Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201658 Ver 1_USFWS_HabitatAssessment_20201113   7201 Glen Forest Drive \ Suite 100 \ Richmond, VA  23226  burnsmcd.com  October 1, 2020 Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 Submitted via Email at pete_benjamin@fws.gov Re: Request for Concurrence – USFWS Consultation Code: 04EN2000-2020-SLI-1617  Piedmont Natural Gas, Highway 17 NCDOT Distribution Replacement Project Ramsey Road Dear Mr. Benjamin: Burns & McDonnell was retained by Piedmont Natural Gas Company (PNG) to provide environmental permitting support for the Ramsey Road segment of the proposed Highway 17 NCDOT Distribution Relocation Project (Project) located in Onslow County, North Carolina (NC). The Project, which will result in impacts on waters of the U.S., will require a Nationwide Permit No. 12 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Wilmington District. The following information is being provided to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for review and concurrence under the requirements of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A Project Location map is provided in Appendix A. INTRODUCTION PNG plans to install approximately 16,922 linear feet of 8” medium-dense polyethylene (MDPE) natural gas distribution pipeline in Onslow County, NC. The Project is located within an approximate 3.19-mile-long section along Ramsey Road (Route 1324) and Kellum Loop Road. The project starts approximately 0.17 miles east of the intersection of Route 1324 and Carolina Forest Boulevard, proceeds east along Route 1324 for approximately 3.12 miles, turns southeast and proceeds for 0.17 miles along Kellum Loop Road, and ends at New Bern Highway (Highway 17).The pipeline will cross various land use types consisting primarily of mixed hardwood pine forest, agricultural fields, residential and commercial areas, and existing maintained utility and NCDOT right-of-way. The habitat assessment was conducted along the proposed pipeline route using a 100-foot-wide survey corridor along Route 1324 and Kellum Loop Road (Study Area). The Study Area is approximately 30.17 acres total, which is larger than the 11.30 acres that will be temporarily impacted during construction. HABITAT ASSESSMENT In September 2019, Burns & McDonnell biologists completed a pedestrian survey of the Project Study Area to evaluate the potential for federally protected species habitat to occur within the Project area. Mr. Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service October 1, 2020 Page 2 In addition to the pedestrian field survey, an Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) report was pulled for the Project. The IPaC listed the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), three bird species (piping plover [Charadrius melodus], red knot [Calidris canutus rufa], and red-cockaded woodpecker [Picoides borealis]), five reptile species (green sea turtle [Chelonia mydas], Kemp’s ridley sea turtle [Lepidochelys kempii], leatherback sea turtle [Dermochelys coriacea], and loggerhead sea turtle [Caretta caretta]), and five flowering plants (Cooley’s meadowrue [Thalictrum cooleyi], golden sedge [Carex lutea], pondberry [Lindera melissifolia], rough-leaved loosestrife [Lysimachia asperulaefolia], and seabeach amaranth [Amaranthus pumilus]) as potentially occurring in the Project Study Area. Additionally, one bird species (eastern black rail [Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. Jamaicensis]) was listed as proposed threatened and one reptile species (American alligator [Alligator mississippiensis]) was listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance (Table 1). There were no proposed critical habitats documented on the IPaC. Additionally, a desktop review was performed using aerial imagery, USFWS National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) data, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 2017 Web Soil Survey for Onslow County, NC, and United States Geological Survey (USGS) National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) data. Table 1: Protected Species with Potential to Occur in the Project Area  Species Name Federal Status Preferred Habitat Impact  Mammals  West Indian Manatee  (Trichechus manatus) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of  brackish and freshwater systems,  and shorelines with submerged  aquatic vegetation (seagrass and  eelgrass).  Habitat not present in Survey  Area ‐ Not Likely to Adversely  Affect  Birds  Eastern Black Rail  (Laterallus jamaicensis ssp.  Jamaicensis)  Proposed  Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of  impounded salt and brackish  marshes  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Piping Plover  (Charadrius melodus) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of areas  along ocean shores such as  coastal beaches, sandflats, and  mudflats.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Red knot  (Calidris canutus rufa) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of sandy  beaches, salt and freshwater  marshes, lagoons mudflats of  estuaries and bays, mangrove  swamps, and shorelines of large  lakes.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Red‐cockaded Woodpecker Endangered Suitable habitat consists of open, Habitat not present in Survey  Mr. Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service October 1, 2020 Page 3 (Picoides borealis) mature pine woodlands. Rarely  are groups found in mixed  hardwood pine forests.  Area ‐ Not Likely to Adversely  Affect  Reptiles  American Alligator  (Alligator mississippiensis)  Similarity of  Appearance  (Threatened)  Suitable habitat consists of  swamps, streams, rivers, ponds,  and lakes. Females and juveniles  can be found in Carolina bays  and other seasonal wetlands.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Green Sea Turtle  (Chelonia mydas) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of  shallow waters, bays, and inlets.  Also attracted to lagoons, shoals  with an abundance of marine  grass and algae.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle  (Lepidochelys kempii)  Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of  nearshore and inshore habitats  that contain muddy or sandy  bottoms where prey can be  found.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Leatherback Sea Turtle  (Dermochelys coriacea) Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of  pelagic waters (open ocean) and  sandy nesting beaches backed  with vegetation and proximity to  deep water and generally rough  seas.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Loggerhead Sea Turtle  (Caretta caretta) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of  inshore areas such as bays,  lagoons, salt marshes, creeks,  ship channels, and mouths of  large rivers. Rocky areas often  used for feeding.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Flowering Plants  Cooley’s Meadowrue  (Thalictrum cooleyi) Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of grass‐ sedge bogs and wet pine  savannahs and savannah like  areas. Also may grow in fire plow  lines, roadside ditches, woodland  clearings, and powerline rights‐ of‐way.  Habitat may be present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Golden sedge  (Carex lutea) Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of sandy  soils overlying coquina limestone  deposits pH ranging between 5.5  and 7.2 and are very wet to  periodically shallowly inundated.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Mr. Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service October 1, 2020 Page 4 Pondberry  (Lindera melissifolia) Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of  bottomland and hardwood  wetlands in interior areas, and  margins of sinks, ponds, and  other depressions in more  coastal areas.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Rough‐Leaved Loosestrife  (Lysimachia asperulaefolia)  Endangered  Suitable habitat consists of edges  between longleaf pine uplands  and pond pine pocosins. Also  found on deep peat in low shrub  community of large Carolina  bays.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Seabeach Amaranth  (Amaranthus pumilus) Threatened  Suitable habitat consists of  barrier beaches with overwash  flats, lower developing dunes,  and upper strands of non‐ eroding beaches.  Habitat not present in Survey  Area – Not likely to Adversely  Affect  Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/, Accessed August 04, 2020; ANALYSIS BY SPECIES This habitat assessment includes species under the jurisdiction of the USFWS and protected by the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The USFWS IPaC was used to identify federally protected species with potential to occur in the Project area (https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/). The West Indian manatee, piping plover, red knot, red-cockaded woodpecker, green sea turtle, kemp’s ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Cooley’s meadowrue, golden sedge, pondberry, rough-leaved loosestrife, and seabeach amaranth were listed as federally endangered and identified by IPaC as species protected by the ESA. No designated critical habitat for these federally protected species is located within the Project area. Additionally, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), which is federally protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) (16 U.S.C. 668), was evaluated. If impacts to migratory bird species are anticipated, it is recommended that construction be restricted during NC’s migratory bird nesting season (April 15 – September 15). No nests were observed during the September 2019 environmental field surveys. Mammals The federally threatened West Indian manatee commonly prefers fresh, brackish, or marine habitats, including shallow coastal bays, lagoons, estuaries, and inland rivers of varying salinity extremes. The Study Area is located within previously developed urban and suburban areas and existing NCDOT right-of-way (ROW). There is one freshwater stream crossings along Route 1324, however this location did not display suitable habitat conditions. Additionally, impacts at this location will be avoided by use of horizontal directional drill (HDD). Based on a lack of Mr. Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service October 1, 2020 Page 5 suitable habitat along the Study Area, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects on the West Indian manatee or suitable West Indian manatee habitat. Birds The federally threatened piping plover and red knot typically prefer areas along ocean shores such as coastal beaches, sandflats, and mudflats. Furthermore, the red knot also is known to in- habit salt and freshwater marshes, lagoons, mangrove swamps, and shorelines of large lakes. These habitats were not observed within the Study Area during the field survey. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects to the piping plover and red knot, or suitable habitat for either species. The federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker prefers open pine forest habitat containing longleaf or southern pines. The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) excavates cavities exclusively in living mature pine trees. Suitable habitat requires pine trees with decayed heartwood and little to no mid-story growth. As stated previously, the Study Area was located within existing developed areas and maintained NCDOT ROW, therefore no suitable habitat was observed within the Study Area. Based on this observation, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects on the RCW or suitable RCW habitat. Bald Eagle The BGEPA prohibits take of bald eagles. Bald eagles are year-round residents in Onslow County, NC. The Survey Corridor does not intersect any major reservoirs or rivers that could be used by nesting eagles. If active bald eagle nests are observed, PNG will work with the USFWS to prevent disturbance and stay within federal and state regulatory compliance. Based on a lack of suitable habitat along the Study Area, the Project is not anticipated to have adverse effects on bald eagles. Reptiles Suitable habitat for the federally threatened green sea turtle and loggerhead sea turtle consists of shallow waters, bays, and inlets as well as lagoons and shoals. Additionally, the loggerhead sea turtle prefers salt marshes, creeks, and mouths of large rivers. Most of these habitat types were not observed within the Study Area. The Project will cross the mainstem of Wolf Swamp, however this area did not appear to be suitable habitat. Furthermore, the crossing will be conducted via horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and will not result in any impacts. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects to the green sea turtle or loggerhead sea turtle. The federally endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle typically prefers inshore habitats containing muddy or sandy bottoms. The endangered leatherback sea turtle typically prefers pelagic waters and sandy nesting beaches with proximity to deep waters. These habitat types were not observed within the Study Area. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects to the Kemp’s Ridley or leatherback sea turtles. Mr. Pete Benjamin U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service October 1, 2020 Page 6 Flowering Plants The federally endangered golden sedge typically occurs within the ecotone between the pine savanna and adjacent wet hardwood or hardwood/conifer forest. Pondberry typically prefers bottomland and hardwood wetlands and depressional features in more coastal areas. Rough- leaved loosestrife typically prefers edges between longleaf pine uplands and pond pine pocosins, as well as deep peat in low shrub communities of large Carolina bays. The federally threatened seabeach amaranth typically prefers barrier beaches with overwash flats and lower developing dunes. The habitats listed for each of these species was not observed within the Study Area. The federally endangered Cooley’s meadowrue typically prefers grass-sedge bogs and wet pine savannahs as well as roadside ditches, woodland clearings, and powerline rights-of-way. Roadside ditches are present within the Study Area, however they exist within currently maintained utility easements. Therefore, the Project is not anticipated to result in adverse effects to Cooley’s meadowrue, golden sedge, pondberry, rough-leaved loosestrife, or seabeach amaranth. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the habitat assessment, Burns & McDonnell has concluded that the proposed Project is not likely to adversely affect federally listed species. If you have any questions regarding the proposed Project or the contents of this habitat assessment report, please contact me at 804-200-6326 or by e-mail at pkmeier@burnsmcd.com at your convenience. Sincerely, Patrick Meier Wetland Specialist Attachments: Appendix A - Figures  Appendix B - IPaC Report Appendix C - Site Photographs cc: Joseph Keily Piedmont Natural Gas Steve Cahoon Piedmont Natural Gas Anthony McMullin Burns & McDonnell APPENDIX A - FIGURES Service Layer Credits: © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SAEsri, Garmin, GEBCO, NOAA NGDC, and other contributorsIssued: 9/21/2020Path: Z:\Clients\TND\DukeEnrgyCar\118917_Hwy17DistRepl\Studies\Geospatial\DataFiles\ArcDocs\Hwy17_WDR_A-1_Location.mxd hocallaghan 9/21/2020NORTH 1 0 10.5 Miles Figure A-1General Location MapRamsey RoadDuke EnergyOnslow County, North Carolina NorthCarolina SouthCarolina Study Area Service Layer Credits: © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SAIssued: 9/21/2020Path: Z:\Clients\TND\DukeEnrgyCar\118917_Hwy17DistRepl\Studies\Geospatial\DataFiles\ArcDocs\Hwy17_WDR_A-2_Waters.mxd hocallaghan 9/21/2020NORTH 600 0 600300 Scale in Feet Figure A-2NWI, NHD, FEMA, andTopographic MapRamsey RoadDuke EnergyOnslow County, North CarolinaPage 1 of 2 1 2 Study Area NHD Stream FEMA Floodway FEMA 100-Year Floodplain NWI Wetland Type PEM PSS PFO PUB Riverine Service Layer Credits: © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SAWolf SwampNortheast CreekIssued: 9/21/2020Path: Z:\Clients\TND\DukeEnrgyCar\118917_Hwy17DistRepl\Studies\Geospatial\DataFiles\ArcDocs\Hwy17_WDR_A-2_Waters.mxd hocallaghan 9/21/2020NORTH 600 0 600300 Scale in Feet Figure A-2NWI, NHD, FEMA, andTopographic MapRamsey RoadDuke EnergyOnslow County, North CarolinaPage 2 of 2 1 2 Study Area NHD Stream FEMA Floodway FEMA 100-Year Floodplain NWI Wetland Type PEM PSS PFO PUB Riverine Service Layer Credits: © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SANorfolk loamyfine sand, 2 to6 percent slopes Norfolk loamyfine sand, 2 to6 percent slopes Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Onslow loamyfine sand Rains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Pantegomucky loam Pantegomucky loam Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Goldsborofine sandyloam, 0 to 2percent slopes Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Rains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Rains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Muckaleeloam Onslow loamyfine sand Marvyn loamy finesand, 6 to 15percent slopesWestwind CtHo l l y f i e l d C t Ma r s e i l l e C t Caldwell DrSu m m e r f i e l d C tAutumCove CtOldStoneCabernet C t Stone GateAshwood DrCiderHill Rd IvyGlen LnBr i d g e w o o d DrIronwood Ct Du r b a n L n Hays LnFalls C o v e WinsonGreen LnJennifer DrWaterstone LnStreamwood DrKingston RdArb o r W a y P v t GlenCannon DrWalkens Woods L n Willoughby Ln Edgefield D r Loxl e y C t Wynbrookee Ln Springwood DrSeville StCarolinaPlantations BlvdG l e n h a v e n L n Brunswick Dr Burning Tree LnCypress Bay Dr Stagecoach DrW T Wh i tehead D r Caldwell Lo o p Del a n e y D r Savannah Dr Terry Lee Lanier DrCarolina Forest Blvd Ramsey Rd State Rd 13 2 4 Issued: 9/21/2020Path: Z:\Clients\TND\DukeEnrgyCar\118917_Hwy17DistRepl\Studies\Geospatial\DataFiles\ArcDocs\Hwy17_WDR_A-3_Soils.mxd hocallaghan 9/21/2020NORTH 600 0 600300 Scale in Feet Figure A-3NRCS Soils and Aerial MapRamsey RoadDuke EnergyOnslow County, North CarolinaPage 1 of 2 1 2 Study Area Hydric Soil Non-Hydric Soil Service Layer Credits: © OpenStreetMap (and) contributors, CC-BY-SARains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Norfolk loamyfine sand, 2 to 6percent slopes Norfolk loamyfine sand, 2 to6 percent slopes Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Rains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Rains fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Goldsboro-Urbanland complex,0 to 5 percentslopes Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Craven finesandy loam, 4 to8 percent slopes Craven finesandy loam, 1 to4 percent slopes Goldsboro finesandy loam, 0 to2 percent slopes Craven finesandy loam, 1 to4 percent slopes Muckaleeloam Muckalee loam Craven finesandy loam, 4 to8 percent slopes Marvyn loamy finesand, 6 to 15percent slopes Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Lynchburg fine sandyloam, 0 to 2 percentslopes, AtlanticCoast Flatwoods Marvyn loamy finesand, 6 to 15percent slopes Craven finesandy loam, 4 to8 percent slopes Craven finesandy loam, 4 to8 percent slopesRa v e n Ln BlackbirdLnKey Ln Jennifer Dr Ca t ino F a rm s Ln Ferris Ln G a r n e t L n Finley Ln J & D F a rm L nJim Parker RdState Rd 1325New Bern HwyUS Hwy 17Drummer Kellum RdState Rd 1326Webster L n Kellum Loop RdState Rd 1327Ramsey Rd State Rd 1324 Issued: 9/21/2020Path: Z:\Clients\TND\DukeEnrgyCar\118917_Hwy17DistRepl\Studies\Geospatial\DataFiles\ArcDocs\Hwy17_WDR_A-3_Soils.mxd hocallaghan 9/21/2020NORTH 600 0 600300 Scale in Feet Figure A-3NRCS Soils and Aerial MapRamsey RoadDuke EnergyOnslow County, North CarolinaPage 2 of 2 1 2 Study Area Hydric Soil Non-Hydric Soil APPENDIX B - IPAC REPORT August 04, 2020 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 Phone: (919) 856-4520 Fax: (919) 856-4556 In Reply Refer To: Consultation Code: 04EN2000-2020-SLI-1617 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675 Project Name: Highway 17 - Ramsey Road Subject:List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location, and/or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern: The species list generated pursuant to the information you provided identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list. Section 7 of the Act requires that all federal agencies (or their designated non-federal representative), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action federally authorized, funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any federally-listed endangered or threatened species. A biological assessment or evaluation may be prepared to fulfill that requirement and in determining whether additional consultation with the Service is necessary. In addition to the federally-protected species list, information on the species' life histories and habitats and information on completing a biological assessment or 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   2    evaluation and can be found on our web page at http://www.fws.gov/raleigh. Please check the web site often for updated information or changes If your project contains suitable habitat for any of the federally-listed species known to be present within the county where your project occurs, the proposed action has the potential to adversely affect those species. As such, we recommend that surveys be conducted to determine the species' presence or absence within the project area. The use of North Carolina Natural Heritage program data should not be substituted for actual field surveys. If you determine that the proposed action may affect (i.e., likely to adversely affect or not likely to adversely affect) a federally-protected species, you should notify this office with your determination, the results of your surveys, survey methodologies, and an analysis of the effects of the action on listed species, including consideration of direct, indirect, and cumulative effects, before conducting any activities that might affect the species. If you determine that the proposed action will have no effect (i.e., no beneficial or adverse, direct or indirect effect) on federally listed species, then you are not required to contact our office for concurrence (unless an Environmental Impact Statement is prepared). However, you should maintain a complete record of the assessment, including steps leading to your determination of effect, the qualified personnel conducting the assessment, habitat conditions, site photographs, and any other related articles. Please be aware that bald and golden eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.), and projects affecting these species may require development of an eagle conservation plan (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/ eagle_guidance.html). Additionally, wind energy projects should follow the wind energy guidelines (http://www.fws.gov/windenergy/) for minimizing impacts to migratory birds and bats. Guidance for minimizing impacts to migratory birds for projects including communications towers (e.g., cellular, digital television, radio, and emergency broadcast) can be found at: http:// www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/towers.htm; http:// www.towerkill.com; and http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/CurrentBirdIssues/Hazards/towers/ comtow.html. Not all Threatened and Endangered Species that occur in North Carolina are subject to section 7 consultation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, sea turtles,when in the water, and certain marine mammals are under purview of the National Marine Fisheries Service. If your project occurs in marine, estuarine, or coastal river systems you should also contact the National Marine Fisheries Service, http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Tracking Number in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office. If you have any questions or comments, please contact John Ellis of this office at john_ellis@fws.gov. 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   3    ▪ Attachment(s): Official Species List 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   1    Official Species List This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". This species list is provided by: Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 (919) 856-4520 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   2    Project Summary Consultation Code:04EN2000-2020-SLI-1617 Event Code:04EN2000-2020-E-03675 Project Name:Highway 17 - Ramsey Road Project Type:OIL OR GAS Project Description:Installation of a new natural gas distribution line. Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/place/34.80996183072349N77.39264637822723W Counties:Onslow, NC 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   3    1. Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 15 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. Mammals NAME STATUS West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. This species is also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and may have additional consultation requirements. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469 Threatened 1 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   4    Birds NAME STATUS Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/10477 Proposed Threatened Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Population: [Atlantic Coast and Northern Great Plains populations] - Wherever found, except those areas where listed as endangered. There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6039 Threatened Red Knot Calidris canutus rufa No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1864 Threatened Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7614 Endangered Reptiles NAME STATUS American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/776 Similarity of Appearance (Threatened) Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas Population: North Atlantic DPS There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199 Threatened Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle Lepidochelys kempii There is proposed critical habitat for this species. The location of the critical habitat is not available. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/5523 Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1493 Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta Population: Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1110 Threatened 08/04/2020 Event Code: 04EN2000-2020-E-03675   5    Flowering Plants NAME STATUS Cooley's Meadowrue Thalictrum cooleyi No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3281 Endangered Golden Sedge Carex lutea There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location is outside the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6025 Endangered Pondberry Lindera melissifolia No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1279 Endangered Rough-leaved Loosestrife Lysimachia asperulaefolia No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2747 Endangered Seabeach Amaranth Amaranthus pumilus No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/8549 Threatened Critical habitats THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION. APPENDIX C - SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-1: View of Road-side area along Ramsey Road (northwest). Photograph C-2: View of road-side area along Ramsey Road (southeast). Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-3: View of road-side area along Ramsey Road (northwest). Photograph C-4: View of road-side area along Ramsey Road (southeast). Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-5: View of road-side area along Ramsey Road (northwest). Photograph C-6: View of road-side area along Ramsey Road (southeast). Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-7: Downstream view of Wolf Swamp, perennial stream (north). Photograph C-8: View of road-side ditch along Ramsey Road (west). Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-9: View of road-side ditch along Ramsey Road (east). Photograph C-10: View of road-side ditch along Ramsey Road (northwest). Piedmont Natural Gas Highway 17 Photographs October 11, 2019 Onslow County, North Carolina Photograph C-11: View of road-side ditch along Ramsey Road (southeast).