20200347 Ver 1_B-5825 2020-02-24 NLEB Slopes_20200306

Roy COOPER
GOVERNOR
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
December 11, 2018
TO: Michael Turchy, Environmental Program Consultant
Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU
FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU
TAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 35 over the
Yadkin River on NC 67 in Yadkin County, TIP No. B-5825.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 11) proposes to
replace Bridge No. 35 the Yadkin River on NC 67 in Yadkin County, TIP No. B-5825. The
existing bridge is a fifteen span structure with steel beams, and concrete deck, guard rails
and end walls. The overall length of the structure is 1084 feet.
The project to replace Bridge No. 35 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long-
eared bat (NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of December 11,
2018, NLEB is listed by USFWS
(http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html) as "probable/potential"
in Yadkin County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated October 2018, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 77 miles
northwest of the project (EO ID 32171) and no known NLEB roost trees occur within
150 feet of the project area. EO 32171 represents Grandfather Mountain site with
multiple observations from 1986 to 2011.
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1598
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WEBSITE:NCDOT. GOV
Location:
CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B
1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH NC 27610

NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website
(http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis[project review/NLEB in WNC.html) for consistency
with NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12-
digit HUC) that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an
area that may require consultation. The closest 12 digit (030501010502) red HUC is
approximately 75 miles away (Upper Wilson Creek).
On May 30, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed Bridge No. 35 for potential northern long-
eared bat habitat. No shallow vertical top sealed crevices or deep vertical unsealed crevices
suitable for roosting were present on the structure. No evidence (bats, staining, and guano)
of bats was observed.
Final design, tree clearing, and percussive activities information will be provided in the
permit application.
If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.