20190505 Ver 1_B-4571 NLEB SLOPES Lincoln_20190417

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ROY COOPER
GOVERNOR
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
December 3, 2018
7AMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
Erin Cheely, Environmental Program Consultant
Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group Western, EAU
Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU
SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 07 over
Indian Creek on NC 182 in Lincoln County, TIP No. B-4571
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 12) proposes to
replace Bridge No. 07 over Indian Creek on NC 182 in Lincoln County, TIP No. B-4571. The
existing bridge is a five span structure with metal beams, concrete deck, guard rails and end
walls. The overall length of the structure is 189 feet
The project to replace Bridge No. 07 has been reviewed for effects on the northern long-
eared bat (NLEB). As of May 4, 2015, NLEB is listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) as "Threatened" under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of December 3,
2018, NLEB is listed by USFWS
(htt�://www.fws.gov/raleigh/suecies/cntylist/nc counties.html) as "probable/potential" in
Lincoln County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated October 2018, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 46 miles
northwest of the project (EO ID 34299) and no known NLEB roost trees occur within
150 feet of the project area. EO 34299 represents Linville sisterns area with multiple
observations from 2001 to 2009.
MailingAddress:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1598
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX� 919-212-5785
i�EBSITE: NCDOT. GOV
Location:
CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B
1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRNE
Ra�ei�H NC 27610

NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website
(htt�//www.fws.gov/asheville/htmis,[project review/NLEB in WNC.html) for consistency
with NHP records. This project is located entirely outside of the red highlighted areas (12-
digit HUC) that the USFWS Asheville Field Office has determined to be representative of an
area that may require consultation. The closest 12 digit (030501010202) red HUC is
approximately 48 miles away (North fork catawba River).
On May 23, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed Bridge No. 07 for potential northern long-
eared bat habitat. Shallow top sealed crevices suitable for roosting were present No
evidence (bats, staining, and guano) of bats was observed.
Final design, tree clearing, and percussive activities information will be provided in the
permit application.
If you need any additional information, please contact Melissa Miller at 919-707-6127.