20171063 Ver 1_B-4848 USFWS Concurrence_20170825

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United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street Suite #B
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
April 19, 2017
Mr. Phillip S. Harris
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1598
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Subject: Endangered Species Concurrence for the Proposed Replacement of Bridge No.3 on SR 1128
over Possumtrot Creek, Yancey County, North Carolina, TIP Project No B-4848.
Dear Mr. Harris:
We have reviewed your concurrence request and supporting documentation regarding potential impacts to
the federally endangered Appalachian elktoe (Alismidonta raveneliana) from implementation of the
subject project. We provide the following comments in accordance with the provisions of section 7 of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace Bridge No. 3 over
Possumtrot Creek. The replacement structure will be a double barrel box culvert. The culvert design will
provide for the base stream flow in one barrel with the other barrel providing for overflow in high water
events. The project site is about 1.0 mile from the confluence with the Cane River and about 4 miles from
any occurrence of Appalachian elktoe.
According to the information provided, in July of 2013, a thorough survey of Possumtrot Creek and into
the confluence with Bald Creek in the area of impact was conducted and no native freshwater mussels
were found. Given the proximity of the project to the Cane River, we recommend that sediment and
erosion control measures adhere to the Design Standards for Sensitive Watersheds. Based on the negative
survey results and implementation of strict sediment and erosion control standards we agree that
implementation of this project is "not likely to adversely affect" Appalachian elktoe. Therefore, the
requirements under Section 7(c) of the Act are fulfilled. However, obligations under Section 7 of the Act
must be reconsidered if: (1) new information reveals impacts of this identifed action that may affect
listed species or critical habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) this action is subsequently
modified in a manner that was not considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical
habitat is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
If you have questions about these comments please contact Ms. Marella Buncick of our staff at
828/258-3939, Ext. 237. In any future correspondence concerning these projects, please reference our
Log Number 13-050.
Sincerely,
- - original signed - -
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor