20190223 Ver 1_USFWS Concurrence_letter_to NCDOT_Bridge 080178_20190219

United States De�artment of the �nterior
FISH AND WI�,DLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Of6ce
Post Oftice Box 33726
]tale}�h, North Carolina 27636-3726
May 29, 2018
James J. Rerko, PWS
Nort� Caralina Department of Transportation
558 Gillispie Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 2$302
Dear Mr. Rerko:
This letter is in response to your let�er of May 22, 2018 which provided the U.S. Fish and Wi�dlife
Service {Service} with the biolagical canclusion of the North Carolina Department of Tra�tsportation
(NCDOT} that the prapased replacement of Bridge No. 484178 on SR 1145 over Browns Creek in
Bladen County may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally threatened wood stork
(Mycteria americana). The federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis} has
been addressed separately through a previous programmatic Section 7 consultation. NCDOT has
determined that the project will have no effect on all other federally listed species. These comments
are provided in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act {ESA) of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543).
According to your submitted information, field surveys were conducted on August 30, 2017 and May
14, 201 S. No wood storks or wood stork nests were observed, althaug�t potentia! foraging habitat
was present. Based on available inforrnation, the Service concurs with your biological conclusion
that the praject may affect, bUt is not likely to adversely at%ct the wood stork. Also, based on
availab�e infarmation, we concur that the project will have no effect on all other species (except the
previovsly addressed nflrtherr� long-eared bat}. We believe that the requirements of Section 7(a)(2)
af the ESA have 6een satisfied. We remind you that obligations under Section 7 consultation must
be reconsidered if• (1) new information re�eals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed
species or critical habitat in a manner not previousFy considered in this review; (2} this actian is
subsequently modified in a manner that was not considered in this review; or (3) a new species is
listed or critica! habitat determined that may be affected by this identified action. If you have any
questions regar�ing our respanse, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at {919) $56-4520 (Ext. 32).
Sincerely,
Jfd'► Pete Benjamin
� Fieid Supervisor
Eiectronic copy:
Liz Hair, USACE, Wilmington, NC
Travis Wilsan, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Greg Price, NCDOT, Fayetteville, NC