20180243 Ver 1_Cover Letter_20180220

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DII'ARTII�NT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
February 20, 2018
Mr. Steve Kichefski
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
US Army Corp of Engineers
151 Patton Aven.ue
Asheville, NC 28801-5006
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRE'fARY
SUBJECT: Bridge #192 Replacement on SR 1062 {Will D�on Road), Clevelaud County
(Courtesy copy)
Dear Mr. Kichefski:
The North Carolina Departmexit of Transportation (NCDQ'I') proposes to replace an existing
three —span 90.5 long X 20-foot wide timber deck bridge with a single 90 foot long 30-ft wide
box beam bridge on SR 1662 (Will Dixon Raad) in Cleveiand County. There is proposed rock
plating in all four quadrants to allow 1.5:1 slopes to be utilized. The scope of work will result in
a total of 30 feet of permanent riprap bank stabilization impacts under the bridge and 24 feet of
temporary impacts for bridge removallconstruction to Maple Creek which is classified as a WS-
N watershed by the Division of Water Resources.
The Division 12 Environmental Office conducted a threatenedlendangered species survey on
April 17, 2017 for Bridge #192 and surrounding areas. The federally listed species for
Cleveland County (USFVVS listed date July 24, 2015) include the dwarf-flowered heartleaf
(DFHL) (Hexasrylis naniflora)-Threateried, and the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis
septentrionalis)-Threatene�.. Natural Heritage Program records document a DFHL occurrence
witlun one mile of the project site. 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 apprax.i.mately 12 miles
northwest of tlie proposad project area. During summer, northern long-eared bats typically roost
singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both �ive and dead trees. It has
also been found, rarely, roosting in structures like barns and sheds. Northern �ong-eared bats
spend winter hibernating in humid caves and mines. The closest listed underground mine, per
NHP database is the S.J. Green mine, 3.9 miles southwest of the project site. There are currently
no l�own lubernaculum or maternity roost trees in Division 12 counties for NLEB; therefore, the
bridge replacement and any minor tree clearing associated with this DOT project would be
exempted from the incidental talce under the 4(d) Rule. Per guidance from LTSFWS personnel,
concuirence is granted by citing the following website and a 30-day response period is waived.
_http://www.fws.�ov/ashevillelhtrnls/project review/ NLEB�,in WNC.html.

Bridge #I92, Will Diacon Road
February 20, 2018
Page 2
There aze no sites listed on the National Register oi riistoric Places aze located in the `ricinity of
the project nor did there appear to be any eligible structures. The project has been reviewed by
NCDOT's cultu�ral resources staff (NCDOT Cultural Resources Review — Tnternal Tracking No.
17-OS-0005).
Tlie project area is not located within 1/z mile of azzy critical watershed area, nor is SR 1662 a
rural or urban ax�erial; 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 tlie 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
BY: ✓��
Trish Beam
Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
Enclosures