20201518 Ver 1_BR-0048 Surry NLEB MYGR SLOPES_20201030

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J. ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
July 30, 2020
TO: Erin Cheely, Environmental Program Consultant
Environmental Coordination &Permitting Group, EAU
FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU
SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) and gray bat (Myotis grisescens) associated with the
replacement of Bridge No. 103 over the Mitchell River on NC 268 in Surry
County, TIP No. BR-0048.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 11) proposes to replace
Bridge No. 103 over the Mitchell River on NC 268 in Surry County, TIP No. BR-0048. The
existing bridge is a three span structure with steel beams,concrete deck,end walls and guard
rails. The overall length of the structure is 210 feet.
Northern long-eared bat
The project to replace Bridge No. 103 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 July 30, 2020,
NLEB is listed by USFWS (http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html)
as "probable/potential" in Surry County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated April 2020,the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 59 miles southwest
of the project and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area.
Mailing Address: Location:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Telephone.[phone] 1000 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

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 57 miles away (Upper Wilson Creek).
On May 30, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed Bridge No. 103 for potential northern long-
eared bat habitat. No crevices suitable for roosting were present on the structure. No
evidence (bats, staining, and guano) of bats was observed. Snags and shaggy barked trees
greater than 3"dbh are present within the project area. Based on the presence of suitable
roost trees, NCDOT recommends a Biological Conclusion of May Affect Not Likely To
Adversely Affect for the northern long-eared bat. To minimize impacts to potential roosting
habitat, a tree clearing moratorium may be required between April 15 and August 15 of any
year.
Gray bat
The project to replace Bridge No. 103 has also been reviewed for effects on the gray bat
(MYGR). As of April 28, 1976, the gray bat was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) as "Endangered" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. According to the
USFWS Surry County webpage (accessed July 30, 2020),
(http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html), the gray bat is listed by
USFWS as "current" in Surry County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated in April 2020, MYGR have not been documented in Surry County. NHP data
indicate that the closest known occurrence of MYGR is approximately 91 miles west of
the project site. In September 2019, a gray bat was found roosting in a bridge in Surry
County 10 miles north of the project(personal correspondence).As of this writing, the Surry
County occurrence is not yet reflected in the NHP Biotics Database.
On May 30, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed bridge No. 103 for potential bat habitat. No
crevices suitable for roosting were present on the structure. No evidence (bats, staining, and
guano) of bats was observed. No caves or mines are located within the project footprint or
within line of sight of the bridge. Based on the lack of evidence of bats, and the lack of caves
or mines in the project vicinity NCDOT recommends a Biological Conclusion of NO EFFECT
for gray bats.
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.