20040933 Ver 1_Information Letter_19970226 (2)

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WII.DLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
March 26; 1997
Mr. H. Franklin Vick, P.E., Manager
Planning and Environmental Branch
North Carolina Department of Transportation
P.4. Box 25201
Raleigh, North Carolina 27611-5201
Deaz Mr. Vick:
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Subject: Notification of start of study and request for project input, Bridge Replacement Group
" XII (Western North Cazolina), TIP Numbers B-2I 50, B-2848, B-2927, B-3000,
B-3118, B-3121, B-3189, B-3205, B-3206.
This is the response of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to your letter of February 10,
1997, requesting input for the subject bridge replacement projects. The following comments aze
provided in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 661-667e}, and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
The Service is particulazly concerned about the potential impacts the proposed projects could
have on federally listed species and on Federal species of concern and the potential impacts to
stream and wetland ecosystems within the area.
The Service concurs with the decision to prepaze categorical exclusion documents for bridge
replacement projects B-2150, B-2927, B-3000, B-3118, B-3121, B-3189, B-3205, B-3206,
provided the following measures aze implemented to minimize impacts to aquatic resources:
(1) riparian vegetation should be maintained wherever possible, especially lazge trees; (2) if any
riparian areas are disturbed, they should be revegetated with native species as soon as possible
after construction in order to minimize runoff and lessen the impacts associated with "bare
banks" (decrease in nutrient input, temperature changes, flow changes, sediment filtration, etc.);
(3) stringent erosion control measures should be implemented during all construction activities in
order to minimize downstream effects; and (4) construction should be accomplished so that wet
concrete does not contact water entering or flowing in the stream. These measures will reduce
the likelihood of aquatic impacts associated with the bridge construction.

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The Service does not agree that bridge replacement project B-284$ should be categorically
excluded from further environmental study due to the fact that the endangered Appalachian
elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) is known to occur in the North Toe River in the immediate
vicinity of the proposed project. The North Carolina Departrnent of Transportation should work
closely with the Service to incorporate sufficient measures and monitoring, in addition to those
already mentioned, to avoid impacts to this endangered mussel. Otherwise, if it is determined
that the proposed project may affect the Appalachian elktoe, formal consultation, as directed by
the Act, would have to be initiated with our office.
We have reviewed our files and believe the environmental document should evaluate possible
impacts to the following federally listed species and/or Federal species of concern:
Virginia spirea (Spirea virginiana) (Threatened) -This plant species is found
along streams an sandbars and stream banks.
Olive darter (Percina squamata) (Federal species of concern) -This small fish is
found in deep swift rapids and runs near boulders.
Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) (Federal species of concern) -This
amphibian inhabits clear-flowing water areas with large flat rocks.
The presence or absence of the above-mentioned species in the project impact area should be
addressed in any environmental document prepared for this project. Please note that the legal
responsibilities of a Federal agency or their designated non-Federal representative with regard to
federally listed endangered and threatened species under Section 7 of the Act are on file with the
Federal Highway Administration. Also, please note that Federal species of concern are not
legally protected under the Act and are not subject to any of its provisions, including Section 7,
unless they are formally proposed or listed as endangered or threatened. We are including these
species in our response in order to give you advance notification and to request your assistance in
protecting them.
Additionally, the Service believes the environmental document(s) for the propased projects
should address the following issues: (1) any proposed temporary bridges or structures associated
with the bridge replacements; (2) any special measures proposed to minimize sedimentation
during construction; and (3) any measures that will be implemented to minimize impacts to fish
and wildlife habitat (e.g., protecting riparian vegetation whenever possible).
We appreciate the opportunity to provide these scoping comments and request that you keep us
informed as to the progress of these projects. In any future correspondence concerning this
matter, please reference our Log Number 4-2-97-077.
Sincerely,
f
Brian P. Cole
State Supervisor