20070310 Ver 1_More Info Received_20060724

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
Chris Murray
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Division 5
2612 N. Duke Street
Durham, North Carolina 27704
Dear Mr. Murray:
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July 12, 2006 p ~ ~ (~ n~~
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WET:-ANDS AND STORMWATfR BRANCH
This letter is in response to your letter of June 29, 2006 regarding the mussel survey associated with the culvert on
SR 1211 over Buffalo Creek in Franklin County that was damaged by the recent Tropical Storm Alberto. 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 information provided, a mussel survey was conducted at the project site on June 25, 2006. The survey
extended 100 meters upstream and 600 meters downstream of SR 1211. Although no federally threatened or
endangered species were collected, several specimens of four other species were collected. The survey report
indicates that the project area potentially could support the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta
heterodon).
We concur with the findings of the mussel survey and its conclusions. However, as Mr. Gary Jordan stated in a
telephone conversation with you on July 10, 2006, we are not able to concur with a biological determination until
after we are provided with a detailed project description. During the telephone conversation, you stated that the
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) was yet unsure as to whether a bridge or culvert system
would replace the existing damaged culverts. Depending upon the project design, some conservation measures may
be warranted. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would prefer a bridge over a culvert system, Abridge which
completely spans the channel and banks would have the least potential to affect federally listed mussels and other
aquatic organisms.
We recommend that NCDOT contact us again as more information on the project design becomes available. With
appropriate conservation measures, we would likely support a biological determination of "may affect -not likely to
adversely affect" for the dwarf wedgemussel and a determination of "no effect" for the Tar River spinymussel
(Elliptio steinstansana). We can discuss any potential conservation measures when more information is available.
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,
LL<~
~"- Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Raleigh, NC
Rob Ridings, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC