20210427 Ver 1_CoverLetter_20210222

February 22, 2021

Ms. Donna Hood
NCDEQ Division of Water Resources
610 East Center Avenue
Mooresville, NC 28115
[e-mail]

SUBJECT: Action ID# TO BE DETERMINED
Water Quality General Certification No. 4132
Project: DF17112.2002807 (DL00229)
Replacement of Bridge #010003 on SR 1456 (Cheatham Ford Rd)
over South Yadkin River
Alexander County, NC

Dear Ms. Hood,

We are requesting a General Certification for the replacement of NCDOT Bridge #010003 on SR
1456 (Cheatham Ford Rd) over the South Yadkin River in Alexander County, southeast of
Hiddenite. The existing bridge failed on November 12, 2020. In this package, please find a pre-
construction notification application with figures depicting USGS topography, NRCS soils and
site coordinates within the project area. Also included is the NRTR Memo, a Categorical
Exclusion Type 1(A) with letters from NCDOT Cultural Resources enclosed, a preliminary
erosion control basin locations and Permit Drawings including a Stormwater Management Plan.

The project will permanently impact 105 linear feet and temporarily impact 11 linear feet of the
South Yadkin River for bank stabilization and temporary workpads. There are no wetland
impacts. The NCDWR Stream Index Number and associated classifications change at this road
crossing. Upstream classifications are: Water Supply II (WS-II); High Quality Waters (HQW);
Critical Area (CA) and downstream classification is: Water Supply IV (WS-IV)

The USFWS lists Dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis naniflora), Bog turtle (Glyptemys
muhlenbergii), and Northern Long-Eared bat (NLEB-Myotis septentrionalis), as threatened for
Alexander County.

Habitat for Dwarf-flowered heartleaf and Bog turtle is not present in the study area.

According to NC NHP records, the nearest known northern long-eared bat hibernacula record is
approximately 30 miles northwest of the study area, and no known maternity roost trees occur in
or within 150 feet of the study area. Tree removal is proposed for this project; however, tree
removal activities will not result in prohibited incidental take of northern long-eared bats. Based
upon guidance from Asheville Field Office USFWS personnel, the biological conclusion for
northern long-eared bat is a “may affect not likely to adversely affect” call for any counties in
Division 12. This is due to the fact that these counties are located in the white nose syndrome
area, but since there are no known hibernacula nor roosting trees in Division 12, the criteria for

the Final 4(d) rule has been met and any associated take is exempt. A USFWS NLEB 4(d) rule
streamlined consultation form is attached.

By copy of this letter, we also request 401 review and approval from the NC Division of Water
Resources with one copy of the application package provided to Donna Hood, NCDEQ-DWR.
WBS Project No. DF17112.2002807.

If you have any questions, comments or need additional information after reviewing this material,
please contact Jeff Wyatt, Division Environmental Officer with NCDOT Highway Division 12 at
980-552-4219 or [e-mail]. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey L. Wyatt
Division Environmental Officer
NCDOT Division 12