ADDENDUM
TO THE LETTER OF NOTIFICATION FOR THE
EAST AMSTERDAM-MILLER SWITCH 138 KV
TRANSMISSION LINE REBUILD PROJECT
PUCO Case No. 14-0531-EL-BLN
Submitted pursuant to OAC 4906-11-01
AEP Ohio Transmission Company
(AEP Ohio Transco)
September 2014
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED 0.74-MILE TRANSMISSION LINE RELOCATION ON
APEX ENVIRONMENTAL, LLC PROPERTY
East Amsterdam-Miller Switch 138 kV Transmission Line Rebuild Project
Introduction and Background
AEP filed a Letter of Notification for the E. Amsterdam-Miller Switch Transmission Line Project
on June 27, 2014. The Project consists of rebuilding 9.7 miles of existing 69 kV transmission
line up to 138 kV specifications between AEP Ohio Transco’s Miller Switch Station and the East
Amsterdam Substation and is intended to meet the requirements of specific customers. The
transmission line work will be constructed within an existing right-of-way (ROW) corridor where
50-foot width easements are currently held by AEP Ohio Transco in German and Springfield
Townships in Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio. AEP Ohio Transco is in the process of
obtaining an expansion of the current easements (total of 100 feet in width centered on the
existing 50-foot easement) in order to accommodate the circuit’s operation at 138 kV.
In early August of 2014, Apex Environmental, LLC (APEX) requested that AEP relocate a
2,900-foot section of existing right-of-way on their property to accommodate a future planned
landfill expansion. AEP agreed with APEX’s request and completed the revisions to
engineering design plans for the relocation. The total length of the relocated right-of-way is
approximately 3,900 feet, an approximate 1,000-foot increase to the overall 9.7-mile route.
Summary of Field Assessment Findings
GAI Consultants, Inc. performed a field assessment of ecological resources within the new,
relocated 100-foot right-of-way on September 3, 2014, including water resources and roost
habitat for the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat. Attachment A and B of this summary
includes the Wetland and Stream Identification Addendum Report and the Potential Bat Roost
Tree Identification Survey Addendum Report, respectively.
Approximately 0.47 acres of wetlands (four wetlands, all Category I or II) are within the right-ofway. The original route section contained 0.74 acres of wetland (one wetland, Category 2).
Approximately 691 linear feet of stream were identified within the new relocated right-of-way
(three intermittent streams, one ephemeral). The original route section contained 746 linear
feet of stream (three intermittent). In summary, the relocated right-of-way corridor contains
fewer wetland areas and streams.
The bat habitat assessment of the relocated right-of-way identified potential roost trees that are
considered overall low to moderate value for Indiana bat roosting. The overall value for roosting
by the northern long-eared bat was moderate. An estimated 4.4 acres of woodlot would be
AEP Ohio Transco
September 2014
2
East Amsterdam-Miller Switch
138 kV Transmission Line
Rebuild Project - ADDENDUM
cleared within the new relocated right-of-way whereas 1.6 acres of woodlot would have been
cleared on the original right-of-way. AEP Ohio Transco would conduct all tree clearing during
the timeframe recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, October 1 to March 31.
GAI Consultants, Inc. researched and investigated the potential for buried cultural resources,
and the potential for historic structures within 0.5 miles of the relocated right-of-way, on
September 8, 2014. No cultural artifacts were recovered during shovel testing along the new
right-of-way and access road corridors. The vast majority of the area was sloped or disturbed
from past strip mining activities. An addendum report will be submitted to the OPSB under
separate cover and will also be filed with the Ohio Historic Preservation Office.
AEP Ohio Transco
September 2014
3
East Amsterdam-Miller Switch
138 kV Transmission Line
Rebuild Project - ADDENDUM
ATTACHMENT A
WETLAND AND STREAM IDENTIFICATION REPORT ADDENDUM
(APEX RELOCATION)
AEP Ohio Transco
September 2014
4
East Amsterdam-Miller Switch
138 kV Transmission Line
Rebuild Project - ADDENDUM
Wetland Delineation and Stream
Identification Report Addendum
American Electric Power
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
APEX Relocation
German and Springfield Townships
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
GAI Project Number: C091118.47.002
September 2014
Prepared For: American Electric Power
700 Morrison Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Prepared By: GAI Consultants, Inc.
Canton Office
3720 Dressler Road NW
Canton, Ohio 44718
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
Table Of Contents
1.0
Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1
2.0
Transmission Line ROW Description .........................................................................................1
2.1
Methods For Field Identification Of Wetlands And Streams .............................................1
3.0
Results ...............................................................................................................................2
3.1
Desktop Evaluation And General Habitat Description ......................................................2
3.2
Wetlands .....................................................................................................................2
3.3
Streams ......................................................................................................................3
4.0
Conclusions ............................................................................................................................3
Table 1
Wetlands Identified Within The Project Area
Table 2
Streams Identified Within The Project Area
Figures
Photographs
Appendix A USACE Wetland Data Forms
Appendix B USACE Upland Data Forms
Appendix C ORAM For Wetlands V. 5.0 Forms
Appendix D HHEI Stream Assessment Forms
Appendix E Resume of Personnel Conducting Wetland Delineation
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
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Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
1.0
Introduction
American Electric Power (AEP) is proposing to rebuild an electric transmission line which is referred to
as the East Amsterdam–Miller Switch 138 kilovolt (kV) Rebuild Project (Project), located in Harrison
and Jefferson Counties, Ohio. A portion of the Project area is owned by Apex Environmental, LLC
(APEX). APEX has requested that AEP relocate their existing right-of-way (ROW) to accommodate
future landfill expansion. Construction of this portion of the Project will include the clearing of a new
100-foot wide ROW to accommodate the new structures. A Project Location Map detailing the reroute
area is included as Figure 1.
GAI Consultants, Inc. (GAI), on behalf of AEP, conducted an environmental field survey of the
additional Project study area on September 3, 2014. The purpose of the environmental field survey
was to identify wetlands and streams present within the proposed Project Area of Interest (AOI). A
100-foot wide study corridor along the proposed new transmission line route and a 50-foot wide study
corridor along access roads were surveyed for ecological resources.
The following sections of this report describe the methods used to identify and delineate wetlands and
streams within the Project AOI, the results of the field survey, and the associated documentation of
any streams and wetlands identified within the AOI. It will be used to assist AEP’s efforts to avoid
impacting these areas to the extent feasible during site design and development and will serve as a
supporting document to the Letter of Notification that will be submitted to the Ohio Power Siting
Board.
2.0
Transmission Line ROW Description
Information available for the Project AOI was collected and examined prior to the initial field visit. The
United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle Amsterdam, Ohio, and
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapping (USFWS,
2012) were examined for documented wetlands. The USGS National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)
mapping was examined for documented streams. United States Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) soil mapping was also reviewed (USDA-NRCS, 2010).
These publications were examined and evaluated in order to gain a preliminary understanding of the
Project AOI.
For the field surveys, the AOI consisted of a 100-foot corridor along the proposed transmission line
ROW and a 50-foot corridor along proposed access roads, which were evaluated to determine the
extent of ecological resources. Wetlands and streams were identified and assigned a GAI designation
code identifying each feature by type, state, personnel, feature number and sequential flag number.
For example, a wetland or stream would be identified as WOH-TCW-001 or SOH-TCW-001,
respectively. The methods used during the field review are described further in the following sections.
2.1
Methods For Field Identification Of Wetlands And Streams
Section 404 of the United States Clean Water Act (CWA) and state regulations in Ohio serve to protect
wetlands.. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Corps of Engineers Wetlands
Delineation Manual (Delineation Manual, Environmental Laboratory, 1987) and the Regional
Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountain and Piedmont
Region (Regional Supplement, USACE, 2012) were used to identify wetlands that may be under the
jurisdiction of the USACE or Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). Wetlands were delineated
by evaluating three wetland indicators: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and hydrology.
As regulated by Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules 3745-1-50 through 3745-1-54, wetlands were
also evaluated using the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands v. 5.0 (ORAM) to determine the
appropriate wetland category. Any wetland score that fell within a zone between categories was scored
one of two ways. Either the wetland was assigned to the higher of the two categories or it was
assessed using a non-rapid method to determine its quality (Mack, 2001). The category assigned to a
particular wetland determines the requirement, if any, for additional levels of protection administered
by the OEPA.
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Page 1
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
As regulated by Sections 404 of the CWA, and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899,
streams were classified as perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral based upon presence of flow,
estimated duration of flow, stream bed characteristics, and presence of aquatic biota. The USACE
Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook (USACE, 2007) was used to determine
stream classification and flow status.
As regulated by OAC Chapter 3745 and the Section 401 Water Quality Certification, streams were also
assessed according to OEPA guidance using either the Primary Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index
(HHEI) for watersheds less than one square mile in size, or the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index
(QHEI) for watersheds between one and 20 square miles in size.
Plant species in all strata and stream habitats were used to evaluate the location and extent of
wetlands, streams and groundwater features that exist within the Project AOI. The USACE Cold
Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Eastern Mountain and Piedmont Region National
Wetland Plant List (Lichvar, 2014) was used to determine the indicator status of identified plants.
3.0
Results
3.1
Desktop Evaluation And General Habitat Description
The proposed Project relocation is located primarily in the southwestern portion of Jefferson County.
The Project AOI is located near rural residential and farm properties, active landfill operations, and
public/county roads. Land uses within the Project AOI include partially reclaimed strip mines and active
landfill operations
According to a desktop review of available USFWS NWI digital data for the Project, one previously
identified NWI wetland was identified within the AOI. An examination of the USGS NHD stream
mapping shows one USGS stream intersecting the AOI. USDA soil mapping identified one soil series
with hydric inclusions located within the proposed Project area (Figure 3). The topography of the
proposed Project is primarily composed of gently to moderately rolling hills, ridge tops, and small
stream valleys. Land surface elevations range from approximately 1,300-feet above mean sea level
(msl) to approximately 1,155-feet above msl in the valleys.
All hydrologic features in the Project AOI are within the Upper Ohio River (HUC 05030101) watershed.
A review of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maping indicates
that the additional Project AOI is not within the limits of any designated floodplain (FEMA, 2012, Figure
2).
The field-identified wetlands and waterbodies are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Color photographs of
each feature accompany these tables. USACE wetland data forms, USACE upland data forms, ORAM
wetland forms, and HHEI stream assessment forms corresponding with each identified feature are
provided in Appendices A, B, C, and D respectively. Soil maps are provided in Figure 3.
3.2
Wetlands
Four wetlands were identified and delineated within the Project AOI (Figure 2).
One wetland was classified as Palustrine Emergent (PEM), and comprised approximately 0.12 acres
within the AOI. Two wetlands were classified as Palustrine Emergent/Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom
(PEM/PUB), and comprised approximately 0.08 acres (total) within the AOI. One wetland was classified
as a Palustrine Emergent/ Paulestrine Forested (PEM/PFO) wetland, and comprised approximately 0.27
acres within the AOI.
Of the delineated wetlands, one wetland was classified as Category 1, two wetlands were classified as
Modified Category 2, and one wetland was classified as Category 2 according to the ORAM scoring. No
wetlands were classified as Category 3.
Table 1 lists the wetlands that were identified within the AOI, including corresponding ORAM scores
and category determinations. The attached photographs section of this document includes depictions
of all the wetlands identified within the AOI. USACE wetland data forms and upland data forms are
provided in Appendices A and B, respectively. ORAM data forms are included in Appendix C.
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
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Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
3.3
Page 3
Streams
Four streams were identified and delineated within the Project AOI (Figure 2). Of the delineated
streams, one was classified as ephemeral and three were classified as intermittent.
The Project study area is located within two watersheds:


Headwaters Yellow Creek (Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC] 050301010701), and
Upper Cross Creek (HUC 050301011001).
Streams SOH-TER-029 and SOH-TCW-002 are Unnamed Tributaries (UNT’s) to Goose Creek. Streams
SOH-TER-028 and SOH-TCW-001 are UNT’s to North Branch Cross Creek. North Branch Cross Creek
and Goose Creek eventually flow into the Ohio River, a traditional navigable waterway.
Table 2 describes the stream, including corresponding HHEI or QHEI scoring and habitat type
determination. The attached photographs section of this document includes depictions of all the
streams identified within the AOI. The HHEI forms are provided in Appendix D.
4.0
Conclusions
GAI conducted an environmental field survey of the additional Project AOI on September 3, 2014 to
identify wetlands and streams. The proposed project consists of the relocation of approximately 0.75mile transmission line within an new ROW, construction of associated new access roads or routes, and
tree clearing within the new 100-foot wide ROW.
Four streams and four wetlands were identified and delineated within the Project AOI. Of the streams
identified, one was classified as ephemeral and three as intermittent. Of the wetlands identified, one
was classified as PEM, two as PEM/PUB, and one as PEM/PFO. All wetlands are likely jurisdictional due
to a hydrologic connection to receiving jurisdictional waters.
All statements in this document pertaining to the jurisdictional status of wetlands with regard to USACE
and OEPA regulations represent the opinion of GAI and are based on present regulatory guidance. The
jurisdictional statuses of water resources have not been confirmed by the USACE jurisdictional
determination process.
Respectfully submitted,
GAI Consultants, Inc.
Todd C. Wheaton
Senior Project Environmental Specialist
MAF:TCW/vel
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Michael A. Frank
Senior Director, Environmental Services
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
5.0 References
Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, E. T. La Roe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater
Habitats of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Washington, D.C. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online. http://
www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/wetlands/classwet/index.htm (Version 04DEC98).
Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. United States
Department of the Army, United States Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station.
Technical Report Y-87-1. Vicksburg, Mississippi.
ESRI Imagery. 2008. ESRI ARCGIS Online and data partners, including imagery from agencies supplied
via the content sharing program. http://goto.arcgisonline.com/ maps/World_Imagery.
ESRI Imagery. 2011. ESRI ARCGIS Online and data partners including USGS and © 2011 National
Geographic Society. http://goto.arcgisonline.com/maps/USA_ Topo_Maps.
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2012. National Flood Hazard Layer. Web Map Service .
Washington, D.C. http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id =3291.
Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner. 2014. The National Wetland Plant List:
2014 Update of Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2014-41: 1-42.
Mack, John J. 2001. Ohio Rapid Assessment Methods for Wetlands Manual for Using Version 5.0. Ohio
EPA Technical Bulletin Wetland/2001-1-1. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of
Surface Water, 401 Wetland Ecology Unit, Columbus, Ohio.
Murdoch, T. and M. Cheo. 1991. The Streamkeepers Field Guide: Watershed Inventory and Stream
Monitoring Methods. 5th Edition. Adopt-A-Stream Foundation.
Ohio Administrative Code. 2008. State of Ohio: Water Quality Standards, Chapter 3745-1.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 1987. Geographic Information Management Systems. Ohio
Wetlands Inventory for Columbiana and Mahoning Counties. Available:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/gims.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. Ohio Rapid Assessment for Wetlands v. 5.0.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Field Evaluation Manual for Ohio’s Primary Headwater
Habitat Streams.
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. Methods for Assessing Habitat in Flowing Waters: Using
the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI).
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 2012. Field Evaluation Manual for Ohio’s Primary Headwater
Habitat Streams. Version 3.0. Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water, Columbus, Ohio. 117 pp.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for Jefferson County, Ohio. Available at
http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed April 2014.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database for Harrrison County, Ohio . Available at
http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed April 2014.
Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
Web Soil Survey. Available at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov. Accessed April 2014.
C091118.47.002/ June 2014
Page 4
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
United States Army Corps of Engineers. 2007. Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional
Guidebook. Available from http://www.usace.army.mil.
United States Army Corps of Engineers. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland
Delineation Manual: Eastern Mountain and Piedmont Region Version 2.0, ed. J. F. Berkowitz, J.
S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, C. V. Noble. ERDC/EL TR-12-9. Vicksburg, Mississippi: United States
Army Engineer Research and Development Center.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2012. The PLANTS
Database (http://plants.usda.gov, October 2012). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro,
North Carolina 27401-4901 USA.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2009. National
Biology Handbook, Subpart B-Conservation Planning, Part 614, SVAP Version 2
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2012. IPaC - Information, Planning, and Conservation.
Available online at http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/wizard/chooseLocation! prepare.action
United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2011. National Wetlands Inventory for Ohio. Washington, D.C.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation.
United States Geological Survey. 2012. Stream Stats for Ohio. United States Department of the
Interior. Available at: http://water.usgs.gov/osw/streamstats/ ohio.html.
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
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Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
TABLES
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
Table 1
Wetlands Identified Within The Project Area of Interest
Map Designation1
Cowardin Classification2
Status3
Area in AOI (acres)
WOH-TCW-001
PEM
Abutting
0.12
WOH-TCW-002
PEM/PUB
Abutting
WOH-TCW-003
PEM/PUB
WOH-TER-010
PEM/PFO
ORAM v 5.0 Score4
Category5
Latitude6
Longitude6
Figure (Sheet)
43
Modified Category 2
40.42388
-80.90765
2 (1)
0.02
37
Modified Category 2
40.42763
-80.90586
2 (1)
Abutting
0.06
16
Category 1
40.43003
-80.90614
2 (1)
Abutting
0.27
48
Category 2
40.42457
-80.91079
2 (1)
Notes:
1
GAI map designation.
2
PEM – Palustrine Emergent, PSS – Palustrine Scrub/Shrub, PFO – Palustrine Forested, PUB – Palustrine Unconsolidated Bottom, PAB – Palustrine Aquatic Bed
3
Jurisdictional wetlands are regulated under USACE CWA Section 404 authority, and isolated wetlands are regulated under Ohio Revised Code 6111.02 to 6111.028.
4
Interim scoring breakpoints for wetland regulatory categories for ORAM v 5.0 Score: Category 1 score 0 - 29.9; Category 1 or 2 gray zone ORAM score 30 - 34.9; Category modified 2 ORAM score 35 - 44.9; Category 2 ORAM score 45
- 59.9; Category 2 or 3 ORAM score 60 - 64.9; Category 3 ORAM score 65 - 100. OEPA Wetland Ecology Unit Division of Surface Water. ORAM v. 5.0 Qualitative Score Calibration. Dated August 15, 2000.
http://www.epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/401/oram50sc_s.pdf.
5
OAC Rule 3745-1-54(C)(2) defines Category 1 wetlands as wetlands which “…support minimal wildlife habitat, and minimal hydrological and recreation functions,” and as wetlands which have “..hydrologic isolation, low species
diversity, a predominance of non-native species, no significant habitat or wildlife use, and limited potential to achieve beneficial wetland functions.” Category 2 wetlands are defined as wetlands which "...support moderate wildlife
habitat, or hydrological or recreational functions," and as wetlands which are "...dominated by native species but generally without the presence of, or habitat for, rare, threatened or endangered species; and wetlands which are
degraded but have a reasonable potential for reestablishing lost wetland functions." Degraded but Restorable Category 2 Wetlands are according to OAC Rule 3745-1-54(C) states that wetlands that are assigned to Category 2
constitute the broad middle category that “...support moderate wildlife habitat, or hydrological or recreational functions," but also include "...wetlands which are degraded but have a reasonable potential for reestablishing lost wetland
functions."
6
North American Datum, 1983.
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
Table 2
Stream Identified Within The Project Area of Interest
Map Designation 1
SOH-TCW-001
SOH-TCW-002
SOH-TER-028
SOH-TER-029
Stream Name
Unnamed Tributary (UNT) to North
Branch Cross Creek
UNT to Goose Creek
Unnamed Tributary (UNT) to North
Branch Cross Creek
UNT to Goose Creek
Flow
Regime2
State Water Quality
Classification3
Class4
HHEI
Score4
QHEI
Score
Channel
Width (feet)5
Channel Length in
AOI (feet)
Latitude6
Longitude6
Figure
(sheet)
Intermittent
N/A
II
47
N/A
4.6
145
40.42404
-80.91094
2 (1)
Intermittent
N/A
Modified II
52
N/A
4.3
174
40.42758
-80.90601
2 (1)
Intermittent
N/A
II
40
N/A
3
Ephemeral
N/A
Modified II
31
N/A
4
279
93
40.42436
40.43009
-80.91095
-80.90653
2 (1)
2 (1)
Notes:
1
GAI map designation.
2
Flow regime determined through field observations and a review of available mapping.
3
Flow Water uses of streams are defined under the OAC 3745-1. Applicable use designations (OAC 3745-1-07), for aquatic life include: Warmwater Habitat (WWH). Water Supply designations include: Agricultural Water Supply (AWS), and
Industrial Water Supply (IWS). Recreation designated uses include: Primary Contact Recreation (PCR). Most primary headwater streams are not named in the rules. Dated January 23, 2008. http://www.epa.ohio.gov/dsw/rules/3745_1.aspx.
Downstream classification based upon Little Beaver Creek.
4
Classified based on the OEPA Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI). Class I PHWH (primary headwater habitats) streams are those that have “normally dry channels with little or no aquatic life present” with an HHEI score of 0 to 29.9.
Class II PHWH streams are equivalent to “warm water habitat” streams with an HHEI score of 30 to 69.9. Class III PHWH streams usually have perennial water flow with cool-cold water adapted native fauna with and HHEI score of 70 to 100.
5
Channel width is the average length, determined by bankfull width, measured in feet.
6
North American Datum, 1983.
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
FIGURES
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
p
SPRINGFIELD
TOWNSHIP
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
APEX REROUTE
GERMAN
TOWNSHIP
HARRISON
COUNTY
PROJECT LOCATION
JEFFERSON AND
HARRISON COUNTIES, OHIO.
REFERENCE:
USGS TOPOGRAPHIC
QUADRANGLE:
AMSTERDAM (1978) OHIO.
USGS AND NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHIC TOPO,
ACCESSED 9/2014.
LEGEND
Access Road
Limit of Disturbance
Proposed Apex Reroute
Township Boundary
Proposed Transmission Line
County Boundary
0
1,000
2,000
4,000
Feet
FIGURE 1
PROJECT LOCATION MAP
EAST AMSTERDAM PROJECT
AMERICAN ELECTRIC
POWER COMPANY
DRAWN BY: GHH
DATE: 9/8/2014
CHECKED: MDO
APPROVED: MAF
P:\PIT\2009\C091118.44 - AEP East Amsterdam-Miller\GIS\PROJECT_FILES\WDSIR\APEX\PROJECT_LOCATION_2014_09_08.mxd
p
SOH-TER-029
WOH-TCW-003
SOH-TCW-002
WOH-TCW-002
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
SPRINGFIELD
TOWNSHIP
APEX REROUTE
SOH-TER-027
SOH-TER-028
WOH-TER-010
SOH-TCW-001
HARRISON
COUNTY WOH-TCW-001
PROJECT LOCATION
REFERENCE:
ESRI WORLD IMAGERY,
2011. ESRI AND
MICROSOFT CORPORATION.
ACCESSED 9/2014.
LEGEND
Stream
Access
Road
Proposed
Apex Reroute
JEFFERSON AND
HARRISON COUNTIES, OHIO.
GERMAN
TOWNSHIP
Proposed
Transmission Line
Study
Area
Open-End
Wetland
Township
Boundary
Wetland
County
Boundary
FIGURE 2
RESOURCE LOCATION MAP
EAST AMSTERDAM PROJECT
AMERICAN ELECTRIC
POWER COMPANY
DRAWN BY: GHH
DATE: 9/8/2014
CHECKED: MDO
APPROVED: MAF
P:\PIT\2009\C091118.44 - AEP East Amsterdam-Miller\GIS\PROJECT_FILES\WDSIR\APEX\RESOURCE_LOCATION_2014_09_08.mxd
0
100
200
400
Feet
p
HgE
MnC
GnD
GnC
JEFFERSON
COUNTY
SPRINGFIELD
TOWNSHIP
APEX REROUTE
MpF
GnD
GrC
MpF
GrC
GpC
GERMAN
TOWNSHIP
HARRISON
COUNTY
GuD2
PROJECT LOCATION
JEFFERSON AND
HARRISON COUNTIES, OHIO.
REFERENCE:
ESRI WORLD IMAGERY,
2011. ESRI AND
MICROSOFT CORPORATION.
ACCESSED 9/2014.
SOIL SURVEY GEOGRAPHIC
(SSURGO) DATABASE,
USDA NRCS, 2009.
MrF
GpC
LEGEND
Access
Road
Proposed
Transmission Line
Study
Area
Proposed
Apex Reroute
Soil Type
Boundary
Township
Boundary
County
Boundary
FIGURE 3
SOILS MAP
EAST AMSTERDAM PROJECT
AMERICAN ELECTRIC
POWER COMPANY
DRAWN BY: GHH
DATE: 9/8/2014
CHECKED: MDO
APPROVED: MAF
P:\PIT\2009\C091118.44 - AEP East Amsterdam-Miller\GIS\PROJECT_FILES\WDSIR\APEX\SOILMAP_2014_09_08.mxd
0
100
200
400
Feet
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
PHOTOGRAPHS
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report – Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project – Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
Stream SOH-TCW-001,
Upstream Facing Northeast (9/3/14)
Stream SOH-TCW-001,
Downstream Facing Southwest (9/3/14)
Stream SOH-TCW-002,
Upstream Facing West (9/3/14)
Stream SOH-TCW-002,
Downstream Facing East (9/3/14)
Stream SOH-TER-028,
Upstream Facing North (4/3/14)
Stream SOH-TER-028,
Downstream Facing South (4/3/13)
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report – Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project – Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
Stream SOH-TER-029,
Upstream Facing West (4/3/14)
Stream SOH-TER-029,
Downstream Facing East (4/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TCW-001,
Facing North (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TCW-001,
Facing West (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TCW-002,
Facing Northeast (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TCW-002,
Facing Southeast (9/3/14)
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report – Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project – Harrison and Jefferson Counties, Ohio
Wetland WOH-TCW-003,
Facing West (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TCW-003,
Facing East (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TER-010,
Facing Northeast (9/3/14)
Wetland WOH-TER-010,
Facing Southwest (9/3/14)
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
APPENDIX A
USACE Wetland Data Forms
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
APPENDIX B
USACE Upland Data Forms
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
APPENDIX C
ORAM For Wetlands V. 5.0 Forms
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
APPENDIX D
HHEI Stream Assessment Forms
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Wetland Delineation and Stream Identification Report Addendum
AEP, East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 138 kV Rebuild Project
Jefferson County, Ohio
APPENDIX E
Resumes of Personnel
Conducting the Wetland Delineation
C091118.47.002/ September 2014
Todd C. Wheaton
Sr. Project Environmental Specialist
Education
Professional Summary
B.S. Conservation Biology
Mr. Wheaton has extensive experience with a variety of projects related to the
development of natural gas within the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Mr.
Wheaton has spent a significant portion of his career routing both midstream
pipelines as well as temporary waterlines in order to obtain pipeline routes that
are constructible, cost effective, and pose a minimal impact to environmental
resources.
2006, Kent State University
Skills
Biology and Plant
Identification
Environmental Investigation,
Sampling, Analysis
Wetland Delineation and
Mitigation
Soil Sampling and Testing
Threatened and Endangered
Species Surveys
Mr. Wheaton has led the environmental permitting process throughout Ohio,
West Virginia, and Pennsylvania for a variety of natural gas related projects,
including consultation with state and federal agencies. Mr. Wheaton has also
aided in a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species surveys, and has
led a number of environmental compliance inspections.
In addition, Mr. Wheaton has an extensive background with GIS applications
related to midstream and gas transmission pipeline routing, as well as a variety
of complex analysis for site remediation and re-development projects.
Relevant Training/Courses
Wetland Delineation
Training, U.S. Army Corps of
Professional Experience

Antero Resources – Aquatic feature delineation for numerous well pads and
impoundment sites throughout Ohio and West Virginia. Lead permitting
efforts for sites throughout Ohio and West Virginia, specifically for
Nationwide Permit(s) 12, 14, and 39. Coordination with state and federal
agencies in regard to threatened and endangered wildlife.

Williams OVM – Task manager for the Pinecone Pipeline project. Prepared
proposal for a 2.75 mile gathering pipeline located in Marshall County, WV.
Scheduling of environmental field staff and served as permitting lead for
associated NWP 14 and WVDNR OLS Stream activity permits. Additionally
coordination with USFWS and WVDNR to determine the presence of any
threatened or endangered species near the project area.

EQT – Aquatic feature delineation and permitting for various projects located
throughout Wetzel and Doddridge counties, WV. Coordination of threatened
and endangered species surveys associated with the installation of several
natural gas gathering pipelines. Preparation of associated Nationwide Permit
Pre-Construction Notifications.

Dominion – Doddridge, Lewis, Harrison, Gilmer, Calhoun, Braxton, Upshur,
Barbour, Raleigh, Wyoming, and McDowell Counties, WV and Buchanan
County, VA. Assisted in the preparation of several Pre-Construction
Notification packages for a large-scale pipeline replacement project
throughout West Virginia and parts of Virginia. This project was located in
the Huntington, Pittsburgh, and Norfolk US Army Corps of Engineers districts,
Engineers
Primary Headwater Habitat
(PHWH) Training, Ohio Rapid
Assessment Method (ORAM)
for Wetlands Training, Ohio
EPA
Ecological Survey Training,
Waterway Permits Training,
Ohio Department of
Transportation
Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes
Training, Environmental
Concern
Creating and Integrating
Data for Natural Resource
Applications, Learning Visual
Basic for Applications for
New GIS Developers, ESRI
Virtual Campus
www.gaiconsultants.com
Todd C. Wheaton | 2
and required coordination with USFWS, WVDNR, and county floodplain
managers.

Halcon Field Services, LLC – Lead pipeline routing, aquatic resource
delineation, and permitting efforts for the 20-mile Border Hawk Pipeline
located in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties, OH.

Access Midstream – Lead routing efforts for a number of gathering pipelines
and well connects throughout Carroll and Harrison counties, OH. Scheduling
of environmental staff for aquatic resource delineation, preparing scope and
budgets for stream and wetland delineations, and determining permitting
constraints associated with environmental features.

BP – Proposal and budget preparation, routing and delineation of several
temporary waterlines throughout Trumbull County, Ohio. Location of viable
water sources to be used in the hydraulic fracturing process.

Chesapeake Exploration/Appalachia, LLC – Lead routing efforts for over 130
temporary waterline projects located throughout Carroll, Columbiana,
Harrison, Guernsey, Jefferson, and Tuscarawas Counties, OH. Preparation of
proposals and monitoring of project budgets. Lead efforts for aquatic
resource delineations and preparation of associated Nationwide Permit PreConstruction Notifications and Environmental Due Diligence Reports. Location
and registering viable water sources to be used in the hydraulic fracturing
process to develop natural gas resources. Served as assistant project
manager for all Utica shale temporary waterline projects.

Williams LMM – Wetland and stream delineations for a number of natural gas
gathering pipelines located in Indiana, Armstrong and Westmoreland
Counties, PA. Assisted with a RTE survey for Juncus torreyi , which was
located along the Funk Pipeline in Westmoreland County, PA.

Range Resources – Lead aquatic resource delineations for a number of
natural gas well pad locations throughout Washington, Greene, Fayette and
Beaver Counties, PA. Assist with the preparation of stream and wetland
delineation reports and associated General Permit submittals.

Markwest Liberty and Resources, LLC – utilizing GIS to develop viable
preliminary pipeline routes throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Assisted
in stream and wetland delineations, and associated reports and permit
packages.

Lockheed Martin – Developed a conceptual design for a contaminated
sediment removal project located in Middle River, MD. Utilized GIS to
determine contamination hot spots and excavation quantities in order to
design a successful and economical sediment dredging plan.
Professional Employment
Rettew Associates, 20122013
Bowman Consulting Group,
2011-2012
TetraTech, Inc., 2009-2011
Davey Resource Group, 2007
www.gaiconsultants.com
ATTACHMENT B
POTENTIAL BAT ROOST TREE IDENTIFICATION SURVEY ADDENDUM
REPORT
(APEX RELOCATION)
AEP Ohio Transco
September 2014
5
East Amsterdam-Miller Switch
138 kV Transmission Line
Rebuild Project - ADDENDUM
September 10, 2014
Project C091118.47
Ms. Rebekah Hovermale
Transmission Line Siting Specialist
American Electric Power
700 Morrison Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Addendum: Potential Bat Roost Tree Identification Survey along East Amsterdam – Miller
Switch 69 kV Rebuild Project’s APEX Relocation in Jefferson County, Ohio
Dear Ms. Hovermale:
GAI Consultants, Inc. (GAI) appreciates the opportunity to provide continued support to American Electric
Power (AEP) on the East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild Project in Harrison and Jefferson
counties, Ohio (Project).
1.0
Project Information
AEP contracted GAI to perform a potential roost tree identification survey along the entire 9.7-mile
Project corridor in April 2014. Following the survey, GAI submitted the results to AEP in a letter dated
May 15, 2014. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) concurred with the findings of the survey and
stated that timber removal conducted between October 1 and March 31 was unlikely to adversely affect
the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the federally proposed endangered northern
long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) (Attachment A).
A portion of the Project area in Jefferson County is owned by Apex Environmental, LLC (APEX). APEX
requested that AEP relocate the Project right-of-way (ROW) to accommodate potential future landfill
expansion. The proposed APEX Relocation is approximately 3,900 feet long and would replace
approximately 3,000 feet of existing transmission line on APEX property. In accordance with GAI’s scope
of work and keeping consistent with the initial survey, GAI bat biologists evaluated and inventoried all
potential bat roost trees along the APEX Relocation that are suitable for use by the Indiana bats and
northern long-eared bats.
2.0
Methods
On September 3, 2014, two GAI biologists (including Mr. Adam Mann and Mr. Jason Duffey, both
federally permitted bat biologists) searched on foot within forested portions of the proposed ROW and
evaluated all potential bat roost trees that were encountered. Where applicable, trees that appeared to
be on or just outside (but adjacent to) the proposed ROW boundary were also evaluated, in the event
they will be removed for safety or constructability purposes. The proposed ROW boundaries were
located in the field using a handheld, sub-meter-accurate GPS receiver (Trimble Corporation).
Species, diameter at breast height (dbh), status, roost type, roost quality, and waypoint location of each
potential roost tree were recorded on GAI’s Potential Roost Trees data sheet (Attachment C). A
photograph was taken of each potential roost tree (Attachment D), and then a length of red flagging tape
was tied around the trunk. Each potential roost tree was assigned an identification number which was
written on the flagging tape and recorded on the data sheet. The GPS location of each tree was also
recorded.
Erlanger Office
1830 Airport Exchange Boulevard, Suite 220
Erlanger, KY 41018
T 859.647.6647
www.gaiconsultants.com
Ms. Rebekah Hovermale
Page 2
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
Potential roost trees were identified based on information available in the literature and in current state
and federal guidelines; however, the biologists’ experience tracking bats to known roosts across the
range of the species was also considered.
2.1
Indiana Bat
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) defines1 Indiana bat roost trees as live trees and/or
snags ≥ 5 inches dbh that have exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, and/or hollows. Because there were
many trees that met the above criteria but had no potential to support roosting bats, the biologists
considered potential roost trees to be those that met the above criteria and could be suitable for roosting
bats.
Each potential roost tree was assigned a subjective roosting potential value of high, moderate, or low
based on whether or not the tree could support Indiana bats. Factors taken into consideration for
assigning roost potential values included: tree diameter, amount of exfoliating bark, solar exposure,
location/height of exfoliating bark or other potential roosting feature, tree health or status, slope, aspect,
susceptibility of roost to predators, etc. Multiple factors were used to subjectively determine roost
potential values; therefore, it is difficult to describe rigid classification criteria that fit all compounding
variables associated with different trees. The following describes general qualitative guidelines that were
used to subjectively determine rankings:
1
+
High – High potential roost trees are those that are highly likely to contain multiple bats,
including maternity individuals. Primary maternity roost trees would fit within this category.
These trees are generally dead or dying and contain abundant roosting opportunities under
exfoliating bark; however, certain live trees (such as large shagbark hickories) can also possess
significant roosting opportunities. These trees also typically (but not always) have high solar
exposure, little to no canopy coverage, and (if applicable) are often on a southerly aspect. These
trees are generally large (> 16 inches) in diameter, thus making them reach above the canopy
but also provide some heat retention at night. Potential roosting crevices, cavities, or bark on
these trees would not make individuals vulnerable to predation.
+
Moderate – Moderate potential roost trees could contain one or several roosting bats if they are
present in the area; however, the overall features or microhabitat of roosting locations are not
ideal for one reason or another. For example, shagbark hickories often fit into this category,
since they can possess abundant physical roosting opportunities; however, available roosting
locations on the tree trunk are often small in surface area and under shaded canopy. Moderate
potential roost trees do not make good primary maternity roosts; however, they could be used by
bats as secondary maternity roosts if other high potential roosts are in the immediate vicinity.
Moderate potential roost trees might only contain very few individual roosting features.
Alternatively, they could contain one or multiple types and quantities of potential roosting
features; however, aspect, solar exposure, risk of predation, or some other factor(s) may reduce
the overall suitability from being high potential.
+
Low – Low potential roost trees may occasionally serve as roosts for one or more bats, but likely
only on a temporary basis if nothing better is available nearby. These trees typically do not make
good maternity roosts; however, they may be occupied by single males or bachelor colonies.
These trees may be small in diameter or they have only one or a few small potential roosting
spots. If suitable roosting features are available, microhabitat conditions or other factors greatly
reduce the suitability or probability of bat roosting. Examples could include trees with partially-
USFWS. 2014. 2014 range-wide summer survey guidelines. USFWS, Bloomington, Indiana. 41 pp.
Ms. Rebekah Hovermale
Page 3
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
dead limbs, small shagbark hickories, snags with very little remaining bark, hollow trees under
canopy, etc.
Certain live trees, including shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) and white oak (Quercus alba) have exfoliating
bark that may provide suitable roost sites. Suitability of these trees may vary, depending on size of tree,
amount of exfoliating bark, degree to which bark is exfoliating, and other factors. All trees were
evaluated on their ability to provide suitable roosts, regardless of species.
2.2
Northern Long-eared Bat
USFWS recently provided guidance2 describing roost habitat for northern long-eared bats. While the
guidance predominantly describes suitable roosts for northern long-eared bats in comparison to Indiana
bats, it defines a suitable roost tree for northern long eared-bats as live trees and/or snags ≥ 3 inches
dbh that have exfoliating bark, cracks, crevices, and/or hollows. The guidance describes the roosting
behavior of northern long-eared bats as more flexible than Indiana bats, utilizing more cavities and
shorter, live trees, and exhibiting more variability in use of small dbh trees. Based on the guidance for
northern long-eared bats, roost potential values were similar to those described for Indiana bats in
Section 2.1 above; however, the flexible roosting habits of the species and its tendency to form smaller
groups was considered.
3.0
Results
Fifteen potential roost trees were identified along the APEX Relocation (Table 1, Attachment E). Figure 1
(Attachment B) shows the location of each tree along the APEX Relocation. Potential roost trees included
eight wild black cherry (Prunus serotina), four American elm (Ulmus americana), one red maple (Acer
rubrum), and one shagbark hickory. Two potential roost trees (13.3%) were live, 10 potential roost trees
(66.7%) were dead, and three potential roost trees (20.0%) were partially dead.
3.1
Indiana Bat
All potential roost trees found along the APEX Relocation were considered suitable for Indiana bats. Of
these, 1 potential roost tree (6.7%) was considered to be of high value to Indiana bats, while three (20.0
%) were considered to be of moderate value, and 11 (73.3%) were considered to be of low value.
3.2
Northern Long-eared Bat
All potential roost trees along the APEX Relocation were considered suitable for northern long-eared bats.
Of these, five potential roost trees (33.3%) were considered to be of high value to northern long-eared
bats, while two (13.3%) were considered to be of moderate value, and eight (53.3 %) were considered
to be of low value.
4.0
Conclusion
A total of 15 potential roost trees were found along the proposed APEX Relocation. Overall, forested
habitat along the proposed route was of low to moderate value for roosting Indiana bats, and of
moderate value to roosting northern long-eared bats.
2
USFWS. 2014. Northern long-eared interim conference and planning guidance. USFWS, New Franken,
Wisconsin. 67 pp.
Ms. Rebekah Hovermale
Page 4
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
If you have any questions, please contact me
me, Jason Duffey, at (859) 647-6647,
6647, ext. 4229 or (937) 5548488.
Respectfully submitted,
GAI Consultants, Inc.
Jason Duffey
Senior Project Environmental Specialist
JAD/pat
Enc.:
Attachment A. Correspondence
Attachment B. Figure 1
Attachment C. Roost Tree Data Sheets
Attachment D. Photographs
Attachment E. Table 1
cc:
Mr. Mike Horn, P.E., GAI Consultants, Inc.
Mr. George Reese, C.E., GAI Consultants, Inc.
Adam Mann, MS
Assistant Environmental Technical Leader
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
ATTACHMENT A
Correspondence
From: susan_zimmermann@fws.gov [mailto:susan_zimmermann@fws.gov] On Behalf Of Ohio, FW3
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 2:27 PM
To: Tyler Rankin; Jason Duffey
Cc: nathan.reardon@dnr.state.oh.us; Jenny Norris
Subject: East Amsterdam - Miller Switch 69 kV Line (Please forward to Mr. Reese)
TAILS# 03E15000-2014-TA-1134
Dear Mr. Reese,
We have received your recent correspondence requesting information about the subject proposal. There are no federal wilderness areas, wildlife
refuges or designated critical habitat within the vicinity of the project area. The following comments and recommendations will assist you in
fulfilling the requirements for consultation under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA).
The Service recommends that proposed developments avoid and minimize water quality impacts and impacts to high quality fish and wildlife
habitat (e.g., forests, streams, wetlands). Additionally, natural buffers around streams and wetlands should be preserved to enhance beneficial
functions. If streams or wetlands will be impacted, the Corps of Engineers should be contacted to determine whether a Clean Water Act section
404 permit is required. Best management practices should be used to minimize erosion, especially on slopes. All disturbed areas should be
mulched and revegetated with native plant species. Prevention of non-native, invasive plant establishment is critical in maintaining high quality
habitats.
LISTED SPECIES COMMENTS: All projects in the State of Ohio lie within the range of the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a federally listed
endangered species. Since first listed as endangered in 1967, their population has declined by nearly 60%. Several factors have contributed to
the decline of the Indiana bat, including the loss and degradation of suitable hibernacula, human disturbance during hibernation, pesticides, and
the loss and degradation of forested habitat, particularly stands of large, mature trees. Fragmentation of forest habitat may also contribute to
declines. During winter, Indiana bats hibernate in caves and abandoned mines. Summer habitat requirements for the species are not well defined
but the following are considered important:
(1) dead or live trees and snags with peeling or exfoliating bark, split tree trunk and/or branches, or cavities, which may be used as maternity
roost areas;
(2) live trees (such as shagbark hickory and oaks) which have exfoliating bark;
(3) stream corridors, riparian areas, and upland woodlots which provide forage sites.
Should the proposed site contain trees or associated habitats exhibiting any of the characteristics listed above and/or the site contains any caves or
abandoned mines, we recommend that the habitat and surrounding trees be saved wherever possible. If any caves or abandoned mines may be
disturbed, further coordination with this office is requested to determine if surveys are warranted. Any survey should be designed and conducted
in coordination with the Endangered Species Coordinator for this office. If no caves or abandoned mines are present and tree removal is
unavoidable, any tree removal should only occur between October 1 and March 31.
If there is a federal nexus for the project (e.g., federal funding provided, federal permits required to construct), no tree clearing on any portion of
the parcel should occur until consultation under section 7 of the ESA, between the Service and the federal action agency, is completed. We
recommend that the federal action agency submit a determination of effects to this office, relative to the Indiana bat, for our review and
concurrence.
PROPOSED SPECIES COMMENTS: The proposed project lies within the range of the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), a
species that is currently proposed for listing as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The final listing decision for the northern long-eared bat may occur as soon as October 2014. No critical habitat has been
proposed at this time. Recently white-nose syndrome (WNS), a novel fungal pathogen, has caused serious declines in the northern long-eared bat
population in the northeastern U.S. WNS has also been documented in Ohio, but the full extent of the impacts from WNS in Ohio is not yet
known.
During winter, northern long-eared bats hibernate in caves and abandoned mines. Summer habitat requirements for the species are not well
defined but the following are considered important:
Page 1 of 2
(1) Roosting habitat in dead or live trees and snags with cavities, peeling or exfoliating bark, split tree trunk and/or branches, which
may be used as maternity roost areas;
(2) Foraging habitat in upland and lowland woodlots and tree lined corridors;
(3) Occasionally they may roost in structures like barns and sheds.
Pursuant to section 7(a)(4) of the ESA, federal action agencies are required to confer with the Service if their proposed action is likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of the northern long-eared bat (50 CFR 402.10(a)). Federal action agencies may also voluntarily confer with
the Service if the proposed action may affect a proposed species. Nevertheless, species proposed for listing are not afforded protection under the
ESA; however as soon as a listing becomes effective, the prohibition against jeopardizing its continued existence and “take” applies regardless of
an action’s stage of completion. If the federal agency retains any discretionary involvement or control over on-the-ground actions that may affect
the species after listing, section 7 applies.
The proposed project is in the vicinity of one or more confirmed records of northern long-eared bats. Therefore, we recommend that trees
exhibiting any of the characteristics listed above, as well as any wooded areas or tree lined corridors be saved wherever possible. If any caves or
abandoned mines may be disturbed, further coordination with this office is requested to determine if fall or spring surveys are warranted. If no
caves or abandoned mines are present and trees must be cut, we recommend that any tree removal occur between October 1 and March 31 to
avoid impacts to northern long-eared bats. Incorporating these conservation measures into your project at this time may avoid significant future
project delays should the listing become official.
Due to the project type, size, and location, we do not anticipate adverse effects to any other federally endangered, threatened, proposed, or
candidate species. Should the project design change, or during the term of this action, additional information on listed or proposed species or
their critical habitat become available, or if new information reveals effects of the action that were not previously considered, consultation with
the Service should be initiated to assess any potential impacts.
These comments have been prepared under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et
seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended, and are consistent with the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mitigation Policy. This letter provides technical assistance only and does not serve as a completed
section 7 consultation document. We recommend that the project be coordinated with the Ohio Division of Wildlife due to the potential for the
project to affect state listed species. Contact Nathan Reardon, Environmental Review Coordinator with the Division of Wildlife, at (614) 2656741 or at nathan.reardon@dnr.state.oh.us.
Sincerely,
Mary Knapp, Ph.D.
Field Supervisor
cc:
Nathan Reardon, ODNR-DOW
Jennifer Norris, ODNR-DOW
Page 2 of 2
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
ATTACHMENT B
Figure
p
PROJECT LOCATION
REFERENCE:
WORLD IMAGERY 2012,
ESRI, MICROSOFT
CORPORATION
AND ITS DATA SUPPLIERS,
ACCESSED 9/2014.
LEGEND
Access Road
APEX Relocation
Roost Tree Score
High
Existing Transmission Line
Moderate
Limit of Disturbance
JEFFERSON AND
HARRISON COUNTIES, OHIO.
County Boundary
0
100
Low
Northern
Long-Eared Bat
Score
Indiana Bat
Score
FIGURE 1
POTENTIAL BAT ROOST TREES
EAST AMSTERDAM PROJECT
AMERICAN ELECTRIC
POWER COMPANY
DRAWN BY: PK
DATE: 9/10/2014
400
Feet
CHECKED: MAF
APPROVED: JAD
C:\Users\kudlup\Desktop\Priya\Apex_Route\APEX_REROUTE_ROOST_TREES_09092014.mxd
200
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
ATTACHMENT C
Data Sheets
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
ATTACHMENT D
PHOTOGRAPHS
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
RR-01
RR-02
RR-03
RR-04
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
RR-05
RR-06
RR-07
RR-08
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
RR-09
RR-10
RR-11
RR-12
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
RR-13
RR-15
RR-14
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
ATTACHMENT E
TABLE
September 10, 2014
East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild, APEX Relocation
Table 1
Potential Roosts along the East Amsterdam – Miller Switch 69 kV Rebuild Project ROW, APEX Realignment
in Jefferson County, Ohio.
ROOST POTENTIAL
ID
#
DBH
(inches)
TREE
STATUS
ROOST
TYPE
SPECIES
RR-01
Wild Black Cherry
36
Live
RR-02
Red Maple
6
RR-03
Shagbark Hickory
RR-04
COORDINATES (NAD83)
INDIANA
BAT
NORTHERN
LONG-EARED
BAT
LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
PHOTO
#
EB, CA
Low
Moderate
40.42794
-80.90621
3679
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42752
-80.90610
3680
14
Live
EB
Moderate
High
40.42743
-80.90610
3681
Wild Black Cherry
8
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42731
-80.90594
3682
RR-05
American Elm
9
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42408
-80.90659
3683
RR-06
Wild Black Cherry
8
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42401
-80.90672
3684
RR-07
American Elm
12
Dead
EB
High
High
40.42400
-80.90679
3685
RR-08
Wild Black Cherry
8
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42397
-80.90684
3686
RR-09
Wild Black Cherry
9
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42396
-80.90691
3687
RR-10
American Elm
13
Partial
EB
Low
Low
40.42407
-80.90726
3688
RR-11
American Elm
7
Dead
EB
Low
Low
40.42403
-80.90723
3689
RR-12
American Elm
10
Dead
EB
Moderate
High
40.42388
-80.90890
3690
RR-13
Wild Black Cherry
30
Partial
EB, CA
Low
High
40.42405
-80.90945
3691
RR-14
Wild Black Cherry
26
Partial
EB, CA
Moderate
High
40.42403
-80.90980
3692
RR-15
Wild Black Cherry
14
Dead
EB
Low
Moderate
40.42402
-80.91048
3693
Roost Type: Exfoliating Bark (EB), Cavity, (CA), Crevice (CR)