Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Management Plan - 2014

TOWN OF MORRISVILLE

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.

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