20240352 Ver 1_Erics consultation memo (2)_20240229

roum. rusmeyer, trio L LIV USARMY CESAW (USA) <
Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:17-00 AM
To: Youngman, Holland J <WJgM>
Cc: Beckwith, Loretta A CIV USARMY CESAW (USA) < nX">; Amschler, Crystal C CIV
USARMY CESAW (USA)<_ry5la1.C.AmschLL@Vcace-army, rpil>; Turchy, Michael A <maturchy, M>, Cheely,
Erin K < , , ci nS,f�>
Subject: (External] Informal Consultat-on Request: NCDOT; Timber Bridge replacements, T;Ps BR-0250, and BR 0251.
NCDOT Divisions 11 and 13; (DAHs SAW 2016-00949, & SAW-2024.00182).
CAUTloN: External email. Co not click links or open attachments unless verified Report suspicious emails with the Report Messagr
button located on your DAlook menu bar on the Home tab.
Holland, J
Please consider this correspondence as a request to initiate informal consultation for USACE DAds SAW-2016-
00949 and SAW-2024 00182; Informal Consultation Request; NCDOT; Timber Bridge replacements, NCDOT
Divisions 11, 13 and 14.
NCDOT's description of the projects and the relevant bat and aquatic species survey information, IPaC species
reports, and NRTRs have been uploaded to the DoD SAFE ftp site, and you will be notified by email of how to
retrieve them. As we discussed by telephone, information on Bridge Group BR-252 in Transylvania County,
Division 14, are included in some of the provided documents, but are not part of this consultation request,
and will be included in a future consultation request when the aquatic species survey reports are available.
NOTE: NCDOT proposes to replace twelve $mail timber bridges on existing alignment in Divisions 11 and 13. Note
that each TIP represents several br dges, see tables below.
These projects are funded with State bridge maintenance funds, which require letting by June 30, 2024 For this
reason, we are providing the following project information and biological conclusions for
consultation with USFWS prior to submittal of ePCNs which are expected in the next month-

NCDOT would like to achieve concurrence so trees may be cut prior to the start of the tree clearing m cratorium on
March 15, in an effort to avoid and minimize impacts to federally protected bats.
Overall Project Impact Description: NCDOT considers these referenced projects as maintenance projects The
bridges will be replaced to existing conditions including existing bridge dimensions with timber decks
and timber deck rails. The existing bridge timber abutments will be replaced with concrete end bents, except
Madison Bridge 560500 (BR-0251) where existing concrete abutments currently exist
The projects included in this request are summarized below.
BR-0250, NCDOT Div. 11; SAW-2016-00949
Bridge
County
Coordinates
Waterbody
Facility
Anticipated JD impact
Est. tree
No.
Crossed
Carried
(linear ft)
removal
050149
Avery
36.1043,
Horse Creek
SR 1186
Approx. 40 If stream, bar K
2 trees /
-81.9931
disturbance and
200 sq ft
stabilization
130252
Caldwell
35.9475,
UT to Zacks
SR 1549
Approx. 40 If stream, bank
4 trees /
-81.4862
Fork Creek
disturbance and
400 sq ft
stabilization
940231
Watauga
36.2790,
Norris Fork
SR 1337
Approx- 40 If stream. bark
5 trees /
-81.6755
Creek
disturbance and
500 sq ft
stabilization
BR-0251, NCDOT Div, 13; SAW-2024-00182
Bridge
County
Coordinates
Waterbody
Facility
Anticipated JD impact
Est. tree
No.
Crossed
Carried
(linearft)
removal
560072
Madison
35.9243,-82.6103
Little Foster
SR 1341
Approx. 40 If stream, bank
4 trees /
400 sq ft
Creek
disturbance and
stabilization
560074
Madison
35.9381,-82.5999
Foster Creek
SR 1341
Approx. 40 If stream, bank
37 trees /
3770 sq ft
disturbance and
stabilization
560381
Madison
35.9080,-82.6408
B'g Laurel
SR 1339
Approx. 40 If stream, bank
1 tree /
Creek
disturbance and
100 sq ft
stabilization
560500
Big Laurel
&
35.9117,-82.6573 &
Creek &
Approx. 40 if stream, bank
5 trees /
560515'
Madison
35.9114,-82,6572
Buckner
SR 1336
disturbance and
500 sq ft
Branch
stabilization
*Bridges 560500 and 560515 are within 200 feet of each other and carry the same roadway
This email serves as the USACE informal consultation request for the following species:
Gray bat
Northern long-eared bat
Tricolored bat
Virginia Big -eared bat
Bats
The NCDOT Biological Surveys Group (BSG) surveyed the sites for bats during the summer of 2023 and prepared
Bat Memos with survey results (see surveys) The BSG fol-owed up the Bat Memos with a recommended
b':ological conclusion of May Affect Not Likely to Adversely Affect (MANLAA) for each of the above endangered
bat species based on the presence of suitable foraging and commut_ng habitat.
There was no evidence of federally listed bats at any of the structures, no caves

or mines are in the vicinity of the bridge replacements, and a large area of
alternative available suitable habitat exists in the vicinities of all bridge
replacements.
The following Avoidance and Minimizations Measures will be utilized to
reduce impacts to bats:
• Tree clearing in the project footprint will be conducted during the winter months (i.e., October 15
to April 1) for all bridges.
• Nightwork is not anticipated for any of the bridges
• No blasting is needed for any of these bridge projects.
• Permanent lighting does not exist at any of the bridges and no new lighting is planned to be
included with the bridge replacements.
Based on the above information, avoidance and minimization measures, and enclosed survey reports, the Corps
has reached a determination of Not Likely to Adversely Affect for federally listed bats.
Other ESA aquatic and plant species have been evaluated and the Corps has determined that the projects will have
no effect on these other species (See NCDOT Section 7 request and appropriate NRTRs). Consultation is not being
requested for these other species.
Please let us know if you have information to the contrary and/or if you need additional information.
Thank you.
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us
ensure we continue to do so, please complete the Customer Satisfaction Survey located
at ht sf� I/rcgulatoLy.ous.usace.arrny.rn__/customer-service-surdevl.
Eric
Eric Alsmeyer
Project Manager
Work Cell: 919.817.1570
Regulatory Division Office
US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Office Tel: [phone], x23 (I am working out of the office most days of the week, but I try to check my
voicemails daily)
Regulatory Homepage:
From: Turchy, Michael A <mdt-ir,:hy[p)n�dot.yu >
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 6:03 PM
To: Matthews, Monte K CIV USARMY CESAW (USA)<FAonte_K.[yrtatthe�vs(�usace.armv.mil>
Cc: C neely, Erin K <ekrheelyPncdot,gov>
Subject: Timber Bridges - Pre -Permitting Section 7 Request
Hi Monte,
As we previously discussed, NCDOT has 12 Timber Bridges located on rural secondary routes in 3 highway divlslons in
the west (Divisions 11, 13 and 14).
These are state -funded projects (Corps is Lead Federal) that we would like to request Section 7 concurrence on, so
we can clear trees prior to the start of the bat moratorium. However, we are NOT ready to submit ePCN's on these

projects yet as the drawings are not final.
I've attached a cover letter (including descriptions, and tree clearing information), vicinity maps, and survey reports
Please let me know if i need to provide any other items to begin the Section 7 Concurrence process, or if you have
any questions.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael Turchy
Environmental Coordination and Permitting [ECAP] Group Leader
Environmental Analysis Unit
North Carolina Department of Transportation
919 707 6157 office
919 818 7427 mobile
1598 Mail Service Center (Mail)
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
1000 Birch Ridge Drive (Delivery)
Raleigh, NC 27610
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From: Alsmeyer, Eric C CIV USARMY CESAW (USA) <Er-c C Alsmeyer@usaee army mrl>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21. 2024 10 14 AM
To: Youngman. Holland J <[e-mail]>
Cc: Amschler. crystal CCTV USARMY CESAW (USA) <Crysta C Amschler@usace army mll>, Turchy, Michael A<[e-mail]>, Chee'y
Enn K <ekcheely@ncdot gov>
Subject: [Extrrrnall Informal Consultation Request NCDOT. Timber Bridge rep'acem+mts, TIP BR-0252 NCDOT Division 14, (DAII 5AW-2024
00183)
CAUTION: External email. Do not tlltk links or ode^ atta-hment ; 1.nless verGed. Report cusp uous emails with the Report Message button located :,a ye-rr Out -ok l
menu ba> on the Home tab
Holland,
Please consider this correspondence as a request to initiate informal consultation for USACE DA#
SAW-2024-00183; Informal Consultation Request; NCDOT; Timber Bridge replacements, NCDOT Division
14. The documents referenced below will be provided through an FTS system, and you will receive an email
notification.
NOTE: NCDOT proposes to replace four small timber bridges on existing alignment in Division 14. Note
that TIP BR-0252 includes all four of these bridges, see table below.
These projects are funded with State bridge maintenance funds, which require letting by June 30, 2024.
For this reason, we are providing the following project information and biological conclusions for
consultation with USFWS prior to submittal of ePCNs which are expected in the next week.
NCDOT would like to achieve concurrence so trees may be cut prior to the start of the tree clearing
moratorium on March 15, in an effort to avoid and minimize impacts to federally protected bats.
Overall Project Impact Description: NCDOT considers these referenced projects as maintenance projects.
The bridges will be replaced to existing conditions including exist ng bridge dimensions with timber decks
and timber deck rails. The existing bridge timber abutments wil be replaced with concrete end bents.
The projects included in this request are summarized below.
OR-0252, NCDOT Div. 14
81 ridge
County
Coordinates
Waterbody
Facility
Anticipated ]D
impacft'linear
Est. tree
i No I
Crossed
Carried
removal
Approx. 40 if
870133
35.1432,
-82,6404
Walker Creek
SR 1557
stream, bank
disturbance and
7 trees /
700 sq ft
stabilization
Approx. 40 If
870160
35.1698,
Richland
SR 1312
stream, bank
2 trees /
-82.8934
Creek
disturbance and
Transylvania
stabilization
200 sq ft
Approx. 40 If
870161
35.1412,
North
SR 1319
stream, bank
4 trees /
-82.8820
Fork Fiat Creek
disturbance and
stabilization
400 sq ft
i
Approx. 40 If

870189 35.1035, stream, bank 6 trees /
-82 8212 Shoal Creek SR 1141 disturbance and
I
stabilization I Son cn ft
This email serves as the USACE informal consultation (conference opinion) request for the following species:
ra y bat
Northern long-eared bat
ricolored bat
alachian Elktoe
Lan solid
Tennessee clubshell
Bats
The NCDOT Biological Surveys Group (BSG) surveyed the sites for bats during the summer of 2023 and
prepared Bat Memos with survey results. The BSG followed up the Bat Memos with a recommended
biological conclusion of May Affect Not Likely to Adversely Affect (MANLAA) for each of the above
endangered bat species based on the presence of su;table foraging and commuting habitat.
There was no evidence of federally listed bats at any of the structures, no caves
or mines are in the vicinity of the bridge replacements, and a large area of
alternative available suitable habitat exists in the vicinities of all bridge
replacements.
The following Avoidance and Minimizations Measures will be utilized to reduce
impacts to bats:
• Tree clearing in the project footprint will be conducted dur.ng the winter months (i.e., October 15 to
April 1) for all bridges.
• Nightwork is not anticipated for any of the bridges
• No blasting is needed for any of these bridge projects.
• Permanent lighting does not exist at any of the bridges and no new lighting is planned to be
.n.7kided with the bridge rep;acements.
Based on the above information, avoidance and minimization measures, and provided survey reports, the
Corps has reached a determination of Not Likely to Adversely Affect for federally listed bats.
Aquatic Animal Species
Aquatic surveys (i.e., mussels surveys) were conducted in the summer of 2023 for each bridge replacement
with federally protected mussel species within their identified project study areas.
BR-0252 Bridges:
All BR-0252 bridge replacements have federally protected mussel species associated with the project study
areas. None of the three targeted freshwater mussel species were located during the survey efforts.
Further, none of these species have been located in waterbodies other than the French Broad and Little
rivers near the four subject bridges. There have been few survey efforts in small tributaries in this area of
Transylvania County, with no surveys occurring upstream of any of the four bridge crossings in their
respective watersheds (NCPAWS 2021). Bridges No. 160, 161, and 189 are well upstream of the closest
evidence of freshwater mussel presence, with the mainstem French Broad River near Lyons Mountain Road
being the closest. Bridge No. 133 over Walker Creek is in closest proximity (10.3 SM) to the portion of the
Little River that is known to support populations of all three targeted species. However, Walker Creek is
separated from this reach by Cascade Lake and its dam. No freshwater mussels have been found upstream
of Cascade Lake in the Little River (NCPAWS 2021), suggesting that Walker Creek is isolated from the
habitat in the Little River that supports a freshwater mussel fauna.
Based on the above information, and the provided survey report, the Corps has reached a determination
of May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect for the Appalachian elktoe, Long -solid, and Tennessee
clubshell.
Other ESA aquatic and plant species have been evaluated and the Corps has determined that the projects
will have no effect on these other species (See NCDOT Section 7 request and appropriate NRTRs).
Consultation is not being requested for these other species.
Please let us know if you have information to the contrary and/or if you need additional information.
Thank you.
The Wilmington District is committed to providing the highest level of support to the public. To help us
ensure we continue to do so, please complete the Customer Satisfaction Survey located

at Itttps
Eric
Eric Alsmeyer
Project Manager
Work Cell: 919.817.1570
Regulatory Division Office
US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District
3331 Heritage Trade Drive, Suite 105, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Office Tel: [phone], x23 (I am working out of the office most days of the week, but I try to check
my voicemails daily)
Regulatory Homepage:
From: Turchy, Michael A <tttldlC2Ya�d]9ov�
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2024 6:03 PM
To: Matthews, Monte K CIV USARMY CESAW (USA) <MonLQ.K.MaLthews�busac r nx.miill>
Cc: Cheely, Erin K <ekcheely aoftQ ot_any,>
Subject: Timber Bridges - Pre -Permitting Section 7 Request
Hi Monte,
As we previously discussed, NCDOT has 12 Timber Bridges located on rural secondary routes in 3 highway
divisions in the west (Divisions 11, 13 and 14).
These are state funded projects (Corps is Lead Federal) that we would like to request Section 7 concurrence
on, so we can clear trees prior to the start of the bat moratorium. However, we are NOT ready to submit
ePCN's on these projects yet as the drawings are not final.
I've attached a cover letter (including descriptions, and tree clearing information), vicinity maps, and survey
reports.
Please let me know if I need to provide any other Items to begin the Section 7 Concurrence process, or if
you have any questions.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael Turchy
Env.ronmental Coordination and Permitting [ECAP] Group Leader
Env ronmental Analysis Unit
North Carolina Department of Transportation
919 707 6157 office
919 818 7427 motile
1598 Mail Service Center (Mail)
Raleigh, NC 27699.1598
1000 Birch Ridge Drive (Delivery)
Raleigh, NC 27610
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the
Noah Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to thud parties
E.T124 c-0,140ndenm I] and Gam IhL sendel is SubIBQ to the N.0 Public Rdcohl> Low HmJ may he dFrlosed 10 Ih,ld pdu:e5,