20080052 Ver 1_Other Agency Comments_20060724

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
Apri126, 2006
Gregory J Thorpe, Ph D
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysts
1598 Matl Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1598
Dear Dr Thorpe
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WETIANDS pND STpRM AUlf B
RANCH
This letter is m response to your letter of April 13, 2006 which provided the U S Fish and Wildlife
Servtce (Servtce) with the biological determination of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT) that the replacement of Bridge No 67 on SR 1507 over Reedy Creek m Warren County (T1P
No B-3707) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel
(Alasmadonta heterodon) and Tar spinymussel (Ellaptco steanstansana) In addition, NCDOT has
determined that the project will have no effect on the federally threatened bald eagle (Halcaeetus
leucocephalus) These comments are provided m 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 March 16, 2006
The survey extended 200 meters upstream and 400 meters downstream of SR 1507 Only the common
eastern elliptio mussel (Ellcptao complanata) was observed Based on the mussel survey results and other
information available, 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 sptnymussel Also, due to
the lack of habitat, the Service concurs with your determination that the project will have no effect on the
bald eagle 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 m a manner not
previously considered m this review, (2) this action is subsequently modified m a manner that was not
considered m 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)
Pete Ben~(a n
Ecologica Services Supervisor
cc Eric Alsmeyer USACE, Raleigh, NC
Reb ~1~iM~ r~ ~._ ~,ess~, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Cieedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC
John Sullivan, FHwA, Raleigh, NC