20190591 Ver 1_GJordan 20190419_letter_Service to NCDOT_B-5980_20190507

United States Department of the Interior
FISH AND WILDLIFE SF R'VIC U-.
Raleigh 1fS Fuld Dike
Post Office Box 33726
Raleigh, North Carolinas 27636-3726
April 19, 2019
Chad Coins
North Carolina Department of Transportation
PO Box 3165
'Wilson. NC 27895
Dear Mr_ Co ins:
This letter is in response to your letter of April 11, 2019.which pro idud the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (SLrvic0 with the biological conclusion of the North Carolina Department of Transportation
that the replacement of Bridge 630203 at the I -cis ? NC 4 interchange (exit 145) in Nash Cuuaaty
(STIP No. B-5980) may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect the fedcrally endangered far
River Spinymuvssel (ParraFpinu sl inslansanrr). the federally threatened Yellow Lance (Ellc'ptif)
lanceolata), and the federally proposed threatened Atlantic Piggloe (Fusc.onain rna.,fonz)_ These
comments are provided in accordance with Suction 7 of thc: F ndanpumd ll-cies ct. (ESA) of 1971
as amended (161LS-C. 1531-1543),
It is understood that (lie new bridge will not cross any jurisdictional water feature.. Howvvcr. the
action will occur in clo.w proximity to Swift Crcek_ NCDOT has tzommMLA to implement
T)es, gn Siandards , ar ,Sensitive Watersheds to avoidlminimize sediment ti-om entering the -stream_
Based on available information.., the Service concurs with your coriciu5Lon that the, prupuscd action
mad affect but is not likely to adversely' affect the Tar River S�rInymusscl, Yclluw l ance, and
Atlantic. Pigtoc, Although the Atlantic Pigtoe is currently only a proposed species, this coricurrence
will be valid when the species becomes listed_ We believe that the requirements of Section 7(aj(2) of
the ESA have been satisfied- We remind you that ubligatiorrs andcr Section 7 consultation must be
recom,idered if', (1), ni:w inf`oranaat urr 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 inn this rcvicw; CPT (3) a new species is
listed: or critical habitat Mel—raincd that may be saITccicd by this identified action.
The Service appreciates the opportunity to review this pr(-ject_ If yotr have any questions regarding
our response, please contact Mr, Gary Jurdan at (919) 856-45210 (Ext. 32).
Sincerely.
ga�L7 �
Pe c. Bcgj'arnin
Field Supervisor
E.IcctrUn C L.4Ugy:
Toni Steffens, USACC, Washington, NC
Travis Wilson, NCWRC. C'reedrnoor. NC