20170952 Ver 1_USFWS_concurrence_letter_20170802

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FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleibh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
February 22, 2016
Paul C. Williams
North Carolina Department of Transportation
113 Airport Drive, Suite 100
Edenton, NC 27932
Dear Mr. Williams:
This letter is in response to your letter of February 17, 2016 which provided the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of
Transportation (NCDOT) that the replacement of Bridge No. 8 on US 264 over Rutman Creek in
Hyde County may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the federally endangered West Indian
manatee (Trichechus manatus). 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).
The NCDOT has agreed to implement the Service's GUIDELINES FOR AVOIDING IMPACTS
TO THE WEST INDIAN MANATEE: Precautionary Measures for Construction Activities in
North Carolina Waters. Based on this commitment, and given the fact that the West Indian ,
manatee is only an occasional visitor to North Carolina waters, the Service concurs with your
conclusion that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the West Indian
manatee. 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 these identified actions that may affect listed species or critical habitat
in a manner not previously considered- in this review; (2) these actions are 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 these identifed actions.
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,
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� Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor
Electronic copy:
Tracey Wheeler, USACE, Washington, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC