Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20231624 Ver 1_Staff Report Zachary.Thomas_20231218 (6)MORGAN CREEK SEWER INTERCEPTOR RELOCATION BAT SURVEYS Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC Prepared for McKim and Creed, Inc. Prepared by Ecosystem Planning and Restoration 1150 SE Maynard Rd, Suite 140 Cary, NC 27511 www.eprusa.net August 22, 2023 A PLANNING & EcoSY TEM RESTORATION TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECTDESCRIPTION....................................................................................................................... I METHODS............................................................................................................................................... 2 HABITATASSESSMENT....................................................................................................................... 2 DesktopAnalysis...................................................................................................................................2 FieldAssessment................................................................................................................................... 3 ACOUSTIC PRESENCE/ABSENCE SURVEYS....................................................................................4 DetectorType........................................................................................................................................ 4 DetectorDeployment............................................................................................................................ 4 ANALYSIS............................................................................................................................................... 5 RESULTS................................................................................................................................................. 5 CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................... 7 APPENDIX A: FIGURES APPENDIX B: RELEVANT RESUMES APPENDIX C: HABITAT ASSESSMENT, STUDY PLAN, STUDY PLAN APPROVAL APPENDIX D: ACOUSTIC DETECTOR DATA SHEETS Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys This report contains the results of the federally proposed as Endangered tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus; PESU) summer presence/absence survey performed by Ecosystem Planning and Restoration (EPR) for the Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project in Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC (Appendix A, Figure 1). PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project Area includes 23 acres situated almost entirely within property owned by the State of North Carolina and encompasses all phases of the project (see below). The Project Area consists of 20.7 acres of forest, and 2.3 acres along the sewer easements, which are regularly maintained in an herbaceous condition. Morgan Creek meanders through the length of the Project Area, which is dominated by mature deciduous forest. No wetlands or ponds are present in the Project Area. The sewer easements are dominated by herbaceous exotic invasive species, mainly Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum); however, the canopy is closed or nearly closed over the easements in most areas due to the adjoining forest vegetation. Mature trees and shrubs occur along stream banks. Dominant species in the forested portion of the Project Area include American beech (Faugs grandifolia), river birch (Betula nigra), tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), mockernt hickory (Carya tomentosa), red maple (Acer rubrum), American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana). Phase I of the project involves the installation of approximately 2,100 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer will be installed via open cut and will involve both permanent and temporary impacts to the Project Area. Permanent impacts include an approximately 30-ft wide corridor centered along the new sewer (approximately 2,100 feet long) to be used for permanent maintenance access. Approximately half of this permanent 30-ft wide corridor is currently cleared and utilized for maintenance of the existing sewer. Therefore, the new 30-foot-wide corridor's additional "disturbance" beyond the existing cleared corridor is limited (Figure 1). Temporary impacts include a variable width corridor which averages approximately 30-foot-wide for the length of the project (approximately 2,200 feet long) that will be restored. The purpose of the temporary impacts is to accommodate construction of the project site to stage materials and equipment. Phase II of the project involves the installation of approximately 1,500 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer is anticipated to be installed via open cut and will result in permanent and temporary impacts. Design of Phase II has not begun, however permanent impacts are assumed to be an additional 15-ft of cleared area (parallel to existing cleared easement). Additionally, permanent impacts may include installation of permanent access from Flat Stone Court or the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. Temporary impacts are assumed to be a 30-foot cleared area parallel to the alignment to be used during construction. It is likely that two approximately 50 feet by 50 feet laydown areas will be placed within the project area but the location of these is not yet known. Clearing for Phase I will total 3.68 acres, and between 3 and 7 acres will be cleared for Phase 11. Areas outside the Limits of Disturbance but within the overall Project Area will be preserved. A 30-foot-wide corridor along the new pipe will be reseeded with natural seed approved by the NC Botanical Gardens (NCBG). Areas outside of that 30-ft wide area will be restored via woody plants approved by the NCBG. 1 Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys METHODS The summer presence/absence survey was conducted in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) 2023 Range -wide Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat Survey Guidelines (Guidelines). This survey utilized a two -phased approach: Phase 1) desktop and field - based habitat assessments, and Phase 2) acoustic surveys. Zero -crossing acoustic detectors were deployed during field assessments and resulting data were processed using Bat Call Identification (BCID) Version 2.8b software. Qualified EPR personnel carried out all phases of the survey and specific roles are summarized in Table 1; resumes for relevant staff are provided in Appendix B. Heather Wallace (Native Endangered & Threatened Species Recovery Permit ES8143013-1) led the survey and analysis efforts. Table 1. Personnel Involved in PESU Acoustic Presence/Absence Surveys and Analyses for Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Relocation, August 2023. Personnel Desktop Field Detector Acoustic Analysis Assessment Deployment Analysis Heather Wallace Senior Biologist X X X X Andrew Brantley Environmental Scientist X X HABITAT ASSESSMENT Desktop Analysis Prior to conducting field work, a desktop land cover analysis was performed to identify suitable PESU habitat within the Project Area. Specifically, aerial photography and Google Earth imagery were reviewed to determine areas that may be used by PESU for foraging and roosting during the breeding season. Determinations were based on forest patch size, proximity to closed -canopy forests, and landscape features that may be used by bats commuting between roosting and foraging habitats (e.g., forested tracts, wetlands, streams). Edges of larger forest openings, edges of riparian areas, and open water were noted as these features seem to be preferred by PESU. Dense, unbroken forests, narrow road cuts, and areas highly fragmented by residential or commercial developments were generally not considered suitable PESU habitat. All the Project Area (23 acres) was determined to be possible suitable habitat as it consists of forest habitat interspersed with clearings and associated edge habitat that could be utilized as roosting, foraging or commuting areas by PESU. EPR also reviewed the land cover imagery for the presence of any areas that could potentially support natural hibernacula, including karst or similar geological formations. No natural hibernacula or abandoned mines were identified in the Project Area. Maps and GPS coordinates were produced for use in the field that demarcated suitable habitat within the Project Area, as well as the number and proposed locations of acoustic detectors required to survey the area. Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys Field Assessment On August 7, 2023, EPR conducted a site visit to verify the presence of and describe the PESU habitat identified during the desktop analysis. Preliminary detector locations were also identified during this site visit. Detectors were deployed on August 9, 2023, at seven locations (or stations) for the nights of August 9, and 10, 2023 (Appendix A, Figure 1). On August 9, EPR biologists decided to install detector MCI in a location further west to avoid potential interference from overhead powerlines at the original location. All other detector locations identified in the Study Plan provided to the USFWS on August 8, 2023, remained the same. The detector at MC7 malfunctioned overnight on August 9 and 10, 2023 and was replaced with another detector on the nights of August 11 and 12, 2023. It successfully recorded bat calls during those nights. General habitat descriptions at each station are provided below in Table 2. The Phase 1 Summer Habitat Assessment, Phase 2 Study Plan, and USFWS authorization letter are included in Appendix C. Table 2. Detector Station Descriptions and Survey Data at Morgan Creek, Chapel Hill, NC, August 2023. Station Description GPS Coordinates Survey Dates Survey Hours Mature, mixed deciduous forest with open understory adjacent to easement. Deployed detector roughly at midpoint of intersection 35.891770 MCI of two easements. Microphone oriented to -79.041880 sample airspace of intersection of two flyways. Deployed adjacent to Morgan Creek on high bank. Mic oriented toward pool and elevated 35.891680 Roughly g y one MC2 approximately 18 feet above water. Nights of hour before Microphone oriented to sample airspace over -79.036500 st August 9 sunset creek and within small open area of forest. and 2023 ( :10) to one after sunrise Deployed at the intersection of two easements and adjacent to Morgan Creek. (-07:30) Sparse tree cover between detector and flyway over creek. Herbaceous vegetation is moderately dense and low growing. 35.892740 MC3 Surrounding forest is mature, mixed -79.034560 deciduous with relatively open understory. Detector not at midpoint of intersection due to pedestrian traffic but placed to capture bat activity within flyway. Deployed in open area adjacent to a riffle in Morgan Creek and easement. No woody vegetation along streambank in this location. 35.893980 MC4 Sparse herbaceous vegetation. Microphone -79.032970 oriented to sample airspace within easement and over creek. Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys MC5 Deployed on high bank within easement adjacent to Morgan Creek and across from Elephant Rock. No understory along stream bank. Calls from bats using the creek and easement should be recorded in this location. 35.893580 -79.028850 Nights of August 9 and 2023 Roughly one hour before sunset (�19:10) to one hour after sunrise Deployed in middle of easement in dense herbaceous cover but adjacent to woody (-07:30) riparian area and mature forest. Less canopy cover here than at other detector locations. 35.894970 MC6 Stream confluence nearby. Within sight of -79.027330 WWTP and should capture calls of bats commuting along easement or popping out of riparian area. Deployed roughly in the center of intersection of two easements with dense Roughly one herbaceous cover surrounded by mature Nights of hour before deciduous forest. Elevation higher here that 35.893200 August 11 g sunset MC7 at other detector locations. Microphone p -79.030550 and 12, (-19:10) to location/orientation should capture calls of 2023 one hour after bats foraging/commuting through easement sunrise intersection. (-07:34) ACOUSTIC PRESENCE/ABSENCE SURVEYS Detector Type Anabat Express ultrasonic bat detector/recorders (Titley Scientific) equipped with omnidirectional ultrasonic US-0 V3 microphones were used for the duration of the survey effort. Detectors were set to record from an hour before sunset to an hour after sunrise and files were saved in .zca format on internal SD cards. The detectors and accessories are fully waterproof and were powered by internal four AA NiMH batteries. At the time of deployment, each detector was tested by rubbing fingers in front of the microphone and watching for the Microphone LED to flicker to confirm that an ultrasonic audio signal was detected. In addition, each detector setup was tested for proper functioning by waving a magnet in front of the case and watching for the Check LED to flash. Log files were reviewed when units were pulled to verify proper functioning for the duration of the survey. Detector Deployment Seven detectors were positioned in suitable habitat within the Project Area to ensure that potential habitats were sampled in accordance with the Guidelines. Seven detectors were deployed in the following habitat types: • Sewer easements with varying canopy closure situated within closed canopy forests. • Riparian areas near pools or riffles. Omnidirectional microphones were mounted at the top of poles approximately 3.66 meters (12 feet) above the ground surface to avoid herbaceous vegetation and to elevate the microphones' cone of H Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys detection. Tripods were used to stabilize the poles and to mount the detectors in a locked metal box. Detectors were placed in the center of flight paths to the extent possible without blocking pedestrian access to the trail system that followed some easements. Microphones were oriented horizontally and in line with suspected flight paths to increase the number of call pulses and quality of recordings. Therefore, specific orientation was determined by microsite conditions. Appendix D contains acoustic detector data sheets, including station conditions and photographs showing detector placement, surrounding habitat, and airspace around each microphone, and Figure 1 (appendix A) shows the detector locations and orientation of each microphone. Following is a summary of the acoustic presence/absence survey effort • The total Project Area was approximately 23.0 acres. • The area of Project with suitable PESU habitat was approximately 23.0 acres. • Six detectors were deployed on the nights of August 9 and 10, 2023, and one detector was deployed on the nights of August 11 and 12, 2023, for a total of 14 detector nights. ANALYSIS EPR analyzed the recorded data according to the Guidelines, per Phase 2, Step 6 (Automated Acoustic Analysis)..zca files generated each night by each detector were converted to .zc files using the Analysis tool within the Anabat Insight software program. The call files were then analyzed using Bat Call Identification software (BCID East, Version 2.8b) using the classifier for species of bats in North Carolina and default filters. Myotis sodalis, Myotis leibii, and Myotis grisescens were unchecked as potential species because the known distribution of these species does not extend east to the NC Piedmont. Results were summarized by detector site and by night. RESULTS All weather requirements (including temperature, precipitation, and average wind speed) were met during all nights of the survey (Table 3). Historic weather data was obtained for the nearby NOAA weather station at Raleigh -Durham International Airport via Weather Underground (www.weatherunderground.com). Table 3. Weather Conditions DurinE First Five Hours of SamnlinE. August 9-12. 2023 Night High Temp °F Low Temp °F Max Sustained Wind Speeds (mph) 8/9/2023 82 74 6 8/10/2023 81 67 7 8/11/2023 81 70 0 8/12/2023 85 75 7 On the nights of August 9-12, 2023, a total of 6,986 bat passes were recorded at the seven stations (Table 4). Calls representing ten bat species were identified by BCID. A total of 623 passes were classified as PESU by BCID, and bat passes classified as PESU were identified at every detector location. Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) signify ap-value less than 0.05 for this species at all detector locations each night as well, indicating that PESU is likely present within the Project Area (Table 5). 5 Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys Table 4. Summary of Bat Passes Recorded on the Nights of August 9-12, 2023 at Morgan Creek, Chapel Hill, NC. Site Ni ht EPFU LANO LABO LACI MYAU MYLU MYSE NYHU PESU CORA UNKN 8/9 61 0 82 0 40 23 9 22 33 73 17 MCI 8/10 53 1 38 0 125 10 3 26 19 163 26 8/9 44 19 325 1 4 7 4 244 65 0 6 MC2 8/10 26 7 326 0 0 10 1 321 26 2 7 8/9 178 0 542 0 13 13 5 42 53 0 25 MC3 8/10 196 0 532 0 11 22 6 24 26 1 16 8/9 41 3 106 0 11 5 3 21 85 28 22 MC4 8/10 55 1 40 0 9 2 2 22 64 19 8 8/9 69 17 68 2 9 5 3 100 16 15 13 MC5 8/10 46 41 56 0 8 20 2 42 16 34 8 8/9 218 145 64 1 8 4 4 34 14 7 13 MC6 8/10 249 219 45 0 7 1 0 12 37 4 17 8/11 34 6 208 0 23 47 6 23 84 7 21 MC7 8/12 19 5 114 0 34 16 2 18 85 5 15 Overall 1,289 464 2,546 4 302 185 50 951 623 358 214 Note 1: EPFU=Eptesicus fuscus; big brown bat, LAND=Lasionycteris noctivagans; silver -haired bat, LABO=Lasiurus borealis; eastern red bat, LACI=Lasiurus cinereus; hoary bat, MYAU=Myotis austroriparius; southeastern myotis, MYLU=Myotis lucifugus, little brown bat, MYSE=Myotis septentrionalis; northern long-eared bat, NYHU=Nycticeius humeralis; evening bat, PESU=Perimyotis subflavus; tricolored bat, CORA= Corynorhinus rafinesquii; Rafinesque's big -eared bat, UNKN=unknown bat species call. Table 5. Summary of Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) for Species Presence by BCID on the Ni hts of Angus 9-12, 2023 at Mor an Creek, Chapel Hill, NC. Site Night EPFU LANO LABO LACI MYAU MYLU MYSE NYHU PESU CORA 8/9 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 1E-06 0.18 5.80E-05 1E-06 1E-06 MCI 8/10 1E-06 0.99 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 1.00 1.00 3.3E-06 1E-06 1E-06 8/9 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 0.20 1E-06 2E-06 0.01 1E-06 1E-06 N/A MC2 8/10 1E-06 1.69E-06 1E-06 N/A N/A 1E-06 0.04 1E-06 1E-06 1.37E-04 8/9 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 1E-06 0.07 0.08 1E-06 N/A MC3 8/10 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 1E-06 0.01 1 1.00 IE-061 0.32 8/9 1E-06 0.06 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 0.03 0.30 6.6E-05 1E-06 1E-06 MC4 8/10 1E-06 1.00 1E-06 N/A 1E-06 0.48 0.53 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 8/9 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 0.01 1E-06 0.01 0.21 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 MC5 8/10 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 N/A 3E-06 1E-06 0.42 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 8/9 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 1.00 1E-06 0.02 0.05 1E-06 1E-06 1E-06 MC6 8/10 1 1E-06 1E-06 I 1E-06 N/A I 1E-06 1 0.65 1 N/A 1.42E-04 IE-061 6.44E-05 8/11 1 1E-06 8.25E-OS 1E-06 N/A I 1E-06 IE-061 0.19 1 0.03 1 1E-06 I 9.26E-06 MC7 8/12 1 1E-06 5.77E-05 1E-06 N/A I 1E-06 IE-061 1.00 3.04E-03 1E-06 2.91E-03 Note 1: EPFU=Eptesicus fuscus; big brown bat, LAND=Lasionycteris noctivagans; silver -haired bat, LABO=Lasiurus borealis; eastern red bat, LACI=Lasiurus cinereus; hoary bat, MYAU=Myotis austroriparius; southeastern myotis, MYLU=Myotis lucifugus, little brown bat, MYSE=Myotis septentrionalis; northern long-eared bat, NYHU=Nycticeius humeralis; evening bat, PESU=Perimyotis subflavus; tricolored bat, CORA= Corynorhinus Morgan Creek Sewer Interceptor Replacement Bat Surveys rafinesquii; Rafinesque's big -eared bat, UNKN=unknown bat species call. Note 2: Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) interpretation — values <0.05 indicates there is 95% confidence that the species is present. Bold values indicate significance, and high confidence level in species presence. CONCLUSION The Project Area provides suitable roosting and foraging habitat for PESU. Based on automated acoustic analysis for each night at each site PESU presence is considered likely at all seven sampling sites, with PESU accounting for 8.9% of the total bat passes. Therefore, it can be assumed that PESU are present within the Project Area. Per Ms. Wallace's USFWS permit conditions, the results of this survey will be reported to USFWS and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Additional coordination with USFWS is recommended as part of the environmental review process for this Project. APPENDIX A FIGURES uyeyu :GWEN jasn WV 60:6:aw!1 I £ZOZ/9lB aje0 xide:y;ed - G TWIF 0 W w � n o 0 0 00 L to ¢ Z Z 0 ❑ 0 w -4Lt+ ru _� L6 rn Q u 0 cO r L ~ 0 w J 0 0 0 LLI 2 w U 0 1 o r 10 N Fes- I-- Al O r « t s .d � I Z CAQ R n« ,b b W w a. ci� a a'� o � a f H J 5 W i, r R O �:. 10) o' R w 0 a ti w J U In ti""'., > Z lw� O Q L ;• N w 1T N r O Q GWz sPel H H3011 eA;aai;S ua 0 _LWz a ewl leuaV RiS3 :saanoS APPENDIX B RELEVANT STAFF RESUMES ECOSYSTEM �Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION Heather Wallace Senior Biologist Ms. Wallace has over twenty-three years of experience as an environmental professional. She has extensive experience surveying and monitoring plants and wildlife, and specialized knowledge of the ecology of a variety of rare and federally protected terrestrial and aquatic species. She has comprehensive knowledge of the consultation process as it relates to the Endangered Species Act. She also has a background in jurisdictional wetland and stream delineations, biotic community inventories, and morphological and biological data collection for stream and wetland restoration projects. Ms. Wallace has prepared Natural Resource Technical Reports; Biological Assessments and Evaluations under Endangered Species Act §7; Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements; and merger, nationwide, and individual permit applications under Clean Water Act §404/401. With experience working in both the private and public sectors, Ms. Wallace has a well-rounded knowledge of how those groups function, and how they work best together. Furthermore, she is well-equipped to work independently or as part of a team, and confident in her abilities to manage project budgets and timelines and oversee personnel. ■ Northern Long-eared Bat Surveys for Eastern Region, NCDOT, Various Counties, Eastern NC. Heather served as the Lead Biologists for this NCDOT-awarded on -call contract, producing five task orders over a four-year period (2016-2019) to perform surveys for the federally threatened northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) throughout various locations in the coastal plain of North Carolina. Little was known about this disjunct population of bats, including their population range, reproductive season, and roost preferences. Using acoustic detectors, winter, spring, and summer mist -netting, and radiotelemetry tracking, Biologists identified locations where the species was not previously known to occur, captured and tracked Page I 1 ECOSYSTEM Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION reproductive males and females, located maternity and non -maternity roost trees, performed emergence surveys, and conducted habitat analysis of mist -net sites and roost locations. More than 800 bats of 9 species were captured during more than 180 nights of mist -netting. Thirteen northern long-eared bats were tracked to more than 36 roost trees, where emergence surveys were performed. ■ Bat Mist Netting and Acoustic Surveys, NCDOT, Statewide, NC. STATEWIDE, NC. Heather was the Project Manager and Lead Biologist providing extensive Northern long- eared bat mist -netting and acoustic surveys in Central and Eastern North Carolina. Twenty-seven (27) nights of netting were completed at 21 sites and seven counties. The survey efforts resulted in the capture of 166 bats representing eight species. As a part of these surveys, the federally threatened Northern long-eared bat was captured in two new counties where the species was previously undocumented. Acoustic surveys approximated these efforts. A comprehensive survey report was also submitted as part of this project. ■ B-4447, B-4777, B-5125, B-5159, B-53987, B-5398, B-5410, Bat Habitat Assessments, NCDOT, Various Counties, NC. Seven bridges in five counties were evaluated for signs of bat use and overall quality as potential roost sites. Where applicable, habitat assessments were conducted for Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), gray bat (Myotis grisescens) and northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). In addition, surrounding forested areas were evaluated for potential as summer roosting and foraging locations. Heather evaluated the available habitat based on the NCDOT's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Preliminary Bat Habitat Assessments (Structures, Caves and Mines), and the USFWS Northern Long-eared Bat Interim Conference and Planning Guidance (2014). ■ Northern Long-eared Bat Training Seminars, NCDOT, Wake and Lee Counties, NC. While employed with the NCDOT, Heather coordinated and instructed several one -day seminars for consultants on the status of the proposed listing of the Northern long eared bat, including natural history, population status, current research on white -nose syndrome, and the review of NCDOT Standard Operating Procedures for bat habitat assessment of bridges/culverts, caves/mines, and abandoned structures. ■ Programmatic Biological Assessment for Northern Long-eared Bat, NCDOT, Eastern Counties, NC. Heather participated in an interagency team of representatives from NCDOT's Biological Surveys Group, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and USFWS to develop a strategy to address the potential effects that NCDOT projects may have on the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). The goal of the working group was to "Advance (transportation) projects forward without schedule delays and ensure species protection/uplift in the most efficient way". NCDOT received a favorable programmatic biological opinion from USFWS, which provides incidental take coverage for northern long-eared bat and ensures compliance Page 1 2 ECOSYSTEM Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for five years for all NCDOT projects with a federal nexus in eastern NC. As a result of the interagency coordination, NCDOT projects in this part of the state will not suffer scheduling delays due to a need for Endangered Species Act compliance related to species. Furthermore, a five-year research project was proposed as a conservation measure and is anticipated to provide valuable data about the distribution and ecology of the species in this portion of its range. ■ 1-26 Widening Gray Bat Surveys and Consultation. Buncombe and Henderson Counties, NC. Heather was the Lead Biologist for this project that involved completion of acoustic surveys, structure checks, and a Biological Assessment for gray bat for the 24- mile 1-26 widening. Close coordination with NCDOT, NCWRC, NPS, and USFWS was necessary to ensure that data was collected and analyzed in the most appropriate manner. Biologists checked a total of 24 bridges (or bridge pairs) and 18 culverts and found evidence of bat use on one bridge. Three of the bridges were checked while utilizing a hydra lift truck. Acoustic surveys were performed for a 13-week period and 322 acoustic nights of data were collected, processed, and vetted from 13 locations. An additional 13 weeks of acoustic data were collected and processed at the 1-26 crossing of the French Broad River, where gray bat activity was high, to determine the time of year that bat activity decreases, which is indicative of the time of year bats begin their hibernation period. Heather coordinated with NCDOT, FHWA, NPS, and USFWS as part of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process to prepare a Biological Assessment, including conservation measures that were acceptable to all stakeholders, and secured a favorable Biological Opinion from USFWS. ■ 1-4400/1-4700 1-26 Widening Gray Bat Acoustic and Thermal Video Monitoring, NCDOT, Buncombe County, NC. Heather served as Project Manager and Lead Biologist to perform acoustic surveys, structure checks, and include a Biological Assessment for gray bats for the 1-26 widening between Hendersonville and Asheville. Close coordination with NCDOT, NCWRC, NPS, and USFWS was necessary to ensure that data was collected and analyzed in the most appropriate manner for the project. Biologists checked a total of 24 bridges (or bridge pairs) and 18 culverts, and found evidence of bat use on one bridge. Three of the bridges were checked while utilizing a hydra lift truck. Acoustic surveys were performed for a 13-week period during the summer of 2017. During the survey period, 322 acoustic nights of data were collected, processed, and vetted from 13 different locations throughout the study area. An additional 13 weeks of acoustic data were collected and processed at the 1-26 crossing of the French Broad River, where gray bat activity was high, to determine the time of year that bat activity decreases, which is indicative of the time of year bats begin their hibernation period. Heather coordinated with NCDOT, FHWA, NPS, and USFWS as part of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process. The Biological Assessment for this project was completed in 2018, and a favorable Biological Opinion was subsequently rendered by USFWS. This unique project allowed the team to explore various methods for recording bat activity using thermal and infrared imagery. In addition, the team refined the Page 1 3 ECOSYSTEM Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION use of ThruTracker software to automate review of the video and identification of bat "tracks" to better understand how active construction may affect bat activity within the construction zone. Heather was Project Manager. ■ Bat Acoustic Surveys and Consultation, Private Client, Jackson County, NC. Heather served as project manger on a quick -turnaround assignment to perform habitat assessments and acoustic surveys for a 5.3-acre parcel in Jackson County necessary to facilitate the repair of a failing retaining wall adjacent to a highway. Biologists surveyed for three (3) species threatened and endangered bat species listed by US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), which included Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and gray bat (Myotis grisescens). Habitat assessments consisted of determining if potentially suitable habitat for the bats species was present, following up to date USFWS protocols. Acoustic monitoring recorded bat calls to determine presence/probable absence of threatened and endangered bat species. ■ U-A-3403B, NC 191 Widening, USFS and USFWS Species Surveys and Biological Evaluation, NCDOT, Buncombe County, NC. Heather led a group of biologist surveying for USFWS federally listed, USFS Species of concern, and North Carolina state listed species along a four -mile widening project of NC 191. Aquatic surveys of fish, mussels, amphibians, benthic macroinvertebrates, and crustaceans included USFWS listed blotchside logperch (Percina burtoni), longhead darter (Percina macrocephala), hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana), and French Broad crayfish (Cambarus reburrus) in addition to 26 USFS and North Carolina special concern or listed species along 5,600 linear meters of aquatic habitat. In addition, biologists performed habitat assessments and noted potential habitat for federally protected northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis). Additional botanical, arthropod, avian, herpetological, and terrestrial gastropod surveys were conducted in 9.89 acres of forest service property potentially affected by the widening project. Notable discoveries included new occurrences of Federally endangered Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana), North Carolina threatened creeper mussel (Strophitus undulatus), and North Carolina endangered slippershell mussel (Alasmidonta viridis) in the French Broad River. In addition, biologists confirmed the continued presence of French Broad Crayfish (Cambarus reburrus) in Bent Creek. A Biological Evaluation is in preparation for this project to summarize findings of field investigations and predict potential effects on RTE species. ■ A-0010A, US 19/23 (Future 1-26) Improvements, Gray Bat Consultation, NCDOT, Buncombe, County, NC. NCDOT proposed improvements to a 12-mile portion of US 19/23 from north of 1-240 in Asheville to just south of Exit 13 (Forks of Ivy —Stockton Road) near Mars Hill in Buncombe County, NC. Heather served as Lead Biologist, collecting three years of acoustic data to better understand the activity levels of the federally endangered gray bat which is known to occur in the area. Roughly 400 detector nights of data, collected at six detector locations was processed through BCID and analyzed to Page 14 ECOSYSTEM Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION identify the areas with highest bat activity, specifically gray bat activity. Checks of bridges and culverts for roosting bats were also performed. This information will be used to develop a Biological Assessment, including conservation measures that will reduce potential effects on gray bats that forage and commute within the project study area. ■ 1-4400/1-4700, 1-26 Widening Gray Bat Surveys and Consultation, NCDOT, Buncombe and Henderson Counties, NC. Heather served as Project Manager and Lead Biologist to complete acoustic surveys, structure checks, and a Biological Assessment for gray bats for the 25.5-mile widening of 1-26 between Hendersonville and Asheville. Close coordination with NCDOT, NCWRC, NPS, and USFWS was necessary to ensure that data was collected and analyzed in the most appropriate manner for the project. Biologists checked a total of 24 bridges (or bridge pairs) and 18 culverts and found evidence of bat use on one bridge. Three of the bridges were checked while utilizing a hydra lift truck. Acoustic surveys were performed for a 13-week period during the summer of 2017. During the survey period, 322 acoustic nights of data were collected, processed, and vetted from 13 different locations throughout the study area. An additional 13 weeks of acoustic data were collected and processed at the 1-26 crossing of the French Broad River, where gray bat activity was high, to determine the time of year that bat activity decreases, which is indicative of the time of year bats begin their hibernation period. Heather coordinated with NCDOT, FHWA, NPS, and USFWS as part of the Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation process to prepare a Biological Assessment, including conservation measures that were acceptable to all stakeholders, and secured a favorable Biological Opinion from USFWS. Page 1 5 ECOSYSTEM �Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION Andrew Brantley Environmental Scientist I Mr. Brantley is a recent graduate of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University with a Master of Environmental Management degree focused in water resources management. He currently serves as an Environmental Scientist I in EPR's Cary, NC office. Mr. Brantley has experience in the natural resources side of stream and wetland restoration including delineation and monitoring from his previous experience as an Environmental Intern with EPR's Cary, NC office in 2022. He has assisted with various aspects of Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting, NRTR preparation, natural resources data collection and analysis, and T&E surveys. ■ Brosnan Forest Umbrella Mitigation Bank. Norfolk Southern Corporation. Dorchester, SC. Mr. Brantley is working as part of the natural resources team for the development of a mitigation bank in South Carolina. The site will provide stream and wetland mitigation credits to offset permitted impacts in the immediate and adjoining watersheds. Mr. Brantley has assisted in preliminary wetland delineations, geospatial data analysis, and wetland credit calculations during MBI development. ■ R-3300 Beane Wetland Mitigation Site Monitoring. NCDOT Environmental Analysis Unit (EAU). New Hanover County, NC. Mr. Brantley is assisting with wetland hydrologic monitoring of this newly restored site to be included in a Final Mitigation Site Monitoring Report. This work has included groundwater well maintenance and data collection/analysis. • B-5677 Bridge Replacement over Dan River, Bat Habitat Assessment. NCDOT. Stokes County, NC. Mr. Brantley assisted in the completion of Page I 1 ECOSYSTEM Resume .. PLANNING & RESTORATION Endangered Species Act, Section 7 consultation, and subsequent NRTR and Biological Assessment preparation, for the replacement of a bridge adjacent to a tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) culvert hibernaculum. Gray bat (Myotis grisescens) and northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) were also included in the Biological Assessment. He also assisted in checks of the bridge (using a platform truck) and culvert for roosting bats and completed surveys for other federally protected plant species. ■ U-2530A Natural Resources Technical Report. NCDOT. Catawba County, NC. The NCDOT proposes to widen approximately 4 miles of NC-127 in Catawba County. Mr. Brantley assisted in preliminary geospatial analysis, field investigations of the site, endangered species habitat assessments, and NRTR preparation/writing. ■ Natural Resources Technical Report. NCDOT. Wake County, NC. The NCDOT proposes to improve/expand sidewalks along Louis Stevens Road in Wake County. Mr. Brantley assisted in preliminary geospatial analysis, field investigations of the site, endangered species habitat assessments, and NRTR preparation/writing. ■ Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement. Orange County Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). Orange County, NC. OWASA plans to replace sewer pipe along Morgan Creek in Orange County that could impact tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) habitat. Mr. Brantley assisted in the acoustic surveys required including equipment setup and data collection/analysis. Page 1 2 APPENDIX C PHASE 1 HABITAT ASSESSMENT PHASE 2 STUDY PLAN PHASE 2 STUDY PLAN APPROVAL BAT I IABITAT ASSE5Sh1ENT DATAS7IEEF "ca Nmne: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement cmnship,'Rgicn: Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC L:n L,,4027Z& : 35.89371,-79.03397 1, i,-1 Vir+ilica D escr See attached. 1>I'nii i l �1.4I1 4T�:i 4 23 liranr1�.11 S-1r1 7,7 71:5I I,111 R r111•1- 14r-4.4 ciest 20.7 Due: 8/7/2023 sauycy,or: Heather Wallace 2.3 NII.:1.11} - 3.68 acres will be cleared for Phase 1. (%Vlhl.SL'wL' U,�") �JeA Between 3 and 7 acres will be cleared for Phase II. Areas outside the LOD but within the overall projecgt area will be preserved. I'n I'I :I I, I•I I'I`+1I I •I•,I I L, I Mature deciduous forest. A 30-ft wide corridor along the new pipe will Maintained/disturbed areas dominated by be reseeded with natural seed approved by invasive species along 30-ft wide sewer the NC Botanical Gardens (NCBG). Areas easements. Canopy is closed or nearly outside of that 30-ft wide area will be restored closed over easements. Mature trees and via woody plants approved by the NCBG. shrubs along stream banks. 1 Alkd,cdPC M I[11111 ti 111114' 1,A(ri11+ 11:•111 C'ILI Id. -I, II7.111l,I I-W, .11%.1 •.' yes -}. hi I'IF� k11l:es, lel 1'I'I:IkI'Il1L IL•[[.•:I.14•1511,^r.Lkw..nlll. 51.1111115 r: I1Il..r re Id1.%1.11 Ili 5511IIna Ill. "AIL r•Dn1•r44I forested, residential I'roxinlily- !o Fuhlir land hill) i• Me di,Linet inii.i fron thr pnVjcC! urc I I, 1. 11•1%•IL 11111011i, I,II141' l�•:'.•• II{IS i•nrlC �•I 41;111 I'll V­`k. 11.11i1•11.11'II k_IIS y}:S_ I.L. a 1: 11" I' S .11 I. -I I : i 1•.. 1+. 15 il,dlirr Il®_III. Fe. 1 J 4 lid...I I•i Project is located almost entirely on public land and much of the land immediately adjacent is also public I"rsu iidditionAiI shs- N to assess &%rule halwidat t)yy% ol inullipk; 4itw+, in a proi"l mr J►u*de a wrap dZeprtMig brviimis of srmpte mx es r,(asse. rrh da.,rriek° ha h); gar t ur nm ri ril e .hies arr n piroject arw A single -*eef ean N mW fir mHUrple .oviiph- .xrlce�;ri,� ,rl rr , ro,�-Nwrm tianlplc "Mc ]]tiasripd W;11cr Ftc,tlure" ul i tilre.rrn TYrK #;1nd1rn ih 1"vHdv1Nmd% (d :1 lid size) CAPPrOX. U.) Vorr+t Reno urccN A V ldmurmrllc,mily Dou1in:11v Swicx of %l:elur' Trcc, % 'rreV, n•r Exr4rliming li:rrk tiiar i'�Fnl,rwFxii i+Fn all; habitat is same i::,l- nler;ll 7n,rr77ulc'nt I 'Purr- I IN-sk Iht' eNisSIno cort,h:on III %% itt" one; 2,200 If. - "Ixil--old Morgan Creek flows through project 5�a�1 area. No ponds, no wetlands. hE "1l5;tlltni. ari ;I)' mkhaon. "u-5t �6 5 1 1 In,11i r?- '11) %led (9-1 * :n; 20 40 [ nJtrsAory ' 'ti'r d- I-10"e, ` - I I-21 °o. '1- 0. 4-41-6 0,1*. 3 Beech, birch, tulip poplar, sycamore, red maple, pawpaw, musclewood, microstegium 1 40 :I:1r1�1�.n�'4-.°•.I'-;����.ti1117k�!L,In:�'.i-:-�,I,:i-k,4:isi4:k•".a:s,.i��5:.,4,iI�..,ll4�tiK \ib:i•s 5'4'ILhouL IhLx characttn sUcs are not eor id, reel -ZIr..Ihlt IN THE HABITAT SITIA13LEF()RINIML A13,VI'S° N/A IS THE HABFrAT SUITABLE FOR NORTHERN LONG-EARED DATs? N/A habitat suitable for TCB AJ'Ii1in1Wd ConlnlenlN: habitat type throughout the site is fairly uniform, however, there are minor differences in herbaceous cover/composition and canopy and midstory closure depending on proximity to existing sewer easement. :111ar1L marks] 1rl11314r 411 1iriFjcrl %RV M 1111 :1111wAMcd 3reax I;hkK'Ivrl and :s Krrlrral dexrrilliilrn 4 Idir 1L•LWIA1 F'haiagtraphlir Borumerrlaliarr_ VubLlat stints at edge mA Intemr from rnuNiple lacatiom, undcrstccy,1m tiAor5,-'cariuW. examples of crAia1 Ai lable sm s and lave trees; Kalcrsourm Morgan Creek Interceptor Project Brief Project Description/Summary The project installs approximately 2,100 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer will be installed via open cut and will involve both permanent and temporary impacts to the project area. Permanent impacts include an approximately 30-ft wide corridor centered along the new sewer (approximately 2,100-feet long) to be used for permanent access for maintenance of the sewer. Approximately half of this permanent 30-ft wide corridor is currently cleared and utilized for maintenance of the existing sewer. Therefore, the new 30-ft wide corridor's additional "disturbance" beyond the existing cleared corridor is limited. Temporary impacts include a variable width corridor which averages approximately 30-ft wide for the length of the project (approximately 2,200 feet long) that will be restored. The purpose of the temporary impacts is to accommodate construction of the project site for stage and materials and equipment. Phase II: The project installs approximately 1,500 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer is anticipated to be installed via open cut and result in permanent and temporary impacts. Design of Phase II has not begun, however permanent impacts are assumed to an additional 15-ft of cleared area (parallel to existing cleared easement). Additionally, permanent impacts may include installation of permanent access from Flat Stone Court or the Mason Farm WWTP. Temporary impacts are assumed to be a 30-ft cleared area parallel to the alignment to be used during construction. It is likely two approximately 50-ftx50-ft laydown areas will be placed within the project area but the location of these are not yet known. PROJECT & SURVEY INFORMATION Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Project Proponent's Name (e.g., client/company/institution): Project Location: State(s): NC Latitude: 35.89371 Proposed Survey Start Date: 8/9/2023 McKim and Creed for OWASA County(s): Orange Longitude: -79.03397 REQUIRED: Attach or provide links to Google Earth® KMZ files (preferred) and/or shapefiles (mapping must show project boundaries, impacted forest habitat (if known) and all proposed survey sites) Files are attached: Yes ✓❑ No❑ File Links: Project Summary. In the space provided below, please provide a concise statement of what the project proponent is proposing to do including anv activities that will permanently or temporarily alter the current environment and existing habitat features). The project installs approximately 2,100 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer will be installed via open cut and will involve both permanent and temporary impacts to the project area. Permanent impacts include an approximately 30-ft wide corridor centered along the new sewer (approximately 2,100-feet long) to be used for permanent access for maintenance of the sewer. Approximately half of this permanent 30-ft wide corridor is currently cleared and utilized for maintenance of the existing sewer. Therefore, the new 30-ft wide corridor's additional "disturbance" beyond the existing cleared corridor is limited. Temporary impacts include a variable width corridor which averages approximately 30-ft wide for the length of the project (approximately 2,200 feet long) that will be restored. The purpose of the temporary impacts is to accommodate construction of the project site for stage and materials and equipment. Phase II: The project installs approximately 1,500 linear feet of 36-inch gravity sanitary sewer as a parallel replacement for the existing gravity sewer. The new sewer is anticipated to be installed via open cut and result in permanent and temporary impacts. Design of Phase II has not begun, however permanent impacts are assumed to an additional 15-ft of cleared area (parallel to existing cleared easement). Additionally, permanent impacts may include installation of permanent access from Flat Stone Court or the Mason Farm WWTP. Temporary impacts are assumed to be a 30-ft cleared area parallel to the alignment to be used during construction. It is likely two approximately 50-ftx50-ft laydown areas will be placed within the project area but the location of these are not yet known. CONTACT INFORMATION Project Manager/Primary Point of Contact (POC): Heather Wallace Phone: 919-357-3646 Field Survey Crew Leader (if different from POC): Same Institution/Company Name: Ecosystem Planning and Restoration Mailing Address: 1150 SE Maynard Rd, Suite 140, Cary, NC 27511 POC Email Address: hwallace@eprusa.net USFWS Sec. 10 Permit No.(s) (if applicable): ES814306 State Permit No.(s) (if applicable): 23-ES000309, 23-SCO0504 Cell Phone: 919-357-3646 ' Unless otherwise directed by the Service, surveyors may complete this fillable form, in lieu of a traditional narrative format, and submit it (and supporting files) to the Ecological Services Field Office in the state(s) where the work is to be completed (https://www.fws.gov/our-facilities). Use of this form is not a requirement at this time. Our goal is to improve pre -survey coordination and to expedite the Field Office review and approval process. Please submit your study plan at least 15 working days in advance of your proposed survey start date. Suggestions for improving this document may be sent to Indiana bat(a(fws.gov. Have project proponents been informed that abiding by protective time -of -year restrictions (where available) may be sufficient to avoid take of bats and (in some cases) may negate the need for a bat survey? Yes❑✓ No ❑ Have project proponents been informed that the Service does not require presence/probable absence surveys for federally listed species and that presence can be assumed in a project area containing suitable habitat? Yes❑✓ No ❑ Will this survey be conducted on private or public lands? (Check both if applicable): Private❑ Public ✓❑ Has permission of all necessary landowners/managing agencies been obtained? Yes[z] No❑ If no, explain: Does this project have a federal nexus? Yes ✓❑ No❑ Unsure ❑ If yes, explain: 401/404 CWA permit will be required; no federal funds associated with project IPaC' Consultation Code (if applicable): Purpose of Survey: Survey get Species: Official P/A Survey ✓❑ Research❑ Educational Outreach/Training ❑ Other: Indiana bat (IBAT) ❑ Tricolored bat (TCB) ✓❑ Monitoring ❑ Northern long-eared bat (NLEB) ❑ Other: Hasa Phase-1 Habitat Assessment* of the project area been conducted? Yes[z] No❑ If yes, how was the habitat assessment conducted? On -the -ground: ❑ Aerial imagery ❑ (*if available, attach a written report) Is suitable habitat present (or assumed present) for all "target" species? Yes ✓❑ No❑ If no, explain: Combo ✓❑ Does this project fall within the outer -tier of any "target" species known home range? Yes❑ No[Z] Unsure ❑ If yes, which species: Project Configuration. Is this project linear, (>I km in total length)? Yes ❑ No❑✓ Combo ❑ Unsure ❑ If yes, how many 1-km sections containing suitable IBAT/NLEB habitat in km (mi) will be impacted? Is this project non -linear? Yes ✓❑ No ❑ Combo❑ Unsure ❑ If yes, how many acres of suitable IBAT/NLEB habitat is in the overall project area? 23 (TCB) If yes, how many acres of suitable IBAT/NLEB habitat will be directly impacted/cleared? up to 10.68 (TCB) METHODOLOGY & SURVEY LEVEL OF EFFORT ACOUSTICS Total number of detector sites proposed to be surveyed: 7 Number of detector nights/site: 2 Total number of detector nights for entire survey: 14 2 https:Hipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/ 3 Survey level of effort (acoustic or netting) must be spread over at least two calendar nights/survey site. Total proposed number of calendar nights to complete the entire survey: Detector(s) (Brand, Model): Titley Anabat Express Recording Format: Full Spectrum ❑ FWS-Approved' Acoustic Bat ID Software Microphone(s): directional ❑ omnidirectional ✓❑ Zero -Crossing❑✓ KPro vers. KPro Classifier, NA vers. Other Candidate Programs (e.g., Sonobat) vers.: Species to be included for automatic software ID classification analysis: BCID vers. 2.8b EPFU❑✓ CORAD COTO❑ LABOR LACI❑ LANOD LASE❑ TABR❑ MYCI❑ MYEV❑ MYGR❑ MYLUD MYLE❑ MYSED MYSO❑ MYTH❑ MYVO❑ NYHU❑✓ PESU❑✓ Others: Will Qualitative anal ysis(i.e., manual vetting) be used? Yes❑ No ✓❑ Unsure El Name(s) of qualified biologist(s) who will be conducting qualitative/manual acoustic identifications (attach resume or link with qualifications): MIST -NETTING Total number of net sites to be surveyed: o Total number of net nights/site: Total number of net nights for entire survey (No. of sites X No. of net nights/site): Total proposed number of calendar nights to complete the entire survey: A) Maximum number of net set-ups that will be operated/checked (10-min interval) on a given calendar night at a given survey site: B) Minimum Number of personnel present to operate/check X (see A) net set-ups on a given site: C) Proposed Staffing Rate (A divided by B): Staffins4 Rate Number of Section 10-permitted biologists per net site (or state -permitted in USFWS R5): Will any bats be banded? Yes ❑ No ❑ If yes, describe your proposed bands (color and letter -numbers) and banding scheme: Will any biological samples be collected from captured bats (e.g., guano, hair, swab, wing punch)? Yes ❑ No ❑ If yes, explain: RADIO -TRACKING Will any bats be radio -tagged and tracked? Yes❑ No❑✓ If yes, please answer following: Which species will be radio -tagged? Name of USFWS Section 10 permitted biologist(s) who will apply transmitter(s): Make/model and approximate weight of transmitter(s) to be used: Estimated life -span of transmitters to be used: Frequency range (MHz) of transmitters (e.g., 150.xxx or 172.xxx): If radio -tracking multiple targeted bats/species, what criteria will be used in selecting which bats will be tracked? Will all radio -tagged bats be tracked (min. of 4-hrs. search effort/day) to their diurnal roosts for the minimum recommended period of 7 days? Yes ❑ No ❑ 4 https://www.fws.gov/media/automated-acoustic-bat-id-software-programs 3 If no, explain: Will night-time foraging data/telemetry be collected? Yes❑ No EMERGENCE SURVEYS After diurnal roost sites of radio -tagged bats are identified, will emergence surveys be conducted at each identified roost (assuming landowner permission is obtained)? Yes❑ No ✓❑ If yes, how many emergence surveys/roost? Have you identified a small number (e.g., <10) of potentially suitable roost trees* that you propose to conduct emergence surveys for? Yes ❑ No ✓❑ (*If yes, provide photographs of each tree documenting that all of the tree can be observed by the surveyor along with coordinates (lat/long and/or KML/shapefile) of all trees to be surveyed.) POTENTIAL HIBERNACULA SURVEYS Are you aware of any known hibernacula used by the target species within the project area itself or nearby? Yes ❑ No ✓❑ Unknown ❑ If yes or unknown, list sites or explain: Has your desktop analysis identified any natural or man-made features that could be used as a hibernaculum by any of the target bat species? Yes ❑ No ✓❑ Unknown ❑ If yes, underground features (e.g., caves, mines, tunnels, bunkers, cisterns) present: Yes ❑ No❑ If yes, above -ground features* (e.g., crawl spaces) present: Yes ❑ No❑ If unknown, explain: Are you requesting approval of a field survey for potential hibernacula at this time? Yes*[:] No ✓❑ (*If yes, attach a separate narrative explaining how the project areas) will be surveyed for potential hibernacula.) Are you submitting the results of a Phase 1 Habitat Assessment of potentially suitable hibernacula identified from field surveys? Yes* ❑ No ❑✓ (*If yes, provide a Phase I Habitat Assessment Data Sheet for each potential hibernaculum/portal(s)' identified to be surveyed.) ADDITIONAL SURVEY INFORMATION Will the proposed bat survey deviate from the current version of the USFWS summer survey guidelines?' Yes[:] No[Z] If yes, provide justification for any departures or modifications to the guidelines (if applicable) below: I hereby acknowledge that the information being provided to the Service is accurate and complete as of today's date. Signature: �'a"' '� W� (� Heather L. Wallace Date: 8/7/2023 5 If multiple cave entrances/portals, please list all locations. 6 Attach additional pages to this form, if needed. 7 Proposed surveys deviating from the current IBAT & NLEB Summer Survey Guidelines will only be accepted with a thoroughly described justification. Coordinate with your local USFWS Field Office (https://www.fws.gov/our-facilities) for acceptable modifications. 4 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh ES Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726 August 8, 2023 Heather Wallace, Senior Biologist Ecosystem Planning and Restoration 1150 SE Maynard Rd., Suite 140 Cary, North Carolina 27511 Subject: Morgan Creek Interceptor - Orange Water and Sewer Authority Orange County, NC Concurrence with Site -Specific Survey Plans for Bats Dear Ms. Wallace: This letter serves as site specific authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for the proposed activities at the Morgan Creek Interceptor site, as stated in your August 8, 2023 study plan form for bat summer presence/absence surveys. These activities include acoustic surveys in Orange County, North Carolina. We look forward to seeing the results of your surveys. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Kathy Matthews at Kathryn_Matthews@fws.gov. Sincerely, for Pete Benjamin Field Supervisor APPENDIX D ACOUSTIC DETECTOR DATA SHEETS Ir A ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & RESTORATIO N Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Site Name/Number: Morgan Creek 1 Project #: RDU0201 Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 State: North Carolina Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.89177,-79.041880, High County: Orange Start Time: 19:10 Nearest Town: Chapel Hill End Time: 07:30 Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Mature, mixed deciduous forest with open understory adjacent to easement. Vegetation in easement sparse to moderate and relatively short. Deployed detector roughly at midpoint of "T" intersection of two easements. Microphone oriented to sample airspace within intersection of two flyways. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN620393 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 39 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 10.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: S S `, y y *X7: y. J a t x `-yNN ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & .,�.; RESTORATION Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Site Name/Number:: Morgan Creek 2 Project #: RDU0201 State: North Carolina County: Orange Nearest Town: Chapel Hill Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.891680,-79.036500, High Start Time: 19:10 End Time: 07:30 Deployed adjacent to Morgan Creek on high bank. Mic oriented toward pool and elevated approximately 18 feet above water. Herbaceous cover on creek bank thick, but no midstory and high canopy where detector was deployed. Microphone oriented to sample airspace over creek and within small open area of forest. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN445948 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 34 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 10.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: h ; p ✓ 1 k -lilt" { y P (T�'a Ir A ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & RESTORATION Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Project #: RDU0201 State: North Carolina County: Orange Nearest Town: Chapel Hill Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Site Name/Number: Morgan Creek 3 Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.892740,-79.034560, High Start Time: 19:10 End Time: 07:30 Deployed at the intersection of two easements and adjacent to Morgan Creek. Sparse tree cover between detector and flyway over creek. Herbaceous vegetation moderately dense and low growing. Surrounding forest is mature, mixed deciduous with relatively open understory Detector not at midpoint of intersection due to pedestrian traffic, but placed to capture bat activity within flyway. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN440578 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 331 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 10.0 Clutter: Moderate Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: Easement and trail looking southwest from MC3 Airspace sampled by MC3. Microphone oriented across main easement toward flyway of secondary easement. Secondary easement intersection with MC3, looking northwest MC3 looking toward Morgan Creek Ir A ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & RESTORATION Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Project #: RDU0201 State: North Carolina County: Orange Nearest Town: Chapel Hill Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Site Name/Number: Morgan Creek 4 Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.893980,-79.032970, High Start Time: 19:10 End Time: 07:30 Deployed in open area adjacent to a riffle area in Morgan Creek and easement. No woody vegetation along streambank in this location. Herbaceous vegetation sparse and surrounding forest is mature, mixed deciduous with relatively open understory. Microphone oriented to sample airspace within easement and over creek. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN440593 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 16 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 10.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: ichedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: View of MC4 from opposite bank of Morgan MC4 looking east Creek ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Ir RESTORATION Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Site Name/Number: Morgan Creek 5 Project #: RDU0201 Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 State: North Carolina Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.893580,-79.028850, High County: Orange Start Time: 19:10 Nearest Town: Chapel Hill End Time: 07:30 Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Deployed on high bank within easement adjacent to Morgan Creek and across from Elephant Rock. No understory along stream bank. Herbaceous vegetation very sparse. Detector set in a location that will capture calls from bats using the creek and easement as flyways. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN620458 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 63 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 10.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: AMWL x s A} � §��`^ . ° «» �d«J��\ , -- p. . � .� . �- . . ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Ir RESTORATION Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Site Name/Number: Morgan Creek 6 Project #: RDU0201 Deployment Dates: August 9-10, 2023 State: North Carolina Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.894970,-79.027330, High County: Orange Start Time: 19:10 Nearest Town: Chapel Hill End Time: 07:30 Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Deployed in middle of easement in dense herbaceous cover but adjacent to woody riparian area and mature forest. Less canopy cover here than at other detector locations. Stream confluence nearby. Within sight of WWTP and should capture calls of bats commuting along easement or popping out of riparian area. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN440616 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 10 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 12.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: Morgan Creek Adjacent to MC6 MC6 looking South MC6 looking North toward WWTP ECOSYSTEM PLANNING & Acoustic Survey Data Sheet Ir RESTORATION Project Name: Morgan Creek Interceptor Replacement Site NAme/Number: Morgan Creek 7 Project #: RDU0201 Deployment Dates: August 11-12, 2023 State: North Carolina Coo rd./Accu racy: 35.893200,-79.030550, High County: Orange Start Time: 19:10 Nearest Town: Chapel Hill End Time: 07:34 Biologist Selecting Site: Heather Wallace Biologist Deploying Detector: Heather Wallace Habitat/Site Description: Deployed in roughly the center of large intersection of two easements with dense herbaceous cover surrounded by mature deciduous forest. Elevation higher here that at other detector locations. Microphone location/orientation should capture calls of bats foraging/commuting through easement intersection. Detector Make/Model/Serial: Anabat Express SN620470 Firmware: V5507J FS or ZC: Zero cross Mic Brand/Model: Titley US-0 V3 Mic Type: Omnidirectional Weatherproofing: None Horizontal Orientation: 315 degrees Vertical Orientation: 0 degrees Test Func Method: Rub fingers Mic Height (m): 3.6 Mic Distance from Veg (m): 12.0 Clutter: Low Detector Settings: Schedule Mode; Data Div = 8 ; Sensitivity = 115, Site Photo: Looking northwest toward easement Standing at MC7 looking northwest intersection at MC7 Looking southeast at MC7