20231521 Ver 1_HB-0002 - Haywood County - Bat Survey (2022)_20231108

Roy COOPER
GOVERNOR
STATE
5
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
September 16, 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), Indiana
bat (Myotis sodalis), gray bat (Myotis grisescens), tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus)
and little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), associated with the replacement of Bridge Numbers
248 and 249 over Beaverdam Road on I-40 in Haywood County, TIP No. 1111-0002.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 14) proposes to replace Bridge
Nos. 248 and 249 over Beaverdam Road on I-40 in Haywood County, TIP No. HB-0002. Both bridges
are three span structures with concrete beams, deck, end walls and guard rails. The overall length of
bridge 248 is 174 feet and bridge 249 is 164 feet. Additionally, a third bridge, Bridge No. 24, fell within
the project footprint and was inspected. Bridge No. 24 is a single span structure with a concrete deck,
beams, guard rails and end walls. The overall length of the structure is 42 feet. In addition to bridges
being surveyed, all culverts greater than 3 feet wide and 60 feet in length were inspected. Three culverts
were identified meeting these criteria during the site visit.
On July 7, 2022, NV5 biologists assessed all of the structures in the project study area. Crevices suitable
for roosting are present on Bridge Nos. 248 and 249. No evidence of bats (bats, staining, guano) was
observed on any of the surveyed structures. No evidence of bats was observed in the three culverts that
were inspected. Trees greater than 3" dbh are present in the project area. One snag (a sycamore) greater
than 5" dbh was present in the project area near Bridge No. 24. 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, extending somewhat into the project footprint and
provide limited foraging and commuting habitat.
As of September 16, 2022, the following federally protected bat species are listed in IPaC
(https:Hecos.fws.gov/ipac/) as occurring in the action area:
Mailing Address: Location:
NC DEPARTMENT OF ntANSPORTATION Telephone: [phone] BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968 RALEIGH NC 27610
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1598 Website: www.ncdot.gov

Northern long-eared bat (NLEB)
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated
April 2022, NLEB have been documented in Haywood County. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of NLEB is
approximately 9.5 miles southeast of the project site. Based on the presence suitable roost trees, the
proposed project will have a biological conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect for
Northern long-eared bats.
Indiana bat (MYSO)
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated
in April 2022, MYSO have been documented in Haywood County. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYSO is
approximately 10.4 miles northwest of the project site. Based on the presence of suitable summer roost
trees, the proposed project will have a biological conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect
for Indiana bats.
Gray Bat (MYGR)
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated
in April 2022, MYGR have been documented in Haywood County. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYGR is
approximately 1.3 miles southwest of the project site. Based on the lack of bat evidence on the bridge,
lack of caves or mines in the project area, the proposed project will have a biological conclusion of May
Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect for gray bats.
Tricolored bat (PESU)
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated
in April 2022, PESU have been documented in Haywood County. This species is an at risk species that has
been proposed for listing. USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data
indicate that the closest known occurrence of PESU is approximately 1.3 miles southwest of the project
site. Based on the presence suitable roost trees, the proposed project will have a biological conclusion of
May Affect Not Likely To Adversely Affect for tricolored bats.
Little Brown bat (MYLU)
MYLU is an at risk species and not currently listed in IPaC. According to the North Carolina Natural
Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated in April 2022, MYLU have been
documented in Haywood County. This species is an at risk species that has been proposed for listing.
USFWS, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) and NHP data indicate that the closest
known occurrence of MYLU is approximately 10.2 miles southwest of the project site. Based on the
presence suitable roost trees, the proposed project will have a biological conclusion of May Affect Not
Likely To Adversely Affect for little brown bats.
If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.