20180453 Ver 1_Cover Letter_20180328

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
March 27, 2018
Mr. Steve Kichefski
Asheville Regulatory Field Office
US Army Corp of Engineers
151 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801-5006
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Bridge #190 Replacement on SR 1005 (Ballpark Road), Cleveland County
(Courtesy copy)
Dear Mr. Kichefski:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) proposes to replace an existing
timber deck bridge with a single 100 foot long 33-ft wide box beam bridge on SR 1005 (Ballpark
Road) in Cleveland County. Per Raleigh Hydraulics unit recommendation, the pr�existing
abutments under the bridge (see photos) will be left in place and cut down one foot above the 100
year storm event. The scope of work will result in a total of 34 feet of permanent riprap bank
stabilization impacts under the bridge and 34 feet (.003 acres) feet of temporary impacts for bridge
removaUconstruction to Magness Creek which is classified as a WS-IV watershed by the Division
of Water Resources.
The Division 12 Environmental Office conducted a threatened/endangered species survey on
September 21, 2015 for Bridge #190 and surrounding areas. The federally listed species for
Cleveland County (USFWS listed date July 24, 2015) include the dwarf-flowered heartleaf
(DFHL) (Hexastylis naniflora)-Threatened, and the Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis
septentrionalis)-Threatened. Natural Heritage Program records document the nearest dwarf-
flowered heartleaf location approximately 2.8 miles north 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 13.8 miles north of the proposed project area. During summer,
Northern Long-Eared Bats roost singly or in colonies underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of
both live and dead trees. They may also roost in cooler places, like caves and mines. Tree species
may be used based on suitability to retain bark or provide cavities or crevices. 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. Bridge #190 was assessed for suitable bat habitat and was
found to contain suitable habitat. One dead Big Brown Bat was observed but no Northern Long-

Bridge #190, Ballpark Road
March 27, 2018
Page 2
Eared Bat evidence was found. There will be one suitable roosting tree that may be impacted by
the proposed project (See attached Bat Habitat Assessment Form). The closest listed underground
mine, per NHP database is the S J Green Mine, 1.9 miles southwest of the project site. There are
currently no known hibernaculum 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 take under the 4(d) Rule. Per guidance from USFWS
personnel, concurrence is granted by citing the following website and a 30-day response period is
waived. http://www.fws.,�ov/asheville/htmis/project review/ NLEB_in WNC.html.
There are no sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places are located in the vicinity of the
project. There was a home built in 1939, located within the area of potential impacts which was
visually inspected by cultural resources staff and determined not to be eligible for the National
Register. The project has been reviewed by NCDOT's cultural resources staff (NCDOT Cultural
Resources Review — Internal Tracking No. 15-10-0010).
The project area is not located within'/z mile of any critical watershed area, nor is SR 1005 a rural
or urban arterial; therefore, hazardous spill basins are not required. Enclosed is the hazardous spill
basin checklist.
I have enclosed a courtesy pr�construction notification for 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
:•
Trish Beam
Division 12 Environmental Supervisor
Enclosures