20240723 Ver 1_B-6051 and U-6143_350091 replacement US 29_74 Wilkinson Blvd_Gaston and Mecklenburg_404 Application__NCWRC Comments_20240611

9 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 9
Cameron Ingram, Executive Director
June 11, 2024
Crystal Amschler
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Asheville Regulatory Field Office
151 Patton Avenue, Room 208
Asheville, NC 28801
Beth Plummer
401 and Buffer Transportation Permitting Branch
Department of Environmental Quality
610 E. Center Ave., Suite 301
Mooresville, NC 28115
Stephen Brumagin
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charlotte Regulatory Field Office
8430 University Executive Park Drive, Suite 615
Charlotte, NC 28262
SUBJECT: Comments on Application for Replacement of Bridge 91 on US 29/74 (Wilkinson
Boulevard) over Catawba River (Lake Wylie) and improvements to intersection of US 74
and NC 7, Gaston and Mecklenburg Counties (B-6051 and U-6143)
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) applied for a 404 Permit and 401
Certification for the subject project. I visited the area on May 22, 2023 during review of the Categorical
Exclusion (CE) document for the project. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's
(NCWRC) comments on the application are offered to conserve wildlife resources affected by the project
and to promote wildlife -based recreation in accordance with applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act
of 1977 (33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16
U.S.C. 661-667d).
There are possible cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) nests on the bridge. There were only a few
and they did not appear active when I visited the site in 2023, but I was unable to view the bulk of the
Mailing Address: Habitat Conservation • 1721 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

B-6051 and U-6143 Page 2 June 11, 2024
Gaston and Mecklenburg Co.s
bridge largely due to access limitations and traffic volumes. Some other bridges in the area, including the
I-85 bridge over the South Fork Catawba River (350143), have (or had) more nests and active use. The
NCWRC recommends checking bridge 91 for active nesting and coordinating with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. If nesting is occurring, the NCDOT should evaluate demolition of the old bridge during
the non -nesting season, which also could be useful for possible bat considerations (see below).
The tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) has been documented in Gaston County with the nearest record
about 15 miles from the bridge. This bat has been found roosting on bridges, though infrequently.
During the CE review, a roosting bat survey of the bridge was recommended since it is a large concrete
structure over a large waterbody. The Section 7 concurrence request notes that a survey can be committed
to. According to the application a survey was completed (it indicates no bat sign observed), but details
were not noted in the application.
The NCWRC appreciates the development of a boater safety plan, which includes advisory signage
placed at nearby boat ramps. According to the plan, the NCDOT has coordinated with representatives of
the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and NCWRC regarding the possible navigation channel relocations
or no -wake zone changes/additions. These navigation issues can sometimes require rulemaking and other
NCWRC involvement. However, action by the NCWRC might not be needed here since the
impoundment is overseen by a separate governing body, the Lake Wylie Marine Commission. The
NCDOT should ensure that the navigation changes are fully coordinated, as needed, well in advance of
construction needs, particularly if rulemaking by the NCWRC is (or was) determined necessary.
Thank you for the opportunity to review and provide recommendations on this project. Please contact me
at david.mchenrya,ncwildlife.org or [phone] if you have any questions about these comments.
Sincerely,
Dave McHenry,
NCWRC Western DOT Coordinator
cc: Bill Barrett, NCDOT ECAP
John Williams, RK&K
Katherine Etchison, NCWRC
Holland Youngman, USFWS