20191547 Ver 1_20191024_ltr_USFWS_NCDOT_BR-0113_20191107

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh ES Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
October 24, 2019
Philip S. Harris III, P.E.
NC Department of Transportation
Environmental Analysis Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1599
Dear Mr. Harris:
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This letter is in response to your letter of October 22, 2019 which provided the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation that the replacement of Bridge No. 115 on SR 1601 over Rocky Swamp in Halifax
County (STIP No. BR-01 13) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally endangered
Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), the federally endangered Tar River Spinymussel
(Parvaspina steinstansana), the federally threatened Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolate), and the
federally proposed threatened Atlantic Pigtoe (Fusconaia masoni). 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 ).
According to information provided, a mussel survey was conducted at the project site on August 7,
2019. The survey extended 100 meters upstream and 400 meters downstream of SR 1601. None of
the federally listed or proposed species were found, and the common Eastern Elliptio (Elliptio
complanata) was the only mussel species observed.
Based on the mussel survey results and other available information, the Service concurs with your
conclusion that the proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the Dwarf
Wedgemussel, Tar River Spinymussel, Yellow Lance, and Atlantic Pigtoe. Although the Atlantic
Pigtoe is only a proposed species at this time, this concurrence will be valid if and when the species
is listed. 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 Iisted 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.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to review this project. If you have any questions regarding
our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at [phone] (Ext. 32).
Sincerely,
&or �
Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor

Electronic copy:
Tom Steffens, USACE, Washington, NC
Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Wake Forest, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC