DRAFT »*_ TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE

MCKIN SITE GRAY,

RESPONSE ACTION CONTRACT (RAG), REGION I

For U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

By Tetra Tech NUS, Inc.

EPA Contract No. 68-W6-0045 EPA Work Assignment No. 025-RICO-0136 TtNUS Project No. 7793

July 1998

TETRA TECH NUS, INC.

V, RI98190D

DRAFT TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE

MCKIN SITE GRAY, MAINE

RESPONSE ACTION CONTRACT (RAC), REGION

For U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

By Tetra Tech NUS, Inc.

EPA Contract No. 68-W6-0045 EPA Work Assignment No. 025-RICO-0136 TtNUS Project No. 7793

July 1998

• L-'~"X J^rfnes Forrfelli, P.E. George & Gardner, P.E. //Project Manager Program Manager DRAFT

TABLE OF CONTENTS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/FEASIBILITY STUDY MCKIN SITE GRAY, MAINE

SECTION PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background and Objective 1 1.2 Organization of Report 3

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY 3 2.1 Site Location 3 2.2 Site History 5 2.3 Geology and Hydrogeology 6 2.3.1 Surficial Geology - Outwash 6 2.3.2 Presumpscot Formation 7

3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION METHODOLOGY 7 3.1 Wetland Characteristics 8 3.2 Field Protocol 12

4.0 RESULTS 12 4.1 Wetlands and Upland Classification 13 4.1.1 Vegetation 13 4.1.2 Soils 15 4.1.3 Hydrology 16 4.2 Royal River Flood Plain 16 4.3 Riverine Habitat 17 4.4 Wildlife 18

5.0 SUMMARY 19

REFERENCES 20

FIGURES

NUMBER PAGE

1 STUDY AREA LOCATION 2 2 ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT Map Pocket

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION/FEASIBILITY STUDY MCKIN SITE GRAY, MAINE

APPENDICES

A USACOE WETLAND DATA FORMS B PHOTOGRAPHS C OBSERVED SPECIES LISTS D THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RESPONSE LETTERS

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This technical memorandum was prepared by Tetra Tech NUS, Inc. (TtNUS), formerly Brown & Root Environmental, at the request of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Contract No. 68-W6-0045. The memorandum is part of the requirements of the Feasibility Study (FS) process for the McKin Site, Gray, Cumberland County, Maine, under Work Assignment No. 025-RICO-01 36. This memorandum was developed based on the Draft Final Work Plan dated May 1998.

This technical memorandum summarizes the ecological assessment conducted by TtNUS at the McKin Site between May 20 and 21, 1998 in the area described as the Royal River Discharge Zone (RRDZ) located on the flood plain of the Royal River in Gray, Maine.

1.1 Background and Objective

TtNUS is currently performing additional FS support on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 1, for the McKin Superfund Site (the site) in Gray, Maine. The focus of the FS is to select remedial alternatives to intercept and treat contaminated groundwater that is presently discharging to the Royal River. As part of this activity, TtNUS conducted a baseline ecological assessment of the resources located in the RRDZ study area (Figure 1).

The purpose of this report is to assess the present baseline ecological conditions of the study area and to present information that can be used for planning and selecting remedial alternatives to meet the FS goals. The FS will develop alternatives to contain or mitigate impacts of trichloroethene (TCE) and TCE-contaminated groundwater on the Royal River. The ultimate goal of the site remediation is to reduce the concentration of TCE in the Royal River to a level below the ambient water quality criteria, which is an applicable

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MAP FROM USGS QUADRANGLE SHEET FOR GRAY MAINE EDITED IN 1980 (NE/4 GRAY 15 QUADRANGLE)

5 0 1 MILE

10QQ 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 FEET H t-t H I -I I I 1 KILOMETER QUADRANGLE LOCATION

STUDY AREA FIGURE 1 ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE McKIN SITE - GRAY, MAINE TETRA TECH NUS, INC. DRAWN BY D W. MACDOUGALL REV 1 CHECKED BY K O.NEILL DATE JULY 14. 1998 55 Jonspin Road Wilmington, MA 01887 SCALE AiPIPWQX 1" = 2000' DWG\MCKIN\LOCUS DWG (978)658-7899

RI98190D McKin Site, ME DRAFT

regulatory threshold in Maine. To minimize impacts on the wetlands and the river, a primary component of remediation will be intercepting the groundwater plume near the river. The technology selected may require construction activities in the flood plain or wetlands. Final mitigation or restoration alternatives will be selected based on the effectiveness of method, while attempts will be made to minimize impacts to sensitive habitats (wetlands, flood plains, etc.) when feasible. frnch n/v^ °f

As part of this assessment, a wetland delineation was performed to define the wetland boundary and to characterize the wetlands within the RRDZ. In addition, a qualitative flora and fauna survey was conducted to identify plants and wildlife present in the study area.

1.2 Organization of Report

Section 1.0 includes the introduction and history of the site; Section 2.0 provides a description of the study area; Section 3.0 describes the methodologies used to delineate and classify the wetlands; Section 4.0 provides the results of the assessment; and Section 5.0 presents a summary of the assessment.

As is appropriate for the methods used, the results are presented in the form of field data forms, tables, photographs, and species lists in AppendicesA through C.

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

This section provides a description of the site and study area, a summary of the study area geologic characteristics, and a synopsis of the history of the McKin property.

2.1 Site Location

The McKin Superfund Site is located in Gray, Maine, approximately 15 miles north of Portland, Maine. The McKin property comprises an area of approximately 7 acres located on the west side of Mayall Road. The volatile organic compound (VOC) TCE has been

RI98190D 3 McKin Site, ME DRAFT detected in the Royal River at concentrations above ambient water quality criteria (2.8yug/L), apparently as a result of contaminated groundwater discharge from the McKin site. The site comprises those areas presently and potentially impacted by contamination from the McKin property (Figure 1):

• On th esouth by Yarmouth Road from Depot Road to Mayall Road and a line from the southern terminus of Mayall Road running east to the Royal River

• On th eeast by Royal River

• On th enorth by Collyer Brook

• On th ewest by a line from the intersection of Collyer Brook with Merrill Road and closing at the intersection of Depot Road and Yarmouth Road

Based on observed contaminant distribution, the site also extends north of Collyer Brook at its confluence with Royal River, and east just beyond the Royal River at the river bend due east of the McKin property. In total, the site consists of approximately 660 acres of industrial, commercial, residential, agricultural, and undeveloped properties.

East of Mayall Road, the land slopes downward to the flood plain of the Royal River. The land surface is dissected by a number of small, unnamed streams, and associated gullies. The resulting topography is frequently very steep, and access can be difficult.

The focus of the FS is the area of the site where the dissolved contaminant plume meets the Royal River. This area has been designated as the Royal River Discharge Zone or RRDZ. The RRDZ is within the Royal River flood plain, adjacent to the west bank of the Royal River. It is in this area that remedial efforts will be applied to lower TCE concentrations in the river.

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2.2 Site History

The McKin facility was constructed in 1972 on property previously used as a sand and gravel pit. From 1972 to 1977, the facility was used as a collection and transfer station for waste oil and industrial process waste. The facility handled between 100,000 and 200,000 gallons of waste annually.

VOCs from the facility contaminated local residential wells through migrating groundwater. In 1985, a remedial investigation/feasibility study was performed and a Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by EPA. The remedy presented in the ROD included: 1) aerating soils on site; 2) disposing of approximately 16 drums off site; 3) performing soil tests in the petroleum-contaminated areas; 4) constructing a groundwater extraction, treatment, and surface water discharge system and operating this system for a period of 5 years to achieve a groundwater performance standard of 92 ppb 1,1,1-trichloroethane and 28 ppb trichloroethene; 5) re-evaluating the groundwater performance standard if the standards are not met within 5 years; 6) initiating an off-site groundwater and surface water monitoring program; and 7) performing site removal and closure activities.

During 1986, a group of private companies (PRPs) voluntarily undertook a remedial action to excavate and treat on-site VOC-impacted soil to minimize continued migration of VOCs to groundwater. Approximately 12,000 cubic yards of soil containing solvents and petroleum were excavated and treated by thermal desorption.

In 1990, an Explanation of Significant Differences was approved by EPA that changed the method of discharging the treated groundwater from surface water discharge to groundwater reinjection. During the summer of 1990, the responsible parties designed and implemented a groundwater extraction and treatment system that operated from 1991 to 1995. The EPA and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (Maine DEP) approved a temporary shutdown of the system in 1995 so that the parties could evaluate alternatives for the site's cleanup. This evaluation included an assessment of the

RI98190D 5 McKin Site, ME DRAFT feasibility and cost of groundwater restoration^ containment, mitigation, and institutional controls.

The 1985 ROD remedy included restoring the overburden aquifer, with the expectation that this could be accomplished after 5 years of pumping and treating the groundwater. Although concentrations decreased significantly in some locations, the decision in the ROD to attempt restoration of the bedrock aquifer led to a request by the PRPs for a waiver from that goal based on technical impracticability. The McKin Site Trust is currently engaged in a mediation effort to resolve the future activities for the site and surrounding community. The RRDZ FS that is being developed will use the information from the ecological assessment to evaluate alternatives that minimize impacts to the environment.

2.3 Geology and Hydrogeology

This section provides a description of the study area geology (surficial and bedrock) and hydrogeology.

The site is located on the distal portion of a glaciomarine outwash deposit, i.e., downstream from the glacial source. Glaciomarine outwash typically comprises a sand and gravel deposit with excellent sorting of well-rounded granules or closets, well developed stratification, loose compaction, well developed lateral continuity, and excellent aquifer potential (Stephenson and Others, 1988). These outwash deposits grade upward into the overlying glaciomarine silt and clay of the Presumpscot Formation.

2.3.1 Surficial Geology - Outwash

Data from borings advanced within the site itself indicate that the outwash deposits are largely composed of fine to medium and fine to coarse-grained sand. Gravel and silt layers are present in many borings, but generally do not predominate. In the lower portions of the outwash deposit, however, a pronounced coarsening of material was noted in many

RI98190D D McKin Site, ME DRAFT boring logs, possibly reflecting a laterally continuous layer of gravel, cobbles, and sand forming a basal member of the outwash deposit.

A large, active sand and gravel pit is located northwest of the site, on Mayall Road. Occasional boulder layers and lenses are visible in this excavation. Such features have also been documented during excavations at the former McKin facility (which is also shown on topographic maps as a one-time gravel pit) and are in evidence in some boring logs. Such gravel bodies may be continuous and extensive in glacial outwash formations, but the extent and interconnectedness of gravel layers at the McKin site have not been determined.

2.3.2 Presumpscot Formation

The Presumpscot Formation is comprised of fine-grained sediments derived from glacial meltwaters and deposited in a marine shelf environment. Since their deposition, crustal rebound due to glacial unloading has lifted the sediments to their present elevation. Boring logs indicate that at this locality, outwash deposits grade upward into the generally massive clay/silt of the Presumpscot Formation. This reflects marine transgression occurring as the ice sheet receded, yielding progressively finer sediment at the most distal portions of the outwash plain, and eventual marine inundation. The Presumpscot Formation is generally gray, while the underlying non-marine outwash deposits are often brown (but may also be gray). The upper part of the clay is generally stiff and fractured due to desiccation, while the lower portions are softer and intact.

3.0 WETLAND DELINEATION METHODOLOGY

The procedures used to complete the ecological assessment of the McKin RRDZ study area included a wetland delineation and characterization. The wetland delineation used the three parameter approach based on vegetation, soils, and hydrology described in the United States Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (COE ManualMEnvironmental Laboratory, 1987).

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3.1 Wetland Characteristics

Except for certain "problem area" situations and other specific exceptions identified in the COE Manual, any area delineated as a wetland according to the COE Manual must display positive evidence of three characteristics:

• Hydrophytic vegetation • Hydric soil • Wetland hydrology

Hydrophytic Vegetation

Hydrophytic vegetation is defined in the COE Manual as the sum total of macrophytic plant life growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content. Most common plant species in the United States have been assigned an indicator status based on empirical observation of their relative occurrence in wetlands and uplands. These include:

OBL Plant species that occur almost always (estimated probability (Obligate greater than 99 percent) in wetlands under natural conditions; Wetland) however they may occur rarely (estimated probability less than 1 percent) in nonwetlands.

FACW Plant species that occur usually (estimated probability 67 to 99 (Facultative percent) in wetlands, but also occur (estimated probability 1 to 33 Wetland) percent) in nonwetlands.

FAC Plant species with a similar likelihood (estimated probability 33 to (Facultative) 67 percent) of occurring in both wetlands and nonwetlands.

FACU Plant species that occur sometimes (estimated probability 1 to 33 (Facultative percent) in wetlands, but occur more often (estimated probability Upland) 67 to 99 percent) in nonwetlands.

UPL Plant species that occur rarely (estimated probability less than 1 (Upland) percent) in wetlands, but occur almost always (estimated probability greater than 99 percent) in nonwetlands under natural conditions.

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For some plant species, the indicator status is modified by adding a " + " or "-" sign. A " + " means that the plant species is slightly more likely to occur in wetlands than suggested by its indicator status alone. A "-" means that the plant species is slightly less likely to occur in wetlands than suggested by its indicator status alone.

To document that an area supports hydrophytic vegetation according to the COE Manual, more than 50 percent of the dominant plant species in each vegetation stratum must have an indicator status of OBL, FACW, or FAC (excluding FAC-). The COE Manual suggests the use of four strata: trees, saplings and shrubs, herbs, and woody vines. However, the COE has approved the use of a five-stratum approach developed in another wetland delineation manual (FICWD, 1989). Under this alternative approach, which was used for the McKin RRDZ, the following five strata are recognized:

Trees Woody plants greater than 5 inches in diameter at breast height

Saplings Woody plants less than 5 inches in diameter at breas t height and greater than 20 feet in height

Shrubs Woody plants greater than 3 feet in height and less th an 20 feet in height

Herbs Plants less than 3 feet in height

Woody Vines Woody vines climbing on trees in a forested area

Vegetation in wetlands may display one or more morphological adaptations that assist in survival under saturated soil conditions. The COE Manual lists several such morphological adaptations, including buttressed (swollen) tree trunks, unusually shallow root systems, adventitious roots, and others. The hydrophytic vegetation parameter may be met if two or more dominant species display one or more of these adaptations, even if the vegetation is composed primarily of FACU or UPL species.

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Hydric Soil

Hydric soil is defined in the COE Manual as soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation. The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NTCHS) has developed a list of soil series (soils having similar profile characteristics) that meet the definition of hydric soil {NTCHS, 1991). If soil profile data collected in a specific area can be matched to a recognized soil series, then its status as hydric can be determined by checking the list.

Otherwise, a determination can be made based on the presence of one or more field indicators of hydric soil listed in the COE Manual. The most readily observable indicator is soil color. Soil colors are expressed in terms of hue, value, and chroma using a Munsell Soil Color Chart. Typically, soil colors with a chroma of 1 (regardless of hue and value) are indicative of hydric soils. Soils with a chroma of 2 that are also mottled (spotted) are generally hydric as well. Other readily observable indicators of hydric soils include a predominantly organic soil profile (histosols or mineral soils with histic epipedons), sulfidic material (rotten egg smell), or iron and manganese concretions (black or dark brown specks).

The New England Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers recognizes a number of additional field indicators of hydric soils specific to the New England region, which includes Maine (NEIWPCC, 1995). These regional field indicators of hydric soil were considered as part of the wetland delineation of the McKin RRDZ wetlands.

Wetland Hydrology

Wetland hydrology is defined in the COE Manual as the sum total of wetness characteristics in areas that are inundated or have saturated soils for a sufficient duration to support hydrophytic vegetation. Areas generally must be inundated or saturated for at least 5 percent of the growing season (in some cases 12.5 percent) during typical rainfall

RI98190D 10 McKin Site, ME DRAFT years for wetland hydrology, as defined in the COE Manual, to be present. The presence of wetland hydrology is usually determined through direct or indirect evidence of seasonal saturation or inundation. The COE Manual lists several other indicators of wetland hydrology that indirectly suggest that an area has wetland hydrology even though it may be dry at the time of observation. These include the presence of:

Watermarks Lines on trees or other upright structures that represent the maximum static water level reached during an inundation event

Drift Lines Accumulations of debris along a contour that represent the height of an inundation event

Sediment Deposits Thin layers of mud or fine debris coating vegetation or the soil surface

Drainage Patterns Deposited debris or scoured leaf litter indicative of water flow patterns

Other indicators of wetland hydrology are commonly recognized by wetland scientists even though they are not recognized in the COE Manual. These include blackened leaf litter on the soil surface and the presence of oxidized rhizospheres (thin rust colored soil zones surrounding living plant roots). Although the presence of these indicators cannot be used as the sole basis for determining wetland hydrology, their presence can be noted as supplementary supporting information.

Field indicators of wetland hydrology, especially observation of inundation or saturation, must be viewed in context of recent rainfall occurrences and seasonal water table fluctuations. For example, the presence of saturation during a seasonally wet time period or immediately following heavy rainfall cannot be used to conclude that wetland hydrology is present, and the absence of saturation during a seasonally dry period or following a drought cannot be used to conclude that wetland hydrology is absent.

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3.2 Field Protocol

Preliminary reconnaissance of the McKin wetlands revealed that repetitious data collection in every plant community (as outlined in Part IV, Section D, Subsection 2 of the COE Manual for sites less than 5 acres in size) was not necessary to accurately determine the location of wetland boundaries. Instead, representative locations were selected on the upland and wetland sides of the suspected wetland boundary (in perpendicular transects) to confirm its accuracy with respect to delineation criteria in the COE Manual.

Observations at each selected representative location were completed using a data form developed by the New England Division of the US Army Corps of Engineers (Appendix A). Dominant plant species were recorded for lands surrounding each location (roughly a 30­ foot radius circle, but not crossing the wetland boundary) together with their Indicator Status for Region 1 using the 1988 Wetland Plant List - Northeast Region (Reed, 1988). Other plant species that were not dominant were recorded separately, using the other (right-hand) column on the data form for listing plant species. Then a hole was dug with a soil auger and the soil profile (including the different textures, colors, and consistencies of the soil and the depths at which they occurred) were noted to a depth of approximately 15-20 inches (or auger refusal due to compacted or highly saturated soils). Finally, any hydrologic indicators present in the area were noted.

The wetland/upland boundary was traversed and flagged with surveyor's flagging. The coordinates of each boundary flag were surveyed by a Maine licensed surveyor. The results were used to create a wetland delineation drawing at a scale of 1 inch equals 100 feet (Figure 2, map pocket).

4.0 RESULTS

The following section outlines the results of the wetland delineation and classification of wetlands within the study area. Field data forms presenting the vegetation, soils, and hydrology data collected to support the wetlands delineation are provided in Appendix A.

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The location of the wetlands boundaries delineated within the study area is depicted on Figure 2.

Within the study area there are riverine, wetland, and upland habitats. The vegetation along the Royal River is dominated by mature deciduous trees with a fairly moderate understory of deciduous saplings and shrubs and dense herbaceous ground cover. The canopy over the river is frequently open. The steep river banks have a moderate to dense saplings and shrubs cover, with trunks and branches outstretched over the river. Wetland types include palustrine scrub/shrub and unconsolidated bottom wetlands. Upland habitat in the study area consists of forested uplands and open-land meadow habitat.

4.1 Wetlands and Upland Classification

The majority of the wetlands in the study area are associated with the Royal River and the small streams and seeps that discharge to the river. Wetland occurrences within the study area include small areas on the west and east flood plain of the river and are identified on Figure 2.

The RRDZ wetlands presented on Figure 2 were not identified on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Maps. The wetlands were probably overlooked due to their relatively small size. All of the wetland areas identified were located within the 100-year flood plain of the Royal River.

4.1.1 Vegetation

Nine small wetland areas located between the Royal River channel and the study area wetland boundary are identified as areas 1 through 9 on Figure 2. These areas are located in the Royal River flood plain, typically in small tributaries or seeps draining to the river. The tributaries and seeps near the river channel typically have narrow channels with steep, eroded banks cut through the terraced flood plain to the river (see photographs numbers 1 through 3 in Appendix B).

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The wetlands are classified as palustrine scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous (PSS1) wetlands. The areas typically have a dense groundcover of non-persistent herbaceous vegetation. The scrub/shrub vegetation is dominated by speckled alder (Alnus rugosa) with herbaceous ground cover including Indian poke (Veratrum viride). sensitive fern (Onoclea sens/bill's), sedges (Carex spp.), and cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea). The canopy usually consists of overhanging branches from upland trees found close to the upland/wetland boundary, including basswood (Tilia americana), white oak (Quercus alba), and white pine (Pinus strobus). The total wetland acreage within the RRDZ is approximately 2.3 acres. The approximate acreage for each wetland area is presented in tabular form on Figure 2.

Wetland area 8 is a small ponded area of approximately 0.2 acres with a single, constricted inlet/outlet to the river. Emergent or aquatic vegetation was not observed in the open water during the May 1998 field work. This wetland would be classified as palustrine unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded (PUB4), however this area may be dominated by non-persistent vegetation later in the growing season and may then be better classified as Palustrine emergent (PEM2) .

Disturbed Area

As part of the FS activities, piezometer and groundwater wells were installed in the RRDZ area to support performance of a pump test. The operation of drilling equipment disturbed some areas of the flood plain that potentially are wetlands, including a low lying, narrow depression at the toe of the steep upland slope between wetland areas 4 and 5. Based on field observations (primarily hydrology and vegetation), this area appears to be a wetland, although all three wetland criteria could not be determined with certainty. As a conservative approach, this area was identified as wetland (area 4A).

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Upland Vegetation

Upland plant communities near the wetland boundaries include forested and open-field systems. Mixed hardwoods dominate the lower flood plain elevations, while white pine generally dominates the higher elevation uplands. Upland plants near the wetland areas are included in the Upland Vegetation List in Appendix C.

4.1.2 Soils

Soils occurring in the study area wetlands have been mapped by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, in its soil survey for Cumberland County, Maine, as Elmwood fine sandy loam and Melrose fine sandy loam (SCS, 1974), which are classified as well drained. The wetlands are located on small inclusions of poorly drained Limmerick-Saco soils. These small inclusions were not mapped for the soil survey and were probably overlooked because of their small area.

The study area soils developed from glacial outwash material, marine or lacustrine deposits, and recent alluvium deposits by streams. The flood plain alluvium of the Royal River flood plain is of relatively recent origin, with new material deposited from year to year on much of the flood plain. The flood plain surficial soils have a gray or grayish- brown coloration related to the Presumpscot formation.

Soil borings advanced on the representative transact record for the wetland delineation generally confirm the soil survey mappings, except for the wetland inclusions. Soil borings immediately upland of the delineated boundary displayed the bright (high chroma) colors indicative of the well drained soils, while soil borings immediately inside the boundary displayed an accumulation of the lower permeable silty loams with the low chromas and redoximorphic features indicative of extended saturation.

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4.1.3 Hydrology

Hydrologically, groundwater discharge and small tributaries appear to support the wetlands systems in the study area, with minor contributions from precipitation. Much of the groundwater discharge occurs from isolated seeps at the toe of the steep upland slopes on the western and eastern part of the study area. These seeps generally feed narrow headwater channels that flow through swales until reaching the Royal River. These seeps and the zones of scrub/shrub wetlands bordering the headwater streams created by the seeps may be described as seasonally saturated and the small stream channels as intermittently or permanently flooded.

The water depth in the wetlands ranges from several feet during the spring floods to an estimated 1 2 inches below grade during the summer months. Observations made by field personnel have indicated that the Royal River appears to be a "flashy system" with fairly rapid changes in water elevations during heavy rains.

4.2 Royal River Flood Plain

The boundary of the 100-year flood plain of the Royal River is defined on Figure 2. The flood plain is the lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining the river that are subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. The areas between the wetlands and flood plain boundaries are classified as nonwetlands. Much of the flood plain is saturated in the early spring from heavy rainfall on snow-covered or frozen ground. It appears that alluvial soils are deposited during floods on a year-to-year basis on much of the flood plain area.

The flood plain in the RRDZ is a relatively level terrace behind the steep banks of the river channel. The wetlands are typically situated in eroded channels and depressions on the flood plain terrace. The flood plain soils are classified as well drained (Melrose and Elmwood soils), while the wetland soils are classified as poorly drained (Limmerick-Saco soils).

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The flood plain plant community generally consists of mature canopy of upland trees providing moderate cover basswood, sugar maple (Acer saccharum), white oak (Quercus alba) and green ash (Fraxinus americana). Shrub density is sparse in much of the flood plain within the study area. A dense herbaceous groundcover consisting of ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), Indian poke, braken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and unidentified grasses is present.

4.3 Riverine Habitat

The Royal River generally flows south through the study area and empties into , in the Town of Yarmouth, Maine. The river flows a distance of 25 miles and has a total drainage area of 142 square miles. The drainage area of the Royal River upstream of the study area is approximately 70 square miles. Collyer Brook, a tributary to the river, intersects the river immediately north of the study area boundary. Collyer Brook is 9 miles long and has a drainage area of approximately 20 square miles (FEMA 1991). Most flooding in the area appears to occur during the winter and early spring months as a result of heavy rainfall on snow-covered or frozen ground. Flooding in the summer months is most often associated with prolonged heavy rainfall or tropical storms.

The NWI map for Gray, Maine, classifies the Royal River channel as riverine, unconsolidated bottom, permanently flooded habitat (R2UBH). Field observations appear to confirm this classification. Emergent or aquatic vegetation was not observed within the stream channel during the field activities. This unvegetated habitat is considered as deepwater habitat by the COE Manual and therefore, a nonwetland area.

! The bottom substrate of the river consists of gravel-boulder bottom areas alternating with sandy-gravel bottom areas. The river bank Is severely eroded in this area, which has resulted in numerous tree collapses along the bank.

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4.4 Wildlife

This section provides a description of the wildlife observed and habitat quality in the study area vicinity.

The study area itself is not developed, but low to moderate development is present in the surrounding areas and consists of single-family residences, seasonal homes, recreational development, farmland, roads, and bridges. Most of the development occurs within Gray Center and Dry Mills; however, there is substantial residential development in most areas of Gray and heavy recreational development around the areas lakes and ponds.

The majority of the land area in and around the study area is forest land that provides good woodland wildlife habitat for species that do not require large home ranges of undisturbed land (woodcock, squirrel, beaver, deer, moose, etc.). The natural gas and oil line easement also provides meadow habitat for open-land wildlife such as mourning dove, pheasant, fox, woodchuck, and deer. Wetland wildlife that may use the study area wetland and riverine habitats include great blue heron, ducks, beaver, and mink.

Factors contributing to the value of the wildlife habitat include its interspersion with a variety of uplands, riverine, and different wetlands habitats. In addition, the study area is bordered by corridors of undeveloped land that can provide wildlife access to other habitat areas. Within the study area, the mosaic of herbaceous and scrub/shrub wetland vegetation and forested upland cover is good habitat for mammals, forest-edge birds, and reptiles and amphibians. Although aquatic vegetation was not observed in the river channel during field work, an abundance of tree snags, boulders, and overhanging vegetation provides cover for fish and other wildlife in the river. The occasional dead trees amid the flood plain and forest provide good nesting cavities in the trunks or limbs for owls and other songbirds. Some of the large cavities may provide nesting and den sites for wood duck, raccoon, and mink. A large man-made pond, located at the northwest boundary of the study area, and the small study area pond, provide good resting and feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl.

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An inventory of the study area wildlife was conducted during the wetlands delineation process. Appendix C contains lists of wildlife species identified or reported as present in or near the study area based on visual sitings and/or on the observation of signs during field activities. Because of the short survey period, these lists are a good indicator of wildlife present in the area, but do not represent a comprehensive species inventory.

Based on available information, no known occurrences of federal or state-listed threatened or endangered species have been recorded in the study area (see Appendix D).

5.0 SUMMARY

The wetlands in the study area are a small part of a large network of wetlands that border the Royal River. The typical wetland within the study area is palustrian, scrub/shrub, generally dominated by broad-leaved, deciduous shrubs. These wetlands are usually seasonally flooded or saturated.

The wetlands in the study area, together with other wetlands and uplands along the river, provide food, cover, resting, and breeding areas for a variety of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The wildlife habitats associated with the area are interconnected by corridors to other habitats providing area for wildlife to roam (although roadways usually must be crossed), often without encountering humans. However, human intrusion, including development and recreational use, has fragmented the area, resulting in less than ideal wildlife habitat.

Rt98190D 19 McKin Site, ME DRAFT

REFERENCES

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1. US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi.

FEMA 1982. National Flood Insurance Program. Federal Emergency Management Agency. Town of Gray, Maine, Cumberland County Community-Panel Number 230048 0005. Effective January 6, 1982.

FICWD (Federal Interagency Committee for Wetland Delineation). 1989. Federal Manual for Identifying and Delineating Jurisdictional Wetlands. US Army Corps of Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Soil Conservation Service. Cooperative technical publication.

NEIWPCC, 1995. Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils in New England. New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, Wilmington, MA.

NTCHS (National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils). 1991. Hydric Soils of the United States. US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.

Reed, P. B. 1988. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: National Summary. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. Biological Report 88(24), September 1988.

SCS (U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service). 1974. Soil Survey of Cumberland County, Maine. August 1974.

RI98190D 20 McKinSite, ME TARGET SHEET

THE MATERIAL DESCRIBED BELOW WAS NOT SCANNED BECAUSE:

(X) OVERSIZED

() NON-PAPER MEDIA

() OTHER:

DESCRIPTION: FIGURE # 2

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE. McKIN SITE JULY 21,1998.

THE OMITTED MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW, BY APPOINTMENT, AT THE US EPA NEW ENGLAND SUPERFUND RECORDS CENTER, BOSTON, MA APPENDIX A USACOE WETLAND DATA FORMS Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTL l. Hydrology 1s often the most d1ff1cult feature to observe. document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness of the observation SOIL DETERMINATION DETERMINATION 1n light of the se.uon, recent weather conditions, and watershed description that your reported in the DAIA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alter1t1ons, etc. section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology may require repeated observations over more than one season. 1. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils D Recorded Data: Stream, lake or tidal gage ldentif1cat1on: ------Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1995), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aerial Photograph ldent1t1c•t1on: 1974 (Soil Surve'i)

Other ldent1f1cat1on: ------~------....._ D No Recorded Data Available ll**Non& 111.D.1 111. F. 1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS: I 111.D.2 111.F.2 111.G.2.b Depth to Free Water: > 18" II 111.F.3 111.G.2.c Depth to Saturation: >18" Ill.A 111.E.1 111.H.1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None Ill. B 111.E.2 111.G.1.a 111.H.2 111.C 111.E.3 111.G.1.b Ill.I 2. DETAILED Interpretation- Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. D Inundated Distric Eutrochrepts D Saturated In upper 12 Inches D Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: D Drift Lines Well drained D Sediment Deposits D Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands Remarks: Source of Drainage Class Criteria: USCOE 1991 Drainage Class No field indicators of wetland hydrology were observed Guidelines Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 1 Plot: 1 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Suffield Silt Loam Field Observations FLAG ABB *Confirm Type Maooed? Yes• No D REMARKS: Yes No Coarse-silty over clayey, mixed, mesic Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytes? 0 • Hydnc Soils Criterion Met? D • Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? D • IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND? D • Remarks: Classification - Upland

ace 1form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA-SOIL Remarks:

Transect: 1 Plot: 1 Date: 5/20/98

DATA- IStrotum and Species Dominance Percent NWI Ratio Dominance Status VEGETATION (DOMINANTS ONL YI TREE ULMUS RUBRA 30/45 67 FAC PINUS STROBUS 15/45 33 FACU SAPLING ULMUS RUBRA 20/35 57 FAC Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist) (Munsell, Moist) concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. OSTRYA VIRGINIANA 15/35 43 FAC SHRUB 0-1" 0 Gray, dk brown LONICERA TARTARIA 15/46 33 FACU 1-9" A 10 yr4/2 silt loam OSTRYA VIRIGNIANA 15/46 33 FACU 9-18 B 10yr5/2 silt loam FRAXINUS PENNSYLVANICA 10/46 22 FACW HERB ANEMONE QUINQUEFOLIA 25/90 28 FACU TSUGA CANADENSIS 25/90 28 FACU

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAC·, FACU, or UPL species with observed adaptations to wetland hydroloay TALLY (Dominants ONLY) OBL FACW FAC *FAC­ *FACU *UPL FAC­ FACU UPL

2 6

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES): 3 SUBTOTAL: 6

TOTAL: 9

-'--1O~O~x~S~U-=B-'-T"°'"O-'-T'-'A=L("-H'--'Y--=D-'--R'""O-'--P-'--'H-'-Y-'--T=cES:o..__ = 33 = PERCENT TOTAL = HYDROPHYTES Sketch Landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe adaptations:

ace1form .doc Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTE: 1. Hydrology 1s often the most dtff1cult feature to observe. SOIL DETERMINATION document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness of the observation DETERMINATION in light of the season, recent weather cond1t1ons, and watershed description that your reported in the DA TA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alterations, etc. section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology rnay require repeated observations over more than one season. 1. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using D Recorded Data. Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils Stream. lake or tidal gage ldent1hcat1on: Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1995), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aenal Photograph \dent1flcat1on: 197~ (Sot\_ Survey}

Other ldent1ficat1on: ------···­

D No Recorded Data Available **None** 111.D. 1 111.F.1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS : I 111.D.2 111.F.2 111.G.2.b Depth to Free Water: O" II 111.F.3 111.G.2.c Depth to Saturation: O" Ill.A 111.E. 1 111.H. 1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None - groundwater see(:! Ill. B 111.E.2 ( 111.G.1.a J 111.H.2 111.C 111.E.3 111.G.1.b 111.1 2. DETAlLED Interpretation­ Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. 0 Inundated Typic Fluvaquents • Saturated In upper 12 Inches 0 Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: 0 Drift Lines Poorly drained 0 Sediment Deposits • Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands Remarks: Source of Drainage Class Criteria: USCOE 1991 Drainage Class Observed field indicators of wetland hydrology Guidelines Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 1 Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Suffield Silt Loam Field Observations FLAG ABS *Confirm Type Mapped? Yes D No• REMARKS: Yes No Small inclusion of Limmerick-Saco silt loam Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytes 7 • D Hydric Soils Criterion Met? • D Yes No Wetland Hydrology PresenP • D IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND? • D Remarks: Classification - Scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous (PSS10)

ace2form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA-SOIL Remarks:

Transect: 1 Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

DATA­ Stratum and Species Dommance Percent NWI Ratio Dominance Status VEGETATION I (DOMINANTS ONL Yi

SHRUB ALNUS RUGOSA 45/45 100 FACW+

Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist} (Munsell, Moist) concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. CAREX SP. 40/77 52 FAC* ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS 30177 39 FACW 0-16" A 10 YR 4/1 SILTY LOAM OXIDIZED RHIZOSPHERES - 7% WITHIN 6" ORGANIC STREAKING

"ASSUMED

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAC-, FACU, or UPL species vv1th observed adaotations to wetland hvdroloav TALLY (Dominants ONLY) OBL FACW FAC *FAC- *FACU *UPL FAC­ FACU UPL

2

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES): 3 SUBTOTAL: ___0__

TOTAL: 3

~1_00~x_S~U~B~T~O~T~A~L~(H~Y"-"'"D~R~O~P~H~Y~T~ES"'-~ = 33 - PERCENT TOTAL 100 = HYDROPHYTES Sketch Landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe adaptations:

ace2form .doc Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTE: 1 Hydrology IS often the most difficult feature to observe. SOIL DETERMINATION document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness of the observation DETERMINATION m light of the season, recent weather cond1t1ons, and watershed description that your reported in the DATA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alterations, etc. section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology may require repeated observations over more than one season. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using D Recorded Data: 1. Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils Stream, lake or tidal gage ldentif1cat1on: ------Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1995), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aerial Photograph ldentif1cat1on: 197tl (Soil Survey)

Other ldentif1cat1on: ------~--

/ ---.. D No Recorded Data Available l.."*None**) 111.D.1 111. F. 1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS : I - 111.D.2 111.F.2 111.G.2.b Depth to Free Water: > 1B" II 111.F .3 111.G.2.c Depth to Saturation: > 18" Ill.A 111. E. 1 111.H.1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None 111.B 111.E.2 111.G.1.a 111.H.2 111.C 111.E.3 111.G.1.b 111.1 2. DETAILED Interpretation- Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. D Inundated Typic Dystrochrepts D Saturated In upper 12 Inches D Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: D Drift Lines Well drained D Sediment Deposits D Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands Remarks: Source of Drainage Class Criteria: USCOE 1991 Drainage Class No field indicators of wetland hydrology were observed Guidelines Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 2 Plot: 1 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Melrose fine sandyField Observations FLAG ABB loam *Confirm Type Mapped? Yes• No D REMARKS: Yes No Mixed, mesic coarse loamy over clayey Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytes? 0 • Hydric Soils Criterion Met? D • Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present' D • IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND? D • Remarks: Classification - Upland

ace3form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA-SOIL Remarks:

Transect: 2 Plot: 1 Date: 5/20/98

DATA­ IStrotum ond Species Dominance Percent NWI Ratio Dominance Status VEGETATION (DOMINANTS ONL YI

CANOPY UNIDENTIFIED APPLE TREE 45/80 56 FACU TILIA AMERICANA 30/80 38 FACU Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist) (Munsell, Moist} concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. HERB MATIEUCCIA STRETHIOPTERIS 65/100 65 FACW 0-0.5 0 0.5-6" A 10yr4/3 fine sandy loam 6-18" B 10 yr 4/4 fine sandy loam

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAC·, FACU, or UPL species with observed adaptations to wetland hvdroloay TALLY {Dominants ONLY) OBL FACW FAC *FAC- *FACU *UPL FAG­ FACU UPL

2 2 ------

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES): 2 SUBTOTAL: -----2

TOTAL: 4

100 x SUBTOTAUHYDROPHYTES = = PERCENT TOTAL 50 = HYDROPHYTES Sketch Landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe adaptations:

ace3form.doc Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTE: 1. Hydrology 1s often the most d1ff1cult feature to observe. SOIL DETERMINATION document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness of the observation DETERMINATION 1n light of the season, recent weather conditions, and watershed description that your reported in the DATA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alterations, etc section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology may require repeated observations over more than one season. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using 0 Recorded Data: 1. Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils Stream, lake or tidal gage Identification: ------­ Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1995), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aerial Photograph fdent1f1cation: 12Z4 (SCl_ILSurvf:l}')

Other ldent1f1cation:

0 No Recorded Data Available **None** 111.D.1 111.F.1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS: I 111.D.2 111.F .2 111.G.2.b Depth to Free Water: 2" II 111.F.3 111.G.2.c Depth to Saturation: Surface Ill.A 111. E. 1 111.H. 1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None - groundwater seep 111.B 111.E.2 111 r, 1 "' 111.H.2 ' 111.E.3 ( 111.G. 1 .b.) 111.1 111.C ...... 2. DETAl LED Interpretation- - Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. • Inundated Aquic Dystric Eutrochrepts • Saturated In upper 12 Inches D Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: D Drift Lines Moderately well drained D Sediment Deposits • Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands Remarks: Source of Drainage Class Criteria: USCOE 1991 Drainage Class Observed field indicators of wetland hydrology Guidelines Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 2 Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Elmwood fine sandy Field Observations FLAG A67 loam *Confirm Type Mapped? Yes:J No• REMARKS: Yes No Small inclusion of Limmerick-Saco silt loam Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytes? • 0 Hydnc Soils Criterion Met? • 0 Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? • 0 IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND? • 0 Remarks: Palustrine scrub/shrub, broad-leaved deciduous (PSS 1)

ace4form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA·SOIL Remarks: Transect: Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

DATA­ Stratum and Species Dominance Percent NWI Ratio Dominance Status VEGETATION I (DOMINANTS ONLY)

SHRUB ALNUS RUGOSA 70/70 100 FACW+

Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist) (Munsell, Moist) concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS 25/90 28 FACW MATTEUCCIA STRUTHIOPTERIS 20/90 22 FACW 0-0.5 0 decayed leaves throughout subsoil CAREX SP. 20/90 22 FAC* 05-6" A 10yr4/2 sulfidic odor, organic streaking 6-18" B 10 yr 3/1 within 6"

* Assumed

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAC-, FACU, or UPL species with observed adaptations to wetland hydrology TALLY (Dominants ONLYl OBL FACW FAC *FAC- *FACU *UPL FAC- FACU UPL

3

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES): 4 SUBTOTAL: -----0

TOTAL: 4

100 x SUBTOTAL(HYDROPHYTES = 100 = PERCENT TOTAL 100 = HYDROPHYTES Sketch landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe adaptations:

ace4form.doc Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTE: 1. Hydrology is often the most d1ff1cult feature to observe. SOIL DETERMINATION document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness of the observation DETERMINATION 1n light of the season, recent weather conditions, and watershed description that your reported in the DATA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alterations, etc. section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology may require repeated observations over more than one season. D Recorded Data: 1. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils Stream, lake or tidal gage ldent1f1cat1on: ------·------­ Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1995), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aerial Photograph ldent1f1cat1on: 1 ~74 !~oil Survey)

Identification: Other ------

/ D No Recorded Data Available r '' **None**_/ 111.D.1 111.F.1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS: Depth to Free Water: 16" I 111.D.2 111.F.2 111.G.2.b -- Depth to Saturation: 14" II 111.F.3 111.G.2.c - Ill.A 111. E. 1 111.H. 1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None 111.B 111.E.2 111.G.1.a 111.H.2 -- 111.C 111.E.3 111.G.1.b 111.1 2. DETAILED Interpretation- Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. D Inundated Typic Dystrochrepts D Saturated In upper 12 Inches D Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: D Drift Lines Well drained D Sediment Deposits D Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands USACOE 1991 Soil Drainage Guidelines Remarks: No field indicators of wetland hydrology were Source of DrainaQe Class Criteria: observed Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 3 Plot: 1 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Melrose fine sandy loam Field Observations FLAG A37 *Confirm Type Mapped? Yes • No D REMARKS: Yes No Gradual upland sloped area from wetland Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytes? D • Hydric Soils Criterion Met? D • Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? 0 • IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND? D • Remarks: Classification: Upland

ace5form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA-SOIL Remarks: Transect: 3 Plot: Date: 5/20/98

DATA­ Stratum and Species Dominance Percent NWI Ratio Dominance Status VEGETATION I (DOMINANTS ONLYI TREE ACER SACCHARUM 50/85 59 FACU­ TILIA AMERICANA 20/85 24 FACU

SAPLING Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist) {Munsell, Moist) concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. ACER SACCHARUM 25/35 71 FACU­ PINUS STRORUS 10/35 29 FACU 0-6 A lOYR 4/3 6-18 B lOYR 4/2 SHRUB CORYLUS AMERICANA 10/25 40 FACU­ CARPINUS CAROLINIANA 10/25 40 FAC

HERB OSMUNDA CINNAMOMEA 20/50 40 FACW PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM 20/50 40 FACU

• Assumed

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAC-, FACU, a UPL species with observed adaptations to wetland hydrology TALLY {Dominants ONLY) OBL FACW FAC *FAC- *FACU *UPL FAC- FACU UPL

7

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES ): SUBTOTAL: -----7

TOTAL: 8

100 x SUBTOTAL(HYDROPHYTES = PERCENT TOTAL 13 = HYDROPHYTES Sketch Landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe tdaptations:

ace5form .doc Use either the ROUTINE or the DETAILED format to NOTE: 1 Hydrology 1s often the most d1ff1cult feature to observe SOIL DETERMINATION document your interpretation of the soil profile DATA & 2. Interpretations must consider the appropriateness ot the observation DETERMINATION 1n hght of the season, recent weather cond1t1ons, and watershed description that your reported in the DATA -SOIL HYDROLOGY alterations, etc. section on the reverse side of this form. 3. Interpretation of hydrology may require repeated observations over more than one season. 1. ROUTINE Interpretation - Using Field Indicators for Identifying Hydric Soils 0 H•corded Data; sir~~m. l•k• or ria•I gage ldentff1c1t1on; Within The New England Region (NEIWPCC, 1985), circle the indicator in the box that best fits the soil profile description. Aerial Photograph Identification: 1974 (Soil Surve'[) · Other Identification: ----·------~------

D No Recorded Data Available **None"* 111.D.1 111.F. 1 111.G.2.a REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS: I 111.D.2 111.F.2 111.G.2.b Depth to Free Water: 7" II 111.F.3 111.G.2.c Depth to Saturation: 4" Ill.A 111. E. 1 111.H. 1 Describe Altered Hydrology: None 111.B 111.E.2 111.r, 1.a 111.H.2 111.C 111.E.3 ( 111.G.1.b ')__, 111. I 2. DETAILED Interpretation '-­ Soil Taxonomy - Suborder. • Inundated · some areas Typic Fluvaquents • Saturated In upper 12 Inches D Water Marks Drainage Class and Rationale: D Drift Lines Poorly drained D Sediment Deposits D Drainage Patterns Within Wetlands USACOE 1991 Soil Drainage Guidelines Remarks: Source of Drainage Class Criteria: Observed field indicators of wetland hydrology Water Table - Describe and explain morphologies or other evidence of the seasonal high water table:

Project Title: McKin RRDZ CONCLUSIONS Delineator: K. O'Neill SOIL SURVEY: Is Published Soil Survey Available? Yes• No D Title/Date: Cumberland Co., Me, 1974 Transect: 3 Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

Soil Type Mapped: Melrose sandy loam Field Observations FLAG A37 *Confirm Type Mapped? Yes D No • REMARKS: Yes No Greater than 50 Percent Hydrophytesil • D Small inclusion of Limmerick - Saco silt loam / / Hydric Soils Criterion MeP • D Yes No Wetland Hydrology Present? • D IS THIS DATAPOINT WITHIN A WETLAND' ~ • Remarks: Classification: Palustrine Scrub/Shrub, broad-leaved deciduous (PSS 1)

ace6form .doc Project Title: McKin RRDZ File Number: 7691 DATA-SOIL Remarks:

Transect: 3 Plot: 2 Date: 5/20/98

DATA­ I Stratum and Species Dommance Percent NWI Ratio Oommanc Status VEGETATION I DOMINANTS ONLY) e TREE PINUS STROBUS 20120 100 FACU

SHRUB ALNUS RUGOSA 45/45 100 FACW+ Depth Horizon Matrix Color Color of Mottles USDA Texture, iron or manganese nodules or Munsell, Moist) (Munsell, Moist) concretions, restrictive layers, root Abundance/Contrast distribution, oxidized rhizospheres, etc. HERB UNIDENTIFIED WETLAND GRASS 35/103 32 0-2" 0 faint mottles organic silt, organic streaks CAREX SP. • 25/103 24 FAC 2-6" A 10yr3/2 olive-brown silt loam, oxy. rhizospheres OSMUNDA CINNAMOMEA 20/103 19 FACW 8-18" B 5Y5/2 fine sandy loam ONOCLEA SENSIBILIS 20/103 19 FACW

* Assumed

Note: use asterisk• to indicate FAG·, FACU, or UPL species with observed adaptations to wetland hydrology TALLY (Dominants ONLY) OBL FACW FAC *FAC­ *FACU *UPL FAC­ FACU UPL

3

SUBTOTAL (HYDROPHYTES): 4 SUBTOTAL: ----­1

TOTAL: 5

100 x SUBTOTAL(HYDROPHYTES = PERCENT TOTAL 80 = HYDROPHYTES ----­ Sketch Landscape Position:

Describe vegetation disturbance: none Describe adaptations:

ace6form .doc APPENDIX B PHOTOGRAPHS MCKIN SITE - ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE

PHOTOGRAPH NO. 1 OF GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE SEEP - "BOILING SPRINGS' FACING WEST - MARCH 1998

PHOTOGRAPH NO. 2 OF EASTERN FLOODPLAIN AND ROYAL RIVER TAKEN FROM WEST BANK OF ROYAL RIVER - MAY 1998 MCKIN SITE - ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE

PHOTOGRAPH NO. 3 OF WEST BANK OF ROYAL RIVER FACING NORTHEAST - MAY 1998 APPENDIX C OBSERVED SPECIES LISTS APPENDIX C OBSERVED SPECIES LISTS MCKIN ROYAL RIVER DISCHARGE ZONE ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT GRAY MAINE May 20-21, 1998

WETLAND/FLOODPLAIN PLANTS

Common Name Scientific Name beggar tick Bidens sp. cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea elderberry Sambucus canadensis goldenrod Solidago sp. green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica Indian poke (false hellebore) Veratrum viride jack-in-the-pulpit, northern Arisaema stewardsonii jewelweed Impatiens capensis marsh fern The/ypteris thelypteroides ostrich fern Matteuccia Struthiopteris red maple Acer rubrum royal fern Osmunda regalis sedges (unidentified) Carex spp. sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis smartweed Polygonum sp. • speckled alder Alnus rugosa steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa tall meadow-rue Thalictrum pubescens trout lily Erythronium americanum unidentified wetland grass water purslane Ludwigia palustris willow Salix sp.

C-1 UPLAND PLANTS

Common Name Scientific Name black cherry Prunus serotina balsam fir Abies balsemea basswood Tilia americana bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum choke cherry Prunus virginiana creeping cedar Lycopodium complanatum gray birch Betu/a populifolia hayscented fern Denstaedtia punctilobula hazelnut, American Corylus americana hemlock, eastern Tsuga canadensis honeysuckle, tartarian Lonicera tatarica hornbeam, eastern Ostrya virginiana ironwood Carpinus caroliniana quaking aspen Populus tremuloides red maple Acer rubrum red oak, northern Quercus rubra red pine Pinus resin osa red trillium Trillium erectum river birch Betula nigra rough-stemmed goldenrod Solidago rugosa slippery elm Ulmus rubra speckled alder Alnus rugosa striped maple Acer pennsylvanicum sugar maple Acer saccharum teaberry, wintergreen Gaultheria procombens

C-2 UPLAND PLANTS

Common Name Scientific Name white birch Betula papyrifera white oak Quercus alba white pine Pinus strobus wild leek Allium tricoccum witch-hazel, common Hamamelis virgin/ana wood anemone Anemone quinquefolia

C-3 WILDLIFE

Birds Common Name Scientific Name

American crow Con/us brachyrynchos American goldfinch Carduelis tristis Black-capped chickadee Parus atricapillus Blue jay Cyanocitta cristate Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina Downy woodpecker Picoides pubescens Northern flicker Colaptes auratus Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Pine warbler Dendroica pinus Purple finch Carpodocus purpureus White-breasted nuthatch S/tta carolinensis

C-4 Reptiles and Amphibians

Common Name Scientific Name Green frog Rana clamitans melanota Northern spring peeper'1 Hyla c. crucifer unidentified snake

Fish (i) Common Name Scientific Name

Brown trout Salmo trutta Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis Smallmouth bass Micropteris dolomieui Largemouth bass Micropteris salmoides Chain pickerel Esox niger Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Common shiner Notropus cornutus Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos Blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratuIus Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus Lake chub Couesius plumbeus Fallfish Semotilus corporails Nine-spine stickleback Pungitius pungitius White sucker Catostomus commersoni Hornpout (Brown bullhead) Ictalurus nebulosus Pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus American eel Anguilla rostrata

111 Species present in the Royal River per Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife communication.

C-5 Mammals

Common Name Scientific Name beaver* Castor canadensis eastern chipmunk Taniias striatus moose* Alces alces raccoon* Procylon lotor red fox Vulpes fulva red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus whitetail deer* Odocorleus virgin/anus

Observed sign (i.e. scat, tracks, den, call, etc.)

C-6 APPENDIX D THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES RESPONSE LETTERS 7*713 ­ United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE New England Field Office " ­ 22 Bridge Street, Unit # I Concord, New Hampshire OJ301-4986

RE: KcKin Site, Gray, Maine Mav 28, 1998 •"-••••II H fg d 0 W [I 0<] Kevin O'Neill n' i Brown & Root

Dear Mr. O'Neill:

We have reviewed your request for information on endangered and threatened species and their habitats for the above-referenced project. Based on the project description and location, it appears that no impacts to federally-listed species will occur. Should project plans change, or if additional information on the distribution of listed or proposed species becomes available, this determination may be reconsidered.

We suggest that you contact the Maine Natural Areas Program, 93 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333. at 207-287-8044, for information on state-listed species that may be present.

A list of federally-designated endangered and threatened species in Maine is enclosed for your information.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Amaral Endangered Species Specialist Enclosure New England Field Office FEDERALLY LISTED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES IN MAINE

Common Name Scientific Name Status Distribution

FISHES:

Sturgeon, shortnose* Acipenser brevirostrum & Atlantic Coastal Waters

REPTILES:

Turtle, leatherback* Dermochelys coriacea E Oceanic summer resident Turtle, loggerhead* Caretta caretta T Oceanic summer resident Turtle, Atlantic ridley* Lepidochelys kempii E Oceanic summer resident

BIRDS:

Eagle, bald Haliaeetus leucocephalus T Entire state-nesting habitat Falcon, American peregrine Falco peregrinus anatum E Current nesting: Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Oxford, & Franklin Counties; entire state-migratory Falcon, Arctic peregrine Falco peregrinus tundrius Entire state migratory- no nesting Plover, Piping Charadrius melodus T Atlantic coast Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii dougallii E Atlantic coast

MAMMALS:

Wolf, eastern timber Canis lupus E Somerset Cougar, eastern Felis concolor couguar E Entire state-may be extirpated Whale, blue* Balaenoptera musculus E Oceanic Whale, finback* Balaenoptera physalus E Oceanic Whale, humpback* Megaptera novaeangliae E Oceanic Whale, right* Eubalaena spp. (all species) E Oceanic Whale, sei* Balaenoptera borealis E Oceanic Whale, sperm* Phvseter catodon E Oceanic

MOLLUSKS:

NONE

PLANTS:

Small Whorled Pogonia Isotria medeoloides York, Kennebec, Cumberland, Oxford Counties Lousewort, Furbish's Pedicularis furbishiae E Aroostook County Orchid, Eastern prairie fringed Platanthera leucopehaea T Aroostook County Except for sea turtle nesting habitat, principal responsibility for these species is vested with the National Marine Fisheries Service

Rev. 7-28-95 CC J. STATE OF MAINE PD DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE 284 STATE STREET 41 STATE HOUSE STATION -77*3 AUGUSTA, MAINE ANGUS S. KING. JR. 04333-004 1 RAY B. OWEN. JR.

GOVERNOR COMMISSIONER

h° •~3 0 » d

July 17, 1998 Jli JUL 20 1998

TETRA TECH NUS, INC. Kevin O'Niel WILMINGTON. MA 01887-1020 Brown and Root 55 Jonspin Rd. Wilmington, mA 01887-1020 Dear Kevin: I have reviewed our files for the area along the Royal River in Gray for the presence of threatened or endangered species and have found no species associated with the site. Regarding the second part of your inquiry, I feel it is safe to say that there would be an association of local fauna associated with the site, including deer, hare, raccoons, fox, coyotes, weasels, mink and other wildlife.

jpectfully,

Philiri Bozertnard Regional Biologist

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER STATE OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION 159 HOSPITAL STREET 93 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0093

ANGUS S KING, JR RONALD B LOVAGLIO

GOVERNOR LUIMMIIaWUNbH [—^ ,~ /TO r n 11 L5 i£ W d n n i JQ JUN 19 B98 1 June 17, 1998 TETRA TECH NUS. INC WILMINGTON MA 01887-1020 Kevin O'Neill Brown & Root *••, 55 JonspinRoad Wilmington, MA 01887-1020

Re: Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species Information Request for the McKin Site in Gray, Maine

Dear Mr. O'Neill:

Thank you for contacting the Maine Natural Areas Program. We are always eager to work with organizations conducting environmental assessments. I have searched the Natural Areas Program's Biological and Conservation Data System files in response to your request of June 16, 1998 for information on the presence of rare or unique botanical features documented from the vicinity of the McKin site in the town of Gray, Maine. Rare and unique botanical features include the habitat of rare, threatened, or endangered plant species and unique or exemplary natural communities. Our review involves examining maps, manual and computerized records, other sources of information such as scientific articles or published references, and the personal knowledge of staff or cooperating experts. Our official response covers only botanical features. For authoritative information and official response for zoological features you must make a similar request to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, Augusta, Maine 04333. .- * According to the information currently in our Biological and Conservation Data System files, there are no rare botanical features documented specifically within the project area. This finding is available and appropriate for preparation and review of environmental assessments, but it is not a substitute for on-site surveys. Comprehensive field surveys do not exist for all natural areas in Maine, an i in the absence of a specific field investigation, the Maine Natural Areas Program cannot provide a definitive statement on the presence or absence of unusual natural features in this site.

NATLRAL RESOURCES INFORMATION AND MA.PPING CENTER PHONE: (207) 287-8044 ROBERT G. MARVINNEY, DIRECTOR AND ST\TE GEOLOGIST FAX: (207) 287-8040

TR1\TFDON REC-lU ED TM'FR TTY: (207) 287-2213 During your field work, please consider the enclosed supplemental information regarding rare and exemplary botanical features documented to occur in the town of New Gloucester - the closest town in which we have documented occurrences. A sheet is enclosed to explain how these species and communities have been ranked according to their rarity. These features may occur in the project area if suitable habitat exists and should be considered during a survey. I have also enclosed a fact sheet for Cypripedium arietinum as a reference. Our staff will be conducting a field study this summer of a wetland site in New Gloucester, after which we will have a more complete listing of wetland plants that may occur in the area. You may contact us again for an update. The Natural Areas Program is continuously working to achieve a more comprehensive database of exemplary natural features in Maine. We welcome the contribution of any information obtained during your field work. Please contact us again if you would like suggestions information on how to minimize impacts on species or communities found on your site. If you intend to publish data that we have provided in any form, we ask that you inform us at the outset and credit us as the source. The Natural Areas Program has instituted a fee structure of $75.00 an hour to recover the actual cost of processing your request for information. You will receive an invoice for S75.00 for our services. Thank you again for using the Natural Areas Program in the environmental review process. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions about the Natural Areas Program or about rare or unique botanical features on this site.

Sincerely,

Deborah Gross Conservation Specialist

Enclosures PAGE RARE PLANTS AND NATURAL COMMUNITIES DOCUMENTED FROM NEW GLOUCESTER

SCIENTIFIC NAME ...... COMMON NAME ...... G-RANK S-RANK S-STAT FED-STAT HABITAT ......

AUREOLARIA PEDICUI.J\RIA FERN-LEAVED FALSE FOXGLOVE G5 82 Dry deciduous woods and c~earings '· CASTANEA DENTATA AMERICAN CHESTNlTf G1 S2S3 Dry gravelly or rocky, mostly acidic soil

CYPRIPEDillM ARIETINUM RAM'S-HEAD LADY'S-SLIPPER G3 Sl T Damp or mossy woods or bogs

PERCHED HEMLOCK-HARDWOOD SWAMP PERCHED HEMLOCK-HARDWOOD SWAMP $2 Relatively small swamps in catch basins or sloping saddles among low hills of the coastal plain of extreme southern Maine. Peat accumulation minimal, but living sphagnum may occur.

NFORMATION DATED 17 JUN 1998 RANK EXPLANATION SHEET IS ENCLOSED MAINE NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM

STATE RANKS (S-RANK)

51 Critically imperiled in Maine because of extreme rarity (five or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals or acres) or because some aspect of its biology makes it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the State of Maine 52 Imperiled in Maine because of rarity (6-20 occurrences or few remaining individuals or acres) or because of other factors making it vulnerable to further decline 53 Rare in Maine (on the order of 20-100 occurrences) 54 Apparently secure in Maine 55 Demonstrably secure in Maine SA Accidental in Maine, including species that only sporadically breed in Maine SE An exotic species established in Maine, may be native elsewhere in North America SH Occurred historically in Maine, and could be rediscovered, not known to have been extirpated SU Possibly in peril in Maine, but status uncertain need more information SX Apparently extirpated in Maine (historically occurring species for which habitat no longer exists in Maine) S? Probably rare or historic in Maine, based on status elsewhere in New England, but not yet reviewed or documented by the Maine Natural Areas Program

Note "S-RANKS" determined by the Maine Natural Areas Program "G-RANKS" indicate global ranks as determined by The Nature Conservancy, and follow the criteria listed above for state ranks For example, "G1" means 1-5 occurrences and critically imperiled throughout its entire range

MAINE STATUS: PLANTS

NOTE This column reflects State-listed status according to 5 M R S A § 13076-13079, which mandates the Department of Conservation to produce and biennially update the official list of Maine's endangered and threatened plants The list is derived by a technical advisory committee of botanists who use data in the Natural Areas Program's database to recommend status changes to the Department of Conservation The current official list is based on 1988 data, and bears a printing date of May 1990

E ENDANGERED SPECIES, represented in Maine by one recent (within the last twenty years) documented occurrence or federally listed as Endangered (but see exceptions below)

T THREATENED SPECIES represented in Maine by two to four recent documented occurrences, or federally listed as Threatened (but see exceptions below)

Exceptions to the numerical criteria for these categories are small population sizes, confined to a small geographic area in Maine, and the taxon is clearly and imminently jeopardized - *

FEDERAL STATUS

LE Listed as Endangered at the national level

LT Listed as Threatened at the national level

Please note that species names follow the 1995Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Maine 3rd revision, Josselyn Botanical Society of Maine Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station University of Maine Bulletin 844

Where entries appear as binomials all representatives (subspecies and varieties) of the species are rare in Maine, where names appear as trinomials only that particular variety or subspecies is rare in Maine, not the species as a whole DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Rare Plant Fact Sheet Maine Natural Areas Program

The Maine Natural Areas Program, within the Department of Conservation, is the most comprehensive source of information on Maine's rare or endangered plants, exemplary natural communities, and other features. For more information, including further details on this species, please contact the Maine Natural Areas Program, State House Station 93, Augusta, Maine, 04333; telephone (207) 287-8044.

Cypripedium arietinum Ait. f.

Ram's-head Lady's-slipper

Family: Orchidaceae

Habitat: Damp or mossy woods or bogs

Range: Southeastern Canada south to New England and west to Minnesota.

Phenology: Flowers in late May to early June.

Aids to Identification: Cypripedium arietinum is the smallest and rarest lady slipper growing Illustration from Britton & Brown's Illustrated Flora of in Maine. Ram's-head lady's-slipper is unique the Northern United States and Canada, 2nd ed. from other lady's slippers by having three separate sepals rather than two. A single flower tops the leafy stalk. The lower lip is whitish strongly veined with red, and is reduced downward to a blunt point; viewed from the side this resembles a ram's head.

r~ * Ecological characteristics: Ram's-head lady's-slippers are typically found very locally in mixed woods or open stands of arbor vitae, growing in moist, sandy or loose soil sites in well drained situations in partial shade, at relatively low elevations. It can be found with various native plants in different locations including star flower (Trientalis borealis), twin-flower (Linnaea borealis), bellwort (Uvularia sessilifolia), bunch-berry (Comus canadensis), ferns, and occasionally in cedar bogs with pitcher plant (Saracenia purpurea) and various shrubby heaths. PMORCOQ020

RARITY OF Cypripedium arietinum

State Rank: S1 Critically imperiled in Maine because of extreme rarity or vulnerability to extirpation. Global Rank: G3 Rare or uncommon globally.

LEGAL STATUS OF Cypripedium arietinum

State Status: Threatened Represented in Maine by two to four recent (within the last twenty years) documented occurrences, or federally listed as Threatened (some exceptions apply). Federal Status: None No Federal Legal Status.

Known Distribution in Maine: This species has been documented from a total of 15 town(s) in the following county(ies): Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset, York.

Dates of documented observations are: 1873, 1886, 1896, 1904, 1935, 1945, 1952, 1962, 1976, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996

A. Historical (before 1976) • Recent (1976 - present)

Reason(s) for rarity: Rare and declining throughout its range perhaps due to loss of habitat through succession, development, or in some cases indiscriminate timbering. Occurs (and is rare) in all New England states except Rhode Island.

Additional comments: Some historic sites may have been extirpated. -.*

The information in this fact sheet was downloaded from the Maine Natural Areas Program's Biological and Conservation Database on 24 JAN 1997. Comprehensive data on rare plant occurrences are maintained through the MNAP's data management system, which is part of the nationwide Association for Biodiversity Information.

IF YOU KNOW OF LOCATIONS FOR THIS PLANT, PLEASE CONTACT THE NATURAL AREAS PROGRAM.