species), and the project area possesses habitat that would be considered marginally suitable for the species. The presence/absence mussel survey conducted at this location (see mussel discussion) did not identify any living or deceased individuals of this species within the project area. As a result, the project should have no effect on the species. Species Name: Pink Mucket Pearly Mussel (Lampsilis orbiculata) Listing Status: Endangered This mussel is found in mud and sand and in shallow riffles and shoals swept free of silt in major rivers and tributaries. This mussel buries itself in sand or gravel, with only the edge of its shell and its feeding siphons exposed. Within Gallia County this species is known from the Ohio River, and no records of this species have been identified in Symmes Creek. At this location, base flows for Symmes Creek are somewhat low for what is typically considered preferred habitat for this species(a larger river species), and the project area possesses habitat that would be considered marginally suitable for the species. The presence/absence mussel survey conducted at this location (see mussel discussion) did not identify any living or deceased individuals of this species within the project area. As a result, the project should have no effect on the species. Species Name: Sheepnose Mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus) Listing Status: Endangered Sheepnose mussels live in larger rivers and streams where they are usually found in shallow areas with moderate to swift currents flowing over coarse sand and gravel. Sheepnose have also been found in mud, cobble, and boulders. Within Gallia County this species is known from the Ohio River, and no records of this species have been identified in Symmes Creek. At this location, base flows for Symmes Creek are somewhat low for what is typically considered preferred habitat for this species(a larger river species), and the project area possesses habitat that would be considered marginally suitable for the species. The presence/absence mussel survey conducted at this location (see mussel discussion) did not identify any living or deceased individuals of this species within the project area. As a result, the project should have no effect on the species. Species Name: Snuffbox Mussel (Epioblasma triquetra) Listing Status: Endangered The snuffbox is usually found in small to medium-sized creeks in areas with a swift current, although it is also found in Lake Erie and some larger rivers. Adults often burrow deep in sand, gravel or cobble substrates, except when they are spawning or the females are attempting to attract host fish. Within Gallia County this species is known from the Ohio River, and no records of this species have been identified in Symmes Creek. At this location, Symmes Creek possesses habitat that would be considered suitable for the species, however, the presence/absence mussel survey conducted at this location (see mussel discussion) did not identify any living or deceased individuals of this species within the project area. As a result, the project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the species. Species Name: Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Listing Status: Species of Concern Timber rattlesnakes are a woodland species. In addition to using wooded areas, timber rattlesnakes also utilize sunlit gaps in the canopy for basking and deep rock crevices for overwintering (den sites). Individuals may make larger movements between various sites in the summer. The proposed project involves the replacement of existing bridge structures on existing roadway right-of-way. A minimal amount of disturbed roadside habitat will be impacted for the proposed project. The project area does not provide suitable habitat for den sites, and no rock outcrops with crevices were observed near the project area outside of areas frequently flooded by Symmes Creek. This species is potentially present within every township in Gallia County, and the nearest known record for the species is located approximately 22 miles from the project site in Jackson County. As the proposed project area is located in a narrow riparian floodplain surrounded by agricultural and a residential land uses, no quality suitable habitat for timber rattlesnake was noted within the project area. The project will have no effect on the timber rattlesnake.

STATE LISTED SPECIES Known Listed Species Within 1 Mile of Project (DNAP Database)? YES Species Name: Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) Listing Status: Species of Concern A record for the eastern sand darter was present within the Ohio Biodiversity Database throughout this reach of Symmes Creek. The eastern sand darter is found in slow moving portions of streams and rivers where the bottom is composed of clean sand. They are very intolerant of silt or mud covering up the clean sand and often disappear from an area or entire stream if this happens (ODNR 2012). Suitable habitat for this species was present within the construction limits for the proposed project, and it is likely that the species resides within the project area. The eastern sand darter is expected to vacate the project area when impacts become severe, however, they are likely to return soon after construction activities are completed. Short term water quality impacts resulting from runoff from disturbed areas during construction will be minimized through the use of sediment and erosion controls in accordance with the ODOT Construction and Materials Specifications. Once the project is completed, it is expected that any fish species currently residing in the streams will re-colonize the impacted stream segments from upstream and downstream locations, returning the aquatic community to near preconstruction conditions. It is unlikely that construction activities will result in any permanent impacts to the species. Species Name: Black sandshell (Ligumia recta) Listing Status: State Threatened No records for this species were identified in the Ohio Biodiversity Database, however, two individuals were observed during the presence/absence survey for mussels within Symmes Creek. The mussels were found in sandy substrates in approximately 3 inches of water. One individual was found approximately 150 feet downstream of the bridge, and one was observed approximately 20 feet upstream of the bridge. Both individuals were immediately returned to the stream at the location they were found. All mussels encountered during the survey were immediately returned to the stream substrates they were lifted from. No mussels were vouchered or removed from the survey area. As

proposed, this project will require in stream work to replace the existing bridge structure. Unless relocated, mussels located within construction limits of the project will likely be directly impacted, and those located within a close proximity downstream of the project area (400 feet) may be impacted as a result of increased sediment loads.

APPENDICES Appendix 1: Mapping Appendix 2: Photo Log Appendix 3: Plans Appendix 4: Forms ☒ Topographic Map ☒ Photo Location Map ☐ Plan and Profile ☐ QHEI ☒ County Map ☒ Project Photos ☐ Bridge Detail ☐ HHEI ☒ Aerial Photo ☐ Indiana Bat Photos ☐ Other ☐ Wetland Delineation ☐ Resource Map ☐ Other ☐ ORAM ☒ Other ☐ OBD Review ☒ Bat Habitat Worksheet

APPENDIX 1

Mapping

GAL-TR 752-0.29 PID 93152

ODOT District 9 Planning and Engineering Department JULY 2012 Base Map: USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle, p PATRIOT OHIO 383-14-SW W IS EM AN

Y E L N A T S

0100 200 400 Feet Aerial Location Map GAL-TR 752-0.29

ODOT District 9 Planning and Engineering Department July 2012 q Base Map: Ohio Statewide Imagery Program (2007) PUBGh

S U M D A C PUBGh

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PEMF PUBGh

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Y E L N A PUBGh T S PUBG PUBGh PSS1F

Legend 0200 400 800 Feet National Wetland Inventory 06162010 Wetland Map GAL-TR 752-0.29

ODOT District 9 Planning and Engineering Department July 2012 q Base Map: Ohio Statewide Imagery Program (2007) Appendix 2

Photo Log

W IS EM AN

050 100 200 Feet Photo Location Map GAL-TR 752-0.29

ODOT District 9 Planning and Engineering Department July 2012 q Base Map: Ohio Statewide Imagery Program (2007)

Appendix 3

Plans

Appendix 4

Forms

POTENTIAL INDIANA BAT HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION WORKSHEET FOR LV1 (MOA) LEVEL ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS OR MINOR LV2 ESR

Which Indiana bat Management Unit (see map) does the project W C NE primarily occur within? S X E

Are there any known or suspected hibernacula within 10 miles of the project (DNAP - Y N X Natural Heritage Database records)? • If yes, list the total number and the distance to the closest record. #: N/A mi.

Are there any known Indiana bat capture records within 5 miles of the project (DNAP - Y N X Natural Heritage Database records)?

• If yes, list the total number and the distance to the closest record. #: N/A mi.

Total number of potential Indiana bat habitat roost trees impacted by the project. #: 0

• Number of these trees that are considered isolated. #:

Total number of potential Indiana bat habitat maternity roost trees impacted by the #: 0 project.

• Number of these trees that are considered isolated. #: <0.1 (mostly scrub Total amount of impact to forested areas as a result of the project ac. shrub) Stop if the project is located within the NE, E, or S Management Units. Continue with form if the project is located within the W or C Management Units.

Are the impacted potential roost trees located within a forested area? Y N • If yes, what is the approximate size of the forested area in acres (include areas ac. not impacted)? Are the impacted potential roost trees connected to a forest area via a tree line (row of 2 Y N or more wide)?

• If yes, what is the size of the connected forested area? ac.

Is there a perennial water sources within 0.5 mile of the impacted potential roost trees? Y N

Will the project remove all or a portion of a potential Indiana bat travel corridor? Y N

Will the project remove more than 10% of the forest area it is within (or connected to)? Y N

Definitions for bold words located in the ODOT Ecological Manual section 203.2.3.

Natural Heritage Program Datasheet

Scientific Name or Natural Feature: ______Common Name: ______Date (Year, Month, Day): ______Principal Reporter (If collection was made, give collection # and repository for each specimen): ______Email address and phone number: ______Other Observers Present: ______County Name: ______Twp. Name: ______USGS Quad Name:______Section #: ______Property Owner (For private owner, include address and phone # if available): ______Site Name: ______Was a GPS Unit used? Yes No (If yes, please provide coordinates below) Type of unit: ______Latitude/Longitude: ______If multiple data points were collected, is it a line ___ or polygon___? Additional GPS data sent as textfile or shapefile? Yes No (send as a textfile to: [email protected]) Population Data: # of individuals: ______precise count ____ estimate ____ # of groups: ______precise count ____ estimate ____ Density (i.e. widely scattered, dense clumps, evenly distributed): ______Area of occupancy: _____meters _____yards _____acres Type of measurement: precise ____ estimate ____ Habitat Data and Associated Species: ______

Directions (When attaching map, topozone.com, Google Maps or a GIS program can be used as a source; make sure coodinates and dot on map are the same; please draw full extent of population on map): ______

Obvious threats to the viability of the population (including invasive plants): ______

______

Return to: Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Natural Heritage Program, 2045 Morse Rd., Bldg. F-1, Columbus, OH 43229-6693 Fax: 614/267-3096 Phone: 614/265-6453