Key Projects

BioSurvey Group assisted the USFWS in determining the current status of the proposed federally listed Round Hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda) in the Shade River watershed in southeastern Ohio. Habitat assessments were conducted in ten miles of the East Branch Shade River and six miles of the Middle Branch Shade River. These sections were divided into half mile segments prior to the initiation of field work and uploaded to a mapping application. The streams were traversed with a combination of canoeing and wading. Within each half mile segment, one survey reach was selected based on mussel habitat suitability. The reach size was delineated using a laser ranger finder, stream morphology was classified, dominate substrates were noted, and a 30-minute search for mussels was completed. Live Round Hickorynut were located in both branches of the Shade River. Additional intensive surveys will be conducted in 2023.

The City of Sydney, Ohio and Choice One Engineering have proposed the construction of a new sanitary sewer pipe across the Great Miami River. The installation of a sanitary sewer pipe and the associated cofferdam may impact freshwater mussels occurring within the project area and requires coordination with both ODNR and USFWS. BioSurvey Group conducted a Phase 1 and 2 freshwater mussel survey for the project using surface supplied scientific diving methods. A total of 98 live freshwater mussels of 11 species were located during the survey efforts including five federally endangered Villosa fabalis (Rayed Bean). To assist with future project planning, a relocation site selection process was completed, and a suitable site was located upstream of the proposed project. BioSurvey Group is currently working with the City of Sydney and the project engineers in the development of a Biological Assessment for Section 7 Consultation with USFWS to analyze potential project impacts on Rayed Bean.

Ohio River near Charlestown, Indiana

BioSurvey Group performed a freshwater mussel scoping survey for a potential commercial development project along the Ohio River near Charlestown, Indiana. Surface supplied commercial diving methods were used to survey transects that delineated the over 4,000 feet long area of interest. Depths near 50’ were encountered within the survey area and were safely mitigated by our experienced dive team. A total of 171 live freshwater mussels representing 11 species were collected. One live Elliptio crassidens (Elephant-ear), a Kentucky species of special concern, was detected. Additionally, Fusconaia subrotunda (Longsolid) was collected as a weathered dead relic shell and is currently listed as a proposed federally threatened species. Coordination was successfully conducted with KDFWR and KYUSFWS, the survey completed, and the preliminary results were provided to the client within 30 days of project award.

Johnson Creek in Yates, New York

The Angling Road Bridge over Johnson Creek in the Town of Yates, New York required replacement by the Orleans County Department of Public Works. BioSurvey Group conducted a freshwater mussel survey and subsequent relocation prior to construction. A combination of snorkeling and scientific diving methods were used. A total of 781 mussels of five species were collected during the survey. Further, areas of mussel concentrations defined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) were located within the project salvage zone necessitating a mussel salvage and relocation. The subsequent mussel salvage resulted in a total of 384 live mussels of five species being successfully relocated from the project salvage area to a NYSDEC approved relocation area upstream of the Angling Road Bridge project area.

Mississippi River, Lansing, Iowa

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IADOT) proposes to replace the Blackhawk Bridge over the Mississippi River in Lansing, IA. Mussels, including federally endangered species, were present beneath the bridge and a mussel relocation was required prior to construction. BioSurvey Group, as a subcontractor to EcoAnalysts, provided a federally permitted biologist and a five-member dive team for over 90 consecutive days during the fall of 2023. Our project managers, Ryan Schwegman and Sarah Veselka, managed the rotations of crew members and transferring data to the client. During the mussel relocation, the project team of four dive crews moved 31,982 live mussels of 31 species, including hundreds of the federally endangered Lampsilis higginsii. Diving depths were approximately 20 ft deep and the biggest challenge was managing a significant amount of boat traffic through clear and concise communication and signaling. All work was done in accordance with the Biological Opinion.

Little Miami River in Warren County, Ohio

BioSurvey Group conducted a freshwater mussel salvage and relocation for a bank stabilization project along Kings Mill Road adjacent to the Little Miami River in Warren County, Ohio. The goal of the project was to address severe erosion along Kings Mill Road which was threatening public safety and infrastructure integrity and causing sediment loading. The survey area was delineated using survey cells. Multiple depletion passes were conducted in survey cells where live mussels were located. A total of 108 live mussels representing 10 species were successfully = relocated to an upstream site of comparable habitat and mussel diversity to the survey area. BioSurvey Group moved efficiently to clear the project of mussel issues on a very short time frame late in the survey season.

Wheeling Creek in Marshall County, WV

BioSurvey Group conducted a freshwater mussel survey and mussel relocation for the proposed installation of pipelines crossing Wheeling Creek in Marshall County, West Virginia. Survey methods followed the 2022 West Virginia Mussel Survey Protocol using snorkeling gear and view buckets. Live freshwater mussels were found within the project area of direct impact and associated salvage zone resulting in a mussel salvage and relocation. Depletion passes were completed in cells where live mussels were found during the survey. A total of 43 live freshwater mussels of five species were relocated to a designated relocation area upstream of the project site. Results were efficiently reported to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources with construction set to begin in 2024.

Shiawassee River in Owosso, Michigan

BioSurvey Group performed a freshwater mussel salvage and relocation for the proposed M-71 Bridge Project over the Shiawassee River in Shiawassee County, Michigan. Due to MDOT contracting limitations, BioSurvey Group was given a narrow 5-day window to complete the required agency coordination and fieldwork before the end of the 2023 Michigan mussel survey season. Despite the cold water temperatures and narrow window of opportunity, BioSurvey Group completed the necessary field work on schedule. A combination of view buckets, snorkeling, and scientific diving methods were used to complete the mussel salvage and relocation. A total of 297 live freshwater mussels representing 11 species were collected and relocated to an approved site upstream of the M-71 Bridge. Coordination was successfully conducted with Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Rock River in Byron, Illinois

The wastewater treatment discharge system in the City of Byron, Illinois operates under the regulations of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. As part of the NPDES permitting process, the city was required to complete a mussel survey on the Rock River within the permitted mixing zone. BioSurvey Group was selected to undertake this survey on their behalf. Surface-supplied commercial diving techniques were utilized to complete the survey effort. A total of 120 live freshwater mussels representing nine different species were detected during survey efforts. BioSurvey Group completed the field work safely and efficiently and submitted a detailed report of findings to their client, Fehr-Graham, and the City of Byron ahead of schedule and within the allocated budget.