20221416 Ver 1_bat memo_20221012

N V 5 CAI[INNYX
L, N 0 1 N L, L R S d CO IN S U - I A N I S
December 7, 2018
Mr. Dave McHenry
Environmental Officer
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division 14
253 Webster Road
Sylva, NC 28779
SubpectBat Survey Summary - Proposed Widening of US 276 (Russ Avenue) from SIR 1202 (Phillips
Road) to US 23 Business (North Main Street) (TIP U-5839), Waynesville, Haywood County,
North Carolina
Dear Mr. McHenry;
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to upgrade US 276 (Russ Avenue)
from US 23/74 to US 23 Business (Main Street) in Waynesville, Haywood County (state -funded propect TIP
U-5839) (Figure 1). This letter is intended summarizethe findings of field surveys for Indiana bat (Myotis
sodalis), gray bat (Myotis grisescens), and Northern long-eared bat (Myotis spptentrionalis; NLEB) for this
propect. Per your request, this memo includes language we anticipate could be included in a future
concurrence request to United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to be prepared by United States
Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE).
CALYX biologists surveyed the propect study area f
bat use (guano) on the US 276 (Russ Avenue) bridf
activities on March 28, 2016. Division 14 followed
roosting bat tentatively identified as an endanger(
Wildlife Service (USFWS) as "Current" in Haywood
December 3, 2018. As a result, USFWS suggested
spiring/surnmer 2018.
bat habitat in 2016 (see attached report). Evidence of
over Richland Creek was observed during fieldwork
p with a subsequent survey and saw an actively
gray bat, which was listed by United States Fish and
ounty at the time and is still listed as "Current" as of
at Division 14 perform additional bridge checks during
The bridge over Richland Creek was checked for bats 29 times by CALYX, NCDOT, and North Carolina
Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRQ biologists from the middle of April through the first week of
November during 2018, and the presence of gray bats was confirmed. Gray bats (1 or 2 individuals each
time) were observed on 12 occasions. It appear's that while MYGR (and other bat species such as big brown
bats (E-ptesicusfuscus, and tricolored bats Perimyotis subf1avus)) are using the bridge, it's not a gray bat
maternity roost.
Because of the urban environment, heavy traffic, and vertical road alignment limitation, stage demolition
and construction of the bridge is the most feasible option for the replacement. So, for planning purposes,
assuming roost usage does not markedly increase by gray bats, NCDOT would like to begin initial bridge
demolition in the winter (between August 15 and May 15), with a commitment to install curtains or other
barriers to deter bat roosting on the remaining undemolished bridge portion. The curtains will remain in
place until the demolition of the remaining portion of the bridge can begin. Immediately before demolition
of the next bridge section, it will be surveyed to confirm an absence of bats.
The new bridge will be a concrete deck and girder structure (same as existing). NCDOT is also willing to
install a bat box on the underside of the new bridge to accommodate any bats that may choose to roost on
the new structure in the future. Considering these commitments, as well as the commitment to demolish
6750 Tryon Road, Cary NC 27518 19 19.8 3 6.4800
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the existing bridges during winter, we anticipate the propect "May Effect, Not ILiikelly to Adveirselly A-ffect"
dray lbat.
The piropect will also require removal of trees that are growing near the existing road. Approximately 1.09
acres of clearing is anticipated.
As of December 3, 2018, NLEB is listed by USFWS
(http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html) as "Current" in Haywood County. The
proJect area does not faii within a "red HUC" and it is more than 0.25 We from a "red HUC". This proJect
may require rock hammering or other percussive activities. According to current Natural Heritage data the
nearest known roosts or hibernacuia for NLEB are over a We from the proJect area
(https://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmls/prooect review/NLEB in WNC.html). For the proposed action,
NCDOT has committed to the conservation measures listed below:
No alterations of a known hibernacuia entrance or interior environment if it impairs an essential
behavioral pattern, including sheltering NLEB (January 1 through December 31);
No tree removal within a 0.25 We radius of a known hibernacuia (January 1 through
December 31); and
No cutting or destroying a known, occupied maternity roost tree, or any other trees within a 150-
foot radius from the known, occupied maternity tree during the period from June 1 through and
including July 31.
NCDOT Ihras determined that the proposed action does not irequire selpairate consulltation on the grounds
that the proposed action is consistent with the flinall Section 4(d) NILEB irulle, codified at 50 C.F.R. § 17.40(o)
and effective February 16, 2016. NCDOT may presume its determination is informed by best available
information and consider Section 7 responsibilities for this proJect fuifflied for NLEB.
As of December 3, 2018, the Indiana bat is listed by USFWS as "Current" in Haywood County. The practice
of "winter tree clearing" (cutting trees strictly between October 15 and Apidi 15) is often used to minimize
(potential effects, therefore a determination of "May affect, Not ILiikelly to Adveirselly A-ffect" -roir Ilindiaina
(hat,, The NCDOT will incorporate this measure into the propect because there are (potentially suitable roost
trees that must be removed.
Please contact me at [e-mail] or [phone] if you have any questions about this
information or require additional information.
Heather L. Wallace
Environmental Piropect Manager
CALYX Engineers + Consultants - An NV Company
6750 Tryon Road, Cary NC 27518 1919.836.4800
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