20181652 Ver 1_cover_letter_20181205

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GovratxoR
December 5, 2018
Ms. Nicholle BraspenniclQc
Asheville Regulatory Fie1d Office
US Az�aa.y Corp o£ Engineers
151 Patton Avenue
Ashevifle, NC 288Q1-5006
JAMES $ TRQGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Bridge #309 Replacement on SR 1627 {Pruett Road), Cleveland County
Dear Ms. Braspennicl�:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation {NCDOT) requests antborization to replace an
existang three span 90-foot long timber deck bridge with a single span 90 ft long prestressed
concrete channel bridge on SR 1627 {Pruett Road) in Cleveland County. NCDOT proposes to
place 58 feet of rip rap bank stabilization under the bridge. The bridge construction will also
r�quire the hand cleari.ng of 0.03 acres of streamside wetland located under aud adjacent to the
existing bridge. There will be 36 feet of temporary impacts associated with the existing bridge
end bent removal. The scope of work will result in permanent and temporary iinpacts.to Bald
Knob Creek, which is classified as Class C waters by the Division of Water Resources.
The Division 12 Environmental Office conducted a threatened/endangered species survey on
September 21, 2015 for Bridge #309 and surrounding areas. The fedarally listed species far
Cleveland County (USFWS listed date June 27, 2018) is the dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis
nanaflora) and the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotas septentrionalis). Natural Heritage Program
records docurnent the nearest dwarf=flo�vered heartleai location approxirnately 2.$ miles north of
the proposed project area. The heartleaf is usually found on dry to moist ravine slopes {usually
north facing and of the oak-hickory pine forest type} and in boggy areas near springheads. There
did not appear to be suitable habitat within the proposed project area and no species were
observed. No impact on this species is anticipa�ed. The Natural Heritage Program records
document the nearest Northem Long Eare�d Bat location apprnximately 4.7 miles north of the
pmposed project area. During summer, northern long-eared bats roost singly or in colonies
underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. They may also roost in
caoler places, like caves and mines. Tree species may be used based on suitability to retain bark
or provide cavities or crevices. It has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and
sheds. Northern long-eared bats spend winter hibernating in humid caves and mines. The closest
�isted underground mine, per NHP database is the Woodrow Prospects, located 1.8 miles east of
the project site. The bridge was assessed for evidence of bat habitatian and none were noted.
There are currently no l�own hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for

Bridge #309 Replacement
Praett Road, Cleveland County
December 5, 201$
Page 2
NLEB; therefore, the hridge replacement, pipe replacement and any minor tree clearing
associated with t.�is DOT project would be exempted from the incidental take under the 4(d)
Rule. I have attached a copy of the NLEB streamlined consultation fornz. Per guidance from
US�WS personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30 day response
period is waived.
There are no sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places are located in the vicinity of
the project nor did there appear to be any eligible structures. The project has been reviewed by
NCDOT's caltvral resources staff {NCDOT Cultural Resources Review — Internal Tracking No.
15-10-QO11}.
The project area is not located within %z mile of any critical watershed area, nor is SR 1627 a
rural or urban arterial; therefore, hazardous spill basins are not required. Enclosed is the
hazardous spill basin checklist.
I have enclosed a pre-construction notificatian for a NW#3, plan sheets, and location maps
relative to the proj ect.
Project information for the 401 Automated Payment Procedure is as follows:
• Work order nurnber: 150464-55120Q05-17BP.12.R.58-3372
• TIl'#: NA
� Project Category: $240A0 Fee
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free ta contact me at (704} 480-9044. Thank
you for your time and consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
Mark Stafford, P.E.
Division Engineer
Twelfth Division
BY: �
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Trisk Beam
Division 12 Environnlental Supervisor
Enclosures