August 06, 2007 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Division of Planning, Office of Environmental Services 1980 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ohio Regulatory Transportation Office DSCC Building 10, Section 10 3990 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43218 Attn: Ms. Deborah Wegmann, Team Leader Ohio Regulatory Transportation Office Re: Permit # UN Trib Hocking River - Fill - 199900651 Fairfield County, Ohio Lancaster Bypass: FAI-22/33-9.59/9.95 (PID 12613) Fifth Year Monitoring of Relocated Stream Channel Dear Ms. Wegmann: In compliance with the Special Condition 3 of D.A. Permit No. UN Trib Hocking River-Fill- 199900651, attached for your review are the photographs, habitat evaluation, and fish community assessment used for the used for the fifth year of monitoring the 3,250 feet of relocated portions of the Unnamed Tributary to Walnut Creek along the U.S. 33-Lancaster Bypass in Fairfield County, Ohio (Figure 1). This previously channelized Unnamed Tributary to Walnut Creek (locally known as Gillette Run) was relocated at two segments (directional roadway 107+00 and US Route 33 Sta. 63+50) utilizing natural channel design principles and aquatic habitat features. Located on the eastern edge of the Eastern Corn Belt Plains ecoregion, the Unnamed tributary to Walnut Creek has a drainage area of approximately 3.11 mi² and an average gradient of approximately 10.1 ft./mi. within the reach of the relocated segments. The OEPA has not assigned an aquatic life use designation to this stream, however, a QHEI assessment of the channel conducted prior to relocation resulted in a score of 58. This score indicates that the stream possessed habitat characteristics between those typically associated with the Modified Warmwater Habitat use designation and the Warmwater Habitat use designation. Construction of the relocated stream segments channel configuration was completed in 2002, and the construction of four Newbury style riffles and the planting of 160 trees (1.5 inch caliper) in the riparian were completed in fall of 2003. Habitat evaluations completed on the relocated stream segment were conducted in accordance with methods presented in The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI): Rationale, Methods, and Application 1. QHEI scores for the past five years of monitoring (including the preconstruction assessment) are presented on Figure 2. Throughout the monitoring period the aquatic habitat has shown slight annual improvements (now leveling off) as the channel substrates have stabilized and the riparian and in-stream vegetation has matured. The fifth year 1 Rankin, E.T. 1989. The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI): Rationale, Methods, and Application. Ohio EPA, Division of Surface Water - Ecological Assessment Section. Columbus, OH.
of habitat monitoring was conducted on June 21, 2007. This fifth monitoring event generated a QHEI score of 70. During the final season of monitoring the relocated portion of the channel remained predominantly composed of sand and gravel substrates with lesser amounts of silt, boulders (placed in riffles), and cobble (placed in riffles). Silt levels remained normal within the channel (after a post-construction reduction observed between 2003 and 2006), although little improvement was observed in substrate embeddedness. As observed in 2004, 2005, and 2006, photographs of the stream continue to show the moderate to extensive amounts of instream cover largely dominated by aquatic bed (Rorippa nasturtiumaquaticum, Potomogeton foliosus, and Charra sp.), with shallows, pools greater than 70 cm, root mats, overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, and boulders providing additional QHEI Score 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 58 Pre- Construction 50 1st Year (2003) 61.25 2nd Year (2004) Figure 2. Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) scores recorded for a portion of the relocated segment of the Unnamed Tributary to Walnut Creek along the U.S. 33-Lancaster By pass in Fairfield County, Ohio. Scores represent the recovery of instream habitat features during the five y ears of post-construction monitoring. 67.5 3rd Year (2005) 71 70 cover. The designed instream features (placed boulders and constructed riffles) remained stable and unembedded in 2007, and provided habitat within the channel. In addition, sand and gravel riffles that had developed naturally (in areas constructed riffles were not placed) have persisted. These natural riffles appear to have formed from bank materials, and are composed of finer grain substrates that are more embedded than the constructed riffles. The banks of the constructed channel have become fully vegetated, and only minor to moderate amounts of bank erosion were noted. Limiting factors observed in the relocated segments continued to included siltation/embeddedness and the lack of mature riparian cover/canopy (although many of the trees planted in the fall of 2003 were all still doing well). The segment received a QHEI score of 70. This score indicates habitat characteristics typically associated with the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation, and exceeds the habitat characteristics associated with the preconstruction condition of the channel. In addition to monitoring the aquatic habitat, ODOT conducted fish sampling along the relocated stream segment on 6/21/05 and 6/21/07 using longline electroshocking fishing methods (sampler Type E). This biological sampling was conducted in accordance with the methods described in OEPA s Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life 2. Sampling conducted in 2007 resulted in the collection of 982 individuals representing 15 species (this was up from the 2005 sampling which collected 441 individuals representing 13 species). The sample was dominated by creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), white suckers (Catostomus commersoni), central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum), fantail dater (Etheostoma flabellare), and blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus). While pollution tolerant taxa dominated the sample (64.1%), this was a reduction in the percent of pollution tolerant taxa residing in the stream during 2005 (71.0%). As was observed in 2005, a comparison of the IBI score with the values in Table 7-15 of OAC 4th Year (2006) 5th Year (2007) 2 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 1987a. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume I, The Role of Biological Data in Water Quality Assessment. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 1987b. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume II, Users Manual for Biological Field Assessment of Ohio Surface Waters. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH. Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 1989. Biological Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Life: Volume III, Standardized Biological Field Sampling and Laboratory Methods for Assessing Fish and Macroinvertebrate Communities. Division of Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment, Surface Water Section, Columbus, OH.
3745-1-07 3 indicated that the fish community is currently within attainment of the Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use designation for headwater sites in the Eastern Corn Belt Plains ecoregion (calculated IBI score of 44). Tables including the fish species collected during 2005 and 2007, as well as IBI scores for each sample event have been included with this letter. Both aquatic habitat and fish community sampling conducted during the five year monitoring period have indicated that the relocated segment of the Unnamed Tributary to Walnut Creek is in attainment of its Warmwater Habitat aquatic life use potential. With the goal of the stream mitigation having been met, ODOT is requesting concurrence that the stream relocation area has fulfilled the mitigation requirements of the 404/401 authorization for the FAI-22/33-9.59/9.95 Lancaster Bypass project. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Matt Raymond, Environmental Specialist, at (614) 466-5129. Respectfully, Timothy M. Hill Administrator Office of Environmental Services TMH:DER:mwr Attachments c: Art Coleman, OEPA - Amy Toohey, District 5 - File - Reading File 3 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. Ohio Water Quality Standards. Chapter 3745-1-07 of the Ohio Administrative Code. State of Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Laws and Regulations.
70 204 310 79 256 158 37 360 204 204 VIOLET 256 LIBERTY WALNUT 33 256 188 256 158 37 RICHLAND 664 BLOOM 33 GREENFIELD 188 PLEASANT 22 QHEI Site Relocated Stream Segments 188 Lancaster 22 37 37 188 AMANDA 22 33 RUSH CREEK HOCKING 159 793 BERNE 664 312 74 22 CLEARCREEK 33 MADISON Carroll Southern Road New U.S. 33 (Lancaster Bypass) Existing U.S. 33 Wetland Mitigation Cells 159 Location of the Unnamed Tributary to Walnut Creek channel relocation in Fairfield County, Ohio. Location of Fairfield County, Ohio. Coonpath Road Location of Relocated Stream Segments 0 400 800 1200 1600 2000 ft DISCLAIMER: THIS ANALYSIS AND GRAPHIC ARE STRICTLY AN INITIAL SCREENING OF THE DATA AVAILABLE. THE USER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FURTHER VERIFICATION OF THE DATA PRESENTED AND FOR THE ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMERS FROM THE APPROPRIATE DATA SOURCE AGENCIES. Wetland Mitigation Cells Figure 1. The locations of the relocated portions of the Unnamed tributary to Walnut Creek and the QHEI monitoring site. Base map for the figure was derived from the Carroll, OH USGS 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangle. THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1980 W. BROAD ST. COLUMBUS, OH 43223 PRODUCED WITH GEOMEDIA PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE CREATED BY: M. RAYMOND DATE CREATED: 12/12/03
Photograph 1 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from the downstream end of the QHEI assessment site (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form). Photograph 2 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from the within the QHEI assessment site (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form).
Photograph 3 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from within the QHEI assessment site (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form). Photograph 4 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from the center of the QHEI assessment site (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form).
Photograph 5 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from the upstream end of the QHEI assessment site (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form). Photograph 6 (6/21/07). Looking upstream from the upstream end of the QHEI assessment site at minor bank erosion along the right descending bank (photograph # corresponds with photo location on the QHEI form).
Relocated channel at US 33 STA. 63+50 Channel segment not modified by the project. Aerial view (2002) of the relocated channel segment at US 33 Sta. 63+50. The relocated segment was constructed with meanders and an appropriate bankfull channel depth and width. The stream segment not modified by the project indicates how the channel appeared prior to construction. The preconstruction channel had been subjected to previous modifications (was part of the Ohio Canal from the 1840s -1870s), was entrenched, and lacked meanders.
IBI scores for Gillette Run, sampled by ODOT. River Mile Type Date Drainage area (sq mi) Total species Minnow species Number of Headwater species Sensitive species Darter & Sculpin species Simple Lithophils Tolerant fishes Percent of Individuals Pioneering fishes Omnivores Insectivores DELT anomalies Rel.No. minus tolerants /(0.3km) IBI Gillette Run - (02-199) Year: 2007 2.10 E 06/21/2007 1.8 15(5) 4(3) 3(3) 3(5) 4(5) 4(5) 64(1) 19(1) 41(3) 23(3) 0.1(5) 588(5) 44 Year: 2005 2.10 E 06/21/2005 1.8 13(5) 3(3) 3(3) 2(3) 4(5) 3(5) 71(1) 2(5) 68(1) 78(5) 0.7(3) 202(5) 44 - IBI is low end adjusted. * - < 200 Total individuals in sample ** - < 50 Total individuals in sample - One or more species excluded from IBI calculation. 1 07/06/2007
Stream:Gillette Run (Trib. to Walnut Creek) River Mile: 2.1 Lat: 39:47:32.22 Lon:-82:41:55.82 Date: 06/21/07 Drainage Area: 3.11 mi² Method: Wading, Longline Time Shocked: 3660 sec Distance Shocked: 180 m Stream Flow: Continuous Stage: Normal Field Crew: ODOT - M. Raymond, M. Perlik, K. Walls. Description: The sample site lies within a segment of a previously channelized unnamed tributary to Walnut Creek that was relocated in 2002 as part of the U.S. Route 33-Lancaster Bypass project. The channel relocation incorporated some basic natural channel design features (meandering and two stage channel) as well as the construction of four riffles and the planting of trees and shrubs along the riparian corridor. The channel has extensive coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation (Charra sp. and Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum) which likely affected the sample effort (fish would get caught up in the vegetation). A QHEI conducted within the relocated segment on 6/21/07 resulted in a score of 70 and an Index of Biotic Integrity score of 44. Sci. Name Common name FINS Code Total Counted Relative Abundance (%) Tolerance Anomalies Ameiurus natalis yellow bullhead 47004 4 0.4 T Campostoma anomalum central stoneroller 43044 127 12.9 --- Catostomus commersoni white sucker 40016 151 15.4 T Cottus bairdi mottled sculpin 90002 33 3.4 --- Etheostoma blennioides greenside darter 80015 8 0.8 M Etheostoma flabellare faintail darter 80024 126 12.8 --- Etheostoma nigrum johnny darter 80014 33 3.4 --- Hypentelium nigricans n. hog sucker 40015 2 0.2 M Lepomis cyanellus green sunfish 77008 4 0.4 T Lepomis macrochirus bluegill sunfish 77009 11 1.1 P Lepomis megalotis longear sunfish 77011 8 0.8 M Micropterus salmoides largemouth bass (Y.O.Y.) 77006 5 0.5 --- Pimephales notatus bluntnose minnow 43043 36 3.7 T Rhinichthys atratulus blacknose dace 43011 107 10.9 T Tumor Light- 1 Semotilus atromaculatus creek chub 43013 327 33.3 T Totals 15 species 982
Stream: Gillette Run (Trib. to Walnut Creek) River Mile: 2.1 Lat: 39:47:32.22 Lon:-82:41:55.82 Date: 06/21/05 Drainage Area: 3.11 mi² Method: Wading, Longline Time Shocked: 3960 sec Distance Shocked: 189 m Stream Flow: Continuous Stage: Normal Field Crew: ODOT - M. Raymond, C. Yoder. Description: The sample site lies within a segment of a previously channelized unnamed tributary to Walnut Creek that was relocated in 2002 as part of the U.S. Route 33-Lancaster Bypass project. The channel relocation incorporated some basic natural channel design features (meandering and two stage channel) as well as the construction of four riffles and the planting of trees and shrubs along the riparian corridor. The channel has extensive coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation (Najas and Nasturtium officinale) which likely affected the sample effort (fish would get caught up in the vegetation). A QHEI conducted within the relocated segment on 6/21/05 resulted in a score of 67.5 and Index of Biotic Integrity score of 44. Sci. Name Common name FINS Code Total Counted Relative Abundance (%) Tolerance Anomalies Ameiurus natalis yellow bullhead 47004 3 0.68 T Campostoma anomalum central stoneroller 43044 10 2.27 --- Catostomus commersoni white sucker 40016 10 2.27 T Cottus bairdi mottled sculpin 90002 24 5.44 --- Etheostoma blennioides greenside darter 80015 2 0.45 M Etheostoma flabellare faintail darter 80024 15 3.40 --- Etheostoma nigrum johnny darter 80014 6 1.36 --- Lepomis cyanellus green sunfish 77008 226 51.25 T BSL -1 EL -2 Lepomis macrochirus bluegill sunfish 77009 68 15.42 P Lepomis megalotis longear sunfish 77011 1 0.23 M Micropterus punctulatus spotted bass 74002 2 0.45 --- Rhinichthys atratulus blacknose dace 43011 6 1.36 T Semotilus atromaculatus creek chub 43013 68 15.42 T TH-1 Totals 13 species 441