20211206_9_FWS_Comment_Letter

QPP�MENT OF FISH &WILDLSERV
IFE
United States Department of the Interior
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- ; a9 ' FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
gRCH 31 �� Asheville Field Office
160 Zillicoa Street Suite B
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
November 17, 2021
Ms. Jennifer Robertson
Atlas Environmental, Inc.
338 S. Sharon Amity Road, #411
Charlotte, North Carolina 28211
Subject: New London Gold Mine in New London, Stanly County, North Carolina.
Dear Ms. Robertson:
On November 8, 2021, we received (via e-mail) your information requesting our comments on
the subject project. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) initially provide comments for
this project on June 1, 2021. We have reviewed the additional information that you presented,
and the following comments are provided in accordance with the provisions of the National
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.§ 4321 et seq.); the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 661 - 667e); and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 - 1543) (Act).
Proiect Description
According to the information provided, Boulder Associates, LLC is proposing to reopen the New
London Gold Mine on approximately 297 acres at 301 Steakhouse Road in New London, Stanly
County, North Carolina. Materials to be mined include gold, clay, quartz, and granite. The site
has a history of gold mining; however, the mining permit request is being treated as "new" by the
NC Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources. Mining activities include:
• Installing sediment controls and Best Management Practices.
• Conserving topsoil and using it to construct perimeter berms.
• Developing access roads.
• Establishing stockpiles, waste piles, and processing areas.
• Conducting mining operations until reserves are exhausted.
• Reclaiming the site.
Federally Listed Species
Presence/absence species surveys for Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii) were
conducted by environmental specialist with Atlas Environmental, Inc. (Atlas) on multiple dates
from May through September of 2021. The findings were compiled and included in the "Federal
Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species Report of Findings" (report) submitted to our
office on November 8, 2021.

Mr. Robertson Atlas 2
Atlas's assessment states that suitable habitat is present for Schweinitz's sunflower; however, the
species was not observed during the species presence/absence survey. Based on negative results
of visual surveys conducted May through September of 2021, and given the information
provided, we would concur with a "may affect, not likely to adversely affect" from the federal
action agency for this species.
We believe the requirements under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act are fulfilled.
However, obligations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act must be reconsidered if:
(1) new information reveals impacts of the identified action may affect listed species or critical
habitat in a manner not previously considered, (2) the identified action is subsequently modified
in a manner that was not considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat
is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
Fish and Wildlife Resource Recommendations
We are concerned about the potential effects the project could have on other natural resources in
the area. The general recommendations for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources, outlined in
our June 1, 2021 letter, remain relevant to the proposed project.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Ms. Rebekah
Reid of our staff at [e-mail], if you have any questions. In any future
correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-21-260.
Sincerely,
- - original signed - -
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor