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Home My WebLink About20231465 Ver 1_HB-0003 - Haywood County - Bat Survey (2022)_20231027M STxiTEa O Roy COOPER GOVERNOR STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION October 27, 2022 TO: Erin Cheely, Environmental Program Consultant Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant Biological Surveys Group, EAU J. ERIC BOYETTE SECRETARY SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis, MYSE), Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis, MYSO), gray bat (Myotis grisescens, MYGR), tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus, PESO and little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus, MYLO, associated with the replacement of Bridge Number 239 over Incinerator Road on I-40 in Haywood County, TIP No. 1111-0003. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 14) proposes to replace Bridge No. 239 over Incinerator Road on I-40 in Haywood County, TIP No. HB-0003. The existing bridge is a three span structure with steel beams, and concrete deck, end walls and guard rails. The overall length of the bridge is 141 feet. In addition to the bridge being surveyed, all culverts greater than 3 feet wide and 60 feet in length were inspected. One culvert was identified meeting this criteria during the site visit. On July 14, 2022, NV5 biologists assessed all of the structures in the project study area. Crevices suitable for roosting are present on Bridge 239. No evidence of bats (bats, staining, guano) was observed on the structure. No evidence of bats was observed in the culvert that was inspected. Trees greater than 3" dbh are present in the project area. Two snags (a walnut and an ash) greater than 5" dbh was present in the vicinity of the bridge. There are no known caves or mines within one half mile of the project footprint and no caves or mines were observed during the field visit. Large, continuous forests are present in the project vicinity, providing potential foraging and commuting habitat. Mailing Address: NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT 1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 Telephone: (919) 707-6000 Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 Website: www.ncdot.gov Location: 1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE RALEIGH NC 27610 As of October 27, 2022, the following federally protected bat species are listed in IPaC (https:Hecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in the action area: Distance to Federal Habitat Biological Species Nearest Status Present* Conclusion Record** MYGR E Yes MANLTAA .77 mile SW MYSO E Yes MANLTAA 8 mile NW MYSE T Yes MANLTAA 10.3 mile S PESU PE Yes MANLTAA 1.6 mile SE MYLU* * * FL Yes MANLTAA 8.6 mile SE *See detailed habitat information in table below **Nearest known record from latest NHP, WRC, or NCDOT data *** The Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus), which may become federally listed in the future (FL), may also be found in Haywood County. MANLTAA=May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect Presence (J) or Probable Absence (X) of various habitat types for bat species present in project area. Species Summer Roosting Winter Roosting g Foraging Habitat Commuting Habitat Tree Structure MYGR NA J X J J MYSO J J X J J MYSE J J X J J PESU J J X J MYLU J J X J J A Biological Conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect is given to each of the above species based on the presence of suitable foraging and commuting habitat. No evidence of bats was found on the structures, no caves or mines are in the area, and a large area of alternative available suitable habitat exists in the project vicinity. Permanent roadway lighting is not present in the project area and BSG is not aware of any plans to install new roadway lighting with this project. If nighttime work during the bat active season becomes necessary, temporary lighting will only be used to illuminate work areas. This project is scheduled to let in December 2023, so tree clearing will be completed prior to the active season; however, if the schedule is delayed, winter tree clearing will be accomplished prior to project let by state forces or under separate contract. If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.