20190623 Ver 1_19-196_Bridge Replacement, Bridge no. 105 Pitzer Rd over Snow Creek_ StokesCo._20190510

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United States Department of the Interior SERVICE
' FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
�gRCH 3 Aga Asheville Field Office<nE`,
160 Zillicoa Street Suite #B
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
April 23, 2019
Amy Euliss
Division 9 Environmental Officer
375 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston Salem, NC 27127-7167
Subject: 19-196 Bridge Replacement, Bridge No. 105 on Pitzer Road over Snow Creek in
Stokes County.
Dear Ms. Euliss,
On April 9, 2019, we received your email requesting section 7 concurrence on effects the subject
project may have on the federally endangered James spinymussel (Pleurobema collina). The
following comments are provided in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543) (Act).
The project area is near a NC Natural Heritage Program mapped element occurrence of James
spinymussel. On October 5, 2017, you conducted a freshwater mussel survey. The survey area
included Snow Creek from approximately 100 meters above the SR 1697 crossing downstream
to the confluence with the Dan River for a total distance of approximately 200 meters. The
survey extended into the Dan River to include a reach from roughly 300 meters downstream of
the SR 1695 (Dodgetown Road) bridge crossing to approximately 200 meters upstream of the
crossing for an additional 500 meters of survey reach. The surveys were conducted in areas of
appropriate habitat, concentrating on the stable habitat preferred by James spinymussel. The
surveys did not identify any James spinymussel. Accordingly, we concur with your
determination that the proposed project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the
James spinymussel.
Therefore, we believe the requirements under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act
(ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 15 31 - 1543), are fulfilled. Obligations under Section 7
of the ESA 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, (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 is determined that may be affected by the identified action.
If you have questions about these comments please contact Ms. Claire Ellwanger of our staff at
828/258-3939, Ext. 235. In any future correspondence concerning these projects, please
reference our Log Number 19-196.

Sincerely,
eane�tMizzi
Field Supervisor