20080147 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20071104

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PQ~MeW O United States Department of the Interior

4 FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE r <
Raleigh Field Office
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Mq ,gay Post Office Box 33726 CH 3 Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
October 15, 2007e~

Gregory J. Thorpe, Ph.D.
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1598
Dear Dr. Thorpe:

This letter is in response to your letter of October 5, 2007 which provided the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) with the biological determination of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
that the replacement of Bridge No. 17 on SR 1131 over Turkey Creek in Nash County (TIP No. B-4209)
may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel
(Alasmidonta heterodon) and Tar River spinymussel (Elliptio steinstansana). 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, Turkey Creek at this location was completely dry due to an unusually
severe drought. Based on this fact and other available information, the Service concurs with your
determination that the proposed bridge replacement may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the
dwarf wedgemussel and Tar River spinymussel. 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.

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,

1

Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor

cc: William Wescott, USACE, Washington, NC
Rob Ridings, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC
John Sullivan, FHWA, Raleigh, NC
David Harris, NCDOT, Raleigh, NC