20150969 Ver 1_Information Letter_20090612

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Raleigh Field Office
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolina 27636-3726
June 10, 2009
Tracy Walter
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Project Development and Environmental Analysis
1598 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1598
Dear Mr. Walter:

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This letter is in response to your request for comments from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service) on the potential environmental effects of the proposed-replacement of Bridge No. 178
on SR 1304 over Fox Creek in Granville County (TIP No. B-515t. These comments provide
information in accordance with provisions of the National nvironmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(c)) and section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531-1543).
The federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) has been observed in
Fox Creek in recent years. Fresh dead specimens were collected as recent as February 5, 2008.
There is a significant likelihood of dwarf wedgemussels occurring within or near the project
footprint. Since adverse effects to the species may occur, it is essential to design the project to
minimize these effects. Among other things, a design which completely spans the channel, the
highest level of erosion control, and a plan which minimizes in-water work while removing the
existing bridge are needed.
Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires that all federal action agencies (or their
designated non-federal representatives), in consultation with the Service, insure that any action
federally authorized, funded, or carried out by such agencies is not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of any federally-listed threatened or endangered species.
It is likely that a formal Section 7 consultation will be necessary for this project. This
consultation process can take up to 135 days to complete once the Service has received a
complete initiation package. This initiation package includes a biological assessment/evaluation
prepared by the federal action agency. It is imperative that sufficient time be included in the
project schedule to allow for the Section 7 consultation process to be completed. During project
design, communication with the Service is vital in order to develop conservation measures which
will minimize effects to the dwarf wedgemussel and expedite the Section 7 process. Please note
that a formal Section 7 consultation was completed for B-4523 (the next downstream bridge
crossing of Fox Creek) with the Service issuing a Biological Opinion on July 15, 2008.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to comment on this project. If you have any questions
regarding our response, please contact Mr. Gary Jordan at [phone], ext. 32.
Sincerely,
Pete Benjamin
Field Supervisor
cc: Eric Alsmeyer, USACE, Wake Forest, NC
Rob Ridings, NCDWQ, Raleigh, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC, Creedmoor, NC
Chris Militscher, USEPA, Raleigh, NC
John Sullivan, FHWA, Raleigh, NC