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Home My WebLink About20220205 Ver 1_FWS Response- NoAA_Liberty Grove Residential Development_Rowan Co (2)_20220308 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Asheville Field Office 160 Zillicoa Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 November 1, 2021 Ron Johnson ECS 1812 Center Park Drive, Suite D Charlotte, North Carolina 28217 rgjohnson@ecslimited.com Subject:Liberty Grove Residential Development; Rowan County, North Carolina DearRon Johnson: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has reviewed the information provided in your email correspondence received September 30, 2021wherein you solicit our comments regarding project-mediated impacts to federally protected species. We submit the following comments in accordance with the provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended (16U.S.C. 661-667e); the National Environmental Policy Act (42U.S.C.§4321 etseq.); and section7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act). Project Description According to the information provided,the Applicant proposes to construct an undisclosed residential development on approximately 76partially forested acres in China Gove, North Carolina. The proposed action would entail the construction of 92 townhomes, 148 singlefamily residences, and appurtenantroadways.Your correspondence did not provide a site development plan or identify a federal nexus necessitating our review. Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Species The information providedindicates that suitable habitatis present within the action area for the federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower(Helianthus schweinitzii). However, targeted surveys conducted during the appropriate timeframe (September 14, 2021)did not detect evidence for thisspecies at that time. Based on the information provided, we believe that the probability forinadvertent loss of thisplant species is insignificant and discountable and we would concur with a “may affect, not likely to adversely affect” determination from the action agency. Based on the information provided, we believe that suitable habitats do not occur onsite for any other federally protected species. Inaccordance with the Act, it is the responsibility of the appropriate federal action agency or its designated representative toreview its activities or programs and to identify any such activities or programs that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. If it is determined that the proposed activity may adversely affect any species federally listed as endangered or threatened, formal consultation with this office must be initiated. Erosion and Sediment Control Measures to control sediment and erosion should be installed before any ground-disturbing activities occur. Grading and backfilling should be minimized, and existing native vegetation should be retained (if possible) to maintain riparian cover for fish and wildlife. Disturbed areas should be revegetated with native vegetation as soon as the project is completed.Ground disturbance should be limited to what will be stabilized quickly, preferably by the end of the workday. Natural fiber matting (coir) should be used for erosion control as synthetic netting can trap animals and persist in the environment beyond its intended purpose. Low Impact Development We recommend that consideration be given to the use of pervious materials (i.e., pervious concrete, interlocking/open paving blocks, etc.) for the construction of roads, driveways, sidewalks, etc. Pervious surfaces minimize changes to the hydrology of the watershed and can be used to facilitate groundwater recharge. Pervious materials are also less likely to absorb and store heat and allow the cooler soil below to cool the pavement. Additionally, pervious concrete requires less maintenance and is less susceptible to freeze/thaw cracking due to large voids within the concrete. The Service appreciates the opportunity to provide these comments. Please contact Mr. Byron Hamstead of our staff at byron_hamstead@fws.gov if you have any questions. In any future correspondence concerning this project, please reference our Log Number 4-2-21-481. Sincerely, - - original signed - - Janet Mizzi Field Supervisor 2