20180072 Ver 1_cover_letter_20180112

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTN�NT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
January 12, 2018
Mr. Steve Kichefski
Asheville Regulatory Field Ofiice
US Army Corp of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5006
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Bridge #34 Replacement on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Road), Cleveland County
(Courtesy copy)
Dear Mr. Kichefski:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace an existing four
span 160-ft long X 28-foot wide bridge with a double span 170-ft foot long 36-ft wide bridge at
same location on SR 2033 (Oak Grove Road) in Cleveland County The scope of work will result
in a total of 39 feet of permanent riprap bank stabilization impacts under the bridge and 64 feet
of temporary impacts for bridge construction to Muddy Fork Creek which is classified as Class C
waters by the Division of Water Resources.
The Division 12 Environmental Office conducted a threatened/endangered species survey on
April 20, 2017 for Bridge #34 and surrounding area. The federally listed species for Cleveland
County (USFWS listed date April 2, 2015) include the dwarf-flowered heartleaf (Hexastylis
naniflora)- Threatened: and the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)-Threatened.
Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest dwarf-flowered heartleaf location
approximately 0.9 miles southwest of the proposed project area. The heartleaf is usually found
on dry to moist ravine slopes (usually north facing and of the oak-hickory-pine forest type) and in
boggy areas near springheads. There did not appear to be suitable habitat within the proposed
project area and no species were observed. No impact on this species is anticipated. The Natural
Heritage Program records document the nearest Northern Long Eared Bat location approximately
23 miles north of the proposed project area. During summer, northern long-eared bats typically
roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees.
It has also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and sheds. Northern long-eared
bats spend winter hibernating in humid caves and mines. The closest listed underground mine,
per NHP database is the Sweezy Mine, 3.2 miles northwest of the project site. There are
currently no known hibernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB;
therefore, the bridge replacement, pipe replacement and any minor tree clearing associated with
this DOT project would be exempted from the incidental take under the 4(d) Rule. I have
attached a copy of the NLEB streamlined consultation form. Per guidance from USFWS
personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30-day response period is
waived. http://www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis/project_review/ NLEB_in WNC.html.

Bridge #34, Oak Grove Road
January 12, 2018
Page 2
There are no sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places are located in the vicinity of
the project nor did there appear to be any eligible structures. The project has been reviewed by
NCDOT's cultural resources staff (NCDOT Cultural Resources Review — Internal Tracking No.
16-11-0006).
The project area is not located within %2 mile of any critical watershed area. SR 2033 is not a
rural or urban arterial; therefore, hazardous spill basins are not required. Enclosed is the
hazardous spill basin checklist.
I have enclosed a courtesy pre-construction notification far a NW#3, plan sheets, location maps,
and other relevant documentation relative to the project.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at [phone]. Thank
you for your time and consideration on this matter.
Sincerely,
Mark Stafford, P.E.
Division Engineer
Twelfth Division
I:•
Trish Beam
Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
Enclosures