20200233 Ver 1_Bridge 15 Cover Leter_20200212

STA�FE.,.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Roy COOPER
GOVERNOR
February 9, 2020
Ms. Nicholle Braspennickx
USACE Charlotte Regulatory Field Office
8430 University Executive Park Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28262
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
Subject: Pre -Construction Notification for proposed replacement of Bridge No.
840015 over Vade Mecum Creek on NC 66 in Stokes County
Dear Ms. Braspennickx:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 15
on Vade Mecum Creek on N C 66 in Stokes County. The existing bridge is a Luten Arch
consisting of 1 @ 18'-6" reinforced concrete. The structure is considered structurally deficient
with a sufficient rating of 49.96. The new structure will be a 2@ 10' X 8' RCBCs with sills.
Native material will be placed between the sills in the low flow culvert and native material/riprap
will be placed in the high flow barrel. The existing lane widths will remain the same, but the road
shoulder is being expanded to accommodate a guardrail. We are proposing permanent impacts for
the replacement of the Luten Arch to a RCBC and extension, temporary impacts in Danbury
Creek and permanent impacts to stabilize the existing bank.
USFWS lists the James spinymussel (Parvaspina collina) and Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) as
endangered in Stokes County, and the green floater (Lasmigona subviridis) is proposed to be
listed. Habitat is present for these species and an aquatic survey was completed on April 16,
2019. The final aquatics report indicated there are no mollusks of any species located within the
stream survey area. The biological conclusion for the James Spiny Mussel and the Green Floater
is No Effect.
Additionally, the USFWS lists northern long-eared bat (NLEB) (Myotis septentrionalis) as
threatened and gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii)
and the small-anthered bittercress (Cardamine micranthera) as endangered for Stokes County.
The project was surveyed for evidence of bats on June 29, 2017 and no evidence was found. The
project is consistent with the 4(d) rule for NLEB and "May Affect" NLEB. Section 7
concurrence was requested from the USFWS for the gray bat on January 6, 2020. The USFWS
concurred with the determination of "May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect", and stated
NCDOT had met the requirements for Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act. The project
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 9
375 SILAS CREEK PARKWAY
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968
Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
375 SILAS CREEK PARKWAY
WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27127

was surveyed for small-anthered bittercress on April 30, 2018 and no specimens were found.
NCDOT determined the project would have "No Effect" on the bittercress. The project was
surveyed for Schweinitz's sunflower on August 28, 2018 and no specimens were found. NCDOT
determined the project would have "No Effect" on the sunflower.
NCDOT is providing mitigation through the Division of Mitigation Services (NCDMS) for
unavoidable impacts to 117 linear feet to Vade Mecum Creek and a tributary at a 2:1 ratio. A
copy of the acceptance letter from NCDMS is included in the PCN.
Please see the submitted on-line PCN application for the accompanying documentation for this
project.
Regulatory Approvals
Section 404 Permit: The NCDOT requests written authorization for a Nationwide 13, 14, and 33.
Section 401 Permit: The NCDOT requests written authorization from NCDWR.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Amy Euliss at (336) 747-
7802 or at [e-mail].
Sincerely,
Amy EEuliss
Division Environmental Officer, NCDOT Division 9
Cc: Daniel Dagenhart, NCDOT Division 9 Bridge Program Manager
Dave Wanucha, NCDWR