20201093 Ver 2_B-5813 SLOPES Memo_20210426

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER J. ERIC BOYETTE
GOVERNOR SECRETARY

Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH, NC 27699-1598
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Customer Service: 1-877-368-4968

Website: www.ncdot.gov
Location:
1000 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH, NC 27610

DATE: August 24, 2020

TO: Jeff Hemphill, Senior Environmental Specialist
Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group Western, EAU

FROM: Chris Manley, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU

SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) associated with the replacement of Bridge 132 over
Dutch Buffalo Creek on NC 73 in Carbarrus County, TIP No. B-5813.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 10) proposes to replace Bridge No. 132 over Dutch Buffalo Creek on NC 73 in Carbarrus County, TIP No. B-5813. The existing bridge is a four-span structure with reinforced concrete deck girders, abutments, and bents. The guardrail is also constructed of concrete. The overall length of the structure is 190 feet. The project to replace Bridge No. 132 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 17, 2020, NLEB is listed by USFWS (http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc_counties.html) as “probable/potential” in Carbarrus County. According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most recently updated July 2020, there are no known hibernacula within 25 miles of the
project and no known NLEB roost trees occur within 150 feet of the project area. NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website (http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/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 87 miles to the west northwest (Johns River) in Avery County. On August 24, 2020, NCDOT biologist assessed Bridge No. 132 for potential NLEB habitat. Suitable roosting cervices were present on the structure, but no evidence (bats, guano, or staining) of bats was observed. This structure survey is outside the typical survey window
(May 15 – August 15) we have for the western part of North Carolina. Chris Manley had a phone conversation with Susan Cameron with the USFWS on August 21, 2020 asking if this project (B-5813) could be looked outside the survey window. USFWS agreed to letting NCDOT perform the survey later in August. Based on the lack of evidence of bats on the bridge, no known roost trees within 150 feet of the project area, and being 87 miles to the closest 12 digit red HUC, NCDOT recommends a Biological Conclusion of NO EFFECT for the NLEB. Final design and environmental impacts information will be provided in the permit application. If you need any additional information, please contact Chris Manley at 919-707-6135.