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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-23-2004-8biicviscn eizzioa ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 23, 2004 Action Agendal Item No. g- r~ SUBJECT: Orange County Middle School # 3 (Class A Special Use Permit) DEPARTMENT: Planning Department PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) Yes ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map 2. Planning Board Findings for Special Use Permit 3, Resolution of Approval of SUP 4. Application 5. Biolagicallnventory 6. Environmental Assessment 7. Finding of No Significant Impact 8. Traffic Impact Analysis 9. Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Existing Conditions Plan, Resource Management Plan, Photometrics (Under Separate Cover) 10, Public Hearing and Planning Board Minutes 11, Authorization to Contract with Corley INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Benedict, Director, ext, 2592 Robert P, Davis, Planner III, ext, 2580 Eddie Kirk, Planner II, ext, 2582 TELEPHONE NUMBERS Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 Reelfoot Zack (CRZ) for Design Services for West Ten Soccer Park PURPOSE: To close the Public Hearing, hear recommendations and then to make a decision regarding the Resolttion of Approval for the Special Use Permit application far Orange County Middle School # 3, BACKGROUND: On May 24, 2004, the Board of County Commissioners held a Public Hearing on the proposed Middle School #3. The application was referred back to the Planning Board to determine if the negative findings on four items had been addressed, Procedure: The Zoning Ordinance requires that the Planning Staff make a recommendation to the Planning Board on all Class A Special Use Permit applications. After receiving the Staff recommendation, the Planning Board makes its own recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners who hold a public hearing. The Planning Board recommendation is not conducted in a public hearing forum, Instead, the Planning Board exercises its role as a fact finding board and submits its recommendation based on its recommended findings under the ordinance. Applicants: Corley Redfoot and Zack, Inc. Agent for: Orange County Schools P. O. Box 2386 Chapel Hill, NC Telephone: 919.401,8586 Location: On the north side of West Ten Road between I-40/I-85 and approximately 1,800± feet east of Buckhorn Road Township: Cheeks Proposal: A 123,000 square feet middle school for the County School System with associated parking and athletic facilities, A total of approximately 8.61 acres (13 percent) impervious is proposed for the site. Current Conditions Zoning: Economic Development District (EDD) Watershed: Upper Eno Protected Area Watershed (12% maximum impervious without Best Management Practice (BMP); 70% maximum impervious with engineered watershed BMP Total Tract Size: 66.257 acres (owned by Orange County Board of Education) SUP Acreage (Requested): 66.257 acres Current Land Use: Existing single family structures, farm buildings and two farm ponds exist on the site, Traffic Impact: The capacity of West Ten Road is between 12,000-14,000 Vehicles Per Day (VPD) at level of Service D, The estimated Average Daily Traffic (ADT) in 2002 near the intersection of West Ten Road and Buckhorn Road was approximately 790 VPD. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), required based on the number of trips generated by a school site, has been prepared and submitted. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and the TIA indicates that turn lanes are needed for both eastbound and westbound travel lanes, The applicant proposes to construct turn lanes at each entrance in both directions, The applicant is dedicating additional right of way to accommodate the turn lanes. Also, the Planning Department considered the possibility of a stub-out drive to the County property to the East, but decided, in order to take advantage of shared use opportunities, to allow a portion of the eastern drive to be relocated to the County's property. An additional benefit of shifting the drive would be to allow the entire school (not the fields) to shift to the east allowing better site planning, Water/Sewer: Water and sewer service are planned to be provided by the City of Mebane. Orange County will design, construct and pay for the water and sewer lines and the sewer pump station locatec at the southwest corner of the school property. Once constn~cted, the lines and pump station will be dedicated to Mebane far maintenance purposes, The school will pay all fees associated with its water and sewer service to Mebane in accordance with Mebane's water and sewer connection policies. There will be a need for easement reservations through the middle school site to serve the proposed soccer complex/public use to the east, Close coordination between the middle school and the soccer complex/public, sites during the construction will be necessary to ensure that water and sewer easements are placed in appropriate locatiens. If the locations have not been specified prior to final plat recordation stage, a blanket easement conveyed to Orange County will be needed to allow the installation of public lines, Impervious Surface Requirements: The property is located in the Economic Development District (EDD) and the Upper Eno Protected Watershed, The maximum impervious surface ratio permitted without a structural BMP is 12 percent, The site plan contains no BMP and shows an impervious surface ratio of 13 percent, Either the impervious surface ratio must be reduced to 12 percent or less, or a structural BMP must be included on the site plan and constructed and operated to ordinance standards, If the school site and the soccer complex is developed simultaneously (i,e. joint driveway), there is a possibility that the impervious surface allocation can be spread across bath sites thereby eliminating the requirement of constn~cting an expensive, structural BMP storm water pond. Environmental Assessment: A-Fiadiflg-ef-tile-Signif} ee+}reseived-#rern-the-ap . stet-yet fieit~-verified-(aka-made-a~risdistienal-Beterrwiaatien)-tlie-sea°~~,+^~A~-,~~-f~^d++~gs-of-tl-ie extent etwetlands--en-the-site-once-the-Iesatien-and-tqe-extent ef-tlte-t~~,4CE-vvetlai~d jar+sdist+onal-deter-minatien-as-v,°I;-as-t"e-methed-thattMe-appiisants-prspa~~~o-...;,.;. ;ze~,",e etlan appreual-Alse-t#e-B+elBg~sal-4nven-tern-+ndfeates-+h.,++h~ ~.,.,cre_are-;e~a}~eels-en-the site: T,-he MaY-7994--site-plan-has-Mb ~ ge-censerns-and-pretest wetlands-on the-s+te: A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been received from the applicant with regard to the original site layout. This determination is based, in part, on the Wetland Preliminary Assessment performed by the consultant hired by the school system. Staff was not able to concur with this finding due to the fact that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) has not field verified (AIW made a Jurisdictional Determination) the consultant's findings of the extend of the wetlands on the site. If the USAGE had made a jurisdictional determination of the location and extent of the USAGE wetlands as well as the methods that the applicants proposed to minimize the impact and effect on the wetlands, staff would have been in a better position to recommend approval of the original site plan. Also, the Biological Inventory indicates that there are vernal pools on the site. However, staff recommends approval because the May 7, 2004 site plan was revised to eliminate drainage concerns and to avoid wetlands and vernal pools on the site. Development Process, Schedule, and Action Articles 8,4,3 and 8,4,4 of the Zoning Ordinance require that the Zoning Officer's recommendation be presented to the Planning Board. The public hearing is the time scheduled for presentation of the Zoning Officer's recommendation. Zoning Officer's Recommendation (Made prior to PB meeting) The Zoning Officer has not received information that would establish grounds for making a negative finding on the general standards. These standards include maintaining or promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare, and the use being in compliance with the general plan for the physical development of the County, The Zoning Officer has reviewed the application, the site plan and all supporting documentation and has found that the application does comply with the specific standards and required regulations concerning the Special Use Permit with the revised site plan. Provided the Planning Board finds in the affirmative nn the general standards, the Zoning Officer recommends approval of the request fora Special Use Permit for the Middle School subject to the 14 conditions in the attached Resolution ofApprovah Information/Issues at Planning Board Meeting on April 7, 2004 (Comments made by Planning Board) 1, What will the additional 5 acres be used forjust west of the proposed school? 2. Removal of pines on the north side of the property could cause problems with north/northeast winter winds, Forested area is not taken advantage of, 3, Maneuverability of the field spaces could protect some woodland. 4, There was not enough time to review site plan including elevations, landscape, transportation, circulation, parking and noise. 5. There is a need for the school and soccer fields to be designed together. 6, More passive recreation space should be provided, 7. Not enough information provided to determine whether pond should be drained or nat. 8. There is a tremendous liability with the pond being a magnet for children. 9. Biologist's report indicates that the site plan design [on plan submitted at Planning Board] will threaten the habitats at the rear of the property and recommends all development stop south of the ridge line divides the drainage area of the school facilities from that which drains towards the vernal ponds, 10, Concern about the location of the school in an area that prohibits residential development, Subsequent to the Planning Board meeting, and prior to the Public Hearing, the applicant has submitted a new site plan design that addresses the above concerns relating to layout of the school facilities, Overlay maps should be provided which show the following items the applicant will provide: a, The existing tree line should be shown indicating the location and types of trees. b, An environmental component indicating the location of environmental sensitive areas that need to be preserved. c. A map indicating the changes made from the first time the Planning Board reviewed the proposal to the Public Hearing, and any new proposed changes. d, Indicate traffic and safety concerns and proposed improvements and how they affect adjacent properties, e, An improved vicinity map indicating the location of adjacent properties and structures, 2. The applicant shall submit information regarding the pros and cons of siting the fields where they are located and moving the fields. 3. Smart design alternatives should be considered including reduction of footprints, cost savings and designing the school/park site so they work together and compliment each other. 4, Consideration of draining the pond and what the southwest corner of the site will be used for in the future. 5, Field locations should be considered on the adjacent County owned property and indicate how the property will be protected to allow the northern environmentally sensitive area to be reclaimed from the clear cutting that has occurred, 6, Traffic safety has been addressed in the traffic impact study and turn lanes are to be provided at applicant 's expense. Additional right-of-way will be dedicated on the applicant's side of West Ten Road to accommodate the improvements, (See finding 8,8.30.3.c,) 7. Documentation, provided on page 142 of this packet, in the form of a memo (dated April 23, 2004) from the School Board (also included in the Public Hearing packet on pages 113-118) indicates that the School Board responded to the Planning Board concerns. This memo (with attachments) states that the School Board revised the site plan by shifting the athletic fields. The memo also relayed information pertaining to the School Board's acquisition of timber rights from Mr, Allison at the time of property purchase to provide protection to the environment. In the April 7, 2004 meeting, the Planning Board recommended DENIAL of the Special Use Permit to the BQCC based on the application as submitted not meeting the criteria for approval. The Planning Board found in the negative on fallowing findings: Articles: 8.8.30c,2 Landscape Design (Specific finding); 8,8.30d Multiple shared use opportunities (Specific finding); 8,2,1,b.1 Use will maintain or promote the public health, safety and general welfare (General finding); 8.2.1.b.3. Use is in harmony with the area and in compliance with the plan for the physical development of the County (General finding). However, the Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the additional conditions in the Revised Resolution of Approval that was submitted to the Planning Board. Attached is a Revised Resolution of Approval that was submitted to the Board of County Commissioners at the Public Hearing, which was revised, based on new site plan submitted, after Planning Board review to address Planning Board concerns, Planning Staff recommends that the Revised Resolution be approved by the Planning Board, After receiving the additional information at the Public Hearing and the additional information provided after the Public Hearing, the Planning Board shall reconsider the previous negative findings and determine if the applicant's efforts to resolve the reasons for the negative findings have been accomplished. Many of the comments made in the June 2, 2004 Planning Board meeting paralleled the comments made in the April 7, 2004 meeting (see attached Draft June 2, 2004 Planning Board minutes). The Board did revote on the four items found in the negative in the April 7, 2004 meeting and had the following results: Articles: 8,.8.30c.2 Landscape Design (Specific finding) 4-4 vote (no finding); 8.8.304 Multiple shared use opportunities (Specific finding) 8-0 vote (unanimous approval); 8.2.1.b.1 Use will maintain or promote the public health safety and general welfare (General finding) 8-0 vote (unanimous approval); 8.2.1.b.3. Use is in harmony with the area and in compliance with the plan for the physical 4evelopment of the County (General finding) 3-5 vote (denial) RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Board recommended DENIAL of the Special Use Permit to the BOCC based on the application as submitted does not meet the criteria for approval. The Planning Board found in the negative on Article 8.2.1.b.3 general finding which relates to the use being in harmony with the area.. However, the Planning Board stated that if the BOCC is inclined to approve the Special Use Permit, then it thought it best to vote to recommend approval of the conditions in the attached Resolution of Approval. The Administration recommends closing the public hearing and APPROVING the application for the Middle School #3 based on the site plan dated May 7, 2004, evidence presented at the May 24 Quarterly Public Hearing, and evidence presented at the .tune 2 continuation of the Public Hearing at the Planning Board meeting. Recommendation of Approval is subject to: a. Positive findings as detailed in Exhibit A attached to the Resolution of Approval, and b. Conditions 1 through 14 as set forth in the attached Resolution of Approval, and c. Either reduction of the impervious surface to 12% or less before final staff approval of the site plan or by building a structural BMP per zoning ordinance requirements should impervious exceed 12%. VICII®TI'I'Y li~II~I' ~S ~¢ Wetgh Station !\ 13.41 3.44..,3 A30 55 otent est ,Fie`ds W,~~D ~. P,D ~~ ~o IXHIBIT A RECOMMENDED FINDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PERTAINING TO ORANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL#3 CLASS A SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION: Orange County Schools This Class A Special Use must comply with general and specific standards as set forth in Article 8 for Special Uses Article 8.2 t b) requires written findings certifying compliance with the following: (I) Specific regulations governing individual Special Uses as set forth in Article 8 8 These regulations are divided into two (2) sections which include: (a) Application components; and (b) Specific standards for Special Uses (Article 8.2.4, 6.29,2 and 8.8.3Q) (2) Other requirements as set forth in the Economic Development Districts Design Manual. Listed below are the Recommended Board of Commissioners' Rndings regarding the application in question. The findings have been presented by Article and requirement to assist the Board in its deliberations. ARTICLE 8.6 AND 8.8 -APPLICATION COMPONENTS ("Yes" indigates_compiia_n_ce; "No" indicates non-compliance RECOMMENDED PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS Ordinance Requirements 8.6 -The application for x Yes _No A complete application on _x Yes _No approval of a Special Use shall appropriate forms has been be submitted on forms submitted. provided by the Zoning Officer, Such forms shall be prepared so that when completed a full and accurate description of the proposed use, including its location, appearance, and operational characteristics disclosed. Additionally, the forms shall, when completed by the applicant, disclose the name(s) and address(es) of the owner(s) of the property involved, and all relevant information needed to show compliance with the general and specific standards governing the Special Use which is the subject of the application.. 8,8 a) -Twenty-six (26) copies _x Yes _No Twenty-six (26) copies of the x Yes _No of fhe site plan prepared by a site plan, prepared by Corley registered N C land surveyor, Redfoot Zack, Inc, Architects architect, or engineer. have been submitted. 8.8 b) -~evations of all x Yes ~No Oevations are shown on the x Yes _No proposed structures to be plans. used in the development. G:\Current Planning DIVISIOn\mDIElMiddlesc hoolWesll O\OCMSN3-PBFindingsof Fact2 doc 1 ARTICLE 8.6 AND 8.8 -APPLICATION COMPONENTS (continued) ("Yes" indicates compliance; "No" indicates non-compliance) 6.8 c) -For Class A Special Uses twenty-six (26) copies of the Environmental Assessment and/or Environmental Impact Statement, if required by the Orange County Fsvironmental Impact Ordinance. 8.8 d) -A fee, as set by the Board of County Commissioners. 6.8 e) -Method of disposal of trees, limbs, stumps and construction debris associated with the permitted activity, which shall be by some method other than open burning. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED EVIDENGESUBMITTED FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS x Yes _No An Environmental Assessment has been submitted and reviewed by State Agencies. x Yes _No _x Yes _No The application fee has been paid. Trees, limbs, stumps and construction debris created from land clearing will be chipped and utilized for mulch throughout the site and on other school sites. RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS x Yes _No x Yes _No x Yes _No G:\CUrrent Planning Division\mDIE\MldtlleSchoolWestl O\OCMS#3-PBFindingsofFact2 doc ARTICLE 8 8 30 - SCNOOLS• ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY (CLASS A SPECIAL USE) SPECIFIC STANDARDS ("Yes" indicates compliance; "No" indicates non-compliance) Ordinance Requirements In addition to the information required in 8.2, 6 6 and 8.8, the following information shall be submitted as part of the application: PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED FINDINGS EVIDENCE SUBM ITTED TO SUPPORT FINDINGS 10 RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS a Twenty-six copies of the x Yes _No Twenty-six (26) copies of the x Yes ~No site plan prepared in site plan prepared by Corley accordance with Article XIV Redfoot Zack,lnc Architects (Section 14 t et seq.) of the have been submitted. Zoning Ordinance and with the following additional information shown on the plan: t. Total student capacity of x Yes _No Total student capacity is x Yes ~No school as designed indicated at 700. 2, Total number of employees x Yes ~No The total number of x Yes _No at time of greatest shift employees is indicated at t00 3 Number and dimensions of x Yes _No 12 bus parking spaces are x Yes _No designated parking spaces for _N/A indicated with dimensions. school buses 4 Number of designated x Yes _No 100 parking spaces are x Yes _No parking spaces for employees indicated for employees. 5 Number of visitor parking x Yes _No t4 car spaces are indicated x Yes iNo spaces for visitors. 6 Number of student parking Yes ~No No student parking x Yes _No spaces x N/A 7 Location of student drop off x Yes ,No A 20-space student drop off x Yes _No points with stacking spaces area is indicated. identified G:\Current Planning Division\mDIE\Mltltlle5choolWestt O\GCMSN3-PBFindingsofFacl2 doc 3 11 Ordinance Requirements PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED FINDINGS EVIDENCE SUBM ITTED TO SUPPORT FINDINGS RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONFRS' FINDINGS 8 Location of all proposed x Yes _No Student athletic fields are x Yes ~No and future athletic fields and indicated on the site plan,. structures a, Total number of seats x Yes _No 300 proposed seats for x Yes _No for spectators football, 100 seats for baseball, and 100 softball seats, b, Location of concession Yes _No No concession stands x Yes _No stands, if any anticipated x N/A proposed. 9 Proposed public roadway x Yes ~No Proposed turn lanes are x Yes ~No improvements indicated on the site plan. 10 Existing and proposed x Yes ~No Mebane water and sewer is x Yes _No infrastructure improvements planned to be extended along (water and sewer) West Ten Road to the site G:\CUrrent Planning Division\mDitlMiddieschooiWesl70\OCMS$3-PBFindingso(Facl2 doc Q ARTICLE 8.8.30 -SCHOOLS: ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY (CLASS A SPECIAL USE) SPECIFIC STANDARDS (continued) ("Yes" indicates compliance; "No" indicates non-compliance) Ordinance Requirements b Twenty-six copies of Landscape Plans showing the locations of existing vegetation, areas proposed for preservation as well as plants and materials for proposed planting areas, a Twenty-six copies of photometric plans in accordance with the Section 6.31, entitled Outdoor Lighting Standards. d, Estimated water usage for structures, landscaping and athletic fields. e A Traffic Impact Study as required by Article t 3 of the zoning ordinance f. A Biological Inventory shall be prepared in accordance with Section 8 8 29, t B (b). g A Resources Management Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the criteria contained in the Resources Management Plan definition in the Definitions Article of the Zoning Ordinance 12 RECOMMENDED PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS x Yes _No Twenty six copies of x Yes _No Landscape Plans have been submitted, x Yes _No Twenty six copies of x Yes _No photometric plans in accordance with the Outdoor Lighting Standards have been submitted. x Yes _No Estimated water usage has x Yes _No been submitted. x Yes _No A traffic impact study has x Yes _No been submitted. x Yes _No Biological Inventory has been x Yes ~No submitted. x Yes _No A Resources Management x Yes _No Plan has been prepared and submitted in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. G:\Current Planning Division\mDIE\MiddleSchoolWestl O\GCMS#3-PBRndingsofFact2 doc cj ARTICLE 8 8 30 - SCHOOLS• ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY (CLASS A SPECIAL USE) SPECIFIC STANDARDS (continued) ("Yes" indicates compliance• "No" indicates non-compliance) Standards of Evaluation 1 If located within an EDD, the application must meet the following general standards of the EDD Design Manual and the Standards of Evaluation for Schools if the school were to be located in a zoning district other than an EDD: a Land Use Intensity PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED FINDINGS EVIDENCE SUBMITTED TO SUPPORT FINDINGS 13 RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS 1. Impervious Surface Ratio x Yes _No The property is located in the x Yes _No EDD and Upper Eno Protected Watershed. The maximum impervious surface ratio permitted without a structural BMP is 12 percent. The site plan contains no BM P and shows an impervious surface ratio of 13,0 percent. Either the impervious surface ratio must be reduced to 12 percent or less before final staff approval of the site plan, or a structural BMP must be included in the site plan and constructed and operated to ordinance standards. 2 Building Volume Ratio x Yes _No Building Volume Ratio is x Yes _No indicated as .087. 3. Landscape Volume Ratio x Yes _No Landscape Volume Ratio is x Yes _No indicated as 1.95. 4 Site Volume Ratio x Yes _No Site Volume Ratio is x Yes _No indicated as 1.863 b Environmental Factors 1. Noise x Yes _No The application indicates the x Yes ~No school does not produce excessive noise levels. 2. Vibration x Yes _No No excessive vibrations will x Yes _No be generated from this site, G:\Currenl Planning Division\mDIE\Middle5choolWest70\OCM S#3-PBFndingsofPact2 doc 3 Air Pollution x Yes _No The project will comply with all standards of the NC Environmental Management Commission. 4. electromagnetic x Yes ~No The project will not generate Interference electromagnetic interference. 5 Solid Waste x Yes _No On-site solid waste disposal facilities are provided. 6. Grading & Erosion x Yes _No The site plan complies with Control proper grading and erosion control 14 x Yes _No x Yes ~No x Yes _No x Yes ~No G:\CUrrent Planning Divislon\mDIE\MiddleschoolWest70\OCMS#3-PBFindingsofFact2 doc - SCHOOLS• ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY tcl.rss A sNtcw~ u5q 15 RECOMMENDED PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS 7 Storm Water x Yes _No Stormwater practices will be x Yes ~No Management designed to reduce stormwater runoff to pre- development rates. 8 Water Supply 8 Sewage x Yes _No Mebane water and sewer is x Yes _No Disposal planned to be extended along West Ten Road to the site 9, Construction & x Yes _No The construction and x Yes _No Maintenance maintenance will promote a safe, uniform and neat construction site appearance. G:\CUrrent Planning Division\mDIE\MlddieSchooiWesti O\OCMS#3-PBFlndingsofFact2 doc 8 ARTICLE 8 8 30 - SCNOOLS• ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY (CLASS A SPECIAL USE) SPECIFIC STANDARDS (continued) ("Yes" indicates compliance• "No" indicates non-compliance) PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS Standards of Evaluation c Design Criteria 16 RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS 1 Architectural Design x Yes _No Applicants' plans indicate x Yes _No that architectural design concepts have been met including orientation for incorporating daylight and location in a cleared area with generous setbacks from the road right-of-way. 2 Landscape Design Yes ~No The site plan has been x Yes _No revised to meet landscape No Recommendation design criteria and to respond 4-4 Vote to Planning Board concems by rearranging the recreational fields and relocating building and parking areas to minimize the impact on natural areas. Yes x No A landscape plan has been Original Planning submitted meeting all Board Finding landscape design criteria The project takes advantage of the existing wooded features of the lot. The building and parking areas are sited on previously cleared areas to minimize the impact on natural areas. 3, Circulation & Parking x Yes ~No The submitted site plan takes x Yes _No into consideration vehicular and pedestrian access and circulation. The circulation patterns and parking are designed to ensure adequate safety and access to the school. 4 Service & Storage x Yes _No The service area is located x Yes _No near the rear of the building with proposed screen walls and a concrete pad. Landscape planning material will be added around the enclosure. G:\CUrreN Planning Division\mDIElMiddleSChoolWestl O\OCMS#3-PBFlndingsorFacl2 doc 5 Signs & Lighting x Yes _No The site plan indicates the location of all signs and lighting fixtures. Lighting fixtures will meet the new lighting standards recently adopted. x Yes _No 17 G:\CUrrent Planning Division\EDOIE1MIddleSchoolWestl B\OCMS#3-PBFindingsofFact2 tloc ],Q ARTICLE 8 8 30 - SCHOOLS• ELEMENTARY MIDDLE AND SECONDARY (CLASS A SPECIAL USE) SPECIFIC STANDARDS (continued) 1"Yes" indicates compliance• "No" indicates non-compliance) Ordinance Requirements 3 The following additional specific standards shall be met for all elementary, middle and secondary schools: a. The minimum lot size shall be, with respect to non-charter public schools, as required by the School Construction Standards adopted from time to time by Orange County Board of County Commissioners, the Orange County Board of Education and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education. With respect to all schools the lot size shall be adequate to accommodate all activities The proposed methods to handle the maximum number of participants and patrons for any single event shall be provided while also adhering to safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation. b. Negative visual impacts shall be minimized along any major roadway Negative visual impacts include, but are not limited to, loading/unloading areas, delivery areas, air handling units (roof top and other), parking areas for machinery, and storage buildings. Appropriate screening methods shall be used to enhance the aesthetic value of a project. c Transportation improvements as deemed necessary by the Traffic Impact Study. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS x_Yes _No The site plan indicates a lot size of 66,257 acres more or less The minimum site acquisition indicated in the School Construction Standards is 22 acres for a middle school w ith a 700- student capacity. Safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation is provided for. x Yes _No The area along the I-85/I-40 corridor w ill remain completely wooded, Plantings are proposed along West t 0 to minimize visual impacts. x Yes _No Improvements, including turn lanes, are proposed for West Ten Road 18 RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS x Yes ,No x Yes _No x Yes _No G:\Current Poanning Divislon\mDIE\MiddieSchoolWestlO\OCMS#3-PBFindingsofFacf2 doc 11 19 Ordinance Requirements d The site shall be designed to take advantage of multiple shared use opportunities, which may include a Park and Ride facility for public transportation. e There shall be a minimum of two access points to the site. Access points shall separate student drop-off areas and visitor parking from bus traffic. If school buses are used, then at least one access shall be limited to school employee and bus use during normal school hours. All access points shall be located to provide maximum visibility and safety. No driveway shall be permitted in a location that will hinder or congest traffic movement on a public street. PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED FINDINGS Yes x No Original Finding x Yes _No 8-() Vote x Yes !No The property will have two access points on West Ten Road. The access points separate student drop-off areas and visitor parking from bus traffic EVIDENCE SUBM ITTED TO SUPPORT FINDINGS Planning Board' s concerns about multiple shared use opportunities is addressed by the proposed use of the adjacent property for County recreational facilities, The site is located next to an area proposed for soccer fields. RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS x Yes _No x Yes _No G:\CUrrent Planning Dlvislon\mDIE\Mlddle5chooiWestl O\OCM S#3-PBFindingsofFact2 tloc Zz ARTICLE 8 -SPECIFIC STANDARDS (" Yes" indicates compliance " No" indicates non-compliance) 20 RECOMMENDED PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS Ordinance Requirements Article 8.2.4 requires the applicant to address the following: a) Method and adequacy of x Yes _No Applicant indicates water and x Yes _No provision for sewage sewer is proposed to be disposal facilities, solid extended to the site. waste and water service. b) Method and adequacy of x Yes ~No Fire protection will be _x Yes ~No police, fire and rescue provided by the Efland Fire squad protection. Department, rescue service by the Orange County Emergency Management, and police protection by the Orange County Sheriff' s Department. c) Method and adequacy of x Yes _No The property will have direct x Yes _No vehicle access to the site access onto West Ten Road. and traffic conditions A traffic impact analysis has around the site. been submitted and reviewed. G:\CUrrent Poanning Division\mD10MiddleSchoolWesl i O\OCMS#3-PBFintlingsofFact2 doc Z 3 ARTICLE 6.2.1 & 8.2.2 -APPLICATION COMPONENTS (GENERAL CONDITIONS) ("Will" indicates compliance "Will Not" indicates non-compliance) Ordinance Requirements In accordance with Article 8 2 of the Zoning Ordinance, the Board of Oommissioners shall also consider the following general conditions before the application for a Special Use can be approved: Article 8.2 1. Article 8.2.1 b)(1)The use will maintain or promote the public health, safety and general welfare, if located where proposed and developed and operated according to the plan as submitted. Article 8.2.1 2 Article 8.2.1 b)(2)The use will maintain or enhance the value of contiguous property (unless the use is a public necessity, in which case the use need not maintain or enhance the value of contiguous property) PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS _x_Will `Will Not Planning Board concerns with 8-0 Vote the use not meeting this general finding are addressed by the Board of Commissioners' recent action to permit and establish performance standards for schools within the EDD, an area where water and sewer extension is planned, to (1) address the critical needs for a middle school in the area, (2) to meet the demarids of additional growth in the western part of the County and (3) to further Goal 14.1 in the land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan "to provide for the future space needs and appropriate location of schools to meet the long term education needs of Orange County citizens," Will Will Not The use is a public necessity and no finding is required. 21. RECOMMENDED BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS' FINDINGS x Wiil Will Not Will Will Not G:\Curren[ Planning Division\mDIEtMiddleschoolWestlO\OCMS#3-PBFindingsofFact2 tloc ]-Gf Article 8.2.1 3 Article 8.2 tb)(3)The location and character of the use, if developed according to the plan submitted, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and the use is in compliance w ith the plan for the physical development of the County as embodied in these regulations or in the Comprehensive Plan, or portion thereof, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners -Will be x Wili Not Be Included here by reference 3-5 Vote is the evidence submitted on the previous page in support of general finding in Article 8.2.1 b)(1). 22 x Wili Be Will Not Be G:\Current Planning Division\EDDIE\MiddleSchoolWestl O\OCMSR3-PBFndingsofFact2 doc Z5 23 RESOLUTION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO APPROVE AN ORDINANCE FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT, CLASS A FOR ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL #3 Date: June 23, 2004 Applicant/Owner: Orange County Schools The Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby adopts the Recommended County Conunissioner Findings concerning compliance with specific and general standards for this special use as detailed in Exhibit A hereto. The Board's findings herein relate to the application submitted by the Orange County Schools for a Special Use Permit, Class A for a Middle School, including, but not limited to, the site plan drawing #C2,0, and landscape plan LL1, dated May 7, 2004 and March .31, 2004 respectively, applicable to the following properly and subject to the following conditions: Located along the north side of West 10 and being further identified in the Orange County Land Records Office by Parcel Identification Numbers 9844-06-2013, 9844-14-0552, 9844-15-0506, and 9844-04-4953 containing 66.884 acres more or less. The property consists of four tracts of land which are identified by the following legal descriptions (hereafter said tracts are described in combination as "the Property"): TRACT I: PIN #9844-06-2013 TAX MAP 3.44..1 Bounded on the North by Interstate 85/Interstate 40; on the East by property owned now or formerly by Owen L.. Allison and Mabel C. Allison; on the South by West Ten Road (S.R. 1144) and on the West by property owned now or formerly by Charles Ronnie and Martha S. Brown, and beginning at an iron stake located by measuring fiom N C.G.S. Monument "Mardi' (with coordinates of North 844292.258 and East 1942823.447, NAD '83 C.F. 0 99994966) the following courses and distances: North 80° 44' .31" West 48536 feet; North 88° 5.3' 43"West 701.23 feet; North 89° 16' S6" West 345.00 Feet; South 09° 28' 34" East 30,70 feet; North 86° 11' S5" West 332.96 feet; North 09° 29' 07" West 25,72 feet; North 85° 5T 27" West 671,28 feet; North 10° 22' 10" West 1238.18 feet to an iron stake, the beginning point; conning thence from said beginning point North 80° 4T 03" East 670.92 feet to an iron stake; running thence Nordr 10° 31' S2" West 820,37 feet to an iron stake on the southern margin of the right of way to Interstate 85/Interstate 40; running thence with the southern margin of the right of way to Interstate 85/Interstate 40 the following courses and distances: South 55° 00' 48" West 14,51 feet, South 10° 08' 00" West 48.03 feet and North 80° 33' 22" West 690,26 feet to an iron stake, corner with Charles Ronnie and Martha S. Brown; thence with Brown South 10° 08' 20" East to the place and point of beginning and containing 13,403 acres, more or less, according to plat of survey entitled "NEW ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL, ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD" by Riley Surveying, P.A. dated November 21, 2003. TRACT II: PIN #9844-14-0552 TAX MAP .3.44.3B Bounded on the North and East by property owned now or formerly by Owen L Allison and Mabel C. Allison; on the South by West Ten Road (S.R. 1144) and on the West by property owned now or formerly by Lonnie Bryant Daniel and wife, Karen Baird Daniel, and beginning at an iron stake located by measuring from N C.G.S.. Monument "Marsh" (with coordinates of North 844292.258 and East 1942823.447, NAD '83 C.F. 0.99994966) the following G:\CurzentPlunning\BddieVvtiddleSchoolWcstt O\Special Use Permit Resolution 24 courses and distances: North 80° 44' 31" West 485.36 feet; North 88" 53' 43" West 701.23 feet; North 89° I G 56" West 345.00 feet to the beginning point; conning thence from the beginning point South 09° 28' 34" East 30.70 feet to an iron stake set in the center of the right of way to West Ten Road; conning thence with the center of the right of way to West Ten Road North 86° 11' S5" West 332.96 feet to an iron stake; running thence North 09° 29' 07" West 25.72 feet to an iron stake; thence continuing Nortlr 09° 29' 07" West 5.14 feet to an iron stake; thence continuing North 09° 29' 07" West 332.83 feet to an iron stake' running thence North 78° 56' .38" East 324.24 feet to an iron stake; rwming thence South 09° 28' .34" East 418.40 feet to the place and point of beginning and containing .3.024 acres, more or less, according to plat of survey entitled "NEW ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL, ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL. BOARD" by Riley Surveying, P.A dated November 21, 2003. TRACT III: PIN #9844-IS-0506 TAX MAP 3.44..,.3 Bounded on the Nordr by Interstate 85/Interstate 40; on the East by property owned now or formerly by the H.C. Euliss Tmst; on the South by property owned now or formerly by Owen L Allison and Mabel C. Allison and by West Ten Road (S,R 1144) and on the West by property owned now or formerly by Owen L,. Allison and Mabel C. Allison and by Lonnie Bryant Daniel and wife, Karen Baird Daniel, and beginning at an iron stake located by measuring from N.C.G.S Monument "Marsh" (with coordinates of Notth 844292.258 and L-ast 1942823.447, NAD '83 C.F 0.99994966) the following courses and distances: North 80° 44' 31" West 485.36 feet; North 88° 53' 43" West 701.23 feet to Ure beginning point; running thence from the beginning point and with the northern margin of the right of way to West Ten Road North 89° 16' S6" West 345.00 feet to a point in the eastern line of Tract II above; running tlrettce with Tract II above North 09° 28' 34" West 418.40 feet and South 78° 56' 38" West 324.24 feet to an iron stake in the eastern line of property belonging now or formerly to Daniel; thence with Daniel North 09° 31' S4" West 1053.93 feet to an iron stake, corner with Tract I above; thence with tract I above Nordr 10° 31' S2" West 820.37 feet to an iron stake on the southern margin of the right of way to Interstate 85/Interstate 40; running thence with the southern margin of the right of way to Interstate 85/Interstate 40 the following courses and distances: North 54° 45' 17" East 113.48 feet, Soutlr 80° 33' 46" East 425.00 feet, North 12° 11' 31" East 15.29 feet and South 80° 42' 02" East 146.37 feet to an iron stake, corner with Euliss; thence with Euliss South 10° 1 T Ol" East 2223..57 feet to the place and point of beginning and containing 30.794 acres, more or less, according to plat of survey entitled "NEW ORANGE COLiNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL, ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL. BOARD" by Riley Surveying, P A. dated November 21, 2003. TRACT IV: PIN #9844-04-4953 TAX MAP 3 44..2A Bounded on the East and North by property owned now of formerly by Owen L.. Allison and Mabel C Allison; on the West by property owned now or formerly by Lany Franklin Wiley, Arthur L and Cherie D. Wiley and Charles Ronnie and Martha S. Brown and on the South by West Ten Road (S.R. 1144) and beginning at an iron stake located by measuring from N.C.G. S, Monument "Mardi' (with coordinates of North 844292.258 and East 194282.3.447, NAD '83 C.P. 0.99994966) the following courses and distances: North 80° 44' 31" West 48536 feet; North 88° 53' 43" West 701,23 feet; North 89° 16' S6" West 345.00 feet; South 09° 28' 34" East 30,70 feet; North 86° 1 I' S5" West 3.32.96 feet and North 09° 29' 07" West 25.72 feet to an iron stake, the beginning point; thence from said beginning point with the northern margin of the right-of--way to West Ten Road Nortlr 85° 57' 27" West 671.28 Feet to an iron stake, corner with property now or formerly owned by Larry Franklin Wiley; thence with Larry Franklin Wiley, Arthur L and Cherie D. Wiley and Charles Ronnie and Martha S, Brown North 10° 22' 10" West 1238.18 feet to an iron stake, corner with Owen L.. Allison and Mabel C Allison; thence with Allison North 80° 47' 03" East 670.92 feet to an iron stake, another comer with Allison; running thence with Allison South 09° 31' 54" East 1053.93 feet to an iron stake, another comer with Allison; running thence with Allison South 09° 29' 07" East 3.37.97 feet to the place and point of beginning and containing 19.663 acres, more or less, according to plat of survey entitled "NEW ORANGE COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL, ORANGE COUNTY SCLIOOL BOARD" by Riley Surveying, P.A dated November 21, 2003. 1. Sewer and water lutes shall be extended at the time of site development, 2. All water and sewer easements shall be recorded prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. This includes any easements needed to serve the County owned property to the east that may, in the future, serve as a soccer complex (hereafter "County's property to the East") G:\CurrentPlanning\PddieVvliddleSchoolWestt O\Special Use Permit Resolution 25 3. Fifty feet of additional right-of--way from the center of the existing right-of--way shall be dedicated along the north side of West 10. This additional right-of--way shall extend the entire distance of the Property, The 100 foot buffer shall start at the edge of the right-of--way. 4, Sidewalks on the north side of the proposed additional road right-of--way on West 10 shall be constructed azrd maintained. A sidewalk shall extend along the drive on the eastern side of the Property to the parking area behind the school, 5. Two access entrances on West 10 shall be permitted. Driveway permits from NCDOT shall be obtained prior to issuance of building permits. In order to take advantage of multiple shared use opportunities and to provide a safe intersection at West Ten Road, a portion of the eastern drive maybe relocated to the County's property to the East and, if so, a cross access easement must be provided for County Attorney approval and recorded prior to recordation of the Special Use Permit. If the eastern drive is not thus relocated, a stub out easement shall be provided to the eastern property line for potential connection to the County's property to the East when developed and a cross access easement provided for Cowzty Attorney approval and recorded prior to recordation of the Special Use Permit. 6. All NCDOT construction requirements shall be met. Right and left turn lanes shall be constructed to NCDOT standards for both driveways as required by NCDOT. 7. The applicant shall deconstruct or move the existing houses and/or accessory structures on the Property. 8. The area to the east of the 60 parking spaces, near the athletic fields is designated as future parking and authorized to be constructed when needed. 9. Lighting and landscaping plans shall be modified and approved prior to issuance of any building permits, hrstallation in accordance with approved plans shall be complete prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy. 10. The property is located in the EDD and Upper Eno Protected Watershed. The maximum impervious surface ratio permitted without a structural BMP is 12 percent.. The site plan contains no BMP and shows an impervious surface ratio of 1.3 percent. Either the impervious surface ratio must be reduced to 12 percent or less before final staff approval of the site plan, or a structural BMP must be included in the site plan and constructed and operated to ordinance standazds. 11. The above-described tracts of the Property shall be recombined into one tract prior to the issuance of the Special Use Permit. 12. Curb and gutter is required for all parking and drive areas. 13. If any condition of this Special Use Permit shall beheld invalid or void, then this Special Use Permit shall be void in it's entirety and of no effect. 14. This Special Use Pernit shall automatically expire within twelve (12) months of the date of approval if the use has not commenced or construction has not commenced or proceeded unless a timely application for extension of the time limit is approved by the Board of County Commissioners as provided by Section 8.4.11 of the Orange County Zoning Ordinance. G:\CurtentPlanning\Eddie\MiddleSchoolWcs(t0\Spccial Use Permit Resolution 26 This Special Use Permit, Class A shall become effective upon approval. Upon motion of Conunissioner , seconded by Commissioner , the foregoing resolution was adopted this the 23°i day of June, 2004. I, Donna S. Baker, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange, North Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of so much of the proceedings of said Board at a meeting held on June 23, 2004 as relates in any way to the adoption of the foregoing and that said proceedings are recorded in the minutes of said Board. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said County, this dap of , 2004. Clerk to the Board of Commissioners G:\CurcentPlanning\8ddie\MiddleschoolWes00\Special Use Permit Resolution 27 (PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT -INK ONLY) APPLICATION FOR CLASS A SPECIAL USE PERMIT ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DATE:, 12 / 15 / 03 APPLICATION NUMBER: PD-.~ . I (We) request a Class A Special Use Permit-as provided for in Arkicle Orange County Zoning Ordinance for rA~~'7R~T"/Br-+L~~1~ ~~ The following information is provided in support of this request: A. PROPERTY INFORMATION: Street Address or Loy Orange County Taa I Zoning District(s): E Lot/Parcel Sizt:~ Number of Existing Number of Proposed Water Supply: Wastewater Aisposal: School District d~A, 8/88 of the Nwl~ s~-d-e aT Wea'~Te-a ~,oa~j L~~) 'B ° Block Lot(s) Tbwnshig__,___,,.___,__ -'!3 d~F- 3 ~ Pa-.~- css 3 }tr-1 ~-A ~.~' ~3t 3 . rf 4 , ~ 1 acres or square fei /D Gross Floor Area: ~ 3Co~- square fe ~j-yj~ Gross Floor Area: square tc blic (Specify) o s Community Individu Public (Species fs_Community Individus >T(~ Fire District: n t ~ .tA w.a_~r ~~{~ General Land Uses rn Are ,nrY-ruc.wn~~ ~ - ~ i Flood Prone Are Critical Areas: ~ Stream/Dr rnageway~ Watershed (Specify)- Historic S Other (Eaplain) i B. SITE PLAN INFORMATION: Twenty-six (2~ copies of a Site Plan, prepared by a registered North Carolina s=rveyor or engineer, are provided as requ;red by P_rt:cle 8.8 and which centaia t e following information: North point, scale, and date. Extent of area to be developed. T Locations and widths of all easements and rights-of-way within or adjacent to the site. ~_ Location of all existing and proposed structures on the site. Location of all areas on the site subject to flood hazard or inundation as shown on flood maps or soils maps. Location of all water courses on the site, including direction of flow, ~- Existing topography at a contour interval of five (5) feet based on mean sea level datum. __~, Existing and progosed fencing, screening, gates, parking, service, and storage ~' areas. Access to site, including sight distances on all roads used for access. (PLEASE COMPLETE REVERSE SIDE) 28 C. OTHER SUBMITTAL INFORMATION: `d"~ Elevations of all structures proposed to be used in the development. ~v Two (2) full-size copies of the applicable Orange County Tax Map, one (1) with the property in question clearly marked. The names and addresses of the property owner(s) and/or applicant(s), and names and addresses are all persons owning property within five hundred (500) feet of the property in question. _ Application fee as set by the Orange County Board of Commissioners, Traffic impact stndy as required by Article Z3 of the Zoning Ordinance. --~ Additional information regarding the proposed Special LTse as required by Article 8 of the Zoning Ordinance. _~~ Narrative (or letters from appsopiiate agencies) indicating: 1. Method and adequacy of provision of sewage disposal facilities, solid waste disposal, and water service. Where public sewer is not available, a letter from the Orange County health Department certifying the suitability of the existing andlor praposed wastewater treatment system for the property. 2. Method and adequacy of police, fire, and fescue squad protection. 3, Method and adequacy of vehicular access to the site and traffic conditions around the site. copy the I (We), the applicant(s), hereby certify that the foregoing application and supporting documentation is comglete and accurate, I understand that it shall be my (our) responsibility [o present evidence to the Board of Commissioners the form of testimony, exhibits, documents, models, plans, and the like to support the request for`approval of the Class A Special LJse Permit. ~ ~~ SIGNAT Chair, Orange County Board of Education ~a / 1 s ! ~3 DATE NOTE: If title to the above mentioned property Is not in the name of the applicant(s), please include a letter Crom the owner(s) signify[ng approval oC the request. 444t4t4t4t#4t44444t44444tt4t44 tttt4444t 4444tt4444 tt 4444t4444t#k44tt4ttt kt444 ttt /, ~/D. ~~ Date Paid: r /~( D~ Receipt ~ ~d~' OD! FEES: Amount $ - ORANGE COUNTY MEDDLE SCHOOL LII SITE 29 BIOLOGICAL INVENTORY ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA Prepared for Orange County Board of Education 200 E. King Street Hillsborough North Cazolina, 27278 Prepazed by Solidago Associates Kathy Buck and Ken Moore 351 Old Fayetteville Road Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516 12 March 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary i Introduction Methods and Datalhrformation Sources 1 2 Cseneral Description of Site 2 HabitatlSpeciesDwersity 3 Human Created and Maintained Habitats 3 Open Fields 3 1, 6-acre Pond 3 26-acre Pond 4 Power Line Right-of=way q Ephemeral Marsh 4 Natural Wetlandliabitats Four Mrle Branch and Unnamed Tributary 4 4 Vernal Pools 5 Natural Woodland Habitats 5 Pine Forest 6 Dry Oak-Hickory Forest g Upland Depression Swamp Forest 9 Basic Mesic Forest lp PiedmontlLow Mountain Alluvial Forest 10 Raze Species 11 Significant Trees Habitat Interrelationships on Site and with Adjacent Sites 11 11 Landscape Ecology Defined 11 Patches 12 Corridors 12 Matrix or context 12 Landscape Ecology of'the Site Habitat Integrity, Threats and Potential for Habitat Enhancement 12 12 Habitat Integrity 13 Threats 14 Habitat Enhancement Appendix. A Site Map Site in Matrix Appendix B Site Habitat Locations Photographs of Habitats (i - vi) Appendix C - NC Natural Heritage Program Rare Species Database Orange Cormty Efland Quad 17 30 Appendix. D References proposed Orange County Middle School III Site Biological Inventory 31 SUIvrn4A.RY The biological inventory of the proposed site of Orange County Middle School III conducted February 2004, resulted in observation and description of eleven distinct plant community habitats, comprised of human created habitats, wetlands and natural woodlandspry O~_~ckory portion of the site is significant in that it contains two forest community t3'P ForesC and Upland Depression Swamp Forest ilrat merit consideration founds for at leastrthe the Upland Depression Swamp Forest aze venial pools thate ~ reedrnIl fly for the spotted marbled salamander, winch was observed in larval stag , P salamander and the four-toed salamander, a species of Speenod s laterm ththe sprang than was ~ r two species could not be verified because their breeding p ooLs aze period of this investigation's field work; These two plant communities and the vernal p significant in that they aze mature, in the one hundred-plus year age category and are essentially free of exotic invasive plants, a sign of a mature and healthy forest ecosystem. The protection of these forests is desirable, not only for the preservation of the plants and animals contained therein, but because of'the exceptional potential for use as outdoor environmental laboratories for middle school student biology and natual ~ll of the middles hoof developmenteinclu~gorest habitats can be implemented by containing athletic fields on the mostly already cleared azeas of the site.. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to describe e Coun ~ Middle S hool ~ entory of the habitats present on the site of the proposed Orrang LY METHODS AND DATA/TA7FORMATION SOURCES The information presented in this report was ga~ered during four field visits conducted on the site between 3 February and 23 February 2004, In addition to extensive physical examinafion and observations made on the site, searches were made of appropriate literature, databases and taxonomic keys (See References). Two separate personal interviews were conducted with the property owners, Mabel and Owen Allison. Consultations were made wi ~ bmnkl~n, Botanist with professionals, Alan Weakley, Curator of UNGCH Herbarium and Misty e Pro NC Natural Heritage. Dr. Stephen Hall, Zoologist with the NC Natural Heritag gram> accompaaied the authors on one site visit.. Most woody and evergreen plant species can be observed and identified with accuracy during the winter period. However, a short period during the dormant winter season does not provide reasonable opportunities for seazch and id s to oc~raonndOm ~ ofd ~iduous herba eons plant aze most evident during the spring matrng species are in no way evident. Tree species and habitat profdes can however serve as predictors of more or less diversity of plant and animal species.. The maturity of the deciduous forest and presence of creek and, especially venial pools, on the aeon advanc dicator that a richer plant and animal inventory will become evident as the spring ~ENEIt,AI. DESCRIPTION OP SITE The properties being inventoried aze located in Cheeks Township, Orange County, North Cazolina on the north side of West Ten Road between Bucichom Road and Mt, Willing Road. The total acreage included in the inventory is 66,868 acres, which includes three tractsto Lonnie 46.983 acres belonging to Owen and Mabel Allison and a 19, 885-acre tract belonging anal Karen Daniel.. Interstate 85-40 borders the site on the north, a 34..360-acre tract whi9h~ as cleaz cut about 2 years ago borders on the east, and on the west aze three tracts totaling containing two home sites and woodlands. The southern half' of the gently rolling ~~ four primarily open field with some fruit trees, an approximately half-acre blueberry p g, building sites and two ponds, There is also a 5,83-acre patch oenwmoe dlanT~he northern half f the comer and woodlands bordering the creek along the western p site is wooded except for a power line right-of--way that cuts across the northwest comer.. Contained in the woodlands aze wetlands with vernal pools in the northeastern sector and a small stream, tributary to Four Mile Branch; that flows southwest across the upper northwest comer of the site, This small stream then flows off the site and empties into Four Mile Branch which parallels the western edge and enters the site to flow southeast across the southwest comer where it leaves the site. HABTTAT/SPECIES DIVEItsrry This approximately 67-acre site exhibits a high degree of diversity for a relatively small area, A c~eated and ma atained, nbaiural wetlandstand n total woodlandsuped into three types: human Human created and maintained habitats include: L Open Fiel eaz3mund 1 6-acre pond and a smalleran26 acre pond, whi h becomes dry 2 Ponds, a y during long periods without rain; 3 Power Line Right-of-Way, a .67-acre power line cut which bisects the oak-hickory forest at the northwestern corner of the site; 4, Ephemeral Marsh, a .47-acre open wetland situated in a clearing within the forest canopy in the mid-northern portion of the site, 32 Natural wetland habitats include: 5. Four Mile Branch (flows through the Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest) and its tributary (flows through the Basic Mesic Piedmont Forest; 6. Vernal pools within the LTpland Depression Swamp Forest. Natural woodland habitats include: 7. Pine Forest; g Dry pak-Hickory Forest; 9, Upland Depression Swamp Forest; 10, Basic Mesic Piedmont Forest; 11. Piedmont/l.ow Mountain Alluvial Forest. 2 Human Created and Maintained Habitats 33 Open Fields The open field portion of the site comprisa~ pporo'X~n'adu lion when the Allisons puc' ~hased their western half of the site were already in gr P P property, the eastern half of the site, in 1963 ones o°theu new homes iteoand for btu berry forest (an acre or two per year) making p p ed an active production. They moved into their ]neawdditionto bluebetrry production, throe samall-scale farm has blueberry farm until the Pasty ast several eazs. Currently all the open been primarily operated for hay production during the P Y of herbaceous and fields aze maintained as neatly mowed open space except for a narrow margin woody vegetation around the perimeter of the 1,6-acre pond. The turf vegetation is predominately fescue with significant Presence of native broom sedges (Androaoson species) with common native and introduced herbaceous species present oldenrods~Solida os P~ P) and ~g 1~~e1 sage (salvia lyratal- hem-ml ~'~ell-------- a wl~ans~' g species). Birds observed over the open field included three black vultures, apparently in courtshrp, a red- tailed hawk and one turkey vulture (separate sighting from the black vultures)., A flock of 12 or more Juncos were obseo d dBird actiprty onithencdhoselylmowp fields wasrhowever generally very vicinity of the small p spazse during the periods of site inspection. The residents of the property did report a good bit o activity around their bird feeder close to their residence, but reported nothing other than the common residential feeder bird sightings including bluejays, cazdinals, sparrows and juncoes.. 1.6-acre Pond Tn 1975 a 1,6-acre pond was constructed on the lower southwestern portion of the open fiel , Before construction the pond site was a consistently moist 'site fed by a very modest spring- The 4-inch drainpipe at the pond surface maintains the level of this rain modest spring-fed pond. Observations by the adjacent property owners, Mabel and Owen Allison, describe thdeupromng ~y remaining relatively level approximately one foot below the overflow pipe opening even periods and observed that in its almostthree-decade history, floodingmonths of the growing during periods ofheavy rainfall, has never occurred.. During the dry season, there is no flow into Four Mile Branch from the pond The outside surface of the dam of the pond sited on the western edge has a dense co orous tangle approximate 6 - 8 year old tree saplings of mostly sweet gum accompanied by a vig of blackberry. More sizeable (approximately 20-year or more age) specimens of red cedar, ash and red maple aze well established aloong~ f ~ stly 3e 6 yeaz old swe t gum saplings and er edge of the pond dam contains a heavy g herbaceous vegetation, including grasses, sedges, rushes and several LudwiQia species. On two separate visits to the site 11 and 9 lesser scaups were observed on the pond and on two other visits a pair of wood ducks was observed, .26-acre Pond The very small rain fed pond just east of the central gravel drive dividing the open fie serves primarily as a catch basin for runoff and never remains full due to w 2Q04 when four sepazate site leak in the pond bottom. D od Dever contained more~han a foot or two of water within the visits were conducted, the p lowest central portion of the reservoir. No significant Horn or fauna presence was observed, Frog by Great Blueand L ittgie Greenrhe ons aze msost likely dto be observed aterr in~ d pcingp e danaotrnon 3 4 Power Line Right-of- W aY A power line cut of approximately 67 acre crosses the upper northwestern comer of the site. This open azea of weedy vegetation is most likely maintained by a combination of annual cutting and application of species specific herbicide as evidenced by the presence of no mooII ~ weet year's growth of the herbaceous layer and the presence of dead foliage remaining gum saplings, indicative of herbicide treatment during the late part of the growing season. Common species present within the power line right-of--way include broom sedge (Androaoeon vir ' ' cus ,goldenrod Soli o species), frost aster (Aster oilosus), witchgrass (Dich_._._ ?nd?el3'?rn species), brachen fern (ptrr;a multifidum), blackberry ubus species) and extensive cover of croskeRrrim virmmeum exotic invasive Japanese grass (Mi Two cazcasses of whitetail deer were noted along this power line right-of--way. Ephemeral Marsh The drainage from the vernal pools within the heart of the Upland Depression Swamp ore slowly meanders westwazd into a cleared area of approximately 48 acre,. This extremely wet area contains a flock vegetative cover of characteristic wet~an GP ceria seotentrionalis) msh (Juncus effuses), sedges Cazex species), eastern manna gr ( ~ goldenrods (Solid o species), ironweed (Vemonia noveboracensis), seedbox udvzn is species) and 5t. Andrew's rocs (Hypericum sp~~,s)~oody vegetatiotn here includes saplings of sweet icrosteeium vu-rnin ubus 7apanese grass (D gum (t inuadambaz styraciflua ,red maple (Acer mbmm ,and clumps ofblackberry (R species). The drainage conimues from the open azea consolidating into a shallowh been ral stream channel as it flows into Four Mile Branch tributary. This small clearing maintained by at least once a year mowing ding drY Periods. If left untended it is Likely that the swamp forest would encroach onto this moist site. Both species of shFobask~owsry aoe observed beyond into the forest bordering the creek just west of this clearing P in the open wetland during two site visits, Natural Wetland Habitats Four-Mile Branch and Unnamed Tributary The tributary of Four Mile Branch originates north of Interstate 85-40 and enters the site via a four-foot wide culvert underlying the six-lane highway. It is a clear stream with a moderate flow moving southwest across the northwestern comer of the site where it enters a culvert under the power line and exits the site to join Four Mile Branch. Four Mile Branch then pazallels the western edge of the site before entering it for a short distance in the southwestern comer where it exits south through two culverts beneath W est Ten Road. The creek is sluggish as it approaches the culverts because of beaver impoundment fusrth~ r~d~wnstcorded pH of 6 1 witlr a water Examination of the tributary on 20 Febmary temperature of 50 F, Several types of macrt~v la a Order Buhemaropt r~ndragonflO ~P~ Am hi oda , sowbugs (Order Iso oda , ma y ( (Suborder Z o tera , water boatmen (Order Hemiptera), and water striders (Order HemiPtera), Vernal Pools A meander of vernal pools occupies approximately 82-acre within the larger Upland L)eprasasrion of the poolseis nt wresting in tha tast~thmeanders through thef Brest canopyslmosscovered~ 4 litter divide the aquatic habitat into several sepazate open 35 hummocks and zones of 114 Febmary 2004, Dr. Stephen Hall, Invertebrate Zoologist for the pool areas, On Saturday, e Pro visited the site to provide a general assessment of the North Cazolina Natural Heritag gTazr~ ool s stem. During the visit the presence of biological diversity and health of the vernal p Y marbled salamander (Amby-,_____ ~~?!~ °A-aoum) was verified by observation of an inch-long larva specimen recovered fiom and returned to the submerged leaf litter. Dr. Hall assessed that the pools are likely to contain spotted sal anazi rMa~h when the adults f ilus spec s app oath the several weeks later in late February Y pools to breed and deposit egg masses, Dr. Hall also described a good potential that later in the season, late Mazch - early P'~~s~ wifthin moss hummocks scattered about the pools~The f udr- be found guarding thee' egg and carries toed salamander has bee Goa sCon e ) Several species of frogsral~so breedgin vernal pools. The a State Status of SC (Sp site was visited on 19 Feb 2004 and southern cricket frogs (Aerie zrVIlu~ wa ~°~ed ~ aza Poo s and upland chorus frogs (Pseudac.-_._._._.-!?S -OLD-~)° ~ welt as sprmg P P aria c h ~a1a) and calling, Other species likely to>~Pwaters in the p ols wereatested and--a water temperature of 60F green frogs (Rana c__.__,_. ~?~?~~) and a pH of 5 5 were reuatsc sow bugsl(Order Iso odarnmidge fly larva (SuborderlNematocera , (Order Am hi oda > aq ^ hs Suborder Z o tera dragon fly nymphs (Suborder Aniso tera and damsel fly ymp ( Tluee very small vernal pools were observed on the wroy~ratelys4 fe t by 7 feet and 8 hes Four Milo Branch. The largest of these pools was app deep.. Dr. Hall assessed that, though quite small, these pools would likely produce evidence of salamanders and macroinvertebrates if investigations were to be conducted several weeks later in the season. Natural W oodland Habitats Pine Forest The entire northern edge of the field crossing the no~inra otr~Nb 1OIle ~~us virainiana)re~ e P an approximately 8-acre pine stand of primarily Virg aze also some I Ogw n Allison have beeln very helpful in understanding the dynamics of the forest Descriptions by patterns between the pines and hazdwoods of this upland forest on the northern end of the site property.. According to Owen Allison, the 4-acre dense stand of predominantly Virginia pine (Pious vir iniana just north of the cleared field areas on the western half' of the site is approximately forty years old. When he took possessioes of olld fie d succes son with a densehstand off e~,erly been a cultivated field, was m eazty stag young pine. The dense Virginia pme stand mcludes a few loblolly and shortleaf pines. The stern appeazs even aged with a good number of the mature Virginia pines averaging 10 - 12 inch diameters. Half a dozen or more loblolly pines with average diamet are two se crate 20-inch present in the canopy. Present in small openings in the pine canopy • pamhar c~vraciflua diameter tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulioifera) and several sweet gums ~---- are also present. Small canopy-tree species present as emergents throughout thn pm~~b daze ArnArnn tulipifera ,red maple (Ater mbmm ,sweet gum R~ tulip poplaz (L_._,_.___--.----:--- _ ciflua ,and Ash raxmus species) Subcanopy-tree species are represented by flowering dogwood (Comu~ 1 aDd American holly (Ilex o aca A shrub layer is essentially absent 36 and other than impressive stands of'runnmg pme (Lycopodium flabilliforme), the herbaceous layer is very spazse with one or two Christmas ferns (Polystichum acrosnchoides) and spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) scattered here and there, A zone of n,nn;ng pine, 20 x 40 yards, occurs at the nortlrwestern comer of this pine forest extending across the pathway (old road bed) which runs west to east separating the Pine Forest from the adjacent Dry Oal:-Hickory Forest just to the north. This evergreen groundcover is also present as scattered small patches occurring throughout the westernmost portion of this pine stand. Observed bird activity in this dense pine stand was negligible with the exception ofbrown-headed nuthatches, common in such habitat.. The approximately 4-acre Pine Forest occupying the eastern half of the site is much less uniform than the pine zone previously described. Here the Pine Forest is much more open with numerous hazdwoods present in the canopy layer. This area contaanse bite oaks (Ouercus alba) uW thin pine and an interior .36-acre azea dominated by canopy this more or less open pine stand aze three separate dense stands of running Pine (Lycopodium flabilliforme), 20 by 20 yards, 49 x.19 yards, and 50 x 46 yards in size, respective]y. Both of these forest zones grade into the Dry Oak-Hickory Forest adjacent to the north and the pines occur irregulaziy as single stems here and there throughout the hardwood forest The western half of the Pine Forest changes abruptly to Dry Oak"~oual ransitiotn from pinelto DrybOak-fie eastern half of the Pine Forest presents a uniformly grad I3ickory Forest.. The Pine Forest is a common successional forest type throughout the Piedmont, characterizing the 50-125-yeaz span from abandoned agricultura] activity to a mature deciduous forest. The Pine Forest on this particular site is notable because of the several extensive patches of running pine ~.,~.,,,~,t;,,,,, flahelliforme), which, though not rare, is impressive in such healthy patches. Such occurrences are becoming less and less common, The running pine is of significance because it is essentially impossible to transplant and techniques for propagation aze not known, rendering it impossible for cultivation; it is encountered only as natural wild populations. Continued eradication by forest clearing where it occurs will eventually reduce it to the ranks of rarity.. Dry Oak-Hickory Forest A Dry Oak-Hickory Forest community type covers approximately 15..00 acres of the site. This represents a renmar~t of the extensive upland Dry Oak-Hickory forest that formerly covered the site prior to clearing for timber and agricultural use, The largest remnant of this Dry Oak- Hickory Forest is situated across the northern third of the site interrupted by the Upland Depression Swamp Forest and vernal pools in the northeast comer and the Basic Mesic Forest bordering Four Mile Branch tributary in the northwest comet, A 5.83-acre portion of this oak- hickory forest occurs in the southeast comer of the site connected with the forest on the northern half of the site by a narrow woodland strip along the eastern edge of the site. During the survey of the forest fragment in the southeastern comer of the site, it was noted, as is the case for the larger tract, that the survey map of the site describes only a small sampling of the number of specimen trees present, i.e.. trees with a diameter at breast height of 12 inches or greater. The forest canopy contains numerous trees over 12 inches in diameter and a significant number of specimen trees in the 24-inch to 30-inch diameter range.. Notable within the southeastern corner Forest fragment are two 28-inch, one 29-inch and one 36-inch tulip poplars (T ;rindendron tulipifera , as well as four white oaks (Ouetcus alba), two of which are misidentified on the survey as wetland species willow oaks (Ouercus phellos), having diameters in the 24-inch to 27-inch range.. Other specimen trees include southern red oak (Ouercus falcata), ost oak (Quercus stellata), scarlet oak. (Ouereu~ea), mockemut 37 red oak (Ouerc__._._!?5 rubra)> P -----"-'---'-~--~amhar ~^~ciflua hickory (Carva t_.__ o~a)> a°`d sweet gum (L~._------ The lazgest, approximately 9-acre, portion of this Dry Oak-Hickory Forest is an impressive open, mature white oak uercus alba dominated forest with a great diversity of specimen trees. The land-use history of this oak-hickory forest is interesting in that the portion on the western half of this forest community has not been timbered in the past century.. The present owners, the Allisons, Performed some very selective cutting of the dead and damaged hardwoods as an amenity toward maintaining a healthy forest.. The eastern half of'the hazdwood stand, as described by Owen Allison, had been timbered for saleable oak and pine in the late 1440's to eazly 1950's and the milling was conducted on site. What is present today~be0r o peration and, hickories and other hardwoods not felled during that specie ~ pus oak species that were left in of course, a great diversity of other hardwoods, including Oak Hickory Forest is a the forest as too young to be of value at that time, The present day Dry joining of an older undisturbed forest with one that was selectively timbered approximately sixty years ago., The result, fallen s ecimen trees here and there esu tmg fr°m tha °S verge ~rflce storms of beauty marred only by P the past two yeazs. Along the ridge top, the Virgmra Pme Forest grades into the Dry Oak-Hickory forest. A path (old road bed) along the northwestern edge of the pine forest, cleazly defines a distinct~eeg art 0 ore the two forest types, indreatmg tare likelihood of agricultural field activity during P more yeazs, as akeady described by Owen Allison, The canopy of the western portion of the ridge top and extending down slope to the west is essentially a pure stand of white oak uercus alba , presenting a dramatic open o eru20fmches in d ameter~A dozen ort more are overo 24 inches mature specimen trees averaging with at least 6 specimen trees over 30 inches in diameter. A few Virginia pines occur in the canopy with diameters of 16-20 inches s Theisen tazhee oak forest sTlrerfo est flop of this portion of opport~mistically succeeded in opening the site is dramatic with orhon o f the landscape was never disturbed fo~nagricultural use bp,s der size, indicating that this p previously described, this portion of'the forest has not been timbered in the past hundred years resulting in the present open mature forest landscape, Lower o18 n h diameter shagbark hi kory oak stand occur sizeable specimens of other species including: (C a ovata ; 29-inch diameter southern red oak (Ouercu.,,_.___._ s ~)Pa~)> ~O ~ nn tulip fer~e AS the sweet gum (Liauidambaz civraciflua); and 29-inch tulip poplar 2' white oak forest extends down the edge to the north southern red oak (Ouae cu___._._ S fal~?ta)aP ~ ~ occunence of a diversity of other species including: (Ouerc_._!~, Ste~~ata); black °ak and red oak hybna ~onr~h ~e gum (1,iauldambazut hickory (Carta tomentosa ;tulip poplar (1-~ eiflua ;black gum (Nyssa___._._Sy1yat14a)> ash raxmus species) and honey locust, (Gledestzia triancanthus „ The sub-canopy layer is very spazse with some dogwood (Comu„___._.5 fl4??da) and sourwood (Ox• dendron azboreum) present as small specimens.. However, it is notable that at least three specimens of two and three multi-tivnlc sourwoods are present in the eastern portion of the oak-hickory forest with average 12-inch diameters. The shrub layer, excepting a few vigorous patches of blueberries accuu sizeable native azalean(Rhododendron venclymen a~) w~eavy deer browsing, although a very noted in the center of the white pine dominant azea. Common vines scattered throughout aze cross-vine (Anisostichus cayreolata) and catbrier Smilax species). The herb layer was also spazse with here and theieh~~ 1 um species), o casional clumps ofppotted wintergreen asses, primarily witchgrass (D__._,_._._.-.---- 38 (Chimap_--._._1_>ila mapu_lata ,rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera nubescens), cingfoil Potentilla Canadensis ,crane-fly orchid (Tipulari_____? .discol-°r), Golden Alexander (Ziziatrifoliafe), false foxglove (Aureolaria vir mica and Christmas fem (Polystichum acrosticoides) Filling the shrub and sub-canopy layers were a healthy mix of emergent tree species including oaks 'n nercus species), hickories Carve species), black gum (Nyssa sylvatic~ and sweet gum (1=~ dambaz chvracrflu~ Following the forest classification scheme Classification of the Natural Comunities of North Cazol>na. Thud Ayaroximation by Schafale and Weakley) this site is best described as a Piedmont Upland Varant of the Dry Oak Hickory Forest. Of note is the following assessment of this community t}'pe from the cited reference: "Dry Oak-Hickory Forests were once one of the predominant community types m the Piedmont...., Most of this azea is now in agriculture, urban development, or is occupied by successional pine stands after Past agnculture.. What was not cleared was subject to long-term selective cutting and to livestock foraging, The Piedmont Upland Variant of'this type is still relatively common compazed to most natural commumty types, but examples of significant size and good quality aze extremely rare. Most protected areas in the Piedmont center azound dissected lands neaz rivers or creeks. Dry, Oak Hickory Forests are of relatively limited extent in such azeas, and hence few aze in protection." The North Cazolina Natural Heritage Program Razik~ng for Orange County assigns the Dry Oak-Hickory Forest type a State Rank of S4 ("Apparently secure in North Carolina, with many. occurrences' and a Global Ranking of G5 ("Demonstrably secure globally, although it may be quite raze in parts of its range, especially at the periphery"). Animal life observed within this forest community during site visits included sighting of Brown Creeper, calls of red-bellied woodpeckers, presence of squirrel nests, scats of possum, raccoon and red fox, and the feather remains of possibly red-tailed hawk. Upland Depression Swamp Forrest ust a few feet elevation change The Oak-Hickory forest makes a fairly abrupt transition within j down to the Upland Depression Swamp Forest at the 670-foot elevation level in the northeastern portion of the site, The presence of Cazolina shagbark hickory (Carve carolinae-septentrionalis) indicates the probability of basic or circurnneutral soils in contrast to the prevalent acidic soils characteristic of the Piedmont. The proximity of the 6.1 - 7.2 pH Orange silt loam soil underlying the lowland forest immediately to the west suggests that portions of'this soil type may extend into the more acidic Herndon silt loam soil described for the northeastern portion of the site. A preluninary on-site pH calibration of the soil in this area did in fact produce a reading of pH 6, which is in the circumneutral range. The presence of both the Cazolina shagbazk hickory and the vernal pools suggest the conditions created by basic mafic rock contributing to the formation of montrnorillonite clays which inhibit drainage resulting in such lingering pools.. Other characteristic canopy tree species of'this forest type that aze present on the site include: shagbark hickory Ca a ovate ,willow oak (Ouercus nhellos), black gum ssa s lvatica , „ian,har stvrnerflua),ash (Fraxinus species), red maple (Acer mbrum), tulip sweet gum R~^"~ poplar ~;.;nrlanrlrnn t,~lioifera) wrth post oak (Ouercus stellate) on the outer mazgins and ironwood (Ca_*rainus vir~imana) as an understory component. The closed forest canopy encompassing the vernal Pool and the slow meander draining them is approximately 2.18 acres. The specimen trees are dramatic in an open forest setting and striking with a composition predominantly of two species of shagbazk hickory, the uncommon Cazolina shagbazk (Carya cazolinae-sententrionalis and the common shagbazk (C a ovate numbering approximately thirty individual specimens, about equal in number, with average diameters of 10 - 20 inches. Centered in the pool azeas are three dominant willow oaks (Quercus phellos) with 26-inch, 29- inch and 30-inch diameters respectively and sizable white oaks (Ouercus alba) in 22 - 27-inch diameter range situated just above the wet zone of the swamp forest. Other significant canopy 39 tree species adjacent to the swamp forest include southern red oak (Ouercus falcata), red oak (Q`uercus mbra~~boslu~ ostrawObeny ,,.,mrn~americana) and a vigorousspopnlatro of bush (E^ swamp doghobble (L°"~^thnr. racemosa) on hummocks along the wet edges, The herb layer is lush in zones with sedges Cazex species) being most common, and some grasses including gastern mannaara~s (Glyiceria sententrionalis), roughleaf'goldenrod (Solida2o m~os~, crane-fly orchid (Tinulari_____? ~S~°l°-r)' Alum root (Heuchera americana), several moss species including sphagnum (Splla?nurn specieoison~ ~caus radicansol and catbrier (Srm~laxm_.____ ro~~Oira) roTl'eme (Anisostichus canreopata), p ~'Y ~ vernal pools comprise an area of approximately .82 acres. It is significant that a similarly sized 8- acrevernal pool azea drains onto the site fiom the immediately adjacent eastern properly which was cieazcut during the previous yeaz. The adjacent vernal pools in the open area immediately off'site on the east were filled with algae growth, most likely resulting from increased sunlight accompanying the clearcut. The vernal pool on site within the swamp forest canopy presented a much healthier aspect with some pres tovided as great diversrty of animal L fe, in sp to of~theer, these pools within the forest canopy p prolonged lingering of the cold winter season. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Ranking, the ilpland Depression Swamp Forest holds a State Rank of S2 ("Imperiled in North Cazolina because of rarity or otherwise vulnerable to extirpation in the state") 'This same forest community holds a Global hank of G3 ("Either very raze and local throughout its range, or found locally in a restricted area."). This forest type has been described within Orange County but this is the first description for Efland Quad.. This being the case, this forest community merits very careful consideration prior to any human development on and adjacent to it See further comment in "Threats" and "TJabitat Enhancement" Basic Mesic Forest The approximate 2,19-acre hazdwood forest with scattered pine bordering the tributary of our Mile Branch flowing through the northwestern portion of the site is best described as a hybrid of the Basic Mesic Forest (Piedmont Subtype) and the Mesic Mixed Hardwood Forest (Piedmont Subtype) described in Classification of the Naturai Communities of North Cazolina Generally, the 50-foot stream buffer zone undulating back and forth across the 2-6-foot elevation rise from the creek bank defines the transition between tins Basic Mesic Forest community and the larger Dry Oak Hickory Forest bordering it. Composition of this forest community is a characteristic mixture of'sw~ehet g ~z IIusqu e a Spar ~._ P ciflua ,red maple (Acer rubrum ,black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), willow oak (Ouercu~l°-s) red oak (Quercns rubra), American ehn (Ulmus Americana shagbazk Hickory C a ovata with white oak (Ouercus alba) post oak (Ouercus stellata) and southern red oak (Oueicu__._._S ~?)~~) situated on the higher ground.. Also mixed in with this diverse forest type azeisolated specunens of Vrginia pine (Pious virRiniana),loblolly pine inustaeda and red cedaz (JuniPems vir iniana . Shrubs, though sp ~o mraccemosagh Vmeslin lode poison ~r.,..~;n;,,,,, ^nrvmbosum) and swamp doghobble (L ivy (Rhos radicans~, crossvine (Anisosti.___._._ thus ~aPr?opata and catbrier (Smilasc r___.___ oti?r?~Plra)° The herb layer is sparse, but diverse including crane-fly orchrd (Tipulari,_____ a diS~Pior)> IamP rush Juncos bluets (Houstonia caerulea) sedges (Carer species) effuses , alumroot (Heuchera Americana), _-._.----------- rough-leaf goldenrod (enl;davo ru[rosa) rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera pubesce~ and along ttre creek edges at the water line, cardinal flower (Lobelia cazdinalis),. 40 PiedmontlLow Mountain Alluvial Forest The approximate 1.17-acre segment of forest that borders Four Mile Branch as it crosses the lower southwest comer of the site is a Piedmont/Low Mountain Alluvial Forest that is disturbed by some fall-down from recent i~e storms. The herbemap1er iTf~ t p nnifn ~ Y~eoC~o ~~ ude a ass m icrosteeium vinrrin Py exotic invasive bamboo gr mix of the species characterishe of this forest type:~nbv~ ~~nu~ ~ ~ ~~a~ d ~e l~m~r mbrum ;American elm (U]mu.__- S ~1en~ana~: gr •~ mhar St~rdCiflua ;sycamore (platanus occidentalis ;willow oak (Ouerc~_._ ~ Dhellosl and ~ a nAmn tulipife>~. The shrub layer is very sparse with some vigorous tulip poplar' (f=------------- specimens of swamp dogwood (Comu_._._._.s_am_oinlr?n) along the stream banks' The eastern edge o this small forest segment just below the dam of the pond con ~ rev ous ownder approximately y hybrid pines (possibly Pinus taeda x Pmus clausa planted by p twenty yeazs ago (eazly 1980's), 'lye stream flow in this portion of the site is very sluggish due to beaver-ponding of the stream off site fwther downstream south of the roadway. Water from overflow of the pond enters the stream in this portion. Tye stream resula n frOmuch of the growing season when the pond mains at a reported by the Allison's, is dry g level one or two feed below the overflow pipe. In fact, on 20 February during a second inspection of this particulaz portion of the site, it was noted that the overflow stream was very slight, following a relatively wet period of snow, ice and rain. A relatively fresh male deer carcass was observed on the forest floor neaz the stream during site visit on 20 February. RA(LE SPECIES Four physical site visits during the three-week period (3-23 February 2004) revealed no rare plant and animal species as described by the NC Natural Heritage Program. Of significant note, however, is the observation by NC Natural Heritage Program staff zoologist, Dr.. Stephen Hall, that the presence of numerous mossy hummocks bordering the vernal pools suggested the potential for observance of the Four-toed Salamander (Hemidact~lium scutatum), which has been reported in Orange County, thoug>hn ~ lyh~s Inventod ~s bein7 condu t dr s too eazlyHfor the rer ry g described that the period during spring mating activity of the Four-toed Salamander, which is known to be active in this region duringmid-March through mid-April. It is recommended that the site be visited several times during this period to search for this species. This salamander h elPro S~~of S ecial Con~med by the Wildlife Resoruces Commissio s and flr of lwi d animal native ogr n e-native to North Ttris designation is described as "Any p Cazolina which is determined by the Wildlife Resources Commission to require monito cle 25tof which may be taken under regulations adopted under the provision d~ rmAined by The Nature Chapter 11'3 of the General Statutes; 1987) It holds a State Rank, Conservancy, of S3 which is: "Rare or uncommon in North Carolina." It is of significance that several of the identified p~~~ ommuni't~ies.s h7ye most no~tabl Bare the the NC Natural Heritage Program as "exemplary Upland Depression Swamp Forest O~ H°ckory Fore t, both already desc bed~n greater detail. Four-toed Salamander) and the Dry Both of these plant community types have been describede o~Orangur on the ste are lazgeaz been described for Efland Quad 17. These two community typ 10 enough to be of'significance Of interest is the NC Natural Heritage Program listing of Piedmont Subtypes of the Basic Mesic Forest and the Mesic Mixe~Hardw~mmunities o c erring in Efland PiedmontlLow Mountain Alluvial Forest as exemplary Quad. Though the Alluvial Forest does occur on the site, it is only a very small and degraded example of the type and thus not neazly as significant as the two larger forest communities described. The Mesic Forest, becau eslisinot of itself as significant as the two larger forestrid of the two recognized Mesic Forest typ pak ~-Iickory Forest communities described, but its position within the interior of the lazger Dry is significant in that it contributes to the continuity of'the larger forest community. SIGNIFICANT TREE5 The survey map describes approximately .36 specimen trees with recorded diameters greater then 24 inches. In reality the fore e ~ Tainc pGy~Allison described being imp esedewith severale 20 to 30 plus inch diameter rang • ed trees when 100-plus-year-old hicokoe emirs r aestheticnremoval of'such trees from the forested tract during the he was performing beginning of his ownership in the early 1960's. The presence of so many specunen-sized trees (greater t~adn th0e U hid Depre lion Swamp Forest componentst~ons m Particular, the Dry Dom- Hickory P HAI;TTAT uVTEg12ELATIONSffiPS ON SITE AND VJI'TIi ADJACENT SITES 41 Landscape Ecolow Defined Landscape Ecology is a science that deals with the interrelast ms~with thruiee broadt chazacteristics: and built landscapes. It considers landscapes to be livingasttyern of elements and natural objects. structure, function and change.. Structure is the spatial p Function is the movement of these materials, energy, animals, plants and water through the stmcture And change is the alteration of stnicture and function through time. Habitats do not exist in isolation.. They aze part of a larger landscape, which can be described as a pattern mosaic comprised of three elements: patches, corridors and matrix or context.. The pattern of a landscape is created by three mechanisms: the substrate bf hilts, soil, wetness, etc..; natural disturbances of fire, flood, wind and pests; and human activity. Patches Patches are vegetated and non-vegetated areas of various sizes that are relatively omogeneou , non-linear and different from their surroundings.. The sizeort a~ anaz~ hee Pa ~ the mope tches determine the types and amount of wildlife they can supp species can be accommodated.. Studies have shown that certain species will not inhabit patches below a certain size. Patches also Kaye edges, the outer portions, where the environment differs from the interior and boundaries, which define their shape. A patch is made up ofa o uaazbitat types, interior and edge. The species that live in the interior aze specialists with p requirements for their survival, while those species that live on the edge aze gene ent d b aroads, adapt to many types of habitats.. When the size of a habitat is reduced or is fragm Y powerlines, or other clearings, there is proportionately much greater loss of interior habitat, The shape of a patch also has an effect on wildlife. A patch that is rounded and more compact will have a larger number of interior species while a patch with a convoluted edge will slightly increase the number of edge species but sharply decrease the number of interior species.. Lazge 11 42 patches of natural vegetation sustain interior' species, protect streams and aquifers and provide core habitat and escape cover for large vertebrates and permit natural disturbance regimes.. Corridors Corridors are lineaz spaces that differ from the land-uses on either side.. They can either e bamers to the movement of plants and animals between patches or they can connect them and permit movement between and among them; roads are bamers, streams are connections. Patches that aze connected with comdors of woodland or wooded stream comdors allow movement of plants and animals from patch to patch, thereby increasing the amount of'habitat available.. Matrix or context These patches and corridors aze enclosed within a matrix.. The matrix is the connecting element m the landscape mosaic and the one, which exerts a major influence on the functions within it Landscape EcoloEV of the Site The Orange County Middle School II[ site can be described as a combination of forest patches of varying sizes and types, mowed open fields and building sites. 'These aze all connected to each other and to the larger surrounding azeas by Four Mile Branch tributary and the narrow strip of woodland on the eastern edge of the field. The site patches aze embedded in a ]azger matrix of woodlands.. Adjoining the site on the east is a large es of'suceessionaAd oining fire site on the it was timbered two years ago and is now in eazly stag west are two house sites and a ]azge patch of mixed woodlands. I-85/40, which borders on the north and West Ten Rd., which borders on the south are significant bamers to wildlife. T'he power line is a barrier but one of lesser significance as it is a barrier to some species that cannot or will not cross it, but serves as a corridor to other species. $ABITAT IlVTEGRTLY, TTiItEATS AND POTEN`I'IAI• FOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT Habitat integrity The maturity ofthe forests is an important chazacteristic for native wildlife and the proportion of hazdwoods that make up the canopy indicates maturity.. The majority of the forests on the site are some type of mature hardwoods which provide the habitats with the most wildlife value. In these forests aze the vernal pools, which provide habitat for frogs and salamanders and numerous macroinvertebrates and the stream, providing habitat for many species of macroinvertebrates. Additionally natural bodies of water within forests increase the diversity of habitats.ln Land in______ ~i~~e Co""f" for Its Wildlife Value (Wiley, Luddington, Hall 1999) the authors state that forests on flood plarns mciude the greatest diversity of species of any habitat in Orange County. The size, shape and connections between patches of forest also aze important to native wildlife. The Inventory of Natural Aieas and Wildlife in Orange Coun (Sather and Hall 1989) defwes integrity as "....a measure of the qualrty of the b~olog~cal features of the site, It incorporates the size and vigor of populations of the significant elements, the level of present disturbance of the natural azea, and the size of the natural area which is a measure of expected long term viability of the biological elements of the site." The five categories of integrity are: 1) prime. The forest or offier vegetation is relatively mature and there aze no paved roads ttansecting the natuml area.. 12 2) Very Good. The forest or other vegetation is relatively mature, however the natural area 43 has intmsions such as roads, power lines, sewer lines or residential clearings. 3) Good. The forest or other vegetation is relatively mature. However the size of the natural area is small and it is surrounded by development.. 4) Moderately Good. The forest or other vegetation has been recently disturbed in some places. 5) Fair. The forest or other vegetation has been disturbed but shows evidence o 'recovery. Using this criteria, it is our opin-ion that the large combined forested azea across the northem portion of the site can be rated as 2) very good. The 5.8.3-acre southeastern tract is rated as :3) good because, although a mature forest, it is small and surrounded by development Threats Sather and Hall define a threat as any activity that would affect the site's aesthetics or biological viability.. An extreme threat is one of high impact development such as cleazcutting, flooding or dense development. ,'The present site location of the proposed middle school athletic fields poses an extreme threat to biological viability of these habitats, Almost half of the large tract of existing forest is proposed to be cleazed to accommodate athletic fields. In addition to removing a significant segment of wildlife habitat and protective buffer for the sensitive Upland Depression Swamp eorastrtcannd vernal pools wetlands below, the grading of the site, itself; will change the drainag p redirecting much of the water that presently flows into the vernal pools devlo men on the important wetland habitats. These pools will also be threatened by ane from that tract onto the adjacent eastern tract that changes or otherwise influences the drainag school site.. The water quality of Four Mile Branch tributary also will be impacted by reducing the wooded buffer to as little as 50 ft. along its southeastern edge. Reducing the size of the woodlands will reduce the diversity of species that can £ d evasion by exotic plant specieseas ge habitat has been created it will increase the opportunity well as open habitat bird species that are predators to interior habitat species.. The 5.83-acre southeastern comer woodland will also be severely impacted by a parking lot and roadways; reducing it to even smaller more isolated patches Also of significance is the fact that any reduction of the forest cover along the northern portion of the school site will increase the noticeable and distracting interstate highway noise.. The proposed school will have the ]east negative impact on the human created habitats, t.e. the open fields and the ponds. The open land has very little biological integrity because it is primarily non-native species and has been kept closely mowed and the buildings and roads have akeady created impervious surfaces. 'Ihe lazge pond on the site does provide some habitat for waterfowl, but relative little for other native species.. The integrity of the dam is questionable due to flee heavy growth of woody species that has beeq allowed to become established thereon resulting in the potential weakening of the dam itself. No disturbance of'th h of site plane LJnI s s there is significant~b g m the qua1i13' and quantity of'the preliminary of the runoff from the school site during and after constmction, there should be minimal ' any impact on these habitats. Qfbritical concern however, will he the potential runoff'from pazking areas and application of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides on the school grounds, I3 44 Habitat Enhancement The most effective enhancement of the natural habitats will be the responsible preservation of as much of what is present as possible.. This could be accomplished by concentrating the proposed development on the akeady o Pbeteond wineurrinate~veryrhttle habitat ofesignififiCantval tithe ponds. Draining and filling P Draining and filling the Pond will provide more open azea to allow relocation of athletic facilities off of the existing forest communities, which support a much greater biological diversity than do the open fields and pond. It is most important that the drainage into the vernal pools not be altered. The surrounding Dry pal;-Hickory Forest surroundwg the Llpland Depressi ool wetland ec Ystem-hThrs~ ~buffe~ pools, is critical as a protectve buffer for this vernal p the Ion er, non-breeding season in is also an essential habitat for the fooraginmg sa~lamandoeunding fforest, th evernal Pool wetland their yeazly cycle, In addition top g system will be enhanced if future development on the adjacent clear-cut site to the east were to include allowing the vernal pool wetlands situated there to naturally succeed back to its former Upland Depression Swamp Forest community type. ether enhancements would be design and establishment/mainten nativets ecies elruninatmg buildings and the fields for wildlife.. This should include planting P exotic invasive species and reducing mowing. With the increasing positive use and acceptance of environmental landscape maintenance practices, the elimination of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides will be an additional enhancement for the natural plant and anima] as well as human environments. 14 45 APPENDIX A Site Map Site in Matrix 46 Site Map Site in Matrix 48 APPENDIX B Site Habitat Locations Photographs of Habitats __ _ _ ---- - ~-~ Habitat Locations 50 Shagbark Hickories in the Upland Depression Swamp Forest Ephemeral Marsh ,.: r ~: ; r ~' , r r aii ',. i 51 11 Open Field with Large Pond Open Field with Smatl Pond 52 iii Four -Mile Branch with Alluvial Forest Tributary to Four-Mile Branch ro 53 Upland Depression Swamp Forest with Vernal Pools Vernal Pools on Adjoining Property Powerline Cut ~4 Pine Forest with Running Pine Basic Mesie Forest 55 vi Dry Oak Hickory Forest 56 APPENDIX C NC Natural Heritage Program Rare Species Database Orange County Efland Quad 1'7 Search R.e~ults • • p e All .. ~p Search Criteria. rang , ds found State Federal State Global Co+ St: S7 . rch Results: 79 recor S Status Rank Ran). coon Name ea Status __ ~' Scientific (Jame .---~-^--^°' -'" `T-~ 14aj or Group "' Historic - Orange - MRP - --'_,_'__'__ _"~`-,-.~.-.'.-.-, SR .- S2B,54N GS HABI TAI striatum Sharp-shinnad Haw4, Cuttent - Orange - IMP - Acci pit er Bird 7 I (PD) 53B,S3N G4 HABITAT Haliaeetus Bald Eagle Historic - Orange - MAP - Bitd leucocephalus E E E2 G3 HABITAT bbrealis Red-cockaded Woodpecker Current - Orange - MAP - Pi coides Bird S2 g, BZ7J GS HABITAT - Warbling Vireo SR eo gilvus Vi Cuttent - Prange - 1'I?p - r Bird SC 53 GS HABITAT Hemi dactylium scutatum Four-toed Salamander Current - Orange - 1'L~.P - Amphibian terdog SC W 53 G3 HABITAT - - a Necturus lewisi Neuse Rivet Current - Orange ' 1'~P Amphibian SR - 53 G3 HAHITR2 Ambl opl ites cavifrons Roanoke Hass Historic - Orange - MAP - Fish Carolina Darter - SC FSC S2 G3T3Q HABITAT Etheostoma Collis PoP eastern Piedmont - MAP - Fish p Population Current - Orange SR FSC S3 G3 HpgI TAT Lyt hrutus matutinus Pinewoods Shiner Current - Orange - MAP - Fish E E gl G1 G2 HABI IAT Alasmidonta het erodon pwa tf Wedgemussel Cuttent - Orange MAP - 14o11usl: I _ 52 G4 HABITAT Alasmidonta undulata Triangle Floater Current - Orange - t~P - t4ollusk g FSC S1 G3 }{ABI TAT Alasmidonta varicosa Brook Floater Cu Gent - Orange - Id4P - idollusk g FSC S1 G2 HABITAT Atlantic P`gt oe Fusconaia masoni _ Igp - Current - Drangc 1lollusk E FSC 51 G3G4 yABI IAT Lampsills catiosa Yellow Lampmussel Current - Orange I'L4p - Mollusk I _ gi? GST2Q HpgI TAT Lampsilis tadiata Carolina Fatmu<ket Curren - Orange - M"~P - I1o11us1: conspicua E FSC SS G9 }iA.BI TAT asmigona subv iridis Green Floater I Current - Orange - pL?.P - : Mollusk T _ 5253 GS HABITAT St rophitus undulatus Creeper Current - Orange - 1'L~.P - tdollusk E FSC 51 GZ HABITAT 7oxolasma pullus Savannah I,ill.ipvt Current - Orange - 14AP - Mollusk SC - 53 G3 HAHI TAT Villosa roost ricta Notched Rainbow Current - Orange - I'U+P - Idollusk Ctayfi sh dl _ 5253 G2G3 HABITAT SR e Camba n+s davidi Carolina La Hi stotic - Orange - 17RP Crustacean Carolina Well G3G4T1T2 _ gR - SH HABI IAT Diacyclops jeanneli Diacyclops Hi stotic - Orange - Id?.P - Crustacean Put e] _ S1 S2 G4 SR HABITAT cell us Golden Banded-skipper Curtent - Orange - 14AP - Autochton Insect irst[eak. H _ g3> G4 T4 HABITAT SR - a Fixsenia favoni us Northern Oak }ii stotic - Orange - IAtP Insect ont a[io' _ S2 GS SR HABITAT t Papilio cresphontes Giant Swallowtail fli st o[ic - Orange - MAP - Insec - S1 G3 HABITAT SR-T rohypnum closteri Cl oste is Broo}. hypnum H Curtent - Orange - 14AP - yg Moss Sl G9? SR-P - HADITAT Southern Anemone e 6e tla ndieri Current -.Orange - MR - Vascular Plant Anemon - Sl G9 HABITAT Bradley's Bpleenwdrt lenium bradleyi SR-P Obscure - Orange - M°~P - Vascular Plant ASp ie Blue Wild i T _ g2 GST4 HpgIIAT t Bzptisia minor vzr Pta Indigo Historic - Orange - ~!p - Vascular Plant abertans SR-T - 52 G HABITAT Plant Berberis canadensis American Barberry _ PD~P - Historic - Orange Vascular BR-P - SH GS? HABITAT . Vascular Buchnera ameticana American Bluehearts Obscure - Orange - hO+P - P1ant _ 52 GS HpBIIAT ii Dougl ass's Bitterctess SR_p an e - 1'g!P - O Vascular Catdami.ne douglass g r Cuttent - Plant SR-P - S1 G4 HABITAT Bush's Sedge bushii Historic - Orange - I'~P - Vascular Plant Carex BR-P - S2 G4 IiABITAT Wood's Sedge Plant Carer, woodii - 14AP - Historic - Orange Vascular SR-P - 51 G3G4 HABITAT Vascular Collinsonia tuberosa Piedmont No[sebalm Historic - Orange - PWP - Plant 7ichtrefoil SR-T FSC S1? G2? HABITAT Vascular De smodium och roleucum Creamy /14/200'+ P1 ant 3 nu ncsparks net/nhp/elements2 fm , rt, // ~ , , http: ~B$i11tS Historic - Orange - F4AP - sR-P - SH G2G3 HABITAT Di chanthelium annul um a witch gcass HS St o[ic - Orange - 1'L4 58 elant Sta[ SR-P - Dodecat heon meadia Eastern Shooting 52 GSTS EABITAT - Orange - MAY -' i vat meadia E-SC E c Histor S1 GZ HABITAT lae vigata Smooth Cone awer Historic - Orange - MRP - .ayoutat Plant EChinacea - S2 G5 HABITAT SR-P n biternatum Eastern Isopyrum i Histo tic - Orange - MA - o Vascular P1 ant Enem SR-P - SI G4 ~ Vascular Eupatotium Gad£rey's Ihoroughwort C Lent _ Orange - 1'9+P - P1anC godfreyanum SR_T _ Witch-alder SZ G3 HAB1gpI _ I,Ipp _ Lar e Plant Fot hergilla major g Historic - Orange Vasculaz s Rabbit SR-P - i 52? G9 GSI3? HABITAI Vasculaz Gnaphalium heller tobacco Cutrent - Orange - I-V~P - Plant vat helleri SR-P - 52 G5 HpgI IAT s icata Crested Co ralroot t Hex alect ris p l Current - Orange - FWP - an Vascular P SR-L - S3 G7 HABITAT wi s's Heartlea£ P1 ant Hexastylis lewisii lz Historic - Orange - 1'~p - Vascular T E i S1 G2 HABITAT a medeoloides Small Whorled Pogon i Historic - Orange - HAP - a Vascular Plant Isot[ 52 G4G5 )g, gI TAT Vascular Liattis squarrulosa Earle's Blazing Star SR-P , Historic - Orange - ~!p - Plant gR_p - 52 G5 HABITAT Pl ant l-0atelea decipiens Glade Milkvlne Current - Orange - 1'lAP - Vascular SR-T FSC 53 G3 HpBI qpT Plant ldonotropsis odotata Sweet Pinesap Historic - Orange - HAP - Vascular SR-P - 51 GS HABITAT [airy Panic Grass flexile i Historic - Orange - MAP - cum Vascul at Plant Pan SR-T - S1 G3'Q HABITAT Parthenium Glade Wild Quinine Current - Orange - FmP - Vascular Plant au riculatum PurPla Fringeless SR _p - S1 GS HABITAT Vascular pl atant hera pe ramoena Orchid Historic - Orange - 14AP - Plant gR_p - S2 GS HABITAT Po[tetanthus Indian Physic Current - Orange - M?P - Vascular Plant stipul.atus untain-mint SR-T 14 ' HABITAT ESC SH G - o s Vascular pycnanthemum torrei Torrey Historic - Orange - ~.P Plant Watet-pl ant ain gg_p - SH G4 HABITAT Plant Ranunculus ambigens Spea rwott Hi st otic - Orange - IgP.P Vascular E-SC E 52 GZ HpBI TRT 14ichaur.'s Sumac Plant Rhus michauxii Historic - Orange - i'~?P - Vascular SR-O i - S2 G3? l1ABI TAT a Plant Ruellia purshi ana Pursh's Wild-petun Historic - Orange - 74A.P - Vascular SR-P - 51 GpQ HABITAT t Scutellaria av stralis Southern Skullcap l Current - Orange - N(4P - an Vascular P Skullcap 6R-F r - 51 G4Q HABITAT en P1 ant Scutell aria leonardii Shale-bar Historic - Orange - 19iP - Vascular Appalachian Golden- SR_p i _ 52 G3G4Q IiABI TAT Vascula[ Thetmopsis moll s banner Historic - D[ange - MAP - sensu stricto Plant gR_p _ S1 G4 G5 HpBI TAT Vascular Trichostema Glade 6luecutls - ?'gip Plant brachiat um - _ 82 G5T3 Current - Dtange Natural Basic Me sic E'o re st _ (Piedmont Subtype) Gq Cutrent - Orange - 1'F!P - Community _ S3 IJatural Basic Oak--HicY.ory _ - iRAP Community Forest _ Sq GS Cutrent - Orange Natural Dry Da k--Hi cN.ory _ - I"I?P Community Forest - S5 G5 Current - Orange Natural Dry-Mesie Oak-- _ - HP+P Community HicY.ory Forest _ _ S2S3 G3? Current - Orange Wat Ural Flo odplain Pool - Current - Orange - I'WP Community _ Gq? _ S3 IJatural 7qw Elevation Seep - ' Community [dwood H gq G515 Current - Orange - 1~P.P _ _ a N=sic Ili xed Natural Forest (Piedmont - Community Subtype) Gg Cur tent - Orange ?'~P _ 59 _ Natural Piedmont 14onadnock _ - I'~P Community Forest - _ 32° Gq Current - Orange Piedmont/Coastal Plain _ Natural Community Acidic Cliff S3 Gq? Current - Orange - IgAP Piedmont/Coastal Plain _ Natural Heath Bluff Gg Cutrent - Orange - MAP - Commmunity Piedmont/Low 14ount ain _ - S5 IJatural A1lvvi al Forest Current - Orange - 11AP GS Community _ - 53? Natural Piedmont /Idovntain _ Community Bot tomla nd Forest _ GS Current - Orange - 1'fAP S9 Natural piedmont /14ountain - Community sei*iipatmanent 3/14/2004 http://v~~ ncsparksneUnhp/elemenYS2 fm i ups Search Results Impoundment _ _ ont /idountzin Swamp _ d i Natural m e P Community Eorest _ IJ at ural pine--Dak/Heath - Convnunity - - IJatural Roci:y Bar And Shore - Community - - Upland Depression _ Natural Swamp Forest _ Community - Natural Xe ric Hardpan Forest - Community - - Special Wading Hird Rookery - 5152 G2 Current - Orange - 1+S.P Current - Orange - Y, Sq GS 55 GS Current - Orange I-ViP 53 G3 Current - orange 11AP 53 G3G9 Current - Orange - hWP 53 GS Current - Orange - I'fAP 59 database updated: January, 2004. Search performed on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 9:55:18 NC NHP Eastern Standard Time. Total number of searches since 01(01/04: 851 Ex lanation of Codes Do NOT bookmark this search results page, instead bookmark: w«'r'a ncspazks nednhp/county.htm 3/14/2004 ,.~+., port~nz/ ncsnarks.net/nhp/elements2 £m " -ch R.esults rch Criteria: =Efland nl3ad5: 17 Common Name Scientific IJame iHabitat br Group link) __ Haliaeet us Bald Eagle Bird 1 c phalus Carolina Darter - Eth st m 11's pop eastern Piedmont Fish 2 population plasmidonta heterodon Dwarf 47edgemussel Mollusk Alasmidon~ Brook Floater Idollusk, Lamosil~ Carolina Fatmucket t-0ollusl: nspicua subviridis Green Floater 19011 usk Lasmi ona undulatus Creeper 11o1lush St ro hitus IJOtched Rainbow Mollusk Vill osa~ ~"eri can Barberry Vascular Pla nt Berberi._ oa_ n~-s Vascular guchner~n-a A~"erican Bluehearts Plant purple Fringeless Vascular pl t nt~ a?n°ena Orchid Plant Michaux's Sumac Vascular Plant Rhvs_ midi i alachian Golden- APP Vascular s Th psis moll _--------- banner Plant se_nsu stracto Natural Basic 19esic Forest t Subtype) _ Community IPi edmon IJat Ural Dty-14esic Oak-- _ Community Hickory Forest Mesic 19ired Hardwood Natural Forest (Piedmont Community Subtype) 7Jat utal Piedmont/Low 17ountain _ Community Alluvial forest .a State Eederal State Global ¢nade 60 Status Status flank Rank T T (pp) 53 B, 53N G9 Current - EFLAND SC ESC S2 G3T3Q Historic - EE I,AIJD E E 91 G1 G2 Current - EFI.AND E FSC 57 G3 Current - EFLAIJD T _ gl? GST2Q Current - EFLAIJD g FSC S1 G3 Current - EFLAND T - S2S3 GS Current - EFLAIJD S3 G3 Current - EFLAIJD SC SR-T - S2 G3 Historic - EFlA1JD SH GS? Historic - EFLAIJD SR-P - SR-P - S1 GS Curtest - EFLAND E-SC E S2 G2 Historic - EFLA7JD SA-P - S2 G3G4Q Historic - EELAND _ _ gy GST3 Current - EELAND _ - 55 GS Current - EFLAIJD _ gq GSTS Current - EEL.AND _ - 55 GS Current - EF LAUD NC NIIP database updated: 7anurary, 2004. Search performed on Sunday, March 14, 2004 at 9:57:41 Eastern Standard Time. Total number of seazches since Ol/Ol/04; 309 Ex lanation of Codes Do NOT bookmark this search results page, instead bookmark: wwv/.ncsparks nednhp/quad htm 3(14/2.00? http //~~uw ncsparks net/nhp(quadstat fm 61 APPENDIX D R.eferenaes 62 REFERENCES Dunn, James. 1977.. Soil Survey of Orange County, North Carolina.. United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station and Orange County Boazd of Commissioners. Radford, Ahles and Bell 1964. Manual of the Vascular Flora ofthe Carolinas.. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, N C. Schafale, Michael P. and Weakley, Alan 5. 1990, Classification of the Natural Communities of North Cazolina, Third Approximation. North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Division ofPazks and Recreation, N.G Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources. Weakley, Alan F. 2004. Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia and Georgia. Working Draft.. North Carolina Botanical Garden.. Chapel Hill, NC.. Wiley, H.., Ludington, L., Hall, S. 1999. Rating Land in Orange County by its Wildlife Value, A landscape with Wildlife: Part 2 Triangle Land Conservancy, PO Box 13031, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709-3031. Special appreciation is expressed for assistance by: Mabel and Owen Allison, Middle School Site property owners who provided invaluable information relative to the land use history and current condition of the site.. Alan Weakley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium for verifying identification of'shagbark hickory species. Stephen Hall, Invertebrate Zoologist, NC Natural Heritage Program for visiting the site and verifying the presence of Upland Depression Swamp Forest and assessment of salamander and macroinvertebrate population presence on the site. Misty Franklin, Botanist, NG Natural Heritage Program for providing information relative to Natural Heritage Program listings and descriptions of species and plant communities,. David Swanson, Swanson & Associates, Landscape Architect, Chapel I3-ill, NG For special assistance with site maps, APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 63 Project Name ra Applicant C0` r)~ ~ cla~ ~ ~ ~ op~ Address __- 222 CLo~s~i~' C-0v~"~ ~ P-o 30~, 2'311+$ L~~ Ik-~ It +J c, Z't 51 ~4 Phone 4o1-8~S Owner O ~~ N~~ Co w~-~_Sc.~o~~"~ Address Phone Location of Property N °'r'b'~ ~~~~ '~~ wit ~~ ~ou-r.~ 5R II~f4~ __.. .off ~oa'E`h p~ .~--as/~-4o Acreage ~`~ ~ ,Township Tax Map Reference ~'~'~ ~~S 3T5~-',.' PzN(s) ~~`~~' • ~'~' ~" z' Eli ~ Land Use Plan Category ~C.~(~°c~5 ' M~`~"~~" Zoning District _ FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY Date received Reviewed by_ Date accepted/rejected Summary Comments: 64 I. GENERAL SITE INFORMATION TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM PLANNING DEPARTt~NT AS NEEDED A. Zoaing and use of adjacent property. ~`~ south ~-~ North - ~I~p West Ftr~ East ~ B. Topography: highest elevation ~ g `~ lowest elevation ~'4" Z general direction of slope ~ SOi~~ ~aes`~ Estimate ~ of 0 - 5~ 5 - 15$ 15 - 25~ more than 25~ property with slope ~ ~ ~~D slope ~ ~• 8~D slope D ~P.>o-1n slope C. Arainage Are there any streams or drainage easements located on the property? .__ c-`~ is any of the site located within a: Watersupply Watershed ~ ~ Water Quality Critical Area No Floodplain nescribe 65 D. Does the property contain any of the following Inventory` Natural or Cultural Resources? (As identified in the "Inventory of Sites of Cultural, Historical, Recreational, Biological, and Geological Significance in the Unincorporated Portions of Orange County" or the "Inventory of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitats of Orange County, North Carolina".) y_es no a, cemeteries ~ b. archaeological sites =~ c. d historic sites areas of geological significance _ _~ , e, designated natural areas ~ f, designated habitat g, other For each "yes" answer above, please indicate location on site plan and complete the following, with the assistance of the Orange County Environmental Planner. Also complete Attachment A. (1) Type of resource Inventory reference no. or page Description of Resource (2) Type of resource Inventory reference no. or page Description of resource (Attach additional sheets if needed) 66 II. TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT A. PR03ECT DESCRIPTION ~. . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. B. Number of lots z" Number of structures Estimated square fcatage of area to be graded for develogment of attached residential units (excluding roads, but including parking areas) /~~~A i (33 at Estimated square footage of area to be ~g~~r~ad~e~d~-,for ~. non-residential use (excluding roads) ~~~_---~.r~~F• Estimated area to be graded for roads 7~+~$~O `f ~~ ~t.7g Road Type: Public Private Class A Class B Class C Total road length I'TOllr6 of operation for commercial or industrial use h}~~ Ttecnriha nrnnncr>ei itRP_ of DrODertV 67 g, -STATE PERMITS REQUIRED 1, Does the project involve the mining of earth products? ~a _~._--. If so, how many cubic feet of material are expected to be excavatedT Has an application for a Mining Permit been submitted to NCDRCD? Please attach map indicating expected extent of proposed activity. 2, Does the project involve genarntion or storage of hazardous or toxic wastes, ns ideatified Sy the Environmental Protection Agancp? (A listing of all hazardous materials Qis available from the Planning Department) Describe the wastes to be generated. How much material is expected to be generated per month? Will any material be treated onsite? Volume? Will any material be stored onsite? Volume? Where will disposal of the material take place? How will materials be transported to the disposal site? What measures .are proposed to protect water quality and air quality in case of spills? 68 3. Still the project involve a land application system for treatment of wastewater? ~o - If yes, describe Has an application for a non-discharge permit been submitted to the NC Department of Environmental Management or Orange County Department of Environmental Health? -- 4. Is a septic tank system proposed which has ~a~ design cnpaeity of more than 3000 gallons per dap? If yes, describe -~-- Has an application for a non-discharge permit been submitted to the NC Department of Environmental Management or Orange County Department of Environmental Health? . 5. Does the activity involve sludge disposal? ~ ~ If yes, where is the source of the sludge? _ Describe where and how the sludge is being disposed. Has a NPDES permit from the NC Division of Environmental Management been issued? 6. Hater Usage a. Estimated no. of employees ~a0 x 25 gpd = ~~~ ~ gPd b. Estimated water use for climate control _ b gpd c. Process water © gpd ~ consumed - ~ discharged to septic system - ~ discharged to surface (including storm sewers) _ (describe: ~ evaporated - ~ reclaimed/reused -- ~ other 100 ~ 69 gpd d, Water used for cooling, heating, etc., in association with production or manufacturing ~ reused ~~Ac _ ~ consumed __._ ~ discharged `~ (describe: _ ~ other 100 ~ gpd Total= Usage e, Describe source of water Q ~ ~ s~s~ - ATTACHMENT A TO BE COMPLETED ONLY IF INVENTORY SITES} IS/ARE IDENTIFIED IN I.E. (ATTACH ADDTTIONAL SHEETS TF NECESSARY) (l) a, Impact on Resource from Proposed Development b, Proposed Mitigation (~) a, Impact on Resource from Proposed Development b. proposed Mitigation