20210244 Ver 1_20210415_ltr_USFWS_NCDOT_HO-0002B_20211216

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh ES Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
April 15, 2021
Philip S. Harris III, P.E.
NC Depailment 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 April 9, 2021 which provided the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation that the proposed installation of broadband fiber along US 74 from the eastern
end of the Monroe Bypass to I-95 in Lumberton in Robeson, Scotland, Richmond, Anson, and
Union Counties (STIP No. HO-0002B) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the
federally listed wood stork (Mycteria americana), American chaffseed (Schwalbea americana),
Canby's dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi), and Schweinitz's sunflower (Helianthus schweinitzii). 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, surveys for wood stork nests were conducted in January
2021. Although outside the optimal survey window, no nests were observed and available habitat
was minimal. Given the action's minimal amount of disturbance along the existing roadway, the
Service concurs with your conclusion that the action may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect the wood stork.
Surveys for American chaffseed and Schweinitz's sunflower were conducted in October 2020.
Neither species was observed, although Schweinitz's sunflower is known to occur within 1.25
miles of the action's location. It is noted that the survey for American chaffseed was outside the
optimal survey window. Based on available information, the Service concurs with your
conclusion that the action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect American chaffseed
and Schweinitz's sunflower.
No surveys were conducted for Canby's dropwort. However, the species is normally found in
Carolina Bays, of which none occur within the action area. Based on available information, the
Service concurs with your conclusion that the action may affect, but is not likely to adversely
affect Canby's dropwort. We also concur that the action will have no effect on all other listed
species.
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 gary iordan(fws.gov.
Electronic copy:
Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Wake Forest, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Rivenbark, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC
Jason Dilday, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC
Michael Turchy, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC
Sincerely,
)-cru5loov.
Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor, Raleigh
JANETMIZZI Detea202104.11509:119:E7-04'00'
Janet Mizzi
Field Supervisor, Asheville
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