20150362 Ver 1_USFWS Comments_20150316

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
March 13, 2015
Ms. Mary Frazer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
Subject: Review of Potential Impacts to the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
associated with the replacement of bridge No. 56 on SR 2000 (Brantley Road) over Lake Fisher
in Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, TIP-I-3802/B-5804.
Dear Mary:
According to the information provided, the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 56 on SR 2000 (Brantley Road) over Lake Fisher (TIP
No. B-5804) in Kannapolis, Cabarrus County. The bridge is currently closed to traffic due to a
failed bridge inspection. As part of I-3802A, replacing the bridge over the Brantley Road 1-85
interchange is dependent on the crossing of Bridge No. 56. Since Bridge No. 56 is closed to
traffic, the I-3802A project footprint was extended to include replacement of Bridge No. 56.
On October 2, 2013 the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed to list the northern
long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) (NLEB) for protection under the Endangered Species Act
(ESA) for its range. A decision regarding federal listing of this species is anticipated in April
2015. The subject project lies within the range of NLEB in NC. Given that we anCicipate this
species to be listed under the ESA within the next month, the FHWA and NCDOT have
requested a con�erence with the USFWS regarding the NLEB for the bridge replacemenC portion
of this project.
I have reviewed the information provided for potentia] impacts to NLEB from implementation of
B-5804. Potential winter habitat was assessed and it was determined that no suitable mines or
caves exist in the project footprint or within three miles. The bridge structure itself was
inspected and no evidence of bat use was noted. Minimal tree clearing will occur on the existing
causeway for the bridge demolition and construction and further clearing will occur on the
lakeshore to create a barge landing. Tota1 tree clearing is anticipated to be 0.24 acres. Both
areas of tree clearing were inspected and the trees, while some are larger than three inches in
diameter, were not loose barked and had few crevices or hollows suitable for roosting bats. In
addition, habitat along a lakeshore is not considered preferred habitat for NLEB.
Based on the information provided we agree that implementation of project B-5804, a portion of
I-3802A, will not jeopardize the continued existence of the NLEB. Further we concur that if the

bat is listed, the project is not likely to adversely NLEB. If NLEB is listed, obligations under
Section 7 of the Act must be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this
identified action that may affect ]isted species or critical habitat in a manner not previously
considered, (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this
review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat is determined that may be affected by the
identified action.
If you have questions about these comments, please contact me at 828-258-3939, ext. 237 or by
e-mail. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log No.
4-2-I 1-] 29, which includes I-3802A and the subject bridge replacement.
Sincerely,
Marella Buncick
- - original signed - -
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