20190653 Ver 1_B-5389 NLEB SLOPES Yadkin_20190517

Roy COOPER
GOVERNOR
STATEo.,yo�SC:
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
December 11, 2018
TO: Erin Cheely, Environmental Program Consultant
Environmental Coordination & Permitting Group, EAU
FROM: Melissa Miller, Environmental Program Consultant
Biological Surveys Group, EAU
JAMES H. TROGDON, III
SECRETARY
SUBJECT: Section 7 survey results for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis
septentrionalis) associated with the replacement of Bridge No. 105 over the
Yadkin River overflow on US 421 NBL in Yadkin County, TIP No. B-5389.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT, Division 11) proposes to
replace Bridge No. 105 the Yadkin River overflow on US 421 NBL in Yadkin County, TIP No.
B-5389. The existing bridge is a nine span structure with concrete beams, deck, guard rails
and end walls. The overall length of the structure is 451 feet.
The project to replace Bridge No. 105 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 11,
2018, NLEB is listed by USFWS
(http//www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/cntylist/nc counties.html) as "probable/potential" in
Yadkin County.
According to the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (NHP) Biotics Database, most
recently updated October 2018, the nearest NLEB hibernacula record is 72 miles
northwest of the project (EO ID 32171) and no known NLEB roost trees occur within
150 feet of the project area. EO 32171 represents Grandfather Mountain site with multiple
observations from 1986 to 2011.
Mailing Address:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS UNIT
1598 MAIL SERVICE CENTER
RALEIGH NC 27699-1598
TELEPHONE: [phone]
FAX. [phone]
WEBSITE: NCDOT. GOV
Location:
CENTURY CENTER, BUILDING B
1020 BIRCH RIDGE DRIVE
RALEIGH NC 27610

NCDOT has also reviewed the USFWS Asheville Field office website
(http://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 (030501010502) red HUC is
approximately 70 miles away (Upper Wilson Creek).
On May 30, 2018, NCDOT biologists assessed Bridge No. 105 for potential northern long-
eared bat habitat. Shallow vertical top sealed crevices and deep vertical unsealed crevices
suitable for roosting were present on the structure. Evidence (bats, staining, and guano) of
bats was observed. At least five big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) were observed roosting in
four joints. Almost all joints had guano present.
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.