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
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APPENDIX B
RELEVANT STAFF RESUMES
ECOSYSTEM �Resume
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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
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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
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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
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PLANNING &
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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
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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.
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ECOSYSTEM �Resume
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PLANNING &
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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
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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:
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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:
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p
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P
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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:
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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