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TOWN OF MORRISVILLE
7-6
7.13
Wildlife and Natural Vegetation
The mitigation measures to protect wildlife resources include protecting habitat through
riparian buffer protection and open space requirements, and limiting habitat degradation
through erosion and sediment control, and stormwater runoff control.
Impacts to the bald eagle population are not likely to occur. Lake Crabtree is in a park, and
nearby Jordan Lake is on USACE-managed land; neither area should be impacted by
surrounding development. The Town’s stormwater and riparian buffer ordinances and the
County’s erosion and sediment control program will help protect Crabtree Lake, which
supplies the bald eagle’s food source.
The Northern long-eared bat is proposed for listing by the USFWS and is known to occur in
Wake County. However this bat has not been observed within the Planning Area (NCNHP,
2014). Therefore, this species is unlikely to be impacted by SCI within the Planning Area.
The dwarf wedgemussel is not thought to inhabit streams within the Planning Area. Any
freshwater mussel species that may inhabit streams within the Planning Area may be
impacted, but regulations currently in place will minimize impacts. The construction of
sewer lines, water lines, and roads may also impact water quality and the aquatic habitat of
these rare mussels, particularly where they cross streams. The current established stream
buffers will help to protect stream channel stability, limit sediment loading, and regulate
water temperature. Overall, stream buffers and stormwater controls will continue to limit
SCI to aquatic habitats and freshwater mussel communities.
In addition to the Town ordinances and policies described in Section 6, the Town will look
for opportunities to improve water quality, particularly in 303(d) listed waters. For example,
the Town will work with agencies to identify areas for stream restoration and other
strategies, and pursue funding through the EEP, Section 319 program, and other programs.
The Town will also actively participate in the development of any TMDLs where activities
in Town may be impacting water quality.
A plant, Michaux’s sumac, is listed as federally endangered and has been located elsewhere
in Wake County; however, this plant has not been observed within the Planning Area
(NCNHP, 2014). Therefore, this species is unlikely to be impacted by SCI within the
Planning Area.
7.14
Introduction of Toxic Substances
The Town has programs to prevent toxic releases and to treat them when they occur. The
Town has an active stormwater education program that provides the public with valuable
knowledge to make residents aware of the impacts of toxins reaching the stormwater
system. The education program encourages the public to limit the use of common toxins,
such as lawn pesticides and herbicides, to help prevent the problem. The Town’s
Stormwater Program also promotes the use of BMPs and LID, which also reduce some of
the toxic substance impacts.
Grade separation programs to reduce rail and vehicular traffic interaction will limit the
potential for contamination of toxic substances.