20070366 Ver 1_More Info Letter_20040715

P~~ENT OF Tye United States Department of the Interior
Q~P 'yT
a FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
:':. a ~ Post Office Box 33726
~4RCH ~s° Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
July 15, 2004
Phil Harris, III
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1598
Dear Mr. Harris:
This letter is in response to your letter of July 8, 2004 which provided the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) with the biological determination. of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) that the replacement of Bridge No. 34 on SR 1004 over Pig Basket Creek
in Nash County (TIP No. B-3876) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally
endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) and the Tar spinymussel (Elliptio
steinstansana). These comments are provided in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered
Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543).
According to the information you submitted, a mussel survey was conducted at the project site on
Apri123, 2004. The survey extended 100 meters upstream and 400 meters downstream of the
crossing. Neither of the federally listed species was found, and habitat quality was less than optimal
due to slackwater conditions caused by a series of beaver dams.
Based on the information provided and other information available, the Service concurs with your
determination that the proposed bridge replacement may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect
the dwarf wedgemussel and Tar spinymussel. 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 maybe 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,
Pete Benjamin
Ecological Services Supervisor
cc: Mike Bell, USACE, Washington, NC
Nicole Thomson, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC