20181597 Ver 1_20181004 USFWS Letter B-4438_20181121

United States Department of the Interior
�ISH AND WILDL[FE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Of�ice Box 33725
R�l�;igh, North Carolina 2763G-3726
October 4, 2018
P�rilip S. Harris III, P.E., C.P.M.
North Caralina Department of Transportatian
Natural Environment Sect'son
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-� 59$
Dear Mr. Harris:
This letter is in response to your letter of October 4, 2418 which pravided the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the Nor�h Carolina Deparkment of Transportation
(NCDOT) that the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 47 on NC 211 over Bear Pen Island Swamp
(TIP No. B-4438) in Brunswick County may affect, but is not likely ta adversely affect the federally
threatened wnod stork (Mycteria amerieana}. [n addition, NCDOT has determined that the project
will have no effect on a�l other federally listed species, with the exception of t.he northern �ong-eared
bat (Myotis septentrianalis), which has been previously addressed thro�gh a programmatic
consultatian, These c4mmeRts are provided in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species
Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531- l 5�3).
According to your submitted informatian, the site was surveyed for wood stork nests in lune 2016
and an July 16, 2018. No woad storks or wood stork nests were observed, although potential
foraging habitat was present. Based on a�ailable infarmation, the Service concurs with your
biotogical conclusion that the pro,�ect may affect, but is not likely ta adversely affect the woad stork.
We believe that the requirements of Sectian 7(a){2) of the ESA have been satisfed. We remind you
that abligations under Section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if: (1) new inforrnation reveals
impacts of this identi�ed action that may affect listed species or criticai habitat in a manner not
previously considered in this review; (2) this action is sul�sequently madified in a manner that was
not considered in this review; or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat determined that may be
affected by this identified action. If yo� have any questions regarding our response, ptease contact
Mr. Gary Jordan at (9 � 9j 85fi-4520 (Ext. 32).
Sincerely,
� Pete Besrjamin
Field Supervisar
Electranic copy:
Brad Sha�er, USACE, Wilmington, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Deanna Riffey, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC