LEVEL 3 FINAL ECOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT (v. 05-16)

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

1980 WEST BROAD STREET MAIL STOP 4170

COLUMBUS, OHIO 43223

(614) 466-7100

Project C-R-S / Name:

Project Identification Number (PID):

Report Type:

Level 3 Final ESR

Report Author(s):

Affiliation:

Phone:

Email:

Date of Submission:

Certification (Must be acknowledged by a responsible party)

☐

I certify that I have personally examined and am familiar with the information in this report and all attachments, and that the data collection was supervised by an individual(s) prequalified to conduct ecological surveys for ODOT or by trained ODOT Environmental staff. Based on my inquiry of those persons immediately responsible for obtaining the information contained in the report, I believe that the information has been collected in accordance with the ODOT Ecological Manual current at the time of the report preparation, and is true, accurate, and complete.

Name: Insert name of responsible party.

Date: Click here to enter a date.

Title: Insert title of responsible party.

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by ODOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated [December 11, 2015], and executed by FHWA and ODOT.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE #

PROJECT SUMMARY

LITERATURE REVIEW

FIELD METHODS

DATA COLLECTION RESULTS AND IMPACTS

Aquatic Ecology

Results: Streams

Impacts: Streams

Results: Wetlands

Impacts: Wetlands

Results: Potentially Jurisdictional Ditches

Impacts: Potentially Jurisdictional Ditches

Results: Pond, Lake, Reservoir, Retention/Detention Basin

Impacts: Pond, Lake, Reservoir, Retention/Detention Basin

Results: Aquatic Life, Fish

Results: Aquatic Life, Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

Results: Aquatic Life, Mussel Community

Impacts: Aquatic Life

Terrestrial Ecology

Results: Vegetative Communities

Results: Vegetation

Impacts: Vegetative Community and Land Cover

Results: Mammals

Results: Birds

Results: Reptiles

Results: Amphibians

Impacts: Wildlife

Listed Species

Results: Federally Listed Species

Impacts: Federally Listed Species

Results: State Listed Species

Impacts: State Listed Species

LITERATURE CITED

APPENDICES

LEVEL 3 FINAL ESR

PROJECT SUMMARY

LOCATION DATA

ODOT District:

Choose an item.

County(ies):

Township(s):

Project Center

Latitude (DD.dddd):

Longitude (DD.dddd):

Project Area Size (ac):

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT SUMMARY (Impacts may be preliminary and subject to revision)

LITERATURE REVIEW

Literature Source(s) Reviewed

(check all that apply)

Results of Review

Map Included

In Appendix

Ecoregion Map

List Ecoregion(s):

(Choose an Ecoregion)

(Choose an Ecoregion)

(Choose)

Physiographic Regions Map of Ohio

List Physiographic Region(s):

(Choose Physiographic Region)

(Choose Physiographic Region)

(Choose)

USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle Maps

List quadrangle(s):

Map Required

County Soil Survey

Mapped hydric soils within project area? (Choose)

Map Required

Ohio Water Quality Standards (Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 3745-1)

List stream designations in the Stream Table

Not Applicable

Biological and Water Quality Reports

List reports that cover project area (if applicable):

Not Applicable

Hydrologic Unit Code(s) (HUC)

List 12 Digit Watershed boundaries within project area:

(Choose)

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program

List TMDL status of project area (If applicable):

(Choose)

National and State Wild and Scenic River lists, and the Nationwide Rivers Inventory (NRI)

List river(s) within or near the project area (if within applicable reach):

(Choose River)

(Choose River)

(Choose)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM)

Is the project within a 100 year floodplain: (Choose)

(Choose)

Ohio’s Coastal Zone Management Area

Is the project within the Coastal Zone Management Area: (Choose)

(Choose)

National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) and or Ohio Wetland Inventory Mapping (OWI)

(Choose)

ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Natural Heritage Database

Are there records for listed species within 1 mile of the project area? (Choose)

Summarize on State Listed Species Table

(Choose)

Federally Endangered, Threatened, Proposed and Candidate Species in Ohio

List and summarize on Federally Listed Species Table

Not Applicable

Ohio Mussel Survey Protocols

List streams located in Appendix A and group number on Mussel Table

Not Applicable

Oak Openings Region of Ohio

Is the project located within the Oak Openings Region of Ohio? (Choose)

(Choose)

ODNR Lands

Is the project impacting or adjacent to ODNR property? (Choose)

(Choose)

Other

FIELD METHODS

Field Investigator Name(s):

Affiliation:

Date(s) of Field Work:

Weather Conditions:

Check all that apply

Stream Survey (Habitat and Biology)

Field Evaluation Manual for Ohio’s Primary Headwater Habitat Streams (v 3.0) (OEPA 2012)

Methods for Assessing Habitat in Flowing Waters: Using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). (OEPA 2006)

Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume I (OEPA 1987a), Volume II (OEPA 1987b, 2013a), Volume III (OEPA 1989, 2013b),

ODOT Ecological Manual: Sections 2.2.1.1 -Stream, 2.2.1.5-Fishes, 2.2.1.6-Macrobenthos,

2.2.1.7-Mussels (ODOT 2014)

Ohio Mussel Survey Protocols (ODNR and USFWS 2015)

Wetland Delineation and Classification

Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. Technical Report Y-87-1 (Environmental Laboratory 1987)

Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:

Midwest Region (Environmental Laboratory 2010)

Northcentral and Northeast Region (Environmental Laboratory 2012)

Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Environmental Laboratory 2012)

Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et.al. 1979)

Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0, User’s Manual and Scoring Forms (OEPA 2001)

Other Waters

ODOT Ecological Manual: Sections 2.2.1.3-Ditches/Swales, 203.2.1.4-Ponds/Lakes (ODOT 2014)

Terrestrial

ODOT Ecological Manual: Section 2.2.2 -Terrestrial Ecology (ODOT 2014)

Listed Species

ODOT Ecological Manual: Sections 2.2.3 -Listed Species (ODOT 2014)

5

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - STREAMS

Were any streams identified within the project area?

(Choose)

Total number of streams within the project area:

Enter Number

Total length of streams within the project area (linear feet):

Enter Length

STREAM TABLE : RESOURCES IDENTIFIED ON FIGURE(S) Enter Figure #

Stream Name/I.D.:

Photograph #(s):

Receiving Waters:

Drainage Area (mi2):

Ohio EPA River Mile

(if applicable):

12-Digit HUC:

Total Length Within Project Area (lin. ft.):

Is this Stream Captured within the Roadway Ditch:

*Stream Hydrology Type:

ᶧUSACE Flow

Characteristics:

Habitat Assessment

Evidence of Mussels Present:

Biological Sampling Conducted

Ohio EPA Aquatic Life Use Designation:

Anti-degradation Designation:

National or State Scenic Rivers or NRI Streams

Designation for Potential

In-water Work Restriction:

HUC with an Approved or Pending TMDL:

Salamanders Observed:

Fish Observed:

Aquatic Macro-invertebrates Observed:

*P = Perennial, I= Intermittent, E = Ephemeral

ᶧSubject to verification by the USACE (TNW=Traditional Navigable Water, RPW=Relatively Permanent Water)

ᶧᶧ Indicates Provisional designations based on habitat assessment forms and/or HMFEI.

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - STREAMS

Will any streams be impacts by the project?

(Choose)

Total number of streams impacted by the project

(list multiple alignments separately):

Enter Number

Total length of streams impacted by the project (feet):

Enter Area

STREAM IMPACTS TABLE

Selected Alternative Impacts (ft.)

Stream I.D.

Use Designation

USACE Flow Characteristics

Total impacts (ft.)

Discuss the type of impact(s) expected to each stream. If a stream is impacted at multiple locations, discuss each location separately and include the distance (stream length) from other impacted locations.

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - WETLANDS

Were any wetlands identified within the project area?

(Choose)

Total number of wetlands within the project area:

Enter Number

Total area of wetlands within the project area (acres):

Enter Area

WETLAND TABLE : RESOURCES IDENTIFIED ON FIGURE(S) Enter Figure #

Wetland Name/I.D.:

Photograph #(s):

Hydrologic Connection:

Receiving Waters

(if non-isolated):

12-Digit HUC Boundary the Wetland is Located within:

Located Within a Mapped Hydric Soil Unit(s):

Approximate Total Size (ac.):

Wetland Area Located within the Project Area (ac.):

ORAM Assessment Score:

Provisional Wetland Category (based on ORAM):

Known High Quality Wetland (from Natural Heritage Database):

Dominant Wetland Community(ies) Based on Cowardin (1979) Wetland Classifications:

Estimated Hydroperiod (Cowardin, 1979)

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - WETLANDS

Will any wetlands be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

Total number of wetlands impacted by the project

Enter Number

Total area of wetlands impacted by the project (acres):

Enter Area

WETLAND IMPACTS TABLE

Selected Alternative Impacts (ac)

Wetland I.D.

Provisional Wetland Category

Hydrologic Connection

Total impacts (ac)

Discuss the types of impact(s) expected to each wetland.

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY – DITCHES

Were any potentially jurisdictional ditches or ditches serving as non-jurisdictional conveyances for adjacent wetlands identified within the project area?

(Choose)

Total number of potentially jurisdictional ditches within the project area:

Enter Number

Total area of potentially jurisdictional ditches within the project area (acres):

Enter Area

POTENTIALLY JURISDICTIONAL DITCH TABLE : RESOURCES IDENTIFIED ON FIGURE(S) Enter Figure #

(Note: ditches that acquire/possess an ordinary high water mark and become relatively permanent waters outside of right-of-way (upstream) should be assessed as streams and included on the Stream Table)

Ditch I.D.:

Photograph #(s):

Receiving Waters:

12-Digit HUC Boundary the Ditch is Located within:

USACE Flow Characteristics:

OHWM Present:

Constructed Through or Drains a wetland:

Constructed Through a Mapped Hydric Soil Unit(s):

Flows Between Two or More Potential Waters of the US:

Average Width of Wetted Perimeter Within Project Area (ft.)

Total Length Within Project Area (lin. ft.):

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - POTENTIALLY JURISDICTIONAL DITCHES

Will any potentially jurisdictional ditches be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

Total number of potentially jurisdictional ditches impacted by the project:

Enter Number

Total area of potentially jurisdictional ditches impacted by the project (acres):

Enter Area

DITCH IMPACS TABLE

Selected Alternative Impacts (ac.)

Ditch I.D.

Receiving Waters

USACE Flow Characteristics

Total impacts (ac)

Discuss the types of impact(s) expected to each potentially jurisdictional ditch or non-jurisdictional conveyance for an adjacent wetland resource.

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY – PONDS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS, RETENTION / DETENTION BASINS

Were any ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins identified within the project area?

(Choose)

Total number of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins within the project area:

Enter Number

Total area of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins within the project area (acres):

Enter Area

PONDS, LAKES, RESERVOIRS, RETENTION / DETENTION BASINS TABLE : RESOURCES IDENTIFIED ON FIGURE(S) Enter Figure #

Water Body I.D.

Photograph #(s):

Receiving Waters

12 Digit HUC Boundary the Water body is Located within:

Hydrologic Connection:

Type

Function

Functioning as Intended?

Located Within a Mapped Hydric Soil Unit(s):

Approximate Total Size (ac.):

Pond Area Located Within the Project Area (ac.):

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - POND, LAKE, RESERVOIR, RETENTION / DETENTION BASIN

Will any ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

Total number of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins impacted by the project:

Enter Number

Total area of ponds, lakes, reservoirs and retention/detention basins impacted by the project (acres):

Enter Area

POND, LAKE, RESERVOIR, RETENTION / DETENTION BASIN IMPACTS TABLE

Selected Alternative Impacts (ac)

Water Body I.D.

Receiving Waters

Hydrologic Connection

Total impacts (ac)

Discuss the types of impact(s) expected to each pond, lake, or reservoir.

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY – AQUATIC LIFE, FISH

Were any fish communities sampled/observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of fish species identified:

Enter Number

FISH TABLE (Species Characteristics from OEPA, 2013a)

Scientific Name

Common Name

Feeding Guild:

Breeding Guild:

Pollution Tolerance:

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Declining Species (OAC 3745-1-05, Table 5-2):

Observed in Stream(s) (Include Quantity):

General Fish Community Observations:

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY – AQUATIC LIFE, AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATES (NOT INCLUDING MUSSELS)

Were any aquatic macroinvertebrate communities sampled / observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of aquatic macroinvertebrate species identified:

Enter Number

AQUATIC MACROINVERTEBRATE TABLE

Taxa Observed

Observed in Stream(s) (Include Quantity) :

Additional Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Community Observations:

RESULTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY – AQUATIC LIFE, MUSSELS

Streams ≥ 10 mi2?

(Choose)

Were any mussel communities sampled /observed within the project area? (Provide appropriate documentation in the Mussel Table)

(Choose)

MUSSEL TABLE

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - AQUATIC LIFE

Discuss the expected impacts to aquatic fauna (fish, mussels, aquatic macroinvertebrates). Specific stream locations should be referenced when appropriate.

IMPACTS: AQUATIC ECOLOGY - OTHER WATER QUALITY IMPACTS

Discuss potential short term and long term water quality impacts that are likely expect to occur as a result of the proposed project.

Discuss how the project will be implemented to minimize these water quality impacts.

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. Longer duration water quality impacts associated with roadway runoff will be minimized through the implementation of post-construction best management practices in accordance with the ODOT Location and Design Manual.

RESULTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES

List the number of distinct vegetative communities identified within the project area

Enter Number

Were any unique or high quality terrestrial habitats identified within the project area?

(Choose)

VEGETATIVE COMMUNITIES AND LAND COVER TABLE

Vegetation and Land Cover Areas Identified on Figure(s) Enter Figure #

Vegetative Communities and Land Cover found within the project area:

Degree of Man Induced Ecological Disturbance (based on descriptions in Andreas et. al., 2004)

Unique, Rare, or High Quality?

Acres Within Study Area

VEGETATION TABLE

Scientific Name:

Common Name:

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Location

(use vegetative community codes):

Additional Vegetation Observations:

IMPACTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - VEGETATIVE COMMUNITY AND LAND COVER IMPACTS

Will any vegetative communities be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

Total number of vegetative communities impacted by the project:

Enter Number

Total area of vegetative communities impacted by the project (acres):

Enter Area

Describe any impacts to vegetative communities (with emphasis on rare or unique communities) from an ecological perspective:

VEGETATIVE COMMUNITY AND LAND COVER IMPACTS TABLE

Selected Alternative Impacts (ac)

Vegetative Community

Disturbance Level

Unique, Rare, or High Quality

Total impacts

RESULTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - MAMMALS

Were any mammals observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of species identified:

Enter Number

MAMMAL TABLE

Scientific Name

Common Name

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Location

(use vegetative community codes):

Additional Mammal Observations:

RESULTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - BIRDS

Were any birds observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of bird species identified:

Enter Number

BIRD TABLE

Scientific Name

Common Name

Date of Observation

Typical Ohio Range

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Location

(use vegetative community codes):

Additional Bird Observations:

RESULTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - REPTILES

Were any reptiles observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of reptile species identified:

Enter Number

REPTILE TABLE

Scientific Name

Common Name

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Location

(use vegetative community codes):

Additional Reptile Observations:

RESULTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - AMPHIBIANS

Were any amphibian communities sampled/observed within the project area?

(Choose)

If yes, total number of amphibian species identified:

Enter Number

AMPHIBIAN TABLE

Scientific Name

Common Name

Federally Listed:

State Listed:

Location

(use vegetative community codes):

Additional Amphibian Observations:

IMPACTS: TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY - WILDLIFE

Discuss any terrestrial habitat alternations that may result from construction activities:

Discuss the expected duration of the impacts (temporary/short term or permanent/long-term):

Discuss if the project impacts would result in the likely extirpation of any taxa from the area:

Include a general discussion of impacts to terrestrial fauna (mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians):

RESULTS: FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

Were any federally listed species observed within the project area?

(Choose)

Were any suitable habitats for federally listed species (known to be within the range of the project area) observed within the project area?

(Choose)

Were any proposed or designated critical habitats for federally listed species present within the project area?

(Choose)

FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

Species Name: Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) and

Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

Listing Status:

Endangered/Threatened

Suitable Habitat:

The 2016 PBO defines suitable wooded habitat (SWH) for these species as any tree covered area that is 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) or larger, containing any potential roosts (i.e., live trees and/or snags ≥3 inches dbh that have exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, and/or cavities) greater than 4 m (13 ft) tall and at least 7.6 cm (3 in) dbh, or any patch of trees with these characteristics that is less than ½ acre in size but is within 1,000 feet of or connected by a travel corridor to a PMRT, ½-acre or larger stand of SWH, or any patch of wooded riparian buffer. Additionally these species may use bridges over streams as summer roosting habitat. During the winter months these species inhabit hibernacula during the winter months (typically caves, or abandoned mines that provide cool, humid, stable conditions for hibernation).

Complete Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Field Habitat Assessment Checklist in its entirety and provide a brief discussion including impacts to suitable habitat:

Species Name: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Listing Status:

Species of Concern

Is a known nest (based on NHDB or other source) located within 0.5 mile of the project?:

(Choose)

Will the project require blasting?:

(Choose)

Based on field surveys and/or a NHDB record search, is a nest within 660 ft. and/or visible from the project or activity area? If yes, indicate proximity to construction limits:

(Choose)

Suitable Habitat: The bald eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act which prohibits taking bald eagles, including disturbance. The preferred habitat includes mature forests adjacent to open water for nesting and foraging.

Discussion Including Impacts to Suitable Habitat:

Additional Information:

IMPACTS: FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES

Will any federally listed species or suitable habitat for federally listed potentially be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

Will any proposed or designated critical habitats potentially be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

FEDERALLY ENDANGERED INDIANA BAT AND FEDERALLY THREATENED

NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT IMPACT TABLE

Selected Alternative I.D.

Impacts to SWH within 100 ft. of edge of roadway pavement (ac)

Impacts to SWH >100 ft. from edge of roadway pavement (ac)

Potential Impacts to PMRTs located >100 ft. from edge of roadway pavement (#)

Consultation Category (Completed by ODOT-OES)

Anticipated Impacts

(Completed by ODOT-OES)

FEDERALLY LISTED SPECIES IMPACT TABLE

(List Each Species Within the County/Range)

Effect Determination

(Completed by ODOT-OES)

Scientific Name

Common Name

Listing

Selected Alternative

Discuss the justification for any project activities that may result in impacts to federally listed species.

RESULTS: STATE LISTED SPECIES

List all of the state listed species records from the Ohio Natural Heritage Database for any animal species located within 1 mile of the project, and any plant species records within 0.5 mile of the project. Note the date of the ONHDB check: Enter MM/DD/YY

List all of the state endangered and threatened species of animals that are of concern to the Ohio Division of Wildlife that are known or suspected of being within the county. Do not include species that have already been included in the Federally Listed Species Table.

List the state listed species that are noted above for which there is no suitable habitat within construction limits of the project area.

In the table below discuss any state listed species that are noted above for which there is suitable habitat within construction limits of the project area. Make an impact determination for each species based on anticipated impacts to the species and/or suitable habitats.

Additional Information:

IMPACTS: STATE LISTED SPECIES

Will any state listed species potentially be impacted by the project?

(Choose)

STATE LISTED SPECIES IMPACT TABLE

(List Each Species Found Within or Known to be Within 1 Mile of the Project Area)

Selected Alternative Impacts

Scientific Name

Common Name

Listing

Discuss the justification for any project activities that may result in impacts to state listed species.

LITERATURE CITED

Anderson, D. M. 1982, unpublished. Plant communities of Ohio: a preliminary classification and

description. Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Ohio Department of Natural

Resources, Columbus. 183p. Unpublished.

Andreas, B. K., J.J Mack, and J.S. McCormac. 2004. Floristic Quality Assessment Index (FQAI) for vascular plants and mosses for the State of Ohio. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Surface Water, Wetland Ecology Group, Columbus, Ohio. 219 p.

Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Biological Services Program Rept. FWS/OBS-79/31. 103 p.

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

_____. 2010. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Midwest Region (Version 2.0). ERDC/EL TR-10-16, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

_____. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountains and Piedmont Region (Version 2.0). ERDC/EL TR-12-9. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

_____. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0). ERDC/EL TR-12-1. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

Ohio Bird Records Committee (OBRC). 2004. Annotated Checklist of Ohio’s Birds. Columbus, OH. Available at: http://ohiobirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/OBRClist.pdf

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). 2014. Ecological Manual. Columbus, OH. Available at: http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/Environment/Ecological_Resources_Permits/Ecology/Pages/MANUALSANDFORMS.aspx

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015 Ohio Mussel Survey Protocols. Columbus, OH.

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). 1987a. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume I, The Role of Biological Data in Water Quality Assessment. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH.

_____. 1987b. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume II, Users Manual for Biological Field Assessment of Ohio Surface Waters. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH.

_____. 1989. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume III, Standardized Biological Field Sampling and Laboratory Methods for Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrate Communities. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH.

_____. 2001. Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0, User’s Manual and Scoring Forms. Ohio EPA Technical Report WET/2001-1. Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water. Columbus, Ohio.

_____. 2006. Methods for Assessing Habitat in Flowing Waters: Using the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). OHIO EPA Technical Bulletin EAS/2006-06-1. Ecological Assessment Section, Division of Surface Water Groveport, OH.

_____. 2012. Field Evaluation Manual for Ohio’s Primary Headwater Habitat Streams (v 3.0). Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water. Columbus, Ohio.

_____. 2013a. Updates to Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume II and Volume II Addendum. Users Manual for Biological Field Assessment of Ohio Surface Waters. Ecological Assessment Section, Division of Surface Water Groveport, OH.

_____. 2013b. Updates to Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume III. Standardized Biological Field Sampling and Laboratory Methods for Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrate Communities. Ecological Assessment Section, Division of Surface Water Groveport, OH.

APPENDICIES

1- Figures

Project Location Mapping

Literature Review Mapping Results

Ecological Resource Mapping

Other (List):

2 - Photographs

Photograph Location Map

Photographs

3 - Data Forms

Stream Characterization/Assessment Data Forms

Wetland Characterization/Assessment Data Forms

Ohio Mussel Habitat Assessment Form

Indiana Bat Habitat Characterization Worksheet

Other (List):

4 – Agency Data Requests

ODNR, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves – Natural Heritage Database Information Request

USFWS – Federally Listed Species Information Request

Other (List):

5 – Supporting Survey Reports

Other (List):

APPENDIX 1

Figures

Appendix 2

Photographs

Appendix 3

Data Forms

Ohio Mussel Habitat Assessment Form

Project Information

Project Name:

County:

Township:

Latitude (DD.DDDD):

Longitude (DD.DDDD):

Stream Name:

Group # (From Appendix A):

Methods

Name of Surveyor(s):

Qualification of Surveyor(s):

☐ USFWS Approved

☐ ODNR Approved

☐ Aquatic Biologist (minimum)

Date of Survey:

Distance Surveyed (ft.):

Total Survey Time (min. x people):

Scientific Collector’s Permit Number(s):

Note any deviations from the Ohio Mussel Habitat Assessment Methods :

Habitat Description of Survey Area

Drainage Area at Survey Location (mi2):

Water Temp. (oF):

Air Temp. (oF):

Substrate Types (include %):

☐ Boulder

☐ Gravel

☐ Bedrock

☐ Detritus

☐ Silt

☐Cobble

☐ Sand

☐ Hardpan

☐ Muck

☐ Artificial

Water Level:

☐ High

☐ Up

☐ Normal

☐ Low

☐Dry/Interstitial

Visibility:

☐ 0-15 cm

☐ 15-30 cm

☐ 30-50 cm

☐ >50 cm

☐ Visible to Bottom

Average Depth (cm):

Riffle

Run

Pool

Max Depth (cm):

Riffle

Run

Pool

Evidence of Mussels: Presence of fresh dead mussel shells and living mussels will trigger a full mussel survey

☐ None

☐ Mussel Shell

Only - Subfossil

☐ Mussel Shell Only –

Weathered Dead

☐ Mussel Shell –

Fresh Dead

☐ Living Mussels

Results

Site Sketch. Approximate numbers and locations of shells and live mussels. Include species list if possible.

Required Attachments 1) Location Map and 2) Photo Log

Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Field Habitat Assessment Checklist

PROJECT INFORMATION

CRS:

PID:

Date:

MANAGEMENT UNIT

Eastern MU

☐

Western MU

☐

BAT RECORD SEARCH

Is project in a known bat buffer?

Yes ☐

No☐

Record type(s) (color)?

Additional Info including date of records request:

BRIDGE HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Will Project Impact a Bridge over a stream?

Yes ☐

No ☐

Bridge Inspection Conducted?

Yes ☐

No ☐

Results of Inspection including date:

SUITABLE WOODED HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Will Project Impact Suitable Wooded Habitat (SWH)?

Yes ☐

No ☐

Is all SWH to be impacted within 100 feet of the roadway? If yes, just fill out Line 1. If no, fill out all lines.

Yes ☐

No ☐

Line 1. Acreage of SWH within 100 feet of the roadway

ac.

Line 2. Acreage of impacted SWH within 50 feet of a perennial stream but outside 100 feet of the roadway.

ac.

Line 3. Acreage of impacted SWH further than 100 feet of the edge of the roadway and not located within 50 feet of a perennial stream.

ac.

Line 4. Number of impacted PMRTs further than 100 feet of the edge of the roadway. Fill out PMRT table if PMRTs will be impacted.

Potential Maternity Roost Tree Determination Form – For use on SWH impacts beyond 100 feet from edge of pavement.

Project CRS

Examiner

Date of Observations

Project Area (ac)

Tree ID #

dbh in inches

Species

Condition

Crevice, split, or cavity present?

Y/N

% loose bark above 4 m (13 ft)

Approx. hours of solar exposure

Located with GPS

Y/N

Project C-R-S:

ODOT PID:

Date of Inspection:

Structure ID:

Inspector(s):

Water Body:

Factors Affecting Habitat Suitability for Bats (Check all that apply)

☐

Bridge shows signs of frequent flooding (flood debris trapped under the deck in the substructure)

☐

Human disturbance or traffic under the bridge. Indicate Intensity: ☐ High ☐ Medium ☐ Low

☐

Lack of quality flight corridor upstream and downstream of bridge (densely vegetated, obstructed, or lacking any riparian corridor)

☐

Other (describe):

Areas Associated with the Bridge and Inspected (Check all that apply)

☐

The underside of the bridge does not contain any areas that could be used for roosting bats

☐

All vertical crevices sealed at the top, 0.5-1.25” wide, and ≥4” deep

☐

All crevices >12” deep & not sealed

☐

All guardrails

☐

All expansion joints

☐

Spaces between concrete end walls and the bridge deck

☐

Crevices, rough surfaces or imperfections in concrete

☐

Bird nests

☐

Other suitable areas (describe):

Results of Observations for Bats (Check all that apply)

☐

Bats visually observed - Bats flying or roosting.

☐

Sounds - High pitched squeaking or chirping. Note location.

☐

Droppings/Guano - Small (mouse-like in appearance but less regular) brown or black pellets (older droppings may be gray). Will accumulate on the ground, floor of a covered bridge or on structural components below where bats roost. Droppings may also adhere to support beams and walls below roosts.

☐

Staining from bat urine – Urine stains may appear wet and are usually found in dark places. Look for four to six inch wide dark stains located on concrete support beams and walls immediately below the ceiling of the bridge, and beneath joints. Do not include staining resulting from water and roadway runoff.

☐

Other evidence (describe):

Additional Notes (e.g., number & species of bats, if known):

ODOT Bridge Bat Inspection Form

Only bridges spanning 20 feet and located over water require investigation. Refer to 2016 Indiana bat and northern long‐eared bat Programmatic Agreement/Programmatic Biological Opinion (PA/PBO) –Technical Guidance for details on completing the form.

Appendix 4

Agency Data Requests

Appendix 5

Supporting Survey Reports

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