20191252 Ver 3_Re-Issuance_Renewal Request_20201201

United States Department of the Interior

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh ES Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
November 30, 2020

Philip S. Harris III, P.E.
NC Department of Transportation
Environmental Analysis Unit
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1598

Dear Mr. Harris:

This letter is in response to your letter of November 24, 2020 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. 9 on US 13 over South River Overflow in
Sampson/Cumberland Counties (STIP No. B-4635) may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect the federally threatened wood stork (Mycteria americana). 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 survey for wood storks was conducted at the project site on
June 4, 2019. No wood storks or nests were observed. Based on the 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 wood stork. 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 [phone] (Ext. 32).

Sincerely,

Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor

Electronic copy:
Brad Shaver, USACE, Wilmington, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Rivenbark, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC