20220137 Ver 1_USFWS_NCDOT_U-5947 Official Concurrence_20220127

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh ES Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
December 14, 2021

Byron G. Bateman
NC Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 3165
Wilson, North Carolina 27895

Dear Mr. Bateman:
This letter is in response to your letter of December 6, 2021 which provided the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation that the proposed roundabout at the US 64/Benvenue Road interchange in the
City of Rocky Mount, Nash County (STIP# U-5947) may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect the federally listed Tar River Spinymussel (Parvaspina steinstansana), Atlantic Pigtoe
(Fusconaia masoni), Carolina Madtom (Noturus furiosus), and Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus
lewisi). The following response is provided in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543).

Based on available information, the habitat quality of the stream at and near the project site is
poor, and thus the potential for presence of the listed species is very low. Also, the limited scope
of work at Goose Branch is likely to have a de minimis impact on the stream. Therefore, the
Service concurs with your conclusion that the proposed action may affect, but is not likely to
adversely affect the Tar River Spinymussel, Atlantic Pigtoe, Carolina Madtom, and Neuse River
Waterdog. We believe that the requirements of Section 7(a)(2) of the ESA have been satisfied.
We remind you that obligations under Section 7 consultation must be reconsidered if: (1) new
information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical
habitat in a manner not previously considered in this review; (2) this action is subsequently
modified 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 you have any
questions regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at [e-mail].

Sincerely,

Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor

Electronic copy:
Tom Steffens, USACE, Washington, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chad Coggins, NCDOT, Wilson, NC