20221394 Ver 2_Bridge 990274 Yancey Project Summary_20230622

Bridge 990274 Yancey Project Summary
The project is state funded and USACE is the lead agency. NCDOT proposes to replace an
existing 54" corrugated metal pipe along UT to Little Creek with a 87"x 63" corrugated
aluminum arch pipe including a 90 degree headwall at the inlet. The second major structure,
along Little Creek, is a 2@10'x7' reinforced concrete box culvert with a beveled headwall that
will replace an existing 1@30'-6" timber deck on steel I -Beam single span bridge on vertical
timber abutments. Substrate is predominantly silt, sand, gravel, cobbles, and boulders. Little
Creek is a 12' wide high gradient stream (3.88%) with max depth of 12"-18". The stream is
coldwater and does support trout. The adjacent area is rural with maintained farm and pasture.
Overhead utility lines are located within project limits. There will be potential impacts to the
jurisdictional stream by French Broad EMC by relocating their overhead facilities and having
Frontier and Country Cable attaching to their poles prior to construction.
A survey of the current structures, bridge and pipe, was conducted on June 20, 2023 by
Department personnel to check for bat usage. No signs of bat usage were found on the structures.
A review of the Natural Heritage Program (NHP) records, updated May 2023, indicates no
known Gray bat, Northern long-eared bat, or Tricolored bat occurrences within 1.0 mile of the
study area. The project will LET in October with clearing to be done between November I and
April 1. Additionally, a review of NHP records, updated May 2023, indicates one known
Appalachian elktoe occurrence (EO ID 21349) within 1.0 mile of the study area. This population
is located about 0.75 mile downstream in the Cane River. Little Creek and the UT are high
gradient and coldwater that limits suitable habitat potential for Appalachian elktoe within the
project footprint.
A survey of the project area was conducted on May 17, 2023, to evaluate the area for the three
listed plant species (Small whorled pogonia, Virginia spiraea, and Rock gnome lichen). Suitable
habitat for the Small whorled pogonia and Virginia spiraea exists within the project study area.
Surveys were conducted in conjunction with stream delineation in areas of suitable habitat. No
individuals were found during the survey. A review of the NHP records, updated May 2023,
indicates no known Small whorled pogonia and no known Virginia spiraea occurrences within
1.0 mile of the study area. Suitable habitat for the Rock gnome lichen does not exist within the
study area. There are no rocky outcrops or cliff habitats with a great deal of humidity and
seepage that flows only during wet periods. A review of the NHP records, updated May 2023,
indicates no known Rock gnome lichen occurrence within 1.0 mile of the study area.
Project construction will result in removal of 13 trees greater than 3" dbh outside of the bat
moratorium period. No percussive activities or night work will occur during the project. No
permanent lighting will be installed on the project. Due to proximity of a barn, driveway
connection and adjacent UT confluence along the roadway, a bridge would was not deemed
practicable and the double barrel culvert structure was designed. Applicable measures from the
current NCDOT Erosion and Sediment Control Design and Construction Manual will be adhered
to. Appropriate BMPs will be installed for sensitive watersheds., thereby reducing any potential
impacts to Appalachian elktoe in the Cane River downstream.