HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201560 Ver 1_Smith Rd Concurrence Letter_20201211United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh ES Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
October 27, 2020
Jerry Parker
NC Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 14996
Greensboro, North Carolina 27415
Dear Mr. Parker:
This letter is in response to your letter of April 6, 2020 (received October 22, 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. 166 on SR 1360 over Paw Paw
Creek in Rockingham County may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally
endangered James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina). 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 the information provided, a mussel survey was conducted at the project site on May 1,
2019. The survey extended from 400 meters downstream to 100 meters upstream of the bridge
crossing. The James Spinymussel was not 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 James Spinymussel. The Green Floater (Lasmigona subviridus) is not a
listed or proposed listed species at this time, so no Section 7 consultation is required for it. 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 (919) 856-4520 (Ext. 32).
Sincerely,
Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor
Electronic copy:
David Bailey, USACE, Wake Forest, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC