A00872-612183.pdf

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division Proposal No. 612183-134691

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DOCUMENT A00872

FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY, BERKSHIRE

COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts Department Of Transportation Highway Division

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Freshwater Mussel Survey, Berkshire County, Massachusetts

#612183, Bridge Replacement, G-11-002, Division Street over the Housatonic River

Great Barrington, MA

Prepared For Massachusetts Department of Transportation

10 Park Plaza Suite 4160

Boston, MA 02116

Prepared By Normandeau Associates, Inc.

25 Nashua Road Bedford, NH 03110-5500

603-472-5191 www.normandeau.com

January 2025

Proposal No. 612183-134691

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Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................... ii

List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................... ii

1 Introduction

2 Survey Area Description

3 Potential Impacts due to Construction Activities

4 Methods

5 Results and Discussion

5.1 Habitat

5.2 Mussel Community

6 Conclusion/Summary

7 References

Appendix A: Survey Plan and MA NHESP Approval

Appendix B: Scientific Collector’s Permit

Appendix C: Representative Site and Species Photographs

Appendix D: Field Data Sheets

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List of Tables Table 1. Unionid records for the Housatonic River in Massachusetts, 2024

Table 2. Summary of Live Unionids, Species, and Relative Abundance Observed in the Housatonic River, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA September 12, 23, 25-26, 2024

Table 3. Maximum Depth, Number of Live Unionids, and Substrate Composition in the Housatonic River, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA September 12, 23, 25-26, 2024

Table 4. Summary of Live Unionids and CPUE in the Housatonic River, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA September 12, 23, 25-26, 2024

Table 5. Summary of Unionid Species Observed in the Housatonic River, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA September 12, 23, 25-26, 2024

List of Figures Figure 1. Project Location Map, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA

Figure 2. Proposed Mussel Survey Area, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA

Figure 3. Substrate and Maximum Water Depth (ft), Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA

Figure 4. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE), Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA

Figure 5. Live Unionids Collected and Species Distribution Per Cell, Division Street, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, MA

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1. Introduction

Normandeau Associates, Inc. (Normandeau) completed a freshwater mussel (unionid) survey for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in support of a proposed bridge replacement project on Division Street over the Housatonic River, located in Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts (MassDOT Project #612183). In response to requests from the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (MA DFW), mussel survey services were required as part of the permitting process for the Division Street bridge replacement (Figure 1).

MassDOT Project #612183 involves the replacement of the existing structure at the Division Street Bridge (Bridge No. G-11-002) including demolition of the existing bridge and the construction of a new bridge structure over the Housatonic River (Project). Both permanent and temporary impacts within the River waterway are anticipated. The Housatonic River at the Project area has a drainage area of approximately 214,400 acres (335 square miles). A freshwater mussel survey was completed on September 12, 23, and 25-26, 2024, to document the presence and distribution of mussel species at this location. Objectives of the survey included:

• Determining the presence or probable absence of any special status (rare) mussel species within the designated survey area;

• Determining the location of any significant mussel aggregations and distribution of species within the designated survey area; and

• Documenting existing in-stream habitat conditions.

A review of protected aquatic resources was necessary as part of the Clean Water Act Section 401, Section 404, and MA DFW Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Permit authorization process. No federal listed mussel species were identified according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation review, but several state listed species are known to occur in the Housatonic River including brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa;

endangered) and creeper (Strophitus undulatus; Table 1).

The mussel survey was conducted following a survey plan that was reviewed and approved by the MA NHESP, included in Appendix A. The survey was conducted under Massachusetts License to Collect or Possess: Scientific (NHESP # 1087.24WI) issued to Normandeau’s Joseph Snavely. Copies of these permits and approvals are included in Appendix B.

Normandeau’s Joseph Snavely prepared the survey plan and is the author of this report. Mr. Snavely is a Massachusetts qualified surveyor recognized by NHESP and the USFWS. He was assisted in the field by Normandeau Biologists and Scientific Divers.

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2. Survey Area Description

Based on the proposed construction activities, the footprint of in-stream bridge construction work (the Area of Direct Impact or ADI) was expected to span approximately 50 meters (m) of the main channel, approximately 1,773 square meters (m2). In addition to the ADI, the surveyed area included an Area of Indirect Effect (AIE), consisting of a 100 m downstream buffer (3,706 m2) and a 50 m (1,693 m2) upstream buffer. The total length of surveyed area was approximately 200 linear meters of stream which extended the entire wetted width of the River, resulting in a total survey area of approximately 7,172 m2 (Figure 2). A search rate of 0.5 minutes per one m2 was utilized in each cell to reach a baseline target of 20 percent total cell coverage.

Ambient weather conditions observed during the survey included cloudy to sunny skies, with rain occurring on the 26th. Air temperatures ranged from 58 degrees Fahrenheit (° F) to 79° F and water temperatures of 63° F to 66° F were observed throughout the duration of the survey. Visibility throughout the survey was ideal at approximately 1.5 m (5 feet). River flow, visibility, and survey conditions remained consistent over the course of the survey.

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3. Potential Impacts due to Construction Activities

Mussels are sedentary organisms that are relatively immobile. They spend most of their lives living in the sediments of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. Mussels feed by filtering particulate matter (e.g., algae, zooplankton, suspended sediments) from the water column. The respiratory and feeding mechanisms of mussels can expose them to a variety of stressors including siltation. Mussels typically require clean, stable substrates comprised of heterogeneous mixtures of small cobble, gravel, clays, and sand in areas of steady and moderate water flow. Substrate stability and suitability can be a major limiting factor for mussel species richness and abundance (Allen and Vaughn, 2010). Clay and sand serve as consolidating components in heterogeneous substrate. However, deep, unconsolidated silt and organic material typically do not support lotic or riverine mussel species and can even smother individuals.

Freshwater mussels require a fish host to complete their life cycle. Many species of mussels have separate sexes for adult males and females. However, some species are hermaphroditic and may self-fertilize. Once fertilized, the female adults release tiny glochidia (parasitic larvae), depending upon biotic and abiotic cues. The parasitic larvae require a specific host (typically fish) to attach to and continue development. The larvae attach to gills and/or fins of the host fish where they become blood parasites for a period before transforming into juvenile mussels. The juveniles then release from the host fish and fall into the substrate where they develop into adults.

Construction activities can result in both direct and indirect effects on mussels. In-stream construction (e.g., cofferdams) can result in changes to river conditions that influence flow and substrate, which can result in stress, harm, or mortality to mussels (Watters, 2000; Strayer et al., 2004). Direct and indirect effects to mussels may alter their reproduction, growth, and survival. Direct effects may include physical injury or mortality resulting from significant changes in flow that create scour or deposition, smothering or crushing (i.e., excessive sediments, placement of structures), dewatering, or excavation and removal of mussels. Indirect effects may cause interruptions in reproductive activity, loss of fish host availability, or dislodgement of mussels into unfavorable habitat conditions.

Permanent impacts to mussels may include disturbance of the riverbed (habitat) through construction and placement of intake structures, placement of erosion and sediment control measures, and access disturbances to the riverbed to place the structures. Temporary impacts to mussels may include increased siltation during construction, spudding temporary work platforms, and altered habitat from changes in flow regime during construction.

The ADI described herein, and the required area depicted on the survey plan mapping (Figure 2) represent current workspace needs for the bridge replacement project. Likely impacts to the Housatonic River and extant mussel populations from the construction activities are associated with dewatering, flow diversion, scour and sedimentation. AIEs are depicted as upstream and downstream buffers from the ADI.

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4. Methods

Normandeau’s survey crew established the ADI and AIE limits using the survey mapping approved by MA DFW. The mussel survey focused on the discovery of live mussels. However, dead (or empty) shells encountered on the River bottom were identified, including a bank search for middens (accumulations of dead shells discarded by feeding wildlife).

The Phase 1 survey efforts were designed following the Survey Protocol for Assessment of Endangered Freshwater Mussels in the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania (Smith et al. 2001), and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Survey Guidelines: Freshwater Mussels (Commonwealth 2013). Specifics regarding survey methods are detailed in the Mussel Survey Plan provided in Appendix A.

The Phase 1 survey was performed using cells approximately 100 m2 in area (10 m x 10 m) encompassing 200 linear meters (7,172 m2) of the Housatonic River (Figure 2). A search rate of 0.5 minutes per one m2 was utilized in each cell with a baseline target of 20% coverage. All cells were surveyed, apart from select cell margins characterized as dewatered (Figures 3, 4, 5). The survey design included surveying a total of 68 cells with tactile and visual searches, utilizing both snorkeling equipment and SCUBA. Additional time was spent in the ADI where live mussels were observed.

Search efforts were increased in areas where suitable habitat (mix of sand, silt, clay, and gravel) and live mussels were observed. Total search efforts ranged between 14 and 30 minutes per cell for the search area based on the observed habitat and species composition. Due to excellent visibility during the survey, surveyors were easily able to scan outside of the designated cells for evidence of any live mussels. Less time was spent in cells that had unsuitable substrate or were dewatered.

Live mussels were collected in mesh bags for each cell, carried to the shoreline, and processed. Care was taken to minimize the amount of time mussels were out of the water. Live animals were kept in a mesh collection bag in river water until they were processed and returned to the cells where they were observed. Locations of any state listed species were recorded and individuals were returned to the approximate location from which they were encountered. No mussels were tagged or marked during this survey effort and relocation of mussel species was not conducted.

Data recorded from the survey included:

• Time searched in each cell;

• Substrate composition (visual percentage based on Wentworth scale (Wentworth, 1922));

• Water depth (nearest foot);

• Mussel species; size (length, height, and width to the nearest millimeter for listed species only) and sex (where applicable); age derived from external annuli count; and other notable features.

Shell material was classified as fresh dead (FD; nacre lustrous), weathered (WD; shell intact but nacre chalky), or sub-fossil (SF; shell brittle and periostracum worn).

Photographs of the survey area and freshwater mussel species collected are provided in Appendix C.

Field data sheets are provided in Appendix D.

Recorded data were used to determine the following:

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• Relative abundance per square meter;

• Catch per unit effort (CPUE; number per hour calculated as No. live mussels/sample time x 60 minutes = No. / Hour);

• Relative substrate percentage per cell;

• Mussel size, and where applicable, sex identification; and

• Observed mortality, if any.

Normandeau’s Joseph Snavely directed the field efforts, conducted the species identifications, and recorded data such as water depth and substrate conditions observed by the survey team. Collections were conducted under the Scientific Collector’s Permit (NHESP No. 1087.24WI; Joseph Snavely, Normandeau).

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5. Results and Discussion

Overall, the area within the survey area was conducive to mussel colonization and substrate and River morphology were suitable for mussels.

A total of 25.4 man-hours surveying 5,607 m2 resulted in the identification of 43 mussels, comprised of four live species that included one state listed special concern species. The dominant species observed were eastern elliptio (Elliptio complanata) at 55.8% of total composition, followed by the eastern lampmussel (Lampsilis radiata) at 37.2%, creeper (Strophitus undulatus) at 4.7%, and triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata) at 2.3% (Table 2). Live mussels were observed in 16 of the 68 cells surveyed.

Cells where no mussels were detected were characterized by swift flows or substrate dominated by cobble and gravel, with low proportions of sand and silt. No middens were observed along the shoreline of the designated survey area and no additional species were observed via shell material.

5.1 Habitat

Overall habitat in the Housatonic River survey area was comprised of course to fine sediments including boulder, cobble, gravel, sand, and silt. The survey area was dominated by gravel and cobble, 35.5% and 31.1% respectively, with higher proportion of sand observed along the nearshore margins of both banks.

The upstream buffer consisted of heterogeneous proportions of cobble, gravel, and sand with depths ranging from 0.3 m (1 foot) to 0.9 m (3 feet) along the left descending bank. The center channel and right descending bank of the ADI was comprised of course materials including cobble and gravel, with few pockets of sand and silt. The left descending bank of the ADI provided flow refugia, consisting of higher proportions of sand and silt (Table 3; Figure 3). Depths in the ADI ranged from 0.6 m (2 feet) along the left descending bank margins to 1.8 m (6 feet; Figure 3). The downstream buffer characteristics included a transition from a deep slow pool in the upper part, to a run, then riffle towards the downstream limits of the downstream buffer. Substrate characteristics in the upper downstream buffer were similar to the upstream buffer, with cobble and gravel in the center channel and sand and silt along the margins (Table 3; Figure 3). Substrate then transitioned to cobble and gravel dominated, with pockets of sand, in the lower downstream buffer (Figure 3).

5.2 Mussel Community

Live mussels were detected in 16 of the 68 cells surveyed (Figures 4 and 5). CPUE ranged from 0.0 to 33 mussels per hour, with the highest CPUE observed in Cell 3 of the downstream buffer (Table 4, Figure 4).

This cell was characterized by cobble, gravel, sand, and silt, with the presence of large woody debris (Figure 3). The average CPUE for the entire survey area was 1.7 mussels per hour (Table 4). Two creepers, a Massachusetts species of special concern, were observed throughout the survey area, one in ADI Cell 2 and one in downstream buffer Cell 38 (Table 5).

Populations of eastern elliptio and eastern lampmussel appeared healthy, with representation of multiple age classes (juvenile and adults) observed during the survey. The observed creepers and triangle floater were large adults, with the creepers being approximately 12 and 15 years old, and the triangle floater 14 years or older.

Additionally, live and shell material from the invasive quagga mussel (Dreissena sp.) were observed within the survey area.

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6. Conclusion

The habitat observed in the survey area supports mussel populations, with highest concentrations observed downstream of the Division Street bridge in the lower ADI and downstream buffer (Figure 5).

The following provides a list of key summary findings from the 2024 survey effort:

1. A total of 43 live mussels were observed in 68 cells;

2. Four live species were observed throughout the survey (eastern elliptio, easter lampmussel, triangle floater, and creeper);

3. Additionally, one invasive exotic species was observed in the survey area, quagga mussel;

4. Two creeper, a Massachusetts species of special concern, were observed from ADI Cell 3 and downstream buffer Cell 38;

5. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was variable throughout the survey, ranging from 0.0 to 33 mussels per hour with the highest densities observed in Cell 3 of the downstream buffer;

6. No mussels were relocated during this survey effort.

Habitat within the survey area was considered favorable for freshwater mussels. Substrate characteristics throughout the survey area consisted of course material, with areas along the margins that had accumulations of sand and silt. Live mussels were often observed in these areas where silt and sand accumulation occurred, with few mussels observed in course substrate.

Best management practices should be incorporated as part of the bridge replacement process to minimize potential impacts to the surrounding mussel community to the extent practical. Methods to reduce excessive sediment and falling debris during the construction activities should also be employed to the extent practical. Overall, effects to the mussel community in the Housatonic River from the proposed Project activities are expected based on the observed distribution and species composition of the mussel community at this bridge location. Direct impacts to mussels are likely to occur based on their location in the ADI and buffer areas. Additional discussion regarding the effects and impacts state listed mussel species with MADFW are warranted as part of the project design and construction planning coordination.

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7. References Allen, D.C., and C.C. Vaughn. 2010. Complex hydraulic and substrate variables limit freshwater mussel species richness and abundance. Journal of the North American Benthological Society 29(2):383- 394.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts DFW 2013. Massachusetts Endangered Species Survey Guidelines:

Freshwater Mussels. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

https://molluskconservation.org/Library/Protocol%20PDFs/MA%20mussel-survey-guidelines-may-2013.pdf

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 2025. List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species.

Accessed November 2024. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-endangered-threatened-and-special-concern-species#mussels

Smith, D.R., R.F. Villella, and D.P. Lemarie. 2001. Survey protocol for assessment of endangered freshwater mussels in the Allegheny River. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 20(1): 118-132.

https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Mussel%20Survey%20Guidelines%20Smith %20et%20al%202001.pdf

Strayer, D.L., J.A. Downing, W.R. Haag, T.L. King, J.B. Layzer, T.J. Newton, and S.J. Nichols. 2004.

Changing perspectives on pearly mussels, North America’s most imperiled animals. BioScience 54(5):429-439.

Wentworth, C. K. 1922. A scale of grade and class terms for classic sediments. Journal of Geology v30:377-392.

Watters, G.T. 2000. Freshwater mussels and water quality: A review of the effects of hydrologic and instream habitat alterations. pp. 261-274 in R.A. Tankersley, D.I. Warmolts, G.T. Watters, B.J.

Armitage, P.D. Johnson, and R.S. Butler (eds.). Freshwater Mollusk Symposia Proceedings. Part II. Proceedings of the First Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium. Ohio Biological Survey Special Publication, Columbus. 274 pp.

A00872 - 13 https://molluskconservation.org/Library/Protocol%20PDFs/MA%20mussel-survey-guidelines-may-2013.pdf https://molluskconservation.org/Library/Protocol%20PDFs/MA%20mussel-survey-guidelines-may-2013.pdf https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-endangered-threatened-and-special-concern-species#mussels https://www.mass.gov/info-details/list-of-endangered-threatened-and-special-concern-species#mussels https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Mussel%20Survey%20Guidelines%20Smith%20et%20al%202001.pdf https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Mussel%20Survey%20Guidelines%20Smith%20et%20al%202001.pdf

FIGURES

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TABLES

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Subfamily Scientific Name1 Common Name Federal Status

MA

Status

Alasmidonta Alasmidonta undulata Triangle Floater - -

Alasmidonta varicosa Brook Floater - E

Ambleminae Elliptio complanata Eastern Elliptio - -

Anodontinae Utterbackiana implicata Alewife Floater - -

Pyganodon cataracta Eastern Floater - -

Strophitus undulatus Creeper - SC

Lampsilinae Lampsilis cariosa Yellow Lampmussel - E

Lampsilis radiata Eastern Lampmussel - -

Total 8 3

Table 1. State and Federal Status for Potential Unionid Species in the Housatonic River, MA, 2024

E= Endangered; SC= Species of Concern

Source; NHESP Correspondence 2024; Commonwealth 2025

January 2025

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Species Total Live by Species Rel. Ab. (%)

Elliptio complanata 24 55.8

Lampsilis radiata 16 37.2

Strophitus undulatus 1 2 4.7

Alasmidonta undulata 1 2.3

Species Richness Total 4

Species Richness Live 4

Total Live Relocated 0

Total Unionids 43

Survey Effort - hr(min) 25.4 (1552)

Total Search Area (m2) 5,607

Overall CPUE (no./hour)2 1.7

1 Species of Special Concern

Table 2. Summary of Live Unionids, Species, and Relative Abundance Observed in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

2 CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort) = number live per work person hour ( no. live / (Tot time/60 min)

1 of 1 January 2025

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Survey Location Maximum Depth (ft.) Live Unionids BR BO CB GR SD ST CL

Upstream Buffer

USB‐1 2 0 0 0 40 25 25 10 0

USB‐2 2 0 0 0 40 25 25 10 0

USB‐3 1 0 0 0 20 55 20 5 0

USB‐4 1.5 0 0 0 15 40 40 5 0

USB‐5 1.5 0 0 0 15 40 40 5 0

USB‐6 2.5 1 0 0 40 25 25 10 0

USB‐7 2 0 0 0 50 30 10 10 0

USB‐8 1 0 0 5 20 45 25 5 0

USB‐9 1 0 0 5 30 40 25 0 0

USB‐10 1 0 0 5 30 40 25 0 0

USB‐11 3 0 0 10 40 20 10 20 0

USB‐12 2 0 0 0 50 30 10 10 0

USB‐13 1 0 0 0 50 30 15 5 0

USB‐14 2 0 0 0 30 30 30 10 0

USB‐15 1 0 0 0 30 30 30 10 0

USB Total/Avg Subtrate 3 1 0 1.7 33.3 33.7 23.7 7.7 0

Area of Direct Impact

ADI‐1 6 2 0 50 10 10 10 20 0

ADI‐2 5 2 0 10 50 30 0 10 0

ADI‐3 4 0 0 10 40 40 5 5 0

ADI‐4 4 0 0 10 50 30 5 5 0

ADI‐5 4 0 0 5 30 30 30 5 0

ADI‐6 5 1 0 0 30 60 10 0 0

ADI‐7 6 0 0 0 30 60 10 0 0

ADI‐8 5 0 0 0 30 60 10 0 0

ADI‐9 4 0 0 0 30 60 10 0 0

ADI‐10 4 0 0 0 30 60 10 0 0

ADI‐11 2 3 0 0 0 20 70 10 0

ADI‐12 2 1 0 0 20 20 50 10 0

ADI‐13 4 0 0 0 20 20 40 20 0

ADI‐14 4 0 0 0 20 20 40 20 0

ADI‐15 4 0 0 0 20 20 40 20 0

ADI Total/Avg Substrate 6 9 0 5.7 27.3 36.0 22.7 8.3 0

Downstream Buffer

DSB‐12

DSB‐2 1 0 0 10 60 20 10 0 0

1 Wentworth scale (Wentworth 1922)

BR = bed rock, BO = boulder, CB = cobble, GR = gravel, SD = sand, ST = silt, CL = clay, Other = shell material, detritus etc.

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

2 Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

Average Substrate Composition (%)1

Table 3. Maximum Depth, Number of Live Unionids, and Substrate Composition in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, Massachusetts, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

1 of 3 January 2025

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Average Substrate Composition (%)1

Table 3. Maximum Depth, Number of Live Unionids, and Substrate Composition in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, Massachusetts, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer (cont)

DSB‐3 4 11 0 0 30 30 30 10 0

DSB‐4 5 7 0 0 30 30 30 10 0

DSB‐5 5 2 0 0 30 50 10 10 0

DSB‐6 5 0 0 0 10 50 30 10 0

DSB‐7 3 0 0 10 0 50 30 10 0

DSB‐82

DSB‐9 2.5 0 0 30 30 30 10 0 0

DSB‐10 3 0 0 5 60 25 10 0 0

DSB‐11 3 0 0 5 60 25 10 0 0

DSB‐12 4 1 0 0 45 50 5 0 0

DSB‐13 5 0 0 0 50 45 5 0 0

DSB‐14 6 0 0 0 50 50 0 0 0

DSB‐15 6 0 0 0 45 50 5 0 0

DSB‐16 6 0 0 0 50 45 5 0 0

DSB‐17 1.5 1 0 10 40 10 30 10 0

DSB‐18 2.5 0 0 20 50 20 10 0 0

DSB‐19 4 0 0 10 50 30 10 0 0

DSB‐20 4 0 0 10 50 30 10 0 0

DSB‐21 4 0 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐22 5 1 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐23 5 0 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐24 5 0 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐25 4 0 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐26 4 1 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐27 4 2 0 0 30 40 20 10 0

DSB‐29 1 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB‐30 1 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB‐31 1.5 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB‐32 1.5 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB‐33 1 0 0 0 25 35 35 5 0

DSB‐34 1 0 0 0 30 20 30 20 0

DSB‐35 1 0 0 0 35 15 30 20 0

DSB‐36 1 0 0 0 35 15 30 20 0

DSB‐37 1.5 3 0 0 15 30 45 10 0

Wentworth scale (Wentworth 1922)

BR = bed rock, BO = boulder, CB = cobble, GR = gravel, SD = sand, ST = silt, CL = clay, Other = shell material, detritus etc.

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

2 Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

2 of 3 January 2025

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Average Substrate Composition (%)1

Table 3. Maximum Depth, Number of Live Unionids, and Substrate Composition in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, Massachusetts, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer (cont)

DSB‐38 1.5 4 0 0 15 30 45 10 0

DSB‐39 1.5 0 0 0 15 30 45 10 0

DSB‐40 1 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB‐41 1 0 0 0 20 50 25 5 0

DSB Total/Avg Substrate 6 33 0 2.9 32.6 36.7 21.1 6.7 0

Grand Total/Avg Substrate 6 43 0 3.4 31.1 35.5 22.5 7.6 0

1 Wentworth scale (Wentworth 1922)

BR = bed rock, BO = boulder, CB = cobble, GR = gravel, SD = sand, ST = silt, CL = clay, Other = shell material, detritus etc.

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

3 of 3 January 2025

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Survey Location Number Live Mussels Survey Time

(minutes) 1 CPUE (no./hour) - Total Search Area (m2)

Upstream Buffer

USB‐1 0 24 0.0 73

USB‐2 0 24 0.0 71

USB‐3 0 24 0.0 71

USB‐4 0 24 0.0 73

USB‐5 0 24 0.0 60

USB‐6 1 24 2.5 100

USB‐7 0 24 0.0 100

USB‐8 0 24 0.0 100

USB‐9 0 24 0.0 100

USB‐10 0 24 0.0 109

USB‐11 0 30 0.0 100

USB‐12 0 30 0.0 100

USB‐13 0 30 0.0 100

USB‐14 0 30 0.0 100

USB‐15 0 30 0.0 106

USB Total/Avg CPUE 1 390 0.2 1,363

Area of Direct Impact

ADI‐1 2 14 8.6 38

ADI‐2 2 28 4.3 54

ADI‐3 0 28 0.0 61

ADI‐4 0 28 0.0 62

ADI‐5 0 32 0.0 67

ADI‐6 1 14 4.3 100

ADI‐7 0 14 0.0 100

ADI‐8 0 14 0.0 100

ADI‐9 0 14 0.0 100

ADI‐10 0 14 0.0 100

ADI‐11 3 30 6.0 100

ADI‐12 1 30 2.0 100

ADI‐13 0 24 0.0 100

ADI‐14 0 24 0.0 100

ADI‐15 0 24 0.0 100

ADI Total/Avg CPUE 9 332 1.6 1,282

Downstream Buffer

DSB‐12

DSB‐2 0 15 0.0 43

DSB‐3 11 20 33.0 71

DSB‐4 7 20 21.0 68

DSB‐5 2 20 6.0 59

DSB‐6 0 20 0.0 51

DSB‐7 0 20 0.0 43

DSB‐82

DSB‐9 0 20 0.0 32

DSB‐10 0 20 0.0 74

DSB‐11 0 20 0.0 100

DSB‐12 1 20 3.0 100

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer 2 Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

Table 4. Summary of Live Unionids and CPUE for the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

1 CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort) = number live per work person hour ( no. live / (Tot time/60 min)

1 of 2 January 2025

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Survey Location Number Live Mussels Survey Time

(minutes) 1 CPUE (no./hour) - Total Search Area (m2)

Table 4. Summary of Live Unionids and CPUE for the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA, September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer

DSB‐13 0 20 0.0 100

DSB‐14 0 20 0.0 100

DSB‐15 0 20 0.0 100

DSB‐16 0 20 0.0 100

DSB‐17 1 20 3.0 26

DSB‐18 0 20 0.0 50

DSB‐19 0 21 0.0 73

DSB‐20 0 21 0.0 101

DSB‐21 0 21 0.0 101

DSB‐22 1 21 2.9 101

DSB‐23 0 21 0.0 101

DSB‐24 0 21 0.0 101

DSB‐25 0 21 0.0 101

DSB‐26 1 21 2.9 101

DSB‐27 2 21 5.7 100

DSB‐29 0 23 0.0 10

DSB‐30 0 23 0.0 90

DSB‐31 0 23 0.0 100

DSB‐32 0 23 0.0 100

DSB‐33 0 23 0.0 97

DSB‐34 0 23 0.0 78

DSB‐35 0 23 0.0 73

DSB‐36 0 23 0.0 74

DSB‐37 3 23 7.8 83

DSB‐38 4 23 10.4 79

DSB‐39 0 23 0.0 50

DSB‐40 0 23 0.0 91

DSB‐41 0 23 0.0 40

DSB Total/Avg CPUE 33 803 2.5 2,962

Grand Total/Avg CPUE 43 1,525 1.7 5,607

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

1 CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort) = number live per work person hour ( no. live / (Tot time/60 min)

2 of 2 January 2025

A00872 - 27

Survey Location/Species Live FD WD SF

Upstream Buffer

USB‐1

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐2

Alasmidonta undulata 0 0 0 1

Subtotal 0 0 0 1

USB‐3

Lampsilis radiata 0 0 0 1

Subtotal 0 0 0 1

USB‐4

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐5

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐6

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

USB‐7

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐8

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐9

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐10

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐11

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐12

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐13

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

Table 5. Summary of Unionid Species Observed in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

1 of 6 January 2025

A00872 - 28

Table 5. Summary of Unionid Species Observed in the Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Upstream Buffer (cont)

USB‐14

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB‐15

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB Total 1 0 0 2

Area of Direct Impact

ADI‐1

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 2 0 0 0

ADI‐2

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Strophitus undulatus

1 0 0 0

Subtotal 2 0 0 0

ADI‐3

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐4

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐5

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐6

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

ADI‐7

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐8

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐9

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐10

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

1 Species of Special Concern

2 of 6 January 2025

A00872 - 29

Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Area of Direct Impact (cont)

ADI‐11

Elliptio complanata 3 0 0 0

Subtotal 3 0 0 0

ADI‐12

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

ADI‐13

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐14

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI‐15

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

ADI Total 9 0 0 0

Downstream Buffer

DSB‐1

DSB‐2 0 0 0 0

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐3

Elliptio complanata 5 0 1 0

Lampsilis radiata 6 0 0 0

Subtotal 11 0 1 0

DSB‐4

Elliptio complanata 4 0 0 0

Lampsilis radiata 3 0 0 0

Subtotal 7 0 0 0

DSB‐5

Elliptio complanata 2 0 0 0

Subtotal 2 0 0 0

DSB‐6

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐7

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐8

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer 2 Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

Exposed at low flow ‐ Not Surveyed

3 of 6 January 2025

A00872 - 30

Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer (cont)

DSB‐9

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐10

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐11

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐12

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

DSB‐13

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐14

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐15

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐16

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐17

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

DSB‐18

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐19

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐20

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐21

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐22

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

4 of 6 January 2025

A00872 - 31

Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer (cont)

DSB‐23

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐24

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐25

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐26

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 1 0 0 0

DSB‐27

Elliptio complanata 1 0 0 0

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Subtotal 2 0 0 0

DSB‐29

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐30

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐31

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐32

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐33

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐34

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐35

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐36

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

5 of 6 January 2025

A00872 - 32

Housatonic River, Division St., Berkshire County, MA

September 12, 23, 25 and 26, 2024

Downstream Buffer (cont)

DSB‐37

Alasmidonta undulata 1 0 0 0

Elliptio complanata 2 0 0 0

Subtotal 3 0 0 0

DSB‐38

Elliptio complanata 2 0 0 0

Lampsilis radiata 1 0 0 0

Strophitus undulatus

1 0 0 0

Subtotal 4 0 0 0

DSB‐39

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB‐40

Elliptio complanata 0 0 0 1

Subtotal 0 0 0 1

DSB‐41

No Live Mussels or Shells 0 0 0 0

Subtotal 0 0 0 0

DSB Total 33 0 1 1

Grand Total 43 0 1 3

USB = Upstream Buffer, ADI = Area of Direct Impact, DSB = Downstream Buffer 1 Species of Special Concern

FD = Fresh Dead; WD = Weathered Dead; SF = Subfossil

6 of 6 January 2025

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Appendix A: Survey Plan and MA NHESP Approval

A00872 - 34

July 10, 2024

Mr. Jason Carmignani Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program North Drive, Route 135 Westborough, MA 01581

SENT VIA EMAIL: Jason Carmignani

RE: Project Title: Great Barrington- Bridge Replacement, G-11-002 Division Street over the Housatonic River (MassDOT #612183) Mussel Survey Normandeau Associates, Inc., Project Number 24055.010

Dear Mr. Carmignani:

Normandeau Associates Inc. (Normandeau) is submitting this proposed freshwater mussel survey plan (Plan) for the Great Barrington Division Street Bridge Replacement project over the Housatonic River, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). This Plan was developed in accordance with methodologies outlined in the Survey Protocol for Assessment of Endangered Freshwater Mussels in the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania (Smith et al, 2001) and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Survey Guidelines: Freshwater Mussels (May 2013). Normandeau’s US Fish and Wildlife Service and Massachusetts qualified surveyor (Joe Snavely; Attachment 1) will oversee the freshwater mussel (unionid) survey.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

MassDOT is proposing to replace the existing Division Street bridge structure in Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts with a drainage area of approximately 282 square miles at the project site near (Attachment 2). The project will result in permanent and temporary impacts within the Housatonic River waterway. The area of direct impact (ADI) and area of indirect effect (AIE) must be surveyed for the target species prior to initiating construction to determine if adverse impacts to mussels are likely to occur as a result of the project activities. No federal listed mussel species were identified according to the USFWS IPAC review, but several state rare and threatened species are known to occur in the Housatonic River including brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata), and creeper (Strophitus undulatus).

METHODS

The objective of this survey is to detect the presence or probable absence of any special status species within the current project footprint. The area of stream bottom that will be directly affected by the bridge replacement is the 50-meter ADI. The upstream buffer (AIE) extends approximately 50 meters from the ADI and the downstream buffer (AIE) extends 100 meters from the ADI at the bridge. The total length of the mussel survey area is approximately 200 linear meters of stream and extends the entire wetted width of the river and with total

A00872 - 35 area of approximately 7,172 square meters (Attachment 3). Normandeau recently submitted for a Scientific Collecting permit amendment for freshwater mussels at this location.

The survey will be accomplished by a crew of biologists experienced in detection, identification, handling, and movement of mussels. The survey will be conducted using snorkels and/or view buckets in shallow water and SCUBA in deeper water. Any freshwater mussels observed during the survey will be collected in mesh bags, brought to the shoreline or to the boat, and held in free-flowing stream water during processing.

Normandeau proposes to establish survey cells or lanes within the survey area. Normandeau surveyors will use visual and tactile search methods to detect live mussels, gently disturbing the surface of the substrate by hand to sweep away cobble, organic debris, and fine sediments in order to detect buried or partially buried mussels.

More survey time will be spent in high quality habitat and less in poor quality habitat. The mussels found in the survey area will be placed back into stream bottom substrate, anterior end down in the cells where they were collected.

All mussels, regardless of species, will be identified and counted. No shell measurements (length, width, and height) will be made, except for S1/S2 state-listed species. Representative photographs of each mussel species and the project area will be taken. No excavations will be conducted as part of this survey. No mussels will be tagged or relocated at this time. Representative spent shells will be retained as vouchers and sent to Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife National Heritage and Endangered Species Program (MADFW NHESP) for documentation and identification purposes, if necessary.

As part of the initial mussel survey, Normandeau field crews will also search for and identify a suitable relocation site for mussels, should one be necessary. Wandering timed searches will be conducted to identify a suitable relocation site of equal or better habitat. Data regarding the existing substrate and mussel species composition will be recorded and presented to NHESP for approval. The perimeter of the selected relocation recipient site will be physically marked in the stream using semi-permanent stakes placed into the bottom with flagging attached. In addition, the perimeter will be noted by recording coordinates using a GPS field instrument to facilitate redetection as necessary.

Normandeau will prepare a draft and, subsequent to receipt of draft review comments, final reports describing the results of the survey and relocation site selection surveys. This report will include a description of methodology, the survey conditions, substrate characteristics, and the data associated with the observed mussels.

The following data will be collected for each cell or wandering timed search and summarized in the survey report:

• Photographs will be taken of the survey area and a minimum of one representative photo of each mussel species will be taken for verification purposes including key diagnostic features, if apparent;

• Representative site and habitat photographs;

• Time for each survey area (cells);

• Substrate composition of each sample/pass (visual percentage based on Wentworth scale);

A00872 - 36

• Water depth (meters);

• Mussel species, individual size (length to the nearest millimeter – listed species only), sex (where applicable), and age (external annuli count);

• Mussel abundance (CPUE) estimates, and density estimates;

• Mussel shells (classified as fresh dead, weathered dead, or relic shell);

• Fish species observed;

• GPS locations of the survey area boundary; and

• Other notable features (visibility, stream characteristics, water temperature, weather conditions etc.)

Normandeau will prepare and submit a final summary report including the number and species of mussels collected for submission to MADFW-NHESP. The report will follow technical reporting guidelines and will include an introduction, methods, results, and discussion with associated tables, figures, and appendices. Figures will present sample distribution, a species list of mussels that were relocated, and any high quality habitat areas at the project location. We understand that detection of state or federal listed species may require additional coordination depending on their location.

If there are any questions or concerns regarding this Plan, please contact me at (267) 644-3928 or jsnavely@normandeau.com.

Sincerely, Joseph Snavely Principal Scientist Project Manager

Attachments:

Attachment (1) Resume Joe Snavely

Attachment (2) Project Location Map

Attachment (3) Proposed Survey Plan Mapping

REFERENCES

Proposal No. 612183-134691

A00872 - 37 mailto:jsnavely@normandeau.com

Smith, D.R., R.F. Villella, and D.P. Lemarie. 2001. Survey protocol for assessment of endangered freshwater mussels in the Allegheny River. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 20(1): 118-132.

Massachusetts Endangered Species Survey Guidelines: Freshwater Mussels (May 2013) by Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

A00872 - 38

Attachment 1

Resume Joe Snavely

A00872 - 39

JOSEPH C. SNAVELY

Principal Scientist

Mr. Snavely has nearly 25 years of multidisciplinary project experience focused on project management, agency coordination, strategic planning, dive operations management, site safety, wetland identification/ delineation and functional evaluation of wetland systems, evaluation of aquatic ecosystems, stream and river classification, assisting in the completion of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and the completion of Joint Permit Applications for oil and gas, transportation, infrastructure, commercial, legal testimony and residential development projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia. He has delineated several thousand wetland systems throughout his career including large transportation, land development, oil and gas, and utility projects.

Mr. Snavely is involved in the study and evaluation of aquatic ecosystems, specifically, lotic systems. Evaluations include assessment of the physiochemical, aquatic habitat, and the aquatic biota conditions. He has extensive experience in aquatic habitat surveys/evaluations and aquatic ecology using methods and protocol outlined in EPA's Rapid BioAssessment Protocol for Use in Wadeable Streams and Rivers for Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish (1999), multihabitat assessment protocols from the Maryland Biological Stream Surveys for fish and macroinvertebrates, Pennsylvania multihabitat and macroinvertebrate protocols, Virginia Save Our Streams, and North Carolina DENR Bioassessments for State 401 Water Quality Certification. Mr. Snavely has nearly 20 years of experience in surveying for freshwater mussels for species from the Atlantic Slope, Interior and Great Lakes Basins.

Mr. Snavely has also provided 8 years of assistance in Phase I and Phase II Bog Turtle Habitat Evaluations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Mr. Snavely has conducted sensitive plant species surveys in Pennsylvania and Virginia including assistance with monitoring for the Federal Endangered Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrocheatus). Mr. Snavely has five years of experience in performing forest stand delineations in accordance with the State of Maryland Reforestation Act (1991), Roadside Tree Law, and Reforestation Law within the State of Maryland. Mr. Snavely has completed and submitted forest conservation plans necessary for the acquisition of land development permits in Anne Arundel, and Frederick County, Maryland.

EDUCATION

B.S. Environmental Health & Biology, Indiana University of PA, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2016-Present Normandeau Associates 2011-2016 URS Corp./AECOM 2000-2011 Skelly and Loy, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

• Qualified Professional Forest Stand

Delineator, 2007

• Pennsylvania &U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service Qualified Northeastern Bulrush (Scirpus ancistrocheatus) Surveyor, 2015

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PA, NJ, NY, & New England Qualified Dwarf Wedgemussel Surveyor

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Qualified Surveyor Region 3 and Region 5 – Federal Permit Holder All Species

• State Qualified Freshwater Mussel Surveyor – CT, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NH, NY, OH PA, VA, VT,WV

• SCUBA certified – Divemaster – Drysuit, FFM, Nitrox, Rescue

• DAN Oxygen, CPR, and First Aid

• Shell Safelands Safety Training

• URS/AECOM Certified Project Manager

• AECOM Dive Board 2015-2016

• Normandeau Dive Board (2018-Present)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Mid-Atlantic Water Pollution Biologists

(2000-Present)

• Association of PA Contractors (2019-

Present)

• Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society

(2015-Present)

• PA Biological Society – Mollusk Technical

Sub-group (2015-Present)

• Chesapeake Bay Freshwater Mussel

Workgroup (2010-Present)

• Ohio River Valley Mussel Group (2016-

Present)

• Entomological Society of Pennsylvania

(2003-2009)

• MBSS Macroinvertebrate Training (2000-

2004, 2008-2012)

• MBSS Fish Training (2002-2004, 2008-

2011)

• Natural Stream Channel Design Summit

(2001-2002)

A00872 - 40

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Statewide Site Surveys (2022-Present). In coordination with the MADFW, Mr. Snavely coordinated and led the project coordination and site surveys at 45 locations across multiple watersheds using the Brook Floater Rapid Assessment Protocol. Sites were evaluated for presence of mussels including state listed endangered and threatened species for future project planning and coordination. Project Manager, Massachusetts/USFWS Qualified Surveyor Region 5.

Ware River Bridge Replacement Project, Brook Floater Relocation Project, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (2021-Present). In coordination with the project consultant team, MassDOT, Mr. Snavely prepared and submitted a conservation management plan (CMP), mussel relocation plan, developed salvage strategies, and conducted agency negotiations to collect and relocate state endangered Brook Floater (A.

varicosa) from the area of direct impact prior to construction activities. This project required a series of Net Benefit surveys at additional locations on the Ware River as part of the CMP and permit conditions. Mussel relocation services will be completed in 2023. Task Manager, Massachusetts/USFWS Qualified Surveyor Region 5.

Freshwater Mussel Surveys and Relocation Services (Multiple Locations) NYSDOT Statewide (2022-Present).

In coordination with the project consultant and NYSDOT team, Mr. Snavely lead all survey plan development, collection permit acquisition, and mussel survey field work for multiple project locations as part of the project permitting and coordination. Survey sites included species from the interior, great lakes and Atlantic slope basins.

Project drainages included Oswayo Creek, Black Creek, Ninemile Creek, Chenango River and the Allegheny River (Seneca Nation). Project Manager, New York State and USFWS Qualified Surveyor Region 5.

Freshwater Mussel Coordination Services Oswayo Creek (2022-Present). In coordination with the project consultant and the NYSDOT team for bridge replacement project, Mr. Snavely prepared the scope of work and a mussel relocation plan the federal endangered rayed bean (Villosa fabilis) under his current federal recovery permit. Through project coordination is was determined that the project could be modified and successfully completed to avoid in-water impacts. No mussel relocations were required as a result of this coordination. Project Manager, New York State and USFWS Qualified Surveyor Region 5.

Freshwater Mussel Surveys and Relocation Services Black Creek (2022-Present). In coordination with the project consultant and the NYSDOT team, Mr. Snavely led all scope of services and survey plan development, collection permit acquisition, and mussel survey field work as part of the project permitting and coordination.

Relocation recipient sites were identified as part of the survey efforts. Relocation plans were developed as part of this project in the event that in-water disturbances were necessary. Project drainages included Oswayo Creek, Black Creek, Ninemile Creek, Chenango River and the Allegheny River (Seneca Nation). Project Manager, New York State and USFWS Qualified Surveyor Region 5.

Freshwater Mussel…